The story centers on Phoebe Stone, a depressed English literature teacher from St. Louis, whose husband has left her for another woman.

In a moment of despair, Phoebe plans to end her life at an oceanfront hotel in Newport using her cat's painkillers.

At the hotel, she meets Lila, a wealthy and assertive bride-to-be, who is in the midst of planning an extravagant six-day wedding celebration.

Reluctantly, Phoebe becomes the maid of honor after the original one drops out, leading to a series of chaotic and humorous situations during the wedding preparations.

The wedding party engages in various humorous activities, showcasing a blend of comedy and farcical elements.

The narrative shifts from serious drama to comedy as Lila pulls Phoebe into the wedding events, which include surfing lessons and unconventional activities with the wedding party.

However, the humor is described as uneven, with some moments feeling forced, including bizarre scenarios like encounters with a vintage wedding car.

Despite the initial serious themes, the narrative culminates in expected romantic resolutions, including a predictable meet-cute in a hot tub.

Reviews of the book highlight its unevenness but also note its occasional amusement, pointing out struggles with pacing and predictability in resolving romantic plotlines.

Upon discovering Phoebe's suicidal intentions, Lila insists that she cannot disrupt the wedding festivities, declaring, 'No. You definitely can’t kill yourself. This is my wedding week.'

The novel 'The Wedding People' by Alison Espach is set to be released on July 30, 2024, published by Henry Holt.