Excellent, entertaining novel! The one cautionary note that I have is that I had a difficult time at first figuring out exactly who was narrating. The story is told from several different points of view, primarily those of Diane English Stiftel, the low-country farmer whose son Fred has recently become engaged to Shelby Cambria, and Susan Kennedy Cambria, the wealthy Chicago-based mother of the bride-to-be who wants "her" wedding to be the most over-the-top extravaganza the Chicago elite have ever witnessed. I finally figured out that reading the character quotes at the beginning of each chapter was helpful, so it was only the first couple of chapters that were initially perplexing.
The inevitable culture clash between the down-to-earth South Carolina clan and the denizens of Chicago society makes for a novel that expertly melds humor with humanity. One thing I would like to point out is that all of the characters are likable for the most part, even the manically insecure Susan and her workaholic hedge-fund manager husband, Alejandro. Uncle Floyd is hilarious and Diane is down-to-earth, loving, and competent, but afraid that love will disrupt her well organized life.
Susan enjoys pushing the envelope with Diane and her family, like casually mentioning that the rehearsal dinner in Chicago should accommodate around 200 people (because of course you have to invite all of the wealthy out-of-town guests). Diane likes pushing back, with the support and encouragement of her family, in a way taunting Susan with their country customs and low country tastes. When things come to a head with the wedding and with Susan's marriage, Diane is there to offer support and encouragement to all.
I was sorry when this book ended. Enough said!
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