When Winifred Darling's mother announces that she is getting married again, she is horrified. Winifred, more commonly known as Fred, is also determined that she is not even going to even attend the wedding, let alone stand up as maid of honour. After all, this is her mother's sixth wedding and Fred is tired of picking up the pieces when things go wrong.
Fred isn't necessarily against love, at least not for other people, but she is very determined that it isn't for her. She enjoys meeting men, but she lives her life according to a strict set of rules will prevent any kind of deep connection. Now she has a contract to write a book about these rules which will be called 21 Rules for Not Catching Feelings
Her mother, Tracy is marrying a man named Paul she has known for years. They were teenage sweethearts but they broke up, and went their separate ways. Despite her objections Fred finds herself on the plane to Norfolk Island where the two families are meeting for the first time. At the very least Fred hopes that she will find some time to write some of her book. Paul's son Leo isn't particularly pleased with how quickly his dad is remarrying after his mother's death. Can Fred and Leo join forces and put a stop to the wedding once and for all? And what happens to Fred's rules and book deal if she starts to feel something for Leo?
The Bad Bridesmaid is connected to The Other Bridget which I read last year and loved. It's not strictly a sequel and it could be read as a standalone, but it probably is helpful if you read it first.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is the Norfolk Island setting. Seriously, the tourist office could just sell this book and tell people to read it as a guide of places to visit. I haven't been to Norfolk Island myself, but I have wanted to for a long time and reading this book has absolutely reiterated that desire!
There is a cast of colourful characters from Paul's kids and grandkids, including a very sassy granddaughter, Fred's brother and his partner, and not to forget the locals who all seem to have multiple jobs on the island and therefore keep on popping up everywhere! There is also the magic of a gorgeous island location (albeit with limited creature comforts), the mayhem of multiple things going wrong, but ultimately there is much love.
Whilst I didn't love this book as much as I loved The Other Bridget there is still plenty of fun and entertainment to be had when reading this book!
As always, Rachael Johns is a must-read author for me. I am already looking forward to her next book
I am sharing this review with the New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Reviews
Rating 4/5
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