Many of us are already well-versed in the how-tos of wedding planning, from the purchase of the dress to the color of ribbons that will wrap the bouquet stems. There are hundreds of books to guide brides through the stress-inducing, mother-in-law-ridden, over-pressured world of weddings, but what comes after the party--when all the guests have left, and the newlyweds are left alone with each other and a boatload of gifts to unwrap and thank-yous to write?
This is the question Kim Perel and Wendy Sherman ask, and aim to answer, in Wedding Cake for Breakfast, a collection of essays about the first year of marriage. Their 23 contributors--including bestselling authors like Joshilyn Jackson and Jill Kargman--leave no stone unturned in exploring those first 365 days, with all of the hope and joy and difficulties they can bring. The stories represent a range of experiences, from the doubts that come with such a lifelong commitment to the humorous tale of spending a honeymoon without luggage, from the loneliness of a newlywed who has lost her parents to the joy of two newlyweds receiving the unexpected (but welcome) news of their first child.
All of the stories are written by women, which can make the collection feel a little one-sided. Ultimately, however, Wedding Cake for Breakfast proves a delight to read, whether you are newly engaged, newlywed or just celebrated your 50th anniversary. Or, of course, if you are just looking for a gift for your next bridal shower. --Kerry McHugh, blogger at Entomology of a Bookworm