Lauren James, Kendra’s daughter, is the queen of beach reads. A strong, successful, career focused woman, Lauren has reached her 40th birthday unwed. Leaving behind family and friends on the Outer Banks of NC (aka the OBX) and moving to New York City alone was just the first step in becoming a successful writer. But setting out on her own wasn’t the original plan. Bree, Lauren’s sister by circumstance, not by blood, was supposed to board the bus for NYC with Lauren. At the last minute Bree bails on their plan, thus beginning years of bad blood between the two.
When a life changing event sends Lauren back to the OBX, she must not only confront Bree, but stumbles into new family drama. Kendra has kept many secrets from her daughter, but as her lies begin to unravel and relationships are tested, Kendra must reevaluate the decisions she made to protect her loved ones.
Research Pays Off
Wendy Wax, author of fifteen novels and several novellas has been celebrated as a prolific writer of beach reads with depth. More than a tale of fun in the sun, family and forgiveness is the main focus of My Ex-Best Friend’s Wedding. In preparation for her novel, Wax visited the Outer Banks of NC, meeting its residents and exploring its sites. She successfully infuses her novel with local culture, historical landmarks and popular hangouts.
A Realistic Representation
Family Ties
The OBX has been a big part of my life for the last 20 years. My husband grew up there, surfing the waves and helping his dad build many homes and hotels along the beach. My mother-in-law is currently the town clerk of Manteo, NC, which is featured heavily in the book.
The People
The relationships among neighbors and their love of the Carolina coast is accurately portrayed in the book. Sometimes called “the trap” by members of my husband’s family (because it’s hard to get locals to leave the beach), the small year round community is deeply connected to each other and the islands, often refusing to leave for hurricane evacuations and committed to rebuilding again and again after devastating storms. They are a laid back bunch, but don’t mistake that for nonchalance. They will quickly correct your pronunciation of geographical locations, many with Native American names, and brag about the history of this string of barrier islands.
Bragging Rights
There is an ongoing feud between locals (born and bred OBX) and people from Ohio, both claiming the Wright Brothers and their accomplishments. Although Wilbur and Orville Wright were born in Ohio, they conducted their test flights in Kitty Hawk, NC. Locals also want you to know Plymouth, MA was not the first English settlement in the new world. The island of Roanoke was the first attempt at a permanent settlement in the new world and the first English child (Virginia Dare) was born there. At some point between 1587 and 1590 the entire colony disappeared. Known as The Lost Colony, this still unsolved mystery has been blamed on everything from poor relations with the Native Americans, a devastating hurricane, aliens and evil Viking spirits (seen in the 2007 film Lost Colony).
Recommendation
As summer fast approaches, My Ex-Best Friend’s Wedding by Wendy Wax, is a great choice for woman with complex female relationships, those who have been betrayed and lovers of the “beach read”. Get it here!
My Ex-Best Friend’s Wedding is out May 14th! Enter to Win a Copy!
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