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The Baby and the Bride

(The Debt & The Doormat #2)

Laura Barnard (Goodreads Author)

4.28 · Rating details · 556 ratings · 52 reviews

Poppy and Jazz’s lives sound perfect on paper. Jazz has a new baby and Poppy’s getting married. But their realities are very different.

Poppy must strive to keep her cool new job with crazy hours, while trying to keep Ryan happy. Before she knows it her wedding has got out of control, thanks to her mother, the runners at work are bullying her, her parents are in ...more

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Published (first published February 20th 2014)

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Feb 10, 2015 Sandra Valente rated it really liked it

Shelves: have-read, romance, chic-lit, fiction-adult, humour, 2015

I must mention first that I had no clue this was the second book. However, I'll say that not once did I feel like I’d missed out on the backstory for not having read the first one, as it's easily read as a standalone. So, that has to say something about how it's set out, which is everything good in my book.

The Baby and The Bride revolves around not only Poppy―the main character―but also her best friend, Jazz; her fiancé, Ryan; as well as her mother, aunt, brother and a whole other set of friend I must mention first that I had no clue this was the second book. However, I'll say that not once did I feel like I’d missed out on the backstory for not having read the first one, as it's easily read as a standalone. So, that has to say something about how it's set out, which is everything good in my book.

The Baby and The Bride revolves around not only Poppy―the main character―but also her best friend, Jazz; her fiancé, Ryan; as well as her mother, aunt, brother and a whole other set of friends/not so much friends/family members, and a previous love interest where Ryan is concerned.

Best friends, Poppy and Jazz, both face life changes. Jazz, who's had a baby isn’t sure who the father is―could be her ex-boyfriend, or Poppy’s brother, Ollie. And Poppy, who is on the verge of getting married, isn't quite sure if she will go through with the wedding, call it off, or just make a run for it. This is how crazy these two are, and I'm not even touching base here. Amidst these two very important milestones, everything you can possibly think of, happens. And then we have Meryl, Poppy’s mother. She's hilarious and as moms do, takes over putting together the perfect wedding. Well, perfect in her mind, because much like Poppy, I wouldn’t want bloody clowns at my wedding, either! Meryl, bless her soul, made me laugh more times than I can count, but then so did almost every character in this book. Her e-mails are seriously to die for.

I appreciated the fact that this book was written in both Poppy’s and Jazz’s point of views, which makes for an interesting storyline. You’re kept on your toes and turning those pages at breakneck speed (that's how I felt) in order to see what either is up to or going through next. I liked this a lot.

The only thing that saddened me somewhat was the number of typos in this book. This was such a pity and made me pause on occasion. Surprisingly, I eventually managed to ignore them, which isn't something I'm able to do often as I tend to become frustrated, with the end result being that I don't finish a book because of it. But, it just goes to show how much I loved this story that even I set that aside.

The Baby and The Bride is fast-paced. It’s an easy read and humorous to boot. I love these kinds of books, because there are times in one’s life where a good laugh is needed. This is the type of story one can read at any time; it always go down a treat.

Thank you Laura for sending me a copy of your book. I knew I was going to like it as soon as I'd read the synopsis!

RATING : 4 STARS ...more

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Feb 27, 2014 Kaprii two ordinary girls and their books rated it it was amazing

The baby and the bride
5*****
Laugh out loud funny!!!!
This book had us wetting ourselves... The funniest book we've read this year.
Poppy is us, an ordinary everyday girl getting married to her gorgeous "well fit" fiance Ryan. But nothing is ever that simple! Can she walk down the aisle?

Jazz is the loud mouth over the top adventurous new mum. She didn't wanna get pregnant but well shit happens. Can she work through being a new mum?

We have never laughed so much a ...more

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Feb 25, 2014 Caroline Barker rated it it was amazing

She’s done it again! Another fantastic masterpiece in chick-lit/rom-com from Laura Barnard! Reading The Baby & the Bride is like meeting up with an old, close friend. Within seconds you become familiar with the characters you know and loved from Book 1, The Debt & the Doormat, and can easily relate to them, experiencing their roller-coaster of emotions. To read this book, you will need more wine, more choccies and be prepared for giggles throughout as Poppy and Jazz’s lives are turned up She’s done it again! Another fantastic masterpiece in chick-lit/rom-com from Laura Barnard! Reading The Baby & the Bride is like meeting up with an old, close friend. Within seconds you become familiar with the characters you know and loved from Book 1, The Debt & the Doormat, and can easily relate to them, experiencing their roller-coaster of emotions. To read this book, you will need more wine, more choccies and be prepared for giggles throughout as Poppy and Jazz’s lives are turned upside down with some rather embarrassing moments along the way!

Oh dear, Poppy! Some things never change. She is still the doormat she always was, although trying not to be. It seems she’s running around after everyone like a headless chicken whilst Ryan is left waiting! Although very exciting, it can also be a disaster at times when your mother tries to plan your whole wedding for you and you haven’t a chance to express what you’d like! And Jazz, what trouble are you in this time? If it’s not debt, it’s a baby! What a fab start to the sequel, with great storylines for both characters and just as much excitement and tension as before. Laura Barnard has created a sequel that is just as good as the first.

The Baby & the Bride Poppy and Jazz, although more grown up and settled in some ways, have their own crisis’ to deal with. At the same time they try to look out for each other, sometimes keeping secrets to protect the other from being hurt and yet always there to help each other when they are in need. We all need a Poppy and Jazz in our life, needing a pick up from time to time.

As a mother, I can completely relate to Jazz as early motherhood for her is exactly how I felt when I had my first – without too much exaggeration! In fact it was so precise, I thought that Laura Barnard was writing about me! The tiredness, the depression and the downright humiliating moments that childbirth and a baby can bring. But did I say depression? Well, yes, but Laura has a fantastic way of turning it around, uplifting these moments whilst at the same time still keeping them real. She makes it so natural for the reader to relate to the characters.

One of my favourite aspects of The Baby & the Bride is that Laura Barnard has kept all of the characters from The Debt & the Doormat. The reader can follow up Poppy and Jazz’s housemates, families and colleagues. Many of which have their own storylines which can interfere with Poppy and Jazz’s life at times, making their lives all the more topsy turvy! As Poppy hates to let anyone down she almost puts everybody else first, even before her own wedding!

The reader also has more of an incite into Ryan’s family (which brings along it’s own troubles which adds to all the chaos) and Poppy’s brother, Ollie. There is no mistake that Ryan is a hottie, handsome, sexy and affectionate. But as the reader discovers more about Ollie I’m sure there won’t be any disappointments there either!

As mentioned in my previous review of Book 1, this series is Bridget Jones meets Miranda Hart. As well as being heart-warming and sweet, one cannot escape the humour, the awkward moments and the slaptick. And when one sarky accusing question ends with ‘are we?‘ it reminded me of the Miranda tv series and I was in stitches. This is brilliant writing that had me laughing out loud so many times.

Due to the nature and fun style of Laura Barnard’s writing the series/book is a quick, fun read that leaves you feeling sparkly and energetic. It is completely uplifting. I strongly recommend that Book 1, The Debt & the Doormat, is read first, and at the moment there is no excuse as it is absolutely FREE on Amazon. However, The Baby & the Bride is written so well that new readers to this series could read this as a stand alone.

I cannot get enough of Laura Barnard’s writing. May she write many more wonderful, sweet and delightfully fun work in the future. This is an author not to be missed!

The Baby & the Bride was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review. ...more

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Jun 07, 2014 Jody rated it liked it

Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...

Poppy and Jazz have been best friends for a long time and they are both facing important new stages in their lives. Jazz has just given birth to her first child and she is trying to deal with life as a single mum, but she is having some trouble figuring out how to take care of a baby on her own. Poppy is getting married to her boyfriend Ryan, but she had no idea planning a wedding would be this hectic, especially when her mother tries to put her own stamp Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...

Poppy and Jazz have been best friends for a long time and they are both facing important new stages in their lives. Jazz has just given birth to her first child and she is trying to deal with life as a single mum, but she is having some trouble figuring out how to take care of a baby on her own. Poppy is getting married to her boyfriend Ryan, but she had no idea planning a wedding would be this hectic, especially when her mother tries to put her own stamp on absolutely everything. Poppy and Jazz are both trying to do the best they can, but will Jazz get the hang of being a mother and will she really have to do this alone? And will Poppy finally be able to start believing Ryan loves her for who she is, so she can make it down the aisle?

‘The Baby & the Bride’ is the sequel to Laura Barnard’s first novel, ‘The Debt & the Doormat’ and I have to admit I enjoyed this book more than its prequel. The story begins a few months after the ending of the first Poppy and Jazz book, and two important developments have taken place: Jazz is a mum, and Poppy is engaged to her boyfriend Ryan. These were both fun storylines and I enjoyed reading about all the crazy things that happen to Jazz and Poppy while they are both figuring things out. The author decided to write from both Jazz’ and Poppy’s point of view, which resulted in a good mixture of both storylines. Most of the supporting characters also return in this book and they really added their own touch to the story, such as Ollie and Poppy’s mother (who made me laugh out loud several times with her antics). Mainly because of this, I do believe this book should be read as a sequel and not as a stand-alone and I advice to pick up ‘The Debt & the Doormat’ first.

It took me a bit of time to get into the story, even though I was already familiar with the characters and their background stories. I personally thought there was quite a lot of swearing in the first few chapters, and the book still included various spelling and grammar mistakes, which was a shame. As soon as I was able to look through this, I ended up enjoying the fast-paced chapters and found myself wondering what would eventually happen to Poppy, Jazz, and their friends. ‘The Baby & the Bride’ is a quick and fun read with an enjoyable cast of characters at its core, and I’d like to thank the author for giving me the chance to review it! ...more

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Mar 14, 2014 Stephenee rated it it was amazing

* I received a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
I just recently found author Laura Bernard and she is fantastic! I love her chick-lit/rom-com/romance writing, her humor and the way that you can just zip right through her books! The carefree style of Laura Barnard’s writing makes for a quick, fun read that leaves you feeling happy, free and excited. This is the second book in the series and it was just as amazing. I would first recommend that you read Book #1, The Debt & ...more

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Sep 22, 2014 April Wood rated it really liked it

Please check out my full review @ http://aprillwood.wordpress.com/2014/...

One of the FUNNIEST books I have read in a long time, The Baby and The Bride is a book guaranteed to make anyone with a PULSE laugh. Jazz and Poppy are a hilarious duo, and their antics make this book a PAGE TURNER!

I knew I was going to like this book when Poppy burst into her best-friend’s hospital birthing room, as she was CROWING, and pushed the baby daddy out of the way. From there it just got better and better. When I say I LOL’d, I mea ...more

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Feb 20, 2014 My Secret Book Spot rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed

The Baby and the Bride by Laura Barnard
5 out of 5 Stars!!!!

I am more than pleased with the sequel to The Debt and the Doormat!! My husband finally stopped asking why I was laughing after several episodes of uncontrolled laughter and resorted to shaking his head at me.

Jazz is now a Mummy and Ryan proposed to Poppy shortly after the birth of her baby. Poppy's mother Meryl insists on bringing out The Book, a lengthy compilation of wedding plans that have come together over the ye ...more

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Feb 19, 2014 Star rated it it was amazing

Best friends Poppy and Jazz seem to have it all down pat. Jazz has just had a beautiful baby girl, Jemima, and Poppy’s newly engaged. Yet everything is not so simple or happy. Jazz’s baby-daddy is a jerk and Poppy’s new job is a hassle. In addition, Jazz is going through post-partum depression and Poppy’s lost control over her wedding to her mother and aunt. Will Jazz and Poppy be able to get everything under control before it explodes??

I absolutely loved THE BABY & THE BRIDE! Th ...more

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Feb 28, 2014 Yessi Smith rated it it was amazing

There are no words to describe how much I loved The Baby & the Bride! I laughed until I cried, and then I laughed some more. And it wasn’t even a pretty lady-like laugh, but a full on snort with tears coming out of my eyes.

Laura Barnard nailed it when she wrote about the torment – yes, I said torment – that comes with being a mom. I sincerely felt for Jazz and her complete bewilderment that came with being a non-breast feeding mum (I know, the horror!). I wanted to backhand the holier than ...more

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Mar 18, 2014 Naughty Mom Story Time rated it really liked it

The Baby & the Bride picks up a few months after The Debt & the Doormat left off and immediately pulls you in with laughter. We continue to follow Poppy and her life of people pleasing but are also given the POV of her best friend Jazz as she adjusts to being a new mother. In this story we get to experience their ups and downs as they continue to discover their road to being official grown-ups no matter how much they try to hold on to the good ol' days of their youth.

I enjoye ...more

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Feb 20, 2014 Natalie Townson rated it it was amazing

Oh my god what a fantastic book, from the very first page I was in stitches I couldn't stop laughing, I love this book

As we remember from the first book Jazz is pregnant and Poppy is madly In love with Ryan, from the very first chapter when Jazz goes into labor I was laughing so much, with some hilarious scenes that made me nearly pee myself.

The book is just as romantic, just as funny, just as hot as the first book. I know I'm meant to be team Ryan but actually I'm team Ollie all th ...more

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Feb 24, 2014 Linda Field rated it it was amazing

The Baby & The Bride by Laura Barnard

If you have read The Debt & The Doormat, then you will want to read this one, it carries on the lives of Poppy, Ryan, Jazz, Grace & Izzy. But we hear more of Ollie and poppy’s parents.

I haven’t laughed so much since I read Diary of a Dieter and Wallbanger. As soon I got into the first chapter I was giggling and that giggling just never stop it actually had me wetting myself with laughter and crying with Laughter. It is abso ...more

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Apr 26, 2014 Lynsey Sabin rated it it was amazing

A gifted copy was provided by the author / publisher for an honest review.

Another fantastic read by this author. It starts straight off from where the debt and the doormat finishes so if you are like me, you can pick it up straight away and just continue reading. This time it was a little different as the author has added Jazz's POV which I thought was a great way to mix it up a bit. You gotta love Jazz as she is still as blunt as ever, telling people exactly what she thinks of them. I guess I ...more

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Feb 15, 2014 Tara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs-beta-reads

I had the fabulous honor of beta reading and proofreading The Baby and The Bride and let me tell you, if you thought The Debt and The Doormat was funny, you ain't seen nothin' yet!!

From the first page to the last, I was in constant fits of very unlady-like laughter!

Yet again, Laura absolutely pulled me into the craziness that is the lives of Poppy, Jazz, and their friends and loved ones!

I adored every word on every page! Pick up a copy as soon as you can, I pr ...more

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Mar 15, 2014 Amy rated it really liked it

This is the sequel to Laura Barnard's "The Debt & the Doormat". I loved the first book, and this book lives up to my expectations :)
As the synopsis informs you, Jazz is having a baby, and Poppy is getting married.
You'll follow them through the ups and downs; the funny moments and the aggravating moments (which are still amusing to the reader sometimes) ;)
I highly recommend this book (read "The Debt & the Doormat" first)!

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Apr 27, 2014 Pauline Norris rated it it was amazing

Love, love, LOVED the follow up book. It wasn't as belly laughing funny as book 1 but it was still brilliant. Loved the characters, style of writing and the story - a great book. Will defo read more from this author

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Jun 25, 2017 Claire Thake rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017, to-read-again-favourites, personal-choice-reads, four-brits-book-fest-2017

I really cannot get enough of Laura's books! Whenever I am in a book slump, they always pull me out of it!

I loved The Debt and the Doormat and loved jumping back into the world of Poppy and Jazz! Just like putting on an old pair of warm fuzzy socks, it feels like home and these characters feel as if they are real friends.

This instalment sees the run up to Poppy and Ryan's wedding and Jazz becoming a single mummy to Jemima; as usual in the world of Poppy and Jazz things ne ...more

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Apr 09, 2018 Maria rated it really liked it

After devouring book one, I nosedived straight into this book and have to say I loved it too although it became a little samey and predictable but fun reading none the less and I’m glad I read it. The characterisations are great and I love the friendships within this book. My only real criticism though is that there were quite a few mistakes in here that were missed. It didn’t spoil it for me but did bring me out of the story a few times more than I’d have liked.

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Jun 05, 2017 Ann (Literary Lust) rated it it was amazing

This is the second book in the series and it is just as fabulous as the first! I absolutely love all the characters in the books but I do have a soft spot for Poppy who just makes me laugh. The humour in this book is brilliant and I love that there is twists and surprises in the story... well you never know what is going to happen next with these ladies! A fantastic read that I really do recommend.

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Jul 21, 2018 Erren rated it really liked it

This book made me laugh and cry! Happy crying! I really enjoyed reading the Debt and the Doormat and this did not disappoint! Laura Barnard did so well with this!! Sometimes the second book in a series can be disappointing, but I loved this!

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May 26, 2018 Jackie corrigan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved it

Just as good as the first 1 laura barnard nos how to keep u reading going to start the 3rd just as soon as I've made a coffee

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Jun 04, 2017 Ihantha rated it it was ok

Great piece of chick lit. Perfect for when you don't want to have to use your brain when reading. Like a comical Eastenders

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May 11, 2014 Jess rated it liked it

The second book of the series continues on with the moderately entertaining story of Poppy and Ryan, jumping forward a bit in time to their engagement and Jazz’s delivery. As with the previous, drama and bad luck follow Poppy everywhere. There is actually a bit more real life story here with friends and extended family, and that aspect I enjoyed. Some of the supporting characters really showed a different side here and helped change the dynamic of the story. I loved Poppy’s mom! However, I hones ...more

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Mar 17, 2016 Hope Sheesley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: funny

This book once again had me laughing from the first page - I finished up the first book in this series, 'The Debt & The Doormat' and immediately picked this one up to see what was going to happen next. I was not disappointed! :) This book is a continuation of the ongoing shenanigans of Poppy and Jazz - best friends and partners in crime. I love Laura's writing style because although sometimes you are dealing with serious topics, there is always a light-heartedness to it which I have come to ...more

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Jul 25, 2016 ~bookworm~ rated it it was ok

This is the second book in the series & develops the characters further

It still revolves around Poppy & Jazz, but we get to know some of the other characters more - in some cases these were very well done, but other characters just seemed to be becoming even bigger caracatures and stereotypes and are actually putting me off!
The books follows on a few months after the first one & follows the girls as one has a baby and finds that life will never be the same again, an ...more

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Jul 03, 2015 Monique rated it it was amazing

As soon as I finished book 1, I one-clicked and went straight into this, book 2.
I wasn't disappointed at all.

Jazz is in labour, and Poppy is rushing to get to her side, as the baby daddy is incompetent. Again we have all the hilarious and entertaining escapades from these two. I was constantly laughing at their antics. There are some serious bits too, with Jazz experiencing postpartum depression and not wanting to bother Poppy as she is inundated with her new job. The romance betwee ...more

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Apr 19, 2014 Tabitha Jones rated it really liked it

I really liked this book. Author Laura Barnard made the characters in this book really shine. Each of them had their own trials, tribulations and triumphs. Jazz and Poppy two best friends thought they had the perfect life, then Jazz gives birth and is not quite sure who the father really is and her best friend is engaged to be married. This book will have you laughing and crying all at the same time. A real Quirky and fun book to read.

i was given a copy of this book by the author in ...more

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Jul 07, 2016 Gillian Caulkin rated it it was amazing

This is the second of three books in the Debt and the Doormat series. It continues with Poppy & Jazz getting into more hilarious situations. Jazz finds she is pregnant! When the baby arrives she struggles to cope and gets help from an unexpected person. Poor Poppy still can't say no to anyone, and her husband to be Ryan is struggling with the stress of a wedding getting seriously out of control, courtesy of Poppy's mom. Poppy struggles keeping everyone happy and keeping her new job. This is ...more

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Jan 03, 2016 Alison Dygnas rated it really liked it · review of another edition

So Funny

OK, so I couldn't relate to the characters, the Americanisms in a book about English girls in London or the foul language, but I also couldn't put it down. It is as good as the prequel, The Debt and The Doormat, which really should be read first. I found them both funny and the characters were humorously and deliberately overdrawn.

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Jan 29, 2016 Isabella rated it liked it · review of another edition

I read The Baby And The Bride right after The Debt And The Doormat, because I just had to know what was going to happen! Exactly like the previous in the series, I just couldn't put it down. It's entertaining, sweet, and addictive! Once again, a story I would very much like to see on screen.

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About Laura Barnard

Laura Barnard

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Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or 'chick lit' as its so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio.

She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. S ...more