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The Wedding Lies
You think your family’s weird?
He promised me forever. But I might not make it to “I do.”
I’m marrying Stephen at Shadowmoor Lodge. His family’s luxurious estate deep in the frozen Surrey Hills. No phone signal, no neighbours, just Stephen’s controlling mother and a family that loves hunting, and watches me like I’m the entertainment.
I open my suitcase, but it’s not my stuff.
Inside is the exact outfit a woman called Charlotte Walker was wearing when she vanished a week ago.
Six days until my wedding. And already I want to run.
Perfect for fans of Alice Feeney, Shalini Boland, Jane E. James and Sue Watson, this gripping thriller will have you second-guessing every page until the final, jaw-dropping twist.
He promised me forever. But I might not make it to “I do.”
I’m marrying Stephen at Shadowmoor Lodge. His family’s luxurious estate deep in the frozen Surrey Hills. No phone signal, no neighbours, just Stephen’s controlling mother and a family that loves hunting, and watches me like I’m the entertainment.
I open my suitcase, but it’s not my stuff.
Inside is the exact outfit a woman called Charlotte Walker was wearing when she vanished a week ago.
Six days until my wedding. And already I want to run.
Perfect for fans of Alice Feeney, Shalini Boland, Jane E. James and Sue Watson, this gripping thriller will have you second-guessing every page until the final, jaw-dropping twist.
- GenresPsychological Thriller
Paperback
Published January 5, 2026
3 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Jade Lee Wright
9 books232 followersI’m Jade Lee Wright, psychological thriller author.
Although I first dipped my toe into the world of publishing with two self-published novels, I’ve spent the past few years fully immersing myself in the craft. I study English Literature and Creative Writing through the Open University and have since gone on to sign multiple publishing deals—including a two-book deal (and a brand-new follow-up two-book contract!) with Joffe Books.
My debut psychological thriller with them, The Baby Group, was released in July 2025, and my second, The Family Secret, is due out in January 2026. Both have been snapped up by Audible and will be coming to audio soon.
I was longlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize 2025 and shortlisted for the 2024 Marlowe & Christie Novel Prize.
When I’m not writing (or daydreaming about the next twist), you’ll usually find me with my nose in a book or looking after my two baby boys.
Although I first dipped my toe into the world of publishing with two self-published novels, I’ve spent the past few years fully immersing myself in the craft. I study English Literature and Creative Writing through the Open University and have since gone on to sign multiple publishing deals—including a two-book deal (and a brand-new follow-up two-book contract!) with Joffe Books.
My debut psychological thriller with them, The Baby Group, was released in July 2025, and my second, The Family Secret, is due out in January 2026. Both have been snapped up by Audible and will be coming to audio soon.
I was longlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize 2025 and shortlisted for the 2024 Marlowe & Christie Novel Prize.
When I’m not writing (or daydreaming about the next twist), you’ll usually find me with my nose in a book or looking after my two baby boys.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 7, 2026
My second book with Joffe Books is now out in the world! How surreal. I’m so grateful to the wonderful team at Joffe Books for picking up my books and giving me the opportunity to share them with the world. Thank you to every reader, reviewer and person supporting me on my writing journey. It is so appreciated and I hope you enjoy my twisty thriller!
December 2, 2025
Marital lies… not exactly a great foundation to start with, but how well do you really know someone? People often show you their best side at first, and their darker edges only surface when they’re backed into a corner.
Starting a relationship is always exciting, with a hint of nerves. Something I personally recognise—and something Ivy also goes through—is meeting the in-laws. If it happens gradually, it’s always a bit easier, but our bride in this story gets to meet the entire family at once, just days before the ceremony. I completely understand her nerves. I remember meeting most of my future husband’s family all in one go at Christmas when we’d only been together for three months. I was ridiculously stressed, feeling all those eyes on me the moment I walked through the door—but clearly, I survived. ;) Hopefully Ivy will too…
I love short blurbs, and this one is very well done. It gets straight to the point, sparks curiosity, and immediately sent my imagination spinning with possible scenarios. Naturally, none of them matched what the author actually delivered—and it was chilling.
The threat in this story came from several directions. I had no idea who could be trusted, and as usual, I was partly wrong. Mission accomplished. The plot was original and I found Ivy to be a strong character.
It’s such a shame that innocent people have to be taken out of the picture because a few others are convinced they have the right to take justice into their own hands, that they’re in the right, and that this is the only solution to their problems.
This book clearly shows how a simple coincidence can send your life down a dangerous path. I’m a happy reader—and that’s why I’m giving it 4 stars. For me, it could have gone just a little darker.
Thank you.
Starting a relationship is always exciting, with a hint of nerves. Something I personally recognise—and something Ivy also goes through—is meeting the in-laws. If it happens gradually, it’s always a bit easier, but our bride in this story gets to meet the entire family at once, just days before the ceremony. I completely understand her nerves. I remember meeting most of my future husband’s family all in one go at Christmas when we’d only been together for three months. I was ridiculously stressed, feeling all those eyes on me the moment I walked through the door—but clearly, I survived. ;) Hopefully Ivy will too…
I love short blurbs, and this one is very well done. It gets straight to the point, sparks curiosity, and immediately sent my imagination spinning with possible scenarios. Naturally, none of them matched what the author actually delivered—and it was chilling.
The threat in this story came from several directions. I had no idea who could be trusted, and as usual, I was partly wrong. Mission accomplished. The plot was original and I found Ivy to be a strong character.
It’s such a shame that innocent people have to be taken out of the picture because a few others are convinced they have the right to take justice into their own hands, that they’re in the right, and that this is the only solution to their problems.
This book clearly shows how a simple coincidence can send your life down a dangerous path. I’m a happy reader—and that’s why I’m giving it 4 stars. For me, it could have gone just a little darker.
Thank you.
December 3, 2025
Set against the isolated backdrop of Shadowmoor Lodge, Ivy’s engagement to Stephen quickly spirals into a psychological nightmare. With no phone signal, no neighbours, and a family that seems more interested in surveillance than celebration, the tension builds fast. When Ivy discovers someone else’s belongings in her suitcase—belongings linked to a missing woman—her instincts scream for escape. The lodge’s eerie atmosphere, paired with a cast of suspicious characters and a controlling mother-in-law, creates a claustrophobic setting where danger feels imminent and trust is a luxury.
The story leans into classic thriller tropes with tongue firmly in cheek, diversions abound, and every character seems to be hiding something. Ivy’s literal isolation is matched by emotional distance, especially from Stephen, whose charm barely masks something darker. While the plot occasionally stretches believability and leaves a few logical gaps, the pacing and suspense keep the pages turning. The writing is sharp and stylish, and though the twists may feel familiar, they’re executed with flair. It’s a fast, entertaining read that blends psychological tension with gothic unease, perfect for fans of character-driven thrillers with a touch of melodrama.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
The story leans into classic thriller tropes with tongue firmly in cheek, diversions abound, and every character seems to be hiding something. Ivy’s literal isolation is matched by emotional distance, especially from Stephen, whose charm barely masks something darker. While the plot occasionally stretches believability and leaves a few logical gaps, the pacing and suspense keep the pages turning. The writing is sharp and stylish, and though the twists may feel familiar, they’re executed with flair. It’s a fast, entertaining read that blends psychological tension with gothic unease, perfect for fans of character-driven thrillers with a touch of melodrama.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
January 2, 2026
Thank you to the wonderful Zoe at Zooloo Book Tours for granting me a space on this tour in exchange for an honest review.
To begin with, the premise hooked me - a seemingly fleeting and perfect relationship reaches the engagement stage. I found the subtle hints about others perceptions of the relationship to be the catalyst to what would be disaster after disaster. I found that the initial 'twist' helped to bring the drama to life, and finding items linking to someone missing was a great way to engage us as readers.
As the narrative progressed, I found myself trusting everyone less and less. This is something I can normally sense but I felt like there was SO much happening in every direction, that I felt blindsided in the greatest way!
Overall, a good thriller read and one that is easy to follow.
To begin with, the premise hooked me - a seemingly fleeting and perfect relationship reaches the engagement stage. I found the subtle hints about others perceptions of the relationship to be the catalyst to what would be disaster after disaster. I found that the initial 'twist' helped to bring the drama to life, and finding items linking to someone missing was a great way to engage us as readers.
As the narrative progressed, I found myself trusting everyone less and less. This is something I can normally sense but I felt like there was SO much happening in every direction, that I felt blindsided in the greatest way!
Overall, a good thriller read and one that is easy to follow.
January 6, 2026
**Read for a book tour, below is my honest review**
This had me hooked from the beginning. I was reeled in by the isolated setting and the premise. It had me turning the pages as quick as I could!
The story follows our main character Ivy who has travelled over to the UK for her wedding. But her husband to be’s family is not all it seems..
Throughout the book I was questioning everyone, it felt like everyone had a secret at some point. I thought it was written so well, it was laced with intrigue!
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a thriller with an isolated setting and family secrets!
Thank you @zooloosbooktours and Jade for letting me be a part of this tour!
I give this 4 stars!
This had me hooked from the beginning. I was reeled in by the isolated setting and the premise. It had me turning the pages as quick as I could!
The story follows our main character Ivy who has travelled over to the UK for her wedding. But her husband to be’s family is not all it seems..
Throughout the book I was questioning everyone, it felt like everyone had a secret at some point. I thought it was written so well, it was laced with intrigue!
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a thriller with an isolated setting and family secrets!
Thank you @zooloosbooktours and Jade for letting me be a part of this tour!
I give this 4 stars!
December 5, 2025
Review to come
January 3, 2026
A twisty turny thriller that will hook you from the start
After a horrific car-jacking and assault in South Africa, Ivy is gradually getting her life back together when she meets and falls in love with Stephen, the perfect man. After a whirlwind courtship, Ivy agrees to meet his family and get married at his parents' vast wooded estate in Surrey, England. She doesn't realise just how big and remote this family pile is until they arrive in mid winter in a severe winter storm. They eventually find their secluded log cabin only to discover that the suitcase that Ivy picked up is not hers, and instead of her wedding dress, she has the clothes of a complete stranger. Ivy had previously read a report in a newspaper of a woman who has gone missing in the area, and some of the clothes in the case appear to match the missing person.
Things just keep getting worse when she meets Stephens dysfunctional family, and she begins to fear that Stephen is not the perfect man that she thought.
In all true mystery plots, the storm closes in, and the mobile phone network fails, Ivy's friends and bridesmaids are stranded in the storm, and she is all alone to struggle with the weird family and the scary goings on!
It is a very dark and twisty novel that will keep you guessing and page turning until the end!
After a horrific car-jacking and assault in South Africa, Ivy is gradually getting her life back together when she meets and falls in love with Stephen, the perfect man. After a whirlwind courtship, Ivy agrees to meet his family and get married at his parents' vast wooded estate in Surrey, England. She doesn't realise just how big and remote this family pile is until they arrive in mid winter in a severe winter storm. They eventually find their secluded log cabin only to discover that the suitcase that Ivy picked up is not hers, and instead of her wedding dress, she has the clothes of a complete stranger. Ivy had previously read a report in a newspaper of a woman who has gone missing in the area, and some of the clothes in the case appear to match the missing person.
Things just keep getting worse when she meets Stephens dysfunctional family, and she begins to fear that Stephen is not the perfect man that she thought.
In all true mystery plots, the storm closes in, and the mobile phone network fails, Ivy's friends and bridesmaids are stranded in the storm, and she is all alone to struggle with the weird family and the scary goings on!
It is a very dark and twisty novel that will keep you guessing and page turning until the end!
November 3, 2025
I'm hoping for some Grade-A domestic psychological thriller shenanigans, and I got... well, a lot of forced atmospheric melodrama and narrative flimflam. The premise is deliciously preposterous: our protagonist, Bride-to-Be, gets shipped off to her fiancé Stephen’s ancestral lair, Shadowmoor Lodge, a place whose name is clearly lifted directly from a Scooby-Doo episode, six days before the wedding. It’s deep in the Surrey Hills, naturally, with zero signal, because of course the impending existential terror must be unfettered by basic cellular connectivity.
The first 50 pages are an absolute masterclass in anxiety-fueled projection. The heroine is drowning in this palpable dread, which, to be fair, is perfectly rational because Stephen’s family are pure, unadulterated nightmare fuel. His mother is a controlling harpy, and the whole clan stares at her like she’s a particularly juicy main course at a private hunting retreat. The atmosphere is so thick with malevolence you could spread it on toast. But then, the titular lie arrives: she opens her suitcase and finds clothes belonging to Charlotte Walker, a woman who conveniently vanished a week ago. This is where my internal monologue went from "ooh, creepy" to "oh, come on." The sheer implausibility of that specific piece of clothing swapping happening is a gaping maw of a plot hole that demanded I suspend not just disbelief, but my entire cognitive function.
The book is an absolute torrent of red herrings. Every character is a caricature of suspicion: the taciturn brother, the shifty maid, the overly polished fiancé, Stephen, who is clearly compensating for being an utterly insipid love interest by being menacing. The vocabulary is where this thing really tried to flex—the writing itself is polished, trying to give the psychological suspense a veneer of literary gravitas, but the plot mechanics are flimsy at best, built entirely on people refusing to have a single rational conversation. It’s like watching a train wreck where every passenger is actively throwing banana peels under the wheels.
Was it a fun, page-turning diversion? Sure. Was it a nuanced thriller? Honey, please. It’s the literary equivalent of a dramatic, high-contrast Instagram filter, looks good, but it's totally obscuring the flaws. I need my thrillers to be taut and logically inexorable, not reliant on characters having the observational skills of a potted plant.
#TheWeddingLies #NetGalley
The first 50 pages are an absolute masterclass in anxiety-fueled projection. The heroine is drowning in this palpable dread, which, to be fair, is perfectly rational because Stephen’s family are pure, unadulterated nightmare fuel. His mother is a controlling harpy, and the whole clan stares at her like she’s a particularly juicy main course at a private hunting retreat. The atmosphere is so thick with malevolence you could spread it on toast. But then, the titular lie arrives: she opens her suitcase and finds clothes belonging to Charlotte Walker, a woman who conveniently vanished a week ago. This is where my internal monologue went from "ooh, creepy" to "oh, come on." The sheer implausibility of that specific piece of clothing swapping happening is a gaping maw of a plot hole that demanded I suspend not just disbelief, but my entire cognitive function.
The book is an absolute torrent of red herrings. Every character is a caricature of suspicion: the taciturn brother, the shifty maid, the overly polished fiancé, Stephen, who is clearly compensating for being an utterly insipid love interest by being menacing. The vocabulary is where this thing really tried to flex—the writing itself is polished, trying to give the psychological suspense a veneer of literary gravitas, but the plot mechanics are flimsy at best, built entirely on people refusing to have a single rational conversation. It’s like watching a train wreck where every passenger is actively throwing banana peels under the wheels.
Was it a fun, page-turning diversion? Sure. Was it a nuanced thriller? Honey, please. It’s the literary equivalent of a dramatic, high-contrast Instagram filter, looks good, but it's totally obscuring the flaws. I need my thrillers to be taut and logically inexorable, not reliant on characters having the observational skills of a potted plant.
#TheWeddingLies #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hello, lovely readers! Settle in with your cuppa because I've just finished The Wedding Lies by Jade Lee Wright, and oh my, what a twisted journey this one took me on.
When we first meet Ivy and Stephen, they're living their best life in sunny South Africa, newly engaged and over the moon. But as any of us who've met the in-laws know, sometimes that first family gathering can be... well, let's just say illuminating. Ivy's about to discover that Stephen's family isn't just wealthy , they're the kind of wealthy that comes with secrets, expectations, and in this case, genuine danger lurking around every corner of their grand estate.
What I loved most about this book is how quickly Jade Lee Wright peels back the layers. Those early red flags start waving the moment Ivy arrives at the family lodge, and suddenly the Stephen she thought she knew becomes almost unrecognizable. We've all had that moment where we see our partner through fresh eyes, haven't we? But for Ivy, it's not just wedding jitters ,it's a legitimate wake-up call about who she's planning to marry.
The real twist comes when Ivy spots Charlotte Walker, a young woman who's been missing for over a week, somewhere on the property. Now Ivy's not just questioning her engagement; she's convinced Stephen's supposedly ailing father is behind Charlotte's abduction. The tension ratchets up beautifully as Ivy and her bridesmaids work together to uncover the truth, and I found myself completely invested in whether they'd expose the family's dark secrets before it was too late.
What really warmed my heart was seeing the women take center stage as the heroes. In a genre that so often relies on male saviors swooping in, Jade Lee Wright gives us resourceful, determined women who rely on each other and their own wits. It reminded me quite a bit of The Daughter by Alesha Dykema, which I read recently and similarly featured strong female characters driving the narrative.
At 3Ps, The Wedding Lies is a solid, entertaining thriller that'll keep you guessing. Perfect for those cozy reading nights when you want something gripping without losing too much sleep. Would I recommend it? Absolutely , especially if you love stories where women refuse to be sidelined in their own lives.
When we first meet Ivy and Stephen, they're living their best life in sunny South Africa, newly engaged and over the moon. But as any of us who've met the in-laws know, sometimes that first family gathering can be... well, let's just say illuminating. Ivy's about to discover that Stephen's family isn't just wealthy , they're the kind of wealthy that comes with secrets, expectations, and in this case, genuine danger lurking around every corner of their grand estate.
What I loved most about this book is how quickly Jade Lee Wright peels back the layers. Those early red flags start waving the moment Ivy arrives at the family lodge, and suddenly the Stephen she thought she knew becomes almost unrecognizable. We've all had that moment where we see our partner through fresh eyes, haven't we? But for Ivy, it's not just wedding jitters ,it's a legitimate wake-up call about who she's planning to marry.
The real twist comes when Ivy spots Charlotte Walker, a young woman who's been missing for over a week, somewhere on the property. Now Ivy's not just questioning her engagement; she's convinced Stephen's supposedly ailing father is behind Charlotte's abduction. The tension ratchets up beautifully as Ivy and her bridesmaids work together to uncover the truth, and I found myself completely invested in whether they'd expose the family's dark secrets before it was too late.
What really warmed my heart was seeing the women take center stage as the heroes. In a genre that so often relies on male saviors swooping in, Jade Lee Wright gives us resourceful, determined women who rely on each other and their own wits. It reminded me quite a bit of The Daughter by Alesha Dykema, which I read recently and similarly featured strong female characters driving the narrative.
At 3Ps, The Wedding Lies is a solid, entertaining thriller that'll keep you guessing. Perfect for those cozy reading nights when you want something gripping without losing too much sleep. Would I recommend it? Absolutely , especially if you love stories where women refuse to be sidelined in their own lives.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Wedding Lies by Jade Lee Wright is a psychological thriller that slowly drew me in and held my attention throughout. From the opening chapters, I felt quietly pulled into the story, with an underlying sense of unease that lingered as I read. There’s a constant feeling that something isn’t quite right, and that subtle tension carries through the novel.
The setting of Shadowmoor Lodge plays a significant role in shaping that atmosphere. Its isolation, the lack of phone signal, and the sense of being cut off from the outside world all add to the growing discomfort. The watchful presence of Stephen’s family heightens that feeling, creating a steady, claustrophobic tension that sits beneath every interaction and made me feel as unsettled as the protagonist herself.
Emotionally, this book kept me engaged in a quiet but effective way. Rather than relying on fast-paced shocks, the suspense builds gradually, allowing space to question motives and relationships as the story unfolds. I often found myself pausing to reflect on earlier moments, wondering what I might have missed. The discovery involving the suitcase early on is particularly unsettling and sets the tone well for what follows.
As the story progresses, the tension continues to build, and the twists begin to emerge. While I enjoyed the unfolding mystery, there were moments where some events felt a little far-fetched for my personal taste. At times, it felt as though several twist ideas had been packed into one storyline, which slightly stretched the believability and pulled me out of the story briefly.
That said, the atmosphere remains strong throughout, and the sense of unease never fully disappears. Even when the plot became more complex, I stayed invested in seeing how everything would come together. The pacing kept me turning pages, and I appreciated how the author maintained emotional tension right through to the final chapters.
The Wedding Lies is a tense and engaging psychological thriller with a strong sense of setting and sustained suspense. Although a few elements felt over-ambitious, it was still an absorbing and enjoyable read. Fans of twist-heavy domestic suspense will find plenty to appreciate here, and it’s a book I would confidently recommend.
The setting of Shadowmoor Lodge plays a significant role in shaping that atmosphere. Its isolation, the lack of phone signal, and the sense of being cut off from the outside world all add to the growing discomfort. The watchful presence of Stephen’s family heightens that feeling, creating a steady, claustrophobic tension that sits beneath every interaction and made me feel as unsettled as the protagonist herself.
Emotionally, this book kept me engaged in a quiet but effective way. Rather than relying on fast-paced shocks, the suspense builds gradually, allowing space to question motives and relationships as the story unfolds. I often found myself pausing to reflect on earlier moments, wondering what I might have missed. The discovery involving the suitcase early on is particularly unsettling and sets the tone well for what follows.
As the story progresses, the tension continues to build, and the twists begin to emerge. While I enjoyed the unfolding mystery, there were moments where some events felt a little far-fetched for my personal taste. At times, it felt as though several twist ideas had been packed into one storyline, which slightly stretched the believability and pulled me out of the story briefly.
That said, the atmosphere remains strong throughout, and the sense of unease never fully disappears. Even when the plot became more complex, I stayed invested in seeing how everything would come together. The pacing kept me turning pages, and I appreciated how the author maintained emotional tension right through to the final chapters.
The Wedding Lies is a tense and engaging psychological thriller with a strong sense of setting and sustained suspense. Although a few elements felt over-ambitious, it was still an absorbing and enjoyable read. Fans of twist-heavy domestic suspense will find plenty to appreciate here, and it’s a book I would confidently recommend.
January 5, 2026
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 6th January 2026
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• wedding thriller
• wrong suitcase
• isolated location
• dark family secrets
• gaslighting
• psychological suspense
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This story follows Ivy, who travels to England for her wedding, expecting love, celebration and a fresh start. Instead, she walks into an isolated lodge, a controlling future family, and a chilling mystery connected to a missing woman. One small mistake at the airport changes everything, and what should have been the happiest week of her life slowly turns into a psychological nightmare.
This book had such an eerie and unsettling atmosphere from the very beginning. The remote setting, no phone signal, snow, and a strange family made everything feel claustrophobic and tense. I loved how the suspense built slowly instead of rushing. The wrong suitcase trope was done really well and added an extra layer of fear and curiosity.
The characters were written in a very realistic way. Ivy felt vulnerable yet relatable, especially with her past trauma. Ingrid was the standout for me, calm on the surface but absolutely terrifying underneath. Stephen was confusing in the best way, charming yet unsettling, which kept me guessing till the end.
The pacing was a little slow in the middle, but the tension never fully dropped, and the final part was intense and satisfying. Overall, this was a gripping psychological thriller that focuses more on atmosphere and mind games rather than nonstop action.
Thank you so much zooloo book tour for the free ARC!
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 6th January 2026
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• wedding thriller
• wrong suitcase
• isolated location
• dark family secrets
• gaslighting
• psychological suspense
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This story follows Ivy, who travels to England for her wedding, expecting love, celebration and a fresh start. Instead, she walks into an isolated lodge, a controlling future family, and a chilling mystery connected to a missing woman. One small mistake at the airport changes everything, and what should have been the happiest week of her life slowly turns into a psychological nightmare.
This book had such an eerie and unsettling atmosphere from the very beginning. The remote setting, no phone signal, snow, and a strange family made everything feel claustrophobic and tense. I loved how the suspense built slowly instead of rushing. The wrong suitcase trope was done really well and added an extra layer of fear and curiosity.
The characters were written in a very realistic way. Ivy felt vulnerable yet relatable, especially with her past trauma. Ingrid was the standout for me, calm on the surface but absolutely terrifying underneath. Stephen was confusing in the best way, charming yet unsettling, which kept me guessing till the end.
The pacing was a little slow in the middle, but the tension never fully dropped, and the final part was intense and satisfying. Overall, this was a gripping psychological thriller that focuses more on atmosphere and mind games rather than nonstop action.
Thank you so much zooloo book tour for the free ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well what a rollercoaster of a ride this one is! I loved The Baby Group but this one is right up there with it, maybe even more gripping if that’s possible.
If I didn’t have to par take in real life I would have read this in one sitting. The author writes in such a wonderful way that saying ‘I’ll just read one more chapter’ is not really an option! The ends of some chapters just have you turning that next page regardless of what else you should be doing!
Stephen and Ivy arrive in the cold and frozen Surrey Hills, all ready to meet his family and have their wedding. But nothing, and no one, are as they seem. Ivy’s suitcase gets mixed up but on closer inspection something doesn’t add up, could this be as simple as picking up the wrong case at the airport? Things are weird with his family from the start but add to that a missing woman and you are in for a whirlwind of a ride!
So I don’t want to give anything away! You need to read this for yourself. I loved the tension, the suspense, the not knowing who to trust, the being proved wrong when I thought I had something worked out. I love when I can visualise what’s going on, the people, the surroundings. And I must mention the prologue, there is just so much detail, it’s so vivid and will instantly pull you in.
So what am I saying? Well read it of course, you will not be disappointed (but your housework may just be left undone as you won’t want to put this one down!)
If I didn’t have to par take in real life I would have read this in one sitting. The author writes in such a wonderful way that saying ‘I’ll just read one more chapter’ is not really an option! The ends of some chapters just have you turning that next page regardless of what else you should be doing!
Stephen and Ivy arrive in the cold and frozen Surrey Hills, all ready to meet his family and have their wedding. But nothing, and no one, are as they seem. Ivy’s suitcase gets mixed up but on closer inspection something doesn’t add up, could this be as simple as picking up the wrong case at the airport? Things are weird with his family from the start but add to that a missing woman and you are in for a whirlwind of a ride!
So I don’t want to give anything away! You need to read this for yourself. I loved the tension, the suspense, the not knowing who to trust, the being proved wrong when I thought I had something worked out. I love when I can visualise what’s going on, the people, the surroundings. And I must mention the prologue, there is just so much detail, it’s so vivid and will instantly pull you in.
So what am I saying? Well read it of course, you will not be disappointed (but your housework may just be left undone as you won’t want to put this one down!)
January 8, 2026
The Wedding Lies was instantly relatable for me as my relationship with my husband was initially a bit of a whirlwind too!
Ivy and Stephen's relationship seems perfect. Yes things are moving quicker than usually socially accepted, but they both appear happy and content. Then comes the dreaded first meeting between Ivy and Stephen's entire family, just a few days before the wedding.
The bad omens begin as soon as the couple land in England, when Ivy realises there has been a luggage mix up and the suitcase containing her wedding dress is missing. Then comes the possible sighting of a missing girl. Then the frosty reception from Stephen's mum and sister. Ivy begins second guessing the wedding and how she will ever fit into her new family.
From there, the twists, turns and red herrings just keep coming! The atmospheric setting of Shadowmoore Lodge and the sociopathic nature of most of the characters makes for a thrilling ride, allbeit sometimes a little far fetched to be too realistic. I enjoyed the story, but did find myself just willing the characters to sit down for a grown up chat to resolve their issues!
The ending did get me, with a reveal that I didn't see coming. Jade did a great job of throwing just enough suspicion on everyone that I couldn't work out who was involved and who wasn't!
Ivy and Stephen's relationship seems perfect. Yes things are moving quicker than usually socially accepted, but they both appear happy and content. Then comes the dreaded first meeting between Ivy and Stephen's entire family, just a few days before the wedding.
The bad omens begin as soon as the couple land in England, when Ivy realises there has been a luggage mix up and the suitcase containing her wedding dress is missing. Then comes the possible sighting of a missing girl. Then the frosty reception from Stephen's mum and sister. Ivy begins second guessing the wedding and how she will ever fit into her new family.
From there, the twists, turns and red herrings just keep coming! The atmospheric setting of Shadowmoore Lodge and the sociopathic nature of most of the characters makes for a thrilling ride, allbeit sometimes a little far fetched to be too realistic. I enjoyed the story, but did find myself just willing the characters to sit down for a grown up chat to resolve their issues!
The ending did get me, with a reveal that I didn't see coming. Jade did a great job of throwing just enough suspicion on everyone that I couldn't work out who was involved and who wasn't!
November 9, 2025
Review - The Wedding Lies by Jade Lee Wright
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow - this twisted and turned and had me gripped!!
Right from moment Ivy and Stephen arrived at the James family estate the setting gave off the perfect creepy vibes.
Having arrived for their wedding, it’s clear from the start that there’s something ‘off’ about this family.
The women are mean the men are mysterious and why can’t Ivy stop thinking about the girl she read about in the newspaper that’s missing.
As the plot thickens and discoveries are made, the tension builds and builds. Is there anyone here Ivy can trust, can she even trust herself?
The rollercoaster of events revealing family secrets and horrors twisted and turned until the very end.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, with atmosphere and tension built from page one.
If it wasn’t for the adulting, working, and general mum-ing rudely getting in the way I could have sat and devoured this in one sitting.
Thank you @boho_bookworm @joffebooks @netgalley for letting me read this!
Out in January - Get yours on pre-order now!
#review #bookreview #arc #advancedcopy #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #ebook #kindle #reading
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow - this twisted and turned and had me gripped!!
Right from moment Ivy and Stephen arrived at the James family estate the setting gave off the perfect creepy vibes.
Having arrived for their wedding, it’s clear from the start that there’s something ‘off’ about this family.
The women are mean the men are mysterious and why can’t Ivy stop thinking about the girl she read about in the newspaper that’s missing.
As the plot thickens and discoveries are made, the tension builds and builds. Is there anyone here Ivy can trust, can she even trust herself?
The rollercoaster of events revealing family secrets and horrors twisted and turned until the very end.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, with atmosphere and tension built from page one.
If it wasn’t for the adulting, working, and general mum-ing rudely getting in the way I could have sat and devoured this in one sitting.
Thank you @boho_bookworm @joffebooks @netgalley for letting me read this!
Out in January - Get yours on pre-order now!
#review #bookreview #arc #advancedcopy #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #ebook #kindle #reading
December 6, 2025
Another great book!
This is my second book by Jade Lee Wright, her first being The Baby Group which is a fast paced thriller which I loved. Her second book The Wedding Lies is as good as her first with a unique storyline and setting.
This story is packed full of suspense and drama and Jade has a great writing style which makes you feel completely immersed in this story with short punchy chapters which you want to follow through with the next one.
Another great read! Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book - out January next year!
Blurb:-
You think your family’s weird?
He promised me forever. But I might not make it to “I do.”
I’m marrying Stephen at Shadowmoor Lodge. His family’s luxurious estate deep in the frozen Surrey Hills. No phone signal, no neighbours, just Stephen’s controlling mother and a family that loves hunting, and watches me like I’m the entertainment.
I open my suitcase, but it’s not my stuff.
Inside is the exact outfit a woman called Charlotte Walker was wearing when she vanished a week ago.
Six days until my wedding. And already I want to run.
This is my second book by Jade Lee Wright, her first being The Baby Group which is a fast paced thriller which I loved. Her second book The Wedding Lies is as good as her first with a unique storyline and setting.
This story is packed full of suspense and drama and Jade has a great writing style which makes you feel completely immersed in this story with short punchy chapters which you want to follow through with the next one.
Another great read! Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book - out January next year!
Blurb:-
You think your family’s weird?
He promised me forever. But I might not make it to “I do.”
I’m marrying Stephen at Shadowmoor Lodge. His family’s luxurious estate deep in the frozen Surrey Hills. No phone signal, no neighbours, just Stephen’s controlling mother and a family that loves hunting, and watches me like I’m the entertainment.
I open my suitcase, but it’s not my stuff.
Inside is the exact outfit a woman called Charlotte Walker was wearing when she vanished a week ago.
Six days until my wedding. And already I want to run.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I find it difficult to come to a conclusion about The Wedding Lies. I really liked the beginning: the story is set in the Guildford area/Downs, - which is familiar territory for me as I used to live there.
The author captures the atmosphere well: a remote cottage in the woods, 'something rotten hits her...' [red], no phone reception, and a strange family who make all kinds of ambiguous statements. I got Agatha Christie vibes.
However, I thought that the author has gone a little too far with this, as when Ivy tries to escape, I could almost have sworn that she has to find her way through the Rocky Mountains, - The Downs and the area around Box Hill are not that particularly challenging, even in the harshest of winters…
I didn't find Ivy very likeable; she's a bit melodramatic, and of course, given everything that was going on, but still, where are her boundaries and why does she share absolutely everything with this family? Isn't that just asking for information that could be used against her?
I'm also puzzled by the fact that you only get to meet your in-laws once the wedding plans are already in motion. Was there never any discussion about who she was? And you don't go horse riding and leave the planning of your own wedding to this family, only to complain and whinge later that they interfere in everything, do you?
She also makes a lot of assumptions. I don't really understand why her trichotillomania is mentioned, and I also found it strange that the bridesmaids suddenly appear at the door. There seem to be some awkward gaps in the storyline. I would have given Stephen a slightly bigger role earlier on.
I did like the ending, which I found exciting, but overall I thought the story was too melodramatic for a good thriller, and there are distracting gaps in the narrative that the author filled in unconvincingly.
Partly good, and partly not so good for me, so a narrow 3 stars. Thank you Joffe Books for the arc 🌷
The author captures the atmosphere well: a remote cottage in the woods, 'something rotten hits her...' [red], no phone reception, and a strange family who make all kinds of ambiguous statements. I got Agatha Christie vibes.
However, I thought that the author has gone a little too far with this, as when Ivy tries to escape, I could almost have sworn that she has to find her way through the Rocky Mountains, - The Downs and the area around Box Hill are not that particularly challenging, even in the harshest of winters…
I didn't find Ivy very likeable; she's a bit melodramatic, and of course, given everything that was going on, but still, where are her boundaries and why does she share absolutely everything with this family? Isn't that just asking for information that could be used against her?
I'm also puzzled by the fact that you only get to meet your in-laws once the wedding plans are already in motion. Was there never any discussion about who she was? And you don't go horse riding and leave the planning of your own wedding to this family, only to complain and whinge later that they interfere in everything, do you?
She also makes a lot of assumptions. I don't really understand why her trichotillomania is mentioned, and I also found it strange that the bridesmaids suddenly appear at the door. There seem to be some awkward gaps in the storyline. I would have given Stephen a slightly bigger role earlier on.
I did like the ending, which I found exciting, but overall I thought the story was too melodramatic for a good thriller, and there are distracting gaps in the narrative that the author filled in unconvincingly.
Partly good, and partly not so good for me, so a narrow 3 stars. Thank you Joffe Books for the arc 🌷
December 12, 2025
A chilling, pulse-pounding thriller where every family secret feels like a trap.
You think your in-laws are intense? Try spending a week at Shadowmoor Lodge—an isolated estate buried in the Surrey Hills, no signal, no escape routes, and a future mother-in-law who smiles like she’s sizing up prey.
Our bride-to-be arrives ready to say “forever”… until she opens her suitcase and finds clothes that aren’t hers. Clothes last seen on a woman who vanished just days ago.
From that moment, the dread is constant.
The house watches. The family whispers. The walls seem to close in, one locked door at a time. And with six days until the wedding, every shadow feels like a warning: run while you still can.
This thriller had me devouring chapters like breadcrumbs in a dark forest—paranoia, red flags, and rich-people menace at its finest. It’s claustrophobic, twisty, and deliciously unsettling, with a final reveal that hits like an avalanche.
If you love Alice Feeney–style mind games, creepy estates, toxic families, and brides you desperately want to save, this is your next obsession.
A one-sitting, heart-pounding read you’ll be thinking about long after the last gasp-worthy twist.
You think your in-laws are intense? Try spending a week at Shadowmoor Lodge—an isolated estate buried in the Surrey Hills, no signal, no escape routes, and a future mother-in-law who smiles like she’s sizing up prey.
Our bride-to-be arrives ready to say “forever”… until she opens her suitcase and finds clothes that aren’t hers. Clothes last seen on a woman who vanished just days ago.
From that moment, the dread is constant.
The house watches. The family whispers. The walls seem to close in, one locked door at a time. And with six days until the wedding, every shadow feels like a warning: run while you still can.
This thriller had me devouring chapters like breadcrumbs in a dark forest—paranoia, red flags, and rich-people menace at its finest. It’s claustrophobic, twisty, and deliciously unsettling, with a final reveal that hits like an avalanche.
If you love Alice Feeney–style mind games, creepy estates, toxic families, and brides you desperately want to save, this is your next obsession.
A one-sitting, heart-pounding read you’ll be thinking about long after the last gasp-worthy twist.
November 8, 2025
A chilling lodge. A missing woman. A suitcase packed with someone else’s secrets. The Wedding Lies is a deliciously unsettling thriller that wraps you in velvet dread from the very first page.
Jade Lee Wright crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere with icy precision—Shadowmoor Lodge isn’t just remote, it’s a character in itself, watching, waiting. The protagonist’s descent into paranoia is paced with elegance, each chapter tightening the knot of unease. The family she���s about to marry into is equal parts glamorous and grotesque, their hunting rituals and silent stares adding layers of menace.
What makes this story sing is its psychological depth. Wright doesn’t rely on jump scares—she builds tension through subtle shifts, eerie coincidences, and the creeping realization that something is terribly wrong. The final twist? Jaw-dropping, yet earned.
Perfect for fans of Alice Feeney and Shalini Boland, this is a winter read best devoured by firelight, with the doors locked and your suitcase double-checked.
With thanks to Jade Lee Wright, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
Jade Lee Wright crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere with icy precision—Shadowmoor Lodge isn’t just remote, it’s a character in itself, watching, waiting. The protagonist’s descent into paranoia is paced with elegance, each chapter tightening the knot of unease. The family she���s about to marry into is equal parts glamorous and grotesque, their hunting rituals and silent stares adding layers of menace.
What makes this story sing is its psychological depth. Wright doesn’t rely on jump scares—she builds tension through subtle shifts, eerie coincidences, and the creeping realization that something is terribly wrong. The final twist? Jaw-dropping, yet earned.
Perfect for fans of Alice Feeney and Shalini Boland, this is a winter read best devoured by firelight, with the doors locked and your suitcase double-checked.
With thanks to Jade Lee Wright, the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
November 18, 2025
🌟🌟🌟.5
Well this book was packed full of drama and suspense.
I did find the first half of the book a bit slow, I felt like I kept waiting for something to happen but it was just taking a while to get going. However the second half I flew through, I could not book the book down. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
It was a great thriller and although it was a bit far fetched it is at the end of the day a fiction novel and it certainly delivered on that, creating an eerie feel right from the start, full of mystery and was really gripping towards the end.
I loved Ivy's character but I felt like she could of pushed Stephen for more answers, as a typical thriller there was no phone service for the entire week they were at the lodge but somehow the family were managing to contact people outwith the lodge and Ivy never questioned Stephen about it? There were a few moments like this and a few holes in the plot.
All in all this was a really easy read and it keeps you guessing. A perfect quick read for a wintery weekend in.
Thank you Netgalley for my copy
Well this book was packed full of drama and suspense.
I did find the first half of the book a bit slow, I felt like I kept waiting for something to happen but it was just taking a while to get going. However the second half I flew through, I could not book the book down. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
It was a great thriller and although it was a bit far fetched it is at the end of the day a fiction novel and it certainly delivered on that, creating an eerie feel right from the start, full of mystery and was really gripping towards the end.
I loved Ivy's character but I felt like she could of pushed Stephen for more answers, as a typical thriller there was no phone service for the entire week they were at the lodge but somehow the family were managing to contact people outwith the lodge and Ivy never questioned Stephen about it? There were a few moments like this and a few holes in the plot.
All in all this was a really easy read and it keeps you guessing. A perfect quick read for a wintery weekend in.
Thank you Netgalley for my copy
November 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I really enjoyed this read! From the second Ivy and Stephen arrived at the James Family lodges I couldn’t put the book down, desperate to know how it was going to pan out. With every page turn tension built and kept me interested.
Don’t get me wrong there were times Ivy frustrated me by not asking enough questions regarding the no service/WiFi etc but I do think that does tie in well with the storyline as she had her suspicions quite early on and was processing what was actually happening within the estate. I did really like her character otherwise.
The feeling of not trusting anyone was strong! When Ivy’s bridesmaids arrived I almost felt like I had been holding my breath the whole time without noticing and could finally breathe now she had people she could trust without question.
I would’ve loved to have had more of an insight on what punishments the James family men dealt with afterwards, as I certainly had a strong hatred for them and wanted them to suffer the consequences.
Thank you for allowing me to read and review before publishing.
X
I really enjoyed this read! From the second Ivy and Stephen arrived at the James Family lodges I couldn’t put the book down, desperate to know how it was going to pan out. With every page turn tension built and kept me interested.
Don’t get me wrong there were times Ivy frustrated me by not asking enough questions regarding the no service/WiFi etc but I do think that does tie in well with the storyline as she had her suspicions quite early on and was processing what was actually happening within the estate. I did really like her character otherwise.
The feeling of not trusting anyone was strong! When Ivy’s bridesmaids arrived I almost felt like I had been holding my breath the whole time without noticing and could finally breathe now she had people she could trust without question.
I would’ve loved to have had more of an insight on what punishments the James family men dealt with afterwards, as I certainly had a strong hatred for them and wanted them to suffer the consequences.
Thank you for allowing me to read and review before publishing.
X
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Shadowmoor Lodge in the Surrey Hills is the goosebump-inducing setting for The Wedding Lies by Jade Lee Wright. Ivy and Stephen journey to the lodge where his family lives to marry. Once they arrive, Ivy is panicked to discover her wedding dress is not in her luggage. In fact, she has someone else's luggage and she could swear she's seen the clothing before. But that becomes the least of her problems as she faces Stephen's hostile family, chock full of secrets. WiFi is nonexistent and the weather is brisk and stormy, further isolating Ivy. She desperately hopes her bridesmaids arrive...and will they get there in time?
Creepy vibes echoed on every page and I felt cold water trickle down my spine. I love that. My favourite aspect was the disconcerting atmosphere. But a few characters seemed to do a bit of shapeshifting and the twists were easy to see coming. Somehow I didn't feel convinced of the plot and subplots. But the pace is zippy fast and my time spent reading was enjoyable overall, especially in front of a cozy fire.
Creepy vibes echoed on every page and I felt cold water trickle down my spine. I love that. My favourite aspect was the disconcerting atmosphere. But a few characters seemed to do a bit of shapeshifting and the twists were easy to see coming. Somehow I didn't feel convinced of the plot and subplots. But the pace is zippy fast and my time spent reading was enjoyable overall, especially in front of a cozy fire.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ivy’s wedding trip to visit Stephen’s family was crazy from the start.. Lost luggage & wedding dress, Stephen’s family not making her feel welcome, her suspecting one of her soon to be in-laws is responsible for the disappearance of a young woman that has been all over the news! I mean the red flags were evident & this was a family I would not want to marry into!
Freya worked my nerves very bad! The whole family did lol but she was a standout for me on characters I couldn’t stand. Her mysterious past with Stephen definitely added a layer of suspense. Overall a solid read and great for fans that enjoy domestic thrillers. Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.05.26
Freya worked my nerves very bad! The whole family did lol but she was a standout for me on characters I couldn’t stand. Her mysterious past with Stephen definitely added a layer of suspense. Overall a solid read and great for fans that enjoy domestic thrillers. Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy. All opinions are my own.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.05.26
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Super creepy and is twisty! From the moment Ivy and Stephen arrive at his family's large, sprawling estate, there is something that feels off. His family are acting strangely and Stephen seems different to the man Ivy has fallen for and is due to marry in just 6 days time.
Ivy can't stop thinking about a woman who recently went missing and is terrified when she opens her suitcase, to find the contents are not hers, but the clothing the missing woman was reported to be wearing!
As a storm closes in (obviously) and the mobile signal fails (naturally), Ivy is trapped in this terrifying situation with no answers and danger all around.
The pace was fast and I was gripped, trusting no-one and terrified for Ivy - a great read!
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jade Lee Wright and Joffe for an ARC of this book.
Ivy can't stop thinking about a woman who recently went missing and is terrified when she opens her suitcase, to find the contents are not hers, but the clothing the missing woman was reported to be wearing!
As a storm closes in (obviously) and the mobile signal fails (naturally), Ivy is trapped in this terrifying situation with no answers and danger all around.
The pace was fast and I was gripped, trusting no-one and terrified for Ivy - a great read!
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jade Lee Wright and Joffe for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Wedding Lies by Jade Lee Wright in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those books that’s so implausible it somehow becomes very entertaining. Set at a remote, off-grid lodge resort, Ivy’s engagement trip quickly turns unsettling after she hears about a missing girl and becomes convinced she’s seen her nearby.
With no phone signal, no neighbours, a controlling future mother-in-law, and a suitcase mix-up that raises serious alarm bells, the tension builds fast. Ivy doesn’t know who to trust — not even her fiancé — and the atmosphere becomes increasingly claustrophobic.
While the plot definitely stretches believability, it’s fast-paced, suspenseful, and hard to put down. The writing is sharp, the twists are familiar but well executed, and it kept me turning the pages. A very enjoyable read and a solid 4⭐ for me.
This is one of those books that’s so implausible it somehow becomes very entertaining. Set at a remote, off-grid lodge resort, Ivy’s engagement trip quickly turns unsettling after she hears about a missing girl and becomes convinced she’s seen her nearby.
With no phone signal, no neighbours, a controlling future mother-in-law, and a suitcase mix-up that raises serious alarm bells, the tension builds fast. Ivy doesn’t know who to trust — not even her fiancé — and the atmosphere becomes increasingly claustrophobic.
While the plot definitely stretches believability, it’s fast-paced, suspenseful, and hard to put down. The writing is sharp, the twists are familiar but well executed, and it kept me turning the pages. A very enjoyable read and a solid 4⭐ for me.
November 17, 2025
An anxiety inducing read. I didn't truly hate it but I can't rate it higher as I couldn't get on board with this writing style, the plot holes everywhere or just the unrealistic aspect of so much of this. Every character was given basically a fake personality to throw off the reader. How did the mom not know this was all happening? Was the father actually sick? Why would she be drugged? Stephen hadn't been home for years but yet he was so deeply involved too? It was made to seem like he didn't want to get her involved, she's also the one who wanted to get pregnant so badly. It doesn't add up for me. We didn't need plot twists just to have plot twists, they need to make sense with the previous information given.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This domestic thriller immediately pulls you into the unsettling world of Shadowmoor Lodge.
We meet Ivy, excited for her wedding, arriving from South Africa with her fiancé, Stephen, only to discover his family is deeply strange and unwelcoming.
The growing animosity and odd occurrences confuse and isolate Ivy, compelling her to determinedly search for answers.
This is a wonderfully twisty thriller with a highly likeable protagonist whose mounting fear, as the wedding approaches, grows by the day.
You'll be turning pages quickly, unsure who to trust, right up until the unexpected ending that ties everything together neatly.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
We meet Ivy, excited for her wedding, arriving from South Africa with her fiancé, Stephen, only to discover his family is deeply strange and unwelcoming.
The growing animosity and odd occurrences confuse and isolate Ivy, compelling her to determinedly search for answers.
This is a wonderfully twisty thriller with a highly likeable protagonist whose mounting fear, as the wedding approaches, grows by the day.
You'll be turning pages quickly, unsure who to trust, right up until the unexpected ending that ties everything together neatly.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
December 25, 2025
Ivy and Stephen seem like the perfect romantic couple and when he whisks her away to meet his family at Shadowland moor a dark and brooding woodland estate something sinister is upon them.
She sees a missing girl in a car driven by his Dad and is determined to discover that the family are weird as hell. The women are not welcoming to her either. Id have run a mile at the first sign of bother but Ivy tries to stay as long as she can to find the missing Charlotte. What she uncovers is horrific and really odd. The addition of a tarot reader warning of evil on the estate is a bit over the top but it adds to the drama. The novel gathers pace in the final third of the story and you'll be cheering ivy on by the end.
Thank you to the author, Joffe books and NetGalley for the eARC. Denise x
She sees a missing girl in a car driven by his Dad and is determined to discover that the family are weird as hell. The women are not welcoming to her either. Id have run a mile at the first sign of bother but Ivy tries to stay as long as she can to find the missing Charlotte. What she uncovers is horrific and really odd. The addition of a tarot reader warning of evil on the estate is a bit over the top but it adds to the drama. The novel gathers pace in the final third of the story and you'll be cheering ivy on by the end.
Thank you to the author, Joffe books and NetGalley for the eARC. Denise x
December 26, 2025
The Wedding Lies is Jade Lee Wrights second novel and had me hooked from the start.
There is plenty of intrigue, mystery and drama from page one and had Christmas not got in the way I would have finished it in a matter of days.
Ivy is set to marry Stephen in a matter of days at his family estate in the Surrey Hills. Ivy is excited until she realises the James family has many many secrets and all alone with no mobile signal or outside help, can she get to the bottom of them before it’s too late?
This is written in the first person, mostly single POV which is a refreshing change and worked well. We also have the voice of a second character thrown in during some parts which broke the story up creating even more intrigue.
There is plenty of intrigue, mystery and drama from page one and had Christmas not got in the way I would have finished it in a matter of days.
Ivy is set to marry Stephen in a matter of days at his family estate in the Surrey Hills. Ivy is excited until she realises the James family has many many secrets and all alone with no mobile signal or outside help, can she get to the bottom of them before it’s too late?
This is written in the first person, mostly single POV which is a refreshing change and worked well. We also have the voice of a second character thrown in during some parts which broke the story up creating even more intrigue.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4 stars for me.
Ivy is marrying Stephen at Shadowmoor Lodge,and meeting his family at the same time.Ivy thinks Stephen family don't like her,and some members are really hostile toward her.On the day she arrived she saw a news about missing woman Charlotte Walker ,and few days later when she was riding a horse,Ivy is sure it was Carlotte in the car with some men against her will.What should be a happiest time of her life,soon is changing to nightmare,and Ivy have to find out can she even trust her fiancé?
What is going on at Shadowmoor Lodge?
Is Ivy safe?
Great and quick psychological thriller,full of tension and secrets.I liked Ivy,there were moments when I admired her tolerance to few not so nice family members.She made some mistakes but go with her gut when she feels something is wrong,and that was more dark and disturbing then anything I suspect.Some twist were easy to guess,some harder,and the ending one was really twisted.My first book by this author,and hope to read more.
If you like psychological thriller with dark twists,I would recommend this one,it was great.
Thank you Joffe books publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Ivy is marrying Stephen at Shadowmoor Lodge,and meeting his family at the same time.Ivy thinks Stephen family don't like her,and some members are really hostile toward her.On the day she arrived she saw a news about missing woman Charlotte Walker ,and few days later when she was riding a horse,Ivy is sure it was Carlotte in the car with some men against her will.What should be a happiest time of her life,soon is changing to nightmare,and Ivy have to find out can she even trust her fiancé?
What is going on at Shadowmoor Lodge?
Is Ivy safe?
Great and quick psychological thriller,full of tension and secrets.I liked Ivy,there were moments when I admired her tolerance to few not so nice family members.She made some mistakes but go with her gut when she feels something is wrong,and that was more dark and disturbing then anything I suspect.Some twist were easy to guess,some harder,and the ending one was really twisted.My first book by this author,and hope to read more.
If you like psychological thriller with dark twists,I would recommend this one,it was great.
Thank you Joffe books publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Ivy Cohen and Stephan James are getting married. Stephan is introducing his fiance to his parents before the wedding. Although Ivy gets the impression that Stephan's parents do not like her which makes it awkward to say the least. It appears one or more in the family have a few secrets they are harbouring. The build up in the storyline is great and the author certainly keeps you guessing. Unfortunately for Ivy she will discover something that may change her life and put her in grave danger. She must uncover these secrets whilst keeping herself safe. Unfortunately Ivy doesn't know who she can trust. A twisty thriller that will leave you gobsmacked at the end. A perfect thriller!
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