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Destination Wedding
Three successful best friends in Atlanta believe they are thriving in the Black Mecca. Bossy bank executive Senalda breaks down men from business to bed no holds barred. Hip hop PR guru Jarena praises the Lord and pursues married men with equal persistence. Famous and infamous radio personality Mimi fights with her fans and for the love of her on-and-off-again boyfriend. But when an ABC News Nightline report, "Single, Black, Female -- and Plenty of Company," asks why can't a successful black woman find a man ? The friends are suddenly hyper-aware of their inclusion in the sad 42% of black women who have never been married. Like the women in the report, they are career-driven, beautiful black women living in Atlanta who have everything -- but a mate. They resolve to defy the statistic by marrying in a year and have it all by tackling their goal as a project with a vision board, monthly meetings, and more. Project Destination Wedding is born. A “happily married” best friend Whitney is a project consultant. But as the deadline ticks closer, the women wonder if they can withstand another year of looking for love in the media-proclaimed no-man's land of Atlanta. Senalda wrests a marriage proposal from the male version of herself, but the proposal comes simultaneously with a devastating secret. Jarena unleashes hell when her call to ministry coincides with dating her married college sweetheart. Mimi faces losing her career and jail time chasing her boyfriend and marries another man in the process. Whitney’s power couple profile plummets when her husband, a pornography addict, announces he would rather pursue photography than be an MD. Inspired by an actual Nightline report, Destination Wedding charts four women’s journeys as they discover that love is not an experiment easily confined to a timetable.
298 pages, Paperback
Published December 3, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 27, 2020
Destination Wedding is a story about friendship and finding true love. It is not that I didn't enjoy the book. It just seemed rushed. Great storyline but so aggravating to have beautiful, single, successful, black women rushing desperately to get married. Sure we all want true love, marriage, and a family with THE ONE but....I personally feel this is how too many of us become love addicted, anxious to be fixer uppers to men we are not equally yoked with, and we get in terrible, dysfunctional relationships being in a rush for a ring! Besides feeling the story was rushed, I wondered if this author had an editor go through the written work. There were grammatical errors on almost every page....and I am NOT exaggerating! Maybe the follow up will be written and edited and will feel like a well written complete story.
September 13, 2020
It was intriguing to read about the relationship among friends and how each character was unique although they shared a common goal. I would like to have had more to captivate my attention near the beginning of the book, however, the author did a great job of describing each character. I was excited to get to the end and learn how each of the ladies concluded the plan. I would love to see how they are doing in a book 2.
January 31, 2020
A story of 4 friends, 3 of them single and how they decide to plan a destination wedding to take place in a year and the steps they plan to take to make sure they find the guy as well as the wedding. There were a lot of drama, surprises, twists and turns throughout the story. I would like to know what happens to the characters in the future. The Author did a very good job with the story line as well as the development of the characters.
I received a copy of the book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of the book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All Thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 26, 2020
Book Review: “Destination Wedding”
Jarena, Senalda, Mimi, and Whitney are modern day women with generational issues. Each one bringing to the table their own set of secrets that even their best friends do not know about. It is enough to make the average women question, “just how well do I know my friends?” The author did a really good job with intertwining the little nuances like distinctions in skin color, hair texture, class, addiction, sexual orientation, and faith in ways that makes the reader dig a little deeper into each concepts on levels that they may not have thought about before. Understanding the backstories to these characters really helped the reader to understand some of the choices they made. Writing and explaining them in a way that generates compassion from the reader is a skill set that not all authors have. Everybody has a story (past) and how much of that they choose to share is optional to the individual. As Black women, do we view the lack of total disclosure as disloyalty in our friendships with other women and with our men? These are the types of questions the author makes one ask. I would venture to say that for most, the answer is not a simple black or white. This is what I loved about the book. It was almost like the reader was having their very own session with CC. 😊 Living in Atlanta, having all the locations as reference points, was also an added treat; in that I have been to most of them. I even wandered down that same little side road off Cascade that lead Jarena to the Church. As complicated as our lives can be at its root stages (who our parents were and who their parents were) Black women are unique. It is easy to get caught up the expectations of others when it comes to how we view success and choose our mates. What is the most important thing however is staying true to who we are at our core; and may we be the girlfriend that we all would want for ourselves. Great read! (Brenda Walker-Butts, President, Girls Night Out Book Club)
Jarena, Senalda, Mimi, and Whitney are modern day women with generational issues. Each one bringing to the table their own set of secrets that even their best friends do not know about. It is enough to make the average women question, “just how well do I know my friends?” The author did a really good job with intertwining the little nuances like distinctions in skin color, hair texture, class, addiction, sexual orientation, and faith in ways that makes the reader dig a little deeper into each concepts on levels that they may not have thought about before. Understanding the backstories to these characters really helped the reader to understand some of the choices they made. Writing and explaining them in a way that generates compassion from the reader is a skill set that not all authors have. Everybody has a story (past) and how much of that they choose to share is optional to the individual. As Black women, do we view the lack of total disclosure as disloyalty in our friendships with other women and with our men? These are the types of questions the author makes one ask. I would venture to say that for most, the answer is not a simple black or white. This is what I loved about the book. It was almost like the reader was having their very own session with CC. 😊 Living in Atlanta, having all the locations as reference points, was also an added treat; in that I have been to most of them. I even wandered down that same little side road off Cascade that lead Jarena to the Church. As complicated as our lives can be at its root stages (who our parents were and who their parents were) Black women are unique. It is easy to get caught up the expectations of others when it comes to how we view success and choose our mates. What is the most important thing however is staying true to who we are at our core; and may we be the girlfriend that we all would want for ourselves. Great read! (Brenda Walker-Butts, President, Girls Night Out Book Club)
May 17, 2021
Majestic Bloom bookclub recently read the book as a Book of the Month selection. I am the President of the club and actually recommended Jacqueline Holness' debut as our April BOM.
The characters were very well developed. To the point that we cared about the fate of the characters and were able to chart their growth and development. The story is of friendship and finding true love.
The native Atlantans (and those of that have been here for awhile) recognized the landmarks. Fortunately or perhaps unfortunately we were able to personally identify with one or more of the characters. Another testament to the author's writing skill.
Similar to a movie or play the author used a plotline that had activity or action not only in the beginning and end but throughout the story as well. Many readers mentioned actually not being able to put the book down once they began.
I'm choosing not to reveal any potential spoilers as I truly believe the book is worth your read. After you have read it I would enjoy discussing. Just know the book is interesting with a timely subject matter for single ladies.
In discussion, the consensus of book club members is that the underlying theme came across very clearly... We all think we want a particular partner but in the end... getting to know and fully understand self is necessary for the right relationship to find you.
Note there are 10 bookclub members. Only two are single but the married members found the story as inspiring and interesting as the single members. The appeal is universal. The members even mentioned sharing most if not all of the plot with their husbands or men in their lives.
The characters were very well developed. To the point that we cared about the fate of the characters and were able to chart their growth and development. The story is of friendship and finding true love.
The native Atlantans (and those of that have been here for awhile) recognized the landmarks. Fortunately or perhaps unfortunately we were able to personally identify with one or more of the characters. Another testament to the author's writing skill.
Similar to a movie or play the author used a plotline that had activity or action not only in the beginning and end but throughout the story as well. Many readers mentioned actually not being able to put the book down once they began.
I'm choosing not to reveal any potential spoilers as I truly believe the book is worth your read. After you have read it I would enjoy discussing. Just know the book is interesting with a timely subject matter for single ladies.
In discussion, the consensus of book club members is that the underlying theme came across very clearly... We all think we want a particular partner but in the end... getting to know and fully understand self is necessary for the right relationship to find you.
Note there are 10 bookclub members. Only two are single but the married members found the story as inspiring and interesting as the single members. The appeal is universal. The members even mentioned sharing most if not all of the plot with their husbands or men in their lives.
March 24, 2021
How difficult is it for a single, successful black woman to find a partner or for that matter a single black women period? That is a discussion that has been around for quite some time. Destination Wedding attempts to address this topic by taking readers on a roller coaster with plenty of twists and turns to hold your interest. Set in The ATL, these characters find themselves in the midst of this conundrum. Although, I enjoyed this book, I have to say I did not find myself fully invested with the characters for some reason. However, I do feel that this is a good read for younger women, especially those looking to develop their outlook of love and life. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.
June 8, 2020
Destination Wedding plot of the four successful friends planning to be married within a year is very relatable. I had flashbacks of myself and friends in each of the characters. Love the way the author revealed the transparency and the not so transparent moments throughout the friendships. Vivid information on each character bringing to life their stories from the beginning to the end. Author did an awesome job revealing individual life issues and successes for each character. Great job, especially the ending. Tricia Jenkins
July 11, 2020
I read this book in two days. Such a fun page turner, it was a guided tour through 30's dating. A twist on Sex and the City, this was an ode to sisters on a mission to find love in the heart of the ATL. It felt like girls' night out, having cocktails with my friends and catching up on all the relationship craziness in our lives. And every once (or twice!) in a while, thinking, "OK, why does that sound just like me?!" It is nice to see them happen upon some valuable lessons, too--like how we just might find love if we start with ourselves and get out of our own way.
December 1, 2020
This book was well-written and I truly enjoyed it! Being single myself, this subject really resonated with me. I enjoyed reading the character's stories and the different situations that they found themselves in. There were some interesting scenarios in the story that had me shaking my head or laughing out loud throughout the book. I am looking forward to introducing this book to my book club members because I would love to hear their thoughts on this subject!
*I received an advanced reading copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*
Kenya E
Soul Sistahs Book Club
*I received an advanced reading copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*
Kenya E
Soul Sistahs Book Club
April 8, 2020
Destination Wedding is an amazing story about friendship, love, lost and growth. Destination Wedding is so good. I couldn’t put it down! I found pieces of myself and my friends in all the characters. As a successful black woman, dating and trying to find the right life partner can be challenging and our childhood and past relationships play a part in our choices. This novel explores all of that and it is super funny and full of twists and turns! I love it!
May 9, 2020
A Fun Read!
I loved this book’s fast pace, vivid and interesting characters- each with unique stories. This is well written. I love a story that takes me in a ride through the interesting lives of relatable characters ; then weaves them together and surprises me at the end! This is that book ! Perfect for quarantine recreational reading!!
I loved this book’s fast pace, vivid and interesting characters- each with unique stories. This is well written. I love a story that takes me in a ride through the interesting lives of relatable characters ; then weaves them together and surprises me at the end! This is that book ! Perfect for quarantine recreational reading!!
Read
July 9, 2020I was pleasantly surprised and entertained during and after reading Destination Wedding. Jacqueline Holness put a lot of time researching and putting this novel on paper. I recommend all single women of any age to read this. Good job Jackie. A sequel could be in order.
February 5, 2021
easy read good perspective on dating nice twist on the end
September 19, 2020
Destination Wedding was an interesting take on friendships, dating, and alliances. The story takes us on a journey of 4 female friends, 1 married, Whitney, and 3 not married, Mimi, Senalda, and Jarena maneuvering their lives in metro ATL with the hopes of finding someone to marry for the singles and getting back to that happy place in the marriage for Whitney. Each friend has secrets that they don't want to share with their friends. Whitney tries to give advice to her unmarried friends. Throughout the book you get to see how the 3 unmarried friends pursuit of a mate turns out and if any of the characters find true love.
November 5, 2020
Great book!
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had lots is twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I would recommend to a friend.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had lots is twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I would recommend to a friend.
February 12, 2020
Good stuff first: The story was intriguing, was about a subject I can closely relate to. I loved that it was about four strong, successful Black women. And there was enough drama in the story to stay engaged in (no pun intended).
Unfortunately, though, I just couldn't totally get into these characters. They never read as 'real' to me. Between that, the writing, and the spelling-things-as-they-might-sound thing that filled Mimi's scenes and a lot of Wendell's (that "purrrty" thing actually got a little annoying, I hate to say), it got to the point where I was mostly just reading to get it over with. Though I can appreciate some of the plot twists, some things just didn't feel fully flushed out. Some parts felt rushed or glazed over (would Jarena confront Ian or not?), other details seemed drawn out and unnecessary (i.e. outfit descriptions), and some things were just unrealistic (Richie's locs reaching collarbone-level so quickly.)
I SO wanted to like this book more than I did, as it came highly recommended. But I suppose I'm in the anomaly that just wasn't feeling it.
Unfortunately, though, I just couldn't totally get into these characters. They never read as 'real' to me. Between that, the writing, and the spelling-things-as-they-might-sound thing that filled Mimi's scenes and a lot of Wendell's (that "purrrty" thing actually got a little annoying, I hate to say), it got to the point where I was mostly just reading to get it over with. Though I can appreciate some of the plot twists, some things just didn't feel fully flushed out. Some parts felt rushed or glazed over (would Jarena confront Ian or not?), other details seemed drawn out and unnecessary (i.e. outfit descriptions), and some things were just unrealistic (Richie's locs reaching collarbone-level so quickly.)
I SO wanted to like this book more than I did, as it came highly recommended. But I suppose I'm in the anomaly that just wasn't feeling it.
December 23, 2019
Engaging storyline from start to finish. Author does a good job of crafting a plot and narrative that is not only relatable and funny but prompts reflection on real-life dilemmas faced by many women. My head and heart were stimulated throughout the whole reading experience!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews