Save the Date by Mallory Kass

Billed as a romantic comedy with the slow-burn romance of Emily Henry and the fizzy humor of Sophie Kinsella, Save the Date had a lot to live up to. Happily, Mallory Kass met the challenge. This could have been just another wedding gone wrong book, with fake date and friends to lovers subplots, but Kass gave us wonderfully quirky and fully developed characters instead.

Marigold is marrying Jonathan, who was her maid of honor’s best friend. Natalie, the best friend, was always in love with Jonathan, but assumed he was too good for her. So, she introduced him to Marigold, the lovely, rich, influencer who’s wedding on Sandpiper Island in Maine is a major event. But there are problems, not the least of which is Natalie’s desire to make sure the wedding is perfect for her friend.

Olivia is Marigold’s sister and used to cleaning up the messes her sister inevitably gets into. She is organized and smart and probably should have been the maid of honor, but graciously helps Natalie with her issues, and assumes she will be enjoying the continuation of a near romance with an old acquaintance. But there are problems there, too. Like the old acquaintance’s supermodel Plus One.

Then Marigold disappears, the day before the wedding. Olivia sees her leave and assumes it’s cold feet. Olivia knows family secrets that Marigold has been spared and is determined to get Marigold back on board.

The novel is charming, serious and just what I needed for this time when the world seems anything but romantic. It will be released April 14, 2026, by Atria Books. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.