Sophie Ranald, a novelist who is based in London and who already published twelve romantic comedy novels, offers another feel-good read that tells the story of Natalie who got engaged with Archie after a year of being together. Although she was not certain whether she's ready to get married, she knew one thing for sure and that was to spend the rest of her life with Archie. A grand wedding was out of the question but when she's pitted against her future sister-in-law and mother-in-law for the wedding decisions, she's not a hundred percent sure anymore. Would she have a simple and intimate or an elaborate and publicized wedding?
***
He's Cancelled is a bowl of annoyance with a dash of fun. Please don't get me wrong. The writing was good as revealed in the characterization of the people in the story that evoked annoyance, my main reaction to Nat's people-pleasing, Yvonne's and Daisy's insensitivity, and Archie's nonchalance.
Even though the story focused more on the wedding preparation, the author was able to illustrate the reasons why Archie was canceled. His constant disregard for his fiancée's issues with his family and his best friend who drove herself up the wall revealed his lack of importance on Nat as his partner and as a woman. This is such a deal-breaker for me.
The side stories featuring Nat’s mother, grandfather, and friends created heartwarming interludes between stressful wedding planning and couple arguments.
In the comedy area, the novel fell short of my expectations. I was bracing for laugh-out-loud moments but they never arrived. There were parts that were funny, though, but only elicited chuckles.
This book is for those who are looking for a light romcom that is about an uncertain bride, wedding planning, and bridezillas. The story is a nice read with its comprehensible and well-paced plot.
Discussion Questions
1. How would you describe the protagonist?
2. If you were in her shoes, would you accept Archie's proposal? Why or why not?
3. What do you like and dislike about Archie?
4. How did you feel about the wedding preparations?
5. What are the implications of the involvement of Archie's mother and sister in the wedding planning?
6. Who was Billy in Archie's life?
7. Was Archie’s explanation enough to let Billy get away with what he did to Nat?
8. If you were Archie, what would you have done differently?
8.Was the author able to achieve her goal to make you laugh out loud? Explain more.
9. What do you think about the ending?
10. What questions did you have after reading the book?
My Rating: 3.5/5
Further Information
Title: He's Cancelled
Author: Sophie Ranald
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Publisher: Bookouture (June 23, 2021)
Publication Date: June 23, 2021
Print length: 281
ASIN: B091348SF3
Quotes
First Line:
"Archie had been my boyfriend for just over a year, which was more than long enough for me to have learned that – although he was a wonderful person and my ideal man in almost all ways – romance was not his strong point."
