Dictatorship of the Dress

In this riveting and pitch-perfect contemporary, first in the Much “I Do” About Nothing series, Laney Hudson learns that appearances can be deceiving and that love can come when least expected. Beautiful but insecure Laney must transport her mother’s wedding gown to Hawaii and has been given strict instructions not to let it out of her sight. Assumed to be the bride, she is upgraded to first class and seated next to a good-looking but rigid “tech boy” who is then mistaken for her groom. When their connecting flights are canceled and the airline staff reserves the last hotel room for the “couple,” Noah and Laney go with it. As they slowly reveal aspects of their lives to each other, a gradual buildup of attraction and appreciation creates a palpable and dynamic tension. Topper develops Laney and Noah as individuals through their recollections of significant events in their lives; Laney’s struggles with the baggage of her past and Noah’s battles to make the right decisions in his are chronicled with an honesty and charm that is heartwarming and spellbinding. Topper’s tale of loss and love is a winner. (Jan.)