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The Rehearsals Hardcover – July 13, 2021
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Groundhog Day meets People We Meet on Vacation in a funny and romantic novel about a couple who call off their wedding after a disastrous rehearsal dinner—only to wake up the next morning on an "irresistible" adventure (Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of The Hotel Nantucket).
The wedding is tomorrow. If today ever ends.
"A sweet, delightful romance." —People
"An enchanting and compelling look at life's what-if's." —Helen Hoang
"Terrific fun from beginning to end." —Sarah Haywood
Megan Givens and Tom Prescott are heading into what is supposed to be their magical wedding weekend on beautiful San Juan Island. But with two difficult families, ten years of history, and all too many secrets, things quickly go wrong. After a disastrous rehearsal dinner they vow to call the whole thing off—only to wake up the next morning stuck together in a time loop. Are they really destined to relive the worst day of their lives, over and over? And what happens if their wedding day does arrive?
A funny, romantic, and big-hearted debut novel, The Rehearsals imagines what we might do if given a second chance at life and at love—and what it means to finally get both right.
- Print length320 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherLittle, Brown and Company
- Publication dateJuly 13, 2021
- Dimensions6.45 x 1.4 x 9.55 inches
- ISBN-100316592994
- ISBN-13978-0316592994
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Irresistible . . . Annette Christie has written a fun, yet thought-provoking, rom-com.”―Elin Hilderbrand, New York Times bestselling author of Golden Girl
“A funny, clever, enchanting story about finding our way back to ourselves and to those we truly love. It had me spellbound from the first page. . . . The Rehearsals is refreshingly honest about the ups and downs of long-term relationships, whether romantic or family, handling its themes with wit and zest. Terrific fun from beginning to end!”―Sarah Haywood, author of the New York Times bestseller and Reese Witherspoon X Hello Sunshine Book Club pick The Cactus
“A delightful debut . . . Christie’s clever time-loop plot allows for great depth of emotion as her protagonists explore different paths and come to terms with what they can and can’t change about themselves and each other. This charming story delivers equal amounts of honesty and hope and is bound to win the hearts of rom-com fans.”―Publishers Weekly
“Funny, romantic, and surprisingly thought-provoking, The Rehearsals is both a highly enjoyable romp and a poignant meditation on love and second chances.”―Shelf Awareness
“Megan’s and Tom’s betrayals are explored compassionately and honestly . . . As Megan and Tom relive the same day and get to know each other in an entirely new way, it’s unclear until the very end what will happen with their relationship, creating a level of suspense that will keep readers turning the pages. A compelling story about the power of second chances and forgiveness that’s sure to spark conversation.”―Kirkus Reviews
"A truly absorbing read, told with wit and heart, and impossible to put down. Annette Christie is a master of creating characters that feel like friends, where you hate to turn that last page and say goodbye."―Jen DeLuca, author of Well Met
"Christie's sparkling and witty debut explores the tangled web of the night before a wedding. Through Tom and Megan, we discover the importance of second or more chances, and how learning to listen (to others and yourself) is the key to love and happiness." ―Roselle Lim, author of Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune and Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop
“Christie keeps the tone light, inserting repeating scenarios into each day, and turning the nightmare time loop into a journey of self-discovery. There’s a feeling of resolution at the end,
which isn’t what the characters expected, but it’s what they needed. Fans of Christina Lauren and Meg Cabot will savor this charming relationship comedy.”―Booklist
“I was thrilled when the story delivered, one hundred percent, on the promise of its intriguing premise. Christie grabbed me on the first page and didn’t let me go until the end, when I closed and book and smiled. A warm and touching novel by a wonderfully talented author.”
―Mary Simses, author of The Wedding Thief
“A compelling, clever look at the hard work of growing up in our relationships—with friends, family, lovers, and ourselves—woven through with humor and tremendous heart.” ―Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate
“A deeply special book, warm and wise and filled with undeniable tenderness. Annette Christie draws her not-quite-newlyweds Megan and Tom with tremendous empathy, and I rooted for them on all their wild misadventures, eager to find out what would happen each time they woke up. An effervescent, one-of-a-kind love story.”―Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Today Tonight Tomorrow
“A clever and engrossing story . . . I loved the whole backdrop to their Groundhog Day-style predicament: the picturesque wedding venue, the clashing families, and the way the recurring day developed layers and surprises as Megan and Tom tried to get themselves out of the loop.”―Helen Cooper, author of The Downstairs Neighbor
"A refreshing and very astute observation of relationships, both the ones you have with the people closest to you and the one you have with yourself. It's smart and nuanced, the kind of book that makes its reader feel seen. Anything set around a wedding is kryptonite for me, and Annette Christie beautifully weaves wedding angst with secrets, betrayals, confrontation, and what it really means to choose someone else, and yourself. . . . A beautiful, fun, surprising book.”―Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of The Girls Are All So Nice Here
"A humorous, honest look at the complexities of relationships and the sacrifices we make to maintain them. A refreshing read for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon and Emily Henry."―Suzanne Park, author of Loathe at First Sight
“Clever and engrossing . . . I loved the picturesque wedding venue, the clashing families, and the way the recurring day developed layers and surprises as Megan and Tom tried to get themselves out of the loop.”―Helen Cooper, author of The Downstairs Neighbor
"Utterly captivating, charming, and brilliant. With a compelling plot and relatable characters, The Rehearsals explores the raw emotions behind the question of 'what if' and the true meaning of second chances."―Sonia Hartl, author of Heartbreak for Hire and Have a Little Faith in Me
“A whip-smart Groundhog Day reincarnation that will have you laughing and cringing in equal measure. The Rehearsals not only takes you on a wild ride, it forces you to ask yourself if you’re living your best life. Hilarious, heartfelt, and stay-up-all-night addictive.”―Kelly Siskind, author of New Orleans Rush
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date : July 13, 2021
- Language : English
- Print length : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0316592994
- ISBN-13 : 978-0316592994
- Item Weight : 1.16 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.45 x 1.4 x 9.55 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #3,301,621 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #9,235 in Women's Domestic Life Fiction
- #26,159 in Contemporary Women Fiction
- #65,190 in Contemporary Romance (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Annette Christie is the author of The Rehearsals, For Twice in My Life, and Love Lessons. She has a BFA in Theatre and a history of very odd jobs. The back of her head is featured prominently in the film Mean Girls. She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two children.
Customer reviews
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Customers find the book's characters well-developed and appreciate its emotional depth, describing it as emotionally complex and relatable. Moreover, the romance receives positive feedback, with one customer highlighting its well-thought-out plot and engaging twists and turns. Additionally, customers find the book easy to read, with one describing it as a great summer read.
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Customers appreciate the character development in the book.
"...The Rehearsals is smart and real and wonderful. And there's character growth and self-awareness! And in the end, The Rehearsals hit me...." Read more
"...The characters were so real and utterly relatable in their flaws and realizations to the point where you become molded to the pages and understand..." Read more
"...What you will get is honesty, pain, character growth, and some hope...." Read more
"...The characters are very well developed, the plot well thought out, there is humor and heart and serious, relevant questions to think about...." Read more
Customers enjoy the romantic elements of the book, with one review highlighting its well-thought-out plot and engaging twists and turns.
"...The characters are very well developed, the plot well thought out, there is humor and heart and serious, relevant questions to think about...." Read more
"Like the twists and turns of the story" Read more
"...A thought provoking book with humor and so much love." Read more
"Groundhog Day retelling! Very Romantic!" Read more
Customers find the book emotionally complex and relatable.
"...The characters were so real and utterly relatable in their flaws and realizations to the point where you become molded to the pages and understand..." Read more
"...The relationship woes depicted are relatable and realistic. I look forward to more from this author." Read more
"This Time Loop Takes You on an Emotional Ride..." Read more
Customers find the book readable, with one describing it as a great summer read.
"...The Rehearsals is smart and real and wonderful. And there's character growth and self-awareness! And in the end, The Rehearsals hit me...." Read more
"Loved this book!..." Read more
"Great summer read..." Read more
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An engaging time travel story
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2021I think I was predisposed to love Annette Christie's adult debut, The Rehearsals. I live in the Pacific Northwest, I've been to the San Juan Islands and I love a good time loop. (Did you read Christina Lauren's In a Holidaze?) I mean, who'd pass up the chance to do something over or differently, if you didn't get it right the first time?
But instead of making Tom and Megan's story about do-overs, The Rehearsals peels back the layers on their 10+ year relationship. This is their chance to examine and fix what got them to where they are, as they relive their rehearsal dinner day, just before their wedding in the San Juans.
Upfront, this is not a rom-com, it's domestic fiction/contemporary fiction with a romantic relationship at its center. You run the gamut of emotions with Megan and Tom. They are messy! They are flawed. But they aren't fundamentally bad people. Controlling and/or dysfunctional families and old secrets stand between them. They both make bad (read: dealbreaker!) decisions. At times you want to shake both of them, and say, C'mon, stop! Think about what you're doing! But the truth is, Annette Christie kept me rooting for them through every new loop.
What I loved is that The Rehearsals is about self-discovery as much as it's about Megan and Tom's relationship with each other. And it's told in alternating POV (third person). A clever way of telegraphing both of them are culpable for where they've ended up. That's just one of the things that made me love this book. The Rehearsals is smart and real and wonderful. And there's character growth and self-awareness! And in the end, The Rehearsals hit me. Right in the feels. Yes, there were tears. Happy ones.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and purchased my own copy.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2021How can I properly articulate all the things this book made me feel? It was just stunning. Beautifully, deeply, emotionally complex. A meaningful deconstruction of the way two people who love each other can both hurt and heal each other.
This book made me take a second look at all those big “what if” moments in my life and examine them honestly. It ingeniously showed the way nostalgia and resentment and regrets and guilt can distort the way you view your past and yourself. I went through so many emotions reading this book, sometimes all of them at the same time. I laughed and cried and rooted against situations I turned around and rooted for with every fiber of my being a handful of pages later. The characters were so real and utterly relatable in their flaws and realizations to the point where you become molded to the pages and understand and self-actualize with the characters, as if you’ve become a part of them.
And it’s so smart. It makes you think, it makes you feel, and it pulls you apart then carefully, brilliantly knits you back together. This is one of those rare books where I didn’t just get lost in the story (though I did) or fall deeply in love with the characters (though that also happened), but I walked away with an understanding of myself I didn’t have before. It made me look at certain things in my own life through a new lens, and gave me a much deeper appreciation for the “what is” over the “what if”.
I love this book with everything that I have. It’s going down as one of my favorites of all-time and will absolutely be a reread for me. Highly, highly, highly recommend.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2022You only have to read a quarter way into the book to know what the ending will be
- Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2022This one is definitely a ride. Unlike some of the other time loops I have read, in this one, both main characters realize that they are in a time loop, and we see the story from both points-of-view. This means that the hurts compound day-to-day as do the dawning realizations. With each other, they do not get clean slates.
At times stressful, infuriating, touching, and heartbreaking, this one is not for the faint of heart. If you are looking for a lighthearted romance, this is not it. What you will get is honesty, pain, character growth, and some hope.
In book club, we discussed how this book tends to resonate more with people that can identify with some of the things these characters are experiencing. This is a long term relationship--when the story begins, they are already 12 years into it--and sacrifices have been made by both characters, but not necessarily for each other in both cases.
I liked this one, but there were mixed reactions in book club to it.
Slight spoilers in content warnings:
CW: cheating, family tension, controlling parental figures, absentee parents
- Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2021This obviously isn’t the first book to use the time loop premise in the setting of a romantic existential crisis, but it was deftly done nonetheless. The characters are very well developed, the plot well thought out, there is humor and heart and serious, relevant questions to think about. The relationship woes depicted are relatable and realistic. I look forward to more from this author.
Top reviews from other countries
- KellyReviewed in Canada on August 4, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful & Poignant - A Must Read!
From the moment I read the synopsis of THE REHEARSALS by fellow Canadian author Annette Christie, I was counting down the days until I could get my hands on a copy. When that day finally arrived, this book did not disappoint.
The premise is fantastic—a wedding themed groundhog day—where Meg and Tom (the intended bride and groom) are stuck in a time loop that has them repeatedly waking up on the morning of their rehearsal dinner. The writing is witty, sharp and poignant. Christie gives her characters such depth that even as we learn their greatest regrets and biggest faults, we can’t help but fall in love with them.
I also fell deeply in love with the setting. Maybe I loved it because it felt west coast familiar, but I think it was more about the way in which the author describes the San Juan Islands in such vivid detail. It was the perfect backdrop for this compelling and thoughtful story.
I loved how this book made me feel all the feels. It was a stunning exploration of how love evolves over time and can be heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. THE REHEARSALS is a delight and you should add it to your shelves immediately.
KellyDelightful & Poignant - A Must Read!
Reviewed in Canada on August 4, 2021
The premise is fantastic—a wedding themed groundhog day—where Meg and Tom (the intended bride and groom) are stuck in a time loop that has them repeatedly waking up on the morning of their rehearsal dinner. The writing is witty, sharp and poignant. Christie gives her characters such depth that even as we learn their greatest regrets and biggest faults, we can’t help but fall in love with them.
I also fell deeply in love with the setting. Maybe I loved it because it felt west coast familiar, but I think it was more about the way in which the author describes the San Juan Islands in such vivid detail. It was the perfect backdrop for this compelling and thoughtful story.
I loved how this book made me feel all the feels. It was a stunning exploration of how love evolves over time and can be heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. THE REHEARSALS is a delight and you should add it to your shelves immediately.
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- Lisa BerminghamReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 21, 2021
1.0 out of 5 stars Not my cup of tea
I read this quite quick, considering I didn't like any of the characters. Horrible families and previous bad behaviour aside, Megan was awful and treated Tom like rubbish. Tom was a total pushover. There was no rooting for them to be together, no chemistry between them, and I really didn't know if we were supposed to want them to break up or make up. The worst character though was Leo, and he doesn't get called out on his awfulness or his come uppance from either main character. Not my cup of tea, I'm afraid.
- Kristi FuocoReviewed in Canada on August 28, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars If you love time loops and real relationships, this book is for you!
A wonderful read, full of life and real to life characters with a premise that forces the main characters to truly confront the things we so often put off in life. Highly recommend it!
- Bonnie M HowardReviewed in Canada on August 10, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Really enjoyable read!
I really enjoyed reading "The Rehearsals". A unique, funny, and emotional story with excellent writing. I laughed and cried and finished this book in less than a day. Highly recommend!
- AMReviewed in Canada on August 3, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Irresistible Delight
The Rehearsals is a sensational novel! Delightful romance that has you rooting for Megan & Tom and thought-provoking 'what-if' moments that give you all the feels. This book truly is a perfect summer read!
AMIrresistible Delight
Reviewed in Canada on August 3, 2021
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