Clementine Rose and the wedding wobbles by Jacqueline Harvey

Ill. by J. Yi. Penguin, 2017. ISBN 9780857987907
(Age: 6-10) Highly recommended. Themes: Weddings, Family Life, Mothers and daughters, Mysteries, Film making. Penberthy House is buzzing with excitement; everyone is busy with the wedding preparations, the presentation of Basil Hobb's film documentary on historic homes and of course there is another mystery to solve. Clementine Rose is positively 'fizzing with excitement', she is nervous about introducing the film in character as her great grandmother and concerned about the possibility of her flower girl dress not being finished on time. Clementine's great Aunt Violet changeable character and secretive actions cause some concern as well. One minute she grumpy and hiding secret letters and the next she's busy dashing through the countryside chasing the missing wedding flowers.
Harvey's characters are wonderfully named, beautifully described and imbued with range of enjoyable qualities. Of course, there is the over-the-top wedding planner extraordinaire Sebastian Smote, whose visions include an aviary filled with doves and a cherub fountain for the front garden. He greatly tests Aunt Violet's patience as well. Why does she become overly protective of young Clemmie and why does the mysterious guest from Sweden threaten their family's happiness? The wedding celebrations, the ceremony and reception are a delight to read; there is the delectable wedding feast, the stylish dancing, the dessert dilemma and Clementine Rose's near disaster with her flower girl dress.
Jacqueline Harvey's series are extremely popular, as they contain a perfect mix of adventure, fun, mystery and excitement. In this thirteenth novel in the series, Clementine Rose finally understands more about her family origins and realises that a true family is all about those people who love you and care for you.
Rhyllis Bignell