Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Hello friends! I just finished The Shippers by Katherine Center and really liked this funny, heartfelt story from one of my favorite authors. Set to release on May 19th, I was lucky enough to get early access to both the e-book and the audiobook from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio in exchange for my honest review.
So my friends, let’s chat about The Shippers. Our story opens with Jo Jo, the main character, moments away from marrying her fiancé, Pierce. She is doing it in her future mother-in-law’s wedding gown, which she is convinced is cursed. She is itchy, uncomfortable, and not exactly thrilled about walking down the aisle. Things get even more chaotic when her childhood best friend, Cooper, shows up at the wedding. He is the same Cooper who said he wouldn’t attend. Right before the ceremony begins, he gives her some questionable advice on how to faint and avoid the whole thing.
From there, everything spirals in the most Katherine Center way. Jo Jo’s dad, who is supposed to walk her down the aisle, misses his flight. So her amazing Grandma Dottie steps in. The reverend is giving more of a TED Talk than a wedding sermon. Jo Jo decides to take Coopers advice and she faints! Only Cooper is the one who swoops in. He quite literally carries her away from the altar. When she “wakes” and sees its Cooper not Pierce, she decides to call everything off. Surprisingly, Pierce himself isn’t too heartbroken, though his mother is another story entirely.
Cooper and Jo Jo take off for a much-needed escape. They spend an unforgettable afternoon driving out of town. But when Cooper leaves the next morning without saying why he came, things complicate quickly. Fast forward six weeks later. Jo Jo finds herself at her sister Ashley’s wedding. This time it is on a cruise ship. Cooper suddenly reappears. From there, it is a mix of new discoveries, long-buried feelings, and plenty of emotional tension as their story unfolds.
What I loved most about The Shippers was the sweet friends-to-lovers storyline. I also loved the way Katherine Center weaves in glimpses of their past. The flashbacks to their childhood adventures and teenage years make the emotional connection between Jo Jo and Cooper feel deep and genuine. It is a true slow-burn romance. The kind where love builds over years of friendship. I adored that mix of nostalgia, heart, and humor. Grandma Dottie and her friends also completely stole the show for me with their personality and jokes!
The audiobook, narrated by Patti Murin, was absolutely wonderful. She captured Jo Jo’s emotions perfectly. She gave each character a distinct voice, which made the story easy to follow and even more engaging. I listened to the audio while reading along with the e-book. The combination made for a really immersive experience.
If I had one small wish, it is that we had had more of Cooper’s perspective or even a duet narration to balance the story a bit more. Still, that does not take away from how charming and heartfelt this book is.
If you are a fan of Katherine Center or love a beautifully written friends-to-lovers romance, I definitely recommend preordering The Shippers from your favorite independent bookseller. Grab the audiobook too for the full experience.
I hope the time change is being kind to you all and has not stolen too much of your reading time. Happy Monday, friends, and happy reading!