A striking exploration of dubious pursuits like destination weddings, book clubs, and rock 'n' roll, Wouldn't Miss It for the World is a spirited and surprising new novel from Tara McCarthy, the author of Love Will Tear UsApart.

The cast of characters that Tara McCarthy sends down to the tiny Central American country of Belize for a destination wedding are in for a few surprises.There's mother-of-the-bride Alice, a widow, who is about to come face-to-face with an impressive array of Belizean creatures from toucans to intriguing ex-pats. There's Abby, who would rather be back home at Chelsea Lambert's Sweet Sixteen but isn't entirely displeased with the effect her new black bikini has on some of the wedding guests. And there's Dan, an old friend of the groom, who has decided it's time to declare his love for the bride — until complications withhis girlfriend arise. As their story unfolds against a backdrop of Mayan temples, butterfly farms, and coral reefs, we learn, too, about the bride and the groom. June and Cash are members of the Starter House, an up-and-coming rockband that is certain to either break through or break up — and this will be the week that decides it.

"McCarthy (Love Will Tear Us Apart) illustrates how weddings bring out the best and worst in people in her second novel, a mixed if overstuffed bag. Indie rocker bride-to-be June Siren; her high-strung mother, Alice; the groom's college-bound stepsister, Abby McKay; and best man Dan Eshom each share roving POV duty as Alice presides fitfully over planning the destination wedding in Belize, June mulls leaving her band (her intended, Cash, is a bandmate) to take a big money gig composing music for a kid's show, Abby struggles through late adolescent woes, and Dan is increasingly tormented by his longstanding crush on June. The bulk of the tale takes place in Belize, where a romance helps transform Alice; Abby becomes infatuated with June's brother (for better or for worse); Dan debates telling June that he's in love with her; and June weighs her career options and marries the perfect man. For a chick lit book, there's surprising depth and a finely tuned cast." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"This novel is funny, hip, and thoroughly entertaining. Tara McCarthy has an X-ray eye for what makes us ridiculous, and what makes us sympathetic." — Owen King, author of We're All in This Together

"Wouldn't Miss It for the World is a must-read. Tara McCarthy delivers a pitch-perfect story with razor-sharp wit and a big heart." — Cara Lockwood, author of I Do (But I Don't)

"Tara McCarthy takes us on a wild trip halfway around the world, where family, friends, and expectations collide in a funny, smart, and heartfelt story of making it to the altar without sacrificing yourself or your sanity in the process."-- Jennnifer O'Connell, author of Insider Dating