Authors Interview Characters: Jen Marie Wiggins

 Jen Marie Wiggins is the author of The Good Bride, a twisty domestic suspense novel inspired by the coastal town of Mexico Beach, Florida which was nearly decimated by Hurricane Michael in 2018.

About the book:  
The Wedding of the Year turns disastrous in this twisty family drama full of lies and betrayals, perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Lucy Foley, and Ruth Ware.

One year after a devastating hurricane, bride-to-be Ruth Bancroft is marrying her perfect groom in a quaint fishing village. The weekend is carefully curated, with the displays of pomp and social media magic meant to promote an area still struggling to rebuild as well as bring Ruth’s estranged family back together.

Yet as good intentions often go, this road to wed is hell and paved in complications.  Things officially spiral out of control when the oceanfront rehearsal dinner is rocked by a series of gunshots, and a high-profile guest goes missing. As the investigation gets under way, it turns out that everyone has something to hide.

Big Little Lies meets The Perfect Couple in this gripping page turner that asks the big questions about messy family liaisons, modern media, and the lies we tell the world.

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Let’s meet the bride’s wedding planner, Kayla Jennings. Kayla is a Blue Compass Beach local and owner of Two Be Wed, a one woman bridal planning and dress shop that’s coordinating the wedding and the rehearsal dinner.

 Hello, Kayla. Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today. The big day’s almost here—and wow, it’s a weekend packed with star power. There’s a celebrity chef, that gorgeous bridal party and everyone’s favorite Instagram Influencer, @SophiaSez. How do you feel about it being branded the “Wedding of the Year?”

Kayla: Hello there…thanks for having me. It’s great to be here—and yes, the Bancroft/Vargas wedding really has blown up. I’m not sure my bride, Ruth, ever dreamed it would get this big.

Are you surprised yourself? 

Kayla: Well, yes . . . and no. Ruth’s sister, Sophia, has been instrumental in the planning and always seems to command a lot of attention. And then there’s Caroline, the mother of the bride, she’s helped too. Let’s just say the Bancroft’s tend to go big—which of course, people like to hear about—and is great for the town. It’s also important to the bride and groom. Matteo and Ruth are very proud that Blue Compass’s recovery fund has tripled since the media coverage began.

That groom isn’t too hard on the eyes either . . . Clearly everyone is glad to see Blue Compass getting some much needed help. We’ve all heard that Blue Compass has had its fair share of challenges since Hurricane Kerry—but excuse my frankness, we’ve heard the wedding itself is having a few challenges, is that true?

Kayla:  Challenges? See, that’s why you don’t listen to rumors. In a town this small, everybody’s got an opinion. Is there something you’re getting at?

Well, let’s see: There’s the city’s tenuous power grid, the protesters marching up and down Reid Street. Nevermind the bride’s daddy fresh from who knows where . . . are you worried about any of it ruining this posh affair?

Kayla: It sounds like you have been talking to the wrong people. Though I can’t say I blame the protesters. Ordinance 23 is a big deal for Blue Compass. No one wants to see this place turn into some Myrtle Beach on steroids. This town has never allowed high rise buildings and the vote next week needs to keep it that way. 

And what about the stuff on the internet—those threats against the bride and her sisters? Weird murmurs about the Bancroft estate— 

Kayla: —I told you I don’t let hearsay get in the way of doing my job. A lot of people say a lot of things. I’m supposed to deliver a weekend to remember—and trust me, I plan to.

(Pauses and drums fingers before lowering her voice) Okay, honestly . . .between you and me, I have heard people say the Bancroft house is creepy which might not be too far off . . . 

And the text messages? I heard the bride has been getting some disturbing—

Kayla: —See, there you go again. . . what nonsense. Who would be stupid enough to mess with . . . I mean, you know my dad’s the police chief, right?

Yes, that’s right. Chief Marcus is your father and we’ve heard—

(Cell phone buzzes)

Kayla: Ummm . . . Geez, excuse me. Darn texts. . . 

Is everything ok?

Kayla: Umm, yes. I just dropped my phone—everything’s great.  

Are you sure? Your hands are shaking?   

Kayla: I’m great. Now back to business, the wedding–

(Cell phone buzzes again)

Kayla: So sorry, give me one more second . . . 

(Chair thuds to the floor)

Yikes! Are you okay—

Kayla: I’m good. I’m good—just stood up too fast. Woopsy. Listen, I gotta go. Something’s. . . I ‘m leaving.

Right now?  

Kayla: It was great to meet you. So sorry and don’t worry, everything’s gonna be awesome . . . just great, really. 

But we aren’t done yet? Kayla: I gotta go.

Take care.

(Door slams)

Ummm, okay. That was . . . unusual. Well, I guess an event planner’s work is never done? Anyhow, you heard it here first: The Panhandle’s Wedding of the Year . . . let’s hope those perfect plans don’t turn into the perfect storm. 

Stay tuned.  

BUY THE GOOD BRIDE HERE

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Jen Marie Wiggins’s first book, the gifty nonfiction title Married AF: A Funny Guide for the Newlywed or Bride, was published with Sourcebooks in 2022. She has a background in advertising and public relations, and her writing has appeared in Southern Coastal Weddings, Savannah Magazine, Savannah Homes, and elsewhere. The Good Bride draws much of its inspiration from the devastation and rebuilding struggles of Mexico Beach, Florida, a place near and dear to Jen’s heart.

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Category: Contemporary Women Writers, On Writing