Save the Date Summary & Key Insights

Mary Kay Andrews' "Save the Date" follows the intertwined lives of three women navigating love, loss, and rediscovery in the charming Southern setting of Savannah, Georgia. The story centers around the impending wedding of the seemingly perfect couple, Lissy and Tom, a high-powered attorney and the charming owner of a local antique shop, respectively. However, beneath the veneer of effortless Southern charm, simmering tensions and long-held secrets threaten to derail the festivities.

One of the main characters, Mimi Bobbin, is a successful but lonely event planner struggling with the aftermath of a devastating divorce and a career that feels increasingly hollow. She’s tasked with orchestrating Lissy and Tom’s wedding, a job that unexpectedly reconnects her with old friends and challenges her to confront her own emotional baggage. Mimi’s sharp wit and resilience are central to her journey towards self-acceptance and finding new love.

Another pivotal character is Lissy’s maid of honor, Eloise. Eloise, a free-spirited artist haunted by a past heartbreak, grapples with her own anxieties about commitment and the future. Her relationship with Tom’s brother, Jack, adds a layer of romantic complication to the narrative, forcing her to confront unresolved feelings and make difficult choices. Eloise's artistic nature provides a counterpoint to the structured world of wedding planning, representing a different path towards fulfillment.

The third key figure is Tom’s mother, Gigi, a formidable socialite with a history of interfering in her son's life. Gigi, though seemingly glamorous, harbors secrets that have shaped both her own life and those around her. Her complex relationship with her son and her subtle manipulation of events contribute to the escalating drama surrounding the wedding preparations.

The main plot revolves around the unfolding of these secrets and the impact they have on the wedding and the lives of the women involved. A series of unexpected events, including a mysterious past lover, a stolen necklace, and a web of long-held resentments, threaten to disrupt the carefully planned ceremony. As the wedding day approaches, the truth slowly unravels, revealing hidden relationships and long-buried truths.

Underlying the romantic entanglements and wedding chaos, "Save the Date" explores themes of self-discovery, second chances, and the importance of female friendship. The three women, despite their individual struggles, find strength and support in each other, demonstrating the power of community and shared experiences. Ultimately, the novel is a celebration of resilience and the possibility of finding happiness even amidst life's complexities, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Savannah’s Southern charm.