Dial A for Aunties

Meddeline Chan helps run her family's wedding photography and catering business alongside her mother and three aunts in California. After a blind date goes wrong, she finds herself in a crisis that threatens to derail her cousin's luxurious wedding at a resort. The close-knit Indonesian-Chinese family scrambles to handle both the crisis and the high-stakes wedding preparations, leading to a string of chaotic events. The aunties' well-meaning but overwhelming involvement in Meddeline's life adds complications as they try to protect their niece while managing their catering duties. This rom-com blends elements of family dynamics, cultural traditions, and romantic misadventures into a fast-paced story. The novel explores themes of duty versus independence, the weight of family expectations, and the complex bonds between generations of immigrant women.

Readers call this book a blend of rom-com and crime caper with strong family dynamics. Many compare it to Crazy Rich Asians meets Weekend at Bernie's. Readers appreciated: - The authentic portrayal of Indonesian-Chinese culture and family relationships - Fast-paced, comedic timing - The bond between the aunties and their meddling ways - The wedding venue setting and details Common criticisms: - Plot relies on unrealistic coincidences - Romance feels underdeveloped - Some found the humor too slapstick - Several readers note the story requires suspension of disbelief Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (83,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (11,000+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (900+ ratings) "A perfect beach read" appears frequently in reviews. Multiple readers mention struggling with the first few chapters but enjoying it more as the story progresses. The audiobook narrator receives specific praise for bringing the characters to life.

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🎭 The author, Jesse Q. Sutanto, drew inspiration from her own large, close-knit Indonesian-Chinese family, particularly the dynamics between aunties and their constant meddling in each other's lives. 🌏 The novel skillfully blends multiple genres, including rom-com, murder mystery, and elements of Asian family drama, while incorporating Indonesian and Chinese cultural elements throughout the story. 💝 The book was optioned for a Netflix film adaptation even before its publication, with Fresh Off the Boat creator Nahnatchka Khan set to direct. 📸 The protagonist's career as a wedding photographer was influenced by Sutanto's own experience planning her wedding and working with various wedding vendors. 🎵 The title is a playful reference to Alfred Hitchcock's "Dial M for Murder," but deliberately takes a more comedic approach to the murder mystery genre.