It was a cute story and I enjoyed the dogs (Fred and Suzette). I'm guessing the "in training" part of the title was that many of the characters in the book learn life lessons, including Nick (the groom).

Nick is likable, but his chronic lateness would have driven me crazy and probably made me think that he didn't care as much as he said he did. (Actions speak louder than words--a discussion I remember having with a now ex-boyfriend). Yes, there were times that his lateness was excusable (when he had to rush Suzette to the vet, for example) but most of the times, his lateness was not for a reason like that. Nick eventually comes to see how others perceive this. Nick also has to learn that his past failed relationship was not his fault.

Nick's brother, Martin, learns that he's the one who put pressure to be perfect on himself. His family would love him even if he wasn't perfect. He also learns about perception and realizes comparing himself to his brother isn't the right thing to do.

Nick's mother learns patience and learns to appreciate what she has, even if it is an assisted living facility.

Steph has to get past the guilt she feels about her past marriage and the suicide of her husband. The feeling that she should have noticed something to be able to prevent it; the feeling that it happened because she wasn't good enough. She also learns to trust God.

Steph's brother, Hal, has to learn to stand on his own and stop mooching off of and stealing from others.

However good the life lessons learned are, the idea of a "groom in training" doesn't appeal much to me though I can't really explain why. I guess all of us are somewhat in training because we are learning things as we go along. Each relationship teaches us something, but the idea of training a spouse as we train a dog (since dogs are a big part of this book) doesn't sit well with me. ( )