In A Holidaze

This was a cute, festive romance that uses the friends to lovers trope with a Groundhog Day twist. I enjoyed the wintery setting but my favourite part, by far, was the heartwarming extended family vibe this large group of people have forged from decades old friendships and how, despite changes over the years, these relationships continue to flourish.

I can't say I was eager to read a story with a Groundhog Day theme which is, by nature, repetitive but I liked the magical element which added a quirkiness to the story. But I thought it was odd that this aspect petered out part way though the book, leaving readers (and Mae) uncertain of what happened or why. There is a large cast of characters, and you'd think that the main love connection would be my favourite relationship. Nope, that award goes to Mae and Uncle Benny. I loved their banter and bond. 

The friends to lovers trope is in full swing here and it was clear how things would pan out due to Mae's obvious infatuation. But I couldn't help feeling that I was told Mae and her love interest were in love rather than being shown their chemistry, which seemed to go from sub zero to balmy rather quickly. 

Overall, this was a good read but it doesn't come close to dethroning The Unhoneymooners, which remains my favourite Christina Lauran book to date. Admittedly, those are really big shoes to fill, but if you're looking for an easy-going wintery read with a bit of magic, a cozy feel and a sweet ending wrapped with a pretty bow, this would be a good pick.

My Rating: 3 stars

Author: Christina Lauren

Genre: Romance, Christmas

Type and Source: Trade Paperback from public library

Publisher: Gallery Books

First Published: October 6, 2020

Opening Lines: Call me a harlot. Call me impulsive. Call me hungover.

Book Description from GoodReads: One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners..

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.