In a Holidaze

I used to be SO excited when a Christina Lauren book was released. Sadly, I\’ve been disappointed with their last 4 or 5 novels. They have moved away from the Filthy and the Beautiful, I get it, but those books were compelling + well written, and yes – super sexy. This book felt messy like they were under a deadline to get something out because they owe one to the publisher. Tepid characters, strange plot, just an overall \”meh\”.

This book was a total bore. The groundhog day aspect was interesting once but after that it just became irritating. Reliving a boring day over and over was not compelling reading. Also, I was totally put off early on by the heroine\’s freaking out over necking with her childhood friend. Come on! She was 27 years old! Surely she could finish a sentence or act like an adult and discuss it with him (or this brother?) That said, I admit that misunderstandings and plot points that turn on a person not finishing their sentences or not saying stuff when they certainly had the time and space to do so, are a pet peeve of mine. The lack of communication and the threatened sale of the cottage she visited once a year were just not compelling reasons to have this psychological \”fugue\”. This was so irritating. The rest of the story flowed from there. Sorry to be so negative about a team whose books I usually enjoy, but this one was a miss. I\’d recommend passing on it.

This is one of those books that I liked but didn\’t like at the same time. I feel like this team of authors is a hit or miss for me. I either really love their books, or I am just \”eh\” with their books. With this one, I\’m a little above \”eh\” but not in love. I like the premise of the plot. It\’s cute. And I thought it would be fun. Each time that time went back to the same day, I found myself a little bored. I just wanted the story to get on with the good stuff. I started to lose patience with the whole \”groundhog day\” scenario. The characters were okay for me. I didn\’t love them, but I did like them. I did want to see them get their happily ever after given everything that happens in the book. I just didn\’t feel a huge connection with them until isht hit the fan. Then all bets were off. Overall, this is a cute book. I may have been a little underwhelmed in the first part of the book, but it did pick up. I am glad I read it. It\’s sure to be a hit with many!

This book did everything I needed it to. It made me swoon, laugh, and gush. That\’s what I need from a romantic comedy. CLo is back with another charming, witty, and slightly steamy romance, but with a holiday twist! I\’ve seen it compared to Groundhog\’s Day, While You Were Sleeping, and Love Actually. I honestly got a little It\’s a Wonderful Life while I was reading. With comparisons like that, do you even need a plot summary? Well, here is one anyway. Maelyn Jones has just finished a week long Christmas vacation with her family and their closest friends at a cabin in Park City, UT. This annual trip is her most cherished tradition. This year, it got awkward, and it might have been their last hoorah. As she contemplates the mess her life has become, she makes a simple wish. For the universe to reveal what will ultimately make her happy. Well… the universe listened. Maelyn is given the chance to redo her vacation, but also to fix a few things along the way. Things mostly include Andrew Hollis. He will make you swoon. I promise. Put on your Hallmark Movie Watching socks. Pour a glass of whatever brings you joy. Snuggle up with this book and feel good.

Once again, the duo behind the eponymous Christina Lauren delivers a fun, witty tale that mines surprising depths. Maelyn Jones has spent most of her life letting it happen to her. From her unfulfilling job to her unrequited crush on Andrew, an old family friend, Mae has never really dared to step outside what’s familiar. Then, one snowy evening during her family’s annual Christmas getaway with their closest friends, she makes a mistake that could change everything, and she desperately wonders what in her life actually makes her happy. She sends her wish up to the universe, and it responds in the most unexpected way: Mae is sent back to relive the same vacation again. And again. And again. \’In a Holidaze\’ is part \’Groundhog Day\’ and part \’Russian Doll\’ (without the more macabre elements), and just the type of escapism that is needed right now. Christina Lauren always brings the humor and the chemistry, but they also create complex, mature characters who are dealing with very real, very human problems. They’re flawed, but that’s why we love them so much. Mae’s journey to self-actualization brings as many laughs as it does tears, and the way she boldly decides to live her life is inspiring. Andrew is a wonderful character who brings a quiet sensitivity to the page. His journey, while not at the forefront of the story, is just as enthralling as Mae’s, and you can’t help but root for him and his happiness as well. The way that he interacts with Mae in the story is a delightful unraveling that is a joy to read. While anything by Christina Lauren is always an insta-buy for me, \’In a Holidaze\’ ranks up there with my very favorites by the duo. One of my top reads for 2020.

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