I really liked this second chance romance that takes place during the week before Christmas. Whitney and Eli dated for 8 months in college. We don't really know what happened between them back then, but we do know that there are definitely feelings remaining and truths that need to be told. Eli gets a job working for Whitney's brother who knows nothing of their past relationship when he invites Eli to the family Christmas getaway at the family cabin. Eli, however, DID know his boss's connection to Whitney and sees this as a chance to tell her what was really going on with him when he broke her heart 17 years earlier. There are also some little side stories going on with Whitney's siblings and their significant others. We get to watch all kinds of emotions come to a head just in time for Christmas. As soon as Eli appeared on the scene, I was completely invested in the story. I thought the details about their past were doled out in just the right amounts to keep me reading. The side stories didn't feel tacked on and all had their place in the final outcome and message about relationships over time. While there are some very emotional aspects to this story, the love and family fun gave plenty of fuzzy warm feelings as well. I really loved this book. ( )

“We’re still breathing and our hearts are still beating. So no, I don’t think it’s too late.”

I absolutely adore holiday rom coms like I don’t even care they are all amazing. I thought this one was really cute. I think it definitely nailed the humor element. It had me laughing so hard at times… and a couple other times I spit out my drink from laughing so I mean I loved it. Whitney is hilarious right from the start. I mean all the characters are phenomenal and so well written but the real MVPs of the book are Allen and Peyton. I’ve never laughed so hard.

Okay so funniness aside, one thing I loved about this book was how real it was. I mean a giant family get together always has some issues and this book made the ones we encountered so believable. We have all the underlying problems but everyone trying to put on a happy face for the holidays. I really enjoyed how real it all was. Like yes, this is what a family looks like. Not to mention all the conflicts were so legit. Like painfully so.

I think this book was good and if you enjoyed Happy Place at all you would like this. It is very much a slow burn and it switches back and forth in the present and past. I would have liked the switches to the past to have been a little clearer, the only distinction is they are in italics. I also wish the book had been just a little bit shorter. I felt like sometimes it got so wrapped up in details that weren’t really important: like I don’t need a 5 paragraph description of the house. I also felt like the reconciliation element felt a bit rushed, given how long we spent focused on the everything else. I think I also would have liked to see the other characters issues more resolved in detail. However, overall this is an amazing Christmas read! ( )

3.5/4. overall it was a cute read. i enjoyed the older characters. 3.5 because the book felt a little dragging for me. ( )

One of the best books from 2021

This book had a little of everything to make it the best book of December and of the year. This should not be surprising, considering how talented this author is, but in a way it was because she exceeded my expectations.

This family was delightful. Their emails, their traditions, their closeness, their bantering, and their love for one another, made me almost jealous of them. In the same breath, I was so happy that they had it.

Whitney and Eli were beautiful. This is by far one of the best second chance romances that I have read. It was perfectly balanced with humor and angst. There was growth from all the characters and their relationships. The power of Eli was strong and helpful here. Despite all the chaos of holidays, the love shown through and kept the joy of Christmas alive with a little magical sprinkle of love.

Great surprise in chapter 25. Sneaky! Highly recommend this book. It's perfect for Christmas and all throughout the year. ( )