This book was my December Book of the Month and I couldn’t wait to read it. I cleared my December reading calendar so I could enjoy all the holiday books this year and this one was top on my list! I have never read anything by Christina Lauren but I am about to buy all her books!
Holiday rom-coms are my one of my weaknesses. I mean, I used to mock my friends who watch all the Hallmark holiday movies, but then I watched one and now I secretly stayed up late to sneak in a couple during the holiday season…..plus I may or may not have watched Love Actually a million times!
So basically this book was high up on my reading list and I was so excited to read a fun little holiday romance that was all about unrequited love at the holidays—oh and a little time travel.
Summary
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 “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays. (summary from Goodreads)
Review
Ok so the time travel part sounded a little weird right? Ya that’s what I thought too, but honestly it’s not. This is a little like Groundhog Day where the main character keeps repeating the same day over and over again until she finds out what makes her happy. I really loved this concept and while it sounds like an odd mix, it really wasn’t. It was such a charming and festive read. I wanted to immediately rent a cabin in the woods with all of my family and friends every year. The premise of the book was so great. I adored how the close group of family and friends came together every Christmas, I felt just as nostalgic as Mae when I thought of the cabin.
At first I was really a fan of Andrew but then as the tory moved along I really started to love him and thought he was such a great match for Mae. He was charming and sweet as well as thoughtful. Mae had such a great modern heroine voice and I think this book will definitely appeal to a younger 20 something audience. Mae was sassy, funny, and yet oddly vulnerable and a total people pleaser. I really could relate to her even though I am almost 40 so I think she will appeal to a number of readers.
The unrequited love Mae had for Andrew throughout most of her childhood was so sweet and I admired that she finally worked up enough courage to profess her love for him. I laughed and smiled my way through this book and before I knew it I was almost done…..in a 24 hour period of time. I easily could have read it in one sitting. It was such a fast read. I was transported and I finished this one feeling happy and content, not to mention ready for more Christmas romances!
After finishing this one I was eager to check out all of Christina Lauren’s books and I ordered like 3 more even though they aren’t Christmas-y, I still want to read more books by her because there were plenty of times that I laughed out loud and felt acutely connected to Mae that I wanted to experience more of that from this author. This is a modern romance for modern readers. I loved every minute of it! If you are looking for a quick funny holiday rom-com then look no further. This was a great option and I loved it!
Book Info and Rating
Paperback, 336 pages
Published October 6th 2020 by Gallery Books
ISBN198212394X (ISBN13: 9781982123949)
Free review copy provided by publisher, Gallery Books, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 5 stars
Genre: holiday, romance
The Lit Bitch 
I’m in my 20s and surely going to read this Christmassy book. Thanks for sharing!