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In a Holidaze
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Romance (2020)Alternate cover edition can be found here
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.
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.
307 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2020
About the author
Christina Lauren
99 books85k followersChristina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/best friends Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced twenty New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 30+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 23,338 reviews
December 22, 2020
2.5 stars. It's not bad, but the romance and family dynamics were too vanilla for my tastes, and the story didn't take advantage of the time loop setup at all. The protagonist goes through time loops in the first 1/3 of the book, and then for the rest of the story, it's within the same timeline and doesn’t get addressed again. Why not just make it a regular story then? There was lots of potential for more drama and tension with a concept like this, but no path was truly taken, resulting in a stagnant storyline and vanilla relationships.
December 31, 2020
(2.5) Yup you read that right. I'm reading a Holiday romance...
In my defence the main character is reliving her week so *sci fi* (not really lol)
The romance did make me cringe a few times but I expected it. Not terrible but I felt like the concept could have been used better.
In my defence the main character is reliving her week so *sci fi* (not really lol)
The romance did make me cringe a few times but I expected it. Not terrible but I felt like the concept could have been used better.
December 24, 2023
I’m giving sweeter than Hershey kisses, entertaining, heartwarming, feel-good, lovely holiday spirits, refreshing, romantic four absolutely well-deserved stars!
Maelyn Jones has one wish: she wants to see how she can catch her own happiness!
After the divorce of her parents, she moved back to her childhood house, stuck a job she truly hates and her love life is a mess: she dumps her last boyfriend because he tasted like ketchup (by the way I’m giving a small spoiler about the game in this book: Don’t shoot me!)
Only thing she loves to do spending her Christmas holiday at cabin in Utah belongs to her family friends: Each time she takes her first steps to the cabin, her happy childhood memories come out, wrap her tightly so she never wants them leave her.
Even though her mother married with another man, she is still dedicated to the tradition and spending the holiday with her father and her 17 years old brother as if they’re still happy family. And of course the best thing about the holiday is seeing Andrew: her 13 years longtime crush. She never dares to confess her feelings.
But she makes one of her biggest mistake after getting drunk by a couple eggnogs (really?), she hooks up with Andrew’s brother Theo and Andrew sees them in action but he just teases Mae. And the other worst news is Andrew’s family decides to sell their cabin because they cannot afford the additional expanses. So her most meaningful childhood era is closing and Mae gets more depressed to go back to her family house, resume to work in the same place, the very same job suffocates her. She wants changes. She wants a fresh start! She wants to be happy! And BANGGG! They had a car crash!
As soon as she opens her eyes, she starts screaming: checking her wounds and looking at his right to check her brother’s condition who is seated next to her. But she realizes: her brother is fine. Actually both of her family members are fine, healthy, popping their eyes out to give her quizzical looks including hostess who is worried about her mental condition. Yes, I didn’t write it wrong: She is on a plane and she went back to square one: the beginning of the holiday: she is trapped her version of Utah style Groundhog day spiral. She has to live the same holiday experience over and over again till she comes clean and faces her true feelings to find out her own happiness!
My confession: I didn’t enjoy the first %15 of the book. Maybe at the first version: I didn’t like how Andrew teased Mae about her hookup with her brother which made me think their romance may be the lost cause. And I read so many books about the same Groundhog Day spiral so I wished my favorite duo may have found another plotline. But after getting through the first chapters and two deaths of Mae, story completely changes and as soon as her love story starts with Andrew, I truly start to enjoy the story’s progression. It turned into heartfelt, spirited, enjoyable, soft, sweet, lovely holiday story. Especially last third of the book: the way Mae facing the consequences of her mistakes and her bravery to get action for her dreams and her honest talks with the loved ones gave me teary eyes.
The ending was promising, emotionally charged, satisfying as well. So it started as a two to three starred reading but thankfully story’s changing and hopefully sweet direction made me change my mind. If you want to feel the entire, beautiful, magical holiday spirit, this is the magnificent choice for you!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this one of my favorite duo’s remarkable ARC with me in exchange my honest review.
Maelyn Jones has one wish: she wants to see how she can catch her own happiness!
After the divorce of her parents, she moved back to her childhood house, stuck a job she truly hates and her love life is a mess: she dumps her last boyfriend because he tasted like ketchup (by the way I’m giving a small spoiler about the game in this book: Don’t shoot me!)
Only thing she loves to do spending her Christmas holiday at cabin in Utah belongs to her family friends: Each time she takes her first steps to the cabin, her happy childhood memories come out, wrap her tightly so she never wants them leave her.
Even though her mother married with another man, she is still dedicated to the tradition and spending the holiday with her father and her 17 years old brother as if they’re still happy family. And of course the best thing about the holiday is seeing Andrew: her 13 years longtime crush. She never dares to confess her feelings.
But she makes one of her biggest mistake after getting drunk by a couple eggnogs (really?), she hooks up with Andrew’s brother Theo and Andrew sees them in action but he just teases Mae. And the other worst news is Andrew’s family decides to sell their cabin because they cannot afford the additional expanses. So her most meaningful childhood era is closing and Mae gets more depressed to go back to her family house, resume to work in the same place, the very same job suffocates her. She wants changes. She wants a fresh start! She wants to be happy! And BANGGG! They had a car crash!
As soon as she opens her eyes, she starts screaming: checking her wounds and looking at his right to check her brother’s condition who is seated next to her. But she realizes: her brother is fine. Actually both of her family members are fine, healthy, popping their eyes out to give her quizzical looks including hostess who is worried about her mental condition. Yes, I didn’t write it wrong: She is on a plane and she went back to square one: the beginning of the holiday: she is trapped her version of Utah style Groundhog day spiral. She has to live the same holiday experience over and over again till she comes clean and faces her true feelings to find out her own happiness!
My confession: I didn’t enjoy the first %15 of the book. Maybe at the first version: I didn’t like how Andrew teased Mae about her hookup with her brother which made me think their romance may be the lost cause. And I read so many books about the same Groundhog Day spiral so I wished my favorite duo may have found another plotline. But after getting through the first chapters and two deaths of Mae, story completely changes and as soon as her love story starts with Andrew, I truly start to enjoy the story’s progression. It turned into heartfelt, spirited, enjoyable, soft, sweet, lovely holiday story. Especially last third of the book: the way Mae facing the consequences of her mistakes and her bravery to get action for her dreams and her honest talks with the loved ones gave me teary eyes.
The ending was promising, emotionally charged, satisfying as well. So it started as a two to three starred reading but thankfully story’s changing and hopefully sweet direction made me change my mind. If you want to feel the entire, beautiful, magical holiday spirit, this is the magnificent choice for you!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing this one of my favorite duo’s remarkable ARC with me in exchange my honest review.
February 23, 2021
the word that comes to mind is serviceable
which i'm sure isn't what they were going for when they decided to write this romance. it just wasn't anything special. i appreciated the warm christmas setting & the traditions that our characters have. but the romance didn't blow me away.
i don't like when our heroine has been pining for the hero and when she admits her feelings he's like "oh wow i didn't even realize you were an option. but a ha ha you're so sexy." i don't mean that just for this book, i mean generally speaking. it's a trope and it's not a good one. i get that not every book can be a perfectly crafted mutual pining masterpiece, but this kind of thing is kind of... ick? for me at least.
idk this isn't one of their worse books but it's not a favorite of mine either. andrew was at least nice & the sexual tension was decent.
which i'm sure isn't what they were going for when they decided to write this romance. it just wasn't anything special. i appreciated the warm christmas setting & the traditions that our characters have. but the romance didn't blow me away.
i don't like when our heroine has been pining for the hero and when she admits her feelings he's like "oh wow i didn't even realize you were an option. but a ha ha you're so sexy." i don't mean that just for this book, i mean generally speaking. it's a trope and it's not a good one. i get that not every book can be a perfectly crafted mutual pining masterpiece, but this kind of thing is kind of... ick? for me at least.
idk this isn't one of their worse books but it's not a favorite of mine either. andrew was at least nice & the sexual tension was decent.
June 24, 2020
To me, this is a perfect book. Now give me the movie immediately.
December 12, 2020
Feeling Like the Grinch!
In a Holidaze is a romance about a woman who is granted a wish that enables her to change her future and find happiness with her one true love.
Maelyn Jones finds herself reliving Christmas over and over again in a groundhog day style narrative. In each version, Mae must make choices that lead to happiness. If she makes the wrong choice, it all begins again. Her choices involve admitting her feelings to her childhood crush, reevaluating her career, and keeping her family’s Christmas traditions alive.
O.k. friends, this one did not work for me. I am a huge CL fan, and this book is my least favorite of theirs for several reasons.
I got lost trying to keep track of the numerous characters. In the end, I still confused Aaron, Kyle, Ricky, Lisa, Benny, Kennedy, and the other one. I was able to keep track of Mae, Theo, Andrew, Miles.
I didn’t mind the groundhog day trope, but what I did mind that there was no explanation provided about the time travel. This part of the plot felt forgotten by the end.
I also struggled with Mae and Andrew’s romance. It felt forced, especially in the beginning, perhaps because the reader never really saw Mae and Andrew together before the time looping. Their romance lacked the tension and chemistry that I expect from a CL novel. I liked Mae’s character. She has a strong voice and was not hard to root for. Andrew just felt cookie-cutter perfect.
My favorite part of this novel was the setting. The cabin, the festive atmosphere, and the warmth of the group and their love for one another warmed my cold, cold heart but not enough to grow it to love this book.
In a Holidaze is a romance about a woman who is granted a wish that enables her to change her future and find happiness with her one true love.
Maelyn Jones finds herself reliving Christmas over and over again in a groundhog day style narrative. In each version, Mae must make choices that lead to happiness. If she makes the wrong choice, it all begins again. Her choices involve admitting her feelings to her childhood crush, reevaluating her career, and keeping her family’s Christmas traditions alive.
O.k. friends, this one did not work for me. I am a huge CL fan, and this book is my least favorite of theirs for several reasons.
I got lost trying to keep track of the numerous characters. In the end, I still confused Aaron, Kyle, Ricky, Lisa, Benny, Kennedy, and the other one. I was able to keep track of Mae, Theo, Andrew, Miles.
I didn’t mind the groundhog day trope, but what I did mind that there was no explanation provided about the time travel. This part of the plot felt forgotten by the end.
I also struggled with Mae and Andrew’s romance. It felt forced, especially in the beginning, perhaps because the reader never really saw Mae and Andrew together before the time looping. Their romance lacked the tension and chemistry that I expect from a CL novel. I liked Mae’s character. She has a strong voice and was not hard to root for. Andrew just felt cookie-cutter perfect.
My favorite part of this novel was the setting. The cabin, the festive atmosphere, and the warmth of the group and their love for one another warmed my cold, cold heart but not enough to grow it to love this book.
December 19, 2020
okay. im super surprised by how much i enjoyed this. i was almost positive i wouldnt like it - ive seen quite a few negative reviews, i usually find the whole ‘time loop/repeat the same day over again’ plot device monotonous, and i really try to avoid christmas stories (so not a fan of cringey hallmark romance).
so this is definite proof that CL can write anything and i will enjoy it.
personally, im relieved that time loops are very minimal. it only happens a few times, enough to establish it as a catalyst for character development and then it takes a hike. i know some readers will want more of it, but im glad i didnt have to deal with the tediousness of it all.
and im also a huge fan of the whole childhood trope. two MCs have know each other their entire lives, grew up together, and now are seeing each other differently? yes, sign me up. the banter, the chemistry, the tension. all perfection.
so its a christmas miracle - i finally found a holiday story worth enjoying.
↠ 4 stars
so this is definite proof that CL can write anything and i will enjoy it.
personally, im relieved that time loops are very minimal. it only happens a few times, enough to establish it as a catalyst for character development and then it takes a hike. i know some readers will want more of it, but im glad i didnt have to deal with the tediousness of it all.
and im also a huge fan of the whole childhood trope. two MCs have know each other their entire lives, grew up together, and now are seeing each other differently? yes, sign me up. the banter, the chemistry, the tension. all perfection.
so its a christmas miracle - i finally found a holiday story worth enjoying.
↠ 4 stars
December 20, 2022
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
I'm going to qualify this review by saying this genre is so far out of what I'm used to reading that I had to stretch to take it all in. It's got a Groundhog Day thing going but after a few bumps back to Dec 20, that's about it and in no way is there any kind of explanation for what takes place. Apparently Maelyn just had to get a few things right to set her on a path of "what makes her happy". The story is so sappy, so cute, so happy (between worrying, fretting, second guessing, and regretting) and was a really nice change of pace from just about anything I ever read. I had to turn off my critical thinking and overly judgemental mind and accept a good amount of silliness to make this work for me but it was a nice vacation from doom and gloom.
Twenty six year old Maelyn Jones is on the yearly Christmas vacation that has taken place her entire life, with her parents, brother, and the families of her parents college roommates. The vacation site is a wonderful cabin in the Utah mountains and the other "kids" (besides the newcomer adopted five year olds of one of the couples) are Maelyn's seventeen year old brother and twenty six year old Theo and his older brother, Andrew. Theo and Andrew are the sons of Maelyn's parents' roommates and Maelyn has been secretly in love with Andrew for thirteen years, never telling a soul, never daring to think that Andrew had any such feelings for her.
Several things happen that make Maelyn realize just how miserable she is and she wishes that she could be happy. Bam, an accident, and then the next thing Maelyn knows, she's gone back six days and their holiday trip is starting over. It's up to Maelyn to figure out what she needs to do to keep from going back in time, again and again. It has something to do with her choices and she now knows the choice she wants to live with for the rest of her life but how does she make sure she's on the right path to that happiness?
Published Oct 6, 2020
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
I'm going to qualify this review by saying this genre is so far out of what I'm used to reading that I had to stretch to take it all in. It's got a Groundhog Day thing going but after a few bumps back to Dec 20, that's about it and in no way is there any kind of explanation for what takes place. Apparently Maelyn just had to get a few things right to set her on a path of "what makes her happy". The story is so sappy, so cute, so happy (between worrying, fretting, second guessing, and regretting) and was a really nice change of pace from just about anything I ever read. I had to turn off my critical thinking and overly judgemental mind and accept a good amount of silliness to make this work for me but it was a nice vacation from doom and gloom.
Twenty six year old Maelyn Jones is on the yearly Christmas vacation that has taken place her entire life, with her parents, brother, and the families of her parents college roommates. The vacation site is a wonderful cabin in the Utah mountains and the other "kids" (besides the newcomer adopted five year olds of one of the couples) are Maelyn's seventeen year old brother and twenty six year old Theo and his older brother, Andrew. Theo and Andrew are the sons of Maelyn's parents' roommates and Maelyn has been secretly in love with Andrew for thirteen years, never telling a soul, never daring to think that Andrew had any such feelings for her.
Several things happen that make Maelyn realize just how miserable she is and she wishes that she could be happy. Bam, an accident, and then the next thing Maelyn knows, she's gone back six days and their holiday trip is starting over. It's up to Maelyn to figure out what she needs to do to keep from going back in time, again and again. It has something to do with her choices and she now knows the choice she wants to live with for the rest of her life but how does she make sure she's on the right path to that happiness?
Published Oct 6, 2020
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
March 10, 2021
4.5 stars
Just finished an Unboxing and Review Video for the December 2020, January 2021, Holiday 2020 and New Year's 2020/2021 boxes from Once Upon a Book Club!
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Just finished an Unboxing and Review Video for the December 2020, January 2021, Holiday 2020 and New Year's 2020/2021 boxes from Once Upon a Book Club!
My reading rep code: MIRANDAREADS10
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
June 28, 2020
When I pick up a Christina Lauren book, I expect to smile... and smile I did😊 I loved it! 🎄 What did I love? Everything! This is a book that gives you all the good feels. A Christmas book, at this time of year? Yessss please! Honestly it was Christmas time over and over and over again in the book. LOL you will get that after you read it. Yet this book is good at anytime of the year.
Mae Jones is many things, a daughter, a sister, a best friend and a time traveler! You heard me right!! Sounds insane? I thought so too but the crazier thing is...it works for this book! I was hoping that Mae would recover from her "condition" and be able to enjoy the holiday! Mae has two besties in life and they happen to be two boys she grew up with that turned out to be total gorgeous guys in her eyes. One more than the other. Is Mae going to get her heart broke? Is there going to be a bit of Christmas magic? Guys grab this one and find out. It is bound to put a smile on your face!
I loved every character in this book -every single one made my heart melt just a bit. This is the perfect book to get lost in!
Thank you so much to Gallery Books for this ARC via Netgalley! I loved it!
Mae Jones is many things, a daughter, a sister, a best friend and a time traveler! You heard me right!! Sounds insane? I thought so too but the crazier thing is...it works for this book! I was hoping that Mae would recover from her "condition" and be able to enjoy the holiday! Mae has two besties in life and they happen to be two boys she grew up with that turned out to be total gorgeous guys in her eyes. One more than the other. Is Mae going to get her heart broke? Is there going to be a bit of Christmas magic? Guys grab this one and find out. It is bound to put a smile on your face!
I loved every character in this book -every single one made my heart melt just a bit. This is the perfect book to get lost in!
Thank you so much to Gallery Books for this ARC via Netgalley! I loved it!
November 23, 2020
This was Groundhogs Day meets The Family Stone meets The Summer I Turned Pretty and I ATE IT UP. I've been in a pretty hardcore reading slump for the last few months, but this book was EXACTLY what I was in the mood for and it pulled me right out of it. The holiday hijinks and the angst were strong in this one, so if that isn't your thing I would give it a pass, but I thoroughly enjoyed them and this is definitely my favorite of the last few years worth of Christina Lauren releases. So Christmassy! So cute!!!
December 12, 2022
"...I've loved you since I knew what love was and I can't undo that. I would never wish to take that away. Loving you is all the proof I needed that love can last decades. Maybe even a lifetime, who knows." 🥺
I was obsessed. Couldn't put this book down, so glad I kicked off the Christmas season with this one. Please excuse, I've been watching football and it's gotten to my head.
I loved how fast paced and so easy to read this was. The concept is interesting, and was done well for a light hearted read. But if you start looking for rationality amidst the chaos, this one isn't for you. I liked the characters, especially the chemistry between Andrew and Mae. NGL, I liked Andrew from the start and I found myself crushing on him the same way Mae was.
It was my first book by Christina Lauren and it absolutely delivered. Recommending it!
I was obsessed. Couldn't put this book down, so glad I kicked off the Christmas season with this one. Please excuse, I've been watching football and it's gotten to my head.
I loved how fast paced and so easy to read this was. The concept is interesting, and was done well for a light hearted read. But if you start looking for rationality amidst the chaos, this one isn't for you. I liked the characters, especially the chemistry between Andrew and Mae. NGL, I liked Andrew from the start and I found myself crushing on him the same way Mae was.
It was my first book by Christina Lauren and it absolutely delivered. Recommending it!
December 13, 2022
I was worried I wasn't going to like the time loop aspect but I ended up really liking it!! The snowy cabin at Christmas time with lots of found family was perfect for the holiday mood. Plus I LOVE Mandrew and Maesie. Christina Lauren never disappoints
November 14, 2020
I enjoyed this novel a great deal. I dropped right into the voice which is beautifully done as always by this author. Voice is the most difficult aspect of a novel and Lauren makes it look easy. This book is light and fun and a nice way to clear the reading pallet. For some reason the use of the Groundhog’s Day tromp is has been getting a lot of play lately. It’s a difficult story line to pull off, the repetition of the same event, in this case five days during Christmas without turning mundane. The author almost does it without boring this reader. There was one place where the author even knew the story line drug a tad when the character mentioned she too was getting tired of reliving that same day over and over.
There is a great cast of characters in the book including Ben who was one of my favorites. Andrew the unrequited love love interest turned out to be a little two dimensional. He was too perfect; the man didn’t have one flaw (hell in a different world I might have gone for him…yikes).
The number of micro conflicts the author juggles keeps the pages turning. It’s a great holiday read and I recommend it.
David Putnam Author of The Bruno Johnson Series.
There is a great cast of characters in the book including Ben who was one of my favorites. Andrew the unrequited love love interest turned out to be a little two dimensional. He was too perfect; the man didn’t have one flaw (hell in a different world I might have gone for him…yikes).
The number of micro conflicts the author juggles keeps the pages turning. It’s a great holiday read and I recommend it.
David Putnam Author of The Bruno Johnson Series.
December 26, 2020
Be sure to visit Bantering Books to read all my latest reviews.
Feeling a little bah humbug? Then I suggest you give Christina Lauren’s holiday romantic comedy, In a Holidaze, a try.
Because it will make you want to trim your Christmas tree. Deck your halls. Hang some mistletoe.
It is the fluffiest of fluffiest Christmas fluff. And every fluffy word of it is wonderfully delightful.
Maelyn Jones is stuck in a time loop. A Christmas time loop. Without any clue how to break it.
After having spent her last Christmas with her family at her friends’ cabin in Utah, Mae is distraught. She has lost her beloved cabin, and she has also made the biggest romantic mistake of her life.
She kissed the wrong Hollis brother. (Cringe.) Instead of kissing Andrew, her forever crush, she somehow managed to kiss his younger brother, Theo.
While driving away from the cabin with her family, Mae appeals silently to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.
One unexpected car crash later, Mae awakens alongside her brother, Miles, back on an airplane to Utah. Mae soon realizes that she has been given a second chance to find true happiness and correct the course of her life.
But not only has Mae been awarded a second chance, she soon discovers that she has also been handed a third and a fourth chance. (And perhaps even a fifth . . . and a sixth . . . and a seventh. You get the picture.) Because one false move, one mistaken step off her path to happiness, and BAM! Back through time again she goes, to awaken once more, sitting next to Miles, on an airplane bound for Utah.
It quickly becomes clear to Mae that if she has any shot at breaking the time loop, she must, for the first time in her life, shed her fear and seize her happiness. She just hopes that the wants of her heart align with whatever the universe has in store for her.
I still don’t think I have fully come down from the holiday high that is In a Holidaze. My heart is overflowing with yuletide cheer. I cannot seem to wipe the happy smile from my face. And I now have this sudden inexplicable urge to watch cheesy, romantic Christmas movies of the popular Hallmark variety. (Those who know me well will attest to the fact that this is quite the abnormal behavior for me.)
Yes. The dynamic writing duo of Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings (aka Christina Lauren) has written a fun and romantic tale filled with lovable characters that is sure to melt the Scroogiest of hearts.
And it’s hysterical. It's laugh-out-loud funny. The situations that Mae finds herself in are hilariously relatable, and the novel is packed with brilliantly witty and amusing dialogue. Some of the scenes are even so perfectly and comedically written that I could envision them up on the silver screen, in next year’s hit holiday rom-com.
I was struck, too, by the ease of Lauren’s writing. It is refreshingly accessible and flows smoothly on the page, making the novel a very quick read. The dialogue is also extremely natural, and the characters’ banter never feels forced or wooden.
But no matter how much I adored In a Holidaze, I must admit that the novel noticeably stumbles in one regard – and that is, the characterization of Andrew. I always felt like I was struggling to get an accurate read on him because his personality and actions are a little flip floppy. There are times he comes across as Mr. Dream Guy, but then there are other times where he seems like he’s only out to get a little somethin’-somethin’. It’s a bit confusing.
And I wonder if the lack of cohesion regarding Andrew’s characterization is symptomatic of having two authors behind the Lauren tag team – a hole in their otherwise seamless dual writing. Maybe? Perhaps?
One other teeny tiny, snowflake-sized complaint – the novel has a lot of characters. One entire family too many, in my opinion. It’s not easy to keep straight who is who, and all the names constantly felt jumbled in my mind.
By no means, though, should my criticisms stop you from doing whatever it takes to get your hands on In a Holidaze. The novel is so joyful. So heartwarming. So filled with laughter and starry-eyed Christmas romance.
Hurry. Grab it. Before the holiday season passes you by.
And you never know. Not only will In a Holidaze put you in the mood to hang some mistletoe . . . it just might nudge you to stand under it, too. 💋
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Feeling a little bah humbug? Then I suggest you give Christina Lauren’s holiday romantic comedy, In a Holidaze, a try.
Because it will make you want to trim your Christmas tree. Deck your halls. Hang some mistletoe.
It is the fluffiest of fluffiest Christmas fluff. And every fluffy word of it is wonderfully delightful.
Maelyn Jones is stuck in a time loop. A Christmas time loop. Without any clue how to break it.
After having spent her last Christmas with her family at her friends’ cabin in Utah, Mae is distraught. She has lost her beloved cabin, and she has also made the biggest romantic mistake of her life.
She kissed the wrong Hollis brother. (Cringe.) Instead of kissing Andrew, her forever crush, she somehow managed to kiss his younger brother, Theo.
While driving away from the cabin with her family, Mae appeals silently to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.
One unexpected car crash later, Mae awakens alongside her brother, Miles, back on an airplane to Utah. Mae soon realizes that she has been given a second chance to find true happiness and correct the course of her life.
But not only has Mae been awarded a second chance, she soon discovers that she has also been handed a third and a fourth chance. (And perhaps even a fifth . . . and a sixth . . . and a seventh. You get the picture.) Because one false move, one mistaken step off her path to happiness, and BAM! Back through time again she goes, to awaken once more, sitting next to Miles, on an airplane bound for Utah.
It quickly becomes clear to Mae that if she has any shot at breaking the time loop, she must, for the first time in her life, shed her fear and seize her happiness. She just hopes that the wants of her heart align with whatever the universe has in store for her.
I still don’t think I have fully come down from the holiday high that is In a Holidaze. My heart is overflowing with yuletide cheer. I cannot seem to wipe the happy smile from my face. And I now have this sudden inexplicable urge to watch cheesy, romantic Christmas movies of the popular Hallmark variety. (Those who know me well will attest to the fact that this is quite the abnormal behavior for me.)
Yes. The dynamic writing duo of Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings (aka Christina Lauren) has written a fun and romantic tale filled with lovable characters that is sure to melt the Scroogiest of hearts.
And it’s hysterical. It's laugh-out-loud funny. The situations that Mae finds herself in are hilariously relatable, and the novel is packed with brilliantly witty and amusing dialogue. Some of the scenes are even so perfectly and comedically written that I could envision them up on the silver screen, in next year’s hit holiday rom-com.
I was struck, too, by the ease of Lauren’s writing. It is refreshingly accessible and flows smoothly on the page, making the novel a very quick read. The dialogue is also extremely natural, and the characters’ banter never feels forced or wooden.
But no matter how much I adored In a Holidaze, I must admit that the novel noticeably stumbles in one regard – and that is, the characterization of Andrew. I always felt like I was struggling to get an accurate read on him because his personality and actions are a little flip floppy. There are times he comes across as Mr. Dream Guy, but then there are other times where he seems like he’s only out to get a little somethin’-somethin’. It’s a bit confusing.
And I wonder if the lack of cohesion regarding Andrew’s characterization is symptomatic of having two authors behind the Lauren tag team – a hole in their otherwise seamless dual writing. Maybe? Perhaps?
One other teeny tiny, snowflake-sized complaint – the novel has a lot of characters. One entire family too many, in my opinion. It’s not easy to keep straight who is who, and all the names constantly felt jumbled in my mind.
By no means, though, should my criticisms stop you from doing whatever it takes to get your hands on In a Holidaze. The novel is so joyful. So heartwarming. So filled with laughter and starry-eyed Christmas romance.
Hurry. Grab it. Before the holiday season passes you by.
And you never know. Not only will In a Holidaze put you in the mood to hang some mistletoe . . . it just might nudge you to stand under it, too. 💋
Bantering Books
February 6, 2022
Note: I received a free copy of this book, in exchange here is my honest review.
I devoured this book. 🤗 I’m not sure if it’s due to my last few books being let downs or what… 🤷🏼♀️ but I really needed this cute, flirty, hot, romantic, ground-hog-day, Christmas story read right now. 😍 Caution: this is rated R for adult (steamy good) content. 👌👍😘
Thank you @goodreads @christinalauren and @simonandschuster #goodreadsgiveaway
I devoured this book. 🤗 I’m not sure if it’s due to my last few books being let downs or what… 🤷🏼♀️ but I really needed this cute, flirty, hot, romantic, ground-hog-day, Christmas story read right now. 😍 Caution: this is rated R for adult (steamy good) content. 👌👍😘
Thank you @goodreads @christinalauren and @simonandschuster #goodreadsgiveaway
November 22, 2023
This is a Christmas Romance with a little time travel (I guess). I am so happy that I got approved from a Netgalley e-book of this book, and I cannot wait to read it. I love Christina Lauren's book, so I requested this book without even seeing what is was about. I normally do not like book with time travel, but this book was so great. This is one of my favorite Christmas books. The main character is Maelyn. Her family and her mother's best friend's family was staying in a cabin for Christmas like they always do. Everything was going wrong and Mae makes a wish that ends up making her keep repeat the start of the trip until she gets it right. I found this book very cute and funny at parts and enough drama to keep me wanting to read it. Great book. I love a great Christmas story. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2020
4.25 stars
In A Holidaze was one of those feel good holiday books that can be read any time of the year. I had so much fun reading this one and enjoyed the heck out of it. It has that magical holiday vibe and I couldn't get enough.
Mae is living her own version of groundhog's day. After a holiday that wasn't so magical, she wants to get her life together and be happy. She wishes she could change some of the things that happened on her holiday, and it turns out she can. She's stuck living the same time period over and over again with the guidance of her family friend, Uncle Benny.
One of my favorite things about this book was the found family/family traditions of the holiday season. It made me yearn for the days my family had all kinds of holiday traditions when I was a kid. I also found the heroine relatable and loved the hero so much! Andrew was fantastic. There were so many swoony moments and moments that made me laugh.
Christina Lauren is a fantastic writing duo and this is another hit for them. This book made me happy and I can see myself re-reading it every holiday season. If you're looking for a easy read that will keep a smile on your face, pick this one up!
“Sometimes a little change is good.”
In A Holidaze was one of those feel good holiday books that can be read any time of the year. I had so much fun reading this one and enjoyed the heck out of it. It has that magical holiday vibe and I couldn't get enough.
Mae is living her own version of groundhog's day. After a holiday that wasn't so magical, she wants to get her life together and be happy. She wishes she could change some of the things that happened on her holiday, and it turns out she can. She's stuck living the same time period over and over again with the guidance of her family friend, Uncle Benny.
One of my favorite things about this book was the found family/family traditions of the holiday season. It made me yearn for the days my family had all kinds of holiday traditions when I was a kid. I also found the heroine relatable and loved the hero so much! Andrew was fantastic. There were so many swoony moments and moments that made me laugh.
Christina Lauren is a fantastic writing duo and this is another hit for them. This book made me happy and I can see myself re-reading it every holiday season. If you're looking for a easy read that will keep a smile on your face, pick this one up!
“Don’t be coy, Andrew Polley Hollis, you know you’re my favorite thing.”
September 8, 2020
One of my favorite Christina Lauren books ever, In a Holidaze was the super-sweet, friends-to-lovers Christmastime romance that my heart and mind needed right now. I adored it, and stayed up until 5 am to finish.
I have a guilty pleasure confession: I love Groundhog's Day.
Yeah, I know, some people hate it, but it always strikes me as extremely romantic, and I'm a sucker for Bill Murray. So when I read the description for In a Holidaze, I knew I needed it. And it was everything I had hoped it would be.
In a Holidaze is a low-angst, cozy, sweet read. There are lots of supporting characters (important friends and family), and instead of the plot feeling cluttered, it all made sense. I really liked the role that everyone played in the story, and I felt like I knew this family intimately.
I also fell head-over-heels for both MCs. Mae was extremely relatable, and I loved her comedic, screw-up moments as well as her honest, tender moments. She was just funny and vulnerable. Andrew was sort of the perfect male MC, but I loved him anyway. Sometimes, perfect characters are extremely annoying because real people have flaws, but Andrews's flaws are more subtle so you get to know him as a whole person the longer you read. They were magical together, and I bought the chemistry immediately.
The story is lovely and atmospheric, and felt like a glass of hot cocoa for my soul. You will want to make out in a closet, make snowmen in snowy weather, and reach for your true dreams after reading this story. It felt Christmas-y and hopeful. I couldn't get enough.
The epilogue was the perfect icing on the cake, and I had tears in my eyes through the final pages. It was worth not sleeping all night to finish the story.
An outstanding story from the talented Christina Lauren, and a book I will reread often in the coming years. It made me feel happy, and I bet it will make you happy too.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
I have a guilty pleasure confession: I love Groundhog's Day.
Yeah, I know, some people hate it, but it always strikes me as extremely romantic, and I'm a sucker for Bill Murray. So when I read the description for In a Holidaze, I knew I needed it. And it was everything I had hoped it would be.
In a Holidaze is a low-angst, cozy, sweet read. There are lots of supporting characters (important friends and family), and instead of the plot feeling cluttered, it all made sense. I really liked the role that everyone played in the story, and I felt like I knew this family intimately.
I also fell head-over-heels for both MCs. Mae was extremely relatable, and I loved her comedic, screw-up moments as well as her honest, tender moments. She was just funny and vulnerable. Andrew was sort of the perfect male MC, but I loved him anyway. Sometimes, perfect characters are extremely annoying because real people have flaws, but Andrews's flaws are more subtle so you get to know him as a whole person the longer you read. They were magical together, and I bought the chemistry immediately.
The story is lovely and atmospheric, and felt like a glass of hot cocoa for my soul. You will want to make out in a closet, make snowmen in snowy weather, and reach for your true dreams after reading this story. It felt Christmas-y and hopeful. I couldn't get enough.
The epilogue was the perfect icing on the cake, and I had tears in my eyes through the final pages. It was worth not sleeping all night to finish the story.
An outstanding story from the talented Christina Lauren, and a book I will reread often in the coming years. It made me feel happy, and I bet it will make you happy too.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
July 31, 2020
What if you could look up and ask the universe “what would happiness look like?”
Would you be prepared for what it reveals to you?
That’s the question Maelyn Jones asked....and the answer she got was more than she ever dreamed. Come to think of it, maybe it was all just a beautiful dream. You’ll just have to read the book to find out!
Christina Lauren have written a joyful rom-com that will melt even the coldest Scrooge heart. What if the love of your life has been in front of you all along. What will it take to let the universe know you’re ready to take that leap?
This is the second book I’ve read recently with a similar premise. But, it certainly didn’t take away my enjoyment for either read. Guaranteed to warm your cockles! “What exactly IS a cockle?!”💁🏻♀️😂 So go ahead and open yourself up to believe in love and let the stars guide the way! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A fun weekend rom-com buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an ARC to read and review
Would you be prepared for what it reveals to you?
That’s the question Maelyn Jones asked....and the answer she got was more than she ever dreamed. Come to think of it, maybe it was all just a beautiful dream. You’ll just have to read the book to find out!
Christina Lauren have written a joyful rom-com that will melt even the coldest Scrooge heart. What if the love of your life has been in front of you all along. What will it take to let the universe know you’re ready to take that leap?
This is the second book I’ve read recently with a similar premise. But, it certainly didn’t take away my enjoyment for either read. Guaranteed to warm your cockles! “What exactly IS a cockle?!”💁🏻♀️😂 So go ahead and open yourself up to believe in love and let the stars guide the way! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A fun weekend rom-com buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an ARC to read and review
April 19, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐
1/5 🌶️
☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄
Christmas Ground hogs Week! In a Holidaze is such a fun and festive story including a cozy cabin, found family, and friends to lovers trope. This was a great Christmas read focusing on family, traditions, and how to open your eyes to something (or someone) that has always been there. This novel was basically a Hallmark Christmas movie in book format. Sweet, predictable and fluffy. Bring all the Fluff, it’s the fluffiest. In all the right ways. Our MC Mae is quite literally a hot mess. Mae had been pining away for Andrew for over a decade, but she never let him know.
Quotes:
“His breath comes out warm against my neck, voice shaking: “It never occurred to me that you might be mine.”
“I get it. I will no longer snort derisively at descriptions of women in novels falling to pieces with barely a touch. I can’t imagine what kinds of noises I’d make if I ever managed to get this man naked.”
“The only person whose expectations you have to live up to is yourself.”
☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄
1/5 🌶️
☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄
Christmas Ground hogs Week! In a Holidaze is such a fun and festive story including a cozy cabin, found family, and friends to lovers trope. This was a great Christmas read focusing on family, traditions, and how to open your eyes to something (or someone) that has always been there. This novel was basically a Hallmark Christmas movie in book format. Sweet, predictable and fluffy. Bring all the Fluff, it’s the fluffiest. In all the right ways. Our MC Mae is quite literally a hot mess. Mae had been pining away for Andrew for over a decade, but she never let him know.
Quotes:
“His breath comes out warm against my neck, voice shaking: “It never occurred to me that you might be mine.”
“I get it. I will no longer snort derisively at descriptions of women in novels falling to pieces with barely a touch. I can’t imagine what kinds of noises I’d make if I ever managed to get this man naked.”
“The only person whose expectations you have to live up to is yourself.”
☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄☃️🎄❄
November 19, 2020
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FROM ME TO YOU
10 CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELS TO READ THIS YEAR
___________________________________
There is really not much to say, except read it!!
The book gave me this cozy feel of everything will be perfect one day. It will all work out, you just have to wish for it.
In a Holidaze is the perfect Christmas read with a dash of something more.
And the way the cabin was described, and how they all came together to celebrate and spent time together was magic. Wonderfully Christmasish! I wanted it all RIGHT THEN! The traditions, the connections, the love, and the tender moments, and especially the cabin!
Have I mentioned the cabin yet?? If not, it was a dream of coziness, and told the story of family get-togethers, of roaring fireplaces and game nights. Of baking together and sleeping in bunkbeds. A beloved vacation home that brought all the families together, year in and year out.
The characters were wonderful, all of them. They made me want to be adopted. The tender love and support, the loyalty, history and life long connections, the fun and laughter felt so wonderfully REAL!!! You’ll want to be a part of it!
In a Holidaze is probably the authors’ most feel good and uplifting novel yet. It’s cheerful, touching, funny, all in all a wonderful romance for any season.
A big thumbs up from me!!
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
10 CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELS TO READ THIS YEAR
___________________________________
There is really not much to say, except read it!!
The book gave me this cozy feel of everything will be perfect one day. It will all work out, you just have to wish for it.
In a Holidaze is the perfect Christmas read with a dash of something more.
And the way the cabin was described, and how they all came together to celebrate and spent time together was magic. Wonderfully Christmasish! I wanted it all RIGHT THEN! The traditions, the connections, the love, and the tender moments, and especially the cabin!
Have I mentioned the cabin yet?? If not, it was a dream of coziness, and told the story of family get-togethers, of roaring fireplaces and game nights. Of baking together and sleeping in bunkbeds. A beloved vacation home that brought all the families together, year in and year out.
The characters were wonderful, all of them. They made me want to be adopted. The tender love and support, the loyalty, history and life long connections, the fun and laughter felt so wonderfully REAL!!! You’ll want to be a part of it!
In a Holidaze is probably the authors’ most feel good and uplifting novel yet. It’s cheerful, touching, funny, all in all a wonderful romance for any season.
A big thumbs up from me!!
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
November 28, 2023
“I've essentially handed my heart over to the person who's had it on reserve for half my life, and I'm terrified that he doesn't realize what he's holding.”
This was so cute! It was fun, Christmasy, heartwarming and romantic.
Hear me out, lol. It really gave me a little bit of The Summer I Turned Pretty vibes - except without an extremely annoying MC and at Christmas instead of summer oh and throw in a time loop so that our FMC Mae can discover what it is that would make her truly happy. ❤️🎄❄️☃️🎀✨
The blended family and friends that come together each Christmas to celebrate together and all of the traditions.
The cozy and atmospheric cabin in the mountains, the banter and all of the memorable characters with just a touch of magic. 🎄❤️
It all just came together in such an enjoyable and addictive read. 🎄❤️
“Every single point on Earth's surface is the center of someone's universe... The center of my world is right where I'm standing.”
Def recommend if you're looking for a warm and fun Christmas read.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... ❄️🎄🌟⛄🎁🕯️🦌 Squeezing this in amongst my sob fest books.
This was so cute! It was fun, Christmasy, heartwarming and romantic.
Hear me out, lol. It really gave me a little bit of The Summer I Turned Pretty vibes - except without an extremely annoying MC and at Christmas instead of summer oh and throw in a time loop so that our FMC Mae can discover what it is that would make her truly happy. ❤️🎄❄️☃️🎀✨
The blended family and friends that come together each Christmas to celebrate together and all of the traditions.
The cozy and atmospheric cabin in the mountains, the banter and all of the memorable characters with just a touch of magic. 🎄❤️
It all just came together in such an enjoyable and addictive read. 🎄❤️
“Every single point on Earth's surface is the center of someone's universe... The center of my world is right where I'm standing.”
Def recommend if you're looking for a warm and fun Christmas read.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... ❄️🎄🌟⛄🎁🕯️🦌 Squeezing this in amongst my sob fest books.
June 29, 2024
This is a Christmas Romance with a little time travel (I guess). I am so happy that I got approved from a Netgalley e-book of this book, and I cannot wait to read it. I love Christina Lauren's book, so I requested this book without even seeing what is was about. I normally do not like book with time travel, but this book was so great. This is one of my favorite Christmas books. The main character is Maelyn. Her family and her mother's best friend's family was staying in a cabin for Christmas like they always do. Everything was going wrong and Mae makes a wish that ends up making her keep repeat the start of the trip until she gets it right. I found this book very cute and funny at parts and enough drama to keep me wanting to read it. Great book. I love a great Christmas story. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I can see this being the new hot Christmas story.
December 25, 2020
I’ve been in a very “bah humbug” mood for the past week or so, and decided maybe a sweet Christmas read would snap me out of it. So I grabbed a copy of In A Holidaze.
Every year, Mae and her family, along with close family friends, spend a week at a cabin in Salt Lake City, Utah. There’s sledding, scavenger hunts, building snow creatures, and Christmas cheer. This year, Mae makes a bad decision while under the influence of eggnog...she makes out with her friend, Theo, but she is really in love with his older brother, Andrew.
She feels ashamed and out of sorts the next day (December 26th). As she and her parents leave the cabin to drive to the airport after receiving some bad news, a truck plows into their car. Next thing Mae knows, it’s December 20th again, and she and her family are on a plane...on the way to Salt Lake City to start their annual holiday getaway. Then, it happens again. Can she right her wrongs, find happiness, and get out of the Groundhog Day loop?
This story is pure escapism, and it was nice to get lost in it for a few hours. There’s holiday cheer, some romance, some LOL moments, and a bit of cheese.
In fact, these were my thoughts at different points towards the end:
1. 🤣 !! Funny!
2. Oh lord! (🙄 due to corniness)
3. Oh come on! (🙄 due to corniness)
4. That’s so touching! (Eyes water 👀💧)
5. Oh please! (🙄 )
6. That was so cute! 😊
I definitely enjoyed it overall, and really loved the fantastic characters. It’s a fun and light read, and just what I needed.
🌲🌲🌲.5
Now, back to my Christmas blues and finding a good book with murder. 🔪
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Every year, Mae and her family, along with close family friends, spend a week at a cabin in Salt Lake City, Utah. There’s sledding, scavenger hunts, building snow creatures, and Christmas cheer. This year, Mae makes a bad decision while under the influence of eggnog...she makes out with her friend, Theo, but she is really in love with his older brother, Andrew.
She feels ashamed and out of sorts the next day (December 26th). As she and her parents leave the cabin to drive to the airport after receiving some bad news, a truck plows into their car. Next thing Mae knows, it’s December 20th again, and she and her family are on a plane...on the way to Salt Lake City to start their annual holiday getaway. Then, it happens again. Can she right her wrongs, find happiness, and get out of the Groundhog Day loop?
This story is pure escapism, and it was nice to get lost in it for a few hours. There’s holiday cheer, some romance, some LOL moments, and a bit of cheese.
In fact, these were my thoughts at different points towards the end:
1. 🤣 !! Funny!
2. Oh lord! (🙄 due to corniness)
3. Oh come on! (🙄 due to corniness)
4. That’s so touching! (Eyes water 👀💧)
5. Oh please! (🙄 )
6. That was so cute! 😊
I definitely enjoyed it overall, and really loved the fantastic characters. It’s a fun and light read, and just what I needed.
🌲🌲🌲.5
Now, back to my Christmas blues and finding a good book with murder. 🔪
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
October 22, 2020
Let's start by saying that one of my favorite movies is Groundhog day. (Bill Murray dying many times until becoming a selfless version of himself is too much fun to forget). It's a movie I can rewatch over and over and still enjoy. I didn’t read the blurb so I didn’t know that In A Holidaze was loosely based on it.
So what happens when you have been in love with Andrew since the age of thirteen but make a mistake and kiss his brother, Theo on December 25th instead? Naturally, you wish for a chance to find some happiness and erase the last few days, right? Wishful thinking...maybe for us plain humans but for Maelyn Jones this exactly what happens. She revisits the beginning of her Christmas holiday to find out what makes her happy. A Christmas full of family and friends. Maelyn's parents and her college friends have been meeting for Christmas since she can remember. It's a tradition that everyone makes time for.
Maelyn has been in love with Andrew since she was thirteen but she has never told him how she feels. Everyone has assumed Maelyn and Theo who are both twenty-six will be an item someday. Regardless of what they want, this time she is going to go for it. What does she have to lose since she probably will end up redoing the day anyway?
This was a fun, heartwarming story. I love the traditions they had of meeting at the cabin playing games throughout the days. It was quite endearing. Even Maelyn's parents who were now divorced, still continue with the tradition.
I didn't like Theo on the first version and thought Andrew took things too lightly. I love Benny in all the versions and the pet names with Mae were all too cute.
Kisses, debating about white chocolate vs real chocolate (of course dark chocolate. I'm a chocolate purist), a torn sweater, snowball fights are all reasons why I liked this book, and why Christina Lauren's duo is a success for me.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Gallery Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
So what happens when you have been in love with Andrew since the age of thirteen but make a mistake and kiss his brother, Theo on December 25th instead? Naturally, you wish for a chance to find some happiness and erase the last few days, right? Wishful thinking...maybe for us plain humans but for Maelyn Jones this exactly what happens. She revisits the beginning of her Christmas holiday to find out what makes her happy. A Christmas full of family and friends. Maelyn's parents and her college friends have been meeting for Christmas since she can remember. It's a tradition that everyone makes time for.
Maelyn has been in love with Andrew since she was thirteen but she has never told him how she feels. Everyone has assumed Maelyn and Theo who are both twenty-six will be an item someday. Regardless of what they want, this time she is going to go for it. What does she have to lose since she probably will end up redoing the day anyway?
This was a fun, heartwarming story. I love the traditions they had of meeting at the cabin playing games throughout the days. It was quite endearing. Even Maelyn's parents who were now divorced, still continue with the tradition.
I didn't like Theo on the first version and thought Andrew took things too lightly. I love Benny in all the versions and the pet names with Mae were all too cute.
Kisses, debating about white chocolate vs real chocolate (of course dark chocolate. I'm a chocolate purist), a torn sweater, snowball fights are all reasons why I liked this book, and why Christina Lauren's duo is a success for me.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Gallery Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
April 22, 2021
Every year Maelyn Jones, her family and two other family's have spent have spent Christmas together in a cabin in Utah. It's her favourite place in the world, but this year is a bit different. Her life isn't on the track she'd like it to be, she made the hugest mistake with a childhood friend Toby, has unrequited feelings for his brother Andrew and worst of all: the cabin will soon be sold.
Mae makes a desperate wish asking the universe to show her what will make her happy.
As Mae and her family are leaving the cabin they get into a car crash and she wakes up back on the plane a week earlier, flying to Utah once again. Mae has to live the same holiday over and over until she figures out what will break the time loop.
This was a ‘the-right-book-at-the-right-time’ kind of situation. During this pandemic I've been looking for books that would pull me in and I'm always grateful when I do find one. In a Holidaze was like that. Through this book I was able to switch off my worries and disappear into Mae's life.
The writing duo really excel in a writing style that makes for effortless reading.
The found family aspect of this book was so freaking heartwarming. I loved everything about the cabin, the activities and traditions, the families that came together religiously every year to be together. Their love for one another was palpable.
I wanted to be there with them.
Our protagonist, Mae, was very relatable. I loved Andrew and I thought Benny was precious.
Living the same week over and over might not make sense but I thought it was very fun and interesting seeing Mae try to figure out what she needed to change in order for her normal timeline to resume.
This book made me smile and forget the crazy world we live in right now. I highly recommend.
Buddy read with Türkan
Mae makes a desperate wish asking the universe to show her what will make her happy.
As Mae and her family are leaving the cabin they get into a car crash and she wakes up back on the plane a week earlier, flying to Utah once again. Mae has to live the same holiday over and over until she figures out what will break the time loop.
This was a ‘the-right-book-at-the-right-time’ kind of situation. During this pandemic I've been looking for books that would pull me in and I'm always grateful when I do find one. In a Holidaze was like that. Through this book I was able to switch off my worries and disappear into Mae's life.
The writing duo really excel in a writing style that makes for effortless reading.
The found family aspect of this book was so freaking heartwarming. I loved everything about the cabin, the activities and traditions, the families that came together religiously every year to be together. Their love for one another was palpable.
I wanted to be there with them.
Our protagonist, Mae, was very relatable. I loved Andrew and I thought Benny was precious.
Living the same week over and over might not make sense but I thought it was very fun and interesting seeing Mae try to figure out what she needed to change in order for her normal timeline to resume.
This book made me smile and forget the crazy world we live in right now. I highly recommend.
Buddy read with Türkan
November 15, 2023
has anyone watched the 12 Dates of Christmas? Add a PG-18 rating and hotter actors, and u have this book.
December 5, 2023
So about that time travel…🤔
Cute and christmasy as expected and a fun love story to top it off! 🎄
However…the time travel thing was dropped so hard that they probably could have done without that plot line to begin with. It was a cool idea and one I thought would be a central focus throughout the book.
There were also characters that were introduced that I don’t think were relevant and needed to be there.
Honestly, the book was fun and I thought it was a great addition to my Christmas reads. ⛄️ I just thought some things would play out differently than they did.
I’d recommend this one but bear in mind the underwhelming time travel plot.
3⭐️
Cute and christmasy as expected and a fun love story to top it off! 🎄
However…the time travel thing was dropped so hard that they probably could have done without that plot line to begin with. It was a cool idea and one I thought would be a central focus throughout the book.
There were also characters that were introduced that I don’t think were relevant and needed to be there.
Honestly, the book was fun and I thought it was a great addition to my Christmas reads. ⛄️ I just thought some things would play out differently than they did.
I’d recommend this one but bear in mind the underwhelming time travel plot.
3⭐️
July 3, 2020
Christmas Holidays that Go On and On?! If I didn’t know better, I’d say that seems Magical!
Maelyn, her parents and their family friends always spend the Christmas Holidays together in an old cabin in Utah where they play games, cook, eat and drink. All year, Mae looks forward to Christmas: spending time with her family friends, especially her “Uncle Benny” and her best friends, Andrew and Theo. Andrew is her longtime crush and has no idea how she feels, while Theo has always just been there for her through thick and thin.
This year, however things are different. Mae is different and she wishes for what she wants most in this world. Unfortunately for her, she makes a mistake that has major ramifications. Mae, of course, is crushed.
Can you say do over?! Let the games begin!
When Mae gets a chance to make it right she seizes the opportunity, again and again. Enter Andrew. Funny, Kind, Gorgeous, Sweet Andrew.
Cue the Smiles and the Laughter. A Little Romance is in the House!
Leave it to Christina Lauren to come up with a lovely, sweet, romantic Christmas Story that is somewhat fresh and new in “In a Holidaze.” While there were a few parts of this novel that I think were extraneous, all in all, I truly enjoyed this story and loved the characters of Benny, Mae and Andrew. If you’re looking for a magical read that will be sure to make you smile, this is it!
This was another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Gallery Books, NetGalley and Christina Lauren for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 7.3.20.
Maelyn, her parents and their family friends always spend the Christmas Holidays together in an old cabin in Utah where they play games, cook, eat and drink. All year, Mae looks forward to Christmas: spending time with her family friends, especially her “Uncle Benny” and her best friends, Andrew and Theo. Andrew is her longtime crush and has no idea how she feels, while Theo has always just been there for her through thick and thin.
This year, however things are different. Mae is different and she wishes for what she wants most in this world. Unfortunately for her, she makes a mistake that has major ramifications. Mae, of course, is crushed.
Can you say do over?! Let the games begin!
When Mae gets a chance to make it right she seizes the opportunity, again and again. Enter Andrew. Funny, Kind, Gorgeous, Sweet Andrew.
Cue the Smiles and the Laughter. A Little Romance is in the House!
Leave it to Christina Lauren to come up with a lovely, sweet, romantic Christmas Story that is somewhat fresh and new in “In a Holidaze.” While there were a few parts of this novel that I think were extraneous, all in all, I truly enjoyed this story and loved the characters of Benny, Mae and Andrew. If you’re looking for a magical read that will be sure to make you smile, this is it!
This was another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Gallery Books, NetGalley and Christina Lauren for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 7.3.20.
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