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qgg's review against another edition
4.5
This book is so good! I’d give it 5 stars if I wasn’t so picky about my ratings. I do not consider this a romance book. It’s really a book about deep and abiding friendships and found family as well as how to heal from teen/young adult trauma. Even though the chapters each revolve around a specific Christmas, it’s not really a book about that either. It’s still found family and how to make new traditions that feel right.
spicybrycey's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. It was such a great holiday read and loved the way it was written. I loved jumping back in forth in time as it allowed us to celebrate a decade of christmases with these amazing characters instead of just one. I also loved reading from more than one perspective as it gave me more insight into their friendship. I loved that the overwhelming story line of this book was about friendship and not their romantic lives. Although I also enjoyed their romantic journeys as well. I would recommend this book a million times over.
jhofmeister's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
📖: 4 friends with tumultuous family relationships start a tradition of always spending Christmas together, but as their lives evolve, including one of them deciding to move across the country, their tradition, and friendship, risks falling apart.
🎄 👩🏽🤝👨🏼 👩🏾🤝👨🏽
Unfortunately, I think my rating of The Christmas Orphans Club is highly influenced by how I read it, so here’s the backstory: I got a copy of this for myself and another for my bestie to read as an “advent calendar” book where we read 1-2 chapters every day in December leading up to Christmas. It was a fun way to buddy read, but I STRUGGLED with only being able to read a chapter a night, and this was not the book to have to do that with. The plot depended on miscommunication to provide the tension (my literally least favorite trope) both with the romantic couples and within the friend group, and having to stew on that one chapter at a time?-- I think if I could have binged it, I would have liked it a lot more. All that being said, I didn’t dislike the book, and I know lots of other people who loved it, so take this particular review with a large grain of salt!
🎄 👩🏽🤝👨🏼 👩🏾🤝👨🏽
Unfortunately, I think my rating of The Christmas Orphans Club is highly influenced by how I read it, so here’s the backstory: I got a copy of this for myself and another for my bestie to read as an “advent calendar” book where we read 1-2 chapters every day in December leading up to Christmas. It was a fun way to buddy read, but I STRUGGLED with only being able to read a chapter a night, and this was not the book to have to do that with. The plot depended on miscommunication to provide the tension (my literally least favorite trope) both with the romantic couples and within the friend group, and having to stew on that one chapter at a time?-- I think if I could have binged it, I would have liked it a lot more. All that being said, I didn’t dislike the book, and I know lots of other people who loved it, so take this particular review with a large grain of salt!
madisonomcglone's review against another edition
5.0
(I rounded this up from a 4.5 ⭐️)
What a cute, cozy, and heartwarming read! The first few chapters I thought I was in for a cheese-fest, but the more I read and got to know the characters and their stories, I found it to be more relatable and enjoyable. The dialogue was increasingly funny and quippy, and I have a soft spot for any book that can make me literally laugh out loud.
Highly rec for a end of year read!
What a cute, cozy, and heartwarming read! The first few chapters I thought I was in for a cheese-fest, but the more I read and got to know the characters and their stories, I found it to be more relatable and enjoyable. The dialogue was increasingly funny and quippy, and I have a soft spot for any book that can make me literally laugh out loud.
Highly rec for a end of year read!
yaboigrass's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kris_deveau_288's review against another edition
4.0
My book club choice this round. I've been listening to Becca's podcast for a few years now and was excited to hear about her journey to write and publish this book. I honestly did not know if I would like this book because Becca's book recommendations don't always fit my taste. But I was happily surprised to enjoy this book. It was the perfect escape to read as a lead-up to the busy holiday season.
magicinthemoon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
fatihyusuf_'s review against another edition
5.0
Becca Freeman's "The Christmas Orphans Club" is a refreshing departure from the traditional holiday narrative. Seamlessly blending festivity with humor and genuine heart, this book transcends the boundaries of a typical Christmas tale.
Set against the vibrant tapestry of New York City, we journey with four close-knit friends: Hannah, Finn, Theo, and Priya. Each year, they come together to celebrate Christmas, a tradition that began when Hannah and Finn, as college students, found themselves away from family during the festive season. As their lives evolved, so did their group, welcoming Theo and Priya into their tradition. But as they gear up for what could be their last Christmas together, with Finn's impending move to LA and Hannah's struggles with her boyfriend David's integration into the group, emotions run high.
Freeman's depiction of New York is both immersive and nostalgic, sprinkled with delightful nods to familiar spots. For podcast aficionados, there are also subtle 'Easter eggs', making the reading experience even more personal and engaging.
What truly sets this book apart is its emphasis on the beauty of platonic relationships. However, romance isn't entirely off the table. Two intricately woven subplots offer moments of swoon-worthy romance, proving Freeman's prowess in balancing both friendship and love in her narrative.
Freeman's prose is both warm and evocative. Her characters exude authenticity, drawing the reader into their world and making it difficult not to become emotionally invested in their journeys. By the time you turn the last page, you'll be left with a mélange of emotions and a deep appreciation for the chosen families we build over time.
In conclusion, "The Christmas Orphans Club" stands as a poignant testament to friendship, love, and the intricate dynamics that emerge as lives evolve. Freeman's debut is nothing short of dazzling, solidifying her position in the realm of sophisticated, feel-good fiction. Highly recommended for a heartfelt festive read.
Set against the vibrant tapestry of New York City, we journey with four close-knit friends: Hannah, Finn, Theo, and Priya. Each year, they come together to celebrate Christmas, a tradition that began when Hannah and Finn, as college students, found themselves away from family during the festive season. As their lives evolved, so did their group, welcoming Theo and Priya into their tradition. But as they gear up for what could be their last Christmas together, with Finn's impending move to LA and Hannah's struggles with her boyfriend David's integration into the group, emotions run high.
Freeman's depiction of New York is both immersive and nostalgic, sprinkled with delightful nods to familiar spots. For podcast aficionados, there are also subtle 'Easter eggs', making the reading experience even more personal and engaging.
What truly sets this book apart is its emphasis on the beauty of platonic relationships. However, romance isn't entirely off the table. Two intricately woven subplots offer moments of swoon-worthy romance, proving Freeman's prowess in balancing both friendship and love in her narrative.
Freeman's prose is both warm and evocative. Her characters exude authenticity, drawing the reader into their world and making it difficult not to become emotionally invested in their journeys. By the time you turn the last page, you'll be left with a mélange of emotions and a deep appreciation for the chosen families we build over time.
In conclusion, "The Christmas Orphans Club" stands as a poignant testament to friendship, love, and the intricate dynamics that emerge as lives evolve. Freeman's debut is nothing short of dazzling, solidifying her position in the realm of sophisticated, feel-good fiction. Highly recommended for a heartfelt festive read.
sambythelakes's review against another edition
5.0
I finally got around to listening to this audiobook which I highly recommend whether it’s the Christmas season or not. I’ve been a fan of the Bad on Paper podcast for years and could see Becca’s personality and tastes reflected in her writing, which probably made me love it even more.
If you’re looking on a story that revolves around friendship in your 20s-30s, you’ll love this one. I found the characters and their conflicts believable. I was hooked from the first chapter
If you’re looking on a story that revolves around friendship in your 20s-30s, you’ll love this one. I found the characters and their conflicts believable. I was hooked from the first chapter
letstalkreads's review against another edition
4.0
4.5…simply delightful- exactly the perfect Christmas read I wanted…I’ve been seeing a lot of this book on bookstagram and now I know why. (Ok within the first chapter I knew why, it’s enjoyable). I heard it’s great as an audiobook and I’ll definitely listen to it next Christmas or the year after.
* Biased review as I love Christmas in NYC
* Biased review as I love Christmas in NYC