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theespressoedition's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Cue up your favorite holiday playlist.
Grab your mug of hot cocoa.
Put an extra log on the fireplace.
Set out a plate of gingerbread cookies.
And snuggle up by the Christmas tree.
Love Always, Christmas is about to put you in the most festive mood ever.
Anyone who knows me knows that in my world, Karen Schaler is the absolute Queen of Christmas. I've said time and again that I'm not sure anyone will ever be able to exceed her when it comes to spreading Christmas cheer. This story is yet another example of how wonderful her books are during the holiday season.
Normally, I go into Christmas books with a bit of a lower expectation for them. I'm not anticipating more than Hallmark-worthy cheese and romance with a side of predictability. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and emotion in Love Always, Christmas. There was a lot more to this story than meets the eye and I enjoyed every minute of it (even when I felt a few tears splash my cheeks on occasion).
This book really gave me all of the found family vibes I crave during this season. Not only was the protagonist someone who I could relate to quite a lot (as a social media manager and blogger) but I absolutely adored all of the secondary characters as well... down to Rudolph the Australian Shepherd!
The concept of the "Love Always, Christmas" list was so creative that I actually got distracted halfway through my read. I wound up searching for local holiday events and towns to visit with my own loved ones. I wound up sitting with my husband for several hours, planning our own list for the season! Thank you, Karen, for inspiring us!
Now, as much as this book had fantastic emotional depth, I will say that it is a Christmas romcom, so insta-love is very much a part of the story. It was the first time I had actually been able to recognize this in a book and it made me giggle every once in a while. However, I do believe in "love at first sight," so I really can't judge if someone bonds with another over crushed gingerbread men and a good glass of Bordeaux. This romance was adorable and lighthearted and honestly perfect for a holiday read!
I couldn't have asked for more in my first Christmas book of the season. It was so heartwarming and constantly brought a smile to my face. I honestly can't wait to reread it each year as I do with Karen's other festive books. Oh, and I can't wait to get started with all of the great plans on my Love Always, Christmas list!
Grab your mug of hot cocoa.
Put an extra log on the fireplace.
Set out a plate of gingerbread cookies.
And snuggle up by the Christmas tree.
Love Always, Christmas is about to put you in the most festive mood ever.
Anyone who knows me knows that in my world, Karen Schaler is the absolute Queen of Christmas. I've said time and again that I'm not sure anyone will ever be able to exceed her when it comes to spreading Christmas cheer. This story is yet another example of how wonderful her books are during the holiday season.
Normally, I go into Christmas books with a bit of a lower expectation for them. I'm not anticipating more than Hallmark-worthy cheese and romance with a side of predictability. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and emotion in Love Always, Christmas. There was a lot more to this story than meets the eye and I enjoyed every minute of it (even when I felt a few tears splash my cheeks on occasion).
This book really gave me all of the found family vibes I crave during this season. Not only was the protagonist someone who I could relate to quite a lot (as a social media manager and blogger) but I absolutely adored all of the secondary characters as well... down to Rudolph the Australian Shepherd!
The concept of the "Love Always, Christmas" list was so creative that I actually got distracted halfway through my read. I wound up searching for local holiday events and towns to visit with my own loved ones. I wound up sitting with my husband for several hours, planning our own list for the season! Thank you, Karen, for inspiring us!
Now, as much as this book had fantastic emotional depth, I will say that it is a Christmas romcom, so insta-love is very much a part of the story. It was the first time I had actually been able to recognize this in a book and it made me giggle every once in a while. However, I do believe in "love at first sight," so I really can't judge if someone bonds with another over crushed gingerbread men and a good glass of Bordeaux. This romance was adorable and lighthearted and honestly perfect for a holiday read!
I couldn't have asked for more in my first Christmas book of the season. It was so heartwarming and constantly brought a smile to my face. I honestly can't wait to reread it each year as I do with Karen's other festive books. Oh, and I can't wait to get started with all of the great plans on my Love Always, Christmas list!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Emotional abuse
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