Scan barcode
mushmysteriesandmore's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
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
4.0
Ava is a milliner, or hat-maker to put it in layman's terms. She makes beautiful bespoke hats but business is slow and she's struggling to make ends meet. Her best friend/landlady takes her along to a work party where she meets the handsome and charming Sam. He commissions her to make a special hat for his mum who is battling cancer. When his mother meets Ava she thinks Ava and Sam are dating and Sam is too kind to dash her hopes during her health battle and Ava agrees to fake date him for a while, at least over Christmas.
However, in the sidelines are her best friend who has a crush on Sam and Ava's bullying ex who is threatening to publicly shame her with some explicit snaps they took when dating. Ava's shame is all too familiar and highlights the real-life struggle some people suffer at the hands of an abusive ex.
This was a beautiful love story, despite the cruel nature of some of the underlying themes, but as a true Christmas romance, Ava and Sam get their HEA and a happy Christmas.
However, in the sidelines are her best friend who has a crush on Sam and Ava's bullying ex who is threatening to publicly shame her with some explicit snaps they took when dating. Ava's shame is all too familiar and highlights the real-life struggle some people suffer at the hands of an abusive ex.
This was a beautiful love story, despite the cruel nature of some of the underlying themes, but as a true Christmas romance, Ava and Sam get their HEA and a happy Christmas.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Emotional abuse, and Stalking
Minor: Rape