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itsemilykaty's review
5.0
I loved this. I was captivated by all three of the protagonists’ stories (and loved Ella, the autistic protagonist). Contemporary/romance isn’t always for me, but this was gripping, engaging, funny and emotional, and I couldn’t put it down.
starlitcursebreaker's review
2.5
First off, thank you NetGalley, Headline and the author for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
OUTLIER ALERT!! 🎶Its me!🎶 The synopsis for this book sounded amazing and I was super excited to read it. I mean who doesn't love a festive holiday rom-com!?! Although I love Christmas books this one did not meet my expectations because I struggled to connect with the characters, unnecessary name labeling and not humorous at all to me. Essentially, you get three main characters with their POV's and three separate stories going on at the same time. The author did an amazing job of intertwining the stories together at the end. This is a story about Christmas, female friendships and a pinch of romance! 🤏
✨I know many people will love this book so please do not base your decision to read this book solely on my review.✨
2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars!
OUTLIER ALERT!! 🎶Its me!🎶 The synopsis for this book sounded amazing and I was super excited to read it. I mean who doesn't love a festive holiday rom-com!?! Although I love Christmas books this one did not meet my expectations because I struggled to connect with the characters, unnecessary name labeling and not humorous at all to me. Essentially, you get three main characters with their POV's and three separate stories going on at the same time. The author did an amazing job of intertwining the stories together at the end. This is a story about Christmas, female friendships and a pinch of romance! 🤏
✨I know many people will love this book so please do not base your decision to read this book solely on my review.✨
2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars!
kxtiebooks's review
3.0
Well, this was a cute little read! Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my digital copy
smalltownbookmom's review
3.0
An emotional family drama that is sure to delight fans of #ownvoices autistic and Jewish authors. This wasn't so much a holiday romance as a story about three estranged sisters who have to deal with the sudden death of their father. Recommended for fans of books like Jenny Bayliss's A December to remember. This wasn't as great as I was hoping it would be but it was still a solid read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
readwithjackalope's review
4.0
This is a sweet holiday romance about 3 Jewish young women who are at a crossroads in their lives. Ella, a wedding planner, is tired of working for her dragon of a boss and impulsively quits her job. She decides to start working for herself as a wedding planner and agrees to plan Rachel's wedding, despite her boss's attempts to sabotage her. Rachel is looking forward to getting married to Chris on Christmas Day as she deals with her crazy family's antics and secrets while trying to land her dream job as a journalist. Hannah, Rachel's cousin has been flighty and irresponsible and working at her mom's pub until she learns that her father passed away. Her father was a famous Israeli photographer, so she flew out for his funeral and connected with her newfound family. It's a light-hearted holiday story with some romance, humor as well as serious issues. The author did a great job of tying the character's storylines together. I loved the story and the character's journey as it led up to Rachel's wedding. There was great representation as well- Jewish/Israeli, LGBTQ, Autism, and plus size.
Thanks, Netgalley, Headline Books, and Sara Gibbs for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Thanks, Netgalley, Headline Books, and Sara Gibbs for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
buenobooks's review
4.0
Thank you @netgalley and Headline for the chance to read!
A festive story with a twist.
Eight bright lights follows three women, all with their own POV and journeys that intertwine in unexpected ways.
I really enjoyed this read. The first of the festive books for me. I thought it was going to be a festive romance but was met with much more plot and dialogue than expected.
There was representation of different cultures, autism and some other heavy topics that were discussed in a natural and understandable way which was educational and enjoyable to read about.
There was a bit of humour and romance but it was the typical festive rom-com I was expecting. I did have to take a break or two and get back into it over the week.
My only negative was the over-use of certain brand or name drops. I also found it hard to connect with the characters because we were being reminded of their
'Traits' or 'likes' repeatedly at the beginning but once the story began to build, this became less. Sometimes I personally prefer a less is more approach but this may just be how I read into the introduction of the characters.
Overall recommend for those looking for a thought provoking story which is festive but not based on the usual Christmas love and romance!
A festive story with a twist.
Eight bright lights follows three women, all with their own POV and journeys that intertwine in unexpected ways.
I really enjoyed this read. The first of the festive books for me. I thought it was going to be a festive romance but was met with much more plot and dialogue than expected.
There was representation of different cultures, autism and some other heavy topics that were discussed in a natural and understandable way which was educational and enjoyable to read about.
There was a bit of humour and romance but it was the typical festive rom-com I was expecting. I did have to take a break or two and get back into it over the week.
My only negative was the over-use of certain brand or name drops. I also found it hard to connect with the characters because we were being reminded of their
'Traits' or 'likes' repeatedly at the beginning but once the story began to build, this became less. Sometimes I personally prefer a less is more approach but this may just be how I read into the introduction of the characters.
Overall recommend for those looking for a thought provoking story which is festive but not based on the usual Christmas love and romance!
rimonima's review
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Unlikely characters, disjointed plots.
bethking's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
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
4.0
simmyr28's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5