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A review by theamyleblanc
Christmas Is All Around by Martha Waters
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mmmm . . . there are so many things to love about this book! It's a delightful bit of anti-Christmas cheer and I devoured it as quickly as my schedule allowed.
The characters are complex and complicated and flawed and interesting -- basically exactly what I've come to expect from Martha Waters. I liked Charlotte's penchant for speaking bluntly, Graham's quiet regard, and Alice's demonic presence.
I thought the story started off slowly. It took a little while for me to feel completely sucked into it, which is my only complaint. Once things all clicked into place, I was IN IT. It unfolds beautifully and while I never questioned how it would end, I did have to wonder how we'd get there.
By far my favorite aspect of the book is the narrative voice. It's told third person limited, from Charlotte's PoV. The neurodivergent grammarian inside me was tickled by the abundant use of parentheticals and em dashes! It gave the narrative a unique cadence that felt perfectly Charlotte. I also adored the liberal use of more obscure pop culture references. Sure, the whole plot mocks a popular (and problematic) Christmas movie but there are other references that often made me giggle out loud.
Go read it. It's a wonderfully unique holiday romance and I'm certain you'll enjoy it!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are complex and complicated and flawed and interesting -- basically exactly what I've come to expect from Martha Waters. I liked Charlotte's penchant for speaking bluntly, Graham's quiet regard, and Alice's demonic presence.
I thought the story started off slowly. It took a little while for me to feel completely sucked into it, which is my only complaint. Once things all clicked into place, I was IN IT. It unfolds beautifully and while I never questioned how it would end, I did have to wonder how we'd get there.
By far my favorite aspect of the book is the narrative voice. It's told third person limited, from Charlotte's PoV. The neurodivergent grammarian inside me was tickled by the abundant use of parentheticals and em dashes! It gave the narrative a unique cadence that felt perfectly Charlotte. I also adored the liberal use of more obscure pop culture references. Sure, the whole plot mocks a popular (and problematic) Christmas movie but there are other references that often made me giggle out loud.
Go read it. It's a wonderfully unique holiday romance and I'm certain you'll enjoy it!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.