August 19, 2024
Herring Blake (the Bright Falls series) brings all the queer-community-centric charm and sensuality her readers expect to this feel-good holiday outing. Charlotte Donovan, left at the altar five years ago by her fiancée and longtime best friend Brighton Fairbrook, is now a successful classical violinist in New York City, while aspiring songwriter Brighton has yet to find her niche in Nashville. To both their surprise and horror, they meet again for the first time since the aborted wedding at a “cheery, queery Christmas” with mutual friends in Colorado. What follows is an almost Parent Trap–esque plot in which the exes, forced by their friends to spend time together again, must work through the issues that led to their split. Christmas cheer abounds, and the heroines’ vibrant queer friend group—all of whom have their own romantic journeys to undergo—makes a charming supporting cast. Some of the conflict comes down to frustratingly unnecessary miscommunications, but this is a minor quibble with an otherwise cozy and comforting love story. This is destined for many a keeper shelf.
December 6, 2024
Charlotte Donovan, the daughter of a famous, hands-off mother, was left at the altar when her fianc�e, Brighton Fairbrook, ran from the venue. With the holidays closing in, Charlotte's string ensemble, the Rosalind Quartet, is discussing holiday plans. When fellow musician Sloane realizes that Charlotte will be alone for the holidays, she invites Charlotte to spend the holidays with her family in Colorado. When Charlotte arrives, she learns that Sloane's sister Adele has also brought a friend along, who just happens to be Brighton. Desperate to avoid the past, Charlotte pretends not to know Brighton, despite being signed up for a series of holiday dating events. However, as they spend time together, Charlotte and Brighton are forced to face the music and the memories that haunt their pasts. Blake, author of the "Bright Falls" trilogy, is back with a holiday-themed second-chance romance that is as swoony as it is Christmassy. Kristen DiMercurio narrates both Charlotte and Brighton, as well as their gaggle of friends, as they have a cheery, queer Christmas, with heartbreak and hilarity bringing the story together. Though this is a fairly sexy listen, there are many moments that will remind listeners of a Hallmark Christmas movie as the characters participate in over-the-top holiday events and all the ends are tied up nicely. VERDICT A fun, steamy-at-times holiday romance.--Elyssa Everling
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