Don’t Marry Me At Christmas by Clare Lydon is a delightful second-chance yuletide romp.
Meet Sara Snow: a Christmas enthusiast, but a bit of a holiday romance Grinch. Her ideal ceremony? Sunny and completely Beth-free.
Meet Beth Callaghan: an expert at running—away from countries, emotions, and the occasional one-night stand with her best friends.
Now Beth’s back, equipped with apologies and a tinsel-wrapped resolve. But can she thaw Sara’s icy heart, or will it take a Christmas miracle? One thing’s for sure: Sara Snow will NEVER have a Christmas wedding. Right? RIGHT?
Writing
If this delightful second-chance romance doesn’t fill you with Christmas cheer, I’m not sure what will! It’s a fun and festive read, with such vivid descriptions of beautifully decorated cupcakes that you can almost smell and taste them. I could clearly picture the display window at Stollards, adorned in Christmas splendor, as Sara showcased her impressive baking skills to everyone. The witty dialogue and moments of humor add to the enjoyment, along with the heartfelt and romantic scenes.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Sara’s disdain for Christmas romances sharply contrasts with her love for the holiday season itself. While she finds holiday weddings a hassle, she delights in decorating the tree and embracing the festive spirit. When she finally confronts Beth, who ghosted her (and everyone else in her life) after their one night together, Sara doesn’t hesitate to express how deeply hurt she was by Beth’s actions. I love that Sara voiced these feelings, pushing Beth to recognize the harm she caused to the one person who had always been there for her.
Beth’s fear of relationships is understandable, given her mother’s history. She’s someone who runs away, believing she’s sparing everyone pain. However, she soon realizes that her actions caused significant heartache for Sara and her family. Beth’s willingness to reflect on her behavior and make amends is admirable and plays a key role in helping Sara begin to trust her again.
Sara and Beth share a long history filled with childhood adventures, teenage drama, and adult complications. From the very start, it’s clear how deeply they care for each other. As Beth works to make amends, Sara’s trust in her gradually grows, leading to a truly sweet romance between two women clearly destined to be together. I loved the small, heartfelt moments they shared, which added a special warmth to their holiday season. The supporting characters add a lot of smiles and show how these two women are supported by those who love them.
Heads Up
This story will make you crave cupcakes, almond croissants, and the best cheesecake in the world.
The Conclusion
Don’t Marry Me At Christmas is the perfect feel-good read to get you into the Christmas spirit. With plenty of holiday cheer, fun and supportive friends, a cute stuffed panda named Polly, and a heartwarming second-chance romance, it’ll have you believing in soulmates. This story is low on angst but overflowing with festive joy, featuring two lovable main characters whose deep connection only strengthens over time. Their shared history enhances their bond, and the festive details make this Christmas romance a true delight!
Excerpt from Don’t Marry Me At Christmas by Clare Lydon
“Twenty minutes.” Beth met Sara’s gaze. “You can sit down if you want to.” She looked at Sara’s bag on the floor. Whatever was in it was big and boxy. Beth indicated the strap of her bag. “I would, but I might strangle myself.” Another pause. “Which you might have good reason to be okay about.”
Sara gave her a stern look, then shook her head. “If you want me to be friendly to you, you need to act like a friend. Which you definitely haven’t over the past couple of years.”
Beth’s stomach rolled. “I know that.”
“And honestly, I don’t deserve it.”
“I agree.”
“Yet you still did it.”
“I know.”
That caused Sara to cross her arms over her chest and let out an exasperated sigh. “If you’re going to be annoying and agree with me, maybe we can practice silence for the next 20 minutes. Perhaps 19 by now.”
“Let’s go with 18. Look on the positive side of life.”
“Forgive me if I don’t see that at the moment.” Sara blew out her cheeks. “I came here this morning to try to impress someone, but now I know you work here, that’s not going to happen.”
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 978-1912019359
Publisher: Custard Books
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