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lizzie_b99's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is a great friends-to-lovers novel. It's very trope-heavy, as you might expect from the Hallmark movie type plot, but it is very cute. Luka and Stella's relationship is really sweet and intimate. I would have liked to see a bit more of their families, I think, especially during the epilogue, to see how their romantic relationship impacts their other relationships.
I've only read Christmas romances rarely, but I think this is a good intro to the genre! I'd be interested in reading the other titles in the series to see the other characters' stories (and maybe some cameos of Luka and Stella).
I've only read Christmas romances rarely, but I think this is a good intro to the genre! I'd be interested in reading the other titles in the series to see the other characters' stories (and maybe some cameos of Luka and Stella).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Sexual content, and Cursing
Moderate: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Cancer
elliott_the_clementine's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A very adorable, Christmas-y iteration of the friends-to-lovers trope.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity
nicolecurlsuptoread's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
🎧 + 📱 • Listened on audio while reading the e-book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ • 3.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ • 4/5
📌 You’ll dig this if you like
» Fake dating
» Slow burns
» Friends to lovers
» Unrequited crushes (for both!)
» Found family
→ I struggled a bit with this book. Listening to the audio while reading with my eyes is usually a great experience, but there were some significant differences between the audio recording and e-book which were jarring and confusing. I would recommend the written version over the audiobook if it’s accessible for you, even just for the epilogues. There are two extra chapters in the written version.
→ I didn’t like Stella very much through the book; she defined obtuse, and I couldn’t connect with her. Luka saved the story for me, as did Beckett and Layla. Even though I didn’t love Lovelight Farms, I will read the following books because I want to see how their stories play out.
→ Stella and Luka’s relationship was what redeemed this story. The little pieces of themselves they’ve shared over time and missed opportunities. Love masquerading as close friendship for a decade, with a now or never opportunity. This was a great way to shape friends to lovers.
📌 What stood out
» Beckett becomes a cat dad without hesitation and is immediately crowned the chosen one by mama cat and her kittens. Cue swoon!
» The thread of the pine air fresheners 🌲
» Firefighters and townsfolk volunteer as official North Pole representatives to take wish lists from kids so no child has to sit on a stranger’s lap. 👏
📌 Moments
» Luka asks Stella to slow dance in the kitchen; it’s how his parents argued/ had big discussions ❤️❤️ He admits he thinks it’s so his dad "could politely restrain his mother". I think it would be tough to stay angry while dancing in a hug.
🚫 Triggers: debt, parental abandonment, death of parent to cancer. Please check warnings.
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ • 3.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ • 4/5
📌 You’ll dig this if you like
» Fake dating
» Slow burns
» Friends to lovers
» Unrequited crushes (for both!)
» Found family
→ I struggled a bit with this book. Listening to the audio while reading with my eyes is usually a great experience, but there were some significant differences between the audio recording and e-book which were jarring and confusing. I would recommend the written version over the audiobook if it’s accessible for you, even just for the epilogues. There are two extra chapters in the written version.
→ I didn’t like Stella very much through the book; she defined obtuse, and I couldn’t connect with her. Luka saved the story for me, as did Beckett and Layla. Even though I didn’t love Lovelight Farms, I will read the following books because I want to see how their stories play out.
→ Stella and Luka’s relationship was what redeemed this story. The little pieces of themselves they’ve shared over time and missed opportunities. Love masquerading as close friendship for a decade, with a now or never opportunity. This was a great way to shape friends to lovers.
📌 What stood out
» Beckett becomes a cat dad without hesitation and is immediately crowned the chosen one by mama cat and her kittens. Cue swoon!
» The thread of the pine air fresheners 🌲
» Firefighters and townsfolk volunteer as official North Pole representatives to take wish lists from kids so no child has to sit on a stranger’s lap. 👏
📌 Moments
» Luka asks Stella to slow dance in the kitchen; it’s how his parents argued/ had big discussions ❤️❤️ He admits he thinks it’s so his dad "could politely restrain his mother". I think it would be tough to stay angry while dancing in a hug.
🚫 Triggers: debt, parental abandonment, death of parent to cancer. Please check warnings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual content, Abandonment, Cancer, and Terminal illness
Minor: Alcoholism
literarypenguin's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am glad that I dove headfirst into this series with no knowledge before hand! This is becoming one of my favorite romance series I have ever read!
The friends to lovers trope was the best I have read in this book! The friendship between Luka & Stella is so realistic. It was really believable and the progression of their friendship into a romance was very believable as well. I loved their friendship and how honest they were with each other, how they both understood each other so well. They know each others ups and downs, highs and lows. The dancing in the kitchen scene really got me, it was beautiful and precious in all the best ways!
Stella as a character was great! Her background with her family with her mom and her father was equally parts warm hearted and sad. How she had to make herself resilient and her fear of abandonment was valid. She had every reason to be this way after everything she went through since she was a child. That is why I thought Luka was perfect for her, he broke down her walls and reassured her that just because she loves people doesn't mean they are going to be gone the next day. Her resilience to live her dream of owning a Christmas Tree farm was awesome to see and I found myself rooting for her several times throughout the book.
Luka was a wonderful male lead character. I adored his family, all his aunts and his mother were so sweet and loving! The part about his dad was also sad but heartwarming. He was very funny as well many of his lines in the book had me laughing! His willingness and love for Stella was cute. I liked how involved in Stella's business he got and how he supported her through every decision and moment.
The town itself is such a character as well! All the residents of this town were great and they had such big personalities. My personal favorites were Sheriff Dane, Beck, and Layla. The kittens were so adorable as well! How Stella grew to love this town and everyone in it just shows how important relationships in small towns can be.
I loved this series, the Christmas vibes, the romance, and the story! I can't wait to read all the books in the series and continue the cuteness!
The friends to lovers trope was the best I have read in this book! The friendship between Luka & Stella is so realistic. It was really believable and the progression of their friendship into a romance was very believable as well. I loved their friendship and how honest they were with each other, how they both understood each other so well. They know each others ups and downs, highs and lows. The dancing in the kitchen scene really got me, it was beautiful and precious in all the best ways!
Stella as a character was great! Her background with her family with her mom and her father was equally parts warm hearted and sad. How she had to make herself resilient and her fear of abandonment was valid. She had every reason to be this way after everything she went through since she was a child. That is why I thought Luka was perfect for her, he broke down her walls and reassured her that just because she loves people doesn't mean they are going to be gone the next day. Her resilience to live her dream of owning a Christmas Tree farm was awesome to see and I found myself rooting for her several times throughout the book.
Luka was a wonderful male lead character. I adored his family, all his aunts and his mother were so sweet and loving! The part about his dad was also sad but heartwarming. He was very funny as well many of his lines in the book had me laughing! His willingness and love for Stella was cute. I liked how involved in Stella's business he got and how he supported her through every decision and moment.
The town itself is such a character as well! All the residents of this town were great and they had such big personalities. My personal favorites were Sheriff Dane, Beck, and Layla. The kittens were so adorable as well! How Stella grew to love this town and everyone in it just shows how important relationships in small towns can be.
I loved this series, the Christmas vibes, the romance, and the story! I can't wait to read all the books in the series and continue the cuteness!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Death of parent
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Cancer
embroidery_by_booklover's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This had everyone needed for a perfect romance novel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief, Cursing, Death of parent, Bullying, and Abandonment
gphemsley's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment, Mental illness, Alcohol, and Grief
kylasmv15's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Abandonment, and Sexual content
Moderate: Grief and Cursing
Minor: Alcohol, Cancer, and Emotional abuse
storieswithannej's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It was cozy, cute, steamy, funny, and very Christmasy.
But how could anyone who’s been in love with someone not know that the other person’s been feeling the same this whole time? Considering all the actions he’d shown and a confession to top it all?
The book enveloped me in its cozy Christmas farm where friendship is shared and the only things broken down are delicious pastries (if we’ll let the property damage incident pass, that is). I’ve shared my laughs with these lovable characters. I loved their quirks and genuine connections. The author was also good at narrating steamy scenes.
However, I won’t deny my annoyance at the female lead. How could she be so indenial about the truth? That was the only thing that dragged it for me hence I’m only giving it 3 stars.
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief and Abandonment
ambercunningham's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-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? No
5.0
This is the book that got me into romance and cemented my favorite tropes. The secret love that Stella and Luka have for each other? Unmatched.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Alcohol, Cancer, Sexual content, Abandonment, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
o_watson's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcohol, Death of parent, Sexual content, Cursing, and Grief
Minor: Infidelity