Reviews

Three Holidays and a Wedding by Marissa Stapley, Uzma Jalaluddin

coffeenbooks74's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.75

I loved this book! Maryam and her family are traveling to Toronto for her sister's wedding, and Anna is traveling to Toronto to meet her boyfriend's family and spend Christmas with them. They're on the same flight, and a blizzard causes them to have to land in Snow Falls, instead. Stuck for who knows how long before flights can get out again, Maryam and Anna reevaluate what's really important to them. 

lizzynotbennet's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-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? Yes

4.0

honeywaffles's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

3.75

A little trite at times, but still a cute holiday story.

cguth32's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-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

kaallen's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-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

3.5

emiller1018's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted medium-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

3.0

spatterson12's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a little slow for me. At times it read almost like it could've been turned into a script because of the level of detail provided. I could easily visualize this story on the screen because of that, but it did make it drag in some moments.

I had a hard time with Anna at the beginning as well. When I'm on a flight, I'm not trying to make friends, so if I had to sit by someone super chatty, I would've been STRESSED especially during a blizzard. Maryam is much stronger than I could ever be.

I did really love the town and community of Snow Falls. There were times where I was trying to imagine how some of these businesses stayed alive year round since several seem very holiday focused, but I suspended logic and went with it. Snow Falls reminded me a lot of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, which might be because I'm currently in a rewatch - but I love a small, walkable community. Plus, Lorelai loves snow and would've thrived. Though, she has Anna potentially honestly.

This story alternates from the perspective of Anna and Maryam as their flight is detoured to a small Canadian town. Anna is traveling solo. Maryam with her sister, parents, and grandfather, and a few other family members and friends.

Anna is headed to meet her boyfriend of six months. He has a detailed schedule for them to follow once she arrives so she can meet all his family and friends. Anna might've discovered a ring box in his luggage before he left ahead of her flight.

Before she boards, she's separated from her luggage and is processing what this next phase of her life means. Having lost her mother at a young age and her dad a few years ago, she's also having a hard time processing her stepmother's recent marriage. She had grown close to her stepmother and was missing her this holiday season.

Maryam bears the responsibility of her family. She's made most of her life choices based on how to be their rock, without putting her needs first. Her younger sister is set to get married at the end of Ramadan, which happens to fall on Christmas day, in Ontario until the blizzard changes their plans. Now, Maryam must console her bride to be as everything falls to the wayside while ensuring her family is healthy during their days of fasting. Oh, and not to mention, her childhood crush was on the same flight to the wedding and is now trapped in the small town with her.

thebookishnarwhal's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is for those of us who want a funny, festive, and multi-faith rom-com that celebrates love, family, and the magic of the holiday season. Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley is a delightful and heartwarming holiday romance that beautifully weaves together the lives of two very different women.

Meet Anna and Maryam. Their paths intersect during a snowstorm-induced emergency landing, and fate throws them together in the small, charming town of Snow Falls. Talk about a unique premise! Imagine Christmas, Ramadan, and Hanukkah all falling at the same time. Anna and Maryam, strangers-turned-friends, find themselves snowbound along with the cast and crew of a holiday romance movie, nosy family members, and their lifelong crushes.

I thought the setting was utterly charming. The snowy backdrop of Snow Falls adds to the cozy and festive atmosphere. The town becomes a character in itself, enhancing the magic of the story. Jalaluddin and Stapley crafted authentic characters that were easy to love. Anna and Maryam are relatable, flawed, and endearing. Their interactions, hopes, and fears resonated with me as a reader. The romantic tension also kept me turning the pages! As Anna feels the magic of an unexpected new love and Maryam opens her heart, the chemistry sizzles.

Whether you're curled up by the fireplace or traveling home for the holidays, this book will warm your heart. Jalaluddin and Stapley have created a memorable tale that reminds us of the joy of unexpected connections.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada, and Viking for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

readjoyfully's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-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? Yes

4.0

A delightfully cozy story perfect for whichever winter holiday you celebrate. 

bittersweetcritiques's review against another edition

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3.5

I really loved the characters, but I felt the pacing wasn't quite right.