Reviews with content warning for Eating disorder - Love in Winter Wonderland

This book is so stinking cute! This is basically a black YA Hallmark movie about two students trying to save a local bookstore. They're initially wary of one another, but as they work together a "will they, won't they" ensues. The MCs are young, and while they make some ill-advised choices, they acknowledge that and learn from them. Their chemistry is slow building but completely organic and sweet. There is a bit of diet culture, but nothing too egregious. I will definitely read more by Abiola in the future.

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mfmccoy0216's review against another edition

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funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

So this was definitely a cute read, however the pacing was really slow and I had a hard time liking Trey. I think the way he treats Ariel especially towards the end was hella uncalled for especially when he knows how mean Blaire can get towards others. I also found it very dishonest of him to tell Blaire that there was nothing really going on between him and Ariel especially when they obviously have an emotional connection and almost kissed before he and Blaire broke up. While that doesn't excuse her actions towards Ariel, I definitely don't think his can be excused either and I really wish he took his own advice of taking time to figure himself out rather than jumping into another relationship with Ariel at the end. While the two are definitely well suited for one another I think both needed time to grow. Overall though the book was enjoyable and the majority of characters were lovely, I definitely wish we saw more of some of the side characters make appearances.

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tashtash93's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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ajamwelch's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

First book I’ve finished in one setting in a while! Loved it! Cute, cozy, YA winter romance.

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ilovecafeandlibros's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I typically don’t read too many YA books. So I told myself in 2024 I’d dive into the genre a little more. This author’s writing is relatable and fun. While reading this book, I kind of felt like a teenager again 🫠🤣 a great reminder of how I DON’T miss those complicated messy “Do you like me,too?”, moments with the opposite sex.

I loved the Christmas songs at the beginning of every chapter. What a fantastic touch!!! I found myself pulling the song up on Spotify to listen as I read the book! Great way to feel festive!

If you’re looking for lighter material, enjoyable, a HEA trope as well as a fast read, check this out next holiday season.

A few dislikes: I feel like an opportunity was missed to highlight societal norms on weight and beauty. It was touched on briefly in regards to Ariel’s look and size. An issue that is huge among teens (and adults) thanks to social media, celebrities and social standards of beauty.

There was also no accountability for Blair and her awful personality other than getting dumped by her on again off again boyfriend Trey. No one held her accountable.

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colleen_corleone's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No

2.5

It was fine. It's a middling teen romance, but I appreciate the black cast.

It was almost indistinguishable from the majority of teen romances.

I personally hated the inclusion of the eating disorder behavior. The only time Ariel indulges in it is when 2 people who are mean to her infer she's fat. They don't even have to say it or belabor the point and she's off on a binge.

It bugs me because the way it's portrayed does not feel authentic to my experience. Ariel's internal monologue is not representative of someone recovering from binge eating. It's mentioned as a thing she used to do, and then we get a single instance of her binging and it doesn't affect her mental state at all before or after. If it wasn't first person, I'd have been more lenient.

I'm not a fan of Trey. His mood swings and attitude were annoying a lot of the time.

I can't relate to: Boy has a shitty gf of 2 years. He hits on this other chick and near cheats a few times, but he's a good dude who loves his girl. Sure? But no.

Being the ONLY person who couldn't believe Blair would hurt another person is just peak dumbass to me.

Ariel's self esteem bugged me a lot. Other than her weight, there was no mention of or explanation for her poor opinion of herself. Why does the opinion of a girl she doesn't even like and knows is a jerk on purpose matter? Literally everyone else in her life bends over backwards to show her love and support. It's weird.

Saving the bookstore stuff was fine. It was cute. Not particularly moving, because you know the outcome.

Overall it was a quick read. We need more representation in stories and this does that. If I hadn't read dozens of similar stories by now, this would have been awesome.

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thirdeyeangel23's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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 may be my favorite holiday read of 2023. Love in Winter Wonderland follows two teens who fall hard while fighting to save their beloved family book store. This story has everything from tender young romance to the importance of preserving black history and family. This was funny, sweet, a little angsty, and everything I love about Christmas romcoms.

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giugiupro's review against another edition

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4.25

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