Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
medium-paced
emotional
funny
Georgia Clark delivers yet another layered and heartwarming story with Most Wonderful, a holiday novel that’s equal parts romance, family drama, and self-discovery. Having read Clark’s work before, I knew to expect a narrative that would go beyond a simple love story, and I wasn’t disappointed. This book is as much about navigating the complexities of family and identity as it is about finding love.
The Belvedere siblings are at crossroads in both their personal and professional lives. Liz, the responsible eldest, finds herself smitten with Violet, an actress on her Sweet Valley Twins-inspired show—a detail I couldn’t get enough of! Birdie is a charming but chaotic mess, with her struggles with alcoholism threatening her career and love life. Then there’s Rafi, the youngest, who faces a wake-up call after his public proposal is rejected, forcing him to reassess what he truly wants.
Clark masterfully weaves together their individual journeys, integrating their love interests and challenges into a single festive setting that feels both cozy and chaotic. The sibling dynamics shine in this story, capturing the nuances of familial love, rivalry, and support in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
Babs Belvedere, the larger-than-life matriarch, is an absolute scene-stealer. Her relationship with her three children is fascinating, especially as it reveals the way her choices and secrets shape their paths. However, I found myself frustrated by her attempts to manipulate Liz into giving up her budding romance with Violet. While it added drama, it also felt unnecessarily cruel. Thankfully, Liz stays true to herself, giving readers the satisfying resolution we expect from a holiday romance.
This book is full of humor, heart, and some truly memorable moments. The pop culture references sprinkled throughout were a delight, and I especially loved how Clark explored the intersection of creativity, ambition, and love. While Most Wonderful leans more toward a character-driven family saga with romantic elements than a traditional romance, it’s still a deeply satisfying read.
If you’re looking for a holiday story that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for a cast of deeply flawed but lovable characters, this book is for you. It was exactly what I needed after Christmas—a reminder of the messy, magical, and unexpected ways love can transform us.
The Belvedere siblings are at crossroads in both their personal and professional lives. Liz, the responsible eldest, finds herself smitten with Violet, an actress on her Sweet Valley Twins-inspired show—a detail I couldn’t get enough of! Birdie is a charming but chaotic mess, with her struggles with alcoholism threatening her career and love life. Then there’s Rafi, the youngest, who faces a wake-up call after his public proposal is rejected, forcing him to reassess what he truly wants.
Clark masterfully weaves together their individual journeys, integrating their love interests and challenges into a single festive setting that feels both cozy and chaotic. The sibling dynamics shine in this story, capturing the nuances of familial love, rivalry, and support in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
Babs Belvedere, the larger-than-life matriarch, is an absolute scene-stealer. Her relationship with her three children is fascinating, especially as it reveals the way her choices and secrets shape their paths. However, I found myself frustrated by her attempts to manipulate Liz into giving up her budding romance with Violet. While it added drama, it also felt unnecessarily cruel. Thankfully, Liz stays true to herself, giving readers the satisfying resolution we expect from a holiday romance.
This book is full of humor, heart, and some truly memorable moments. The pop culture references sprinkled throughout were a delight, and I especially loved how Clark explored the intersection of creativity, ambition, and love. While Most Wonderful leans more toward a character-driven family saga with romantic elements than a traditional romance, it’s still a deeply satisfying read.
If you’re looking for a holiday story that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for a cast of deeply flawed but lovable characters, this book is for you. It was exactly what I needed after Christmas—a reminder of the messy, magical, and unexpected ways love can transform us.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Infertility, Grief, Gaslighting, Alcohol
3.5 stars rounded up because I loved all of the characters, flaws and all.
Three siblings whose lives are a mess.
One mom who I would absolutely cast Moira from Schitt’s Creek. Not Catherine O’Hara, Moira. If you know, you know.
The book had an identity crisis in my opinion. It's deep at times. It’s steamy at times. And although it has Christmas in the title, it plays a very small background character to this family. Definitely not your typical Christmas Rom-Com.
And one side note: as a child who grew up obsessed with reading the Sweet Valley High books, can we make Sweet happen?
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Three siblings whose lives are a mess.
One mom who I would absolutely cast Moira from Schitt’s Creek. Not Catherine O’Hara, Moira. If you know, you know.
The book had an identity crisis in my opinion. It's deep at times. It’s steamy at times. And although it has Christmas in the title, it plays a very small background character to this family. Definitely not your typical Christmas Rom-Com.
And one side note: as a child who grew up obsessed with reading the Sweet Valley High books, can we make Sweet happen?
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes