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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
Thank you to Simon Teen for a copy of the physical arc of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts!
A story that has me itching to break open by Christmas decorations in the dead of September, “Joy to the Girls” is the sequel novella that “She Gets the Girl” fully deserves.
Fully drenched in Christmas spirit in every way, Alex and Molly’s group trip to Barnwich, Pennsylvania is a cozy and delightful romp through the most whimsical of holiday activities. Despite this being a shorter story, the authors took care to fully enmesh readers with the true Hallmark-esque treatment, replete with gingerbread making contests, snowball fights, and Christmas tree farms. Through tiny details (like Alex’s aversion to packing the correct clothing), the authors of this story allowed readers to be fully immersed in the wintry joy of the small town.
With regards to character, I absolutely loved how the story took pre-established, well-loved characters and added further depth to their story. I was initially hesitant as to how Alex and Molly’s relationship could have more development, but the authors did not shy away from introducing well-fleshed miscommunication and conflict into their relationship. In “She Gets the Girl,” it felt like Alex and Molly’s story focused solely on how they tip-toed around each other’s feelings, but I enjoyed seeing how their relationship was granted more dimension and depth in this sequel novella. I liked seeing both Alex and Molly be a bit self-centered, granting a level of authenticity to their characterization, and it’s always nice when authors allow their characters to be fully flawed.
And of course, it was a delight to witness Cora and May develop their own relationship in the background of Alex and Molly’s drama. All in all, this was another wonderful sapphic read from Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick, full of Christmas’s spirit and messy character development!
A story that has me itching to break open by Christmas decorations in the dead of September, “Joy to the Girls” is the sequel novella that “She Gets the Girl” fully deserves.
Fully drenched in Christmas spirit in every way, Alex and Molly’s group trip to Barnwich, Pennsylvania is a cozy and delightful romp through the most whimsical of holiday activities. Despite this being a shorter story, the authors took care to fully enmesh readers with the true Hallmark-esque treatment, replete with gingerbread making contests, snowball fights, and Christmas tree farms. Through tiny details (like Alex’s aversion to packing the correct clothing), the authors of this story allowed readers to be fully immersed in the wintry joy of the small town.
With regards to character, I absolutely loved how the story took pre-established, well-loved characters and added further depth to their story. I was initially hesitant as to how Alex and Molly’s relationship could have more development, but the authors did not shy away from introducing well-fleshed miscommunication and conflict into their relationship. In “She Gets the Girl,” it felt like Alex and Molly’s story focused solely on how they tip-toed around each other’s feelings, but I enjoyed seeing how their relationship was granted more dimension and depth in this sequel novella. I liked seeing both Alex and Molly be a bit self-centered, granting a level of authenticity to their characterization, and it’s always nice when authors allow their characters to be fully flawed.
And of course, it was a delight to witness Cora and May develop their own relationship in the background of Alex and Molly’s drama. All in all, this was another wonderful sapphic read from Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick, full of Christmas’s spirit and messy character development!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved getting to read more about Alex and Molly. Their love story is sweet and cozy and perfect for the holidays. This was a much-needed burst of queer joy in a time when we need that more than ever. Thank you to the authors and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review and advanced copy of this book.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
I actually squealed out loud when I heard that there was going to be a follow up novella to She Gets The Girl. I absolutely loved that book and this one was just as cute and romantic and cozy. It was a warm hug on a cold day.
We meet back up with Alex and Molly in their Senior year of college as they enjoy the winter holidays while trying to set up two of their friends, and also figure out the next steps of their lives. Molly and Alex just want was is best for each other, and they are having a hard time having those conversations. I loved this exploration of conversations and fears that come up when you are in an established relationship. I also loved watching the two of them continue to have eachothers backs.
If you love cozy, cute romances, friends cheering on friends, and warm gooey feelings I would highly recommend this one. It was oh so cute! Thank you to the publisher for providing an advanced readers copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you, Netgally for this book.
A short and sweet book that feels like getting transported straight into a Hallmark movie. If you like sapphics in love and holiday cheer this is the book for you.
A short and sweet book that feels like getting transported straight into a Hallmark movie. If you like sapphics in love and holiday cheer this is the book for you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
This was so cute! I really enjoyed getting to spend more time with Molly and Alex. It's their senior year of college and they are visiting Cora's crush for the holidays in the scenic town that provided the backdrop for Make My Wish Come True, and yes, there is a cameo (which I squealed at).
It was frustrating about how much of the book relied on the miscommunication trope, but it also felt true to the characters and it was such a quick book that even though it was the backbone of the book, it at least didn't linger.
Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the free advance copy!
If you liked She Gets the Girl and want to spend more time in their world, I highly recommend!
It was frustrating about how much of the book relied on the miscommunication trope, but it also felt true to the characters and it was such a quick book that even though it was the backbone of the book, it at least didn't linger.
Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the free advance copy!
If you liked She Gets the Girl and want to spend more time in their world, I highly recommend!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Even better than She Gets the Girl.
Joy to the Girls is sweet, charming, funny and packed with cheer. The setting is perfect for a Hallmark style Christmas but make it sapphic.
I really enjoyed getting to know where Molly and Alex ended up. This felt like a natural progression. Still a happily ever after, but one that makes sense.
Least favorite and most confusing scene was the snowman building, or completion? It felt like the timing was jumbled and couldn’t quite imagine what was going on there.
I would love another novella to be honest.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC of this delight.
Joy to the Girls is sweet, charming, funny and packed with cheer. The setting is perfect for a Hallmark style Christmas but make it sapphic.
I really enjoyed getting to know where Molly and Alex ended up. This felt like a natural progression. Still a happily ever after, but one that makes sense.
Least favorite and most confusing scene was the snowman building, or completion? It felt like the timing was jumbled and couldn’t quite imagine what was going on there.
I would love another novella to be honest.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC of this delight.
lighthearted
fast-paced
🎄 Bookish Thoughts
Joy To The Girls is a sapphic holiday novella! It was very sweet and short read filled with cozy winter vibes. Alex and Molly are adorable, and I loved seeing them as an established couple. It left me smiling and feeling festive, the perfect quick read to get into the holiday spirit.
📅 Pub Date: September 30, 2025
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
lighthearted
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
A massive thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster, Rachael Lippincott, and Alyson Derrick for the opportunity to read this ARC!
I absolutely adored meeting Alex and Molly in this book. I did not realize this was a sequel to She Gets the Girl, which I haven’t read yet. However, I absolutely loved the holiday theme of this story and how much love Alex and Molly have for each other.
For me, the major conflicts of this novella are not my favorite. It wasn’t so much miscommunication, just lack thereof and that had me screaming in frustration. The way Alex and Molly felt about Cora and May is the exact way I felt about them and their lack of communication.
I overall really enjoyed this book and think people will adore it especially with previous knowledge and love for the characters. I know it’s a sequel but it made me want more of them!
For me, the major conflicts of this novella are not my favorite. It wasn’t so much miscommunication, just lack thereof and that had me screaming in frustration. The way Alex and Molly felt about Cora and May is the exact way I felt about them and their lack of communication.
I overall really enjoyed this book and think people will adore it especially with previous knowledge and love for the characters. I know it’s a sequel but it made me want more of them!