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wardenred's review
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
“This?” Haruto said. “Best Christmas ever.”
“Nah,” Nick said. “Just the best so far.”
I'm not even sure why the first days of spring made me crave reading a Christmas romance, but I'm sure glad it happened because otherwise, this novella would still be chilling on my TBR and I would be seriously deprived of a good mood.
Handmade Holidays is what I call a "warm blanket" book: a quick, gentle read that reminds you of all the good that still exists in this complicated world. In so few pages, it covers a decade and a half of Christmases, slowly showing change after change in the protagonist's life, but mainly focusing on the constants, and how those constants evolve yet stay the same in essence. It's an absolute celebration of found family. It's also a beautiful slow burn friends-to-lovers romance, where the relationship takes its sweet time to evolve because sometimes, you move through lives in somewhat different trajectories and it takes time and change to arrive at a place where you both look at each other and think, "Yes. This is it. I want to try."
It was delightful to meet/see mentions of characters from other Little Village books, and just to delve into this whole atmosphere of acceptance and comfort 'Nathan Burgoine does so well. There are no doubt some sad moments here, but love and friendsihp always win.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Medical content
Minor: Homophobia and Transphobia
unwise_samwise's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
whatjanereads's review
5.0
Actual rating: 4,5-5
Rep: gay MC, Asian American MC, trans SC, lesbian SCs, gay SCs, bi SC
Ahhh I loved this!
It follows Nick and his group of queer friends over 15 years of Christmasses, starting from him being a poor 19 year old who got kicked out by his family.
I loved the idea of this, we fallow Nick growing up, writing his first published works, sickness, breakups and his friends becoming his queer chosen family.
It’s a super short novella with short chapters and I flew through this. It’s super queer and heartwarming, even if not every Christmas was filled with happiness.
Of course it’s also a little romantic, including the slowest slowburn you’ve ever read, but with the perfect happy ending.
I would have loved to read about the moment the romance finally happend, but with the style of the book it wasn’t possible (I’m sad!). I still loved it a lot and will continue with the next book right away!
Edit after I started Faux ho ho: we get the behind the scenes story from Ru in this book!!! Blessed!
Rep: gay MC, Asian American MC, trans SC, lesbian SCs, gay SCs, bi SC
Ahhh I loved this!
It follows Nick and his group of queer friends over 15 years of Christmasses, starting from him being a poor 19 year old who got kicked out by his family.
I loved the idea of this, we fallow Nick growing up, writing his first published works, sickness, breakups and his friends becoming his queer chosen family.
It’s a super short novella with short chapters and I flew through this. It’s super queer and heartwarming, even if not every Christmas was filled with happiness.
Of course it’s also a little romantic, including the slowest slowburn you’ve ever read, but with the perfect happy ending.
I would have loved to read about the moment the romance finally happend, but with the style of the book it wasn’t possible (I’m sad!). I still loved it a lot and will continue with the next book right away!
Edit after I started Faux ho ho: we get the behind the scenes story from Ru in this book!!! Blessed!
jesueicnelis's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
readingthething's review against another edition
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
ramblingoutloud's review
4.0
Short and sweet, spanning over 15 Christmas celebrations, looking in on life’s ups and downs.
I really liked it, a perfect, cozy read for the holidays for the one who wants a romance without the steam.
/ Denise
I really liked it, a perfect, cozy read for the holidays for the one who wants a romance without the steam.
/ Denise
alexandratheroux's review
emotional
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
4.0
Short and sweet holiday romance featuring found family and cute traditions.