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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing who provided this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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If you're looking for a Christmas story that makes you feel like you're living day by day at a wintery cabin with family and friends — and all the drama that comes with it — then One Big Happy Family is for you. A very relatable aspect of this book is how plans can snowball from cozy to chaotic before we even know what hit us. But just like Julie Parker, one of the main characters and matriarch of the family, we can do our best to take it all in with grace.
Most characters are well-introduced with their own distinct personalities, which makes it very easy to imagine a sequel or spinoff centered around any of the characters. There were some characterizations that seemed exaggerated and exasperating — for example, Gwen's lack of social awareness but sudden character shift 3/4 of the way through, or Julie's obsession with the age gap between her and her boyfriend, Heath. One character who really deserved more development and justice was Dana, from her self-image concerns to the sudden development with her untrustworthy ex-boyfriend, Axel (to avoid spoilers, I will not say more). Hopefully, if there ever is a sequel, it can offer deeper development into each character.
⟡ ⟡ ⟡
If you're looking for a Christmas story that makes you feel like you're living day by day at a wintery cabin with family and friends — and all the drama that comes with it — then One Big Happy Family is for you. A very relatable aspect of this book is how plans can snowball from cozy to chaotic before we even know what hit us. But just like Julie Parker, one of the main characters and matriarch of the family, we can do our best to take it all in with grace.
Most characters are well-introduced with their own distinct personalities, which makes it very easy to imagine a sequel or spinoff centered around any of the characters. There were some characterizations that seemed exaggerated and exasperating — for example, Gwen's lack of social awareness but sudden character shift 3/4 of the way through, or Julie's obsession with the age gap between her and her boyfriend, Heath. One character who really deserved more development and justice was Dana, from her self-image concerns to the sudden development with her untrustworthy ex-boyfriend, Axel (to avoid spoilers, I will not say more). Hopefully, if there ever is a sequel, it can offer deeper development into each character.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Yes
First of all thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Trade publishing for allowing me to read this fun Christmas ARC! I had a great time with this kooky cast of characters and it put me in the Christmas spirit in May! 🤪
The best way I can describe this book is a Hallmark Christmas Movie. It read exactly like one and that is a compliment as I very much enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies. I absolutely loved the family and found family in this book. It was fun to have so many different characters perspectives and how their storylines interconnected. I loved the matriarch Julie, who was so strong, yet so kind. And I really loved her relationship with Heath.
The main thing I struggled with in this book was that I wanted the characters to have more depth to them. The dialogue was a little spelled out for you instead of more nuanced and it felt as though you only knew the characters on more of a surface level. Even though they were dealing with some heavier topics, because the writing wasn’t as nuanced as I would like, it did not feel like I was getting their full depth.
This book overall though was so much fun and is definitely worth a read this coming Christmas season. I loved that it was a huge cast as it made it chaotic and funny and I could really see this book be turned into a Christmas movie and one that I would definitely watch. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute little Christmas story!
The best way I can describe this book is a Hallmark Christmas Movie. It read exactly like one and that is a compliment as I very much enjoy Hallmark Christmas movies. I absolutely loved the family and found family in this book. It was fun to have so many different characters perspectives and how their storylines interconnected. I loved the matriarch Julie, who was so strong, yet so kind. And I really loved her relationship with Heath.
The main thing I struggled with in this book was that I wanted the characters to have more depth to them. The dialogue was a little spelled out for you instead of more nuanced and it felt as though you only knew the characters on more of a surface level. Even though they were dealing with some heavier topics, because the writing wasn’t as nuanced as I would like, it did not feel like I was getting their full depth.
This book overall though was so much fun and is definitely worth a read this coming Christmas season. I loved that it was a huge cast as it made it chaotic and funny and I could really see this book be turned into a Christmas movie and one that I would definitely watch. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute little Christmas story!
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Christmas, family drama, age gap romance- who could ask for more? One Big Happy Family was so different than the typical holiday/Christmas trope. I loved this storyline & the characters are so lovable. Lot of humor in this - literally leaving me laughing out loud. I will definitely re-read this one closer to the holiday season- I absolutely loved it. I’ll be checking out more of Susan Mallery’s books & you should too.
Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for an ARC copy of this book.