A review by judeinthestars
A Christmas Chance by A.L. Brooks

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I have a lot of respect for authors who decide to leave their publisher to go indie and take matters into their own hands. And I love that for her first indie book, A.L. Brooks chose to give us a Christmas romance. And one of my favourite tropes, at least when it comes to wintery stories: only one bed.

After her girlfriend reveals herself to only care about her money, Steph dreams of her grandmother’s Christmas, in the small Scottish cottage her sister Emily now owns, overflowing with decorations and the smell of hot chocolate. With Emily’s blessing, Steph fills her van with her chainsaw sculpture gear and gets on the road, only for the van to expire just as it delivers her to her destination. Which turns out to be occupied already. Cara is enjoying a peaceful break before she starts her new job in the UK, having left the US behind her. Between her lack of transportation and the snowstorm that naturally makes driving anywhere impossible anyway, Steph has no other choice but to intrude on Cara’s solitude.

I’m in full holiday mood, and A Christmas Chance was a nice addition to my Christmas reading list. I enjoyed the contrast between quiet Cara and Steph the creative tornado, and the way they embrace their differences. Their connection is believable and in true Brooks fashion, it’s both hot and cute. There’s very low angst, the lack of communication makes sense as the story takes place over a brief period and the resolution is simple yet not rushed. I only wish the relationship between Steph and her sister was a bit more developed, it didn’t completely feel logical to me, the distance between them didn’t really mesh with everything else—I’m trying not to spoil here so if it isn’t clear, go read the book!

One of my favourite scenes is a photoshoot of Steph working on her art, and it progressively shows Cara as more than a timid interloper. It also reminded me of the world’s favourite lesbian woodchopper, Nicole Maple Coenen, which only added to the fun.

Video review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDPb-pSAjuL/

I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Read all my reviews on my website (and please get your books from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars