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The Santa Pageant
For fans of Rachel Bowdler and Ashley Herring Blake, a second-chance holiday romance between a sunshiney lesbian and a chilly non-binary bisexual.
Ten years ago, best friends Effie and Tove kissed in the bushes at Winter Ball…and then stood there like lemons, as if they weren’t crushing on each other so hard it hurt. In the confusion, their friendship fizzled, and Tove walked into the sunset with some guy who had nice hair.
Now a cocksure twenty-five-year-old with secretly appalling self-esteem, Effie enters the Santa of the Year Pageant to prove to her unsupportive family that Santa could, in fact, be a lesbian. Enter Tove, the grumpiest Santa in the grotto, back on the island after a harrowing break-up with Nice Hair Guy and using the Pageant to reconnect with the world.
As the Pageant eliminates Santa after Santa, Effie and Tove clash over their past: the kiss that drove them apart, and the fears the last ten years have etched into their worldviews. Effie must let go of others’ opinions and learn to love herself, and Tove must move forward despite there being no guarantee they won’t be hurt again… Or they risk losing each other a second time.
Ten years ago, best friends Effie and Tove kissed in the bushes at Winter Ball…and then stood there like lemons, as if they weren’t crushing on each other so hard it hurt. In the confusion, their friendship fizzled, and Tove walked into the sunset with some guy who had nice hair.
Now a cocksure twenty-five-year-old with secretly appalling self-esteem, Effie enters the Santa of the Year Pageant to prove to her unsupportive family that Santa could, in fact, be a lesbian. Enter Tove, the grumpiest Santa in the grotto, back on the island after a harrowing break-up with Nice Hair Guy and using the Pageant to reconnect with the world.
As the Pageant eliminates Santa after Santa, Effie and Tove clash over their past: the kiss that drove them apart, and the fears the last ten years have etched into their worldviews. Effie must let go of others’ opinions and learn to love herself, and Tove must move forward despite there being no guarantee they won’t be hurt again… Or they risk losing each other a second time.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
13 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Lillian Barry
2 books10 followersLillian Barry (they/she/he) writes in short spells when the world stops spinning, which, when you have vertigo, isn’t all that often. Every word that makes it onto the page feels like a small miracle. But that’s the way they like it—progress in small miracles like the smell of the sea though an open window or putting a name to a feeling you’ve always felt or a small kiss that says more, later.
They write until the world spins again, only this time it’s a different type of spinning, the kind you get from creating love stories, a love you don’t want to ever end. Other things Lillian loves include playing brass instruments, watching anime, and getting sucked into the microcosm of a niche video game. A Channel Islander by childhood, they currently live in Ireland with their beloved partner.
Follow them @SoLillianBarry on social media or subscribe to their newsletter at lillianbarry.com for news and updates!
They write until the world spins again, only this time it’s a different type of spinning, the kind you get from creating love stories, a love you don’t want to ever end. Other things Lillian loves include playing brass instruments, watching anime, and getting sucked into the microcosm of a niche video game. A Channel Islander by childhood, they currently live in Ireland with their beloved partner.
Follow them @SoLillianBarry on social media or subscribe to their newsletter at lillianbarry.com for news and updates!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 31, 2023
What I liked:
- the characters: there was a real effort to develop distinct main characters with very different shit going on. Tove is dealing with their ex and the fall out of an abusive relationship. Effie is "too much" and struggles with her self-esteem and her relationship with others
- the PCOS rep (ownvoices): It's rare to see it. Effie has PCOS and has a scene where she shaves her face. I appreciated that the book brought up the place of PCOS in current intersex discussions.
- a nonbinary character in a sapphic romance without thirty paragraphs explaining why it's not a contradiction
- discussions of ADHD and mental health
- the initial premise
What I didn't like:
- the writing: it doesn't jump out as bad, but I struggled with it nonetheless. Often, the phrasing made me wonder whose POV I was reading. This is a debut, so I'm waiting to see the author's future books
- vibe/setting/plot: the Christmas vibes were non-existent outside of the Santa mentions. It was a shame for a Christmas romance. There's a TV competition going on and yet I forgot about it half the time. The real plot is for sure the characters reuniting, but it's a shame that the setting wasn't exploited better
- grumpy/sunshine: tove was an asshole that didn't really grow on me
- the characters: there was a real effort to develop distinct main characters with very different shit going on. Tove is dealing with their ex and the fall out of an abusive relationship. Effie is "too much" and struggles with her self-esteem and her relationship with others
- the PCOS rep (ownvoices): It's rare to see it. Effie has PCOS and has a scene where she shaves her face. I appreciated that the book brought up the place of PCOS in current intersex discussions.
- a nonbinary character in a sapphic romance without thirty paragraphs explaining why it's not a contradiction
- discussions of ADHD and mental health
- the initial premise
What I didn't like:
- the writing: it doesn't jump out as bad, but I struggled with it nonetheless. Often, the phrasing made me wonder whose POV I was reading. This is a debut, so I'm waiting to see the author's future books
- vibe/setting/plot: the Christmas vibes were non-existent outside of the Santa mentions. It was a shame for a Christmas romance. There's a TV competition going on and yet I forgot about it half the time. The real plot is for sure the characters reuniting, but it's a shame that the setting wasn't exploited better
- grumpy/sunshine: tove was an asshole that didn't really grow on me
December 9, 2023
“Sometimes Santa is queer and that’s that” is my new life motto.
Firstly, I just want to say that I’m so thrilled and honoured to have my name used as a comp title. The Santa Pageant is a charming, witty, heartfelt novel, and I knew from the moment I read the first page that I would love it. (Actually, I knew it from the moment I saw the cover).
The book features tropes we know and love, like second chances and forced proximity, but it also has all of the deeper aspects I search for in romance too: pain and healing in the most authentic, human of ways. Effie is a jolly people pleaser with a lot of insecurity behind the surface, and I related to her neurodiverse feeling of not belonging achingly well. Tove is reserved as they recover from a traumatic relationship and rediscover themself as a non-binary, bisexual person. I want to hug them both for ever and ever and protect them from all of the bad things. These characters are alive and do what all good books do; they make you feel seen and loved.
Glowingly real MCs aside, Lillian has a talent for bringing charisma to every one of the secondary characters, including Melchior the cat, and I want to be friends with all of them (except for Aaron, of course). I wish I could spend more time with them and the little found family of Santas!
I haven’t read many books set on an island like Guernsey before, but the setting plays such a great part in the novel that by the end, I felt like I lived there with Tove and Effie. I was also glad to see the acknowledgement of our “post”-pandemic world. Most works tend to pretend like COVID never happened, so it’s refreshing to meet characters who, like me, are navigating their twenties in a much different way than previous generations. Beyond the gorgeous romance, there’s a real message of hope in defying corporations and trying to bring life back to small businesses and creators, as well as the deteriorating state of the economy and the generational gap it creates, that will surely speak to anybody of a similar age and demographic. I always think it’s a real talent to portray that social unease while still creating a cosy, warm, festive read that makes you want to snuggle up with a hot chocolate.
All in all, this book might just be the literary version of a bright red Santa hat: it will keep you warm through winter and make you feel a little bit transformed by the end. Effie and Tove are twinkly little lights who made me laugh, cry, and sometimes even blush. I can’t recommend this book enough!
Firstly, I just want to say that I’m so thrilled and honoured to have my name used as a comp title. The Santa Pageant is a charming, witty, heartfelt novel, and I knew from the moment I read the first page that I would love it. (Actually, I knew it from the moment I saw the cover).
The book features tropes we know and love, like second chances and forced proximity, but it also has all of the deeper aspects I search for in romance too: pain and healing in the most authentic, human of ways. Effie is a jolly people pleaser with a lot of insecurity behind the surface, and I related to her neurodiverse feeling of not belonging achingly well. Tove is reserved as they recover from a traumatic relationship and rediscover themself as a non-binary, bisexual person. I want to hug them both for ever and ever and protect them from all of the bad things. These characters are alive and do what all good books do; they make you feel seen and loved.
Glowingly real MCs aside, Lillian has a talent for bringing charisma to every one of the secondary characters, including Melchior the cat, and I want to be friends with all of them (except for Aaron, of course). I wish I could spend more time with them and the little found family of Santas!
I haven’t read many books set on an island like Guernsey before, but the setting plays such a great part in the novel that by the end, I felt like I lived there with Tove and Effie. I was also glad to see the acknowledgement of our “post”-pandemic world. Most works tend to pretend like COVID never happened, so it’s refreshing to meet characters who, like me, are navigating their twenties in a much different way than previous generations. Beyond the gorgeous romance, there’s a real message of hope in defying corporations and trying to bring life back to small businesses and creators, as well as the deteriorating state of the economy and the generational gap it creates, that will surely speak to anybody of a similar age and demographic. I always think it’s a real talent to portray that social unease while still creating a cosy, warm, festive read that makes you want to snuggle up with a hot chocolate.
All in all, this book might just be the literary version of a bright red Santa hat: it will keep you warm through winter and make you feel a little bit transformed by the end. Effie and Tove are twinkly little lights who made me laugh, cry, and sometimes even blush. I can’t recommend this book enough!
December 3, 2024
If I had to choose a single word to describe this book it would be boring with a capital B. Oh my god I feel like I was a DRAGGING myself through this book and I listened to the audiobook at two times speed.
There are a few major issues I had with this one besides being bored out of my mind. The first is the audiobook. I honestly can't remember if there's two different narrators or just one but there are two POVs and the narration sounds so similar and the writing itself is so similar that it was often very difficult to figure out who's perspective you were listening to. Then there's the random ass music. I have only found two or three audiobooks that include music and sound effects that have been good and this unfortunately is one to add to the bad pile. There are random snippets of trumpet and piano that add absolutely nothing and instead take you out of the story instead of trying to build atmosphere. Maybe if they had been longer songs or longer snippets but it is genuinely a few bars worth of music. It is almost nothing but that almost nothing almost ruined it. Then my other problem with the audiobook is all of the secondary characters voices. I don't even really mind the main two characters voices but the voices used for every other character were so exaggerated and so ridiculous that it ruined it. In fact there's one character that I didn't even know who he was until at least 2/3 of the way through this book and I thought he was this character's younger brother, like kid brother, but it turns out he's like 29. The voice used for him is that of a 7-year-old child. It was wild.
Then we have the whole Santa pageant and I feel like the potential is there and that's what hurts so much about this book is that there is so much potential to have these well-rounded and highly dimensional characters with each of their own emotional backstories but nothing is well written. To be completely frank, the only scene that I genuinely enjoyed was that of Effie and her sister coming together against their crappy parents. Yeah that was it.
I wanted to love it. I really did. The cover is gorgeous and the idea is phenomenal and it sounds like such a fun book. I was reading through other reviews and trying to figure out what everyone else was reading that I wasn't getting because there are very few negative reviews. Mine might be like one of three that are actually negative. I just am really sad that this didn't work for me.
There are a few major issues I had with this one besides being bored out of my mind. The first is the audiobook. I honestly can't remember if there's two different narrators or just one but there are two POVs and the narration sounds so similar and the writing itself is so similar that it was often very difficult to figure out who's perspective you were listening to. Then there's the random ass music. I have only found two or three audiobooks that include music and sound effects that have been good and this unfortunately is one to add to the bad pile. There are random snippets of trumpet and piano that add absolutely nothing and instead take you out of the story instead of trying to build atmosphere. Maybe if they had been longer songs or longer snippets but it is genuinely a few bars worth of music. It is almost nothing but that almost nothing almost ruined it. Then my other problem with the audiobook is all of the secondary characters voices. I don't even really mind the main two characters voices but the voices used for every other character were so exaggerated and so ridiculous that it ruined it. In fact there's one character that I didn't even know who he was until at least 2/3 of the way through this book and I thought he was this character's younger brother, like kid brother, but it turns out he's like 29. The voice used for him is that of a 7-year-old child. It was wild.
Then we have the whole Santa pageant and I feel like the potential is there and that's what hurts so much about this book is that there is so much potential to have these well-rounded and highly dimensional characters with each of their own emotional backstories but nothing is well written. To be completely frank, the only scene that I genuinely enjoyed was that of Effie and her sister coming together against their crappy parents. Yeah that was it.
I wanted to love it. I really did. The cover is gorgeous and the idea is phenomenal and it sounds like such a fun book. I was reading through other reviews and trying to figure out what everyone else was reading that I wasn't getting because there are very few negative reviews. Mine might be like one of three that are actually negative. I just am really sad that this didn't work for me.
September 21, 2023
Goodreads will tell you I read this book in a week. That’s a lie. I devoured it in two days. The Santa Pageant is the kind of book you desperately want to see the ending of, to make sure all your faves get their happily ever after, but at the same time don’t really want to finish reading, because that means the story is over and you have to let go of the paper-and-ink friends you made along the way.
This second chance romance novel sees bubbly, sunshine-incarnated lesbian Effie bumping into her long-lost best friend (or something more than that?) Tove. With the intervention of a seven years old, they end up competing against each other in the Santa of the Year Pageant. Both are determined to win the competition, but they real fights will happen outside of the pageant, with Effie and Tove confronting past demons and current troubles in the 10 days that lead up to Christmas day.
I’m a big fan of queer romance, sapphic novels especially, and with the heat refusing to leave us this year I simply had to read this winter love story as soon as the opportunity presented itself (taking this chance to thank Lillian for the ARC) and I can’t fully express how happy I am I did.
With relatable, human, fragile and beautiful protagonists, a full set of wonderful side and supporting characters (and a handful of detestable ones I want to smack in the face), The Santa Pageant is a delight of character-building. The people in this book come to life as you read them, like it or not (You’ve merried your last Christmas, Aaron 🔪) and the dialogue felt so real and perfectly written that it made me wish for a movie adaptation of the story NOW. Seriously. I’d stream the eff(ie) out of it.
Lillian Barry’s writing style is fun, delicate, fast-paced and full of jokes, well-timed metaphors and carefully placed emotionally tense scenes that will get you swinging back and forth from jolly to weeping like you’re on a rollercoaster. Even if your name is Heather, you’re 7 and you’ve never been on one.
When you read this book, because I heavily recommend you to, make sure to put on some instrumental Christmas music, get a nice drink for yourself and something to warm you up. And if you think this story isn’t for you because, like me, Christmas is always a bit of a rough time for you, then give it a chance: Tove’s got us.
I’ve received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Santa Pageant will be out on November 1!
This second chance romance novel sees bubbly, sunshine-incarnated lesbian Effie bumping into her long-lost best friend (or something more than that?) Tove. With the intervention of a seven years old, they end up competing against each other in the Santa of the Year Pageant. Both are determined to win the competition, but they real fights will happen outside of the pageant, with Effie and Tove confronting past demons and current troubles in the 10 days that lead up to Christmas day.
I’m a big fan of queer romance, sapphic novels especially, and with the heat refusing to leave us this year I simply had to read this winter love story as soon as the opportunity presented itself (taking this chance to thank Lillian for the ARC) and I can’t fully express how happy I am I did.
With relatable, human, fragile and beautiful protagonists, a full set of wonderful side and supporting characters (and a handful of detestable ones I want to smack in the face), The Santa Pageant is a delight of character-building. The people in this book come to life as you read them, like it or not (You’ve merried your last Christmas, Aaron 🔪) and the dialogue felt so real and perfectly written that it made me wish for a movie adaptation of the story NOW. Seriously. I’d stream the eff(ie) out of it.
Lillian Barry’s writing style is fun, delicate, fast-paced and full of jokes, well-timed metaphors and carefully placed emotionally tense scenes that will get you swinging back and forth from jolly to weeping like you’re on a rollercoaster. Even if your name is Heather, you’re 7 and you’ve never been on one.
When you read this book, because I heavily recommend you to, make sure to put on some instrumental Christmas music, get a nice drink for yourself and something to warm you up. And if you think this story isn’t for you because, like me, Christmas is always a bit of a rough time for you, then give it a chance: Tove’s got us.
I’ve received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Santa Pageant will be out on November 1!
October 30, 2023
The Santa Pageant is full of Christmas-y goodness (and the hard parts to the holiday) and I am here for it! This book was confronting in a way, as it deals with some heavy themes, but still overall pretty fun!
I loved the emotional depth in this book, about removing the people who wouldn't appreciate you no matter what you did. I'm so proud of Effie and Tove for doing it! They went through so much and absolutely deserve their HEA 🥹 They're so stinking adorable it's almost too sweet 🤣🫶
I loved the emotional depth in this book, about removing the people who wouldn't appreciate you no matter what you did. I'm so proud of Effie and Tove for doing it! They went through so much and absolutely deserve their HEA 🥹 They're so stinking adorable it's almost too sweet 🤣🫶
October 31, 2023
Oh wow, I just realized I’d forgotten to review this wonderful book back when I read it (and forgot to even log it here until now, oops)! I read The Santa Pageant recently and absolutely loved it! Tove and Effie just might be some of my favorite characters ever, and I’m so glad I got to spend my time with them. The author did such a great job of making them relatable and likable, I couldn’t help but root for them the entire time. The way their relationship grew throughout the novel was so sweet and so genuine. I loved how much they each respected each other and actually did their best to communicate (if only more romance novels could let their characters communicate!).
And the pageant! I loved how each of the contestants got to know each other and how each of their characters was gradually revealed. I was a little confused at first as to how the pageant would work for the plot, especially with both Tove and Effie competing. But in the end, I loved how it was used to further the plot and allow our characters to grow.
I want to extend a huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this! This ended up being one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it for anyone who’s looking for a Christmas story with good LGBT+ rep!
And the pageant! I loved how each of the contestants got to know each other and how each of their characters was gradually revealed. I was a little confused at first as to how the pageant would work for the plot, especially with both Tove and Effie competing. But in the end, I loved how it was used to further the plot and allow our characters to grow.
I want to extend a huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this! This ended up being one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it for anyone who’s looking for a Christmas story with good LGBT+ rep!
February 29, 2024
The writing for this felt really odd to me at first: disjointed and the dialogue seemed abrupt and jarring. That may just be me. I did end up enjoying this book despite that and getting into the flow of the dialogue style and writing in the end. I enjoy seeing these characters deal with their trauma and grow together and develop good coping mechanisms to heal from their past and toxic people. A solid read!
October 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was really well-written and I could dive into the main characters' feelings with them. There is also good non-binary and bisexual representation, which is something in itself. The characters were relatable and made me want to reach in there and hug them. Quite a bit of angst but also just the right amount. This book will catch you in your feelings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2023
Absolutely incredible!
I adored this book and devoured it in a few days. It made me laugh, cry and feel a rollercoaster of emotions. Seeing queer and neurodivergent representation like this brings me so much joy. The trauma, self doubt, risk of trusting again and growth explored in this book mean a lot to see so many thanks to the author 😁
I adored this book and devoured it in a few days. It made me laugh, cry and feel a rollercoaster of emotions. Seeing queer and neurodivergent representation like this brings me so much joy. The trauma, self doubt, risk of trusting again and growth explored in this book mean a lot to see so many thanks to the author 😁
October 11, 2023
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for "Santa Pageant" by Lillian Barry.
I knew this was a queer non binary story when I signed up to arc read.
Within the first two pages, it's overly detailed, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that..for a sentence of few, it gives the impression that Effie maybe a worker in the building industry but she's a car park attendant. Than talks about Pageant before saying "she's alone", I didn't realise pageants were a duo thing.
When the story introduces Tove, I feel like something was missing. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I'm not sure if it had too much of a detailed storyline or the way the author had tried to weave in a backstory with the present.
Maybe it was the emotions being conveyed, maybe the emotions weren't quite pushed out as much or maybe the characters seemed same/same with how they interacted with each other.
Within the first 4% , I came to the conclusion that Effie was an unlikeable character.
But within the first 4%, we are introduced to Effie's sister and the sisters family, it almost made it seem like Effie was anti-hetro and felt the need to look down on hetro PDA, as well as hetro couples having kids. I also didn't like the way Effie "thought" about her sister's husband, calling him "baby faced", "cringey" and "why did her sister chose him?" , even though within the first 4% the family hadn't done anything to deserve a massive criticism.
I got confused for a moment. There's a character called "Alasdair", the author uses this name for a paragraph or few before switching to "Dair", I didn't realise that Dair and Alasdair were the same person, and thought a character had been written into the scene without a proper explanation.
By the time I hit the 9% mark, I was failing to see a queer romance story that I was lead to believe. Instead it felt like a negative "everyone but me is useless" and "every cis and hetro person is a piece of trash" type of world fit within a Christmas scene.
By page 138, the story felt a bit more relaxed. For that scene, it felt real and authentic and I had hoped it'd continue that until I finish the story.
When I got to the 70% mark , I felt like the story was running in circles. With 30% to go, I felt like the author had built up such a "explosive" point that there was no way for this story to end neatly.
By the end of the story, it felt off and I'm not quite sure why. It almost felt like it was trying to force itself to wrap while also not forcing itself to wrap up...if that makes sense.
I knew this was a queer non binary story when I signed up to arc read.
Within the first two pages, it's overly detailed, I'm not entirely sure how I feel about that..for a sentence of few, it gives the impression that Effie maybe a worker in the building industry but she's a car park attendant. Than talks about Pageant before saying "she's alone", I didn't realise pageants were a duo thing.
When the story introduces Tove, I feel like something was missing. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I'm not sure if it had too much of a detailed storyline or the way the author had tried to weave in a backstory with the present.
Maybe it was the emotions being conveyed, maybe the emotions weren't quite pushed out as much or maybe the characters seemed same/same with how they interacted with each other.
Within the first 4% , I came to the conclusion that Effie was an unlikeable character.
But within the first 4%, we are introduced to Effie's sister and the sisters family, it almost made it seem like Effie was anti-hetro and felt the need to look down on hetro PDA, as well as hetro couples having kids. I also didn't like the way Effie "thought" about her sister's husband, calling him "baby faced", "cringey" and "why did her sister chose him?" , even though within the first 4% the family hadn't done anything to deserve a massive criticism.
I got confused for a moment. There's a character called "Alasdair", the author uses this name for a paragraph or few before switching to "Dair", I didn't realise that Dair and Alasdair were the same person, and thought a character had been written into the scene without a proper explanation.
By the time I hit the 9% mark, I was failing to see a queer romance story that I was lead to believe. Instead it felt like a negative "everyone but me is useless" and "every cis and hetro person is a piece of trash" type of world fit within a Christmas scene.
By page 138, the story felt a bit more relaxed. For that scene, it felt real and authentic and I had hoped it'd continue that until I finish the story.
When I got to the 70% mark , I felt like the story was running in circles. With 30% to go, I felt like the author had built up such a "explosive" point that there was no way for this story to end neatly.
By the end of the story, it felt off and I'm not quite sure why. It almost felt like it was trying to force itself to wrap while also not forcing itself to wrap up...if that makes sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2024
I was drawn to The Santa Pageant for a mix of reasons: the quirky title, the oddly compelling cover (which I didn’t like but couldn’t look away from), and the publisher’s promise that fans of Ashley Herring Blake would love it. As someone who adores Blake and a good holiday romance, I was ready to dive in. Unfortunately, this one didn’t deliver for me.
Right off the bat, it’s clear that Barry is not Blake. Having read Blake’s Make the Season Bright earlier this year, I couldn’t help but compare the two. Both books are second-chance romances with protagonists healing from trauma, but where Blake skillfully balances heavy themes with romance, Barry leans too hard into the trauma. Instead of weaving it naturally into the story, The Santa Pageant gets bogged down in detours that overexplain the characters’ backstories. One plot twist involving a minor character felt predictable and turned them into a stereotype.
The pageant itself had potential—who wouldn’t love a quirky Santa competition?—but it felt underdeveloped. The contestants could have added so much charm and humor, but they were underutilized. Instead of feeling like a vibrant backdrop, the pageant ended up being a missed opportunity.
As for the romance, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Rather than a heartwarming holiday love story, it felt like a book about two people who happen to fall in love. The heavy themes overshadowed the romance, which wasn’t what I signed up for when I picked up a holiday rom-com. That said, readers who go in with different expectations might enjoy it more.
Two other things stood out in ways that pulled me out of the story. First, the repeated focus on ringtones felt bizarre for a book set in the present with 25-year-old characters. Who doesn’t have their phone on silent these days? Second, Effie’s niece felt inconsistent as a character, and the pivotal conversation she has with Effie at the climax stretched my suspension of disbelief to the breaking point.
Overall, The Santa Pageant had glimmers of charm, but it didn’t satisfy my craving for a lighthearted holiday romance. If you’re considering this one, I’d suggest going in with clear expectations that this isn’t your typical festive rom-com.
Right off the bat, it’s clear that Barry is not Blake. Having read Blake’s Make the Season Bright earlier this year, I couldn’t help but compare the two. Both books are second-chance romances with protagonists healing from trauma, but where Blake skillfully balances heavy themes with romance, Barry leans too hard into the trauma. Instead of weaving it naturally into the story, The Santa Pageant gets bogged down in detours that overexplain the characters’ backstories. One plot twist involving a minor character felt predictable and turned them into a stereotype.
The pageant itself had potential—who wouldn’t love a quirky Santa competition?—but it felt underdeveloped. The contestants could have added so much charm and humor, but they were underutilized. Instead of feeling like a vibrant backdrop, the pageant ended up being a missed opportunity.
As for the romance, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Rather than a heartwarming holiday love story, it felt like a book about two people who happen to fall in love. The heavy themes overshadowed the romance, which wasn’t what I signed up for when I picked up a holiday rom-com. That said, readers who go in with different expectations might enjoy it more.
Two other things stood out in ways that pulled me out of the story. First, the repeated focus on ringtones felt bizarre for a book set in the present with 25-year-old characters. Who doesn’t have their phone on silent these days? Second, Effie’s niece felt inconsistent as a character, and the pivotal conversation she has with Effie at the climax stretched my suspension of disbelief to the breaking point.
Overall, The Santa Pageant had glimmers of charm, but it didn’t satisfy my craving for a lighthearted holiday romance. If you’re considering this one, I’d suggest going in with clear expectations that this isn’t your typical festive rom-com.
December 20, 2024
This book surprised me in so many ways. I expected it to be a cute sapphic Christmas vibe book with non binary and bisexual representation, a small town, grumpy/sunshine, second chance romance with the hallmark vibes present within both MCs entering a Santa pageant contest. What I didn’t expect to get from it, was great representation of PTSD, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, social anxiety and healing through Tove, our NBMC who is trying to move on and heal from their recent break up from their abusive fiancé. Effie is the sunshine in this pairing who is openly lesbian and proud, but below that external confidence and people pleasing, you get to see a person who is struggling in a post pandemic world, with finding a stable job, being neurodivergent, and overall struggles with the feeling of not belonging. Effie also discuss their experience with having PCOS and I found that to be represented quite well. Honestly I just wanted to hug both of them, they were both so easily to relate to and I found myself in both of them.
I loved the pageant storyline, but I did feel it was more character based than story based. In saying that, the found family family with the other pageant members and the sentiment behind their reasons for doing the pageant were great and I really enjoyed all of those moments too.
The ending was wrapped up nicely, the HEA you get with Effie and Tove was done really well and I was cheering them on. Also you get some pretty decent smut you guys!! Woooweee. It was good and actually adorable, with more emotional depth than I expected. I loved it!
I loved the pageant storyline, but I did feel it was more character based than story based. In saying that, the found family family with the other pageant members and the sentiment behind their reasons for doing the pageant were great and I really enjoyed all of those moments too.
The ending was wrapped up nicely, the HEA you get with Effie and Tove was done really well and I was cheering them on. Also you get some pretty decent smut you guys!! Woooweee. It was good and actually adorable, with more emotional depth than I expected. I loved it!
dnf
December 26, 2023DNF at 40%
A second chance romance between ex-friends who both enter a Santa Pageant (as a lesbian and bisexual nonbinary person respectively!) had my name all over it. Unfortunately, I’m really struggling with Effie. I don’t understand why she has any relationship with her family or why she hasn’t done any soul-searching about why she doesn’t have a circle of friends. I should be sympathetic toward her but her chaos is annoying instead. I enjoy being in Tove’s POV much more and really feel for what they’ve been through. I’m not convinced Effie is the right person for them. I’m also frustrated by both characters’ aimlessness but that just might be a function of them being 25 and me being...far removed from that time. It might just be a bad fit for me despite the appeal of the premise.
Characters: Effie is a 25 year old lesbian white parking lot attendant who majored in structural engineering. She has a cat named Melchior. Tove is a 25 year old bisexual nonbinary white trumpet player and vegetarian.
Content notes: PTSD, emotionally abusive ex-fiancé, misgendering, toxic family, PCOS and ovarian cysts, past parental divorce and remarriage to each other (Effie’s parents), past parental divorce (Tove), alcohol, pipe (secondary character), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, mention of sister’s past postpartum depression, mentions of past pandemic
A second chance romance between ex-friends who both enter a Santa Pageant (as a lesbian and bisexual nonbinary person respectively!) had my name all over it. Unfortunately, I’m really struggling with Effie. I don’t understand why she has any relationship with her family or why she hasn’t done any soul-searching about why she doesn’t have a circle of friends. I should be sympathetic toward her but her chaos is annoying instead. I enjoy being in Tove’s POV much more and really feel for what they’ve been through. I’m not convinced Effie is the right person for them. I’m also frustrated by both characters’ aimlessness but that just might be a function of them being 25 and me being...far removed from that time. It might just be a bad fit for me despite the appeal of the premise.
Characters: Effie is a 25 year old lesbian white parking lot attendant who majored in structural engineering. She has a cat named Melchior. Tove is a 25 year old bisexual nonbinary white trumpet player and vegetarian.
Content notes: PTSD, emotionally abusive ex-fiancé, misgendering, toxic family, PCOS and ovarian cysts, past parental divorce and remarriage to each other (Effie’s parents), past parental divorce (Tove), alcohol, pipe (secondary character), gendered pejoratives, ableist language, mention of sister’s past postpartum depression, mentions of past pandemic
December 30, 2023
3.5 Stars rounded up.
This book is a Hallmark-esc romance in the midst of a Santa Pageant at a new local mall. Both Effie and Tove are struggling with rejection sensitivity, Effie due to a dismissive and unintentionally cruel family and Tove due to an emotionally abusive past relationship.
It starts off incredibly adorable. There is a lot of pain and insecurity there, but also a lot of hurt/comfort and attempts at self-healing.
What I liked:
- The PCOS rep
- The discussion about non-binary validity
- Support small independent businesses
- Interesting and individualized MCs
- Developing new friendships
- The siblings of our MCs
What didn’t work (for me):
- I wish this book leaned a little more heavily into the Christmas vibes and the reality TV aspect. Neither really played much part beyond a basic background set.
- At the 80% mark everyone, even the 7 year old niece, suddenly speaks like professional therapists for two chapters in order to force the character growth at the end.
The beginning and ending of this book were utterly charming. The middle felt a bit muddled with a lot of back and forth on growth, but that’s also very real to life. All in all, this was a lovely and heartwarming read.
This book is a Hallmark-esc romance in the midst of a Santa Pageant at a new local mall. Both Effie and Tove are struggling with rejection sensitivity, Effie due to a dismissive and unintentionally cruel family and Tove due to an emotionally abusive past relationship.
It starts off incredibly adorable. There is a lot of pain and insecurity there, but also a lot of hurt/comfort and attempts at self-healing.
What I liked:
- The PCOS rep
- The discussion about non-binary validity
- Support small independent businesses
- Interesting and individualized MCs
- Developing new friendships
- The siblings of our MCs
What didn’t work (for me):
- I wish this book leaned a little more heavily into the Christmas vibes and the reality TV aspect. Neither really played much part beyond a basic background set.
- At the 80% mark everyone, even the 7 year old niece, suddenly speaks like professional therapists for two chapters in order to force the character growth at the end.
The beginning and ending of this book were utterly charming. The middle felt a bit muddled with a lot of back and forth on growth, but that’s also very real to life. All in all, this was a lovely and heartwarming read.
September 23, 2023
I read this book in 2 days! When you start it it's hard to put down.
This second chance romance between Effie and Tove is everything you want in a book: it will make you feel all the emotions, including the uncomfortable ones, but it will hold your hand and guide you towards a good ending.
The characters felt real and relatable (love my chaotic girl Effie), with depth and real life problems outside of the romance, that make them who they are. There's a hefty amount of trauma in this book but never handled in a voyeuristic way, always grabbing you by the gut, though. I was gasping and muttering 'nooo' several times but thankfully, my heart hasn't been irredeemably broken.
I truly loved getting immersed in this universe, getting to know the characters, their pasts, and witness the beginning of their future.
Lillian Barry's prose is full of hilarious metaphors: be warned, you'll want to write down most of them in a little notebook. Without spoiling, the last segment of the story is super fun to follow and feels like the best action part of a romcom.
Get ready for all the Xmas feels with this one!
I'm so excited for more books by this author!
This second chance romance between Effie and Tove is everything you want in a book: it will make you feel all the emotions, including the uncomfortable ones, but it will hold your hand and guide you towards a good ending.
The characters felt real and relatable (love my chaotic girl Effie), with depth and real life problems outside of the romance, that make them who they are. There's a hefty amount of trauma in this book but never handled in a voyeuristic way, always grabbing you by the gut, though. I was gasping and muttering 'nooo' several times but thankfully, my heart hasn't been irredeemably broken.
I truly loved getting immersed in this universe, getting to know the characters, their pasts, and witness the beginning of their future.
Lillian Barry's prose is full of hilarious metaphors: be warned, you'll want to write down most of them in a little notebook. Without spoiling, the last segment of the story is super fun to follow and feels like the best action part of a romcom.
Get ready for all the Xmas feels with this one!
I'm so excited for more books by this author!
January 6, 2025
The Santa Pageant is a sapphic romance between Effie and Tove, ex-friends who end up competing to be mall Santas.
Rant review incoming. The more I think about this book, the more I can only think about the things I didn’t like.
This was a super disappointing read. It was super slow and way too long, with not a lot of payoff. The characters’ thinking processes were so roundabout and convoluted that when they actually reached their conclusions, I had no idea how they got there. Every conversation was way too serious, and it was so repetitive that I was skimming the dialogue.
The “precocious” seven-year-old niece came off as a teenager instead of a seven-year-old, which drove me up the wall. There’s a difference between precociousness and whatever the heck was going on with her. If she’d been twelve-years-old, absolutely nothing would’ve changed.
I wish there had been more to the book than just the abuse recovery. I wanted more of the actual romance between Effie and Tove. I wanted the other Santas to feature more because I loved them whenever they were in the scene. There was so much in the book that could’ve been used to make soft, fun moments in the story so the emotional stuff could have a bigger impact.
CW: toxic relationship (emotional abuse & gaslighting); child abuse; bullying; queerphobia; misgendering; sexual content
Rant review incoming. The more I think about this book, the more I can only think about the things I didn’t like.
This was a super disappointing read. It was super slow and way too long, with not a lot of payoff. The characters’ thinking processes were so roundabout and convoluted that when they actually reached their conclusions, I had no idea how they got there. Every conversation was way too serious, and it was so repetitive that I was skimming the dialogue.
The “precocious” seven-year-old niece came off as a teenager instead of a seven-year-old, which drove me up the wall. There’s a difference between precociousness and whatever the heck was going on with her. If she’d been twelve-years-old, absolutely nothing would’ve changed.
I wish there had been more to the book than just the abuse recovery. I wanted more of the actual romance between Effie and Tove. I wanted the other Santas to feature more because I loved them whenever they were in the scene. There was so much in the book that could’ve been used to make soft, fun moments in the story so the emotional stuff could have a bigger impact.
CW: toxic relationship (emotional abuse & gaslighting); child abuse; bullying; queerphobia; misgendering; sexual content
October 10, 2023
The Santa Pageant is a delightful second chance holiday romance about self discovery and finding the person who makes you the brightest version of yourself.
Effie and Tove were best friends who had one confusing kiss, which neither of them have been able to forget. Fast forward and they’re twenty-somethings both back on their small island, and both have entered a Santa pageant. I adored Effie’s big personality and Tove’s sweet and support family, including her trumpet, Felicity. The actual Santa pageant competitors were hilarious. Both MCs had heartfelt journeys of growth and self discovery. 😍 I loved Lillian Barry’s debut romance novel and I can’t wait to read more from her.
I read an ARC of The Santa Pageant, and this is my honest review.
Effie and Tove were best friends who had one confusing kiss, which neither of them have been able to forget. Fast forward and they’re twenty-somethings both back on their small island, and both have entered a Santa pageant. I adored Effie’s big personality and Tove’s sweet and support family, including her trumpet, Felicity. The actual Santa pageant competitors were hilarious. Both MCs had heartfelt journeys of growth and self discovery. 😍 I loved Lillian Barry’s debut romance novel and I can’t wait to read more from her.
I read an ARC of The Santa Pageant, and this is my honest review.
December 7, 2023
This is such a great read, that covers many mental health issues with sensitivity.
Lillian Barry clearly has clearly been involved with people struggling with mental health issue. The story took a bit of time to get the background clearly out. I am thankful that I struck with it. Clearly issues like polycystic ovary disease, ADHD, lesbianism, manipulative behaviors with abuse, etc. are difficult to cover at best. So given that statement, I consider this very skillfully written and very inclusive! Well Done Lillian.
Lillian Barry clearly has clearly been involved with people struggling with mental health issue. The story took a bit of time to get the background clearly out. I am thankful that I struck with it. Clearly issues like polycystic ovary disease, ADHD, lesbianism, manipulative behaviors with abuse, etc. are difficult to cover at best. So given that statement, I consider this very skillfully written and very inclusive! Well Done Lillian.
October 31, 2023
Huge thanks to the author Lillian for the arc ebook.
I love a queer Christmas book - and this one has a bit of everything! Realistic characters with relatable issues, and lots of different representation. It's both sweet and spicy! I love that it's not just Christmas fluff either - it deals with some pretty heavy issues (check for triggers) and how Christmas isn't necessarily a happy time for everyone.
I love a queer Christmas book - and this one has a bit of everything! Realistic characters with relatable issues, and lots of different representation. It's both sweet and spicy! I love that it's not just Christmas fluff either - it deals with some pretty heavy issues (check for triggers) and how Christmas isn't necessarily a happy time for everyone.
December 20, 2023
So good!
This book is so good! Lillian Barry has offered up a cast of very imperfect people (as we all are!) and their struggles to find their way through life. She tacles some hard issues with such grace. There's humor and angst, love and negativity, all wrapped up in a Santa Pageant Contest. Join Effie and Tove as they battle through self discovery as sell as rediscovering their love for each other.
This book is so good! Lillian Barry has offered up a cast of very imperfect people (as we all are!) and their struggles to find their way through life. She tacles some hard issues with such grace. There's humor and angst, love and negativity, all wrapped up in a Santa Pageant Contest. Join Effie and Tove as they battle through self discovery as sell as rediscovering their love for each other.
October 9, 2023
Such a delightful rom com! I gobbled this up in about 2 days, and would have read faster if I didn't have to work! Effie and Tove were both distinct with their own histories and growth. I loved all of the representation here as well from an enby MC to the PCOS and adult ADHD rep. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this sunshine/ grumpy duo on their journey!
November 20, 2023
got more than I expected
When I bought this book I thought it was going to be a fun sweet Christmas book and it was so much more than that. I related to these wonderful people on so many levels and this book really made me look at myself and those around me. I definitely recommend this book
When I bought this book I thought it was going to be a fun sweet Christmas book and it was so much more than that. I related to these wonderful people on so many levels and this book really made me look at myself and those around me. I definitely recommend this book
December 4, 2023
This book was everything I needed and more to get me into the holiday season. A good nonbinary romance helps at all times of year, but the holidays are especially good to toss in some inclusion!
This was sweet and spicy and a so, so good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was sweet and spicy and a so, so good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was such a good festive book that made me smile but still deals with heavy topics. The story was good and easy to read and the characters were really amazing and made the story better. I absolutely recommend this book since it is the perfect read for the Holidays.
This was such a good festive book that made me smile but still deals with heavy topics. The story was good and easy to read and the characters were really amazing and made the story better. I absolutely recommend this book since it is the perfect read for the Holidays.
December 30, 2025
3.5/4 I read this as part of a readalong following the sad news of Lillian's passing. I had a good time with this book - the dialogue I found a bit jarring at times, and both characters jumped to rather dramatic conclusions quite frequently which was a bit odd to read. but overall I enjoyed myself a lot 💗
November 11, 2023
I found this book lovely to read, I love the romance, the relationships within the story were lovely written and the storywas an enjoyable cozy christmas read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2023
Whilst the plot of this book is about its two MCs competing in a Santa Pagaent, the main focus is on the two MCs themselves - their past, their rekindling and their internal struggles. This book really shines when it's diving into its characters.
Overall, this was a good festive read that tackles some heavier topics amongst its fluffier moment, but still leaves you smiling at the end.
Overall, this was a good festive read that tackles some heavier topics amongst its fluffier moment, but still leaves you smiling at the end.
December 21, 2024
This Christmas romance about self discovery, healing, second chances and more. This story touched a lot of really hardcore stuff. I absolutely loved all the Santa’s too they were all great. I did enjoy tove and effys relationship grow for the 2nd chance at love.
December 31, 2023
I loved the characters, however the writing had me a little confused on whose perspective was taking place.
August 4, 2024
I dunno how ppl gave this so many high reviews because there where so many problematic things.it might just be me but I did not like it at all
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