I finally got around to reading The Holiday Match by Tori Samuels, and I’m glad I saved it for the Christmas season because it really hit the spot. The story follows a festive matchmaking idea that blends a secret Santa vibe with blind dates, and it’s all wrapped up in small-town charm. Without giving anything away, it’s a sweet rom com that leans into holiday magic, community spirit, and the ups and downs of finding love when you least expect it.
I’ll admit, it took me a little while to get into the rhythm of the book, but once I did, I was hooked. Richard’s character really stood out to me—I found myself relating to his insecurities and enjoyed watching him grow past them as the story unfolded. Margo’s presence added a fun dynamic too, and knowing there’s another book from her point of view makes me excited to dive back into this world.
The hometown setting was another highlight. Bolton, Ontario, gets its moment to shine, and as someone familiar with the area, I loved spotting references to local landmarks and nearby places like Toronto and Vaughan. It gave the whole book a cozy, familiar vibe that made me smile and made the story feel even more personal.