What do you think?
Rate this book
The Most Wonderful Time
The author of the beloved, bestselling Black Girls Must Die Exhausted trilogy returns with an intriguing blend of Such a Fun Age and The Holiday—an irresistible Christmastime novel about heartbreak, hope, love, and the joy that comes from rediscovering oneself.
With Christmas around the corner, Ramona Tucker is desperate to get away. She has been lying to her family about her engagement to Malik, her (ex) fiancé. But breakups are fickle, and Ramona is convinced that she can make her pretend wedding real again—but only if she can avoid everyone discovering her secret at her mother’s over-the-top Christmas Eve party.
Two-thousand miles away in sunny Malibu, Chelsea Flint needs money to hold on to the beloved beachside cottage she shared with her late parents. The taxes are expensive, and her art isn’t paying the bills. Once an irresistible star of the Los Angeles art scene, Chelsea seems to have lost that spark that vaulted her to the top. If she doesn’t rediscover that magic—and sell a painting—soon, it will be her family’s home she’s selling instead.
The two women swap homes, just in time, thanks to some careful planning by Ramona’s best friend and a sturdy nudge from Chelsea’s gallerist godmother. Ramona’s Malibu dreams of sun and surf are interrupted as her first night brings an unwelcome stranger to her door, making her question who she can trust—the meddling neighbor Joan, or Jay, the handsome beachside fitness instructor with a secret of his own. Chelsea, desperate for Ramona to stay, hides what she knows—even if that means jeopardizing her budding connection with charming Carlos, whose dreams for his future could be the very key to unlocking Chelsea from the weight of her past.
Combining escapist fun and sizzling romance, a dose of poignant self-reflection, and a little holiday magic, The Most Wonderful Time is a warm and relatable novel that will delight at Christmas and throughout the year.
With Christmas around the corner, Ramona Tucker is desperate to get away. She has been lying to her family about her engagement to Malik, her (ex) fiancé. But breakups are fickle, and Ramona is convinced that she can make her pretend wedding real again—but only if she can avoid everyone discovering her secret at her mother’s over-the-top Christmas Eve party.
Two-thousand miles away in sunny Malibu, Chelsea Flint needs money to hold on to the beloved beachside cottage she shared with her late parents. The taxes are expensive, and her art isn’t paying the bills. Once an irresistible star of the Los Angeles art scene, Chelsea seems to have lost that spark that vaulted her to the top. If she doesn’t rediscover that magic—and sell a painting—soon, it will be her family’s home she’s selling instead.
The two women swap homes, just in time, thanks to some careful planning by Ramona’s best friend and a sturdy nudge from Chelsea’s gallerist godmother. Ramona’s Malibu dreams of sun and surf are interrupted as her first night brings an unwelcome stranger to her door, making her question who she can trust—the meddling neighbor Joan, or Jay, the handsome beachside fitness instructor with a secret of his own. Chelsea, desperate for Ramona to stay, hides what she knows—even if that means jeopardizing her budding connection with charming Carlos, whose dreams for his future could be the very key to unlocking Chelsea from the weight of her past.
Combining escapist fun and sizzling romance, a dose of poignant self-reflection, and a little holiday magic, The Most Wonderful Time is a warm and relatable novel that will delight at Christmas and throughout the year.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2024
164 people are currently reading
13666 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Allen
9 books1,714 followersInstagram: @JayneAllenWrites
Publisher Instagram: @HarperPerennial
Publisher Twitter: @HarperPerennial
Jayne Allen is a black girl from Detroit who smiles widely, laughs loudly and loves to tell stories that stick to your bones. Her debut novel, "Black Girls Must Die Exhausted," which Kirkus Reviews called "both timely and enjoyable," touches upon contemporary women's issues such as workplace womanhood, race, fertility, modern relationships and mental health awareness, echoing her desire to bring both multiculturalism and multidimensionality to contemporary women's fiction with dynamic female protagonists who also happen to be black. When she's not writing "chocolate chick lit with a conscience," she's spending time with her girlfriends, keeping one ear open for her next saucy tale.
Publisher Instagram: @HarperPerennial
Publisher Twitter: @HarperPerennial
Jayne Allen is a black girl from Detroit who smiles widely, laughs loudly and loves to tell stories that stick to your bones. Her debut novel, "Black Girls Must Die Exhausted," which Kirkus Reviews called "both timely and enjoyable," touches upon contemporary women's issues such as workplace womanhood, race, fertility, modern relationships and mental health awareness, echoing her desire to bring both multiculturalism and multidimensionality to contemporary women's fiction with dynamic female protagonists who also happen to be black. When she's not writing "chocolate chick lit with a conscience," she's spending time with her girlfriends, keeping one ear open for her next saucy tale.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
October 29, 2024
I haven't read anything by Jayne Allen before, but I was in the mood for something Christmassy and decided that would be The Most Wonderful Time! While this wasn't brimming with holiday cheer as I had hoped, it was a nice romance that was both humorous and thought-provoking. I really enjoyed Ramona and Chelsea's viewpoints, and I loved that we get something different from each of them after they swap homes for a week. Ramona's refusal to accept her fiancé breaking up with her and Chelsea's creative funk get put into a different perspective after they see how the other lives and meet people in each other’s lives.
The Most Wonderful Time is solid on audio and while it wasn't anything I would call special, I really enjoyed listening to Mela Lee and I thought she did a great job differentiating her voice between the two female characters. At times it felt like there were 2 narrators instead of 1 and that is something I always like! The end isn’t necessarily wrapped up in a pretty HEA, but it was very realistic and left me feeling hopeful for Ramona and Chelsea. I would recommend this if you enjoy books that focus on family and reflection and are set around the holidays instead of focusing on them.
The Most Wonderful Time is solid on audio and while it wasn't anything I would call special, I really enjoyed listening to Mela Lee and I thought she did a great job differentiating her voice between the two female characters. At times it felt like there were 2 narrators instead of 1 and that is something I always like! The end isn’t necessarily wrapped up in a pretty HEA, but it was very realistic and left me feeling hopeful for Ramona and Chelsea. I would recommend this if you enjoy books that focus on family and reflection and are set around the holidays instead of focusing on them.
May 24, 2024
Anything with vibes of The Holiday (one of my all time favorite Christmas movies!) and I’m instantly intrigued. I wish I had liked this one more!
Sadly, there weren’t many Christmas elements to the story at all, and what little there was came in around the 60 percent mark. In reading the summary a little more closely, it doesn’t sound as Christmassy as I originally thought, so that’s on me. It’s kind of one of those stories that takes place at Christmas but doesn’t really have much else to do with Christmas. I was looking for a Christmas book, so I was let down a bit by that.
The writing style didn’t always work for me either. It’s very descriptive and evocative, with a lot of exposition. I personally prefer a balance of dialogue or even a more dialogue heavy story, so it didn’t always work for me, but the descriptions of both Malibu and Chicago were well done and made me want to visit (and eat fish tacos in Malibu and deep dish pizza in Chicago!).
Overall, it was okay, but if you’re going into it looking for holiday feels, you’d probably be better off with a different book.
Sadly, there weren’t many Christmas elements to the story at all, and what little there was came in around the 60 percent mark. In reading the summary a little more closely, it doesn’t sound as Christmassy as I originally thought, so that’s on me. It’s kind of one of those stories that takes place at Christmas but doesn’t really have much else to do with Christmas. I was looking for a Christmas book, so I was let down a bit by that.
The writing style didn’t always work for me either. It’s very descriptive and evocative, with a lot of exposition. I personally prefer a balance of dialogue or even a more dialogue heavy story, so it didn’t always work for me, but the descriptions of both Malibu and Chicago were well done and made me want to visit (and eat fish tacos in Malibu and deep dish pizza in Chicago!).
Overall, it was okay, but if you’re going into it looking for holiday feels, you’d probably be better off with a different book.
December 28, 2024
I picked up this book anticipating a retelling of The Holiday, featuring 2 women as they engage in a holiday house swap. However this book was more of a story of class, race, and privilege. The 2 women, Ramona and Chelsea, are both attempting to get out of creative and personal ruts. On the advice of their close friends, they switch homes (Chicago and Malibu) for Christmas week. They both face challenges and people making assumptions about them on their journey to self discovery. They also both find insta-love and a happy ending. I was surprised that the nosy, elitist neighbor, Joan, did not have more of a learning experience after making assumptions about visiting Ramona and her neighbor, Jay. I was somewhat disappointed by the overall pacing and lack of holiday vibes that I had anticipated. 3/5⭐️
November 4, 2024
Thank you Harper Perennial for my copy! All thoughts are my own!
As much as I love Christmas and Christmas movies/books, I am very picky about the stories I choose to read each season. I look for books that have festive cheer and cozy settings, but that are also realistic and not too saccharine. When I came across The Most Wonderful Time, I was immediately intrigued by the comparison to The Holiday, one of my all time favorite films, and was pleasantly surprised by the depth of emotions and situations this book covered, while maintaining a coxy, festive atmosphere.
Synopsis:
“With Christmas around the corner, Ramona Tucker is desperate to get away. She has been lying to her family about her engagement to Malik, her (ex) fiancé. But breakups are fickle, and Ramona is convinced that she can make her pretend wedding real again—but only if she can avoid everyone discovering her secret at her mother’s over-the-top Christmas Eve party.
Two-thousand miles away in sunny Malibu, Chelsea Flint needs money to hold on to the beloved beachside cottage she shared with her late parents. The taxes are expensive, and her art isn’t paying the bills. Once an irresistible star of the Los Angeles art scene, Chelsea seems to have lost that spark that vaulted her to the top. If she doesn’t rediscover that magic—and sell a painting—soon, it will be her family’s home she’s selling instead.
The two women swap homes, just in time, thanks to some careful planning by Ramona’s best friend and a sturdy nudge from Chelsea’s gallerist godmother. Ramona’s Malibu dreams of sun and surf are interrupted as her first night brings an unwelcome stranger to her door, making her question who she can trust—the meddling neighbor Joan, or Jay, the handsome beachside fitness instructor with a secret of his own. Chelsea, desperate for Ramona to stay, hides what she knows—even if that means jeopardizing her budding connection with charming Carlos, whose dreams for his future could be the very key to unlock Chelsea from the weight of her past.
Combining escapist fun and sizzling romance, a dose of poignant self-reflection, and a little holiday magic, The Most Wonderful Time is a warm and relatable novel that will delight at Christmas and throughout the year.”—NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Concept—Like I said, The Holiday is one of my favorite films. I liked that this was a more diverse take on it and in two very places, Malibu and Chicago.
The Heart—This book had a lot of heart and addressed a lot of really important things, especially racism and how it relates to geography and activities.
The Settings—I haven’t been to Malibu before I have spent a lot of time in Chicago and I could feel the bitter cold wind off the lake!
What Didn’t Work:
The Pacing—I read the audio version of the book which could be a contributer, but I just felt like the timeline of things was a little funky and it made it hard for me to be invested in the relationships.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 4/5
Content Warnings:
racism
As much as I love Christmas and Christmas movies/books, I am very picky about the stories I choose to read each season. I look for books that have festive cheer and cozy settings, but that are also realistic and not too saccharine. When I came across The Most Wonderful Time, I was immediately intrigued by the comparison to The Holiday, one of my all time favorite films, and was pleasantly surprised by the depth of emotions and situations this book covered, while maintaining a coxy, festive atmosphere.
Synopsis:
“With Christmas around the corner, Ramona Tucker is desperate to get away. She has been lying to her family about her engagement to Malik, her (ex) fiancé. But breakups are fickle, and Ramona is convinced that she can make her pretend wedding real again—but only if she can avoid everyone discovering her secret at her mother’s over-the-top Christmas Eve party.
Two-thousand miles away in sunny Malibu, Chelsea Flint needs money to hold on to the beloved beachside cottage she shared with her late parents. The taxes are expensive, and her art isn’t paying the bills. Once an irresistible star of the Los Angeles art scene, Chelsea seems to have lost that spark that vaulted her to the top. If she doesn’t rediscover that magic—and sell a painting—soon, it will be her family’s home she’s selling instead.
The two women swap homes, just in time, thanks to some careful planning by Ramona’s best friend and a sturdy nudge from Chelsea’s gallerist godmother. Ramona’s Malibu dreams of sun and surf are interrupted as her first night brings an unwelcome stranger to her door, making her question who she can trust—the meddling neighbor Joan, or Jay, the handsome beachside fitness instructor with a secret of his own. Chelsea, desperate for Ramona to stay, hides what she knows—even if that means jeopardizing her budding connection with charming Carlos, whose dreams for his future could be the very key to unlock Chelsea from the weight of her past.
Combining escapist fun and sizzling romance, a dose of poignant self-reflection, and a little holiday magic, The Most Wonderful Time is a warm and relatable novel that will delight at Christmas and throughout the year.”—NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Concept—Like I said, The Holiday is one of my favorite films. I liked that this was a more diverse take on it and in two very places, Malibu and Chicago.
The Heart—This book had a lot of heart and addressed a lot of really important things, especially racism and how it relates to geography and activities.
The Settings—I haven’t been to Malibu before I have spent a lot of time in Chicago and I could feel the bitter cold wind off the lake!
What Didn’t Work:
The Pacing—I read the audio version of the book which could be a contributer, but I just felt like the timeline of things was a little funky and it made it hard for me to be invested in the relationships.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 4/5
Content Warnings:
racism
December 14, 2024
I went into this story expecting to love it but unfortunately my expectations didn’t align with what the story was actually about. I was hoping for some lighthearted holiday vibes mixed with a fun romantic plot. Instead the story focused on painter Chelsea rediscovering her artistic inspiration and Ramona learning to start over after a break up. While there is romance for both Chelsea and Ramona in their respective journeys, which I enjoyed, it wasn’t a central part of the story like I wanted or thought it to be.
There were some humorous moments but the story delves deeply into discussions about race, particularly in regard to a situation with Ramona. These conversations were meaningful but at times they felt a bit drawn out. Additionally there was a POV included from a nosy neighbor that felt unnecessary and I wish there had been more festive Christmas vibes. It felt more like a story that just happened to take place in December. If this is a story you are looking forward to I would recommend adjusting your expectations. Going in with the right mindset might help you appreciate it more than I did....
There were some humorous moments but the story delves deeply into discussions about race, particularly in regard to a situation with Ramona. These conversations were meaningful but at times they felt a bit drawn out. Additionally there was a POV included from a nosy neighbor that felt unnecessary and I wish there had been more festive Christmas vibes. It felt more like a story that just happened to take place in December. If this is a story you are looking forward to I would recommend adjusting your expectations. Going in with the right mindset might help you appreciate it more than I did....
December 10, 2024
I’ll start by saying Irish I would have read the back of the book. I went into this based on the cover and thinking it was a Christmas themed book. Sadly it fell extremely flat for me and came off more as a book about race and heartbreak. I don’t have a problem with a book about race but don’t market it as a Christmas book. While only sprinkling a pinch of Christmas in it. Honestly wish I would DNF’ed it because it really annoyed me.
December 2, 2024
3.5 stars
A holiday house-swap story that bears some similarity to popular Christmas movie The Holiday. Chelsea, living on the beach in Malibu, was once a young star of the LA art scene but is now struggling to pay her bills as she hasn't been able to create anything meaningful since the tragic death of her parents a few years earlier. At her condo on the Gold Coast in Chicago overlooking Lake Michigan, Ramona is dreading the upcoming holiday season. It has been months since her fiancé, Malik, ended their relationship but she has not yet told her parents because she was hoping the break-up would be temporary. Desperate to avoid her family's Christmas celebration, Ramona agrees to a house swap arranged by her best friend and Chelsea's agent/godmother.
Shortly after arriving at the Malibu beach house, Ramona accidentally locks herself out and the neighbourhood's private security firm arrives to investigate. As a Black woman, the incident leaves her feeling unsafe and unsure whether she should trust Chelsea's meddling Malibu neighbour, Joan, or Jay, the fitness instructor who leads a class on the beach every morning. In Chicago, Chelsea is feeling a resurgence of creativity after she connects with a photographer who is a close friend of Ramona's and is desperate to smooth over the misunderstanding in Malibu so Ramona will be comfortable staying for the week as planned.
The Most Wonderful Time is a story of two women on a journey of discovery over their Christmas week home exchange. Both of the women have issues they are grappling with - Chelsea finding a way to move past her overwhelming grief and find her artistic spark again and Ramona dealing with the weight of parental expectations and not knowing what she really wants in her life. Through Ramona's story the novel also touches on issues of race and what it's like to be a black person in a world where racism is still prevalent.
Both Ramona and Chelsea have new relationships during the week of their house swap but this isn't a romance novel so readers shouldn't expect a perfect happily-ever-after and the story is light on the Christmas vibes - overall an enjoyable read from the author of the Black Girls Must Die Exhausted trilogy.
A holiday house-swap story that bears some similarity to popular Christmas movie The Holiday. Chelsea, living on the beach in Malibu, was once a young star of the LA art scene but is now struggling to pay her bills as she hasn't been able to create anything meaningful since the tragic death of her parents a few years earlier. At her condo on the Gold Coast in Chicago overlooking Lake Michigan, Ramona is dreading the upcoming holiday season. It has been months since her fiancé, Malik, ended their relationship but she has not yet told her parents because she was hoping the break-up would be temporary. Desperate to avoid her family's Christmas celebration, Ramona agrees to a house swap arranged by her best friend and Chelsea's agent/godmother.
Shortly after arriving at the Malibu beach house, Ramona accidentally locks herself out and the neighbourhood's private security firm arrives to investigate. As a Black woman, the incident leaves her feeling unsafe and unsure whether she should trust Chelsea's meddling Malibu neighbour, Joan, or Jay, the fitness instructor who leads a class on the beach every morning. In Chicago, Chelsea is feeling a resurgence of creativity after she connects with a photographer who is a close friend of Ramona's and is desperate to smooth over the misunderstanding in Malibu so Ramona will be comfortable staying for the week as planned.
The Most Wonderful Time is a story of two women on a journey of discovery over their Christmas week home exchange. Both of the women have issues they are grappling with - Chelsea finding a way to move past her overwhelming grief and find her artistic spark again and Ramona dealing with the weight of parental expectations and not knowing what she really wants in her life. Through Ramona's story the novel also touches on issues of race and what it's like to be a black person in a world where racism is still prevalent.
Both Ramona and Chelsea have new relationships during the week of their house swap but this isn't a romance novel so readers shouldn't expect a perfect happily-ever-after and the story is light on the Christmas vibes - overall an enjoyable read from the author of the Black Girls Must Die Exhausted trilogy.
December 9, 2024
My rating is a 4.5/5
I absolutely loved this book! I won’t lie, I was expecting a super-cheesy-hallmark-Christmas movie in a book with this one. But this was nothing like that. It takes place during the Christmas season, but it reads more like a literary fiction-romance novel.
This is a coming of age story that mainly follows two women. One from Malibu and the other from Chicago that decide to houseswap during the holiday season. Both women are going through some major life events and are in need of a change.
I related so much to Ramona. As someone who is a people pleaser to a fault and hyper aware of my blackness in the world. I love how the reader goes on the journey of watching Ramona changes her perspective on life. I loved the relationships that she had with her friends and family. Ramona had the best friends, Latrese and Carlos were the real MVPs in this book. I was also able to relate to Chelsea and her path with navigating grief.
Ms. Allen has an amazing pen game. She is literally the queen of imagery. She has a gift for taking a moment and slowing it down, while putting you in that space as a reader. When she describes the scenery I was transported there. Like I was in the Pacific Ocean, like I was on Lakeshore Drive. I could feel the intensity of the conversations in the book, the back and forth of the inner thoughts. And there was also a little spice that I was not expecting, which is always nice.
This book was nearly perfect. My only gripe was that it has third person narration. Something that I am not really a fan of.
I absolutely loved this book! I won’t lie, I was expecting a super-cheesy-hallmark-Christmas movie in a book with this one. But this was nothing like that. It takes place during the Christmas season, but it reads more like a literary fiction-romance novel.
This is a coming of age story that mainly follows two women. One from Malibu and the other from Chicago that decide to houseswap during the holiday season. Both women are going through some major life events and are in need of a change.
I related so much to Ramona. As someone who is a people pleaser to a fault and hyper aware of my blackness in the world. I love how the reader goes on the journey of watching Ramona changes her perspective on life. I loved the relationships that she had with her friends and family. Ramona had the best friends, Latrese and Carlos were the real MVPs in this book. I was also able to relate to Chelsea and her path with navigating grief.
Ms. Allen has an amazing pen game. She is literally the queen of imagery. She has a gift for taking a moment and slowing it down, while putting you in that space as a reader. When she describes the scenery I was transported there. Like I was in the Pacific Ocean, like I was on Lakeshore Drive. I could feel the intensity of the conversations in the book, the back and forth of the inner thoughts. And there was also a little spice that I was not expecting, which is always nice.
This book was nearly perfect. My only gripe was that it has third person narration. Something that I am not really a fan of.
December 25, 2025
The Most Wonderful Time gave me just what I was looking for this holiday season. While it was a cozy, romantic read, it also had some elements of depth that I was not expecting. I really liked the perspective shifts and the concept of the two main characters doing a swap for the holidays with one stay in Malibu and the other in Chicago. Although these two women never meet, they come to have a significant impact on each other’s lives.
I was gushing over the romantic connection between Jay and Ramona. He didn’t just adore her, but he also saw her and valued her. Meanwhile, Carlos and Chelsea grapple with their feelings for one another and their mutual fear of losing someone. There was a lot of “will they or won’t they” energy leading up to the ending, but the conclusion was satisfying. I was especially wooed by the romantic conclusion for one couple in particular.
Amongst all the romance and spice, the author also touches on important topics related to race and the Black experience in America. She address the intentional exclusion of Black people from public spaces and how that has been internalized through generations. We also get to see Ramona’s growth as she learns to prioritize herself. I was touched as she came to realize her worth and that she was allowed to ask for more. This led me to my own moments of self-reflection.
Overall, I loved the themes of family (both found and biological), loss, love, and forgiveness. The main characters and secondary characters were memorable (Latrice was such a hoot and I’d love to have a friend like her!). I’d recommend this book for anyone who’s looking for a holiday read that has romance but also has some depth to it.
I was gushing over the romantic connection between Jay and Ramona. He didn’t just adore her, but he also saw her and valued her. Meanwhile, Carlos and Chelsea grapple with their feelings for one another and their mutual fear of losing someone. There was a lot of “will they or won’t they” energy leading up to the ending, but the conclusion was satisfying. I was especially wooed by the romantic conclusion for one couple in particular.
Amongst all the romance and spice, the author also touches on important topics related to race and the Black experience in America. She address the intentional exclusion of Black people from public spaces and how that has been internalized through generations. We also get to see Ramona’s growth as she learns to prioritize herself. I was touched as she came to realize her worth and that she was allowed to ask for more. This led me to my own moments of self-reflection.
Overall, I loved the themes of family (both found and biological), loss, love, and forgiveness. The main characters and secondary characters were memorable (Latrice was such a hoot and I’d love to have a friend like her!). I’d recommend this book for anyone who’s looking for a holiday read that has romance but also has some depth to it.
December 30, 2025
The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen was a terrific read for the month of December as it takes place in the days leading up to and following Christmas.
This book is about two women who just need a change of scenery to change their perspectives and give them a spark on their life. Chelsea, an artist is running out of money. To pay her taxes on her home in Malibu, California, she is convinced that renting it out for vacation rentals is the way to go. Meanwhile, Ramona from Chicago is busy planning a wedding that’s never going to happen because she and the guy she’s in love with broke up. Unable to face her family, her friend books Chelsea’s vacation rentals so Ramona can get away for the holidays. Chelsea, having no where else to go, will stay at Ramona’s home in Chicago for the week. While switching places, both women confront some uncomfortable truths about themselves, but meet people who help them change their perspectives for the better.
Overall, this was a very interesting and thought-provoking read. There was a dash of romance, but the bigger story was about the women going outside their comfort zone, embracing new experiences and coming out with new meanings to their lives. I really liked both main characters and appreciated their journeys throughout the book.
This book is about two women who just need a change of scenery to change their perspectives and give them a spark on their life. Chelsea, an artist is running out of money. To pay her taxes on her home in Malibu, California, she is convinced that renting it out for vacation rentals is the way to go. Meanwhile, Ramona from Chicago is busy planning a wedding that’s never going to happen because she and the guy she’s in love with broke up. Unable to face her family, her friend books Chelsea’s vacation rentals so Ramona can get away for the holidays. Chelsea, having no where else to go, will stay at Ramona’s home in Chicago for the week. While switching places, both women confront some uncomfortable truths about themselves, but meet people who help them change their perspectives for the better.
Overall, this was a very interesting and thought-provoking read. There was a dash of romance, but the bigger story was about the women going outside their comfort zone, embracing new experiences and coming out with new meanings to their lives. I really liked both main characters and appreciated their journeys throughout the book.
Read
December 31, 2024dnf @68% i was not feeling it
October 1, 2024
This book reminded me so much of the movie the Holiday, with the house switch and wanting to run away for the holidays. It was so cute, these characters needed the space and found something new. It was holiday magic and I enjoyed it a lot.
I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 4, 2024
She looked out at the ocean and let her toes sink down into the sand. She grounded herself in this spot, trying to get her heart back to a good place. Life was throwing her curveballs left and right… maybe it was time for something else? Somewhere different?
The Most Wonderful Time is a contemporary fiction novel following two women, Ramona and Chelsea. Ramona lives in Chicago and is dealing with a recent devastating breakup. Chelsea is in Malibu and dealing with the loss of her parents and mounting bills she cannot pay. The women switch homes for a week in hopes to reset their lives.
I was excited by the premise of this one and the movie The Holiday vibes the story was giving, but ultimately it just didn’t quite work for me. I love descriptive writing, but this book was a little too over the top with the constant descriptions and the characters decision making was head scratching. While I was glad to see the characters get into happier places in their lives, I just never fully connected to either one. I was also hoping for more Christmasey vibes and this one just briefly gave those. It’s one of those “set during Christmas time, but not actually focusing on Christmas” books.
If you love feel good books that tackle heartbreak, loss, and finding yourself again… then you may enjoy this one!
CW: Death of a Parent, Grief, Racism.
The Most Wonderful Time is a contemporary fiction novel following two women, Ramona and Chelsea. Ramona lives in Chicago and is dealing with a recent devastating breakup. Chelsea is in Malibu and dealing with the loss of her parents and mounting bills she cannot pay. The women switch homes for a week in hopes to reset their lives.
I was excited by the premise of this one and the movie The Holiday vibes the story was giving, but ultimately it just didn’t quite work for me. I love descriptive writing, but this book was a little too over the top with the constant descriptions and the characters decision making was head scratching. While I was glad to see the characters get into happier places in their lives, I just never fully connected to either one. I was also hoping for more Christmasey vibes and this one just briefly gave those. It’s one of those “set during Christmas time, but not actually focusing on Christmas” books.
If you love feel good books that tackle heartbreak, loss, and finding yourself again… then you may enjoy this one!
CW: Death of a Parent, Grief, Racism.
December 5, 2024
The Most Wonderful Time
Jayne Allen
As Christmas approaches, Ramona is desperate to escape her complicated life, including lying to her family about her broken engagement to her ex. Across the country, Chelsea is struggling in her art career following a tragedy, and is at risk of losing her beachside cottage. To solve their problems, Ramona and Chelsea swap homes. Will these two women find what they need by relocating for the holidays?
I fell in love with Allen's writing after reading her Black Girls Must Die Exhausted series. When I heard she'd written a holiday novel, I couldn't wait to read it! The Most Wonderful Time is a heartwarming novel that blends two women's journeys of self discovery with romance and holiday charm. While at its core it's a cozy holiday read, Allen also tackles heavier subjects with nuance and care.
Jayne Allen
As Christmas approaches, Ramona is desperate to escape her complicated life, including lying to her family about her broken engagement to her ex. Across the country, Chelsea is struggling in her art career following a tragedy, and is at risk of losing her beachside cottage. To solve their problems, Ramona and Chelsea swap homes. Will these two women find what they need by relocating for the holidays?
I fell in love with Allen's writing after reading her Black Girls Must Die Exhausted series. When I heard she'd written a holiday novel, I couldn't wait to read it! The Most Wonderful Time is a heartwarming novel that blends two women's journeys of self discovery with romance and holiday charm. While at its core it's a cozy holiday read, Allen also tackles heavier subjects with nuance and care.
December 9, 2024
The Most Wonderful Time was an interesting read— while I loved certain parts - such as the connections the main characters made throughout the book, the “Holiday-esqe” theme, Allen’s incredibly vivid and descriptive writing, and the people and their journeys to figuring our their respective futures, I found other parts frustrating, such as the Chicago references (as a someone who has lived there, you can spot when someone has never been and is just using references to it), the logistics (how does a house swap work and does anyone make any actual money from one????), and the frustration of just wanting one character to fess up to one big ol’ heartbreaking lie! And if I could omit one character completely (Joan!!!!) that would’ve been amazing. Also, I think Lou Malnati’s pizza isn’t necessarily eaten that often by anyone who lives in Chicago. Bone to pick on that front!
November 5, 2024
The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen
Thank you to @bibliolifestyle and @harper for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
In Chicago, Ramona is desperate to get away after she’s been lying to her family about her failed relationship. In Malibu, Chelsea needs money to pay the taxes on the beachfront cottage she lives in with her late parents. The two women swap homes during the holiday season.
I really enjoyed this story told through dual points of view. The food descriptions of the food in Chicago made me order a pizza! 🍕 🤣
I thought this book was super cute but also had depth and drama. I think it would make a great holiday movie!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to @bibliolifestyle and @harper for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
In Chicago, Ramona is desperate to get away after she’s been lying to her family about her failed relationship. In Malibu, Chelsea needs money to pay the taxes on the beachfront cottage she lives in with her late parents. The two women swap homes during the holiday season.
I really enjoyed this story told through dual points of view. The food descriptions of the food in Chicago made me order a pizza! 🍕 🤣
I thought this book was super cute but also had depth and drama. I think it would make a great holiday movie!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 2, 2025
Book #137 read in 2024
In a book version of The Holiday, Ramona and Chelsea switch houses for a week at Christmas. Romana is trying to avoid the holidays with her parents in Chicago after her fiance breaks off their engagement, and she fails to tell her family. Chelsea is trying to round up some money to stay in her Malibu home, which is a way to make some quick cash. As these two immerse themselves in the lives of the other, so many great relationships form. Jayne Allen writes the richest (in-depth) characters that are easy to root for during their journey of self-reflection. She has become an auto-read author for me!
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on October 8, 2024.
In a book version of The Holiday, Ramona and Chelsea switch houses for a week at Christmas. Romana is trying to avoid the holidays with her parents in Chicago after her fiance breaks off their engagement, and she fails to tell her family. Chelsea is trying to round up some money to stay in her Malibu home, which is a way to make some quick cash. As these two immerse themselves in the lives of the other, so many great relationships form. Jayne Allen writes the richest (in-depth) characters that are easy to root for during their journey of self-reflection. She has become an auto-read author for me!
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on October 8, 2024.
December 22, 2024
Do you love holiday books? Do you love the movie The Holiday? If you whispered yes to yourself, then this book is for you! The concept is the same with a a lot more diversity and a Chicago/Malibu scene.
Please know that hard topics are addressed in this book such as racism.
This is the 10th book I read set during Christmas and I love how much comfort they bring.
Thank you to bibliolifestyle and the publisher for the gifted copy.
Please know that hard topics are addressed in this book such as racism.
This is the 10th book I read set during Christmas and I love how much comfort they bring.
Thank you to bibliolifestyle and the publisher for the gifted copy.
December 25, 2025
This books provides a glimpse into black surfer culture, different ways to celebrate Christmas, and how lying is a mental disorder. The way these characters made choices on what to omit, how long to move in a lie, and the lies you tell yourself(news flash: that ish you pulled makes you r*cist) when you are alone in your thoughts… yep, mentally ill. I wish the ending was a little different for Chelsea, like way different, Karma should have showed up! Loved Ramona’s ending.
December 10, 2024
Very much appreciated the different viewpoints in this book that caused me to think outside of my zone. Due to the descriptive language, I felt like I was standing on the deck in Malibu or looking at the lake in Chicago. The character development of both leads felt authentic as sometimes, a change of scenery is enough to jolt one into needed change.
December 26, 2024
4.75
1. Latrice is a phenomenal best friend and she deserves that promotion!
2. Melba and Phillip Tucker are wonderful parents 😭😭🥹🥹
3. Jooooaaaaannnnn 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
4. Carlos 😏😏😏🫦
5. Jaaaaayyyyy 🤩🤩🤙🏻🏄♂️
6. I'm so glad this rounded out my 2024 reading list! I might just start my "send it back era" too 🤩
1. Latrice is a phenomenal best friend and she deserves that promotion!
2. Melba and Phillip Tucker are wonderful parents 😭😭🥹🥹
3. Jooooaaaaannnnn 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
4. Carlos 😏😏😏🫦
5. Jaaaaayyyyy 🤩🤩🤙🏻🏄♂️
6. I'm so glad this rounded out my 2024 reading list! I might just start my "send it back era" too 🤩
February 11, 2025
I love a good novel that focuses more on Self-discovery than romance. This is a lot darker than I was expecting, so anyone looking for just a fluffy Christmas book be prepared.
I will say that I could have done without the Joan chapters. The book would have been just fine with only Ramona and Chelsea’s story.
Content warnings include: Racism & death of a parent.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book.
I will say that I could have done without the Joan chapters. The book would have been just fine with only Ramona and Chelsea’s story.
Content warnings include: Racism & death of a parent.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book.
October 20, 2025
This was an enjoyable book. The story was good, and it was heartwarming. I liked the cover. It was nice and colourful and very fitting to the story. I thought the book was very well written and flows nicely. The writing has a charm that I like. The descriptions are lovely for sure. I liked the settings of sunny & warm Malibu, California and cold & snowy Chicago, Illinois. I liked the contrast in the weather between the places! The characters were good, and I liked Carlos. He was so sweet. The characters fit in well. I definitely recommend this fun, festive read.
December 20, 2024
So the writing style wasn’t really what I normally go for, but the storyline was just absolutely perfect. I loved that this was a novel not about loving another, but loving yourself. Also, white privilege being checked (and still fuck Joan).
December 12, 2025
I mean, I finished it....this was a book club's pick with the theme cute Christmas novella....that wasn't, and that's hysterical! So if you're looking for a Hallmark kind of rom-com, find something else, because this is not that. 🤣🤣 And honestly, how refreshing... I guess.🤣🤣
December 27, 2025
3.5. Overall a good read. First time reading a book by this author. A bit like The Holiday. Slow at times and some parts and characters (Joan) that really ticked me off. Some fun references and moments of discovery for characters that were meaningful.
December 23, 2024
3.5⭐️ This was unique and I learned a lot! Full review is up on http://instagram.com/chelseahudsonreads
December 30, 2024
Could’ve been so so good but the writing felt soooo off and I ended up not caring about them
December 15, 2025
Too much going on and two insta love stories. Didn't work for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews