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The Christmas Pic
🏆 Winner of the 2024 Lesfic Bard Award for Best New Author 🏆
Is love finally coming into focus?
Ava Garcia-Greene, a Fortune 5 CEO, has it all–power, prestige, and a swanky office in Silicon Beach. But beneath her icy exterior lies a heart yearning for something money can't buy.
Jo Fisher, a GLAAD-card-carrying, carabiner-clipping, out-and-proud lesbian, is barely keeping her late father’s photo truck afloat in the queer haven of Harmony Springs, Michigan, where her love life is more Silent Night than Joy to the World.
When Ava’s AI Christmas card generator incites controversy, Jo’s heated call into a radio show leads Ava’s board to an save Jo’s business by Christmas or lose her corporate crown.
As they team up, Ava unexpectedly falls for Jo’s disarming sincerity, while Jo is cautiously intrigued by the pull she feels toward the supposedly straight Ava. With their careers on the line and Christmas around the corner, can their spark ignite a holiday miracle?
Why you'll love this
🔥Romcom with heat
🎄Dual POV
🔥Sapphic
🎄Holiday/Christmas romance
🔥Small town romance
🎄Enemies to lovers
🔥Close proximity
🎄Opposites attract
🔥Later-in-life coming out
🎄Hate to love you
🔥Fish out of water
🎄Fling
🔥HEA
Is love finally coming into focus?
Ava Garcia-Greene, a Fortune 5 CEO, has it all–power, prestige, and a swanky office in Silicon Beach. But beneath her icy exterior lies a heart yearning for something money can't buy.
Jo Fisher, a GLAAD-card-carrying, carabiner-clipping, out-and-proud lesbian, is barely keeping her late father’s photo truck afloat in the queer haven of Harmony Springs, Michigan, where her love life is more Silent Night than Joy to the World.
When Ava’s AI Christmas card generator incites controversy, Jo’s heated call into a radio show leads Ava’s board to an save Jo’s business by Christmas or lose her corporate crown.
As they team up, Ava unexpectedly falls for Jo’s disarming sincerity, while Jo is cautiously intrigued by the pull she feels toward the supposedly straight Ava. With their careers on the line and Christmas around the corner, can their spark ignite a holiday miracle?
Why you'll love this
🔥Romcom with heat
🎄Dual POV
🔥Sapphic
🎄Holiday/Christmas romance
🔥Small town romance
🎄Enemies to lovers
🔥Close proximity
🎄Opposites attract
🔥Later-in-life coming out
🎄Hate to love you
🔥Fish out of water
🎄Fling
🔥HEA
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2024
130 people are currently reading
811 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
December 1, 2024
3.5⭐️This book was a real Hallmark movie in a queer version. Jo is THE small-town girl, versus female version of Mark Zuckerberg, both stubborn. Add meddling characters to the mix. The book was full of life with tension, banter, and a perfect dose of miscommunication. I liked how they got close, with chemistry and sweetness. In the end, it is revealed that Ava is on the spectrum, and representation is always a good thing. I have to admit I didn't catch it, so it came a bit out of the blue for me. The ending was satisfying, but I wasn't entirely satisfied because even though it's beautiful that Ava finally finds some meaning in her life and a real community, I can't help but think she gave up too much of herself and lost too much in the process. I mean, she loved coding! Overall, a really sweet read for the holiday season..
November 7, 2024
This book was truly remarkable. The plot was captivating and humorously engaging throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty exchanges and angst between Jo and Ava. Their connection was undeniable, and the palpable tension between them made it inevitable that their intense chemistry would eventually lead to something more.
Furthermore, I found the supporting characters, Max and Emma, to be exceptionally entertaining. Jo's mother, Carol, was also a delightful character, exuding kindness and compassion.
The book, in its entirety, was heartwarming and uplifting. It was well-structured and well-thought-out. I enjoyed the dynamics between all the characters and all the relationships within the book. I liked the concept of Harmony Spring and that it is the 'gayest town'. Finally, I really loved the beautiful build-up in the love story between Jo and Ava.
It is truly a delightful read, and I highly recommend it. Do get yourself a copy of this 'not-so picture-perfect holiday rom-com' today, I assure you that you will not be disappointed.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Furthermore, I found the supporting characters, Max and Emma, to be exceptionally entertaining. Jo's mother, Carol, was also a delightful character, exuding kindness and compassion.
The book, in its entirety, was heartwarming and uplifting. It was well-structured and well-thought-out. I enjoyed the dynamics between all the characters and all the relationships within the book. I liked the concept of Harmony Spring and that it is the 'gayest town'. Finally, I really loved the beautiful build-up in the love story between Jo and Ava.
It is truly a delightful read, and I highly recommend it. Do get yourself a copy of this 'not-so picture-perfect holiday rom-com' today, I assure you that you will not be disappointed.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 1, 2025
Ava is CEO, founder and inventor of Gramsta, the world’s top social media platform. She is a typical ice queen, but because of mistakes in her handling of certain things, her board are insisting she apologizes and makes good in public.
Jo runs a photo van in Harmony Springs, the gayest town you can imagine. Her photo van was her father’s legacy to her, and she travels around the town with it as a mobile photography studio to take family pictures of the locals.
The style of writing is very ‘in your face’, with many comparative idioms, strong and often witty observations, and unexpected descriptions. Jo is a strong and stubborn woman, but also warm and thoughtful. Ava seems cold, until you know her better.
I enjoyed this story very well…
Jo runs a photo van in Harmony Springs, the gayest town you can imagine. Her photo van was her father’s legacy to her, and she travels around the town with it as a mobile photography studio to take family pictures of the locals.
The style of writing is very ‘in your face’, with many comparative idioms, strong and often witty observations, and unexpected descriptions. Jo is a strong and stubborn woman, but also warm and thoughtful. Ava seems cold, until you know her better.
I enjoyed this story very well…
May 10, 2025
What a cute, corny, funny little read. It gives ice queen needing melted, and your typical golden retriever lesbian.
I love goofy little Christmas stories and this one fit the bill. It had its heart-felt moment with plenty of giggles. Ava and Jo are adorable and fit each other perfectly.
There was a few expected moments but overall I enjoyed reading this so much!
I love goofy little Christmas stories and this one fit the bill. It had its heart-felt moment with plenty of giggles. Ava and Jo are adorable and fit each other perfectly.
There was a few expected moments but overall I enjoyed reading this so much!
November 23, 2024
Took me a bit to get into this one. But I'd been binge reading another author and I think I just needed to get used to another style of writing. I put it down for a few days and came back to it.. then I got it! and really enjoyed it!
November 21, 2024
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book with the very strong voice and characterization of Ava Garcia-Greene, Fortune 5 CEO, know-it-all, boss bitch, and all-around amusingly superior being trying to get around a boardroom of idiots. I feel like, after the first quarter or so, we moved away from that strong voice for Ava, which was disappointing. Despite this, the story and characters are warm, squishy, and will give you feels, as is appropriate for a romance and a Christmas-themed book so no complaints.
November 14, 2024
The Christmas Pic by Rena Sapon-White and Ella Schaefer is the Sapphic hallmark movie that lives rent-free in your head. Following the story of Ava Garcia-Greene, and Jo Fisher, this cosy Christmas romp is full of banter, steamy spice, and a unique twist on the enemies to lovers trope.
I loved the way the characters developed from grumpy, and hating each other to becoming open, and comfortable around each other. The side characters are charming, Chrissy the truck is a hidden GOAT, and the cold and winter vibes makes my Aussie heart shrivel with sadness that we don’t have white Christmases.
The dual perspective is engaging as the solid perspective of just one character would have not made the « will she won’t she » so thrilling. While there were the odd quirks here and there with the writing, anachronistic word choices, etc, that I personally picked up, it didn’t matter. The Christmas Pic turned out to be the ultimate Sapphic rom-com for the holidays, just what I needed to give me a touch FOMO.
To those north of the equator, enjoy your wintery Christmas!
Ultimately, The Christmas Pic was a fabulous story, and I had a great time getting to fall in love with the characters and Harmony Springs, Michigan.
I was gifted an ARC of The Christmas Pic, and volunteer my review with gladness. 5/5
I loved the way the characters developed from grumpy, and hating each other to becoming open, and comfortable around each other. The side characters are charming, Chrissy the truck is a hidden GOAT, and the cold and winter vibes makes my Aussie heart shrivel with sadness that we don’t have white Christmases.
The dual perspective is engaging as the solid perspective of just one character would have not made the « will she won’t she » so thrilling. While there were the odd quirks here and there with the writing, anachronistic word choices, etc, that I personally picked up, it didn’t matter. The Christmas Pic turned out to be the ultimate Sapphic rom-com for the holidays, just what I needed to give me a touch FOMO.
To those north of the equator, enjoy your wintery Christmas!
Ultimately, The Christmas Pic was a fabulous story, and I had a great time getting to fall in love with the characters and Harmony Springs, Michigan.
I was gifted an ARC of The Christmas Pic, and volunteer my review with gladness. 5/5
December 4, 2024
Neither of the characters really got to me. The book was slow and hard for me to get into. I was really excited for this to release so I was so so so excited. But it just didn’t hit for me.
The magical little gay Christmas town in Michigan …. As someone from Michigan it was really distracting because that place simply wouldn’t exist. Michigan is too conservative. They do have a year round Christmas town and it’s conservative.
Spoiler… the final reveal of the childhood test results was awful for me. The character had no indication of this the whole book. Kind of ruined the ending for me honestly.
The magical little gay Christmas town in Michigan …. As someone from Michigan it was really distracting because that place simply wouldn’t exist. Michigan is too conservative. They do have a year round Christmas town and it’s conservative.
Spoiler… the final reveal of the childhood test results was awful for me. The character had no indication of this the whole book. Kind of ruined the ending for me honestly.
November 15, 2024
This was such a fun read! Everything about this book was very creative, the authors did a great job at creating something really unique! I think this book has great comedic timing, it was actually really funny! The inner monologue adds a level of personality to the characters that really animates them and brings them to life. It reads like a conversation, which was very interactive and entertaining.
Ava and Jo are both so strong minded, very different personality types, and even a little stubborn in their own ways. From their first interaction their chemistry is undeniable, and even though they are both professionals at what they do, every time they come together their bickering becomes so fiery and childish that it's kind of hilarious. I found their dynamic entertaining and I love that their banter stayed the same throughout the book even as they grew on eachother.
The supporting characters were also super cute and equally engaging throughout. I loved the dialogue from Emma and Max just as much as the main characters. Even Jo’s family was entertaining!
This little community the authors have created feels so special, the attention to detail and lengths that they went to give Harmony Springs so much history and life is impressive. I wish Harmony Springs were a real place! I also love the little references to queer music and media that were sprinkled throughout, they were so exciting to come across and I also felt extremely represented!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
Ava and Jo are both so strong minded, very different personality types, and even a little stubborn in their own ways. From their first interaction their chemistry is undeniable, and even though they are both professionals at what they do, every time they come together their bickering becomes so fiery and childish that it's kind of hilarious. I found their dynamic entertaining and I love that their banter stayed the same throughout the book even as they grew on eachother.
The supporting characters were also super cute and equally engaging throughout. I loved the dialogue from Emma and Max just as much as the main characters. Even Jo’s family was entertaining!
This little community the authors have created feels so special, the attention to detail and lengths that they went to give Harmony Springs so much history and life is impressive. I wish Harmony Springs were a real place! I also love the little references to queer music and media that were sprinkled throughout, they were so exciting to come across and I also felt extremely represented!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
November 15, 2024
I am interested from the start, and part of that interest is why will the mains meet?
All became clear, and well done! I really enjoyed the next bits but didn't quite get the engineered crises for Ava. Or the solution.
I sometimes got confused with who was speaking. This often happens in alternate point of view by chapter books. The problem I find is that sometimes the author uses “I” and “she” practically for the whole chapter..... with no other identifying comments. If I can't remember who the chapter belongs to and the voices aren't distinct, I find myself having to do quite a bit of rereading. Pulled out of scenes sometimes by language used, a bit male gazey? In total honesty, I have an issue with the whole "you were such a good girl vibe!" But maybe that's how young people (mid 30's talk?) I was also surprised the toaster woman had a mouth guard, which the lesbian hadn't and which hadn't appeared in previous relevant scenes. (Long term relationship here... but certainly could count on one finger of one hand, inc this book, how often I have read their inclusion this year, possibly this decade.... maybe this millennium..... I enjoyed the book, not sold on the intimate scenes and a bit confused by Max's character. 3.5 because although bits were in danger of putting me in a sugar coma, I always wanted to get back to find out what would happen. That should put it up to 4 but.... it just doesn't feel it due to slight confusion and sugar level!!
All became clear, and well done! I really enjoyed the next bits but didn't quite get the engineered crises for Ava. Or the solution.
I sometimes got confused with who was speaking. This often happens in alternate point of view by chapter books. The problem I find is that sometimes the author uses “I” and “she” practically for the whole chapter..... with no other identifying comments. If I can't remember who the chapter belongs to and the voices aren't distinct, I find myself having to do quite a bit of rereading. Pulled out of scenes sometimes by language used, a bit male gazey? In total honesty, I have an issue with the whole "you were such a good girl vibe!" But maybe that's how young people (mid 30's talk?) I was also surprised the toaster woman had a mouth guard, which the lesbian hadn't and which hadn't appeared in previous relevant scenes. (Long term relationship here... but certainly could count on one finger of one hand, inc this book, how often I have read their inclusion this year, possibly this decade.... maybe this millennium..... I enjoyed the book, not sold on the intimate scenes and a bit confused by Max's character. 3.5 because although bits were in danger of putting me in a sugar coma, I always wanted to get back to find out what would happen. That should put it up to 4 but.... it just doesn't feel it due to slight confusion and sugar level!!
November 19, 2024
This is the sapphic, holiday, toaster oven story I didn’t know I needed. How is this a debut novel? The writing is off the charts clever. Dare I say, Lucy Bexley adjacent clever? Yes, it is. I said what I said.
We get dual point of view from Ava and Jo and they both have very distinctive voices. Not once was I flipping back and forth to figure out whose perspective I was reading. The secondary characters were amazing, even stoner brother-in-law who really didn’t speak too much. They added so much vibrancy to the story. Max and Emma need their own book, btw.
There is no fade to black and no third act break up. Delicious!
We get dual point of view from Ava and Jo and they both have very distinctive voices. Not once was I flipping back and forth to figure out whose perspective I was reading. The secondary characters were amazing, even stoner brother-in-law who really didn’t speak too much. They added so much vibrancy to the story. Max and Emma need their own book, btw.
There is no fade to black and no third act break up. Delicious!
December 5, 2025
4.5 stars. CUTE!!
December 22, 2025
Whilst I enjoyed the romance in this book overall there was definitely a few things that lost me a little. I didn’t enjoy the random descriptions of the towns history and the autism diagnosis thrown in out of nowhere and never mentioned again?!
November 16, 2024
I want to move to Harmony Springs so bad! I love this little Christmas loving town and its rich, queer history. It's such a magical setting. I'm really glad I started out my holiday reading with The Christmas Pic. The conversation around AI and how it is harming artists is so important and was handled really well with the balance of Ava's Gramsta vs Jo's The Photo Truck. I would've liked a bit more at the end to explore things we learned about Ava toward the end, but it didn't harm the story overall.
I love that all the side characters were all meddling and trying to get these two idiots (lovingly) to lovers. It's a pretty quick romance because of time constraints in the plot, but I really enjoyed their romance because they were spending so much time together fixing up the truck and getting the business up to date that they couldn't help but have these small moments of seeing each other as they really were. The third act was a bit predictable, which is pretty on par for holiday romance, and I wish that Jo could've had a bit more trust in her heart for Ava's surprise; granted, I did like the scene when Jo finally realizes that Ava does see her.
Read this if you like Hallmark movies but you've always wished they were queer, big city fish in an out of water small town, hate to love romance, and the most queer friendly Christmas town you've ever read about.
I love that all the side characters were all meddling and trying to get these two idiots (lovingly) to lovers. It's a pretty quick romance because of time constraints in the plot, but I really enjoyed their romance because they were spending so much time together fixing up the truck and getting the business up to date that they couldn't help but have these small moments of seeing each other as they really were. The third act was a bit predictable, which is pretty on par for holiday romance, and I wish that Jo could've had a bit more trust in her heart for Ava's surprise; granted, I did like the scene when Jo finally realizes that Ava does see her.
Read this if you like Hallmark movies but you've always wished they were queer, big city fish in an out of water small town, hate to love romance, and the most queer friendly Christmas town you've ever read about.
December 10, 2024
2 stars. I genuinely don’t understand the hype with this one. The writing and dialogue was painful and the characters felt like paper with no chemistry between them. The sex scenes made me feel weird and the reveal at towards the end felt like a last minute decision. I enjoyed nothing about this except the town and some of the side characters. Otherwise, I was bored.
November 24, 2024
4.5
It took me a minute to get into this book. But MC Ava Garcia-Green never gives up, and it’s her tenacity that ultimately got me hooked.
Ava Garcia-Green is at the top of her game! She’s at the top of the tech world and has no plans of stopping, but she becomes a PR problem when it’s leaked that she doesn’t like Christmas *gasp*.
Jo is a struggling photographer trying to keep her business alive in the world of AI (see Ava Garcia-Green).
An on-air challenge forces these two characters together in a hilarious and heartwarming forced-proximity story.
The authors create an amazing environment for these two characters to interact. Is it very cheesy, but it’s the perfect location for a Christmas rom-com. I wish there was a real Harmony Springs! In a world like ours, found family and community are so important, and this imaginary town contains all of the cozy Christmas vibes, good feelings, and lots of rainbows and drag queens.
This story isn’t revolutionary, but it has so much heart. I couldn’t help but root for the MCs. I laughed and cried happy tears throughout the story. It was sweet, hopeful, and heartwarming. I’d return to this one again; it’s a wonderful Christmas rom-com.
It took me a minute to get into this book. But MC Ava Garcia-Green never gives up, and it’s her tenacity that ultimately got me hooked.
Ava Garcia-Green is at the top of her game! She’s at the top of the tech world and has no plans of stopping, but she becomes a PR problem when it’s leaked that she doesn’t like Christmas *gasp*.
Jo is a struggling photographer trying to keep her business alive in the world of AI (see Ava Garcia-Green).
An on-air challenge forces these two characters together in a hilarious and heartwarming forced-proximity story.
The authors create an amazing environment for these two characters to interact. Is it very cheesy, but it’s the perfect location for a Christmas rom-com. I wish there was a real Harmony Springs! In a world like ours, found family and community are so important, and this imaginary town contains all of the cozy Christmas vibes, good feelings, and lots of rainbows and drag queens.
This story isn’t revolutionary, but it has so much heart. I couldn’t help but root for the MCs. I laughed and cried happy tears throughout the story. It was sweet, hopeful, and heartwarming. I’d return to this one again; it’s a wonderful Christmas rom-com.
November 15, 2024
A quick, quirky, and spicy holiday read for all the sapphics!
Ava and Jo are a city-to-small-town, dislike-to-love pair forced together to repair Jo’s adorable inherited small business, a christmas card truck named Chrissy, and on the way one has a sapphic awakening, and the other finally opens up to love after heartbreak.
“The Christmas Pic” was a very modern sapphic take on a romcom, full of banter and playful flirtation between two flawed but sympathetic MCs, “A Christmas Carol” themed drag shows, charming small town vibes, cringey ugly sweater rager parties, steamy spice/dirty talk, references to current queer trends like “Happiest Season,” and (very relatable) Aubrey Plaza wet dreams. I really appreciated the growth between the MCs and I quite enjoyed the side characters, especially the best friends Emma and Max (which added some trans rep in there too!).
A few things I noticed were that some of the language could be a bit slangy (i.e. “secret sauce” and “Bumf*ck, Michigan”), but it cools off as the book continues, and the story tends to go off on tangents that, while not necessarily boring, did affect some of the pacing near the middle.
Overall, it was a quick and easy lil read for the holidays, and will be added to my sapphic holiday collection.
I was given an ARC by Smokeshow Press and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ava and Jo are a city-to-small-town, dislike-to-love pair forced together to repair Jo’s adorable inherited small business, a christmas card truck named Chrissy, and on the way one has a sapphic awakening, and the other finally opens up to love after heartbreak.
“The Christmas Pic” was a very modern sapphic take on a romcom, full of banter and playful flirtation between two flawed but sympathetic MCs, “A Christmas Carol” themed drag shows, charming small town vibes, cringey ugly sweater rager parties, steamy spice/dirty talk, references to current queer trends like “Happiest Season,” and (very relatable) Aubrey Plaza wet dreams. I really appreciated the growth between the MCs and I quite enjoyed the side characters, especially the best friends Emma and Max (which added some trans rep in there too!).
A few things I noticed were that some of the language could be a bit slangy (i.e. “secret sauce” and “Bumf*ck, Michigan”), but it cools off as the book continues, and the story tends to go off on tangents that, while not necessarily boring, did affect some of the pacing near the middle.
Overall, it was a quick and easy lil read for the holidays, and will be added to my sapphic holiday collection.
I was given an ARC by Smokeshow Press and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
this got me through my pre-election anxiety and my post-election breakdown. so thank you first and foremost for that. on to my actual review.
Jesus, Meryl, and Joseph (yes this had become part of my daily vocabulary) this was such a fun and enjoyable read! this was my first true christmas themed read and let me just say- i fear i love christmas again.
Ava Garcia-Greene is a bad bitch and you really have no choice but to admire the woman she’s become. She seemingly meets her match in Jo in more ways than one and let me tell you, the girls were fighting. both women are so passionate and so hilariously witty that almost every conversation they have is cackle-inducing [and hot as hell].
with lovable supporting characters, dynamic backstories it’s so easy to fall in love with this story.
obsessed is an understatement!
call me a resident of Harmony Springs because i’d love to live in this universe forever.
this got me through my pre-election anxiety and my post-election breakdown. so thank you first and foremost for that. on to my actual review.
Jesus, Meryl, and Joseph (yes this had become part of my daily vocabulary) this was such a fun and enjoyable read! this was my first true christmas themed read and let me just say- i fear i love christmas again.
Ava Garcia-Greene is a bad bitch and you really have no choice but to admire the woman she’s become. She seemingly meets her match in Jo in more ways than one and let me tell you, the girls were fighting. both women are so passionate and so hilariously witty that almost every conversation they have is cackle-inducing [and hot as hell].
with lovable supporting characters, dynamic backstories it’s so easy to fall in love with this story.
obsessed is an understatement!
call me a resident of Harmony Springs because i’d love to live in this universe forever.
November 18, 2025
So those of you who read my reviews (probably just Carissa, hi!), know that I’m not a fan of romance books.
But this one was pretty decent. It being sapphic helped a lot ngl. I definitely liked Ava a lot more than Jo.
Also fair warning, there is lack of communication in this novel (which is basically a form of miscommunication) but it never lasts too long which is why I’m not holding it against this novel.
It’s very hallmark-y and Christmas-y so it’s a good read for this time of year if you’re looking for a cozy, chill, quick read.
I’m giving it 4 stars because it’s the first time I’ve enjoyed a romance book lol.
But this one was pretty decent. It being sapphic helped a lot ngl. I definitely liked Ava a lot more than Jo.
Also fair warning, there is lack of communication in this novel (which is basically a form of miscommunication) but it never lasts too long which is why I’m not holding it against this novel.
It’s very hallmark-y and Christmas-y so it’s a good read for this time of year if you’re looking for a cozy, chill, quick read.
I’m giving it 4 stars because it’s the first time I’ve enjoyed a romance book lol.
December 27, 2024
Great Read!
This was like a sapphic hallmark story! Jo is the small town small business owner and Ava is the big billionaire ceo. The side characters,Max and Emma, were great supports and quietly meddling. They clash. They get to know one another. They have amazing chemistry. I’d definitely watch it lol!
This was like a sapphic hallmark story! Jo is the small town small business owner and Ava is the big billionaire ceo. The side characters,Max and Emma, were great supports and quietly meddling. They clash. They get to know one another. They have amazing chemistry. I’d definitely watch it lol!
January 6, 2026
I really wanted to read a sapphic holiday romance, so picked this book. The first half, I didn't really enjoy. I was annoyed for most of the first half, but I'm glad I stuck it out. Because the second half was absolute perfection and made the whole thing worth while. The love story is beautiful, it has a diverse cast of characters, there's found family and there's a perfect amount of spice. Great little holiday read.
November 21, 2024
Couldn’t put this down! The absolute perfect sapphic Christmas story. Started it before work this morning, spent my lunch break reading it, and couldn’t wait to finish it after work. I’m sad it’s over! Perfect characters, great plot, LOVED every page.
December 2, 2024
I’m not a romance girl, but I really enjoyed this one! Mostly, the little autism diagnosis moment felt unnecessary and inapplicable, but as a mental health professional, this kind of thing tends to bother me (we don’t need to pathologize everything!). Otherwise, I quite enjoyed and I think if I was a romance person I would have liked it even more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2024
Think about those Hallmark Christmas movies - but make them fabulously queer - and you get this fun, festive, sapphic tale, that is the perfect read for this time of year.
December 31, 2024
Cute cozy sapphic love story set in a super gay small town that loves Christmas ♥️ enjoyed the plot and how well the couple go together
December 16, 2024
Solid sapphic, Christmas romance!! I liked these two together and the town is too freaking cute. A quick, cozy holiday read!
December 7, 2025
very cute
November 9, 2024
really enjoyed this book!! i still say i struggled to like ava at the beginning but i grew to really enjoy both characters as the story went on, as far as to say i was hoping the story wouldnt end because i wanted more from jo and ava and their relationship!
* i received an advanced copy for free but my review is honest and voluntary
* i received an advanced copy for free but my review is honest and voluntary
December 29, 2024
the christmas pic is a holiday romance that hits all the right notes while giving us something distinctly sapphic, thoughtful, and heartfelt. if you’ve ever wished for a queer version of a hallmark movie, but with more depth and smarter writing, this book delivers in spades.
the story follows ava garcia-greene, a sharp, no-nonsense ceo whose ai christmas card sparks pr chaos, and jo fisher, a small-town photo truck owner trying to keep her late father’s dream alive. their lives collide when ava’s board tasks her with saving jo’s struggling business as a public relations move. what starts as reluctant teamwork quickly evolves into something neither of them expected—a real connection that challenges their assumptions about themselves and each other.
i’ll admit the book starts slow. the setup focuses heavily on ava and jo’s individual lives before they interact, and it took a while for me to feel invested in their dynamic. but once their paths finally crossed, the chemistry was undeniable. their banter is sharp, their moments of vulnerability feel earned, and their relationship develops at a pace that feels realistic. what i appreciated most is that their romance doesn’t rely on grand gestures or melodrama; instead, it grows naturally out of shared moments and mutual understanding.
the holiday setting and small-town charm are just as important as the romance, and the authors do a great job of immersing us in harmony springs, with its quirky community and cozy vibe. but what really stood out to me was how the book handles themes of grief. jo is still mourning her father’s death, and that loss is deeply intertwined with her struggles to keep his photo truck business afloat. the grief feels real, raw, and present without overshadowing the story’s warmth and joy. it’s a delicate balance, and the authors pull it off beautifully.
one thing that surprised me was how unpredictable the story felt, despite being rooted in a familiar romcom formula. even 80% of the way through, i genuinely didn’t know how ava and jo would make things work. that unpredictability kept me hooked, though i did have mixed feelings about ava’s resolution. her decision to step away from her high-powered ceo career felt a bit extreme—couldn’t she have taken a sabbatical or delegated some responsibilities? still, her choice made sense within the context of her character growth, and ultimately, it didn’t take away from the satisfaction of the ending.
overall, the christmas pic strikes a wonderful balance between holiday cheer, heartfelt emotion, and authentic romance. while the beginning takes its time, the payoff is well worth it. this is more than just a feel-good holiday love story—it’s a celebration of finding yourself, opening up to new possibilities, and allowing love to surprise you. if you’re a fan of small-town romances with queer representation and characters who feel real, this one’s worth adding to your tbr.
rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
the story follows ava garcia-greene, a sharp, no-nonsense ceo whose ai christmas card sparks pr chaos, and jo fisher, a small-town photo truck owner trying to keep her late father’s dream alive. their lives collide when ava’s board tasks her with saving jo’s struggling business as a public relations move. what starts as reluctant teamwork quickly evolves into something neither of them expected—a real connection that challenges their assumptions about themselves and each other.
i’ll admit the book starts slow. the setup focuses heavily on ava and jo’s individual lives before they interact, and it took a while for me to feel invested in their dynamic. but once their paths finally crossed, the chemistry was undeniable. their banter is sharp, their moments of vulnerability feel earned, and their relationship develops at a pace that feels realistic. what i appreciated most is that their romance doesn’t rely on grand gestures or melodrama; instead, it grows naturally out of shared moments and mutual understanding.
the holiday setting and small-town charm are just as important as the romance, and the authors do a great job of immersing us in harmony springs, with its quirky community and cozy vibe. but what really stood out to me was how the book handles themes of grief. jo is still mourning her father’s death, and that loss is deeply intertwined with her struggles to keep his photo truck business afloat. the grief feels real, raw, and present without overshadowing the story’s warmth and joy. it’s a delicate balance, and the authors pull it off beautifully.
one thing that surprised me was how unpredictable the story felt, despite being rooted in a familiar romcom formula. even 80% of the way through, i genuinely didn’t know how ava and jo would make things work. that unpredictability kept me hooked, though i did have mixed feelings about ava’s resolution. her decision to step away from her high-powered ceo career felt a bit extreme—couldn’t she have taken a sabbatical or delegated some responsibilities? still, her choice made sense within the context of her character growth, and ultimately, it didn’t take away from the satisfaction of the ending.
overall, the christmas pic strikes a wonderful balance between holiday cheer, heartfelt emotion, and authentic romance. while the beginning takes its time, the payoff is well worth it. this is more than just a feel-good holiday love story—it’s a celebration of finding yourself, opening up to new possibilities, and allowing love to surprise you. if you’re a fan of small-town romances with queer representation and characters who feel real, this one’s worth adding to your tbr.
rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2024
Harmony Springs is the epicenter for all things Christmas year-round with an astounding population of queer people. It was founded on the principle that the world is less than accepting, and this town would welcome everyone regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or pronouns. Etc.
Ava is the CEO of a tech company, less than thrilled with the Christmas holiday she bombs a commercial and causes an uproar within the world of tech and beyond. The chairmen are less than thrilled with her, making her go on the air to rectify the "Grinch" persona. Fueled by rage from a caller who claims that Gramsta is ruining her business, Ava sets out to fix the caller's business and rectify her reputation by traveling to Harmony Springs.
Jo the disgruntled caller is a photographer who travels around town in her old milk truck "Chrissy" and takes Christmas photos. Her business and her vehicle are falling apart, set on fixing it to keep her dad's legacy alive. She decides to give the CEO of Gramsta a piece of her mind when she is featured on a radio show and the radio show happens to be taking callers. Set on proving that the CEO is nothing but power-hungry and wants to rectify her reputation. Her friend Emma and she decide the only way to win is to get as much money out of the CEO as possible to fix the truck and their future.
The only problem with this? Feelings get involved both are not ready for and could end in disaster if they don't tread carefully.
This was my first Sapphic romance, and I honestly didn't know what to expect. I have read many books before that have MM or FF sex scenes but never strictly lesbian. I love the way this book was written, the authors took their time and created two characters who are exact opposites but complement each other so well. You have a tough-as-nails CEO who gets her way no matter what and a sentimental photographer who cares more about others than herself. As the story progresses, and you get both POVs you start to learn more about the characters and that there is more than meets the eye. I loved the romance and emotion between the two FMC, they didn't just love each other they made each other better, they brought out the best in each other and they both were able to see a different side than anyone else had seen. If Sapphic romance interests you, I highly recommend giving the book a chance.
Ava is the CEO of a tech company, less than thrilled with the Christmas holiday she bombs a commercial and causes an uproar within the world of tech and beyond. The chairmen are less than thrilled with her, making her go on the air to rectify the "Grinch" persona. Fueled by rage from a caller who claims that Gramsta is ruining her business, Ava sets out to fix the caller's business and rectify her reputation by traveling to Harmony Springs.
Jo the disgruntled caller is a photographer who travels around town in her old milk truck "Chrissy" and takes Christmas photos. Her business and her vehicle are falling apart, set on fixing it to keep her dad's legacy alive. She decides to give the CEO of Gramsta a piece of her mind when she is featured on a radio show and the radio show happens to be taking callers. Set on proving that the CEO is nothing but power-hungry and wants to rectify her reputation. Her friend Emma and she decide the only way to win is to get as much money out of the CEO as possible to fix the truck and their future.
The only problem with this? Feelings get involved both are not ready for and could end in disaster if they don't tread carefully.
This was my first Sapphic romance, and I honestly didn't know what to expect. I have read many books before that have MM or FF sex scenes but never strictly lesbian. I love the way this book was written, the authors took their time and created two characters who are exact opposites but complement each other so well. You have a tough-as-nails CEO who gets her way no matter what and a sentimental photographer who cares more about others than herself. As the story progresses, and you get both POVs you start to learn more about the characters and that there is more than meets the eye. I loved the romance and emotion between the two FMC, they didn't just love each other they made each other better, they brought out the best in each other and they both were able to see a different side than anyone else had seen. If Sapphic romance interests you, I highly recommend giving the book a chance.
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