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A Home for the Holidays: A Novel
A witty, warmhearted novel about coming to terms with grief, taking a chance on unexpected connections, and finding family in time for the holidays
For wedding singer Mel Hart, the holidays have always retained a certain magic. Her mother, Connie, always managed to pull off spectacular Santa hijinx that convinced Mel to keep believing in Santa way longer than other kids. Those moments meant everything to Mel because the rest of the year, life was unpredictable because of her mother’s alcohol use.
But two weeks before Christmas, Mel gets a call from the her mother has died.
Then a woman shows up on Mel's doorstep, claiming to be Connie's estranged best friend, promising to tell Mel a different narrative—one in which Connie was almost a famous country music star, if only a man hadn't gotten in the way. Instead of spending Christmas alone in her dead mother's house, Mel agrees to stay with Barb for the holidays, finding herself in the middle of Barb's complicated family and uncovering secrets while fighting an attraction to Barb’s in-the-middle-of-a-divorce son. As Christmas approaches, Mel reckons with how little she knew about her mother's past while reexamining her own future.
A Home for the Holidays is a moving exploration of complicated grief, mother-daughter relationships, loving someone with addiction, and the redemptive power of opening one's heart to love in all its forms.
For wedding singer Mel Hart, the holidays have always retained a certain magic. Her mother, Connie, always managed to pull off spectacular Santa hijinx that convinced Mel to keep believing in Santa way longer than other kids. Those moments meant everything to Mel because the rest of the year, life was unpredictable because of her mother’s alcohol use.
But two weeks before Christmas, Mel gets a call from the her mother has died.
Then a woman shows up on Mel's doorstep, claiming to be Connie's estranged best friend, promising to tell Mel a different narrative—one in which Connie was almost a famous country music star, if only a man hadn't gotten in the way. Instead of spending Christmas alone in her dead mother's house, Mel agrees to stay with Barb for the holidays, finding herself in the middle of Barb's complicated family and uncovering secrets while fighting an attraction to Barb’s in-the-middle-of-a-divorce son. As Christmas approaches, Mel reckons with how little she knew about her mother's past while reexamining her own future.
A Home for the Holidays is a moving exploration of complicated grief, mother-daughter relationships, loving someone with addiction, and the redemptive power of opening one's heart to love in all its forms.
Audible Audio
First published September 24, 2024
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About the author
Taylor Hahn
6 books277 followersTAYLOR HAHN is the author of the novel The Lifestyle and the novella The Wedding, the Winery, and Will. She is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University and Fordham University School of Law, and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. Visit her online at www.taylorhahn.com or find her on social media as @taylorsheahahn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 741 reviews
December 1, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
I have mixed feelings about this book. I was so moved by the description of Mel’s childhood christmases and finding out her mom died. I was happy she broke up with her terrible boyfriend. And I was excited for her to meet Barb and get to know more about her mom.
But it was jarring to switch from this human story about an extremely flawed woman who was not a good mother despite wanting to be, and the traumatic consequences it created for her daughter, to this saccharine story where everything just works out perfectly. Romances started too quickly, decades-old mysteries were solved instantaneously, and lifetimes of hurt and sadness are solved with a single conversation. I like a feel good book where everything is happy and nearly tied in a bow, but the initial tone of this book felt like it needed some amount of realness in the end.
Also, this is nit picky, but two different characters in two different situations put their “bare feet” on the air vents in the car. I’ve lived in a place that has snowy winters my whole life and I have absolutely never taken my shoes AND socks off in a cold car to press my toes against an air vent after having walked outside in the snow. That is bizarre behavior and I could not help feeling very stuck on why these women did this!!
I have mixed feelings about this book. I was so moved by the description of Mel’s childhood christmases and finding out her mom died. I was happy she broke up with her terrible boyfriend. And I was excited for her to meet Barb and get to know more about her mom.
But it was jarring to switch from this human story about an extremely flawed woman who was not a good mother despite wanting to be, and the traumatic consequences it created for her daughter, to this saccharine story where everything just works out perfectly. Romances started too quickly, decades-old mysteries were solved instantaneously, and lifetimes of hurt and sadness are solved with a single conversation. I like a feel good book where everything is happy and nearly tied in a bow, but the initial tone of this book felt like it needed some amount of realness in the end.
Also, this is nit picky, but two different characters in two different situations put their “bare feet” on the air vents in the car. I’ve lived in a place that has snowy winters my whole life and I have absolutely never taken my shoes AND socks off in a cold car to press my toes against an air vent after having walked outside in the snow. That is bizarre behavior and I could not help feeling very stuck on why these women did this!!
December 21, 2024
Shortly before Christmas, Mel and her boyfriend, who’s also one of her bandmates, break up. Shortly after this, Mel finds out her mother has passed away. Despite Mel’s tumultuous relationship with her mom, she appreciates how she always managed to pull off the magic of Christmas.
A woman shows up on Mel’s doorstep claiming to be her mom’s former best friend. Barbara and Connie, Mel’s mom, have been estranged for years but Barbara is adamant there’s another side to Connie that Mel doesn’t know about.
Curiosity gets the best of her and Mel reluctantly accepts Barbara’s dinner invitation. She begins to learn more about Connie and her former life, and the other people in Barbara’s life now.
A Home for the Holidays is a story about grief, family — biological and found — and the complicated feelings that can accompany both. I enjoyed the holiday aspects in this story which did a good job balancing sweet with substance.
Thank you to Netgalley and Knopf for providing an advance reader copy of A Home for the Holidays in exchange for an honest review.
A woman shows up on Mel’s doorstep claiming to be her mom’s former best friend. Barbara and Connie, Mel’s mom, have been estranged for years but Barbara is adamant there’s another side to Connie that Mel doesn’t know about.
Curiosity gets the best of her and Mel reluctantly accepts Barbara’s dinner invitation. She begins to learn more about Connie and her former life, and the other people in Barbara’s life now.
A Home for the Holidays is a story about grief, family — biological and found — and the complicated feelings that can accompany both. I enjoyed the holiday aspects in this story which did a good job balancing sweet with substance.
Thank you to Netgalley and Knopf for providing an advance reader copy of A Home for the Holidays in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2024
Insta love after knowing each other for 2 days while one of the persons is still technically married?? Meh. Putting that aside, this one was just fine on audio. It was a quick book. The story started to get more and more convoluted by the end, but the found family, navigating grief, and going for your dreams were nice sentiments.
May 6, 2024
A Home for the Holidays was a beautifully woven story about the relationship between Mel and her mom. This was one of the most touching, heartfelt stories I’ve ever read.
This was extremely well written & while sad, the exploration and excitement of new beginnings played a huge role in the book and in healing . I loved the characters so much, the storyline was a perfect combination of love, relationships, healing, moving forward and so much more. It truly was a feel good story!
Thank you to Netgalley and aaknopf for an ARC of A Home For the Holidays in exchange for an honest review.
This was extremely well written & while sad, the exploration and excitement of new beginnings played a huge role in the book and in healing . I loved the characters so much, the storyline was a perfect combination of love, relationships, healing, moving forward and so much more. It truly was a feel good story!
Thank you to Netgalley and aaknopf for an ARC of A Home For the Holidays in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2024
Book Review 📖🏠🎄✨
A Home for the Holidays
by Taylor Hahn
thank you so much partner @aaknopf for the gifted copy!
About the book 👇🏽
For wedding singer Mel Hart, the holidays have always retained a certain magic. Her mother, Connie, always managed to pull off spectacular Santa hijinx that convinced Mel to keep believing in Santa way longer than other kids. Those moments meant everything to Mel because the rest of the year, life was unpredictable because of her mother’s alcohol use.
But two weeks before Christmas, Mel gets a call from the hospital: her mother has died.
Then a woman shows up on Mel's doorstep, claiming to be Connie's estranged best friend, promising to tell Mel a different narrative—one in which Connie was almost a famous country music star, if only a man hadn't gotten in the way. Instead of spending Christmas alone in her dead mother's house, Mel agrees to stay with Barb for the holidays, finding herself in the middle of Barb's complicated family and uncovering secrets while fighting an attraction to Barb’s in-the-middle-of-a-divorce son. As Christmas approaches, Mel reckons with how little she knew about her mother's past while reexamining her own future.
✨ My thoughts:
I love books about taking chances and found family and that’s what I got in this story! It’s a quick read and one that’ll be sure to warm your heart. It’s heartfelt and raw, making this story feel all so true but amidst the not so pretty, there’s hope and love. Loss and grief are never easy but if you look and want to see… there might just be a glimmer of something hopeful waiting for you on the other end. A Home for the Holidays is another great book to add to your holiday TBR and it’s out now!!
Happy reading 📖 ✨🏠🎄
A Home for the Holidays
by Taylor Hahn
thank you so much partner @aaknopf for the gifted copy!
About the book 👇🏽
For wedding singer Mel Hart, the holidays have always retained a certain magic. Her mother, Connie, always managed to pull off spectacular Santa hijinx that convinced Mel to keep believing in Santa way longer than other kids. Those moments meant everything to Mel because the rest of the year, life was unpredictable because of her mother’s alcohol use.
But two weeks before Christmas, Mel gets a call from the hospital: her mother has died.
Then a woman shows up on Mel's doorstep, claiming to be Connie's estranged best friend, promising to tell Mel a different narrative—one in which Connie was almost a famous country music star, if only a man hadn't gotten in the way. Instead of spending Christmas alone in her dead mother's house, Mel agrees to stay with Barb for the holidays, finding herself in the middle of Barb's complicated family and uncovering secrets while fighting an attraction to Barb’s in-the-middle-of-a-divorce son. As Christmas approaches, Mel reckons with how little she knew about her mother's past while reexamining her own future.
✨ My thoughts:
I love books about taking chances and found family and that’s what I got in this story! It’s a quick read and one that’ll be sure to warm your heart. It’s heartfelt and raw, making this story feel all so true but amidst the not so pretty, there’s hope and love. Loss and grief are never easy but if you look and want to see… there might just be a glimmer of something hopeful waiting for you on the other end. A Home for the Holidays is another great book to add to your holiday TBR and it’s out now!!
Happy reading 📖 ✨🏠🎄
January 6, 2025
This story is told in first person by Mel. Mel sings in a wedding band. She grew up with an alcoholic mother who passes away just before the holidays. She’s also dating and living with another member of the band who has just found a new gig and wants her to come with, but Mel is happy singing with the wedding band and doesn’t want to leave Chicago. As Mel returns to her childhood home and starts contemplating going through her mother’s things, she reminisces about growing up with her mother, the good times and the bad. Then a strange woman shows up at the door and introduces herself as her mother’s best friend indicating that they hadn’t spoken to each other in 35 years. Mel finds herself escaping to Barb’s home for the holidays, learning about her mother’s early life and adventures and enjoying the holidays with Barb’s family, especially her son, a doctor named Henry who is in the middle of a divorce.
Mel had a lot going on, her mother passing, her selfish boyfriend more preoccupied with his new gig than supporting her, an estranged relationship with her father due to his preoccupation with his new family, and dealing with the fact that she grew up taking care of her alcoholic mother instead of being a child. Barb really opens Mel’s eyes up to the life that her mother had before she met her father and became the drunk that Mel grew up with and now Mel has so many questions that she wished she had asked when her mother was still alive.
I really enjoyed this story. It made me feel all the feels along with Mel even though I didn’t always understand her decisions. I felt her sorrow, grief, anger, resentment and longing for a family that she found with Barb and her children. While Barb explains that a man came between them and that their falling out was her fault, but of course, it was a little more complicated than that. I really enjoyed the journey that Mel took through her grief and the past, paving a new direction for her future. I also enjoyed her romance with Henry.
If you’re looking for a holiday read filled with more complicated emotions than just a sweet romance, I’d recommend this one for an out of season holiday read or for your next holiday reading list.
Thank you to Netgalley and Knopf for a copy provided for an honest review.
Mel had a lot going on, her mother passing, her selfish boyfriend more preoccupied with his new gig than supporting her, an estranged relationship with her father due to his preoccupation with his new family, and dealing with the fact that she grew up taking care of her alcoholic mother instead of being a child. Barb really opens Mel’s eyes up to the life that her mother had before she met her father and became the drunk that Mel grew up with and now Mel has so many questions that she wished she had asked when her mother was still alive.
I really enjoyed this story. It made me feel all the feels along with Mel even though I didn’t always understand her decisions. I felt her sorrow, grief, anger, resentment and longing for a family that she found with Barb and her children. While Barb explains that a man came between them and that their falling out was her fault, but of course, it was a little more complicated than that. I really enjoyed the journey that Mel took through her grief and the past, paving a new direction for her future. I also enjoyed her romance with Henry.
If you’re looking for a holiday read filled with more complicated emotions than just a sweet romance, I’d recommend this one for an out of season holiday read or for your next holiday reading list.
Thank you to Netgalley and Knopf for a copy provided for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
In A Home for the Holidays (which could totally become a Hallmark movie, just saying), Hahn delivers a heartfelt exploration of grief, love, and the complexities of family. The story follows Mel, a young musician grappling with the recent loss of her mother, Connie, who passed away during the holidays. Mel’s emotional turmoil is palpable as she struggles with both her grief and the unresolved anger toward her mother, an alcoholic who had long distanced herself from Mel's life.
One of the story’s core tensions revolves around Mel’s relationship with Dan, her boyfriend. Dan is eager to take their career to the next level, urging Mel to leave their Chicago band and friends behind to tour with him as a backup singer. But Mel, still processing her mother’s death and tied to her friendships with Lizzie and Roland, faces a crucial decision between personal growth and professional ambition. As Mel poignantly states, “I’m talking about taking the next step in my life.”
Mel’s journey is further complicated when Barbara, her mother’s estranged best friend from 35 years ago, resurfaces with stories of Connie from before her addiction. As Mel grapples with the weight of guilt and grief (“Guilt follows grief like a hangover”), she is forced to reconcile the woman she knew with the vibrant person her mother once was.
Throw in a little meet-cute moment that blossoms and found family during the holidays, and I'm here for it.
With a perfect blend of heartache, humor, and hope, A Home for the Holidays explores the delicate dance between love, loss, and self-discovery, making it a beautiful holiday read for those seeking a deeper emotional connection.
One of the story’s core tensions revolves around Mel’s relationship with Dan, her boyfriend. Dan is eager to take their career to the next level, urging Mel to leave their Chicago band and friends behind to tour with him as a backup singer. But Mel, still processing her mother’s death and tied to her friendships with Lizzie and Roland, faces a crucial decision between personal growth and professional ambition. As Mel poignantly states, “I’m talking about taking the next step in my life.”
Mel’s journey is further complicated when Barbara, her mother’s estranged best friend from 35 years ago, resurfaces with stories of Connie from before her addiction. As Mel grapples with the weight of guilt and grief (“Guilt follows grief like a hangover”), she is forced to reconcile the woman she knew with the vibrant person her mother once was.
Throw in a little meet-cute moment that blossoms and found family during the holidays, and I'm here for it.
With a perfect blend of heartache, humor, and hope, A Home for the Holidays explores the delicate dance between love, loss, and self-discovery, making it a beautiful holiday read for those seeking a deeper emotional connection.
November 10, 2024
This was not the fun and fluffy Christmas rom-com I expected, but that's totally okay--it was surprisingly good!
Wedding singer Mel Hart has always loved Christmas thanks to the fact that her mom, Connie, made it magical. That's extra special because, as an adult, Mel realizes her mom was (is) an alcoholic and the two spent a lot of their life with little money and no real place to put down their roots. Still, Mel is devastated when Connie dies a few weeks before Christmas, leaving much unresolved between the pair. Then she meets Barb, who claims she was Connie's best friend before Mel was born--back in a crazy world when Connie almost became a famous singer. Mel goes to stay with Barb for the holidays, learning more and more about Connie's past, and also meets Barb's son, a handsome and witty doctor.
If you don't like treacly and overly romantic Christmas stories, this book is for you. It's actually dark at times, delving into Connie's alcoholism, problems between Connie and Barb, and Mel's sadness and grief. There is hope, however, when Mel meets Barb's son Henry, who is absolutely glorious and such a sweet leading guy. Mel has her own issues (a dying alcoholic mom will do that to you) but she's spunky and enjoyable too. Even with its difficult topics, HOME is a sparkling story about grief, forgiveness, and yes-love.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Knopf in return for an unbiased review.
Wedding singer Mel Hart has always loved Christmas thanks to the fact that her mom, Connie, made it magical. That's extra special because, as an adult, Mel realizes her mom was (is) an alcoholic and the two spent a lot of their life with little money and no real place to put down their roots. Still, Mel is devastated when Connie dies a few weeks before Christmas, leaving much unresolved between the pair. Then she meets Barb, who claims she was Connie's best friend before Mel was born--back in a crazy world when Connie almost became a famous singer. Mel goes to stay with Barb for the holidays, learning more and more about Connie's past, and also meets Barb's son, a handsome and witty doctor.
If you don't like treacly and overly romantic Christmas stories, this book is for you. It's actually dark at times, delving into Connie's alcoholism, problems between Connie and Barb, and Mel's sadness and grief. There is hope, however, when Mel meets Barb's son Henry, who is absolutely glorious and such a sweet leading guy. Mel has her own issues (a dying alcoholic mom will do that to you) but she's spunky and enjoyable too. Even with its difficult topics, HOME is a sparkling story about grief, forgiveness, and yes-love.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Knopf in return for an unbiased review.
December 16, 2024
I’m not entirely sure what to say about this one. It wasn’t my fave but it wasn’t the worst. It could be the reason it wasn’t for me was the narrator. Who knows. Christmas story of learning how to cope of losing your mum right before the holiday & throw in a splash of a break up & new love interest. Just hmmm… I also felt it was unfinished, I want an epilogue of the future yo!
January 4, 2025
This was easy enough to read despite the heavy subject matter. I liked the writing. But the ending had me really annoyed! I needed about 30 more pages.
December 28, 2024
I picked this up to listen to driving back and forth to my family's house over the Christmas holiday and it was fun and frothy, but not memorable.
Mel Hart (who is a wedding singer- which I find delightful, but not nearly talked about enough in here) gets a call that her mom has died. She's evaluating her feelings about it, her mom was an alcoholic and she didn't have the warmest memories of her. Her BFF shows up on her doorstep and challenges Mel to reconsider her feelings about her mom.
I enjoyed this one, but will quickly forget the plot.
Mel Hart (who is a wedding singer- which I find delightful, but not nearly talked about enough in here) gets a call that her mom has died. She's evaluating her feelings about it, her mom was an alcoholic and she didn't have the warmest memories of her. Her BFF shows up on her doorstep and challenges Mel to reconsider her feelings about her mom.
I enjoyed this one, but will quickly forget the plot.
August 19, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of A
Home for the Holidays.
I enjoy heartwarming stories especially around the holidays so I was pleased my request was approved.
** Minor non-Christmas-y spoilers ahead **
This is about a wedding singer named Mel Hart whose mom passes away right before Christmas.
When Mel connects with her mom's ex-BFF, Barbara, she discovers surprises about her mom's past, and their relationship.
Sadly, this was too corny and sentimental for me.
Mel breaks up with her loser boyfriend, but meets and falls in love with Barbara's (handsome) doctor son, Mel's BFF meets her soulmate in Barbara's daughter, Summer.
Summer is in the music business (lucky!) and helps Mel score an audition on American Idol, I mean American Icon.
Everything falls into place, everyone falls in love, relationships are quickly mended. etc.
I did like when Mel reconnects with her dad, and when Barbara admits she wasn't a good friend to Mel's mom because she lacked strength and courage.
I understand this was supposed to be a feel-good story but this was just too romance-y and corny for me.
I enjoy heartwarming stories especially around the holidays so I was pleased my request was approved.
** Minor non-Christmas-y spoilers ahead **
This is about a wedding singer named Mel Hart whose mom passes away right before Christmas.
When Mel connects with her mom's ex-BFF, Barbara, she discovers surprises about her mom's past, and their relationship.
Sadly, this was too corny and sentimental for me.
Mel breaks up with her loser boyfriend, but meets and falls in love with Barbara's (handsome) doctor son, Mel's BFF meets her soulmate in Barbara's daughter, Summer.
Summer is in the music business (lucky!) and helps Mel score an audition on American Idol, I mean American Icon.
Everything falls into place, everyone falls in love, relationships are quickly mended. etc.
I did like when Mel reconnects with her dad, and when Barbara admits she wasn't a good friend to Mel's mom because she lacked strength and courage.
I understand this was supposed to be a feel-good story but this was just too romance-y and corny for me.
December 16, 2024
BOOK REVIEW 🎅🏼
Thank you #partner @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook.
A Home for the Holidays
Taylor Hahn
Available now
📖 In the days leading up to Christmas, newly-single wedding singer Mel Hart is grappling with the recent loss of her mother, Connie. Christmas was kind of their thing, after all. Connie, who struggled with alcoholism, wasn't winning any Mother the Year awards, but she always came through on Christmas. As Mel contends with her new reality, a woman from her mother's past reaches out, offering her a home for the holidays.
💭 In A Home for the Holidays, Hahn balances themes of grief and loss with hope and healing, delivering the ultimate found family holiday read with a touch of romance. Emotionally resonate, full of witty humor, and with the most satisfying ending, this holiday read has all the Hallmark vibes I love during the holidays. I especially loved the way Hahn approached addiction, with such compassion and care, treating it as the disease it is. I also really appreciate the nuanced approach to complicated mother-daughter relationships, as well as the way the story never veered into full dark and depressing, but remained fairly lighthearted and heartwarming, overall. It's a delicate balance, and Hahn nailed it.
🎧 I read along with the audiobook, narrated by Anna Caputo. I've listened to other audiobooks narrated by Caputo, and I'm always struck by the naturalness of her performance. It never sounds as if she's *reading* a story, but rather as if she is *telling* a story.
📌 Available now!
📚 A December BOTM pick!
Thank you #partner @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook.
A Home for the Holidays
Taylor Hahn
Available now
📖 In the days leading up to Christmas, newly-single wedding singer Mel Hart is grappling with the recent loss of her mother, Connie. Christmas was kind of their thing, after all. Connie, who struggled with alcoholism, wasn't winning any Mother the Year awards, but she always came through on Christmas. As Mel contends with her new reality, a woman from her mother's past reaches out, offering her a home for the holidays.
💭 In A Home for the Holidays, Hahn balances themes of grief and loss with hope and healing, delivering the ultimate found family holiday read with a touch of romance. Emotionally resonate, full of witty humor, and with the most satisfying ending, this holiday read has all the Hallmark vibes I love during the holidays. I especially loved the way Hahn approached addiction, with such compassion and care, treating it as the disease it is. I also really appreciate the nuanced approach to complicated mother-daughter relationships, as well as the way the story never veered into full dark and depressing, but remained fairly lighthearted and heartwarming, overall. It's a delicate balance, and Hahn nailed it.
🎧 I read along with the audiobook, narrated by Anna Caputo. I've listened to other audiobooks narrated by Caputo, and I'm always struck by the naturalness of her performance. It never sounds as if she's *reading* a story, but rather as if she is *telling* a story.
📌 Available now!
📚 A December BOTM pick!
December 22, 2024
A Home for the Holidays by Taylor Hahn is another book I had to read thanks to #Bookstagram, and I now also know I need to stop waiting and read Hahn's debut The Lifestyle. There were so many facets and layers to uncover in this storyline and I loved the emotion that permeated the entire novel. As Mel deals with her mom’s death and finds out about her past before she became the alcoholic but loving parent that Mel knew her as, the world as she knew it shatters. The focus on grief and opening yourself up to new love was extremely powerful, and the characters in this book stole my heart.
I believe that the best way to experience the book is through the audiobook, and I couldn’t imagine a narrator being better suited to the task than Anna Caputo. She was everything I needed her to be, and she managed to perfectly embody not only Mel but the emotions of all the characters as well. There is a romance in A Home for the Holidays that ended up being really touching, but that took a backseat to me behind all of the other beautiful themes and truths that make up the entire novel. Read this if you enjoy more than your average Hallmark-type Christmas read, raw and emotional stories, and an ending that will make your heart sing!
I believe that the best way to experience the book is through the audiobook, and I couldn’t imagine a narrator being better suited to the task than Anna Caputo. She was everything I needed her to be, and she managed to perfectly embody not only Mel but the emotions of all the characters as well. There is a romance in A Home for the Holidays that ended up being really touching, but that took a backseat to me behind all of the other beautiful themes and truths that make up the entire novel. Read this if you enjoy more than your average Hallmark-type Christmas read, raw and emotional stories, and an ending that will make your heart sing!
November 16, 2024
A perfect holiday story premise (finding family after loss of a parent) was just too rushed. The whole story takes place between December 14 and New Year’s Eve. Grieving, falling in love, and making a major change in your career needs (deserves?) more than two weeks.
November 21, 2024
3.5⭐ This was a really cute and sentimental read. It was quick and enjoyable! It's what I would call a cute Hallmark Christmas movie type book. If you like to read a cute romance that deals with grief and healing, then this will be great for you. I enjoyed it!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
December 28, 2024
4,5 ✨ Really enjoyed this one!
Read
December 25, 2025You kind of have to appreciate this one in the spirit intended: imagining the author standing just off page, holding a sign reading, "Relax. It's Christmas." And, listen, as a Christmas conneisseur, I was able to get there. You might not be!
January 1, 2025
I was actually really into this book even if it was a Christmas book with death (people always die in romance books at Christmas! spookiest time of year!) and they said "I love you" after like 2 days together while one of them was technically still married. My actual problem is it's only the first half of the story?? for the first time ever I kind of wanted to see this thing through to the epilogue baby, as it were, because I wanted to know what happened to everyone!! Christmas books always find new ways to disappoint me.
July 14, 2024
This book was a warm, comforting, emotional hug that I didn’t know I needed (read during a 90 degree heat wave in the luxury of air conditioning as I simultaneously chased my toddler around). But I couldn’t put this down as I was immediately consumed my Mel and her strength to navigate her complicated grief. Barb is an icon and I would happily live in her basement. Grief is a part of life and it’s something few are willing to share their experiences, I was honored to be a part of this journey.
Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for access to an early download. But I can’t wait to get my hard copy in September!
Thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for access to an early download. But I can’t wait to get my hard copy in September!
December 26, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
A Home For The Holidays was a witty, warmhearted novel about coming to terms with grief, taking a chance on unexpected connections, and finding family in time for the holidays. Even more, it was about romance, friendships, heartbreak, laughter, music, dreams, and stories sprinkled with the magic of Christmas as seen through the eyes of a child and an adult.
I loved the deep topics that Taylor Hahn addressed in this candid story about the grief of losing a parent at a young age. As if grief wasn’t an intense enough, alcoholism, divorce, betrayal, and neglect were a few more profound themes explored. Another aspect I loved was the genuine depiction of a mother-daughter relationship and the parent-child relationships that seem perfect on the outside when they may actually not be. And lastly, I loved the setting of this story as it unfolded over a couple of weeks in December and had a warm and cozy holiday feel despite the profound theme. Having grown up in the Chicago area, I relished in all the Chicago locations Hahn wrote in, and all the cold weather, sounds, and festive holiday scenery in the Windy City.
As much as I appreciated the depth of topics explored, I had difficulty connecting to the protagonist, Mel. Having not lost a parent and not having an alcoholic parent I didn’t relate to her. However, I did sympathize with her and felt the weight she carried on her shoulders when she was dealing with her adverse circumstances.
All said, I’d recommend this one to anyone who continually struggles with the loss of a loved one during the holidays. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. And most importantly, this story will remind you what the holiday season is all about. (Audio)
A Home For The Holidays was a witty, warmhearted novel about coming to terms with grief, taking a chance on unexpected connections, and finding family in time for the holidays. Even more, it was about romance, friendships, heartbreak, laughter, music, dreams, and stories sprinkled with the magic of Christmas as seen through the eyes of a child and an adult.
I loved the deep topics that Taylor Hahn addressed in this candid story about the grief of losing a parent at a young age. As if grief wasn’t an intense enough, alcoholism, divorce, betrayal, and neglect were a few more profound themes explored. Another aspect I loved was the genuine depiction of a mother-daughter relationship and the parent-child relationships that seem perfect on the outside when they may actually not be. And lastly, I loved the setting of this story as it unfolded over a couple of weeks in December and had a warm and cozy holiday feel despite the profound theme. Having grown up in the Chicago area, I relished in all the Chicago locations Hahn wrote in, and all the cold weather, sounds, and festive holiday scenery in the Windy City.
As much as I appreciated the depth of topics explored, I had difficulty connecting to the protagonist, Mel. Having not lost a parent and not having an alcoholic parent I didn’t relate to her. However, I did sympathize with her and felt the weight she carried on her shoulders when she was dealing with her adverse circumstances.
All said, I’d recommend this one to anyone who continually struggles with the loss of a loved one during the holidays. It will make you laugh. It will make you cry. And most importantly, this story will remind you what the holiday season is all about. (Audio)
December 30, 2024
This book will stay with me. While this is undeniably a holiday book, marketing it as just another Christmas story doesn’t do it justice. This book is beautiful, gripping from the very beginning, and a masterful exploration of the complexities, waves, and ripples of grief. Woven throughout is the nostalgia of your favorite Christmas movies and songs, adding layers of warmth and lightness.
I loved the world the author built, along with every supporting character. The yellow house and every meal cooked within its walls brought so much heart to the story. As a daughter, and as a mother to a daughter, I connected with and appreciated how the book explored what it means to be a child, a woman, a daughter, and a mother all at once in this world.
The themes of friendship and love were also beautifully portrayed, and I was impressed by the depth the author achieved with such a comfortable page count—not too long, not too short. This is one of my favorite reads of the year, and I hope people don’t dismiss it as just a frilly holiday book. It is so much more. My love to the author, as this book also felt deeply personal! Thank you for sharing your heart.
I loved the world the author built, along with every supporting character. The yellow house and every meal cooked within its walls brought so much heart to the story. As a daughter, and as a mother to a daughter, I connected with and appreciated how the book explored what it means to be a child, a woman, a daughter, and a mother all at once in this world.
The themes of friendship and love were also beautifully portrayed, and I was impressed by the depth the author achieved with such a comfortable page count—not too long, not too short. This is one of my favorite reads of the year, and I hope people don’t dismiss it as just a frilly holiday book. It is so much more. My love to the author, as this book also felt deeply personal! Thank you for sharing your heart.
November 20, 2024
If you're looking for a Christmas/Holiday read then look no further! What a gem. 🎄🤍 Packed with an amazing cast of characters, this book was so heartwarming. 🥺🥰 Loved every second of it and didn't want it to end.
Mel Hart is a wedding singer and the holidays have always been a magical time for her. Growing up, her mother, Connie would pull out all the stops complete with Santa hijinks. Mel cherished these moments because for the rest of the year her life was unpredictable due to her mother's drinking problem.
Two weeks before Christmas, Mel gets a call from the hospital informing her that her mom has died.
Then Connie's estranged best friend, Barb shows up at her door and promises to tell Mel a different story - one where her mom was almost a country music star if only a man hadn't gotten in the way.
Mel decides to stay with Barb and her complicated family for the holidays.
Taylor Hahn is such a good writer. It was so honest and real and messy and laugh-out-loud funny. It's about complicated grief, mother-daughter relationships, finding family, learning how to love again, forgiveness, and taking the leap. The way she described grief was spot-on. I could really relate especially to the guilt that we often feel during the grieving process. So many quotes I need to go back and highlight!
Loved Mel, Barb, Henry, Summer, Dylan, Lizzie and Ronald. They felt so real to me.
I didn't want this story to end. 10/10 recommend!
Mel Hart is a wedding singer and the holidays have always been a magical time for her. Growing up, her mother, Connie would pull out all the stops complete with Santa hijinks. Mel cherished these moments because for the rest of the year her life was unpredictable due to her mother's drinking problem.
Two weeks before Christmas, Mel gets a call from the hospital informing her that her mom has died.
Then Connie's estranged best friend, Barb shows up at her door and promises to tell Mel a different story - one where her mom was almost a country music star if only a man hadn't gotten in the way.
Mel decides to stay with Barb and her complicated family for the holidays.
Taylor Hahn is such a good writer. It was so honest and real and messy and laugh-out-loud funny. It's about complicated grief, mother-daughter relationships, finding family, learning how to love again, forgiveness, and taking the leap. The way she described grief was spot-on. I could really relate especially to the guilt that we often feel during the grieving process. So many quotes I need to go back and highlight!
Loved Mel, Barb, Henry, Summer, Dylan, Lizzie and Ronald. They felt so real to me.
I didn't want this story to end. 10/10 recommend!
December 19, 2024
This is a deeply moving but sad story about loss of a parent, grief, and forgiveness.
To start, I really liked Mel. I found her current life a bit slow and sad so when the shocking call came and she upending her life, I couldn't help but be excited for the change. But the first half of the book was so sad as Mel untangles her grief, guilt and regrets.
Finally, as Barb popped into the picture and the moment at the bakery happened, I thought it went in a very cute direction. Even though things wound wildly outside of reality, I loved the heartwarming turns and the theme at the end.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
To start, I really liked Mel. I found her current life a bit slow and sad so when the shocking call came and she upending her life, I couldn't help but be excited for the change. But the first half of the book was so sad as Mel untangles her grief, guilt and regrets.
Finally, as Barb popped into the picture and the moment at the bakery happened, I thought it went in a very cute direction. Even though things wound wildly outside of reality, I loved the heartwarming turns and the theme at the end.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
November 19, 2024
I’m a total sucker for a family drama, especially when it’s centered around a mother/daughter relationship. Mel Hart has a complicated relationship with her mother. She loves her dearly, but has been let down too many times by her alcoholism. Two weeks before Christmas, her mother dies and Mel connects with a woman claiming to be a good friend of her mother’s. In turn, Mel learns so much about her mother’s past and begins to see her in a new light. This is an extremely heartfelt and touching story that deals with loss, grief, and addiction, but it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s plenty of humor, a found family storyline, and even a touch of romance. I adored it.
December 31, 2024
Enjoyed this book so much! It’s so different from other Christmas books I’ve read… definitely more of a book about grief. My only gripe is that it felt rushed toward the very end. But I still really enjoyed it.
December 24, 2025
Thank you to PRHaudio for the audiobook ❤️ I also grabbed the BOTM edition for my shelves!!
I feel like I could relate a lot to this book at this point in my life. My mother-in-law passed away earlier this year, and the holidays without her are, quite frankly, a little heavier. There’s the sense of nothing ever being the same again, and in Mel’s case, her home will never again be the same either. When her mother passes away two weeks before Christmas, the last thing she is expecting is for her mom’s former friend Barb to show up. Not wanting to be alone, she agrees to stay with Barb. But as secrets about Barb come out, Mel learns more about her mother’s past. I loved the friendships that came to be in this story, the new relationships that were formed. The author wasn’t afraid to tackle the subject of grief, how it could be painful especially around the holidays. So well done!
“A Home for the Holidays” is out NOW! This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
December 10, 2024
This was a good book. Yes, many holiday/Christmas themes, as it takes place at Christmastime. But it’s also about grief, love, loss, friendship and the art of forgiveness. Engaging and lovely.
December 25, 2024
This was a sweet sentimental read. When I saw It was a shorter book I worried It may be rushed or not have enough depth but this book was great.
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