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Perfectly Fine Christmas
Perfectly Fine Christmas is an entertaining coming-of-age holiday fairy tale with a romantic twist that La Jill Hunt’s fans are sure to enjoy.
"Who says Cinderella is the only one who gets a happily ever after? Shouldn't the fairy godmother get a knight in shining armor too? After all, she’s the one with all the magic.”
Kendall Freeman is a self-assured, full-figured seamstress and aspiring fashion designer who loves Christmas. Niya Fine, a shy, introverted, plus-size teen, is dealing with the recent loss of her mother. She’s now living with her widowed grandmother, Claudia, an elitist who criticizes Niya’s every move. While Kendall is working hard to make the season bright, planning Christmas parties and whipping up amazing gowns at the boutique where she works, Niya is begging her uncle Reese, the “reprobate” of the family, to spend the holidays with her at his mother’s home. She hopes that will make living there a little less lonely.
A twist of fate leads to a unique friendship between Kendall and Niya, and a quest to pursue some family tradition that seems impossible to achieve. Can Kendall help Niya embrace who she is and help the family rediscover the true meaning of the holiday season? Is there a possibility of finding her own true love in the process?
"Who says Cinderella is the only one who gets a happily ever after? Shouldn't the fairy godmother get a knight in shining armor too? After all, she’s the one with all the magic.”
Kendall Freeman is a self-assured, full-figured seamstress and aspiring fashion designer who loves Christmas. Niya Fine, a shy, introverted, plus-size teen, is dealing with the recent loss of her mother. She’s now living with her widowed grandmother, Claudia, an elitist who criticizes Niya’s every move. While Kendall is working hard to make the season bright, planning Christmas parties and whipping up amazing gowns at the boutique where she works, Niya is begging her uncle Reese, the “reprobate” of the family, to spend the holidays with her at his mother’s home. She hopes that will make living there a little less lonely.
A twist of fate leads to a unique friendship between Kendall and Niya, and a quest to pursue some family tradition that seems impossible to achieve. Can Kendall help Niya embrace who she is and help the family rediscover the true meaning of the holiday season? Is there a possibility of finding her own true love in the process?
256 pages, Paperback
Published October 26, 2021
About the author
La Jill Hunt
46 books273 followersLaJill Hunt is a native of Mobile, AL who burst onto the literary scene in 2003 with her debut novel, Drama Queen. The memorable characters she created and the entertaining stories she told quickly drew best-selling success and a following of fans, young and old. Although known for her urban chic-lit novels, she has also contributed to the street anthology series Around the Way Girls, and penned an urban romance Another Sad Love Song. Her erotica short story, Catch 22, is currently available as a digital download. Currently residing in Virginia Beach, VA, LaJill enjoys spending time with her daughters, family and friends.
(source: Amazon)
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 13, 2022
My review is pretty much the same as everyone so far. :-)
December 30, 2021
I loved this story ❤. This story gave me all the warm and fuzzy as well as "Christmasey" 🎄 feels. A quick,easy, and enjoyable read. A story about family, grieving, love, joy, and hope and coming together at Christmas 🎁. Hence the name a perfectly FINE Christmas.
December 22, 2021
Perfectly Fine Christmas by La Jill Hunt was such a fun and exciting read for me, in anticipation of the upcoming holidays. It was a page-turner and a twist on a classic coming of age novel that gave me Cinderella vibes and exceeded expectations.
Kendall Freeman a full-figured seamstress and aspiring fashion designer who is doing her thing and making her mark in the industry. At the start of the book, Kendall is planning an Office Christmas party, pushing out gown creations daily, and spreading joy and cheer wherever she goes. So when Mrs. Claudia Fine and her granddaughter Niya walk into the boutique that Kendall works at, their worlds collide in ways that none of them could imagine.
Kendall immediately notices something special about Niya although she is at first sight shy, withdrawn and grieving the recent loss of her mother. While Niya is having a difficult time adjusting to her new living arrangements with her grandmother, she’s found some semblance of acceptance in her Uncle Reese.
I love reading this and watching the characters grow and change in such magnificent ways. You couldn’t pay me to like Claudia at the beginning of the book big I’ll admit I did soften up to her by its conclusion.
I love, love, LOVE Kendall. I truly hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of her or the Fines!
Kendall Freeman a full-figured seamstress and aspiring fashion designer who is doing her thing and making her mark in the industry. At the start of the book, Kendall is planning an Office Christmas party, pushing out gown creations daily, and spreading joy and cheer wherever she goes. So when Mrs. Claudia Fine and her granddaughter Niya walk into the boutique that Kendall works at, their worlds collide in ways that none of them could imagine.
Kendall immediately notices something special about Niya although she is at first sight shy, withdrawn and grieving the recent loss of her mother. While Niya is having a difficult time adjusting to her new living arrangements with her grandmother, she’s found some semblance of acceptance in her Uncle Reese.
I love reading this and watching the characters grow and change in such magnificent ways. You couldn’t pay me to like Claudia at the beginning of the book big I’ll admit I did soften up to her by its conclusion.
I love, love, LOVE Kendall. I truly hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of her or the Fines!
December 11, 2021
Cute and Sweet
A beautiful story. Crafted with the miracle of Christmas theme. I'm glad the Fine family was able to overcome the sadness of losing a family member and enjoy the family still living. I was just saying to a bookclub member that the Lord brought her and her now husband back together in the time that they were meant to receive each other's love as in this case for Claudia as well.
A beautiful story. Crafted with the miracle of Christmas theme. I'm glad the Fine family was able to overcome the sadness of losing a family member and enjoy the family still living. I was just saying to a bookclub member that the Lord brought her and her now husband back together in the time that they were meant to receive each other's love as in this case for Claudia as well.
December 21, 2023
This is a double romance and also encourages body positivity. At least one main character comes from a wealthy family (it's been 9 days since I finished since I am woefully behind on reviews.) While Kendall encourages and helps the teen Niya, she also undergoes some character growth. Niya's grandmother is an elitist who she moved in with weeks before the novel starts after her mother died.
Everyone could benefit from having a friend like Kendall, and we should all aspire to be such a friend. But how the romance stories go is something you have to find out by reading the book yourself :)
Everyone could benefit from having a friend like Kendall, and we should all aspire to be such a friend. But how the romance stories go is something you have to find out by reading the book yourself :)
December 25, 2021
"Perfectly Fine Christmas" was an awesome Christmas story...down to earth real life everyday occurrences. Characters, plot, twists were outstanding. LaJill did an awesome job pulling the story together to compliment the magic of the season. I hope there's a sequel...I would love to read about "Perfectly Fine Wedding"...😜
Merry Christmas!!! 🎄😊
Merry Christmas!!! 🎄😊
January 2, 2022
Realistic Relatable Experiences With A Delightful/Magical Theme
My first thought after reading “A Perfectly Fine Christmas is…
This is a great literary read which highlights the importance of human value. It is extra special that brown hue(s) characters are spotlighted in various awesome manners. I absolutely love that this storyline is appropriate for multi age readers.
My first thought after reading “A Perfectly Fine Christmas is…
This is a great literary read which highlights the importance of human value. It is extra special that brown hue(s) characters are spotlighted in various awesome manners. I absolutely love that this storyline is appropriate for multi age readers.
December 29, 2021
A Perfectly Heartwarming Read!
This was an absolutely magical story. In just a couple of days I took it all in, devouring every word, and imagining every scene in great detail. I truly enjoyed this heartwarming Christmas story. La Jill Hunt had me smiling, crying, laughing and even offended, as if I was part of the Fine family myself. It's always a pleasure to read a novel and fall in love with the characters. It takes a talented writer to invoke the process. Perfectly Fine Christmas is definitely my #1 holiday read.
This was an absolutely magical story. In just a couple of days I took it all in, devouring every word, and imagining every scene in great detail. I truly enjoyed this heartwarming Christmas story. La Jill Hunt had me smiling, crying, laughing and even offended, as if I was part of the Fine family myself. It's always a pleasure to read a novel and fall in love with the characters. It takes a talented writer to invoke the process. Perfectly Fine Christmas is definitely my #1 holiday read.
December 16, 2021
The Perfect Holiday Read!
I loved the story of adversity, family, love, self love, with a hint of romance. If you're a sucker for a happy ending this book is for you.
I loved the story of adversity, family, love, self love, with a hint of romance. If you're a sucker for a happy ending this book is for you.
December 8, 2021
I absolutely loved this book, from beginning to end it was a page turner. I finished in one day
November 30, 2021
Excellent Read
LaJill does not disappoint. I love how she carried the heartbreak of loss through the holiday season and infused it with long lasting love. Great story. I loved it
LaJill does not disappoint. I love how she carried the heartbreak of loss through the holiday season and infused it with long lasting love. Great story. I loved it
November 12, 2021
Just believe in yourself
Definitely a perfectly fine read. I most certainly enjoyed the themes of friendship, grief, family, courage and so many more. I can definitely see this one making it to the big screen. Although a Christmas themed book it can be read at anytime during the year. I can’t wait to see more from these characters.
Definitely a perfectly fine read. I most certainly enjoyed the themes of friendship, grief, family, courage and so many more. I can definitely see this one making it to the big screen. Although a Christmas themed book it can be read at anytime during the year. I can’t wait to see more from these characters.
January 14, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I wanted to slap some of the characters at times, but that is a sign that they were behaving in a turbulent manner. And that means they were actually affecting me as if they were real people. Kendall was a sweet talented fashionista, that was still maturing career wise. Reece was a nice guy that seemed to need to rebel to feel he was succeeding, living life on his own terms. Niya was a sweet, intelligent grieving teenager. Niya's grappling with the death of her mother and the cold criticism of her grandmother. It was a good story and the characters were pretty good also. Worth a read!
May 27, 2022
Phenomenal
This book was such a joy to read!!! I am a proud La Jill Hunt fan and this book did not disappoint!!! It just puts a smile on my face and heart.
This book was such a joy to read!!! I am a proud La Jill Hunt fan and this book did not disappoint!!! It just puts a smile on my face and heart.
December 17, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I try to read as many Christmas books as I can during December (my bookworm way of celebrating), and was having a hard time finding a Christmas book with black characters. Children's and picture books, sure. But, it's so hard to find heartwarming stories about black people when reading adult books. They always seem to be about the struggle. Romances are different, but I wasn't looking for a romance book. I saw this in the library catalog and it looked promising. Then, I saw it labeled as urban fiction and felt wary. To each their own, but that genre is not my cup of tea. But, I decided to try it because I liked the summary and because I wanted to at least have tried an urban fiction.
To be honest, except for the fact that the characters were black and it was written by a black author, I couldn't see how the term urban applied. Not by my understanding of the term. The only character I would see as "urban" was Lynette. (Maybe my understanding of what the term means is wrong?)This was a story of loving yourself, dealing with grief, mending family ties and finding new family. Kendall is a wonderful character. Kind, talented, enthusiastic about life, and self assured. But, she doesn't fall into the sassy trope. Her friendship and mentorship with Niya is beautiful. I love the idea of Kendall and her friend/coworker and boss trying to find "angel assignments" which are people to help during the holiday seasons. There's a little romance, but it isn't the main focus.
Overall, it's a book that is uplifting and cosy. It fits my holiday theme, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
To be honest, except for the fact that the characters were black and it was written by a black author, I couldn't see how the term urban applied. Not by my understanding of the term. The only character I would see as "urban" was Lynette. (Maybe my understanding of what the term means is wrong?)This was a story of loving yourself, dealing with grief, mending family ties and finding new family. Kendall is a wonderful character. Kind, talented, enthusiastic about life, and self assured. But, she doesn't fall into the sassy trope. Her friendship and mentorship with Niya is beautiful. I love the idea of Kendall and her friend/coworker and boss trying to find "angel assignments" which are people to help during the holiday seasons. There's a little romance, but it isn't the main focus.
Overall, it's a book that is uplifting and cosy. It fits my holiday theme, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
December 13, 2023
Kendall is THAT GIRL! She's talented, can dress her ass off, sassy and sweet. I was afraid the author was going to keep her stuck in this 'happy go lucky, nothing can phase me' demeanor, fortunately we got to see her as a multi-dimensional character. Kendall and Niya meeting each other was fate. Niya needed to see with her own two eyes that someone who looks like her can have it all. Kendall needed to take a chance on love and make time for it.
What Kendall did for the Fine family was beautiful. I teared up reading the ball scene and I'm hoping there's a second installment loading, maybe about a young Claudia Fine…
What Kendall did for the Fine family was beautiful. I teared up reading the ball scene and I'm hoping there's a second installment loading, maybe about a young Claudia Fine…
January 19, 2022
Loved this book!
Great read! As always LaJill Hunt never disappoints.
Anticipating the next read from LaJill Hunt!
Excellent storyline. A must read!
Great read! As always LaJill Hunt never disappoints.
Anticipating the next read from LaJill Hunt!
Excellent storyline. A must read!
December 22, 2022
A beautiful modern day, capativing Cinderella story. Excellent dramatic characters development with a incredible amount of life to each person's personalities and perspectives.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
January 2, 2025
This was definitely a great book! It’s been a long time since I’ve read a page turner like this. It sat on my night stand for days and I’m so glad I read it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews