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Something Borrowed Collection #3
A Holly, Bolly Christmas
A dream wedding venue at Christmas? Sign Chahna Kapoor up. Even if her fiancé doesn’t know it…
Maguire Wilson only had one hesitation over proposing: he needed to do it face-to-face, which was hard when his girlfriend's parents were constantly filming in India.
But then her Bollywood star parents come to town, bringing drama--and another man?--with them.
A Holly, Bolly Christmas first appeared in the Something Borrowed: Christmas Weddings Collection in 2020. Be sure to check out the interconnected stories from Jaycee Weaver, Toni Shiloh, Teresa Tysinger, and Andrea Boyd.
Maguire Wilson only had one hesitation over proposing: he needed to do it face-to-face, which was hard when his girlfriend's parents were constantly filming in India.
But then her Bollywood star parents come to town, bringing drama--and another man?--with them.
A Holly, Bolly Christmas first appeared in the Something Borrowed: Christmas Weddings Collection in 2020. Be sure to check out the interconnected stories from Jaycee Weaver, Toni Shiloh, Teresa Tysinger, and Andrea Boyd.
- GenresChristian Fiction
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2021
10 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Mikal Dawn
10 books139 followersMikal Dawn is an inspirational romance author, wedding enthusiast and proud military wife. By day she works for an international sports ministry, and by night she mutters to imaginary friends, performs sketchy Google searches, and procrastinates (like any good writer!). When she isn’t writing about faith, fun, and forever, she is obsessively scouring Pinterest (with coffee in hand, of course!) for wedding ideas for her characters.
Born and raised just outside of Vancouver, Canada, Mikal has lived throughout the southern and Midwest United States, currently residing in Oklahoma (and hoping it's their last move!) with her husband, two of her three kids, and one ferocious feline.
Born and raised just outside of Vancouver, Canada, Mikal has lived throughout the southern and Midwest United States, currently residing in Oklahoma (and hoping it's their last move!) with her husband, two of her three kids, and one ferocious feline.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 17, 2023
I enjoyed this story a lot, once I got over the slightly unbelievable premise--seriously, who books a wedding chapel when you're not even dating? :P Dream venue or not, that felt weird, but I went with it for the sake of the story, which turned out to be the right call because...
The characters were utterly adorable. <3 Chahna was sweet and lovable, even if she seemed flighty at times (see aforementioned wedding venue booking). Mag was just epically awesome, and I loved how sweet and gentle their relationship was. Chahna's parents (her mom especially) were a bit over the top, but that was kind of the point, and it fit with their role as Bollywood stars. I loved the way their attempts at matchmaking ended up, and the way both Chahna and Mag handled it, but especially Mag. :D Like I said, epically awesome! Jason and Maya were a nice addition, and I enjoyed seeing Chahna's friend group again.
My only small complaint is that the final "complication" felt like a bit of an anti-climax, and I kept waiting for something more to go wrong. But it's only a small complaint because I do love sweet, simple relationship stories without a lot of unnecessary drama, and this felt very much like that. I loved the way they knew each other so well, and communicated, and worked things out (#relationshipgoals), and I really liked the way their faith was woven through their lives. Definitely looking forward to reading more by the author.
Content--some kissing (not descriptive); glimpse of a married man and woman in bed together (no details); mentions of infertility, in-vitro fertilization, and pregnancy; mention of a traditional costume with a bare midriff; mention of boxer shorts
The characters were utterly adorable. <3 Chahna was sweet and lovable, even if she seemed flighty at times (see aforementioned wedding venue booking). Mag was just epically awesome, and I loved how sweet and gentle their relationship was. Chahna's parents (her mom especially) were a bit over the top, but that was kind of the point, and it fit with their role as Bollywood stars. I loved the way their attempts at matchmaking ended up, and the way both Chahna and Mag handled it, but especially Mag. :D Like I said, epically awesome! Jason and Maya were a nice addition, and I enjoyed seeing Chahna's friend group again.
My only small complaint is that the final "complication" felt like a bit of an anti-climax, and I kept waiting for something more to go wrong. But it's only a small complaint because I do love sweet, simple relationship stories without a lot of unnecessary drama, and this felt very much like that. I loved the way they knew each other so well, and communicated, and worked things out (#relationshipgoals), and I really liked the way their faith was woven through their lives. Definitely looking forward to reading more by the author.
Content--some kissing (not descriptive); glimpse of a married man and woman in bed together (no details); mentions of infertility, in-vitro fertilization, and pregnancy; mention of a traditional costume with a bare midriff; mention of boxer shorts
November 1, 2021
This book was part of a collection of books under the title of Something Borrowed. Each book depicted one woman from a group of close friends, and each story was written by a different author. This is the one written by Mikal Dawn.
Christmas books are so fun, but throw in a wedding and it’s even better! This author did a fantastic job of bringing us fun and enjoyment, as well as, a truly captivating story. Who doesn’t enjoy a “Bollywood” tale? This had all the cultural issues and colorful images. It was so fun to read.
Mikal Dawn is a wonderful author and writes stories that will warm your heart. She has put together a sweet Christmas romance with lots of humor, drama, tension, and wonderful interaction between the two main characters. She used lots of descriptions and details to help the reader picture all the feelings of a wedding at Christmas time, as well as, family traditions and tension.
This was a sweet book to read before the Christmas holiday busyness settled in. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend you pick it up to read.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Christmas books are so fun, but throw in a wedding and it’s even better! This author did a fantastic job of bringing us fun and enjoyment, as well as, a truly captivating story. Who doesn’t enjoy a “Bollywood” tale? This had all the cultural issues and colorful images. It was so fun to read.
Mikal Dawn is a wonderful author and writes stories that will warm your heart. She has put together a sweet Christmas romance with lots of humor, drama, tension, and wonderful interaction between the two main characters. She used lots of descriptions and details to help the reader picture all the feelings of a wedding at Christmas time, as well as, family traditions and tension.
This was a sweet book to read before the Christmas holiday busyness settled in. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend you pick it up to read.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 4, 2024
East meets West...
As in, she is Hindi from India and he is a Scot transplant in the USA, and both sets of parents still live in their countries of origin. The culture clash was just as entertaining as the generational conflict. Despite all the factors that might break orher couples apart, Chana and Maguire are remarkably well matched and "equally yoked", as they both seek spiritual guidance to navigate the changes in their lives. Even so, I thought Chana took an awfully big 'leap of faith' when she booked a wedding venue cancelation spot before Maguire had even proposed.
My favorite part was the wedding rehersal where they wore traditional attire from their native countries, rather than do so at the ceremony itself.
I purchased a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to share my review.
As in, she is Hindi from India and he is a Scot transplant in the USA, and both sets of parents still live in their countries of origin. The culture clash was just as entertaining as the generational conflict. Despite all the factors that might break orher couples apart, Chana and Maguire are remarkably well matched and "equally yoked", as they both seek spiritual guidance to navigate the changes in their lives. Even so, I thought Chana took an awfully big 'leap of faith' when she booked a wedding venue cancelation spot before Maguire had even proposed.
My favorite part was the wedding rehersal where they wore traditional attire from their native countries, rather than do so at the ceremony itself.
I purchased a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to share my review.
January 8, 2022
I didn't want to put this book down! It was slightly different than romances that I usually read in that the boyfriend and girlfriend were already together - the issue was around getting engaged. There was a scene where Mag found out Chahna had done something in secret and I was super nervous to see what would happen - I felt like I was feeling the angst right along with Chahna! Chahna's parents and their matchmaking ways also added to this story. If you like contemporary Christian romance, I highly recommend this book!
January 3, 2022
This book was my favorite from the series (and the series was great so that means something!) I loved the clash of cultures. It was like it was a constant argument, just a view of how they were different, and it was all so interesting! And I mean I’m always a sucker for Scottish characters, so I pretty much instantly fell in love with Mag. He and Ana were so cute together and them dealing with Ana’s parents trying to set her up with someone else was cute too. It was such a fun read!
July 3, 2025
Tiara Trust
It was my first time reading a book by this author and it did not disappoint. Normally short stories tend to be choppy but this was not. The characters were Cleary defined and could be identified with.
I would recommend this book and would take up another written by the author. The wedding setting could have done with a little more description due to it being so special but it is understandable due to book length
It was my first time reading a book by this author and it did not disappoint. Normally short stories tend to be choppy but this was not. The characters were Cleary defined and could be identified with.
I would recommend this book and would take up another written by the author. The wedding setting could have done with a little more description due to it being so special but it is understandable due to book length
November 5, 2021
How would you react when you discover the wedding venue you booked becomes available a lot faster than you think and you aren't even engaged yet? That's the situation Chahna finds herself in. A Holly, Bolly Christmas is a wonderful story with humor, romance, and tension.
August 17, 2024
This is a fun story of a cross cultural romance and how they navigate her parents and his background. There's also the small matter of her booking the wedding location before he's ever proposed... I enjoyed it.
October 14, 2023
Chahna parents were so disrespectful. I would have gotten married without them.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews