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So, This Is Christmas #1
Vánoční prázdniny
Když Finley přijela zpátky z internátní školy do svého rodného městečka Christmas, očekávala, že všechno bude při starém. V předchozích šestnácti letech se tam nikdy nic nezměnilo. Teď se však při návratu dozví, že její nejlepší kamarádka randí s jejím bývalým klukem, její rodiče se rozvádějí a holka, kterou nesnáší, brigádničí v penzionu její babičky. A rozhodně nečekala, že v tomhle podniku narazí na svého spolužáka, kterého tak trochu přesvědčila, že městečko Christmas je synonymem malebné sváteční idylky. Teď je na ní, aby si z něj odvezl všechny zážitky, které mu slíbila. Dokáže vánoční atmosféru plnou lásky vykouzlit i sama pro sebe?
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,283 reviews
September 22, 2021
Actual rating: 3,5
So... this is cute!
It was like watching a Hallmark movie, which does make sense since the author Tracy Andreen writes for Hallmark.
Reading So, This Is Christmas was like taking a ride in a Time Machine that brought me back to 2013, the year I discovered ya contemporaries written in English (in case you didn't know, English is not my first language) and fell in love with them, took the turn and never got back...
I can't even point why it is, but this book made me nostalgic...
I loved, loved, loved the idea of a town called Christmas, and the comedy about it not living up to it's name made me enjoy reading about it so much.
But seriously, wouldn't it be amazing to live in a town with a name and structure like that?
I would love to be a resident there...
The cast of characters was... likeable. I mean it, I liked everyone who appeared (although I couldn't understand some's way of thinking), and Finley was lovely narrator.
This book was written in first person.
Arthur was so polite and also mysterious but visible at the same time, it was pleasure to read about him.
Since this is ya book there is some teen angst and some drama, which I do get, because it is not easy to come home and see your bff making out with your ex bf. Who would accept it nonchalantly anyway?
However, I couldn't understand Finley's mother for the life of me. Like, you didn't see your daughter for months and now when she's home you're not there??
Other than that, everything was sweet, funny, cute... delightful. Especially those cute moments between Finley and Arthur, and the end scene... it was just so... cute!
So... this is cute!
It was like watching a Hallmark movie, which does make sense since the author Tracy Andreen writes for Hallmark.
Reading So, This Is Christmas was like taking a ride in a Time Machine that brought me back to 2013, the year I discovered ya contemporaries written in English (in case you didn't know, English is not my first language) and fell in love with them, took the turn and never got back...
I can't even point why it is, but this book made me nostalgic...
I loved, loved, loved the idea of a town called Christmas, and the comedy about it not living up to it's name made me enjoy reading about it so much.
But seriously, wouldn't it be amazing to live in a town with a name and structure like that?
I would love to be a resident there...
The cast of characters was... likeable. I mean it, I liked everyone who appeared (although I couldn't understand some's way of thinking), and Finley was lovely narrator.
This book was written in first person.
Arthur was so polite and also mysterious but visible at the same time, it was pleasure to read about him.
Since this is ya book there is some teen angst and some drama, which I do get, because it is not easy to come home and see your bff making out with your ex bf. Who would accept it nonchalantly anyway?
However, I couldn't understand Finley's mother for the life of me. Like, you didn't see your daughter for months and now when she's home you're not there??
Other than that, everything was sweet, funny, cute... delightful. Especially those cute moments between Finley and Arthur, and the end scene... it was just so... cute!
Read
January 2, 2023DNF @ 50%
I just was kind of bored with this one to be honest! I can't pinpoint why I didn't vibe with it but I just didn't.
I just was kind of bored with this one to be honest! I can't pinpoint why I didn't vibe with it but I just didn't.
February 3, 2022
Actual Stars 4.5
I started this review before Christmas so you'll notice that I refer to the holiday's. Yes people...I'm THAT behind on my reviews...and just getting caught up (somewhat :D). But seriously this book can be read anytime...it was one of my favorite reads of 2021.
I just loved So, This is Christmas to pieces! It’s YA but mature enough that any age range will still enjoy it because the writing is not adolescent at all. It is both plot and character driven with most of the characters capturing a special place in my heart.
I especially loved the hard of hearing, elderly and a bit terrifying cook of Holden Inn, Mrs Buzzard. And I can’t forget Steve, the willfully homeless, edible eating elf who dresses everyday in Christmas themed clothing (to go with the towns name) to avoid being thrown in jail for vagrancy. These are just a few of the memorable and wonderful characters that are a part of making this book so special to me.
Synopsis:
Finley is leaving Barrington, her upscale boarding school not just for Christmas break, but for good. She is used to being top academic dog in her small Oklahoma town and here in Connecticut she is just out of her depth.
But back in her hometown Christmas she still can’t catch a break when she finds out her ex boyfriend is now dating her (soon to be ex) best friend, her parents have separated and her arch nemesis Ayisha is working shifts with her at her grandmothers hotel.
And worst of all Arthur, an English transfer student who attends Barrington with Finley has popped up unexpectedly in her small town demanding she show him and his aunt a true American Christmas. All because Finley may or may not have completely and falsely revamped her towns website to make it seem like the perfect winter getaway.
Now Finley has to show Arthur and his Auntie Esha a good time without letting anyone know she hacked into her towns website as well as deciding if she should stay in Christmas or give Barrington a second try.
So, This is Christmas is the answer to getting in the holiday spirit for anyone who is a little down on the holidays or just a bit grinchy. It certainly thawed my heart a bit and got me feeling the holiday spirit, and right on the heels of Christmas.
And if you’re reading this review after the holidays I would highly suggest this anytime throughout the year. TA wrote this tale in such a delightful manner, weaving comedy, feel good moments and a touch of tough love.
Also this is the first in a series..as well as a debut book. Bravo Tracy Andreen! I’m so excited to see if Finley and Arthur’s story continues or if we get too see into the life of a supporting character. I think Ayisha would be interesting. Or maybe it will be a whole new cast of characters. Whatever the case, I’m ready for another TA book.
Fun Fact: Author Tracy Andreen is also a screenplay writer for multiple Hallmark and Lifetime Movies. Hallmark is not really my thing but I’d be up for watching some Lifetime drama. 😁
November 15, 2021
This YA Christmas Romance by Tracy Andreen was sooo cute. Finley may have slightly exaggerated the charm of her hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma to her not so welcoming boarding school classmates up in Connecticut. When she flies home after a sad incident, unsure if she wants to return, Arthur, a posh British classmate follows, believing her false hype that Christmas, Oklahoma is the merry winter wonderland of the Route 66 corridor. Finley is then forced to cobble together fun Christmas experiences (5 candy canes for the awesome reindeer scene!!), and even though they profess not to like each other one bit, the chemistry between her and Arthur is pretty adorable. This was the perfect Hallmark type read, set in an economically hard-hit Oklahoma town (I love unique settings like this), with the perfect dose of Christmas cheer. I loved it!
November 18, 2021
I picked this up on a lark based on the name and the fact that the author writes Hallmark Christmas movies, and I was not disappointed! This is a very cute Christmas YA book. A lot of Christmas books feel overly-saccharine to me, but this one struck the right balance. Finley goes home from her elite East Coast boarding school to her hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma for Christmas break only to find out that one of her classmates has brought his aunt to celebrate the holiday at her family's inn after seeing the fabricated photos she put on the town's website to gain points with her snooty classmates. Tons of imperfect family drama, crushes, and quirky small-town Christmas fun.
December 27, 2025
Hallmark holiday book 🎄
December 29, 2021
Christmas might be over but that doesn't mean my streak of Christmas books is! So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen is a young adult holiday novel, and I thought it was super cute! There was even something that managed to surprise me, and I wasn't expecting that from this type of book at all. I actually didn't realize until after the fact that it is a debut as well, and I definitely think that Andreen is off to a promising start! I loved the mix of humor, tough topics, and general Christmas magic, and loved so many of the characters. I was delighted to see this is the first of a series, and even more excited to see that Andreen has written 9 Hallmark Christmas movies! You had better believe I will be doing my best to find out what those are and watching them ASAP.
I really enjoyed this one on audio as well which is narrated by Helen Laser. Laser was so fun to listen to and I loved her accent for Arthur! I would definitely recommend So, This Is Christmas in either format, but I do have to say that the book is beautiful! I loved the pattern on the bottom of every page inside and the cover is a real stunner, so I'm very happy I own a copy thanks to my Secret Santa this year. I could totally see this being a Hallmark movie even though it is centered on a younger audience, and I know other adults will also appreciate this book if they love Hallmark-esque romcoms. There is the romance aspect, but I also loved that Andreen talks about family and friendships as well. Overall, this is a lighter, heartwarming read that is sure to brighten your day!
I really enjoyed this one on audio as well which is narrated by Helen Laser. Laser was so fun to listen to and I loved her accent for Arthur! I would definitely recommend So, This Is Christmas in either format, but I do have to say that the book is beautiful! I loved the pattern on the bottom of every page inside and the cover is a real stunner, so I'm very happy I own a copy thanks to my Secret Santa this year. I could totally see this being a Hallmark movie even though it is centered on a younger audience, and I know other adults will also appreciate this book if they love Hallmark-esque romcoms. There is the romance aspect, but I also loved that Andreen talks about family and friendships as well. Overall, this is a lighter, heartwarming read that is sure to brighten your day!
December 11, 2024
Сподобалось майже все, крім ситуації з колишньою подругою та хлопцем жгг, вона перестала з ними спілкуватися, бо вони стали зустрічатися, але УВАГА вона з хлопцем розійшлася, і вона була ініціатором, і за весь час вона нормально не спілкувалась з подругою, поки була в іншій країні на навчанні, але вона образилась на те, що вони стали зустрічатися. Фраза
«друзі не зустрічаються із твоїми колишніми — і навпаки, — не спитавши попередньо дозволу, особливо коли йдеться про найкращих друзів. Це універсальне правило.» мене вбила, щось ніде її не чула. Рятували ситуацію Артур, і бабуся Фінлі та тітка Артура.
«друзі не зустрічаються із твоїми колишніми — і навпаки, — не спитавши попередньо дозволу, особливо коли йдеться про найкращих друзів. Це універсальне правило.» мене вбила, щось ніде її не чула. Рятували ситуацію Артур, і бабуся Фінлі та тітка Артура.
Want to Read
December 13, 2021dnf-ed at page 60. it was cute, but i just wasn’t that into it. on a side note, the author wrote a bunch of hallmark christmas movies which is so cool!!
December 15, 2022
Lekka, przyjemna, typowo świąteczna historia.
March 2, 2024
4/5 🌟
3/5 ❤️🩹
3/5 🥰
0/5 🌶️
0/5 🔎
2/5 😰A
2/5 🎭C
1/5 🎭T
⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️
Car Accident
Homophobia/Lesbophobia
Bullying
Toxic Friendship
Profanity
Body Shaming
Alcohol Use
Marijuana Use
Injury
Injury Detail
🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️
Let It Snow meets Dash and Lily's Book of Dares in this small-town Christmas romance.
When Finley Brown returned to her hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma, from boarding school, she expected to find it just as she left it. Christmas hasn't changed much in her sixteen years. But instead she returns to find that her best friend is dating her ex-boyfriend, her parents have separated, and her archnemesis got a job working at her grandmother's inn. And she certainly didn't expect to find the boy she may or may not have tricked into believing that Christmas was an idyllic holiday paradise on her grandmother's doorstep. It's up to Finley to make sure he gets the Christmas he was promised. This is Finley's Christmas. It's about home and family and friends and finding her place, and along the way she also finds the best Christmas present of all: love.
🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph
COMMUNITY REVIEWS
SUMMARY OF 955 REVIEWS
Moods
lighthearted 95%
funny 63%
hopeful 33%
emotional 31%
relaxing 21%
adventurous 11%
inspiring 10%
reflective 7%
Pace
medium 66%
fast 23%
slow 9%
Plot- or character-driven?
Character: 46% | A mix: 39% | Plot: 14%
Strong character development?
Yes: 72% | No: 18% | It's complicated: 8%
Loveable characters?
Yes: 82% | No: 9% | It's complicated: 7% | N/A: 1%
Diverse cast of characters?
Yes: 84% | No: 10% | It's complicated: 3%
Flaws of characters a main focus?
Yes: 57% | No: 25% | It's complicated: 15% | N/A: 2%
Average rating
3.52
🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔
Absolutely the sweetest little romcom! I adored reading this and was really rooting for things to work out for Finley and Arthur. As well as for Jo and Auntie Isha and even surly Aisha.
One thing I did not care for was the way Finley’s best friend, ex boyfriend and Aisha treated Finley because of how her life has played out thanks to luck, a loving family and just being in the right place at the right time.
RATING KEY:
🌟 Stars - based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️🩹 Emotions - based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰 Romance - based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️ Spice - based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎 Mystery - based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰 Scared/Anxious - based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭 Comedy/Tragedy based on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
3/5 ❤️🩹
3/5 🥰
0/5 🌶️
0/5 🔎
2/5 😰A
2/5 🎭C
1/5 🎭T
⚠️⛔️TRIGGERS:⛔️⚠️
Car Accident
Homophobia/Lesbophobia
Bullying
Toxic Friendship
Profanity
Body Shaming
Alcohol Use
Marijuana Use
Injury
Injury Detail
🗯️💬BOOK BLURB:💬🗯️
Let It Snow meets Dash and Lily's Book of Dares in this small-town Christmas romance.
When Finley Brown returned to her hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma, from boarding school, she expected to find it just as she left it. Christmas hasn't changed much in her sixteen years. But instead she returns to find that her best friend is dating her ex-boyfriend, her parents have separated, and her archnemesis got a job working at her grandmother's inn. And she certainly didn't expect to find the boy she may or may not have tricked into believing that Christmas was an idyllic holiday paradise on her grandmother's doorstep. It's up to Finley to make sure he gets the Christmas he was promised. This is Finley's Christmas. It's about home and family and friends and finding her place, and along the way she also finds the best Christmas present of all: love.
🌎📖OVERALL REVIEWS📖🌎
Courtesy of Storygraph
COMMUNITY REVIEWS
SUMMARY OF 955 REVIEWS
Moods
lighthearted 95%
funny 63%
hopeful 33%
emotional 31%
relaxing 21%
adventurous 11%
inspiring 10%
reflective 7%
Pace
medium 66%
fast 23%
slow 9%
Plot- or character-driven?
Character: 46% | A mix: 39% | Plot: 14%
Strong character development?
Yes: 72% | No: 18% | It's complicated: 8%
Loveable characters?
Yes: 82% | No: 9% | It's complicated: 7% | N/A: 1%
Diverse cast of characters?
Yes: 84% | No: 10% | It's complicated: 3%
Flaws of characters a main focus?
Yes: 57% | No: 25% | It's complicated: 15% | N/A: 2%
Average rating
3.52
🤔🧐🤯MY THOUGHTS:🤯🧐🤔
Absolutely the sweetest little romcom! I adored reading this and was really rooting for things to work out for Finley and Arthur. As well as for Jo and Auntie Isha and even surly Aisha.
One thing I did not care for was the way Finley’s best friend, ex boyfriend and Aisha treated Finley because of how her life has played out thanks to luck, a loving family and just being in the right place at the right time.
RATING KEY:
🌟 Stars - based on the overall plot and theme or idea of the book
❤️🩹 Emotions - based on how emotional I got while reading
🥰 Romance - based on how well I got invested in the love story aspect
🌶️ Spice - based on how the sex scenes were portrayed and written as well as the number of sex scenes
🔎 Mystery - based on how well it kept me guessing who, how and why
😰 Scared/Anxious - based on how scared or anxious the book made me while reading
🎭 Comedy/Tragedy based on if I laughed or if there was a tragic event and how it affected me. I will mark the Masks with either a C or T to indicate Comedy or Tragedy
December 30, 2025
3.75 starssss was super cute and made me wish it snowed here🥀
January 11, 2025
4/5
Мила, різдвяна підліткова історія кохання.
Фінлі перевелася навчатися у престижну приватну школи. Але все йде не так, як їй хотілося: навчальна програма занадто важка, друзів знайти не вдалося, з сусідкою не вжилася. Тому на Різдво дівчина повертається в рідне містечко Крістмас з наміром залишитися назавжди. І там вона несподівано зустрічає свого зарозумілого однокласника Артура, який разом з тіткою приїхав на канікули. Так і починаєтьмя їхня романтична мандрівка.
На початку, я дуже упереджено ставилася до цієї історії, Фінлі дратувала неввічливістю і поведінкою вічно незадоволеного підлітка, Артур бісив зарозумілістю. Але згодом герої почали краще розкриватися і я насолоджувалася кожною сторінкою.
Дуже гарно показана підліткова закоханість. Випадкові дотики, зніяковілі погляди, бажання проводити час разом, багато сором'язливості і збентеженості. Це було дуже мило.
На фоні історії Фінлі та Артура, також розвиваються сюжетні лінії батьків головної героїні та її бабусі, за якими теж було дуже цікаво спостерігати. Деякі сюжетні повороти були досить неочікуваними.
В цілому, це дуже мила історія з різдвяною атмосферою, яка подарує вам відчуття затишку і тепла, а також забезпечить святковим настроєм.
Мила, різдвяна підліткова історія кохання.
Фінлі перевелася навчатися у престижну приватну школи. Але все йде не так, як їй хотілося: навчальна програма занадто важка, друзів знайти не вдалося, з сусідкою не вжилася. Тому на Різдво дівчина повертається в рідне містечко Крістмас з наміром залишитися назавжди. І там вона несподівано зустрічає свого зарозумілого однокласника Артура, який разом з тіткою приїхав на канікули. Так і починаєтьмя їхня романтична мандрівка.
На початку, я дуже упереджено ставилася до цієї історії, Фінлі дратувала неввічливістю і поведінкою вічно незадоволеного підлітка, Артур бісив зарозумілістю. Але згодом герої почали краще розкриватися і я насолоджувалася кожною сторінкою.
Дуже гарно показана підліткова закоханість. Випадкові дотики, зніяковілі погляди, бажання проводити час разом, багато сором'язливості і збентеженості. Це було дуже мило.
На фоні історії Фінлі та Артура, також розвиваються сюжетні лінії батьків головної героїні та її бабусі, за якими теж було дуже цікаво спостерігати. Деякі сюжетні повороти були досить неочікуваними.
В цілому, це дуже мила історія з різдвяною атмосферою, яка подарує вам відчуття затишку і тепла, а також забезпечить святковим настроєм.
November 13, 2022
tracy andreen has failed me
----------
tracy andreen, who has written over 20 Hallmark Christmas movies, wrote this ya Christmas book. at that point, she's more Christmas than anyone else, like, that's basically dethroning Santa.
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tracy andreen, who has written over 20 Hallmark Christmas movies, wrote this ya Christmas book. at that point, she's more Christmas than anyone else, like, that's basically dethroning Santa.
July 6, 2025
3,5/5 ~ 7/10 ⭐️
це справді дуже різдвяна історія – я навіть літом відчула більше цього вайбу, ніж від деяким різдвяних книжок узимку :) пройнялася атмосферою на всі 100%.
щодо самої історії: все було миленько, з більшим акцентом на підліткові проблеми. Фінлі переживає нелегкий період – як і багато підлітків: проблеми у школі, непорозуміння з друзями, сімейні негаразди. все це тисне й викликає сумніви. хоч Різдво й на носі, але насолоджуватися передчуттям дива складно в такій ситуації.
у рідне містечко Фінлі перед Різдвом приїжджає її однокласник з елітної школи зі своєю тіткою. і Фінлі здається, що це ще одні труднощі, з якими доведеться якось розбиратися. проте мотиви Артура і його тітоньки Еші зовсім не такі, як вона вважала спочатку.
більшість книжки – це те, як Фінлі намагається знайти рішення у всьому. багато переживань, і через це вона відчуває себе нещасною. єдиною розрадою стає Артур. романтики тут небагато, але класно змальоване зародження чогось більшого: описано весь спектр емоцій – від сором'язливості до трепетних почуттів.
моментами здавалося, що цікавого якось малувато, але ближче до кінця я багато посміхалася, бо ця історія викликала у мене теплі відчуття.
не певна, що читатиму продовження, але якщо взяти цю книжку у якісь засніжені дні – то дуже навіть лайк по вайбу :)
це справді дуже різдвяна історія – я навіть літом відчула більше цього вайбу, ніж від деяким різдвяних книжок узимку :) пройнялася атмосферою на всі 100%.
щодо самої історії: все було миленько, з більшим акцентом на підліткові проблеми. Фінлі переживає нелегкий період – як і багато підлітків: проблеми у школі, непорозуміння з друзями, сімейні негаразди. все це тисне й викликає сумніви. хоч Різдво й на носі, але насолоджуватися передчуттям дива складно в такій ситуації.
у рідне містечко Фінлі перед Різдвом приїжджає її однокласник з елітної школи зі своєю тіткою. і Фінлі здається, що це ще одні труднощі, з якими доведеться якось розбиратися. проте мотиви Артура і його тітоньки Еші зовсім не такі, як вона вважала спочатку.
більшість книжки – це те, як Фінлі намагається знайти рішення у всьому. багато переживань, і через це вона відчуває себе нещасною. єдиною розрадою стає Артур. романтики тут небагато, але класно змальоване зародження чогось більшого: описано весь спектр емоцій – від сором'язливості до трепетних почуттів.
моментами здавалося, що цікавого якось малувато, але ближче до кінця я багато посміхалася, бо ця історія викликала у мене теплі відчуття.
не певна, що читатиму продовження, але якщо взяти цю книжку у якісь засніжені дні – то дуже навіть лайк по вайбу :)
September 4, 2021
Super cute and wholesome Christmas romance!
So, This Is Christmas follows Finley during her first winter break after leaving her hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma to attend a prestigious boarding school in Connecticut. When she gets home, a lot has changed: her best friend is dating her ex-boyfriend, her parents have separated, and her archnemesis got a job working at her grandmother's inn. Not to mention one of her posh British classmates just appeared on the doorstep of her grandmother's inn, expecting a perfect American Christmas. It's up to Finley to make sure he gets the Christmas he was promised.
PS there's no love triangle - the archnemesis isn't the beginning of an enemies to lovers arc lmao. The love interest is the British one ;D
I thought this book was very heartwarming and a feel-good read perfect for Christmastime! Seeing FInley's relationship with Arthur develop was so adorably cute - I just love the two of them each other so much. They got to learn a lot more about each other over this holiday break together, and the various holiday activities they did together made everything feel like a cheesy, romantic Hallmark movie (in a good way!). This makes sense because the author actually writes Hallmark movies lol.
Outside of the romance, the book focuses a lot on family and friendship. It was great to see reconciliation and mature conversations between family/friends, and how everything came together in the end made me super happy. The book talks about resilience (specifically when it comes to school and relationships), and I really liked it!
Also, there was sapphic rep in this book which I'm all for. It's between two side characters and i"ll admit, it did come as a surprise because I thought the romance was going in a completely different direction but yk what, I live for it. Sapphic supremacy y'all. This relationship plays a major part in the story, and honestly it was great to see. Those two are so cute.
I will note that a lot of the tension surrounding this relationship was related to coming out (it wasn't like a "oh hey these two side characters got together" kind of thing, this relationship had its own obstacles and difficulties). Even though I'm sapphic, I can't really speak on that aspect of the plot/how well it was done, so it's not really my place to make an evaluation. I did like the discussions around homophobia still persisting til this day, even if some parts of the world seem more accepting than others.
This isn't a 5-star read because I found myself enjoying the first 75% of the book more than the last 25%. The third-act conflict and its resolution wasn't my favorite, but it still gave off those iconic Hallmark movie vibes.
Nevertheless, I'd definitely recommend this book!
Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So, This Is Christmas follows Finley during her first winter break after leaving her hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma to attend a prestigious boarding school in Connecticut. When she gets home, a lot has changed: her best friend is dating her ex-boyfriend, her parents have separated, and her archnemesis got a job working at her grandmother's inn. Not to mention one of her posh British classmates just appeared on the doorstep of her grandmother's inn, expecting a perfect American Christmas. It's up to Finley to make sure he gets the Christmas he was promised.
PS there's no love triangle - the archnemesis isn't the beginning of an enemies to lovers arc lmao. The love interest is the British one ;D
I thought this book was very heartwarming and a feel-good read perfect for Christmastime! Seeing FInley's relationship with Arthur develop was so adorably cute - I just love the two of them each other so much. They got to learn a lot more about each other over this holiday break together, and the various holiday activities they did together made everything feel like a cheesy, romantic Hallmark movie (in a good way!). This makes sense because the author actually writes Hallmark movies lol.
Outside of the romance, the book focuses a lot on family and friendship. It was great to see reconciliation and mature conversations between family/friends, and how everything came together in the end made me super happy. The book talks about resilience (specifically when it comes to school and relationships), and I really liked it!
Also, there was sapphic rep in this book which I'm all for. It's between two side characters and i"ll admit, it did come as a surprise because I thought the romance was going in a completely different direction but yk what, I live for it. Sapphic supremacy y'all. This relationship plays a major part in the story, and honestly it was great to see. Those two are so cute.
I will note that a lot of the tension surrounding this relationship was related to coming out (it wasn't like a "oh hey these two side characters got together" kind of thing, this relationship had its own obstacles and difficulties). Even though I'm sapphic, I can't really speak on that aspect of the plot/how well it was done, so it's not really my place to make an evaluation. I did like the discussions around homophobia still persisting til this day, even if some parts of the world seem more accepting than others.
This isn't a 5-star read because I found myself enjoying the first 75% of the book more than the last 25%. The third-act conflict and its resolution wasn't my favorite, but it still gave off those iconic Hallmark movie vibes.
Nevertheless, I'd definitely recommend this book!
Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2021
Okay, wow, this book caught me by surprise. I was in the mood for a fun and cute christmas story and that is exactly what I got! It reminded me so much of my favorite christmas movies and it gave me a warm and cozy feeling.
I really liked our main character Finley and I think that I would have been friends with her, if I knew her. She was clever (except for a few times, where she acted way out of character) and nice and had a way to handle things, that felt very realistic for a teenage girl. I also fell in love with Arthur in the first few chapters and I was so happy with him as a love interest.
This book gave me a lot of emotions and I was quite okay with that. I laughed, I cried and in the end I may even shed some happy tears.
What I enjoyed most was, that there was more to that story than the romance. Finley had some other stuff she had to deal with and it was nice to see the focus shifting.
I really liked our main character Finley and I think that I would have been friends with her, if I knew her. She was clever (except for a few times, where she acted way out of character) and nice and had a way to handle things, that felt very realistic for a teenage girl. I also fell in love with Arthur in the first few chapters and I was so happy with him as a love interest.
This book gave me a lot of emotions and I was quite okay with that. I laughed, I cried and in the end I may even shed some happy tears.
What I enjoyed most was, that there was more to that story than the romance. Finley had some other stuff she had to deal with and it was nice to see the focus shifting.
December 16, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a really cute YA Christmas read. I really liked the setting of the town of Christmas as well as the Inn.
This book really reminded me of a Hallmark movie and it would make an amazing adaptation to watch during the holiday season.
I really liked the surprises/reveals in this story and could see how this would occur in real life. That could be said for both Finley's parents as well as her grandmother.
An overall enjoyable read that will surely put you in a Christmas mood.
***I received an ARC of this book from Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review***
This was a really cute YA Christmas read. I really liked the setting of the town of Christmas as well as the Inn.
This book really reminded me of a Hallmark movie and it would make an amazing adaptation to watch during the holiday season.
I really liked the surprises/reveals in this story and could see how this would occur in real life. That could be said for both Finley's parents as well as her grandmother.
An overall enjoyable read that will surely put you in a Christmas mood.
***I received an ARC of this book from Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review***
July 20, 2021
Full Review on The Candid Cover
So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen is a feel-good romcom filled with misadventures and Christmas cheer. The main character is easy to root for, and the book’s setting of Christmas, Oklahoma is vividly described, making for an immersive reading experience. This is the perfect book to celebrate the holidays, or Christmas in July.
After posting misleading photos of her hometown, Christmas, Oklahoma, Finley never expects a boy from her prestigious boarding school to show up with his aunt, expecting a perfect American Christmas. However, the town is far from the holiday paradise Finley made it out to be, and Christmas isn’t the same for her as her parents got a divorce and her best friend started dating her ex while she was away at school. As a distraction, and out of guilt for her visitors’ disappointment, she agrees to try her best to give them a magical Christmas anyway
❀ ENTERTAINING MAIN CHARACTER
Finley is a realistic character, and I enjoyed tagging along on her tour of Christmas. I really felt for her, as she was always the smartest in school, but away at boarding school, she struggles with grades and with making friends. To make matters worse, she struggles to find her place back in her hometown, as so much has changed in the time she was away. Despite this, Finley is an entertaining character, and I loved reading about how hard she tries to make Arthur’s visit enjoyable.
❀ CHRISTMASSY ATMOSPHERE
One of the book’s strongest elements is its Christmassy atmosphere. The author has done a fantastic job capturing all the charms of small-town Oklahoma, and I enjoyed the quirkiness of the entirely Christmas-themed town. Throughout the book, there are many vividly described festive activities, from a Christmas parade to a sleigh ride, and these had me itching to celebrate the holidays despite the current summer heat.
❀ FESTIVE MISHAPS
So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen is an entertaining read about finding your place. I enjoyed the festive mishaps throughout the story, and the main character is relatable. Finley’s hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma jumps off the page, and the book’s generous helping of Christmas cheer makes it the perfect read to cozy up with over the holidays.
So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen is a feel-good romcom filled with misadventures and Christmas cheer. The main character is easy to root for, and the book’s setting of Christmas, Oklahoma is vividly described, making for an immersive reading experience. This is the perfect book to celebrate the holidays, or Christmas in July.
After posting misleading photos of her hometown, Christmas, Oklahoma, Finley never expects a boy from her prestigious boarding school to show up with his aunt, expecting a perfect American Christmas. However, the town is far from the holiday paradise Finley made it out to be, and Christmas isn’t the same for her as her parents got a divorce and her best friend started dating her ex while she was away at school. As a distraction, and out of guilt for her visitors’ disappointment, she agrees to try her best to give them a magical Christmas anyway
❀ ENTERTAINING MAIN CHARACTER
Finley is a realistic character, and I enjoyed tagging along on her tour of Christmas. I really felt for her, as she was always the smartest in school, but away at boarding school, she struggles with grades and with making friends. To make matters worse, she struggles to find her place back in her hometown, as so much has changed in the time she was away. Despite this, Finley is an entertaining character, and I loved reading about how hard she tries to make Arthur’s visit enjoyable.
❀ CHRISTMASSY ATMOSPHERE
One of the book’s strongest elements is its Christmassy atmosphere. The author has done a fantastic job capturing all the charms of small-town Oklahoma, and I enjoyed the quirkiness of the entirely Christmas-themed town. Throughout the book, there are many vividly described festive activities, from a Christmas parade to a sleigh ride, and these had me itching to celebrate the holidays despite the current summer heat.
❀ FESTIVE MISHAPS
So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen is an entertaining read about finding your place. I enjoyed the festive mishaps throughout the story, and the main character is relatable. Finley’s hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma jumps off the page, and the book’s generous helping of Christmas cheer makes it the perfect read to cozy up with over the holidays.
December 25, 2021
The audio book was phenomenal! narrator Helen Laser really captured 16 yo Finley’s snark and Arthur’s proper British accent perfectly, making the characters’ personalities jump off the page.
Tracy Andreen’s debut is fantastic! I love Hallmark romances and this one is definitely the teen version of everything I find cozy about coming home for Christmas and finding love, especially if you come from Christmas Oklahoma! No surprises here as author Tracy Andreen has written Nine Christmas movies for Hallmark and Lifetime. This perfect Christmas read checked all the boxes for me and made me laugh out loud! An enemies to love trope in a perfect small town called Christmas, it’s the perfect place to fall in love!
Tracy Andreen’s debut is fantastic! I love Hallmark romances and this one is definitely the teen version of everything I find cozy about coming home for Christmas and finding love, especially if you come from Christmas Oklahoma! No surprises here as author Tracy Andreen has written Nine Christmas movies for Hallmark and Lifetime. This perfect Christmas read checked all the boxes for me and made me laugh out loud! An enemies to love trope in a perfect small town called Christmas, it’s the perfect place to fall in love!
January 31, 2022
Awww this was cute (and it never made me mad! which apparently is a rare thing around these here parts) but I did get whiplash with the Oklahoma and British accents in first five minutes of audiobook. I was definitely confused but it all fell together. As most YA, this was more of a personal journey with a garnish of romance but I did like the characters so it worked. I definitely liked how she felt so out of place at her new school because everyone there was gifted so she wasn’t special anymore. Her struggles seemed real and I did empathize with her.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Did Not Finish
December 6, 2022I really was excited to read this book but it just wasn't what I thought it was going to be.
There was way too much swearing in this book.
Finley ends up in her hometown for Christmas. Due to the fact that she edited the town's website to lie about how great the Christmas festivities are in that town. That whole thing was weird and just so stupid.
I only got to chapter 2 and I could already tell I wasn't going to enjoy this book.
There was way too much swearing in this book.
Finley ends up in her hometown for Christmas. Due to the fact that she edited the town's website to lie about how great the Christmas festivities are in that town. That whole thing was weird and just so stupid.
I only got to chapter 2 and I could already tell I wasn't going to enjoy this book.
December 22, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ Cute YA holiday romance but definitely felt a bit long.
December 11, 2024
Це було дууууже мило, святково, романтично й водночас весело☺️
December 11, 2022
Pragnę przypomina, że książki świąteczne oceniam w ich własnej kategori, stąd ta duża ilość gwiazdek 😅
Ale do rzeczy, spędziłam z tą książką absolutny wspaniały dzień! Była przeurocza i bawiłam się wyśmienicie. Zaskakująco mało cringu, co się rzadko zdarza w świątecznych książkach.
Ale do rzeczy, spędziłam z tą książką absolutny wspaniały dzień! Była przeurocza i bawiłam się wyśmienicie. Zaskakująco mało cringu, co się rzadko zdarza w świątecznych książkach.
December 31, 2021
What a December guys. I've read so many holiday-themed books and they all got me into the spirit. But I think I need a huge break from them, so I'm happy that So, This Is Christmas will be my last holiday-themed book for 2021.
In this, you will meet Finley and Arthur. Know they each other from school but I wouldn't necessarily say they were friends there. More like acquaintances. So, when Arthur comes to Finley's town, Christmas, and demands an epic Christmas. Well, it's safe to say she's surprised. Maybe in shock.
Things honestly didn't go smoothly at all. It was hilarious every time things went chaotic. The reindeer sleigh rides, grumpy elves, and a romance mystery were such a joy. I also really enjoyed Arthur. He was probably my favorite character the entire time.
As for the drama? Eh. I knew it was coming but I didn't see what the big deal was. Luckily, for everyone involved, things simmered down and the truth came out. The Christmas magic was sprinkled over everyone, and we get a happy ending. It was definitely a cute story, and I could totally see it becoming a movie.
In this, you will meet Finley and Arthur. Know they each other from school but I wouldn't necessarily say they were friends there. More like acquaintances. So, when Arthur comes to Finley's town, Christmas, and demands an epic Christmas. Well, it's safe to say she's surprised. Maybe in shock.
Things honestly didn't go smoothly at all. It was hilarious every time things went chaotic. The reindeer sleigh rides, grumpy elves, and a romance mystery were such a joy. I also really enjoyed Arthur. He was probably my favorite character the entire time.
As for the drama? Eh. I knew it was coming but I didn't see what the big deal was. Luckily, for everyone involved, things simmered down and the truth came out. The Christmas magic was sprinkled over everyone, and we get a happy ending. It was definitely a cute story, and I could totally see it becoming a movie.
November 23, 2022
|2 Stars| 40%| Ages 15+|
Whelp. This was a waste of a holiday read. It kinda made me less excited for Christmas but also in a strange way, hyped me up!
Whelp. This was a waste of a holiday read. It kinda made me less excited for Christmas but also in a strange way, hyped me up!
December 9, 2024
4.5
Бо я не люблю в сучасних творах те, що віднині буду називати "американізмом"
Але
Це мило, легко й святково) Коментарі перекладача дуже розгорнуті й класні (тільки не розумію, чому такий саме переклад назви - мене, наприклад, він спочатку відвернув від книги)
З цього вийшов би кльовий різдвяний фільм) З оленями, снігом, персонажами)
Читається за два вечора)
Бо я не люблю в сучасних творах те, що віднині буду називати "американізмом"
Але
Це мило, легко й святково) Коментарі перекладача дуже розгорнуті й класні (тільки не розумію, чому такий саме переклад назви - мене, наприклад, він спочатку відвернув від книги)
З цього вийшов би кльовий різдвяний фільм) З оленями, снігом, персонажами)
Читається за два вечора)
October 28, 2021
This book somehow managed to have every trope I don't like in a story. Incredulous Americans who are weirded out by other cultures. Overly dramatic heroines who take everything as a personal attack. Privileged kids complaining about how privileged they are. It grated, big time.
There are a couple of sweet moments and the background wlw rep was nice but Finley was too much for me and it just made reading this book a chore. If Arthur or Ayisha had been the main character, I might have enjoyed this more - they had so much personality! - but with Finley in the lead, I couldn't stand it.
There are a couple of sweet moments and the background wlw rep was nice but Finley was too much for me and it just made reading this book a chore. If Arthur or Ayisha had been the main character, I might have enjoyed this more - they had so much personality! - but with Finley in the lead, I couldn't stand it.
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