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The Politics of Christmas

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***Front Row Entertainment has officially optioned Politics of Christmas for the big screen!***

Stella Harper finally achieved her childhood dream of becoming a presidential campaign manager. But when she is notified of her mama's deteriorating health, she makes the difficult decision to fly home to Mississippi for Christmas to try and convince the stubborn woman to move into the local nursing home. However, she comes face-to-face with her very own Ghost of Christmas Past, a.k.a her ex-fiancé, a little too soon. Stella is forced to reevaluate the actions that led her to her present life-the good, the bad, and the heart-breaking.

Lucas Grady, high school teacher and soccer coach, is on the verge of becoming the Athletic Director for Dasher Valley High. To secure the position, he needs to impress the higher-ups by putting together the booths for the (Not So) Winter Wonderland for all the sports teams at his school. But his personal Ghost of Christmas Past swoops into his life after ten years and threatens every plan he’s made. Struggling to forgive the one person who tore his world apart, Lucas must find a way to reconcile his desires with the punt God has kicked his way.

When forced to help each other through the Christmas season, they get an opportunity to mend their pasts, live fully in their presents, and decide the fate of their futures.

Stella plans to be in and out of Mississippi. Lucas is counting down the days until she leaves for good. Neither seek a second chance, but God has a way of jumbling the best laid plans.

The Politics of Christmas is a second chance, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers sweet romance filled with faith, humor, and small-town Christmas shenanigans.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2022

47 people are currently reading
946 people want to read

About the author

Drew Taylor

25 books388 followers
Drew Taylor writes modern closed-door chick-lit romance stories from a Biblical worldview. She believes faith-based romance can be full of heart, humor, healing, and hope while showcasing the reality of our fallen human condition. Her redemptive and engaging stories point to the One who embodies true love–Jesus Christ.

Drew lives in the great state of Mississippi where she teaches high school English. When not teaching or writing, she enjoys reading, baking, researching conspiracy theories, and spending quality time with the people who mean the most to her.

Follow Drew:

Instagram: @authordrewtaylor
Facebook: Drew Taylor, Author
TikTok: @drewtaylorwrites
Pinterest: @authordrewtaylor
YouTube: @authordrewtaylor

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
Profile Image for Abigail McKenna.
909 reviews150 followers
June 30, 2022
It's no secret that I'm a sucker for fluffy, feel-good Christmas stories. Give me all the hot cocoa coziness! So when I heard that Drew Taylor's upcoming novel was exactly that, I was instantly excited.

Hallmark fluffiness meets Taylor Swift references with so many laugh-out-loud moments that I couldn't put the book down. It's a Christmas cookie of a book, satisfying to the sweet tooth, but with a snap of ginger spice that makes it something special.

I loved the dynamic between Lucas and Stella, as both fight to figure out how to reconcile their hurt and guilt to the feelings they still have. Their banter is everything, their chemistry is electric, and I loved seeing them grow through the other's eyes. The side characters are charming, and I absolutely adored Stella's relationship with her family. (And Lucas's relationship with her family... swoon!)

The book balances the "rom" with the "com" in perfect unison; I couldn't stop smiling the whole way through, either from the shenanigans on the page or from the adorable romantic moments. And the Christian themes! The characters praying! It meant the world to me, I loved it so much!

I already can't wait to read it again closer to the holidays. Five stars from me!

Content warnings: Kissing, some innuendo, alcohol consumption, the characters discuss saving themselves for marriage.

**I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
Profile Image for Eliza Noel.
Author 2 books99 followers
July 28, 2022
This book made me laugh out loud and wonder how the couple was ever gonna end up together. It was a light-hearted easy read and I love the author's sense of humor! While still technically clean, it was a very attraction-focused romance filled with makeout scenes and mentions of making out or wanting to. So whether this book is right for you or not just kinda depends on how much of that you're comfortable with. I do have to say, I enjoyed the Christmas vibes in July!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Chloe Hey.
300 reviews42 followers
July 6, 2022
You know when you start reading a book and then you realize your phone is going to die and you only have a few pages left? Yeah that happened to me. Do you also know the agony of seeing it die at the same moment you plug it in? Yeah that also happened to me. One of the worst three minutes of my life waiting for it to recharge!!!

This book had me hardcore laughing within the first few chapters, and then crying another few chapters later because Stella is so dang relatable.
I could see each of these characters! I could hear them too! I have made some new friends today. Because I’ve laughed at and cried with them. Oh this book was good. Drew Taylor did an amazing job and I’m pretty sure she poured a lot of herself into this book. It was too real not to be based in her own experiences.
I loved this book!!!




(Also do I smell a new one with some characters we really want to get to know coming along?)
Profile Image for Morgan Giesbrecht.
Author 2 books186 followers
December 23, 2022
Reread — December 2022

I needed something light and sweet with the right amount of laughter, and Drew always delivers! Plus, my copy with the new cover arrived, and I couldn’t resist because it’s beautiful! 💛



Original Review — June 2022

I’m a Christmas all year round gal, so a summer release Christmas book is right up my alley. In fact, I may have even cranked on the Christmas music. 😉

Drew’s writing style is lighthearted and witty. She crafted a story that made me laugh, and I so appreciated the faith elements she wove into this story of second chances and forgiveness. Beautifully done!

In the beginning, I wasn’t sure I was going to like Stella. I admired her gumption and go-getter tenaciousness, but she’s a very independent, A-type woman with chip on her shoulder and a point to prove. Her attitude just rubbed me the wrong way initially, but she quickly grew on me. (I think it was because she reminded me of myself in some ways…) Lucas is a sweetheart, and just so lovely; his banter with Stella is downright hilarious! And I’m always down for lovable side characters, and this story didn’t disappoint. Stone, the typical little brother…he made me smile. Gracie, Jared, and Hayden are great - real friends stick with you regardless of what happens.

The only things I didn’t enjoy were a matter of personal preference. There was some innuendo; alcohol consumption; and the romance/physical attraction/desire was a bit more intense than I generally read. However, I appreciated that both MCs were firm in their decision to save themselves for marriage.

Lastly, can we just swoon over the cover?! I’m obsessed.

Many thanks to Drew for trusting me with an ARC of her book baby; it was an honour to read your work!



*I received an ARC of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinions.
Profile Image for Anna.
Author 20 books328 followers
June 13, 2022
This was one of the sweetest romcoms I’ve read in a long time! Drew did the lover to enemies to lovers such justice! I loved that both parties had some fault and both apologized in the end.

Stella was a likable MC. So often I don’t relate or get so frustrated with the female MC that I race through their chapters to get to the male POV. But I really liked Stella’s internal conflict. I liked her guilt over her past mistake(s) and her slow reconciliation with Lucas.

Oh. And Lucas 😍🥰 Never has a hunk of manflesh had me swooning so much! But Drew captured a sweet yet strong male character. I loved that he was a teacher (as I am) and him loving on kids was just so stinkin’ adorable.

All in all, I loved this romcom and can’t wait for more from Drew Taylor in the future! 😍

Five out of five 🌟
Profile Image for Faith Mathewson.
Author 3 books61 followers
November 29, 2022
I am going to be honest, I went into this one so skeptical. Nothing about the story is what I gravitate toward, but I wanted to step out of my reader box and I found myself pleasantly surprised.

For not being a hallmark girl, I thought the romance was sweet and I loved seeing Stella and Lucas grow back together. It did take me a little bit to care about Stella as a character, but I think that’s definitely a personal thing.

Overall a sweet, easy read.
Profile Image for Charity.
603 reviews81 followers
July 5, 2022
I love second chance romances. The history between them, the rekindling, the making up. It's almost like an enemies to lovers romance, which is another great trope. This one was good. It was a fun, light read. Plus, I could read in my southern accent! And I really REALLY want to read the next one in the series!

Need a little Christmas in July? Look no further!

*I received this ebook for review. Opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Tiffany.
63 reviews20 followers
December 23, 2022
I like second chance stories, and I appreciated that this story highlighted forgiveness. It reminded me of how God forgives us constantly. The banter between Lucas and Stella was so cute! Sure, they had some awkward moments, but it was nice to see the obvious familiarity that they had.

I guess my main issue was the romance itself.

Yes, the main characters knew each other since they were children, so I understood why they would be attached. They were clearly comfortable with with one another. My main issue however is that there was so much emphasis on physical attraction more than anything else. I get that physical attraction is a part of romance. But it overshadows the authenticity of the relationship. Especially for two people who clearly knew each other so well. I think if there was more emphasis on character development it would have been a more relatable love story.

With that being said, there are a few sexual innuendos (for those that care). This is marketed as a clean fiction romance, not a Christian fiction romance, so I knew to be prepared for some suggestive dialogue.

Overall, it was a cute read. The epilogue really had me interested in Hayden’s story, and I hope to see how that goes.
Profile Image for Suzie.
539 reviews102 followers
July 26, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Trigger Warning: death of parents mentioned briefly

When Stella Harper gets accepted into Harvard University, she decides to leave Mississippi- and her fiance- behind. Now, ten years later, she's a successful campaign manager for politicians in New York and has just been hired to run a presidential campaign. But first she has to head home to ensure her mom has enough help while battling severe rheumatoid arthritis. That also means she'll most likely see Lucas Grady- the true love that she left behind. While Stella and Lucas initially harbor pain from their abrupt breakup, they soon find the ability to forgive each other. And as they spend time together, they realize they never truly stopped loving one another. Has God given them a second chance at happily ever after or are they meant to part ways once again?

I'm so glad I came across Drew Taylor on Bookstagram! I enjoyed reading her debut novel about Lucas and Stella. While this isn't necessarily a Christian romance, I loved how the characters frequently offered up little prayers to God and thanked Him for certain things throughout the book. And the holiday setting was fun to read even in the heat of the summer. There really isn't that much actual politics in this book, so don't let the title scare you away if that's not your thing. It really just focused on Stella's success and her struggle with whether or not to continue her political work in New York or find something similar closer to home. At first Lucas and Stella were a bit hot and cold with one another, but by the second half of the book their true feelings won out. I loved reading about their date to see the Christmas lights and slow dancing into the night. They had some really sweet moments that made it clear they should fight for their future together. While the ending did wrap up quickly, I actually really loved how it played out and was grinning from ear to ear. I can't wait to read more from Drew Taylor in the future!
Profile Image for Kristina .
1,324 reviews74 followers
June 6, 2022
The novel opens ten years ago, when Lucas Grady proposes to Stella Harper. She accepts, albeit reluctantly as they are only 18. Then she gets an unexpected acceptance letter from Harvard, very far from their plans to attend college in their home state of Mississippi.

Fast forward to the present day, where Stella is a highly successful and sought after campaign manager. She has just undertaken a presidential campaign for a third party candidate, one who actually seems to have a shot at winning—especially with Stella in his corner. She decides to return home for the first time since she left ten years ago, as her mother has rheumatoid arthritis and shouldn’t be living alone anymore. I loved the addition of the chronic illness representation and how those in Mrs. Harper’s life supported her.

Lucas, now a teacher and coach at his hometown’s high school, is roped into picking up Stella from the airport. They haven’t spoken since she ran away and ended their engagement. From their very first interaction it is clear their feelings haven’t faded over the past decade, but luckily an injury distracts them from facing those feelings.

This story was beautiful, as was seeing the growth from Stella and Lucas since they’ve not been part of each other’s lives. The humor was well balanced, providing relief from some of the more serious moments and creating a realistic story. I also loved the faith elements that were seamlessly woven throughout the lives of the characters. I cannot wait to read more from Drew Taylor!

Overall, this story was so adorable, I love these characters and am hooping for a sequel with Hayden and Darcy 🤞
Profile Image for Latisha Sexton.
Author 11 books406 followers
May 10, 2022
This debut is so sweet and fun! I loved the banter between Stella and Lucas when they see each other for the first time in ten years. I may have literally LOL at the airport scene (no spoilers here, you'll have to read it! 😉)

Although this was definitely a sweet read, there are some difficult topics that are dealt with, mainly Mariana's (Stella's mom) health issues (which is the reason Stella comes home to begin with). It was heartbreaking to see Stella realize how much she'd missed by being away from home for so long.

This book has:
💖😡💖Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
💖💖Second Chance Romance
🎄🎅Christmas!!
⛪Faith
😏Marian's sass (Stella's mom)
🚪Clean, Closed-Door Romance

I admired Stella for her determination and fierceness. Even when things were hard, she kept her head up and pushed for her dreams. And I absolutely adored Lucas! Sometimes I wanted to shake Stella because he was so hopelessly in love with her.

Overall, an amazing read and I am so excited for the second book!

**I received a complimentary copy for my honest review.
27 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2023
What a cute story! This author is new to me, and this is her first book, but I'm impressed! I love how the epilogue sets up perfectly for the next book "Polictics of Love". Looking forward to reading more by Drew Taylor.
Profile Image for IyanuOluwa Olorode.
Author 2 books48 followers
May 29, 2022
Rating 4.5 Stars.

I'm a sucker for second chance romances and the Politics of Christmas just made it to my list of favourite romance novels.

Cue in Stella Harper, a small town girl with big city dreams. The love of her life proposes to her and she says yes. Only to get her letter of admission into Harvard University. Add in a lovers' spat and she disappears for ten years. Going on to make her dreams come true.

Circumstances force her to return home ad she has to face her ex-fiance.

Honestly, I loved the backstory of the characters and how the writer set the scene to how they broke up in the first place. It was beautiful. I loved how different the MCs were and how they fit well together.

The romantic tension was hot. The flirting and bantering were cute. I loved how the characters grew. Each character was dynamic. Honestly, the side characters added spice to an already sweet story.

I might be getting ahead of myself, but I think there's a sequel to this. Hayden and Darcy's story has to be written.

The Politics of Christmas teaches a whole bunch of things. Keeping calm while angry will save you a whole lot of heartache for one. Also forgiveness is healing. Communication goes a long way. Friendship too.. well, you need friends like Jared, Hayden and Gracie.

This story sucked me in, drew tears from my eyes and made me which it was December already. Drew Taylor wrote a beautiful debut. I can't wait for her other works.
Profile Image for Anna.
157 reviews
July 5, 2022
The Politics of Christmas is a fun debut by author Drew Taylor. In this sweet, clean, rom-com, Stella returns home to her small hometown in Mississippi from years working in the Big Apple, in order to set up care for her ailing mother. She desperately hopes she won’t run into her ex-fiancé, Lucas, but she does. Throughout the novel, both Stella and Lucas discover that God has other plans for them. I loved the small town setting, it definitely felt like a Christmas movie. I enjoyed Stella as a narrator in this novel. I felt her struggle for fulfillment and joy was realistic. I also immensely enjoyed her mom! She was hilarious and made a great secondary character. Lucas was a good character and narrator too; he is definitely a contender for a top “book boyfriend” with his great qualities of integrity, resilience, his willingness to help those in need, and his good looks. However, he had flaws too, and that made him more realistic. I liked his relationship with his best friend; I think positive male friendships are sometimes lacking in novels, and this was good to see. Overall, this was a sweet romance with both lighthearted and sincere moments. I definitely recommend it, especially if you’re in a Christmas mood!
Thank you to the author for my review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jes Drew.
Author 87 books526 followers
June 19, 2022
This book drew me in because of its cutesy cover; I love vector art, but this one stands out from most- and it captures the characters so well, too. Anyway, when the cover was offering ARC copies, I signed up because of the cover even though as a general rule of thumb I DO NOT read Christmas books any time outside of the month of December (it's like Christmas music).

And I'm glad I did. Watching these two former fiances interact when they are most definitely opposites . . . but also soulmates was so satisfying. Both had a lot of growing to do, and their small town was happy to lend a hand there in a Hallmark-worthy setting (but with a little more zest). There was a lot of chemistry and a lot of hijinks, and everything one could ever want from a romcom (also a lot of Christmas, but I can't appreciate that part until December, of course). Another great book to add to my favorite December books.

Note to more sensitive readers: this book was inherently Christian (yeah!), but did have some innuendos. I would rate PG.

Anyway, I can't wait to read more from this author, especially the story about Mr. Darcy and the woman with the unfortunately fortunate last name of Bennet . . .
Profile Image for Naomi.
143 reviews7 followers
November 11, 2022
I had heard really good things about this light hearted Christmas romance and so I decided to give it a try. It was disappointing.
The main character, Stella, was extremely selfish- but she did apologize to a few people (ten years too late, but hey, that's good she apologized) and then the people who had been deeply hurt (in one instance someone was crying when she apologized) brushed it off. They told her she didn't owe them an apology because she was just "chasing her dream". Um. Yeah. And that hurt you. She should apologize.
And let's talk about Lucas Grady, the other main character. I didn't care for him about the same amount that I didn't care for Stella. The only thing is I felt bad for him because Stella left him ten years ago with no warning, and changed her number so he couldn't contact her. Harsh (but it's okay, don't worry because she doesn't need to apologize for "chasing her dream". GIRL. YES YOU DO.) Lucas was still in love with Stella, which, okay, not surprising I guess. BUT you can love someone and still want/need nothing to do with them for your own health. But what did he do? Ignored that and started spending all of his free time with her. Bad call, man. Really bad idea.
I wasn't really invested in their relationship. It was very much based on physical attraction and a lot of kissing.
The worst part of the book, though, was when Stella asked Lucas, "Why didn't you come after me?" I'm pretty sure at this point I put the book down and texted my friend what she had just said and I said (and still stand by this) "Maybe if you were worth coming after he would have." It wasn't his place, he shouldn't have had to come after you. YOU broke off the engagement, YOU left the state, YOU changed your number so he couldn't contact you. This is on YOU. I still can't express how annoyed that makes me. "Why didn't you come after me?" WHY DID YOU LEAVE??? UGH.
I went into this expecting a light hearted, funny, clean Christmas romance, and left with disappointment, not nearly enough humor, too much kissing for me to really feel like it was actually "clean" This book left me frustrated and disappointed and looking suspiciously at my next Christmas book I have lined up (by a different author).
Profile Image for Pixie Perkins.
Author 11 books129 followers
August 30, 2022
“𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧’ 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”


We’re here for nicknames 👏

I love the Sweet Home Alabama vibessss

They both were obviously young, but I hate what Lucas said to her 😭

I like Stone ❤️

Lucas and Jared are so wholesome!!

I love how she knows exactly what she needs to get done, she’s ASSERTIVE 👏

THEY MEET AGAIN AND IT IS ELECTRIC

I’m here for the pettiness lol of her needing help and not wanting it and him teasing her

YOU MOST DEFINITELY SHOULD STAY THE NIGHT

“The Suitcase Incident”

Mama Harper has the right idea when it comes to sleeping arrangements 😏

These two are just too much 😂😍

“Or am I carryin’ you in there tossed over my back like a misbehavin’ child?”

The wholeeee convo after her clinic visit

Those moms at the soccer game lolll

Christmas music 🥰

That hot chocolate tho 💀

Lots of good stuff in chapter 15

Playing music to talk to each other is just too freaking wholesome 😭

Staying up late for Christmas decorating?? I loveeeee it!

Who knew fixing a tree topper could be so sizzlinggg?

“I never wanted to leave you”

A mud fight 👀

Jared and Gracieeee

So much had happened that I forgot about my notes

WHY ARE THEY DOING THIS TO ME?

Home ❤️💚

Oh hohohohoooo, I am HERE for the Hayden and Darcy plot lol


𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: death of parents (past), Stella dealt with having anxiety (one or two mild panic attacks occurred), present day health issues (Stella's mom), andddd I can't think of anything else
Profile Image for Tejomai (bible_and_books).
173 reviews37 followers
February 24, 2023
The moment I finished this book , I felt like Yeahh!! She did it !!
It's actually been a while since I read it but I can still remember how I felt
If you like fluffy hallmark Christmasyy vibes ✨ this book is for you !!!
This has everything You're looking for into a Wholesome Christmas RomCom ❄️🎄💕
🌟The characters, plot, sweetness, chemistry and Comedy were so perfectly balanced

🔹This is a Second Chance romance and it has the special chemistry only second chance books have and I really like how Lucas and Stella got together again , Like Lucas said He didn't just lose his first love but also his bestfriend , this book captured the point of second chance so well and I'm so proud that Stella chose her dream to follow ( I always LOVE it when women stand for themselves, their dreams and equality // not feminisme // )

Throughout the book i was laughing though it might take you a second to get to the characters, you'll love the way this was written , the Taylor Swift references and LOL moments 😜😉
This book is followed by another you can't just resist ✨

This a book I'm very proud to share with you'll ❤️
So proud and happy for this author friend of mine @authordrewtaylor 🤗🤍

Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Steam: Closed door with sweet kisses and chemistry 🧪
Profile Image for Hepzibah Becca Jael.
689 reviews9 followers
July 5, 2022
You gotta read to see the beauty that lies between the pages

The Politics Of Christmas
Drew Taylor

Rating 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Review

❄“It’s just a silly dream, Stella. What can a girl from Small Town, Mississippi hope to ever change in this huge world?” My breath hitches and I stand there looking into the brown eyes I once thought bore the very sun in them.
Now, they look as dead as the leaves in autumn. His words are like a disease that consumes the mind. They have latched onto me, and I fear they won’t let go.❄

When Lucas Grady said these lines a fire burned deep with me and I started hating the protagonist! imagine that!! But the other head plans, I wanted to stop reading then and there but they are the promised that he will redeemed himself so I continue to read and I wasn't disappointed.

Lucas Grady is an alpha male who wears his heart on his sleeve, he has his moments of weakness and flaws but this book isn't perfect! It's realistic fiction for a reason, and you'll still love him at the end.

Stella Harper has big dreams for one living in a small town, she says "yes!" to her best friend hours before reading her acceptance letter but she has to choose between love and her dream, and she chooses her dream and doesn't go back home from New York for TEN years straight but this time she has to because of her mother's frail condition. How can she expect things to be normal when Lucas comes crashing into her life like a wrecking ball!

❄Second chances do not happen the way all the romantic comedies claim they do. They are strictly for books and movies…not real life.❄

Will romance bloom again in the small town of Mississippi?! Read to find out!!

The book is beautifully written and will definitely keep you wanting to read more from the author, the characters were constructed so perfectly I couldn't believe that this book is Drew's debut!! The plot was relevant and the inclusion of the sneak peek at book 2 was good, and it had a perfect HEA!! I was literally a puddle of goo and went to the author at 3am to ask when book 2 comes out! I was thaaaaaaat obsessed so GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!
Profile Image for maiaisreading.
557 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2022
#BookReview: THE POLITICS OF CHRISTMAS by Drew Taylor

Do you read Christmas books all year round? I do. If I find something good, I read it. I like the lighthearted style of writing of the author. It was entertaining overall and made me feel good after reading it.

This second chance romance was funny and sweet. I liked Lucas. The soccer moms liked him too. Stella grew on me. She was a go-getter. It was fun to see her in action. Her past decision caught up with her and she had to make a new one. Lucas was confused with Stella being back. He had to let go and forgive. I liked that his good heart shined through in his actions. It was nice that they both acknowledged their faults to each other at the end.

I enjoyed how they reminisced about some of the activities they did years ago. I enjoyed the minor characters as well. Stella's mom was a little different but fun and loving to her children.

This was a clean romance but a certain scene almost tempted them to go beyond. It was realistic. This is not Christian fiction but with Christian characters. I appreciated that the MCs were firm in their beliefs and both agreed to save themselves before marriage. Like in our society now, temptation is everywhere. It’s up to us to follow the path that leads to Jesus.

Hallmark and Christmas lovers will definitely enjoy this book. I am interested to read the next book.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Series: The Politics Of... Book 1
Pub date: 05 July 2022

Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Millie Shepherd.
Author 9 books62 followers
January 12, 2023
The Politics of Christmas was like a Hallmark Christmas movie mixed with Sweet Home Alabama except the characters weren't married and it was in Mississippi! And I loved it!

This story was predictable and cheesy at times, yet in all the right ways. There was quite a bit of physical attraction and a decent amount of kiss scenes, and my romance loving self enjoyed every moment of it. I love it when the characters get butterflies and have a hard time thinking straight around the love interest because I'd probably react the same way in their situation lol.

The characters were real even though they weren't personally relatable for me. I wouldn't have made the decision Stella did, but at the same time I don't blame her. Yes, I think it wasn't the smartest thing or that how she handled it was the best way, but she was 18. What 18-year-old thinks straight? Especially in a situation like that. I mean you have all the hormones and emotions going on overdrive at that point lol! Yet at the same time I still really enjoyed Stella and thought Lucas was the perfect guy for her. Now wait a minute, I need to say something about Lucas--SWOON! He was a brilliant book boyfriend, and I loved every second of him. Stella's mom was adorable, and I got a kick out of her embarrassing Stella with chaste sexual jokes. It's something my dad does to me occasionally, so I found it hilarious.

All in all this was a wonderful debut and a sweet Christmas story (even though it was actually my first read of 2023 lol), and I can't wait for The Politics of Love!
Profile Image for Kaelin.
Author 6 books38 followers
July 29, 2024
Cute Christmasy romance with funny moments, tender moments, and everything in between
Profile Image for Winter.
312 reviews45 followers
December 14, 2022
Sweet and funny.
Especially liked the themes of forgiveness, second chances and the importance of God's timing.

I would never have guessed this was a debut novel! **props to you Drew**

***I'm seriously looking forward to this series.
Ahem..I may have already pre-ordered the next book. :-)



Disclaimer: I received a ARC copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.*obviously *
Profile Image for Katie Marie.
490 reviews
November 30, 2022
This was such a sweet, adorable romance!! 😍 Read it in two days! All of the characters were fantastic and I loved all of their dynamics, from the fun(ny) friendships to the cute little pairings.

Stella and Lucas were great characters. I felt for them and could understand both of their reasonings well. Stella was terrified that if she married at 18 her life would end and she wouldn’t be able to do what she wanted, so she left. While obviously how she left wasn’t good, I can understand why she did. And oh my gosh the journey of reconciliation they went on, growing close once again and sharing laughter and delicious kisses was so beautiful!! 😍😍😍


This was a clean romance that brought on heat without giving you any icky feels, which I really appreciate!! No language though it does mention them cursing a few times. I liked that the characters were Christian, but their faith doesn’t play a big part in the story.

I truly loved this book and can’t wait to read more from Drew Taylor (specifically Hayden and Darcy’s story because ahh!!)! 😆
Profile Image for Samantha Ball.
Author 6 books19 followers
November 15, 2023
Lucas and Stella ❤

This is the first book I've read from this author and it won't be the last. I loved Lucas and Stella. They were so cute together at eighteen and even more adorable ten years later. This book had my heart aching and it made me swoon. I couldn't put it down. I had to know how Stella, who's life was in New York, and Lucas, who's life was in Mississippi, could get their HEA. Fun banter and great side characters. Off to read Hayden and Marshall's book now.

Profile Image for Amanda.
34 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2022
This was a super cute easy little romance read. I loved Stella as the main character, especially as a hot mess of a successful career woman just trying to keep it all together. Having family in Mississippi, and loving to visit as a kid, I enjoyed that it was set there and all the "South" this book brought with it.
Profile Image for TimandBecky Lane.
1 review
September 18, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ms. Taylor did not shy away from having her characters reveal their emotions and thoughts on relationships, love and sex, but she kept her book pure/ clean. The characters were believable and relatable. I found myself thinking about their predicament, even when not reading the book. When I finished the last page, I hated saying goodbye.
Profile Image for Renae | Redhair_and_Books.
149 reviews8 followers
November 7, 2022
This was the perfect book to kick off the Christmas season! Alllll of the cozy romantic Hallmark movie vibes 😍 Perfectly clean and charming and sweet. Definitely a debut to be proud of for Drew!!

Super looking forward to the sequel so I can see how side characters Hayden *Bennett* and *Darcy* Marshall’s story plays out 👀
Profile Image for Annah Conwell.
Author 16 books1,584 followers
August 12, 2022
Hallmark vibes but better!

I enjoyed this first book by Drew! She brought the comedy in a lot of ways and made this classic tale better. I loved the hometown feel of this book. The Christmas vibes were immaculate. And the characters outside of Stella and Lucas drew me in as well!
Profile Image for Kate (bookishkenyannerd).
559 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2022
I'm grateful to the author for sending me this ARC. The Politics Of Christmas releases tomorrow 🥳

I've never read a book set in Mississippi so that was a nice change. I loved the tension and the sweet moments between Stella and Lucas. The decorating scene 😂 so frustrating with all the almost kisses peppered in between. They made us wait for the first kiss, but it was dully earned 😂

The side characters were also a wonderful addition to the story. It had all the cheesiness of a Christmas novel, full of fluff and Christmas magic to spread all around. I felt the ending was a bit rushed, but I'm always a sucker for a HEA 🥰

Wonderful debut from the author. I can't wait for Hayden and Darcy's fake dating story 😉💃🏾
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews

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