Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this eARC!

A Christina Lauren take on Groundhog Day at Christmas? If that sounds appealing, know that they stuck the landing, both in the romance and in the setting of a very cozy cabin. Honestly, if Netflix has not optioned this yet, what is even the point. I would like to cast the Hemsworth brothers, Lily James, and Stanley Tucci as the wise uncle. BIG BUDGET CHRISTMAS HANGOUT, MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Why yes, it’s barely October and I’m already reading my first holiday book! And this is basically everything a Christmas book should be. It’s cute! It’s sweet! It’s got the childhood friends to lovers trope! It does toe the line between romance/women’s fiction but it still worked for me.

“I want to be happy, and I’m petrified that the path I’m on now is going to leave me bored and alone.
So I ask the universe, simply: Can you show me what will make me happy?”


At the start of the book, Mae’s drifting through her own life. Sure, she hates her job and doesn’t like living with her mom, but she’s not exactly motivated to change it either, until a late night eggnog-induced indiscretion and a bombshell announcement at the end of the vacation leave her completely devastated – and wishing that she could just figure out what would make her happy. And then, crash!, she’s suddenly back on the plane six days earlier.

The time loop aspect wasn’t as prominent as I’d hoped, and to be honest, I didn’t particularly enjoy the first few iterations of it. It’s only once Mae accepts that she’s in a time loop – that none of what she’s doing is permanent because she’ll just mess up and end up back on the plane again – that she throws caution to the wind and starts being more true to herself – and that’s when the book gets really interesting. And, huh, not only is Mae happier, but so are the people around her.

The cabin in Utah is the setting of so many happy childhood Christmases for Mae. Every year, several families – whose “grown-ups” were best friends in college – get together for a week. They have snow creature building competitions, go sledding, and do a wacky scavenger hunt. There’s tree decorating, baking, and lots of delicious food. It’s the sort of warm family Christmas I think most people dream about. Plus, she gets to see Andrew. Mae’s grown up with the two Hollis brothers, so much so that Theo and her are practically twins. But from the time she’s been thirteen, she’s had a crush on his older brother, Andrew.

“Climb aboard, Maisie.” Andrew looks up at me, and my heart does an aching nosedive. “There are adventures to be had.”


I’m a big fan of the friends-to-lovers trope for so many reasons, and this book does a brilliant job at it. Mae and Andy already have their own built-in jokes and a deep familiarity with each other, so the pace at which their relationship moves doesn’t seem unnatural. Not only is their chemistry great, but the romance is quite sweet as well. There’s a particularly cute moment where they’re both laying under the Christmas tree, staring up at the lights and chatting with each other. Andrew’s also supportive of Mae, both in the changes that she wants to make in her life and in their holiday traditions. And that leads in nicely to the theme of the book – that even traditions that we remember fondly need to change sometimes, that they can get stuck in a rut just like people can. As Mae learns to trust herself to be a good judge of her own happiness, it also helps those around her be happier, too.

My main con with the book is the dark moment. I thought Andrew overreacted and that the whole thing felt out of character for him. It’s hard to tell, though, as we only get Mae’s POV in the book, and she obviously thinks he hung the moon. It also means that, aside from the overreaction, Andrew feels a bit too perfect. I do think the big gesture (or gestures, in this case) makes up for it, but it was jarring. It’s also very much a rich White people book – who else could afford to have a cabin near Park Slope, Utah and take off for a holiday vacation every year?

Overall, this is a sweet and hilarious Christmas romance, and especially recommended for anyone who likes the friends-to-lovers trope.

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Maelyn Jones is a bit frustrated with life - her job isn't what she thought it would be, she's living with her parents, and her love life is meh. Lucky for her, it's currently one of her favorite times of the year. She's spending Christmas in a cabin with her parents and their close friends and families. As the annual tradition comes to an end and reality sets back in, Mae makes a plea to whoever may be listening to show her what will make her happy. After her wish for happiness leaves her mouth, Mae finds herself in her own version of Groundhog Day, where she plays out the same days over again until she gets it right.

This is the third book I've read by Christina Lauren and it didn't disappoint. In a Holidaze has all the fun cheer you'd expect from a story about the holidays, and the romance and comedy you'd expect from Christina Lauren.

While I’d typically prefer to tackle my holiday reads once my Christmas tree is up and the weather has turned colder, I just couldn’t wait any longer for In a Holidaze. I’m glad I didn’t hold off any longer, to be honest. This book gave me all the magic I so desperately needed right now. It was a light and fun read, but it also packed a bit of an emotional punch. (At least for me.) There were tears, but that really shouldn’t surprise anyone that much because I am an emotional reader.

Friends-first romances are my jam. The relationships take time to evolve. There’s often some amount of unrequited (or, is it?!) love and loads of longing. I can’t get enough. Sure, I often want to force the characters into a closet and make them confront their feelings, but I still freaking love it. (Side note: there are some delightful closet scenes in this book, too.) I couldn’t NOT love Maelyn and Andrew. They gave me all the heart eyes, even when things weren’t smooth and that one time in the story where I legit wanted to scream. But all’s well that ends well, right?

If I had to describe In a Holidaze in three words, they would be delightful, magical and swoony. It’s the Christmasy romance novel version of what would happen if you mixed the movies Groundhog Day and The Family Stone (but without the cancer storyline). I straight-up read it in one sitting. That’s something that doesn’t happen very often anymore. 2020 has taken a toll on my reading focus, but it didn’t hinder me a bit here. I loved being able to escape into the snowy (and dreamy!) Park City setting and this wonderful, quirky family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Favorite Quotes:

I want to capture this moment. I want to put it in a snow globe and be able to see it just like this, forever.

"You've never been for me, Maisie. I never knew you were an option."

"It never occurred to me that you might be mine."

I was really hoping to like this book more than I did. The whole “Groundhog Day” over and over storyline just got a bit too much for me. I did enjoy it on the whole but it was just average for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

I was pleasantly surprised by this after a few disappointing titles from these authors. I loved that it was in Salt Lake City. The Groundhog Day trope was done very well and didn’t read as redundant.

The authors known as Christina Lauren sure know how to write a fun romance novel. I very recently read their The Unhoneymooners, and this brand-new book is a well-needed jolt of early holiday cheer, in addition to being a charming love story.

Maelyn Jones is enjoying her family’s longtime tradition of spending the week of Christmas at a cabin in Park City, Utah, with their “chosen family” — her parents’ best friends from college and their kids. Said kids include Mae and her brother, Miles; a set of 5-year-old twins, and two brothers, Andrew and Theo, whose parents own the cabin. Theo is Mae’s age, Andrew three years older, and while Theo and Mae have always been close friends, it’s Andrew on whom Mae has had a “crazy, silent, soul-crushing crush” since she was 13 (half her life: you do the math).

The visit goes just as usual until she does something she regrets and then hears devastating news the last day of the holiday. When Mae and her family drive away, she’s pondering on her life, living at home and working in a job she hates, and feeling all-round miserable and scared about her future. She “asks the universe, simply: Can you show me what will make me happy?” And within moments, a semi hits their car, and when Mae gains consciousness, she is completely confused to find herself on an airplane sitting next to her brother, six days earlier, at the very beginning of their holiday week.

Thus plays out a “Groundhog Day”-style story where our heroine resumes the same vacation a few times and has to figure out why. What is she supposed to be doing, and what is she supposed to be learning from this experience? Mae knows one thing, at least, for sure: She is not going to repeat the big mistake she made the first time around. She also decides to just go for it with Andrew and tell him how she feels. What does she have to lose, after all?

I love how the characters are so three-dimensional, with sometimes-witty barter among various relations in this “chosen family” and serious, important conversations as well. Mae’s “Uncle Benny” is particularly entertaining, as he has been her primary confidant through the years, and they have plenty of reason to talk during Mae’s crazy experience. The romance is lovely and sweet as well as steamy. No question that I was rooting for Mae and her true love.

The writing is clever, original and snappy. Take just one example: “I mentally high-five the handful of remaining neurons that appear to be doing their job up there” (in her brain).

And now, I am putting more Christina Lauren books on my to-read shelf.

Wow, this was kind of disappointing for a Christina Lauren book. I had such high high hopes and this book just seemed to fall flat. I wasn't a huge fan of the plot, and I hated how the timeline kept restarting over and over. The book is redeemed by having a good cast of characters, but this book just didn't have the charm of their other books.

In a Holidaze is just what I needed in order to be in a holiday spirit. Mae has a very Groundhog Day holiday that leaves her in a daze in a holiday cabin with family and friends during their annual holiday trip. This really would be a fun movie on Lifetime or Hallmark.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This is the story of Maelyn and how hard she worked to make things right in her life.. This is my second Christina Lauren book and I have to admit that this Groundhog Day storyline had me worried. But this magical duo managed to not make it repetitive and kept it exciting and, most importantly, built a strong female protagonist who knew what she wanted —and did not want — and went for it. I was swooning with everything bold decision she was making.. especially the decisions impacting her romantic life.

The spirit of Christmas and, consequently the sense of family, is omnipresent and heart-warming throughout. The male protagonist and Maelyn’s love interest is the man every woman is desperate to meet and marry.

If you are looking for the perfect Christmas read, look no further: In A Holidaze could be the icing on your Christmas cake 🥰

Thank you Gallery Books and Net Galley for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Another winner for Christina Lauren! I didn’t love this one as much as previous novels, because of the Groundhog Day-esque plot but it was such a good story, nonetheless!!

In a Holidaze was a fun love story, filled with family and family-friends bonds and drama. Sprinkled with time travel and taking chances, this story was wonderfully heart warming. Thank you Christina Lauren for another fabulous novel! Thanks to NetGalley for the e-reader for review. All opinions are my own.

I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get into a Christmas book this far before the holidays, but I really enjoyed this. Lovely cast of characters, fun premise, stakes that make you want to continue reading. My favorite Christina Lauren book so far, would definitely recommend.
4.5

This was such a sweet cozy holiday read that reminded me of a fun Christmas movie. Even though I am not a huge fan of cheesy movies, Christmas movies always seem to be an exception to that. I thought the characters were fine for the type of genre/setting we were in. I wasn't too fond of the reason why the main characters, Mae and Andrew got in a fight. It seemed to elementary for two popular writers to come up with. Despite how I feel about that one section, I found this to be an overall cute rom-com that had me smiling.

If you are looking for a cozy read next to the fireplace, I highly recommend this.

In A Holidaze is aptly named. I greatly appreciate a fantastic title that embodies a book's essence.
Mae has a Groundhog's Day experience over Christmas week. When she leaves with her family to head home after spending a week in a cabin, per tradition, with family friends, a car collision initiates her return to the beginning of their trip. She is understandably confused but quickly takes the reigns to change her fate.
Mae is very relatable and kind of stuck in a rut. After attempting to pursue her dreams staright out of college, she is in a job she doesn't love and her personal life is stale. Mae gets into some funny and/or awkward sticky situations that will put a smile on your face while inwardly cringing.
After I got over myself that my LI prediction was wrong, I sat back to enjoy this book. Typical of Christina Lauren, there is witty banter and a cozy holiday feel. The supporting cast is fun and a perfect backdrop for Mae's romantic journey and self discovery.
TW: language and skippable steam

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advanced copy! All thoughts in this review are my own.

Such a lovely read , it was enjoyable and Icouldn't put it down!In a Holidaze is a sweet and fun story.I adored the characters, there were so many sweet and hilarious moments between Mae and Andrew.Such a great romance!

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and Ilove Christina Lauren so it was a great combination!I start it immediately.I love the plot and I have a smile on my face enjoying the story!

This holiday romance was the perfect escape,I'm definitely going to re-read it !

Major thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

For as long as she can remember, twenty-six year old Maelyn “Mae” Jones and her family, along with some family friends, have spent the holidays at a cabin in Utah. While Christmas, and the cabin, have always been a special place for Maelyn, this year is a little different. Between being stuck working at a job where she’s under-appreciated and undervalued, finding out that the cabin is being sold, and accidentally making out with the wrong boy, this Christmas isn’t off to a great start so far. Tired and lost, Maelyn sends a wish to the universe to show her what will make her happy, not expecting to be thrown into a Groundhog Day-esque time-loop until she figures it out for herself. Will Maelyn figure out what will make her happy in time for Christmas?


Even though it’s not quite Christmas yet, I’m currently listening to Christmas carols and wishing for winter weather. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m absolutely not a “winter weather” person -- I’m not much for the cold, or winter in general, but In a Holidaze has me wishing for snow, wanting to light up candles, and string up Christmas lights. While not my favorite Christina Lauren book (Autoboyography still holds the reigning title for that), In a Holidaze is definitely in my top three, if not my top two.

In In a Holidaze, Christina Lauren explores what it means to truly be happy. Maelyn is simply skating through life, settling for what comes her way instead of taking risks. She’s spent the majority of her life playing the role of peacemaker, especially after her parents’ divorce, to the point that it feeds into the other aspects of her life. And so, when Maelyn wondered what she’d be remembered by, and what it means to be happy, I couldn’t help but do the same. In a Holidaze is an existential crisis, wrapped up in a rom com, and it’s everything that I would’ve wanted from it. It’s equal parts funny and real and all too relatable to anyone in their twenties, although I’m sure it’d be relatable to others as well. After all, we’ve all pondered the meaning of happiness, and how we want to be remembered.

Christina Lauren has always excelled at writing romance that leaves me feeling things, and this book was no different. I found myself rooting, genuinely rooting for Andrew and Maelyn to get together, and found them so endearing. I’m a sucker for all the tropes, but childhood friends to lovers is one that I don’t get to read as often, and I loved the way Andrew and Maelyn - or Mandrew and Maisie, as they called each other - were written here. Something that I especially appreciated was how they communicated with one another, and how you could pinpoint the moment when their relationship finally shifted. Their development felt natural, and even though they had been “dating” for a very short period of time, their “I Love You”s felt like it had progressed naturally. After all, they’d known each other for years. I held my breath alongside Maelyn’s, and desperately hoped that they would work out alright. I will say, however, the way that Andrew was described was a little too perfect to me. I felt like he simply didn’t have any faults of his own.

While others might think the time loop got repetitive, I felt like it allowed us to view how Maelyn was trying to figure out what was going on; any fewer time loops and it wouldn’t have been as believable. Overall, I would give In a Holidaze 4 stars out of 5, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good holiday read!

Thank you, Gallery Books and Netgalley, for my arc

This is a very delightful holiday read; it is always cute to have friends to lovers relationship plus a cozy cabin with family and friends and all the warm fuzzies. I did laugh in the whole stuck in a time loop thing though I kind of guess what Mae needs to do to break free, and it’s always fulfilling to be right. Lol. If you’re looking for a cute and funny holiday romance read, look no further. I recommend this book!

This was a really cute story! The first thing that came to mind was Hallmark movie. It was very much a feel good, warm and fuzzy, holiday romance. It had a lot of laugh out loud moments but also a lot of swoony moments. I guess I was wanting something more than warm and fuzzy. I did find some things to be very predictable like you find with a lot of those movies. If you are looking for a cute holiday romance this is the perfect book.

“If you put all my favorite things in a Willy Wonka machine, I’m pretty sure Andrew Hollis is the candy that would come out.”

IN A HOLIDAZE by Christina Lauren
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Friends to lovers, the coziest cabin setting, and bananas adorable banter galore. All the thumbs up.

Welp, Christina Lauren has done it again. Not only did they get me to read a holiday/Christmas book in OCTOBER, they made me believe in love again. That’s a lot for my little black heart to handle at the moment but, MAN, did this book bring me so much joy.

This books had everything I love about the holidays: family traditions, Hallmark vibes, togetherness, and a hint of magic.

Our heroine, Maelyn “Mae” Jones is so incredibly relatable, witty, and supportive member of this amazing found family who handles being stuck in a time loop surprising well. I mean, eventually.

And our hero, Andrew Polley Hollis? Whew! I could not help falling in love with Andrew. He was fantastic, swoony, adorable, and oh-so-hot. Anytime his floppy curly hair and bright green eyes were mentioned, I could help but picture Harry Styles and we all should know by now how I feel about Harry Styles.

If you’re looking for a holiday romance with a bit of magical realism thrown in, please, PLEASE, pick this up. You will not regret it.