This is a cozy witch Yuletide story with real life witches/pagans. Not a magical fantasy story. The demisexual thing wasn’t for me. Just a matter of preference. The writing had that self published feel.

Highly underrated holiday/winter/witchy read! I reviewed this book for a December 2020 episode of my podcast, Boobies & Noobies. Major thanks to NetGalley, because I might not otherwise have found this gem.

A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE is a charming departure from the traditional Christmas romance. Instead, this book focuses on the Pagan celebration of Winter Solstice, known as Yule. As someone who knew next to nothing about Yule before reading this book, I found the story really enlightening. Beyond that, the main character, Eeva is legally blind. I absolutely loved the way that Eeva was portrayed - her disability was not her story, but merely a part of who she is. The found family element was a delightful addition to this story, too. I could read five more books set in the world with the cast of characters (please, D. Lieber, make it happen?)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

*Listen to the full review on your favorite podcast app or on www.boobiesandnoobies.com

Ok so this story jumped out at me as an offered read for two reasons, one being that I’m a pagan myself, and the other being that it looked like a sweet holiday story. Never having encountered the author or the publisher before I wasn’t sure what to expect and while I can say that I enjoyed the story I can’t say I was overwhelmed. I enjoyed the premise of the story, two long time friends coming back together for a family holiday gathering with their friends and family, in this case their Pagan coven, to celebrate Yule, and finally connecting on a romantic level. But there were way too many heavy messages trying to be conveyed along with the simple love story that was to have been the core of the book. The heroine, Evergreen, has a slight handicap in that she is legally blind, she has a societal handicap (as does the hero)in that he is not Christian at a time of year when that is truly the worst thing to be, and she was extremely self-confident in most situations with Sawyer. All combined her having to overcome all of this made for a story where it seems like the author is just trying to crusade more than share a simple romantic story between two people. I loved the connection between Sawyer and Evergreen when it was allowed to simply flow, but when the angst and miscommunication because juvenile I almost gave up on this book. TO me adults just don’t live with that lack of communication between people that have been friends their entire adult lives more of less. All in all I would say it was an enjoyable read, but I don’t think I will be running out to grab anymore of this author’s work, it just doesn’t seem to fit with my personal tastes for romance.

I received a copy of the book from Netgalley to review. Thank you for the opportunity.
A nice read with a witchy take on the classic winter romance. The writing is very good and the characters cute and relatable. It is extremely readable as it is a page turner.
A good read.

I was intrigued by this book because you just don't see a lot of pagan holiday romance novels on the market. But diving into it deeper, it's got so much more to offer. I was drawn in, and what more can you really ask for in a book? Immerse me in your world and you've got a fan in me forever.

I was happy to read a romance featuring two pagan characters and Yuletide.
I loved the characters and the story, both are well developed.
it was an entertaining and enjoyable read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE by D. Lieber is like a Hallmark holiday film – but focusing on the pagan winter holiday Yule rather than Christmas. The story alternates perspectives between Evergreen “Eeva” Pendre and Sawyer Collins. Members of her family’s coven come to stay for Yule. Among them is Sawyer – the one who got away. Ironically, unbeknownst to Eeva, she is “the one who got away” for Sawyer. It’s good that you get both perspectives, because these two keep a lot of what they’re feeling hidden. It takes some much-needed intervention from friends and family to get Eeva and Sawyer to reveal their true feelings for each other. Lots of sexual tension mixed with plenty of sweet holiday magic moments.

Eeva is legally blind, but that doesn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. She’s more confident when it comes to focusing on her career goals, rather than going for the guy she wants. A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE is littered with Eeva’s inner dialogue as she debates with herself and gives free reign to her innermost doubts. Some readers may not be up for that much introspection, but it didn’t bother me. Part of the reason it’s taken this couple so long to get together is because Sawyer is somewhat shy and hesitant when it comes to Eeva. He’s what some readers would describe as a “beta hero”, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. He’s thoughtful and romantic – he’s just slow to reveal that side of himself to somebody who means too much to him. Because the author builds the romantic tension so intensely over the course of A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE, it makes it even more satisfying when Eeva and Sawyer finally get together.

A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE is a mix of holiday cheer and unrequited love turned triumphant. The child supporting character added a cute factor without making things too saccharine. D. Lieber does show scenes of insensitivity by other townspeople regarding the pagan religion. I think one of the benefits of reading this story, whether intended or not, is to show how other religions practice holiday celebrations, and make them seem not so scary. This book teaches tolerance as well as provides an engaging and sweet love story. I look forward to reading D. Lieber’s next book.

I love reading about a different holiday yet one that is similar to what I was raised in.

Let me warn readers that D. Lieber does not shy away from the intolerance and ignorance shown regarding topics that people know nothing about and towards disabled people. A Very Witchy Yuletide is not a soapbox for pagan beliefs or the visually impaired, it just happens to have two main characters who are pagan and one is visually impaired (author’s choice of words).

Yuletide is about family, love, and traditions. It is about second chances and falling in love. It is about growing up and figuring out who you are and what you want. Can you go back? Are you the same person? Are they the same person? Are you prepared to be happy?

Lieber is also kind of enough to throw in some real heat in here too. (wink) I love the chemistry between Eevie and Sawyer and the humor thrown in.

A Very Witchy Yuletide has lots to offer: history, family, traditions, food, and romance. Isn’t that what the holidays are about?

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

I read in the synopsis that this was a contemporary Pagan holiday romance and I was so excited to read it! First off, I really loved the disability rep with the heroine Evergreen being blind. Secondly, I really enjoyed learning about Pagan traditions and celebrations.

The romance and the pace of the story felt flat for me. I enjoyed reading about both characters, but couldn't really connect with them. It was still a cute and good read so I would recommend if you're looking for a quick and different holiday romance 💚

**Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review**.

Sawyer and Evergreen have crushed on each other secretly since high school. When their coven gets together for Yule, they both try to feel the other out to see if there is anything there. When a misunderstanding happens, they may not even be able to be friends.
Opinion
I love witch books so this one called to me. It was a great book, even if not in the super natural realm like my typical witch book.
I saw many parallels between my religion and theirs. (Of course, since Christianity stole many of their rituals to help convince people to convert.)
What I liked best about this book was the sweet, almost innocent romance between the two MCs. This is definitely an author I’d read again.

This was a cute and nice contemporary romance, I think I was disappointed as I thought it was going to be full of the season and witches, pagans etc, they just happen to be pagan and that’s about it, the test is just a normal contemporary romance. It was nice enough but just not what I’d hoped for

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

First I want to say that I was given this book early in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and my own.

I want to start by saying that I am probably biased about this book. The main character Eeva is legally blind and being disabled myself I was excited to see a disabled character.

Most often when I see a disabled character the story is either about them overcoming their disability (as if it’s not a battle every single day with peaks and valleys) or the character is framed around their disability. This was neither, Eeva was a normal character that just so happened to be disabled and it was so refreshing to see.

While at times certain scenes (mostly strangers reacting to Eeva’s blindness or the fact that they’re pagan) were really cringe worthy, having grown up with a blind mother and close friends who are Wiccan I can say with absolute certainty that those scenarios are pretty accurate cringe factor and all.

The romance was a favorite trope of mine (friends to lovers) so again I’m a little biased here but I thought it was a super cute love story between them. And seriously can I get a real life version of Sawyer because he’s everything I want in a man.

Overall it was an awesome story worth of recommending to my friends and family!

3.0-3.5 stars

A Very Witchy Yuletide is a cute little romance about two childhood friends finally admitting their love for one another. It is, in fact, a very witchy yule time story.

When Evergreen's mother tells her the old coven is getting together to celebrate Yule, just like old times, she can't help but drop her solo holiday plans so she can see everyone. Sawyer has been away for nearly five years and the opportunity to reconnect with Eeva is just too great to pass up, even though he's sure they've both changed. But this might just be the chance he needs to discover the depth of feelings he still has or finally get over the girl he was always too scared to approach.

Initially, I thought this was going to be a paranormal-themed book when I saw the mentions of pagans and Yule, but no. This was a contemporary romance about two people who have loved each other for a very long time and happen to be pagan. I will say that, unfortunately, the internal dialogue took center stage. So much so that the conversations sometimes felt very stilted and I sometimes forgot what the characters were talking about. And of the internal jump to conclusions game was strong on this one. It's one of my biggest pet-peeves.

The overall story was cute and had a lot of facing one's fears and preconceptions to finally admit to what you want. The steam was mild to moderate with no huge sections of over descriptive smexy times if that's not your bag.

The pagan aspect was nice and the naming ceremony was beautiful. I did however feel a bit bashed over the head with some of the 'discriminatory aspects. I, myself, am not of a top-tier, widely accepted religion, and I get it. I do. But having lived some of those scenarios myself, I still felt a bit preached at about it. Maybe I'm just a bit more sensitive to it. *shrug*

All in all, A Very Witchy Yuletide is a cute pagan themed book about two friends finally admitting their love and family togetherness surrounding the Yuletide holiday.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

This story is a very unique one focusing on the real yule celebration and the way that the Pagan's celebrate it. I found it all very intriguing and am definitely going to be learning more about the celebration. The story between the main characters of Eeva and Sawyer was a kind of second chance/ always loved you from afar story. There were a lot of random elements that I didn't understand why they were in the story and didn't get a good explanation of them. Overall it was a very enjoyment story, and I will defiantly be reading more books from this author.

I wanted to like this. I tried but it was just too flat. Nothing new or exciting was happening to these characters. I thought a witch Christmas book would be so unique and I'm angry it wasn't.

I guess I enjoyed it mostly because I almost always enjoy reading. And I was entertained while I was reading but I probably won't remember this story in a couple of days.

This book was an enjoyable read, it just wasn't really about anything. The story itself hits lots of favorite romance tropes (“sharing a room,” “young love rekindled,” “stranded in a storm” and so on), but I was continually left feeling like there just wasn't much there.

The good stuff: interesting insight into one form of pagan religion and practice, a solid happily ever after and a view into the world of living with vision impairment. The cast of characters are cute, funny and likeable. “Home for the holidays shenanigans” are always a fun read. A winter holiday romance that wasn't Christmas focused also felt like a breath of fresh air.

The not-so-good: the external conflicts are a bit trite. While I appreciate that they are somewhat autobiographical (as explained in the book’s introduction), and that people really ARE just *that* insensitive when it comes to religion and disability, the use in the book felt very contrived. As they stood, they only served a foil for how great our male love interest was, and how no one else could ever be right for our brave heroine. Given the solid writing seen in the rest of the book, I feel like the author could have added significant nuance in these interactions.

In total: a light, cozy romantic holiday read with a happy ending.