4.5*
Thank you to Forever Publishing for the gifted copy! I adored this book. It's got Jewish holiday timelines, small town Christmas spirit, as well as wonderfully complex characters some of which are also LGBTQ+. I loved how healing the whole story was and how hard it is sometimes to recover from family-induced trauma. The Christmas Tree Farm setting was immaculate. It felt so warm and fuzzy and I loved that even with Christmas vibes this book was still so beautifully Jewish. I thought the friendships were top tier and I love how protective everyone was for those they cared about. It was super fun and I found myself genuinely laughing out loud at points. I really valued the character development that Miriam and Noelle went through after they grew closer. The planned events were so cute and I truly enjoyed reading this one.

Season of Love is a Hallmark movie set on a Christmas farm featuring queer, Jewish heroines. While Noelle and Miriam bah humbug each other at their first encounter, neither can deny their attraction. Both have lost the cherished matriarch of the Christmas farm, and need to work together to save the farm from Miriam's rich, narcissistic father.

Both of these characters are truly authentic, one butch and the other bi-sexual. This romance is a steaming cup of hot chocolate on a frosty winter day. This book doesn't shy away from the emotions of loss, tough family dynamics and loving who you love. Each are balanced with humor throughout the book.

Season of Love is a fun holiday romance with small town charm, a wonderful cast of characters and a lovely romance. I look forward to the next installment in fall of 2023.

Thank you Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the #gifted paperback copy of this romance.

Season of Love reminded me so much of a Hallmark movie and in my opinion, that's a good thing!

Miriam Blum has been estranged from her parents for nearly a decade. When her great-aunt passes away, she not only must go home, but she also has to decide if she's going to stay. She has been left half of the family Christmas tree farm and it is in trouble and without her help, it may go under completely.

Noelle Northwood works as a manager at the Christmas tree farm and is highly intrigued by Miriam when she first comes back to town. She doesn't have the best opinion of Miriam, so the fact she's going to have to spend time with her isn't high on her list of fun things to do.

The two are forced to spend time together, and subsequently really get to know one another, due to the fact they now both own part of the farm along with Miriam's cousin. They are going to have to figure out how to coexist, but will they learn a whole lot more in the meantime?

There are so many great things about this book and it was a feel-good holiday romance that I would recommend!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.

Full disclosure: Helena Greer and I are mutuals on Twitter, although we haven’t interacted much, if at all. But I knew, upon hearing about Season of Love, that I needed to read it. I mean, it’s sapphic, and it involves a Christmas tree farm run by Jewish people? Sign me up!

And it really is a loving blend to both Christian/default-Western holiday traditions, as well as many Jewish observances. The book is even split to commemorate the various observances, beginning with Sukkot and ending with Tu B’Shevat, and shows a seamless blending of the two religious/cultural traditions.

I love the exploration of the family dynamics, especially on Miriam’s side, as she comes to an understanding and love for the legacy her aunt left her. Her arc provides a wonderful Jewish twist on the common “Hallmark” style small town holiday romance.

The romance is also super cute, a real bonding of two wounded souls. Miriam has a lot of baggage with her family from her past, and Noelle also has her own emotional scars. They start off at odds, with longtime farm manager Noelle resistant to newcomer Miriam’s ideas, but with time, both their walls come down and they begin to trust each other.

This is a super cute, original holiday romcom, and one I’d recommend to fans of holiday romance who are looking for Jewish representation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC!

I really wanted to like this book. I love seeing Jewish rep especially accompanied with queer romances, but I just did not click with this book. One thing I did really love about it, though, was the way Ziva was written. Greer really captured the essence of the Jewish mother. Overall, there was really nice Jewish representation.

I did, however, have quite a few issues the book The first of which being that the characters felt very one dimensional. It was almost like they existed as archetypes but had nothing under the surface. Along this same vein, I didn't feel like Miriam and Noelle had any real chemistry until like 90% into the book. I actually found myself connecting the most with Tara and rooting for her, which, for a character that is supposed to be the uptight ex, is maybe not a good thing. I also expected a little bit more spice from a romance novel. All of the scenes were fade to black.

The book as whole felt like a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. It felt like I was constantly being told things about the characters but wasn't seeing anything to support this information.

The pacing was another issue for me. It felt like a lot of moments and storylines were rushed to make room for the next big thing.

Overall, I just didn't vibe with this book.

Exactly what I wanted for a holiday romance. Hallmark take note: this is the kind of story you should be sharing.

Mariam Blum is an artist just keeping herself going every day. Then her great-aunt Cass passes and leaves her part-owner of Carrigan's, the Jewish-run Christmas tree farm. Things aren't as good at Carrigan's as expected, so leaving won't be so easy after all. But Noelle Northwood, manager of the tree farm, wants Mariam gone no matter what ideas she's bringing in. But they might be better for each other than they ever expected.

First off, finding a holiday romance that manages to combine both Jewish and Christian traditions in a way that feels authentic and non-offensive was seemingly impossible for so long. But this book really gets this hybrid world (even if it manifests different from my own mash-up experience). It was also so nice to read about the support network that existed and grew around Mariam and Noelle. They are both extremely damaged, but they also have people to help when things get tough.

I do think it's important to note that the marketing/description does not really indicate what a challenging read this book is. I really expected a romcom, which it kind of is, but it's also a story of some pretty terrible things happening to people and them needing to deal with that every day. Please read the content warnings at the beginning of the book! Understanding these characters and everything they have experienced definitely made me support the characters in a different way than I usually do in holiday romcoms, but it is something to be prepared for and I wish that was made more clear from the blurb.

Overall, if you're in a place where the content is something that you are in a place to read, I definitely recommend this book. I'm already predicting that it will be my top read of this holiday season and it's only October. I really hope we get the stories of everyone else in The Heirs of Cassiopeia!

Myriam has to go home when her great-aunt dies and leaves her part of her Christmas tree farm. But Noelle doesn't want her there, even if she is desperately trying to save it...
This was a nice clean enemies to lovers lesbian romance, with a slow but interesting plot. The characters are quirky with a real emotional past. I couldn't relate to any of them, though, I didn't connect to the story, and the character development is inexistant. I loved the references to Judaism, and there could've been more. I would've also loved to see more romance, less trauma, but the fact that the author included a lengthy trigger warning at the beginning was much appreciated.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Season of Love is the perfect hate to love, swoon worthy, Chrismukkah story for the holidays. Miriam, our Jewish bi-queen MC, learns she inherited part of her aunt Cass’s Christmas tree farm and Christmas themed inn, Carrigan’s, so she must return to upstate New York, a place she hasn’t been in 10 years due to family drama. There she is reunited with her cousin Hannah (a queen) and other family members and family friends she hasn’t seen in years. She also meets Noelle, our butch queen who mans the Christmas trees, and of course, the two do not get along. Noelle isn’t happy that Miriam abandoned Cass and has inherited part of the farm. Even though she’s not happy about it, Noelle agrees to work with Miriam and Hannah to save the farm, which is in financial trouble. The book spans over a couple of months and during that time there’s so much pining, unpacking of baggage and emotional damage (our girls were going through it), breaking up with fiancées, and of course, saving Carrigan’s.

I really enjoyed Season of Love, especially the butch rep which I don’t think we see enough in sapphic romance. Noelle and Miriam have great chemistry, even when their fighting, and the mutual pining was *chef’s kiss*, so I was disappointed with the lack of spicy scenes. I know it’s not needed for all romance novels, but I really thought it was deserved here. I did love the aspect of found family and really enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Cole who had me laughing in almost every scene he was in. If you’re looking for a heartfelt read this holiday season then Season of Love is the book for you.

I received an ARC from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So I really wanted to love this book--a butch holiday romance with Jewish traditions, yes please! Unfortunately, for me, this just didn't hit the mark on what I believe was meant to be a Hallmark-but-queer romance. Yes, it had the staples like the fiancé back home that isn't right for our lead, the local business in need of saving and the red pickup truck (of course). What I didn't feel it did was maintain the light-hearted charm one looks for in a holiday romance. There is a lot going on in this book between the romcom tropes, Jewish/Christmas crossover, secondary romances, reconciliations, etc. There is also A LOT of trauma. Now I'm not advocating for a romance with no emotional complexity, but there was just so much going on that it didn't feel like we got to go very deep with anything.

While I didn't love this book, I am hoping this might be a series of some sort. I was never very invested in this couple, but the peripheral romance had me intrigued and the side characters were adorable. I will certainly try more from this author in the future--this just didn't really work for me.

3.5 stars. Miriam is forced to face the past she left behind when she unexpectedly inherits her great aunt's Christmas tree farm.

The premise of this was funny as a Jewish family runs a Christmas tree farm in the Adirondacks. We get a lot of complicated family dynamics, Jewish culture, and past trauma woven through the storyline so the romantic element is lighter and slow burn.

I was lukewarm on the characters and felt like we got a bit of whiplash when they'd be angry with extensive inner monologues in one scene and sugary sweet, instantly in love in the next. Things seemed to move at a frantic pace but I wanted a bit more show than tell.

Overall I liked the set up — it's chock full of quirk and charming side characters and I appreciate the queer and Jewish representation — but the execution wasn't my favorite.

Thanks Forever Pub and NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was really worried for the first 60% or so of the book. It was slow. Like glacial. Lots of set up to do and then BAM, everything unfolded at once and ended up in a delightful story. I really hope we get to see more of the side characters in a trilogy or something because I need a book for Cole like I need air.

Lots of content warnings for this one which I wasn't expecting. It's not a light and fluffy holiday romance despite having lots of light and fluffy scenes. I was thrilled to see all the discussion of Jewish holidays and traditions. Season of Love comes out on October 11 and I definitely recommend it if you can handle a slow start!

If you’re in the mood for a heart-filled holiday love story, set on a (ironically) Jewish-run Christmas tree farm like a perfect little Hallmark movie, than this book is for you!

Season of Love was such a fun read. It had a little bit of everything; feel-good sapphic holiday (closed-door) romance, love, loss, abuse, Jewish MC, butch MC, depth, and much more. I was expecting a light and fluffy romance but was pleasantly surprised by the substance. I adored Miriam and Noelle and thought all of the side characters made for the perfect mix of found family. All in all an enjoyable debut and I look forward to reading more by Greer.

What I enjoyed;
🌲 Found family
🌲 Jewish/LGBTQ rep
🌲 Enemies to lovers
🌲 Eccentric Cass

Pub date: 10/11/22

Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Season of Love is a queer holiday romance set in the NY mountains, where a sudden family change forces Miriam Blum to return and come to terms with the loved ones she abandoned. What starts out as a weekend trip ends up altering in ways she wouldn't have comprehended.

I liked that most characters had growth, redemption, or not in a way that made them seem human, along with the whimsy we've come to expect with holiday reads. I also liked how this tied in Jewish holiday traditions during the holidays. This made me long for snowy weather and recipes!

Thank you to Netgalley and to Forever for the ARC.

#SeasonofLove #NetGalley

A holiday romance featuring bisexual Miriam, who has arrived at her estranged aunt's Christmas tree farm to sit shiva for her aunt. I loved the tension between Miriam and Noelle, the farm's manager. There were times when I felt that the book jumped around too much, and it was certainly heavier than expected (due to Miriam's relationships with her abusive father and flighty mother). That family tension helped ground it at times and yet also weighed it down at others. All in all, I'm a fan because of the romance, the queer, Jewish themes, and the holiday setting.

"You were sleeping, in a castle. And you were behind all these obstacles, to keep yourself from waking up"
"And now I have to decide whether to stay awake or go back to sleep"
If you are big on enemies-to-lovers stories that explores the themes of dealing with the ghosts of the past and found family, it is highly likely you will enjoy reading Season of love by Helena Greer.
The plot revolves around Miriam Blum, a bisexual woman who not only has built a successful life as an artist, but also is engaged to an equally successful woman who seems to be Miri's life partner. However, her world turns upside down when she gets a phone call saying that her Great-aunt, Cass, has died. As a consequence, Miriam has to go back to Cass’s Christmas Tree farm, Carrigan’s, to sit shiva where she has to deal with the ghosts of her past and the gorgeous farm manager Noelle, who hates her.
What I particularly like about the book is the author’s sparkling style: Greer's beautiful prose allows the reader to both get into the story and empathize with the characters. The less you know about what the book is about, the better since the story is full of unexpected moments the reader has to stumble upon while reading it. If I do have one minor criticism though, it is the length of the chapters. Were I the author, I would replace the dividers for a new chapter.
Long story short, I would highly recommend the novel to those who are looking for a beautifully written holiday romance novel. The reader is bound to devour it in the blink of an eye and be touched by some of the book's beautiful lines.

*I received an eARC in exchange of an honest review*

I’m writing this just as I turn the last page so that I get the emotions down perfectly.

I am… not a Christmas book reader. Truthfully I’m not even a rom-com reader (despite my love of a certain handful that trusty ole bookstagram has placed in my hands).
My reading of LGTBQ+ romances have been (mostly) male dominated (and loved) and yet, something about this one made me want to read it.

Well, I’ve made a liar out of myself because the thing is, I do love rom-com when it’s good writing, MCs you root for, heartwarming moments and a gritty (real) past that people need to move beyond.

Going into it (and even the first 1/4) I was wondering where it was going and by the end I was jealous of the MCs love story. Before you say anything, obviously I love my love story, but a good romance book (for me) is when I close the last pages on it thinking, ‘gosh I wish that was me’… aka swooning.

It did it for me. Really did. Didn’t expect it. Fully embraced it. Ps. She’s also a debut author and my heart LOVES a good debut 💘

Thank you to the pub house @forever for gifted me the arc in return for an honest review. Ps. I’ll be the first in line for what I assume will be another book down on the Christmas tree farm

When Miriam gets word that her aunt Cass has died, she knows she has to go back to Cass's Christmas tree farm for the first time in ten years to sit shiva, even if it means seeing her father. When she arrives she meets Noelle, Cass's farm manager for the last five years, and discovers all she missed while building her careful and safe life with the finance she didn't really love. Back at Carrigan's Christmasland, she has to face what she's been hiding from as she teams up with her cousin Hannah and Noelle (who she is also very attracted to) to try to save the farm. Meanwhile, Noelle is dealing with developing feelings for an engaged woman she is also angry with for hurting the people she loves by disappearing for ten years.

I enjoyed this very queer, very Jewish, very lovely story about finding yourself again while saving a Christmas tree farm! I wish I could have known Cass, I'm glad both Miriam and Noelle got their POVs, and I really want there to be follow up books about Hannah and Blue, and Cole and whomever.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! You can find it on Oct 11/22 when it is released and my review will be in my ARCReviews story highlight on my IG!

Miriam gets a call out of the blue one day that every person dreads. A beloved relative has died and left her a tree farm. Except she’s Jewish and lives in the sunny south.
No matter, A quick trio up north will dispense with things quickly.
Think again.
Miriam’s entire life is upended and she didn’t even know it was what she needed.
Many themes wrap around each other: family, taking chances, new relationships, mending fences, new opportunities.
Take a chance in Seasons of Love.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the opportunity to read an eARC of Season of Love!

CWs: Alcoholism, emotional abuse, grief, child abuse, death, domestic abuse, toxic relationship
***
If you are a fellow Hallmark enjoyer, you know that a Christmas tree farm – especially one in trouble! – is the perfect place to fall in love. Helena Greer builds on that very Time-Honoured Tradition in the charming Season of Love.

Miriam Blum has created a comfortable life for herself as an artist, far away from her complicated history – until she’s unexpectedly finds herself back at the family Christmas tree farm she grew up loving, sitting shiva for its eccentric late owner, her dear great-aunt Cass. After a 10-year absence, Miriam learns she is now part owner of Carrigan’s Christmasland, a Jewish-run holiday destination that’s in dire financial trouble. Not only is Miriam in mourning and about to turn her life and career upside, but now she has a Christmas tree farm to save in memory of the grandmother figure she didn’t get to say goodbye to. If that wasn’t tricky enough, when they aren’t arguing, sparks are flying between Miriam and other part-owner and tree expert, Noelle Northwood. Noelle found a chosen family at Carrigan’s and doesn’t know whether she can trust the long-lost great-niece of her late employer and friend. But their attraction to one another is making things complicated…

Season of Love is a cozy holiday romance with plenty of found family and festive cheer. It does deal with some heavy topics, such as complicated and painful relationships with parents and the role chosen family can play in healing from trauma.

This book is a great one to pick up as we approach to holidays, but be aware that it’s certainly not pure fluff. There’s depth and substance there, and the central relationship is intense and sometimes volatile. I’m a third-act breakup skeptic, and while I love Miriam and Noelle, they will need a couple’s therapist to move past some of the issues brought up in the last act.

Fair warning that this is a closed-door romance, so if that’s your thing you’ll like this one.

Overall, a great first read to start off holiday romance season!

Oh my gosh was this funny and light hearted. Miriam returns to sit shiva at that tree farm of her
great aunt Cass who helped raised her. She plans to sit shiva, avoid her parents, and say goodbye forever to Carrigans.

Noelle has been spending years working at Carrigans and is super annoyed that Miriam shows up and gets ownership after Cass changed the will.

Miriam and Noelle have to figure out how to keep Carrigans going while also having feelings for each other.

I loved this lighthearted romantic book and enjoyed the enemies to lovers trope.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this arc!