Season of Love is a holiday season romance that checks all the boxes-- it's sweet and wholesome with an undercurrent of serious emotions, both good and bad. It's also loudly queer and lovingly Jewish despite its over-the-top setting. Carrigan's Christmasland is an institution in Advent, New York. Run by the eccentric and magnetic Cass Carrigan, the business is open for only two months of the year, during which Christmas cheer is sprinkled liberally over a steady stream of tourists. But now Cass is dead, and her prodigal niece must return after a ten-year absence to mourn the woman and legend who shaped some of the happier parts of her childhood.

Miriam's life is kept small and controlled, a coping mechanism learned in an abusive household. While her art has a strong online following, she hasn't painted, her truest joy, in ten years. She hasn't visited the place she thinks of as home. She hasn't opened up about her past, and her feelings are under a strict lockdown. Her fiancee is a friend with benefits, and that works perfectly for Miriam. But now Cass is dead, and she can't hide or run anymore. Cass left a quarter of Christmasland to Miriam, and the business is failing. It will take her creative spark and her long-abandoned vulnerability to commit to this monumental task.

One of the other beneficiaries is Noelle, who's been in charge of the farm's Christmas trees for years. She takes an instant dislike to Miriam, the woman who left Christmasland behind despite it being the best place in the world. She broke Cass' heart and that of her cousin, Hannah, Noelle's best friend. It will take a lot for the steadfast but wary Noelle to trust this flight risk interloper-- never mind that Miriam's cute, talented, and loved by the rest of Christmasland.

The book is about the characters' journey to save their home by evolving into something new together. It's about past hurts and accountability in the present. And it's about a love that's worth fighting for even on the bad days-- the days when past traumas rear their ugly heads and bring out the worst in us. It's a closed-door romance, one that's quick to spark and quick to ensnare deeper feelings. Miriam and Noelle experience fragile joys amidst bigger challenges and stand by each other in big ways even when they're at odds in smaller ones.

Beyond the romance, several aspects of the story drew me in. The whole cast of characters is a delight with no shortage of people I would want to see star in their own stories. Not only that, but the relationships are so tangled and real and true. Both Miriam and Noelle have fraught family realities in different ways, and found family serves as their bedrock. Beyond the obvious queerness of a sapphic romance, these other bonds were just as meaningful to me as a representation of our community. We see people with friendships they put first and with unexpected bonds that light up their lives. I was especially amused by Miriam's friendship with Cole, a confusing human in boat shoes who is also a hacker and Southern belle and former arsonist and commitmentphobe and supposedly straight man all in one. But most importantly, he's a devoted best friend who needs his own book *ahem.* Both protagonists reflect on how queerness (Noelle's a butch lesbian and Miriam's bi but not much romantically interested in men) is a light in their lives rather than an obstacle, and I think that's something we all need to hear more often.

Other content warnings to consider: Noelle's an alcoholic, but she's sober, and we don't see her struggle with that in the book. It's a source of strength and community for her. Her parents were also alcoholics, and she was estranged from them before they died. Miriam's abusive father is a factor in the plot, so expect to see some of his controlling behaviors on the page.

This is not only an excellent holiday season romance and queer romance but also an all-around good story about facing your traumas with those you love and building a better life for yourself where you can be open and happy. Thanks to Forever for my copy to read and review!

I love a holiday read, and this sapphic romance set on a Christmas tree farm is a fun one. I will say, however, that it reminded me of many other holiday reads, with not a lot to set it apart or stick with me for very long. I love the inclusion of overcoming family trauma and creating boundaries. I love the witty and humorous banter between our leading ladies. There are some legit amusing parts that had me laughing. This book is a warm holiday read.

I cannot believe I waited a year from release to read Season Of Love by Helena Greer. This holiday themed book was so much deeper than what I was expecting. Season Of Love is a sapphic love story about healing and strength and showing up for those you love. The story follows Miriam who has been away from her family for ten years – living in Charleston with her fiance, Tara. Miriam has shut herself off from her emotions. Still, she’s managed to create a pretty good life and is about to open up a store for her upcycled antique creations which are all the rage online. However, these plans are thrown into a tailspin when Miriam’s Aunt Cass has passed away and she’s called to Carrigan’s Christmas farm in the Adirondacks. Oh and did I mention that this Christmas Wonderland is run by Jews? Anyways, she goes to sit Shiva for Cass and meets Noelle, the woman who is in charge of growing the trees at Carrigan’s. It is a rocky start but the attraction is there. Oh and it turns out, Miriam inherits 1/4 of a share in Carrigan’s. And so, together with Noelle and her cousin Hannah, she must figure out how to save Carrigan’s.

Season Of Love is excellent and deep. Miriam has been through trauma and it has impacted how she has relationships and feels her emotions. She has had to make herself feel small and cut herself off from people that she loves and cares for. What we find out happened is gut wrenching. Noelle also has trauma in that she lost her parents and was an alcoholic. Noelle, however, is sober now. I actually really liked that piece of the book and how she was depicted. Noelle also is quick to assume and judge – but it is because she is so protective of her people. To be fair, I loved the town of Advent and the community of small businesses which come together to help out. Also, I want to point out how lovely the romance was between Miriam and Noelle. They really had to work for their happy ending – but it was worth it. I am so excited now to also read the next book from Greer which is Hannah and Levi’s story.

ON A SCALE OF ONE TO BUDDY THE ELF, HOW MUCH HOLIDAY SPIRIT DOES SEASON OF LOVE BY HELENA GREER HAVE?
I love the absurdity of the story — a Christmas themed business run by Jewish people. It really works though. We get the holiday season from Halloween to New Year’s all the way to Tu B’Shevat. I learned a little bit about Judaism too and that piece was such a joy to encounter in this book. The culture was so rich and interesting. I loved seeing how important it is to Miriam’s life and also impactful with regards to her feelings of community. Although very heavy, this book had moments of bursting joy so I loved it, and it put me in a wonderful spirit.

Loved this queer holiday romance. Noelle and Miriam are a delightful duo and I loved their chemistry. I think this was an excellent read for the holiday Seasons.

This sapphic romp about a Jewish Christmas tree farm is hands-down a new holiday classic. Carrigan’s is such a lovingly detailed place that I’m half-convinced it’s possible to visit — if it were, I’d move in for the whole month of December. Like twining a string of fairy lights around your heart to keep it warm.

such a fun Christmas book! will be rereading every holiday season!

thank you to netgalley and the publisher!

What makes "Season of Love" stand out is its ability to tug at your heartstrings without resorting to clichés. It explores themes of loss, forgiveness, and the resilience of the human spirit with grace and authenticity. The characters in this book are beautifully fleshed out, each with their own struggles and vulnerabilities that make them feel like real people facing real challenges. As you follow their journeys, you'll find yourself drawn into their lives, cheering for their successes and empathizing with their setbacks. Helena Greer's storytelling is a genuine gift to readers who appreciate tales of love, hope, and the enduring strength of the human heart.

A few years I was so desperate for lesbian Hallmark-esq novels that my friend and I decided to write our own. More lesbian and sapphic writers must have felt the same way because the last few years. While Greer's "Season of Love" fits the Hallmark story arc perfectly is a little heavier than I was expecting. I wasn't particularly in love with this story like I wanted to be, and it took me longer than expected to finish.

I DO want to thank Helena Greer for writing an overweight butch love interest. I NEVER see that, so thank you so much for writing someone like me as someone's love interest.

"Season of Love" by Helena Greer is a heartwarming and enchanting LGBTQIAP+ romance that captures the spirit of the holiday season and the magic of unexpected love. Greer's storytelling prowess shines as she crafts a tale of connection, acceptance, and the joy of the festive season. The book's relatable characters and charming plot create an immersive reading experience that resonates with fans of romance and Christmas stories. Greer skillfully navigates the complexities of relationships and the emotions of her characters, adding depth to the narrative and making it a must-read for those seeking a heartfelt LGBTQIAP+ romance with a holiday twist. "Season of Love" is a reminder that love has the power to bring warmth and happiness even in the coldest of times, leaving readers with a cozy and contented feeling as they follow the characters on their journey of love and holiday cheer.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to the free advanced digital copy of this book.

Cute queer romance for the holidays filled with lots of fun. Great escapist read! Hopefully the author writes more, with different holidays.

This was a fun, easy read with queer, Jewish vibes in the world of Hallmark movies. I didn't think that it was anything I hadn't read before, but it was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I FUCKING LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!! I am so gone for these characters, the christmas tree farm and everything that is this GIFT of a novel.

I'm going to reread this one before I dive into For Never & Always, but ugh y'all if you even somewhat like romances, YOU MUST READ THIS!! Noelle and Miriam are the most precious babies and I loved them so much. Noelle is a big softie who pretends to be the most grump and I love her. Miriam is scared to love and be loved, but she just deserves EVERYTHING. I loved this christmas tree farm romance.

Also Jewish bisexual MC and a fat butch lesbian MC with PTSD and is a recovering alcoholic. It was handled so well *cries forever* I WILL PROTECT THESE BABIES FOREVER.

Life has been a little crazy. This book was a constant thing to look forward to reading before bed. I loved the messy, fun, real characters and the uniqueness of the story. I look forward to the next book.

I voluntarily belatedly read an early copy.

Thank you Netgalley and Forever for providing an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Disclaimer: I read this novel in February 2023 and am getting around to the review in June 2023.

I enjoyed this novel. For another wanting to pick up this novel for a Christmas in July or even have it ready for your seasonal TBR this holiday season, this book is good solid holiday novel with both Jewish background and Christmas (commercialized). I would caution you that this novel is NOT light-hearted as the cutesy cover makes it out to be. It does unravel some heavy topics that I would advise checking for trigger warnings so you don't get your expectations skewed for a holly jolly novel.

Why it's not a 5-star: As my disclaimer states, it's a good novel but Miriam and Noelle's relationship was not a head-over-heels instant all-time favorite for me. As well as the pacing was a tad too slow or too fast at parts.

Otherwise, I recommend this novel to anyone looking for their next holiday read.

This book was entirely too slow. I was invested in Noelle and her mate but it was taking too long to get to the point of the romance.

There are not enough holiday books that include Hanukkah! This one is a gem, a queer Jewish romance that takes place on a Christmas Tree Farm. I adored Miriam, her love for her family, and her willingness to step in and take over the family business from her beloved great aunt. Noelle became a well developed character as well, and there was great sense of place. I loved the small town, the farm, and the descriptions of the house. What I didn't love was the way that Miriam moved quickly from her "relationship of convenience" to a relationship with Noelle. The book ultimately won points for being deeper than the cover lets on, covering childhood traumas and alcoholism as well as having nice Jewish representation (which always wins points with me). Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

This was a cute romance. The Jewish-run Christmas tree farm aspect was funny but heartwarming. There was a lot of touching moments and good chemistry between the characters. I thought this was really cute and I'd love more of these characters.

Overall 4.5 star review - I really enjoyed this debut novel. love that in incorporated Christmas and Hanukkah plus other Jewish holidays. Great first holiday read of the season.

This was really cute and a great read. A little bit heavier and some of the stuff they had to work through but still engaging. You can tell she's setting up a series with all the characters that are still single but I'm excited to enter this world again so bring it on!