Member Reviews

Cheesy and sweet, hallmark movie come to life almost! Almost tooooooo easy for the characters to find eachother at some points but overall it was a fun read
Thanks to Netgalley, the authors, and the publisher for the ARC>

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This book was a little hard for me to get into. It was a little slow and I felt like sometimes a sentence here or there was repeated. I never really felt very connected to any of the characters. I liked that the ending was sweet and of course a happily ever after. If I had to pick a favorite character it would be Saif. He was very patient and sweet and overall just a really good guy. This book just fell average for me.

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🎄📚Grab an iced peppermint mocha, it's time for Christmas in July!📚🎄

When I saw that Uzma Jalaluddin had teamed up with Marissa Stapley to write a holiday rom-com, I knew I was 100% in and immediately requested a copy from Net Galley. I really loved Jalaluddin's AYESHA AT LAST a few years back.

THREE HOLIDAYS AND A WEDDING does not disappoint. It's everything I want in a holiday rom-com – It's sweet, swoony, features strong female friendships, everything gets wrapped up in a nice bow, and it has a perfect small-town setting (in fact it's so perfect, it's a little bit of a tongue-in-cheek joke running through the story).

In this holiday rom-com, you get a TRI-HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA! It takes place in the year 2000, a year when Christmas, Hanukkah, and the end of Ramadan all coincided. Each holiday is important to characters in the book and you get to read about why it's special and why it adds to the holiday magic of the season. The year 2000 time setting offered some fun nostalgia and stripped away some technological conveniences for the characters, something I found myself a little lowkey jealous of, actually... maybe I need a break from my phone. 😅

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for a free review copy o f this book!

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Such a warm cozy feeling type of book. I love the cute little moments shared between the characters. The look at different cultures experiences during holidays. It felt warm and inviting. overall going to become one of my comfort reads

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When I started out with this book, as Maryam and Anna are in the airport/on the airplane, I thought I wasn't going to like this book. By the end, it felt like a warm hug. I'm not one for Hallmark Christmas movies but 10/10 would watch this one. The Aziz family is on their way to Toronto for a last minute wedding of their daughter Saima. Their other daughter, Maryam, is stuck in the role of keeping her family organized, a near impossibility with holiday travel at the apex of Ramadan, Hanukkah, and Christmas this year. On the flight, Maryam (begrudgingly) talks to Anna, who is flying to Toronto to meet her boyfriend's obnoxious family on a tight timeline and hoping to meet expectations. Snowmageddon ensues, and the plane ends up in the town of Snow Falls to ride out the storm. In this seemingly random multicultural melting pot in rural Canada, a famous movie star is brought into the mix, as well as a childhood crush, there's a holiday performance that needs to be orchestrated, Saima still wants to get married on her original timeline, and Anna's ridiculous boyfriend wants HER to move heaven and earth to get to Toronto. Honestly this book is an amazing reflection on family of the round and related varieties. Everyone in this story manages to make the best of a seemingly no-win situation. I would honestly read a sequel.

The only thing I didn't love was Nick as a character. He was blessedly sparse in the meat of the story, but he was truly the worst, so awful he was unbelievable to me.

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this was sweet! while it did get a tad bit overwhelming from some aspects of the story seeing as there are multiple storylines within this book, overall it delivered on a sweet, cozy christmas vibe perfect for curling up with some cocoa and a warm fire.

if you like hallmark movies this may also be for you

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This novel was a warm, cozy read that felt like a Hallmark movie. I enjoyed exploring the different cultures and holidays of the main characters, and while this was a calming, delightful read, it did pack in a few lessons on what it truly means to be happy and what family really is.

A great book to read on a cozy couch with a cup of hot chocolate.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for my advanced reader copy!

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*ARC Review*

At first I was convinced this would be a DNF. I had a lot of trouble relating to the many characters and trying to understand what was happening. The flight sequence was chaotic and I had no idea how this book was a rom-com. Eventually as the stranded group got to Snow Falls, the small town rom-com came to be. It had a hallmark style movie, family drama, and love. Once I worked through it I enjoyed it and it all worked together - but around 30% in I didn't think I could do it.

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3.75 out of 5. Although it might be a tad forced I really enjoyed the multicultural aspect of this. A progressive Holiday read and I am in for all of it. This also has like so many wonderful things of Christmas movies and Christmas romance tropes. A lot in one book again but then again why be greedy, I say just enjoy the madness. We have Travel troubles, snowed in, Christmas pageants, Hidden identities, Famous /normal trope, surprise weddings, Christmas towns, the list goes on. The three Christmas past ghosts, becoming different holiday ghosts wax a wonderful take.

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From the very beginning, the reader will know this book is something magical and precious.

The dedication reads: "To our families.. and for anyone who has ever wondered where they belong during the holidays."

And these characters! I adore them!

Anna, who grew up celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas, but due to a life choice, it's all jinglebell cheer this year. Maybe.

Maryam, looking forward to Eid (not so much her sister's wedding) but it's more than a simple holiday this year.

Welcome to small town Snow Falls, the Canada Hallmark movie-perfect setting for a fabulous holiday read!

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Anna is jetting off to Toronto to spend Christmas with her new boyfriend and his wealthy family. Maryam is flying to Toronto with her sister and family for her sister’s wedding during Ramadan. A bad snowstorm grounds the plane in Snow Falls, a tiny Canadian town with lots of holiday spirit. That week, Christmas, Hannukah, and Ramadan/Eid all happen at the same time. Can the stranded travelers make the most of their holidays together, and will Maryam’s sister’s wedding still happen?

The entire time I read this, I pictured it as a Hallmark movie. There were love interests, townspeople banding together, and lots of holiday spirit. It felt a little long at times, but overall it was a fun read! I really enjoyed learning more about Ramadan and Eid and all the customs that go along with it. I have read so much about Christmas and Hannukah, and it was a really refreshing change to read about a different holiday.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the advance digital copy!

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Thanks NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC!

I loved this book!

"Three Holidays and a Wedding" tells the story of Maryam and Anna's turbulent flight to Toronto for the holidays (it's the year 2000 and Ramadan, Hannukah, and Christmas all overlap). After being stranded in small-town Snow Falls, Maryam and Anna realize what they truly want in life and open themselves to love.

I truly enjoyed this book. From the two likable main characters, the cultural and religious representations, the importance of family and a support team, to finding your true self, this book made me laugh and cry.

I will be on the lookout for more work from these two authors.

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I really enjoyed this book! It was such a unique, cozy holiday story. I loved following the story of the main characters Maryam and Anna, who make the most of an unexpected situation and find what makes them happy. The combination of the three different holidays and their traditions was wonderful and I really enjoyed the supporting characters as well. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a heartwarming holiday read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for sharing this e-arc with me in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

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I did not request this book and was provided a copy of it via the publisher. Unfortunately it doesn't sound like a book that interests me so I'm not reading and reviewing at this time.

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Who am I to say no to a sweet, swoon-worthy, heartwarming holiday romance? It's one of my guilty pleasures. Two talented romance authors, Marissa Stapley and Uzma Jalaluddin, have teamed up to deliver not only a lighthearted romance novel with very likable characters but also a picturesque, quirky small town in Ottawa covered in snow. They skillfully combined cultural references, traditions, and religious customs of the holidays, melting the barriers between people and reminding us of the most meaningful times of the year we celebrate with our loved ones, making this book extra special.

Both Maryam and Anna are easily relatable characters, finding themselves on a plane for different reasons. Maryam is traveling to attend her sister's last-minute announced wedding ceremony, while Anna has complex feelings about meeting her boyfriend's family, possibly expecting a marriage proposal during this trip. During the turbulence of the flight, they both share their long-time harbored feelings, including fears, dreams, hopes, and struggles. Little do they know that Saif, the love of Maryam's life, is eavesdropping on their conversation, and they have no idea of the many unexpected events that await them during their stay in town. The emergency landing in a small town in Ottawa changes their entire plans.

The cozy atmosphere of Snow Falls, with its dreamy holiday decorations, will allure you to jump into the book and stay as long as you need until the real world calls you back for your necessary errands. The vivid descriptions of the charming town and its friendly inhabitants make you wish you could experience a winter wonderland like this.

As Anna finds out her celebrity crush is being filmed for a holiday movie, it brings her extra joy that she hasn't experienced in a long time, and an unexpected blooming romance enlightens her life, making her rethink past decisions she's made. Throughout her journey, Anna learns the importance of self-discovery, self-worth, and the courage to follow her heart. She begins to let go of the expectations others have set for her and instead starts paving her own path towards happiness and fulfillment.

On the other hand, Maryam's encounters with Saif, her childhood sweetheart, ignite a fire in her heart that had been extinguished for far too long. As they reconnect and rediscover their deep love for each other, Maryam finds the courage to open herself up to a second chance at romance. Their love story is beautifully interwoven with the magic of the holiday season, making you believe in the power of love and destiny.
As the plot unfolds, we get glimpses of the characters' personal growth, the challenges they face, and the obstacles they overcome. The development of their relationships, both romantic and platonic, showcases the importance of understanding, empathy, and acceptance. The story beautifully captures the essence of the holiday spirit, spreading warmth, love, and hope to its readers.

In conclusion, "Snow Falls" is a delightful and heartwarming holiday romance that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. The magical setting, the well-developed characters, and the engaging plot will transport you to a world of love, laughter, and festive cheer. So, if you're looking for a captivating read that embraces the essence of the holiday season and celebrates the power of love and self-discovery, this book is an absolute must-read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this swoon-worthy book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. Wishing you all a wonderful and bookish rest of the week! Happy reading!

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A lovely, sweet story about an unexpected friendship, romance and family ties. Maryam and Anna meet on a flight from Denver to Toronto. Maryam is planning her sister's last minute wedding during the very hectic Ramadan holiday. Anna is on the way to meet her boyfriend's family and possibly receive a marriage proposal. A huge snowstorm hits and their plane is diverted to a small town north of Toronto and south of Ottawa, called Snow Falls. I want to live in Snow Falls! The town is perfection and almost serves as another character in the story. While stranded in Snow Falls, both Maryam and Anna embark on some self discovery and personal growth and it was a joy to read about. All of the characters are likeable, except for maybe Anna's soon to be ex-boyfriend Nick. I will say that he was a bit one-dimensional..

I've read everything that Uzma Jalauddin has written and I've recommended her many times to my library customers. She's a fabulous writer, offering an excellent glimpse into the Muslim world. I'm not familiar with Marissa Stapley but will be searching for her books ASAP!

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This was a cute seasonal “romance” that, much like the stranded travelers in the story, seemed to take forever to get anywhere. Granted, there was a lot going on.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the convergent celebrations and their traditions, though little was said about Christmas. And I appreciated seeing Anna and Maryam’s characters learn to stand up for themselves and take chances. I started this book thinking it was about Anna’s romance with Josh, but it was more a story about family and friends. Mr. Dadu was a hoot and my favorite character in the book.

The storyline became more interesting in the second half of the book, leading to a satisfying ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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This was such a fun read. The town gives you such hallmark vibes and it's a delightful and adorable thing.

I grew up in a family that celebrates Hanukkah and Christmas so it was really fun to read about an entire town that celebrating not just Christmas but really opening themselves up to celebrating all holidays and representing all cultures.

As well as the fact that this was full of a lot of facts, informations and cultural references to really inform the reader as well as really give you the sense that this town is treating these holidays with respect. With equal respect.

It's also just a great book of relationships. It has not only got romantic relationships. It has family relationships and really great genuine friendships.

This is such a cozy and fun holiday read but also just a great educational experience for different cultures and the different winter holidays that they celebrate.

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I loved this book combing the three winter holidays all into one! What a wonderful celebration of three different cultures and two adorable yet very different love stories. Three Holidays and a Wedding is a very unique holiday story that has something for everyone regardless of what you celebrate during December. This is such a fun snowed-in story that felt like it was straight out of a Hallmark Channel movie. I think getting snowed-in myself at the inn in the eclectic Snow Falls seems like an ideal way to spend the holidays. This is definitely gong to be one of my top Christmas reads for 2023!

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

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This is delightful and sweet story with themes of friendship, found family, and inclusion.

Anna is flying to Toronto to meet her boyfriend's family. Maryam is flying to Toronto with her family to her sister's wedding. When a snowstorm strands them in a quaint Canadian town, Anna and Maryam become unlikely friends while learning more about themselves and what they want out of life.

I had such a great time reading this. Maryam was hilarious and there are two cute love stories (three if we count Saima's engagement). Recommended to anyone looking for a heartwarming holiday read.

Thank you very much to @PutnamBooks for the gifted book.

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