Rounding up to four stars. Overall this was very cute and sweet. It was very Hallmark-moviesque. So it was quite formulaic but with a unique spin (with the tri-holiday theme.) Also it was cool idea to set a story centered on the overlap of Christmas, Hanukkah and Ramadan with a fictionalization of the very real and memorable snowmaggedon that happened in Southern Ontario/Quebec around the same time in real life. There were some choices made that did not totally work for me but overall I can see what the authors were going for. This type of story requires A LOT of suspension of disbelief and you have to trust the process, but if you can do that, I think it was very enjoyable and light read. Also, the audio narration was very well done. The single narrator did an excellent job differentiating all the different characters.

I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.

A fun read celebrating three cultural Christmases with a mixed bag of travellers marooned in a small Christmasy town in Canada ….characters were fun, romances were sweet, cultures were naturally embraced.

I loved this fun tri-holiday rom-com. This was just the book to get me out of a tough reading slump. I read it quickly, and loved the growth of the two main characters by the end of the novel. I also enjoyed that the story was set in the early 2000s, with many pop culture references and Toronto/Canadian tidbits. I really would love to see this story turned into a film or tv series, I think it has a lot of potential. Highly recommend this as a holiday (whatever you may celebrate) read.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC!

I will start by saying, I had no idea this book was set in December 2000. Is that a problem? Nope, not at all! There were quite a few nods to that year that brought me some happy memories. Why? Because in December 2000, I was in the process of planning my wedding. When I mentioned the time period to my husband, he smiled as he remembered the storm hitting Ontario that holiday season.

December 2000 was chosen for this book because it was one of the extremely rare occasions that Christmas, Hannukah, and Ramadan occurred simultaneously. Why is that important? Because those are the three holidays referenced in the title. Each holiday is discussed in the context of the story. Maryam and her family share their Ramadan traditions with Anna and others around them. Anna finds someone who she can share her memories of celebrating Hannukah and Christmas. These interactions help the reader connect with the characters and to understand the traditions they may be unfamiliar with.

Let me take a moment to discuss Snow Falls. I am sadly disappointed to know that it is not a real place. There are several small towns throughout Ontario that are similar to Snow Falls. But nothing could be the real place. There are several times the characters remark how much the town feels like a dream location. If someone knows of a town that has a kosher bakery, across from a Turkish coffee shop, and around the corner from a Hakka restaurant please let me know ASAP! Especially if the town puts out all the stops for the holiday season.

Three Holidays and a Wedding is a Hallmark holiday movie in a book. Is that a bad thing? Heck no! It means that this book is a quick, easy read. Perfect for curling up with a hot drink and a blanket. Trust me!

Oh, my friends. This book. If I could give ALL my Hallmark holiday movie-loving peeps (you know who you are) a book for the holiday season, it would be this book! Even though you know from the very beginning how it's going to end, even though you know it's using every holiday romance trope there is, it's still all the holiday magic.
The story is set in 2000, when Eid, Hanukkah and Christmas all lined up, Design magazine writer Anna, grieving the loss of her Dad and the Hanukkah traditions of her newly remarried stepmom, is flying to Toronto to meet her very wealthy boyfriend's family over the holidays, and isn't sure how she feels about said boyfriend. Over-functioning pharmacist Maryam is trying to get her Muslim family and friends to Toronto for her sister's very Desi wedding, which Maryam has pulled together in 6 weeks. Do you know what else happened in Toronto in December 2000? Snowmageddon! So, of course, planes are rerouted, snowstorms abound and everyone ends up in a magical, diverse small town called Snow Falls, where, wouldn't you know it, a film crew is working on a Hallmark style holiday romance.
What makes this book a 5 star read for me is the brilliant decision to pair @uzmajalaluddin (Much Ado About Nada) and @marissastapley (Lucky). Together, they bring Anna and Maryam's journeys of discovery to life. Add in a tiny town with 3 Hakka Chinese restaurants, a Turkish coffee shop and mosque, a Jewish bakery (someone HAS to get me the rugelach recipe) , a lovely lesbian couple running the inn who know to offer their Muslim visitors use of the kitchen in the early morning during Ramadan; and an ongoing joke about the Leafs and the playoffs.
This is how diverse holiday stories could (should) be told. Not as an add on. Not as a "oh, yeah, does anybody have a menorah?" As an integral part of the story. Get this book!
Thanks to #NetGalley and @penguinrandomca for the e-arc. #Bookstagram #AvivaAndFriendsRecos #3HolidaysAndAWedding

This book pretty much delivers what it promises on the cover. It was a cute sweet Hallmark Holiday movie type story, with a inclusive multi-cultural twist.

The characters are well written, and likeable. The setting is an adorable, a small snowy holiday villiage where a current Hallmark like Christmas movie is being filmed.

The plot lines are predictable, but that’s par for the course in most holiday rom-coms. Overall a sweet light read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with an eARC of this book to read and review.

Anna and Maryam meet at the airport during the holidays. Anna is on her way to meet her boyfriend’s family but has doubts about whether he is the right one for her, and Maryam struggles with shouldering her family burdens while stifling her own dreams. The two form an unlikely friendship and are compelled to face their dilemmas after a storm results in their flight making a detour and leaving them stuck in a small town.

This book started off well but there wasn’t enough conflict or plot momentum to keep me interested past the midpoint. This resulted in it feeling like the literary version of a Hallmark movie. The chapters felt disjointed and it felt like we were getting more of Maryam’s perspective than Annas. I also found their friendship a bit contrived and the romantic interests didn’t evoke any spark.

Both authors are great in their own right but the collaboration in this book fell flat for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reading copy in exchange for a review.

This is a delightful holiday romance book with the uncommon bonus of taking place in 3 of the worlds major holidays at the same time in beautiful harmony.

Two strangers, Maryam Aziz and Anna Gibson find themselves as seatmates on a flight to Toronto. It is December 2000 in the midst of a holiday season where 3 major holidays are going on simultaneously, Christmas, Ramadan, and Hanukkah. Anna is on her way to meet her boyfriend Nick's family for the first time and possibly get engaged. Maryam is flying with her entire family to attend her youngest sister's last minute wedding to a fellow doctor. They both connect on the plane, and when nothing goes to plan and they end up in a small town outside of Ottawa called Snow Falls in the midst of the snowstorm of the century both women will be tested in ways neither of them expects. Childhood crushes resurfacing, following your dreams, a hollywood heart throb, a town welcome like no other, and finally becoming the people they want to be instead of the ones they are expected to be.

This was so much fun, I love a small town holiday romance, and being able to see multiple holidays celebrated in one novel was a treat. There was so much happening, and though it got overwhelming it was still a fun time. The cast of characters were so delightful, there were so many stand out side characters I couldn't choose a favourite. I had a lovely time reading this, I would def read another book written by both authors.

Adorable holiday story, truly reminiscent of a Hallmark movie, except this had what most holiday Hallmark movies don’t: a unique concept! (And I will still watch them all :))
I always read a holiday-themed book at this time of the year to kick things off and start putting me in the festive mood, and this one certainly did the trick.

This was a charming, feel-good holiday rom-com. The premise was delightful as was the diverse cast of characters. Filled with festive cheer, tropes, and family drama, THREE HOLIDAYS AND A WEDDING is Christmas, Hanukkah, and Ramadan all wrapped up into a sparking and festive package!

I was very excited to read a holiday romance set in Canada, and with multicultural holiday representation. I have previously enjoyed the books Marissa Stapley wrote as Maggie Knox but this is my first by Uzma Jalaluddin. The concept was good, I loved the diversity, the setting was magical, and I was happy with the resolution to all conflicts. I did find that it felt too long for the story that was told. If you are in the mood for an extended sweet Hallmark holiday movie, this is a good one for you.

I have read Maggie Knox’s books before (quite enjoyed them), and my best book friend recommended Uzma Jalaluddin to me. When I saw that she and half of Maggie Knox (Marissa Stapley) were releasing this multicultural, multi holiday romance together, I was very excited and grabbed it right away - how could you go wrong with this, especially when it mostly takes place in a tiny Christmas town in Canada!

Well… I very generously gave it 3-stars. It was extremely slow and I found I lost interest and was bored a lot. Switching stories between the two main characters, Anna and Maryam wasn’t an issue… it was that each character’s arc wasn’t interesting.

I really wanted to love this one!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada (Viking), and this is my honest feedback.

Three times the holiday magic. Three times the chaos.
During a scary flight, Anna, on her way to meet her boyfriend's parents for the first time, and Maryam, on her way to her sisters wedding, both women confess their deepest hopes and fears to each other. And the love of Maryam's life, Saif, hears it all. When the land, they are snowbound at cozy inn, where Anna meets her celebrity crush, Josh, who's there to shoot a movie. Will this small town inn work it's magic?
This is a cute Holiday romance. There were too many characters, it was hard to keep up and made the story feel disjointed at times. And I didn't like any of them, especially the two main FMs and Mayam's sister. I loved that it was a Canadian setting, and the concept with the three Holidays (I learned more about different faiths and cultures). This story was based on self-discovery with a Hallmark moviesque setting.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Firstly, I'm super excited because this was my very first Advance Reader Copy (ARC) ever – and I can't wait to dive into more. This was the whole reason I joined the Bookstagram community! Yay me!!

"Three Holidays and a Wedding," co-authored by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley, is a fun,
romantic tale set in the year 2000 when Christmas, Hanukkah, and Ramadan all happened at once.

The story centers around two budding love stories amidst multi-faith celebrations, a huge
snowstorm, and the cozy vibes of a small-town community. "Cute and adorable" come to mind.

What I really enjoyed about this book (and what I've loved about Uzma Jalaluddin's previous works) is that the essence of love isn't confined to just the romantic lives of the main characters. I could sense the love emanating from the family and friends who support Maryam and Anna, our protagonists. The book is just as much about two women becoming friends and figuring out how to chart their own path in life instead of succumbing to what's expected of them.

I wish I had been reading this during a snowfall with a hot chocolate in hand and a roaring fireplace. This book is a great way to kick off the holiday season, especially if you're seeking a Hallmark-esque, fun read.

Maryam Aziz and Anna Gibson are both flying from Denver to Toronto for the 2000 holiday season - Maryam with her family for her sister's impromptu wedding and Anna to meet her boyfriend's wealthy family for the first time. A massive snowstorm forces an emergency landing in a picture-perfect small town near Ottawa and Anna, Maryam and the bridal party (including Maryam's childhood crush) are snowbound at the Snow Falls Inn along with the Hollywood cast and crew in town filming a holiday movie.

A heartwarming holiday rom-com collaboration between Canadian authors Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley set in a diverse version of the typical charming Hallmark town! This book has two sweet romances and relatable main characters who experience some self-growth, a wise grandfather, lots of holiday season vibes, and additional themes relating to loss, second chances, self-doubt, and familial and cultural expectations.

I loved that the story took place in a rare year when the celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah and Eid coincide and that the three holidays and traditions were incorporated into the plot in a meaningful way. Three Holidays and a Wedding is a cozy holiday read that is filled with all the warmth of the holiday season!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

This was such a fun read! I really got sucked in and finished it very quickly.

I liked both our main heroines and their love interests but couldn't stand Saima! I realize that was part of the story but that woman drove me to distraction!

So neat to have a holiday book about more than Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas but I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah & Ramadan.

This book will make you HUNGRY! So much yummy sounding food was mentioned.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada!

If you want a Hallmark movie in book format and with more diversity, this book is for you. It was a warm hug - I loved how the two authors incorporated all three holidays, and really enjoyed the snowed in in a small town aspect. This will definitely be a book I revisit in future holiday seasons.

Three Holidays and a Wedding takes place in 2000, when Christmas, Hanukkah, and Ramadan/Eid all fell within days of one another. Maryam and her family are traveling to Toronto for her younger sister's wedding. Anna is on her way to Toronto to meet her boyfriend's family. Their route gets diverted and the passengers get snowbound in a quirky and cozy small town named Snow Falls.

My low rating seems a bit harsh because this isn't the worst book ever. But there isn't much that I liked about this book. I found all of the characters annoying. Both Anna and Maryam are such doormats—Anna with her boyfriend Nick and Maryam with her family. On top of that, Anna and Maryam had no trouble flirting with men they believed were unavailable. I found it so odd that it took Anna and Maryam forever to question Josh and Saif about their girlfriends. Anyway, Maryam's grandfather was the only tolerable character in this book.

Additionally, it didn't feel like the authors properly captured the vibe of Ramadan. It is so strange that the Muslims were having parties during the last couple of nights in Ramadan. Instead of praying Taraweeh, they were busy watching Bollywood movies and celebrating a mehndi. Ramadan is a month for worship, not for weddings. It made no sense whatsoever to have a wedding during Ramadan. The wedding festivities would have made more sense if the story had taken place during the first 3 days of Eid.

received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review
-I love the cover. I loved the secondary characters as well and many were a great support to the main ones, such as Dadu who was a real wizard concerning relationships and life goals. The story is more fiction than romance.
-Anna's story starts first, then Maryam. Then they each their turn. Everything is connected some way or the other and it was interesting. maryam has a story that is similar to Anna's but neither knows it nor do they recognize it. Wrong man, wrong job, great family ties. It takes three holidays, a wedding, and the storm of the century to fix it all.
-Saif and Josh come into the picture too. Can they step-up to their lady's wishes and dreams?
-You can see right from the beginning that either Anna needs to wake-up or she's in for a lot of pain (not physically). Nicholas Vandergrey (no third or fourth, surprisingly) is not the man for her.
-I wasn't too impressed with Maryam's sister Saima - the drama queen. Some of it is cultural but lots of it can be blame on people taking Maryam for granted and that was such a shame or just being a selfish brat. I think the worse I read was when she said "we have to try" but she wasn't doing anything at all.
-I have a hard time when people and/or authors write ex-stepmother, ex-wife, etc. when a person dies. A stepmother remains your stepmother even if your father dies, which is the case of Anna's father. Beth should still be called stepmother.
-There were too many cultural references and at some point I was completely lost. For some of these, even my Kindle couldn't cooperate. Everyone's skin color is also important (brown doctor...).
-Too many repeats, especially about Maryam's heart being battered badly.
-Editing: There are a obvious mistakes, such as being in 2020 vs. 2001 or when Anna rubs her hands on her jeans (she's wearing a cocktail dress). Here again, using French and not writing it properly (both words should be plural - bon(s) mots).