I am really thankful I could have an audiobook of this title!
This was the sweetest YA Christmas romance ever!

Ariel is a young artist who’s is dealing with a lot of stress: she don’t love herself because or her curves, she lost her father and she is applying for scholarship for art school.

Trey is one of the “cool kid”, he has a girlfriend loved by everyone and a lot of followers on social media.

What will bring them together? A money problem:
Ariel needs money for school and Trey parents’ bookshop may close because of a chain bookstore in the neighborhood.

They have to work together to save the shop, but they begin to catch feelings for each other.

For me the only thing I didn’t liked about the book is the fact that Trey decided to neglect his girlfriend when he could have talk to her and just break up with her without hurting her as he did.
But again it’s a YA and it is hard for a teen to manage their feelings and do the right thing.

What I love the most: the black representation in the book world. The plus size representation too (it’s really rare to see it in YA). The story itself 💕

It was a great read that I will recommend to everyone 😊

Well, off to an interesting start with this one. Ariel needed tuition money for the prestigious art program of her dreams, so she starts working at the Wonderland bookshop. Trey's family owned the bookshop, and once he discovered it was on the brink of being shut down, they both teamed up to stop the neighbourhood gentrifier from doing so.

I loved Ariel. She quickly took on the project as if it was her own family's business. All the while she had her art project, faced issues with her body image and bullies. The friendship between her and Trey was wonderful to see.

That said, I never really connected with Trey. He was in a relationship already, and he wasn't the best boyfriend. It felt like emotional cheating to me. Why drag it out? He also came off as a little self-absorbed.

Aside from that, I loved the Black British rep, and the playlists featuring Christmas music done by Black artists in so many genres.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a cute YA Christmas story! My teens would love this one❤️ Great, likeable characters and a really sweet storyline. Love that it’s a friendship that blooms into more while working together to save the bookshop ❤️

A charming YA Christmas rom com. Cute story set around an independent bookshop.


Trey Anderson balances the pressures of school popularity with a job at his family’s beloved local bookshop, Wonderland.

Quirky, creative Ariel Spencer needs tuition for the prestigious art program of her dreams, and an opening at Wonderland is the answer. When Trey and Ariel learn that Wonderland is on the brink of being shut down by a neighborhood gentrifier, they team up to stop the doors from closing before the Christmas Eve deadline—and embark on a hate-to-love journey that will change them forever.

Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the Advance Listener Copy of Love in Winter Wonderland!

Love in Winter Wonderland is a dual POV story of Tray, whose family owns the oldest black-owned bookstore in London, and Ariella, an artist who has received an application for a prestigious art program but needs a community project to be able to apply for the scholarship. Both are 17 and are at college together. Tray is popular and Ariella is not but one of her friend's cousin is popular so they are starting to hang in the same circles. Ariella is talking about how she needs to find a part-time job to help pay for the program and Tray tells her to talk to his mom to see if she knows of any jobs going. Despite the fact that the bookshop is really struggling and may have to shut down, due to unforeseen circumstances, Tray's mom is able to offer Ariel a job. Together Tray and Ariel come up with plans to save the bookshop and develop it as a center of the community. But will all that working together develop their budding friendship into something more?

I really enjoyed this story. It is a sweet college romance and the bookshop setting it amazing. While I would have enjoyed the story if I read it myself, the narrators really elevated it! They were AWESOME! I highly recommend the audio version. The accents are *swoon*.

Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello holds the same sharp wit, hard and emotional topics, imperfectly lovable characters and fun, yet brilliant writing seen in Talia Hibbert books! This was just the YA holiday romance that I needed in my life. I generally avoid YA romance, but this one was written so well and the characters personalities and characters really shined through and past being just "angsty" teens. Christmas, saving a family bookstore and young love combine together to create the perfect holiday read!

I loved how much diversity and depth there was in this book. The characters were very real, and the author did not get scared away from approaching hard topics. The narrator did an A+ job at bringing this story, setting and characters to life.! I would highly suggest listening to this one.

There are some hard topics talked about here, so make sure to read the authors foreword where she does an excellent job of laying out any triggers. This could be considered a "spicier" YA, because it doesn't shy away from talking about sex and attraction, so if you do not like that type of book or do not think you are comfortable with that content yet, then you may want to pass on this one.

Overall, I loved this book! I really enjoyed the author's apparent talent and storytelling finesse.. I would recommend this book to adults, new adults and young adults alike! There is so much to enjoy and learn here.

This was a cute little rom-com. I really liked the songs at the beginning of each chapter. I loved the focus on a black-owned business, authors and the community connection. It's just what you want around the holidays for a sweet comfy read.

Cute story! Typical teen drama but with a heartwarming story about community! The narrators were great!

A perfect YA cozy, holiday romance read that centers around a historical black-owned bookshop London.

I started listening to this book on October 1st and absolutely inhaled it, finishing it two days later. Abiola Bello is a wonderful writer and from the first chapter I was drawn into the story and invested in all of the characters. If you are looking for a book to get you into the holiday spirit, this is it!

But while the book takes place in the weeks before Christmas, it is also perfect for anyone who loves books about bookshops (a favorite sub-genre of mine), and about the future of local independent bookstores. The meat of the story is about saving this family owned bookshop after a bargain chain bookstore has moved into the neighborhood. And at the center of that story are the main characters- Trey, the older brother in the family who owns Wonderland, and Ariel, one of his classmates who is an extraordinary artist.

Without giving any spoilers, this book truly had no lulls for me. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately, refusing to DNF a few books that just haven’t drawn me in, and Love in Winter Wonderland reminded me how enthralling excellent writing can be!

Who is ready for winter? Well, I have read the most uplifting cozy Christmas tale. Welcome to the enchanting world of "Love in Winter Wonderland" by Abiola Bello. You are whisked away to a heartwarming Christmas romance. Now, picture this: London adorned with twinkling lights, a charming bookshop setting, and the magic of the holiday season - all wrapped up in a delightful story that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. -YES PLEASE!

Abiola Bello has masterfully woven a sweet snapshot of London, coupled with modern themes that #BlackOwnedBusinesses face, and it resonates deeply with the current events, even if you don't live in a London village, which I obviously do not. It's a delightful blend of love, passion for small family businesses, and thought-provoking insights that make it a perfect fit for anyone who loves the spirit of the season.

One of the standout features of this book is how it beautifully balances all the elements of a cute romance within a realistic setting. The tale follows two endearing young adult individuals navigating the intricate path of love while endeavoring to save a bookshop. What's intriguing is the role that social media and digital marketing play in this book, illustrating the significance of businesses staying relevant to their community and the evolving times.

Abiola Bello's commentary on the contemporary world is nothing short of remarkable. It sheds light on the hype generated around important movements like supporting small businesses and advocating for societal issues like Black Lives Matter. More importantly, it nudges readers to reflect on their habits, encouraging a conscious approach in a heartwarming story of young hearts battling against the tide of corporate dominance.

In the realm of romantic comedies, predictability often adds to the charm, and "Love in Winter Wonderland" expertly navigates this territory. Bello artfully incorporates beloved tropes of the genre without making the holiday the sole focus of the narrative. The plot and commentary are the true gems, captivating readers and leaving them pondering long after the final page.

I just know that you will agree, this book is a delightful holiday read that leaves a lasting impression. If you're a Christmas romance aficionado or a YA enthusiast, "Love in Winter Wonderland" is a must-read that promises to transport you into a world of love, hope, and the magic of the season.

So my friends, if you're seeking the perfect Christmas read to cozy up with "Love in Winter Wonderland" is the gift you've been looking for. With its gorgeous writing, witty dialogue, and heartwarming characters, this book is a winter romance that will undoubtedly capture your heart and leave you with a smile on your face. Grab your copy and immerse yourself in the wonder of love amidst the winter charm.

Yasss, love me a realistic happy ending!
I enjoyed this book very much, it’s very cozy and comforting. A romance book is not usually my first pick but this book has everything I like: bookshops, good and loving family dynamics, and artsy main characters. I did feel like Ariel had her “pick me” moments that made me cringe, it’s forgivable tho.

This cover is so pretty. The narrations was just so good. This was a very cute romcom. I always enjoy a dual point of view. Ariel was such an awesome character. She was dealing with so much, weight issues, grief and working towards her future. She is such a sweet strong character. I wanted to shake Trey a couple of times but he was a nice guy who had some thing to work through. I loved all the messages of family throughout. I will be reading more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book felt like a warm hug and/or a cup of hot cocoa on a cold day❤️🥹

This audiobook was the comfiest and coziest YA romance read. It touches on topics of gentrification, family ties, Black teen love, Black-owned business, and Black bookish-ness! It was a very fast-paced cutesy read, that tackled real world issues while also leaning into cutesy comfort read vibes. This one was absolutely perfect for getting in the holiday spirit! Also a huge plus to this audiobook was I could listen to it at my desired speed of 2.5x with ease (a true mark of a great audiobook)!!!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Recorded books for this advance review copy!!

4.50⭐️

My thoughts: Ariel has had a crush on Trey for years, but she has told herself that it will never happen because he has been in a long relationship with one of the popular girls, Blair (who gives major Regina George vibes). When Ariel decides she needs to make some money to get into her art program, she believes Wonderland bookshop will be the perfect place, even though her former crush also works there.
Trey wants to help save his parents bookstore, so he decides to take it upon himself to make some extra money by throwing his girlfriend and her twin sister’s surprise birthday party there, charging admission. When you are as popular as he is, a cover fee for a birthday party is no big deal. But when things go wrong, he realizes his idea does more harm than good.
Trey and Ariel decide to band together to save Wonderland. This forced-proximity leads to crushes, feelings, and confused feelings. I think that Trey hangs on to his girlfriend for waaaaaay too long.
Overall, I liked this Christmas book, and it has certainly gotten me into the Christmas spirit. The chemistry between Trey and Ariel was there in a muted way, and the story overall was fairly slow. I loved the playlist that sets the tone for the chapter; there were a few of the songs that I didn't know.

I would give this book a 3.5 out of 5. It was cute, but not one that I would read again.

I loved this book so much! Bookish MCs, people of color, family dimensions, and loads of suspense. I feel like I won the lottery with this one!

Trey and Ariel are both fully fleshed, multi-dimensional characters and I fell in love with their raw chemistry. I found the slow burn frustrating, wishing for something more between the two characters all the time. There is a definite character arc with Ariel, and I was happy to see her transformation over time.

The playlist idea was quite cool and thought I'm not into English songs, I enjoyed how a song titles each if the many short chapters. An artistic touch added by Ariel in the story was brilliant, and the descriptions of her painting (especially the mural of black authors) was perfect.

My favorite element of the story was obviously Wonderland itself- the bookshop that passed in Trey's family for generations. The cozy vibe it gave later on in the story was beautiful. And with the bookstore going into losses, the support the community gave them was heartwarming (including famed authors, magazines, and TV networks) And of course, the cover is just so pretty and gorgeous, I can't get it out of my head. (I'd like to see the art on the card that Ariel drew of herself and Trey)

I didn't love the narration so much, my main struggle being the accent (though that's completely on me) though I enjoyed Nneka Okoye's voice. I think I'd prefer reading this rather than listening to it.

Many thanks to Abiola Bello for the complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review in exchange for my honest feedback.

I love the cover of this book and was really interested in reading a book about the two people working in the same bookshop together. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing this story to life. This is about a family who’s trying to save the indie bookstore that’s been in their family for generations. When Ariel comes to work at the shop, she realizes Trey and his family might have to close the bookshop if things don’t turn around soon. Quickly, Ariel is using her creative talents and thinking skills to generate interest in the shop as attraction is blooming between she and Trey. Will they be able to save the shop and their relationship by Christmas?

I wanted to love this story and just found it to be ok. High school students partying and acting like college kids isn’t really my cup of tea, so if I had known that was what the first half of this book focused a lot on I might not have requested an advanced copy. The romance was also a bit tough for me to enjoy with the love triangle consisting of 95% of the book, while the leading guy is in a committed relationship with someone else. I did enjoy Ariel and the way she accepted herself and embraced her creativity. She shared her artistic talents and enthusiasm with those she cares about and I loved seeing how she flourished throughout the story to look out for those she loves. Overall, this was an ok read with a great, relatable leading lady. Side note: I wish I knew sooner that the term “college” in this book is referring to high school. Guess that part of British culture didn’t reach my American ears before now. That made me a little confused in the beginning of the book so thought I’d include that to prevent a misunderstanding for anyone else.

Thanks to NetGalley and Soho Teen for an advanced audiobook copy of this story. All thoughts are my own.

So this was my very first audiobook and I loved every second of it. This is such a cute story holiday story that just made me feel so warm and fuzzy. I was literally giggling in the car while listening to this. I can’t wait to read what else @abiolabello will write. It comes out today!

A cute story but had some issues that kept me from loving it. I loved the whole save the bookstore part of the book and loved all the ideas they came up with to raise money and get Wonderland noticed, especially Ariel’s mural of Black authors and the family. It made me wish it was the cover or something I could really see since it sounded amazing. I love the playlist idea at the head of each chapter as well. I even went to check Spotify to see if anyone had made the playlist on there to share. Would be a great idea for marketing the book I think.

As for the love story aspect of this book, it was kinda ruined for me by the fact that Trey was in a relationship with someone else for most of the book. I wish they had broken up earlier in the book so that he and Ariel would have more time to build their relationship and it wouldn’t be like emotional cheating on someone. Felt icky to me. Trey wasn’t exactly a good boyfriend either so it made it hard to root for them to get together. He was a good brother and I loved the scenes with his little brother. And he definitely was working hard to help his family save their family business but forgetting his girlfriend’s birthday and ditching her at a party was hard to look past. Blair was awful so I was on board for her to go but it didn’t really make it right for him to treat her like he did.

I liked Ariel more and even kind of wished she wouldn’t end up with Trey, like she deserved better. I was definitely rooting for her to get into art school and get the scholarship. It’s table light. I loved her friend Annika too and how supportive a friend she was. But I also appreciated how Ariel felt stronger in the end and was able to stand up for herself as well.

I listened to the audiobook version of the book and enjoyed it. It made it more immersive and I got into the book more. The narrators did an excellent job and brought the characters to life. I enjoyed the alternating perspective to each chapter going back and forth between Ariel and Trey giving us insight into each character.

Overall it was a cute story with a great holiday vibe, lots of heart and family, bookshops and a great play list.

I received an early reader copy of the audiobook through Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

I wouldn't go back to highschool if you paid me. Trey finds out that his family bookstore is in trouble and he knows he needs to do whatever he can to keep that from happening. Ariel needs a job. She got into an art program but needs money for the tuition. After Trey's dad falls and is out of commission at the busiest time of the year, they bring Ariel in to help.
Trey knows Ariel in passing, but they have never been close. She is not in his usual crowd and he already has a girlfriend so he isn't looking at other girls these days. When Ariel comes in and turns his world upside down with all the ideas she has to save his bookstore, she also turns his feelings upside down too. His girlfriend Blair really doesn't care about his bookstore, even more, she hates that it takes time away from her. As time goes on, Trey sees the cracks in his relationship and the genuine goodness of the girl right in front of him.
There is a lot of drama in this book, but it felt like my high school expereince so, while I was irritated, I remembered that I have been Trey, and I have been Ariel. This one blurs the lines of cheating, and not that I am ok with what happened in this story, they are so very young and I remember when I was that age and it's all part of growing up. I enjoyed this Christmas read, but I wouldn't say it is very romantic. It is more of a YA experience.
Thanks to Netgalley, Abiola Bello and the publisher for an early copy.

Thank you netgalley S&S and rb media for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review . I listened to this November 2022 and remembered liking it and ring connected to the plot and characters.