Member Reviews
Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback Edition for this ARC ebook. It was fun to read this as a Christmas in July as the sometimes-dysfunctional relationships of the 3 children of Babs Belvedere. The adult children are all gathered together for the holidays at their mother's house in the country and each must figure out a way to get their Christmas love.
I got to feel Christmas in July with this read! I enjoyed this Hallmarkesque (is that a word?!) romance novel that gave us a peek into three love stories and the internal struggle each character was faced with. It was a story of growth when it comes to romantic relationships and how we need to be comfortable with who we are as individuals before we can commit to another human being. This is also a story about family. I loved how siblings who had different fathers, all loved each other in the same big way and how they knew how to come together.
A gay Christmas book? Give me all of it.
I will admit, it was definitely difficult to follow the three different story lines going on in this book (especially since the chapters aren't labeled with each character's name when speaking in their POV) but eventually it kind of blends together and you get the hang of it.
The story centers around three siblings, Liz, Birdie and Rafi who are each dealing with their own romantic issues who travel home for the holiday season. The banter and the writing between the siblings and their mom was some of the best writing I have read and absolutely ate it up.
Liz's romance was my favorite and it felt like the most emphasis was put on her story while Birdie and Rafi's felt like they were supporting characters in the overarching plot (which might have been what Clark was going for?)
Overall, I feel like this was the book equivalent of Happiest Season (IYKYK) and will definitely be something I go back to year after year. I definitely recommend it if you love a good Christmas romance!
Thank you to Dial Press Trade and Netgalley for this eARC. This is my honest review.
Such a good read that I enjoyed! I'm so glad that I got the chance to read it early and will definitely be recommending it to multiple people who enjoy these types of novels. I enjoyed the characters and especially enjoyed the writing by this author. I'm excited to see what the author comes out with next as I'll definitely be reading it! Thank you to the publisher for my early copy of this book!
This was cute and had me hooked from the second chapter. The characters were so real I felt like I was listing to my friends. Very cute book.
Cute holiday rom com following three siblings all on their own romantic journeys. Because there were three different storylines going on I felt like I didn't get super invested in any of them. I did like Rafi's and Liz's better than Birdie's though. I would have liked to have each chapter titled by which character's POV we were following. All in all a cute fun holiday rom com that warms the heart!
This is going to be a great read come holiday season. I can see my patrons really loving it and sharing it with their friends. Georgia Clark is a phenomenal author and I love her books!
✨🎄 Cozy vibes and holiday cheer are in full swing, and I can't get enough! Just wrapped up my second festive queer romcom, and let me tell you, it was such a delightful journey. The setting was like a warm hug, filled with twinkling lights and heartwarming moments. Watching the characters grow and fall in love at a sweet, gentle pace made my heart swell — it’s a reminder of how beautiful love can be, especially during the holidays. ❤️
Sure, there were a few serious moments that didn’t hit quite right, but honestly, that didn't take away from the charm! It's all about the little joys, right? If you're looking for some cozy reads to snuggle up with on chilly nights, this one’s a must! Let’s spread the love and cheer this season! 🌟🎁 #CozyReads #QueerRomance #HolidayJoy
the vibes were fun and did make me excited about christmas. there were elements i enjoyed but having to follow three different love stories in one made it really difficult for me to get invested in these couples. birdie was a bit insufferable to me. rafi was a sweetheart. liz's romance was really the only one i was somewhat interested in unfortunately. i did enjoy the writing style though!
the vibes were fun and did make me excited about christmas. there were elements i enjoyed but having to follow three different love stories in one made it really difficult for me to get invested in these couples. birdie was a bit insufferable to me. rafi was a sweetheart. liz's romance was really the only one i was somewhat interested in unfortunately. i did enjoy the writing style though!
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!
What a good book!!! Such a good story and great writing style. This was my first by this author and will not be my last! Such a cute holiday romcom!
Fun holiday romance with great side quests and family love alongside sweet stories of happily Evers after. Definitely a purchase for the holidays.
Somehow the second holiday-themed queer romcom I've read in a pretty short period of time, but I still found it to be a fun time. The setting felt really cozy and welcoming, and I found the personal developments and romance growing to move at a sensitive but enjoyable pace. I did find some of the more serious elements not really landing as neatly, but still a lovely read.
2.5 Stars. When three adult siblings hit crossroads in their personal and romantic lives, they return home to the Catskills for the holidays. Liz is a Hollywood showrunner, unsure with the direction to take her show after a hit first season, and how to deal with her crush on the show’s star, Violet. Birdie is a struggling comedian constantly trying to attract attention from every woman she meets. Rafi was recently turned down when proposing to his girlfriend, and needs an escape. The three, along with their mother, famous actress Babs, hope for a reset over the holiday season.
I read this book in honor of Christmas in July, but unfortunately it was not the book for me. It’s a very character-driven plot with the three different romances developing, but with so much going on, it just wasn’t holding my attention. I also didn’t find myself loving any of the three siblings—they were fine {with the exception Birdie, I disliked her} but just not characters I found myself particularly invested in. I enjoyed the moments when they were participating in holiday activities, such as Christmas tree shopping and baking cookies, and would have loved more focus on these type of things. While this book was not a match for me, if you like romance books with some steam, complex characters, and multiple relationships, this may be the book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Press for my gifted e-ARC!
"Most Wonderful" is a heartwarming and festive tale set during a family Christmas at the Belvedere Inn. The story beautifully intertwines love, laughter, and surprises, making it a perfect holiday read.
The novel centers around a famous mother who is secretly battling an illness while trying to maintain the joy of the season for her children. This dynamic adds a layer of poignancy to the story, highlighting themes of familial love and the strength of keeping up appearances during tough times.
One of the standout aspects of "Most Wonderful" is its authentic and sensitive portrayal of characters discovering their sexuality. The way the author handles these revelations with care and realism adds depth to the narrative, making it relatable and impactful.
The setting of the Belvedere Inn provides a charming and cozy backdrop, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The author does an excellent job of making Christmas truly feel like the most wonderful time of the year, filled with warmth and togetherness.
Overall, "Most Wonderful" is a delightful read that captures the essence of the holiday season. Its blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and surprising twists keeps readers engaged from start to finish. If you're looking for a book that embodies the spirit of Christmas and celebrates love in all its forms, this is a must-read.
This book was sweet and enjoyable and I’m looking forward to re reading it during the holiday season to feel those jolly vibes! I loved that we got THREE queer love stories and it was just really beautiful!
A cute book but a bit of a slow-going, uphill read for me. Dialogue, especially, felt forced and I had trouble connecting with the characters. Even still, taken at face value as a sweet holiday story (which, bonus: focuses on queer relationships!) is a win. 3 Stars.
Georgia Clark does it again. Most Wonderful is a rollicking page turner that many of my friends will be receiving as a Christmas gift this year.
Winter in the Summer!
"Most Wonderful" is an absolutely charming read. It’s cozy, feel-good, heartwarming, and refreshingly engaging, featuring one of the most swoon-worthy romances I've come across. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.
A great read and I look forward to reading more from Georgia Clark! This is more than your standard holiday romance. Of course, there is the fabulous swoony nature of attraction and love but there is also a beautiful sibling relationship that feels very real and nuanced. And an exploration of emotions that is often lacking in romance novels. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and was sad to see it end.