Thank you for the opportunity to read this novel. Unfortunately, there were too many characters and was not able to finish the story.

I just finished this fun Christmas novel by Georgia Clark and I consistently love her work, but this book wasn't my favorite. I really appreciated the character building, thoughtfulness and inclusiveness of this novel and really enjoyed all of the Belverdere siblings: Liz, Birdie + Rafi. I found myself truly rooting for Rafi of all of the siblings in the end. The plot felt strong, but the story itself felt slightly scattered and the ending was a tad rushed, but overall I liked it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback for the e-ARC of this title to read and review. Since receiving my digital ARC, I also received a print ARC from my local indie bookshop, and I know it's already been published, so there may have been some differences. I'm only reviewing the ARC reading experience! That all said, it clearly took me quite awhile to read this book: I started reading in August, tried to prepare a review by October publication, and revisited this December holiday season, and finally found my groove. IT WAS WORTH IT. Even months ago, I was really captivated by the writing style. It's SO snappy and well-written, with amazing banter and fun/memorable one-liners. I was actually laughing out loud and highlighting sections, which I so rarely do, because I just knew certain passages would stick with me. So the writing is truly stellar.

I think what took me so long to get into the book was that there are just SO many characters right up front, and you're following 3 siblings and their celebrity mom/that circle at the same pre-holiday time period right away. I struggle with taking characters in that way- a romance book style that I'd be way more familiar with would be a 3-book interconnected standalone series, each highlighting a different character's relationship and personal growth. I think I would have INHALED a series like that. (And all of the siblings and their SOs could have had way more time to marinate and show us all those great qualities that the author clearly created for them.) This style choice just took me some time to get used to, and it's also LONG because it's telling 3+ unique stories WITH all of that snappy, descriptive writing that I wanted to linger on. When I get a lot of characters right away, I can't always tell who I want to root for - but once I got going, it was easy to learn that I loved Rafi, was neutral-curious about Liz and absolutely anti-Birdie/Jekka.

This book was a big rainbow hug. The Belvedere family is messy and dramatic but full of love and support of one another. All of the relationships felt so genuine and you could feel the connections between siblings, mother and child, friends, love interests. It made me smile. All three children were so different... Liz, the orderly, responsible one. Birdie, who everyone expects to be a mess, so she plays into it and can't tell if she's playing a part or that is who she is. And Rafi, who just wants to find his place and his person. It is truly just a feel-good story for the holidays.

This book really drug on for me, especially in the middle. I enjoyed all of the characters even thought they were all so over the top in their own ways. This felt like a real family christmas, but just wasn't the book for me right now.

I found this to be more a coming-of-age story for the three siblings than a true romcom; it does not shy away from the tough topics. The Sweet Valley High novel references were a delight. Perfect for anyone who’s a fan of messy families.

I was not able to get through very much of this book. The writing style did not align with what I enjoy, it felt like it was trying too hard to be trendy and current. I can understand why some people enjoy this style and find it entertaining.

I love that this was a queer holiday rom-com! I was worried at first about following 3 siblings' love stories, but Georgia Clark executed it really well. I felt like we got complete stories from each sibling. It was easy to tell the siblings apart and their love interests as well. The atmosphere was perfection for the holiday season! I wish that I could have connected with this more. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it. There was just something missing that stopped me from giving it 5 stars.

A stereotypical holiday feel good story. Do I mean that in a bad way? Absolutely not. As someone who soaks up lifetime and Hallmark holiday movies every year, this book fit right in. I loved the queer representation in this book! I loved how throughout this novel everyone was searching for their place to belong which is such a good message for the holiday

This gave a bit of Elyssa Friedland vibes set in the Catskills but I didn’t find the characters to have the same charm. I wish this dove a little more into family dynamics and a little less in all the romantic subplots. Birdie was my least favorite character but somehow her romance was the most interesting (perhaps because I found Jecka interesting).

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love holiday books and I really love queer holiday books! This was a delightful, quick, festive read. I love books about siblings and found family. Naturally with three storylines, I was much more invested in some characters, but overall, I really enjoyed this!

I waited way too long to read this... Especially since I have had the arc for a while. I had multiple people tell me it was a "me" book.. and I'm so glad I finally read it.
Incredibly queer. Incredibly Christmas and incredibly raw but beautiful. Loved it.

Thank you to the publisher for giving me the chance to read an early digital copy of this book. This is the perfect holiday book that will make your spirits bright for anyone looking for an entertaining holiday read. I enjoyed the family dynamic and the romance, set against the backdrop of the holidays. This was the first book by Georgia Clark that I have read, but it won't be my last.

I really wanted to like this one more, but I felt that there was too much going on with three different love stories all at once. The character of Birdie also annoyed me and I found her to be a bit insufferable, and I didn't really connect with any of the other characters. My favorite part of the whole book was the matriarch of the family, Babs. She was simply fabulous, but this entire family needs to be in therapy.


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

Most Wonderful gives us three queer romances for the price of one as we follow three siblings (Liz, Birdie and Rafi)who all return home for Christmas early because life is not going as planned. Each of them have stuff to work out, but romance seems to follow them home.

I loved the banter and overall humor in this book, not just between the couples but also between the siblings. These are three characters that really care for each other, despite each having a different father and an actress mother named Babs 😂

Favorite line:

“ ‘How did all my kids end up gay?’ Rafi gestured at the dressing gown. The diamond earrings and half dozen rings. “Mom, look at you. How could we not?’”

Be aware that the book does tackle some deep subjects, including alcoholism, neglectful father, illness and grief. Even so, Clark navigates these difficult storylines well, weaving together three compelling loud and proud romances and the HEA you know you want from a holiday rom com. Her dedication says it all “For those who create, seek or champion queer joy” 💘 🦄🏳️‍🌈

This was a little hard with so much going on, and it seemed to go on forever. I wanted to love this but it felt like we were reading 3 separate books in tandem

This was such a fun winter ready. This is the first books I've read by Georgia Clark, but it won't be the last one!

This was such a cool story and setting, I really enjoyed the character and romantic journeys of the three MCs! The tropes were so much fun, and the slow-burn (esp the slow-burn of the childhood bffs to lovers) was just amazing

If you're looking for a wholesome holiday read, definitely pick this up!

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Most Wonderful is a cute holiday romance centered around 3 queer siblings who have a famous actress as their mother.

Theres definitely a lot going on throughout Most Wonderful with the different siblings stories.
There are some spicy moments for sure!

There are also some more intense topics but I dont think they are overpowering. I think the holiday romance aspect takes the main focus.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The second hand embarrassment that I felt reading this was unbearable. I have previously really liked some of Georgia Clark’s work so I think it was just this specific cast of characters. Birdie and Rafi both had the potential to be characters I would have liked but holy moly Rafi continuously made just mortifying decisions and Birdie was so immature and cringy. I did like the oldest sister Liz and her story line.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!