I got 20% into the book before I had to DNF the book. I love the premise of the book and would recommend to friends and anyone looking for a cozy Christmas book. However, I am not the biggest fan of third person writing when reading. That is the only reason that I could not complete the book.

This is a really cute holiday romance. My favourite part was that one of the main characters worked with rescue dogs, and especially that it mentioned staffies so much, they are lovely dogs. Maybe even my favourite.

I also loved that it was friends to lovers, which isn’t a trope I’ve always been fond of but I’ve really been loving lately. I struggled a little bit to get into it at first but, once I did, I had a great time. I’m excited to read more from this author in future!

Sapphic romance over the holiday season. Sammi and Keegan got together but Keegan ran out hurting Sammi deeply. Now they are forced together into helping a no kill shelter raise money. Things move from awkward to fun to flirty quickly.

I liked the characters (human and animal) I liked that there was some sad mixed in with the happy but it wasn’t dwelled upon. I felt like more of an explanation of why Keegan panicked so much should have been given.

"This Christmas" by Georgia Beers is a heartwarming holiday romance that perfectly captures the spirit of the season with its delightful blend of matchmaking antics and furry friends. The charming backdrop of Junebug Farms, an animal shelter, adds a layer of warmth as Mia Sorenson orchestrates a clever plan to unite her granddaughter Samantha and her friend Keegan, who are both too stubborn to embrace their feelings after an awkward past.

Beers skillfully balances humor and emotion, making the characters relatable and their journey to love both entertaining and realistic. While the premise may tread familiar ground, the engaging writing and endearing cast bring a fresh twist to the holiday romance genre.

Overall, it's a delightful read that will leave you with a smile and a sense of holiday cheer, making it a perfect companion for a cozy winter evening. Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.

Georgia Beers is one of my favorite authors but sadly, her last couple of books have missed the mark for me. Perhaps my expectations are still too high after the masterpiece that was Dance with Me, but once I reached the end of this book I found myself once again sighing in disappointment.

It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what was missing for me but it would be best described as a lack of character development and two distinct voices for Sam and Keegan. Also the way the book started was kind of odd and Keegan’s reason for doing what she did just didn’t seem fleshed out enough to be believable. While none of Beers’ books are overly long, this one was definitely on the shorter side and I think that led to the lack of depth as well. Perhaps taking a little more time and sticking to single-person pov may serve her better in the future.

But alas, they can’t all be home runs and I’ll still read every darn thing she writes like the true Beers fan I am!

This Christmas" is a sweet, holiday romance with all the charm you’d expect from a small-town setting and a no-kill animal shelter full of lovable dogs. The premise is adorable—The shelter trying to raise awareness, and two people who have been avoiding their feelings. It’s festive, heartwarming, and packed with fuzzy moments, especially when the pups get involved.

The dynamic between Sammi and Keegan is cute, however, the story leans heavily on familiar tropes, which, while comforting, they don’t leave much room for surprises. The "Big Embarrassing Thing" feels a little overplayed, and at times, it’s hard not to want the characters to just communicate already. Still, the book delivers what it promises: a cozy, feel-good Christmas story with plenty of heart.

If you’re looking for a light, cheerful read to curl up with by the fire, This Christmas will warm you right up

This was a really sweet romance with all the cosy Hallmark vibes, perfect for the winter season! I really enjoyed our two main characters and their history, plus all the dogs!

Adorable dogs, two women that are clearly destined to be together and a meddling grandma. It’s a joy to be back at Junebug Farms for this low angst, slow burn Christmas romance!

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Keegan keeps running into Sammi. Gorgeous, kind, wonderful Sammi. Sammi, the woman she started dating a year ago but when things got intimate, her own feelings overwhelmed her so badly, Keegan ran. She ghosted Sammi and after a few months Keegan put them firmly in the friends column. That night never to be spoken of again. Now, almost a year later, Keegan is dating someone else but she can’t seem to avoid Sammi anywhere. When they both get picked as Queen of Junebug Farms to help drum up more donations, Keegan prepares herself to spend a lot more time with Sammi. Why does the woman have to keep being so charming though?

Sammi still doesn’t know what the hell happened a year ago. She thought she and Keegan were on a path to something beautiful when Keegan ran away and shut her out completely. She must be a terrible kisser. Keegan asked to never speak of that night again, so Sammi never got answers. She did not forget about Keegan though. It’s hard to forget how beautiful and funny and wonderful Keegan is, but if friendship is all Sammi can get, it’ll have to be enough. They clearly don’t belong together. Keegan is dating someone else for Pete’s sake. Too bad Sammi’s meddling grandma Mia did not get that message and now she has to spend a lot of time with Keegan doing fun stuff with sweet, adoptable dogs. How will Sammi’s heart survive? Ugh!

Anxiety sucks big time. The swirling downward pull of derogatory thoughts is exhausting. Rarely are those thoughts in any way a reflection of reality. That doesn’t matter though because it’s all someone can hear from the moment that spiral starts up. Keegan’s spiral made her run away from the girl that she lost her heart to. The emotions came on too fast, too strong to comprehend. So Keegan ran.

Now I must say that, for a person that doesn’t have anxiety, this seems clearly like a communication issue. For the protagonists to have only that standing between them, that seems like a thin storyline. However, Beers knows what she’s doing and by adding a third POV she keeps things more interesting. And at one point, without giving spoilers, she goes and faces the cliche head on! That made me grin wide throughout that particular scene.

Both Keegan and Sammi are very likable humans that clearly love each other. Grandma Mia gently nudges them together with her sneaky ways but sometimes I just wanted to shake them both violently to make them hurry the hell up and be happy already.

Next to Sammi and Keegan’s point of view we also get the input of the matchmaking granny Mia. We’ve met Mia before in the earlier books about Junebug Farms so it was a treat getting to know her better. As for the rest of the shelter-gang: it was great checking in on Jessica and Lisa!

The shelter dogs collectively form a fourth main character. You have to be a very strong person not to be charmed by their sweet doggie ways. I loved how all of them are described with very distinct characters. I dare you to not wonder which one you would want to adopt! (I would pick Luna😉)

This Christmas is a fun, easy, uncomplicated read. Make some hot cocoa, find your softest blanket, gather your pets around you and snuggle together on the couch for some Holiday happiness.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

This book was absolutely adorable! THE DOGS, THE LOVE, THE CHRISTMAS. It kept everything light and happy, and was great and providing a positive spin, even on things others would deem negative. It was a great holiday escape, and had just the right amount of cheer. I felt as though the end was a little rushed though, and the epilogue could have divided things a bit better. Overall, 4.5/5

This review has been posted to Goodreads and Storygraph on December 4th, 2024. Links provided.

In this heartwarming holiday tale, two women, Sammi and Keegan, find themselves unexpectedly thrust back into each other’s lives after a strong romantic connection a year ago that ended in unresolved tension. Thanks to the clever meddling of a spirited grandmother, who subtly rigs a fundraiser at Junebug Farms animal shelter, the two women are crowned co-queens of a holiday fundraising venture. Now, they must collaborate during a series of charming activities to help raise donations for the animal shelter after they lost state funding. Against the backdrop of festive pre-Christmas cheer, adorable animals, and a close-knit community, Sammi and Keegan navigate their unresolved past while rediscovering love in the most unexpected ways. Brimming with warmth and holiday magic, this delightful sotry is the perfect feel-good Christmas read.

This book was an absolute delight from start to finish! The holiday setting at Junebug Farms, with its cozy charm and adorable rescue animals, instantly pulled me in. I loved how the story centered on Sammi and Keegan, with their complicated and unresolved past, as they were lovingly pushed together by Mia, the ultimate matchmaking grandma. The “twist” of them becoming queens (instead of a king and queen) of the Christmas festivities was so fun, especially as they had to spend time together creating heartwarming vignettes to support the animal shelter. The mix of festive cheer, quirky characters, and touching moments made it impossible to put down. While there were times that I was frustrated with Keegan’s thought process and lack of communication, I felt like it made the book all the more realistic. I also really enjoyed how the chapters provided the different perspectives of Keegan, Sammi, and Mia throughout the book. This Christmas wasn’t just a holiday romance - it was a celebration of love, community, and second chances, wrapped up in the perfect Christmas bow. Somehow this was my first book by Georgia Beers but it most definitely will not be my last!

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books, Inc. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read to an ARC of This Christmas in return for my honest review.

This was like a cozy little Hallmark Christmas romance between the two covers of a book. Take that as you will based on how you feel about these types of seasonal movies. I for one don't watch them because they're cheesy and predictable, but every once in a while, one shines. This is that story.

Beers did a nice job of creating the characters and making them likeable and relatable. Much like a Christmas romance, there are quite a few instances in the book that make you stop and think, "that would never happen in real life" but if you're willing to suspend reality, those spots don't ruin the plot.

I loved the rescue part of the story and having read every book in Beers' Junebug Farms series, this may be the best one.

Overall, this book will give you the warm and fuzzies and in the mood for the holidays.

3.5 stars

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars.
This story is about how Mia, Sammi's grandma, helps rig a competition slash fundraiser at the Junebug Farms no-kill animal shelter to try to orchestrate a love match between Sammi and Keegan. The story has all the elements I would want in a Christmas story: dogs, joy, good food, romance, a tiny bit of drama and conflict, and a happy ending. I read this story very quickly and was totally caught up in Sammi and Keegan's story. When I read a Christmas lesbian romance, I want something that will make me feel good and captivate me and overall be lighthearted, and Georgia Beers delivered - again. She usually does. This was my first lesfic Christmas book of the season so far and it was an excellent start to it.

I will also say - slight spoiler alert - the sex scene in the book was really well written. It was one of the best written sex scenes I've read in a lesfic book. I also liked that there wasn't a ton of sex scenes. The scene fit the vibe, the plot, and the storyline. I was impressed.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC.

I loved the forced proximity and friends to lovers in this book but unfortunately, I found it hard to find a connection between the characters. I also felt like there was no depth to the characters. As an animal lover, I loved that Mia volunteered at an animal dog shelter.

This was a perfect book for animal lovers. Mia, a retired widow and volunteer at an animal dog shelter and matchmaker, is using a charity to set her granddaughter up on a series of dates with her granddaughter's friend. These dates are perfect opportunities for Sammi and Keegan to get close, providing some really sweet scenes. Sadly, I could not fully invest in them for several reasons.


The first is that the book is a mix of second-chance and friends-to-lovers tropes. The second-chance aspect was a bit frustrating because, to me, Keegan's reasons for running away were not fully developed and seemed a bit shallow to justify these few months apart. These issues could have been resolved with honest communication if her feelings were truly that deep. At first, I had trouble liking her and wanted to see Sammi make Keegan more jealous and regretful of her loss. Instead, it was the other way around, and Sammi deserved better.


Secondly, I didn't genuinely feel the friendship between them or deep feelings. It was all about heart fluttering. Some chapters are from Mia's POV, which was refreshing but didn't add much to the story.

Overall, if you're looking for a light, low-angst story with dogs, it's perfect for the season. If you are like me and like to feel with the characters, maybe pick something else.

*This Christmas* by Georgia Beers is a heartwarming holiday romance set against the charming backdrop of Junebug Farms, a no-kill animal shelter. As the shelter staff prepare for their annual Christmas parade, their goal is to raise awareness and funds by featuring two lucky winners as the parade’s king and queen. However, beneath the festive cheer lies a matchmaking scheme orchestrated by Mia Sorenson, a well-meaning volunteer determined to bring her granddaughter Samantha and Samantha’s friend Keegan closer together.

Samantha and Keegan have danced around their mutual feelings for years, but a shared past incident—referred to as the "Big Embarrassing Thing"—has kept them at a safe emotional distance. Beers skillfully balances humor and tenderness as Mia’s plan unfolds, blending lighthearted moments with deeper explorations of vulnerability and forgiveness. The dynamic between Sam and Keegan is both relatable and endearing, making readers root for their happily ever after.

The story’s warmth extends beyond its central romance, with Junebug Farms and its four-legged residents providing a cozy, festive atmosphere. Beers weaves a tale of love, community, and second chances, reminding readers that the holiday season is the perfect time for new beginnings. *This Christmas* is an uplifting read for anyone seeking a feel-good story filled with romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC. This was a cute holiday read with lots of cozy winter activities. Overall enjoyable but I didn’t think the main characters had much chemistry/didn’t find their relationship believable. I was really rooting for grandma to find love the whole time! Loved the shelter dogs feature as well. There was a bit too much flowery language/overly descriptive writing but this was still a fun read leading up to the holidays.

I enjoyed this book as it has dogs, lesbians and the word discombobulated in it. I'm not normally that fussed by Christmas but I am open to persuasion.
The opening scene sort of horrified me - what a thing to experience with no real explanation to the character.
I thought the family relationships worked really well, and the idea of the King and Queen for fundraising purposes was pure genius - as was the gentle nudge for them to both be elected and to do a bunch of activities together.
It removed the awkwardness between them and prolonged exposure to Sammi removed the woman that Keegan had started dating as there was no match.

The epilogue is a year later and an extended family dinner with ideas about a future.

I’ve been a Georgia Beers fan since I stumbled upon her first book, Turning the Page, more than twenty years ago. Since then, she’s written 38 books, including her new release, This Christmas. She consistently delivers contemporary tales featuring strong, independent women navigating challenges and finding love, all while surrounded by family and friends.

This Christmas, her latest novel, is a sweet holiday love story that incorporates some of her favorite recurring themes—family and dogs. These, combined with the beloved second-chance romance trope, provide readers with a story brimming with the irresistible charm of puppies and holiday magic. Beers reintroduces Junebug Farms, a no-kill animal shelter she’s written about before, as the heartwarming backdrop for the romance, and it proves to be a winning choice. The blend of Christmas cheer, puppy love, and human connection creates a feel-good atmosphere that resonates with animal lovers and romance enthusiasts alike, making this book the perfect holiday read.

The foundation for the romance is intriguing and captures readers’ attention. Samantha and Keegan have a history of avoiding their feelings for one another and Mia, Sam’s grandmother, can’t take it any longer. She decides to play matchmaker and nudge the two together with some discrete manipulation. This dynamic not only adds elements of humor but illustrates the lengths family will go to for those they care about. Bonds like these resonate deeply with readers, drawing them into the story as they witness the playful scheming of Mia. Beers scripts this with a sharp wit and keen intuition, creating moments filled with laughter, tension, and undeniable chemistry.

Even if I didn’t know she had nearly 40 novels to her name, it’s clear she isn’t a rookie writer. She hits the bullseye on all the essential elements for a convincing long-time-friends-turned-lovers romance. She understands the importance of character development, a realistic friendship foundation, a gradual transition to love, emotional depth, and sexual tension. Sam and Keegan are well-rounded, dynamic characters whose individual growth arcs unfold alongside their evolving relationship. Their shift from friendship to romance feels natural as they embrace the awkwardness, uncertainty, and conflicting emotions. Furthermore, their fear of ruining their friendship feels genuine, feeding into their self-doubt and mounting sexual attraction. This ultimately drives the romance forward in a believable and compelling way, making This Christmas a really entertaining read.

Final Remarks…

I always look forward to every new story Beers creates. Her happily-ever-afters are emotionally uplifting, providing readers with a sense of comfort and joy. This Christmas is no different. Written with warmth and care, it allows readers to explore the complexities of a relationship transitioning from friendship to romance in a way that feels authentic. Sam and Keegan’s journey is a triumphant one. They overcome awkward and embarrassing obstacles to discover the true essence of love. Beers writes it from the heart, and the result is a holiday romance that captures the wondrous gift of love.

Strengths…

Likable leading ladies
Interesting secondary characters
Engaging plot
Heartwarming romance
Immersive story world

I am a big Georgia Beers fan and this book is a winner! I cried and laughed, all the things that make a book great. The book centers on the main characters, Sam & Keegan. A year ago they went on a date and at the end it got a bit hot and heavy and Keegan freaked out & ran. Since then Sam has never really understood what happened when it all was going so well. The two have remained friends but Sam's grandmother, Mia, knows that the two of them should be together.
Mia works at Junebug Farms, an animal shelter in town. She is helping them raise money by having the town nominate a Queen & King that will make appearance in town before Christmas. Mia works her magic and two Queens are nominated, Sam & Keegan. The two have to spend more time than they have in the past year and the feelings are still there. Now, if only Keegan can get the courage to go with her feelings.
I would recommend!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stroke Books, Inc. for providing me with a copy of This Christmas in exchange for an honest review.

Doggone It!

Georgia Beers is a prolific author of sapphic romance — she’s written over 30 books. While I’ve not read her other work, I wonder if that epic library contributed to why This Christmas feels so paint-by-numbers.

Now, when it comes to winter holiday stories, I can’t say that paint-by-numbers is terrible. If it were, Hallmark holiday movies would be intolerable. Perhaps what irked me here is that sapphic holiday romances are few and far between, so I would have appreciated something more original. (Though maybe the mundane is just what equality means?)

Writing a book rather than a Hallmark TV movie allows Beers to veer into PG-13/R-rated territory. However, the sexual content felt out of place in This Christmas. When a book has been very chaste, and then the final quarter starts talking about bodily functions, well, it’s disconcerting. And I’m not at all opposed to sex in books.

Also, sometimes it was difficult to follow the POV. Beers quickly shifted between Keegan and Sammi, and their voices (though This Christmas is in the third person) just weren’t that different.

Let’s talk about the original part of This Christmas — remember, every holiday romance has a different scaffolding. This book is great. Animal adoption and shelters have faced new challenges post-pandemic. These characters volunteering at a no-kill shelter, in particular, offered something interesting to read about. I actually learned some things, but it didn’t lean toward preachy.

Should You Add This Christmas To Your Holiday TBR?

Here’s the thing: I was more interested in how Sammi was going to get together with one of the shelter dogs than how she and Keegan were gonna hook up. Both were obvious givens, but the former had higher stakes. If you’re a dog lover and want to read about a woman falling in love with her first doggo and giving him his forever home, This Christmas is worth a read.

However, if you don’t really care about animals, pass on Georgia Beers’ This Christmas. Outside of the animal-shelter angle, there’s nothing original here.

This Christmas is out now. You can get a copy at bookshop.org 📚🐶