A Very Witchy Yuletide

First I want to say that I was given this book early in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and my own.

I want to start by saying that I am probably biased about this book. The main character Eeva is legally blind and being disabled myself I was excited to see a disabled character.

Most often when I see a disabled character the story is either about them overcoming their disability (as if it’s not a battle every single day with peaks and valleys) or the character is framed around their disability. This was neither, Eeva was a normal character that just so happened to be disabled and it was so refreshing to see.

While at times certain scenes (mostly strangers reacting to Eeva’s blindness or the fact that they’re pagan) were really cringe worthy, having grown up with a blind mother and close friends who are Wiccan I can say with absolute certainty that those scenarios are pretty accurate cringe factor and all.

The romance was a favorite trope of mine (friends to lovers) so again I’m a little biased here but I thought it was a super cute love story between them. And seriously can I get a real life version of Sawyer because he’s everything I want in a man.

Overall it was an awesome story worth of recommending to my friends and family!

Sawyer and Evergreen have crushed on each other secretly since high school. When their coven gets together for Yule, they both try to feel the other out to see if there is anything there. When a misunderstanding happens, they may not even be able to be friends.
Opinion
I love witch books so this one called to me. It was a great book, even if not in the super natural realm like my typical witch book.
I saw many parallels between my religion and theirs. (Of course, since Christianity stole many of their rituals to help convince people to convert.)
What I liked best about this book was the sweet, almost innocent romance between the two MCs. This is definitely an author I’d read again.

I love reading about a different holiday yet one that is similar to what I was raised in.

Let me warn readers that D. Lieber does not shy away from the intolerance and ignorance shown regarding topics that people know nothing about and towards disabled people. A Very Witchy Yuletide is not a soapbox for pagan beliefs or the visually impaired, it just happens to have two main characters who are pagan and one is visually impaired (author’s choice of words).

Yuletide is about family, love, and traditions. It is about second chances and falling in love. It is about growing up and figuring out who you are and what you want. Can you go back? Are you the same person? Are they the same person? Are you prepared to be happy?

Lieber is also kind of enough to throw in some real heat in here too. (wink) I love the chemistry between Eevie and Sawyer and the humor thrown in.

A Very Witchy Yuletide has lots to offer: history, family, traditions, food, and romance. Isn’t that what the holidays are about?

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE by D. Lieber is like a Hallmark holiday film – but focusing on the pagan winter holiday Yule rather than Christmas. The story alternates perspectives between Evergreen “Eeva” Pendre and Sawyer Collins. Members of her family’s coven come to stay for Yule. Among them is Sawyer – the one who got away. Ironically, unbeknownst to Eeva, she is “the one who got away” for Sawyer. It’s good that you get both perspectives, because these two keep a lot of what they’re feeling hidden. It takes some much-needed intervention from friends and family to get Eeva and Sawyer to reveal their true feelings for each other. Lots of sexual tension mixed with plenty of sweet holiday magic moments.

Eeva is legally blind, but that doesn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. She’s more confident when it comes to focusing on her career goals, rather than going for the guy she wants. A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE is littered with Eeva’s inner dialogue as she debates with herself and gives free reign to her innermost doubts. Some readers may not be up for that much introspection, but it didn’t bother me. Part of the reason it’s taken this couple so long to get together is because Sawyer is somewhat shy and hesitant when it comes to Eeva. He’s what some readers would describe as a “beta hero”, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. He’s thoughtful and romantic – he’s just slow to reveal that side of himself to somebody who means too much to him. Because the author builds the romantic tension so intensely over the course of A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE, it makes it even more satisfying when Eeva and Sawyer finally get together.

A VERY WITCHY YULETIDE is a mix of holiday cheer and unrequited love turned triumphant. The child supporting character added a cute factor without making things too saccharine. D. Lieber does show scenes of insensitivity by other townspeople regarding the pagan religion. I think one of the benefits of reading this story, whether intended or not, is to show how other religions practice holiday celebrations, and make them seem not so scary. This book teaches tolerance as well as provides an engaging and sweet love story. I look forward to reading D. Lieber’s next book.

I was happy to read a romance featuring two pagan characters and Yuletide.
I loved the characters and the story, both are well developed.
it was an entertaining and enjoyable read, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine