3.5/5 (audiobook)

CW: Sexual assault and harassment, mentions of war, familial death

This was a cute holiday read and a different mix of romance that I really enjoyed.

I thought it was interesting how Poppy Alexander decided to create a holiday story that didn't follow the typical holiday enemies to lovers trope or the super fluffy romance story. They created a story around a single mother who lost her husband in war. She is trying to make ends meet while also providing a memorable holiday season for her son, and along the way, she meets a man who has also lost someone close to him.

At certain times, it did feel like everything that could go wrong did, but I also started thinking about how that represents real life. When I am having a difficult time, it does feel like everything is tumbling down, and I think that Alexander tried to portray that through Katie.

I also really enjoyed the connection of the Christmas Steps shop owners. The shop owners all come together to support and hopefully save their community. It was tied nicely into the story and connected all the characters in a meaningful way.

This book made me sad, it made me laugh, and it made me think about the meaning of family and community support. It is a book that I would enjoy picking up again to read the physical version of to pick up on more details and plot pins.