This Christmas by Georgia Beers

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The details…

  • Title: This Christmas 
  • Author: Georgia Beers
  • Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
  • Publication date: November 1, 2024
  • Available formats: ebook, paperback, audiobook 
  • File size: 1258 KB
  • Print length: 216 pages
  • Audiobook: 7 hours and 56 minutes, narrated by Lula Larkin
  • Genre: contemporary romance 
  • Themes: vulnerability, trust, personal growth, falling in love, women loving women relationships, dating, romance, friendship, family, community, dogs, adopting pets, Christmas, holidays festivities
  • Tropes: friends to lovers, second chance romance, holiday romance 

The blurb from the publisher…

It’s Christmastime and everyone is in the holiday spirit at no-kill animal shelter Junebug Farms.

When Junebug sponsors the annual Christmas parade to raise money and awareness for their shelter, the staff have a plan: the king and queen of the parade will spend the holidays filming adorable Christmas vignettes to bring in donations and find forever homes for lovable pups before Santa comes.

What they don’t know is that Mia Sorenson, volunteer dog walker and superior matchmaker, is about to rig the voting so that her granddaughter, Samantha, and Sam’s friend Keegan, win queen and queen of the parade. Sam and Keegan have been dancing around each other for years, and if Mia doesn’t do something, they might never realize they’re meant to be together. But can Sam and Keegan ever forget the Big Embarrassing Thing that makes romance a nope?

It’ll be all paws on deck to bring them a miracle and make this Christmas one to remember.

My Thoughts…

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 Christmasis 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 

This book is available from…

A bit about the author…

Georgia Beers is a Lambda Literary Award, Foreword Book of the Year Award, and Goldie Award winning author of lesbian romance. She resides in upstate New York where she was born and raised. When not writing, she enjoys too much TV, never too much wine, and long walks with her dog. She is currently hard at work on her next book. To learn more about her, check out her website.


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