Most Wonderful: A Christmas Novel
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars | 68 ratings
Price: 15.75
Last update: 12-21-2024
About this item
It’s the most romantic time of the year. Three adult siblings, each at a personal and romantic crossroads, reunite with their larger-than-life mother at her Catskills manor for an unforgettable Christmas in “the funny queer holiday rom-com [we’ve] always wanted to read” (Self).
“Perfectly captures the glimmering magic of love at the holidays.”—Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners
The holidays are fast approaching, and the Belvedere siblings are a mess. Liz, a Hollywood showrunner and responsible eldest, has no idea how to follow up her hit show’s first season, or how to deal with her giant crush on its star, Violet Grace. Birdie turned her chronic middle-child syndrome into a career as a stand-up comic, but since she spends more time wooing women than working on new material, she’s facing one-hit-wonder status, especially once she gets axed by her manager. And Rafi, sensitive romantic and the baby golden boy, proposes to his co-worker girlfriend in front of their entire company, only to be turned down by the woman he thought was the love of his life.
Born to three different fathers, the three adult children share one mother: famed actress and singer Babs Belvedere. Seeking direction and holiday cheer, all three siblings head up to their mother’s house in the country, determined to swear off love and focus on themselves and their work. But the spirit of the season seems to have different plans for them, and their best intentions are quickly derailed in the most delightful and festive of ways.
Emotional, smart, and sexy, this queer holiday rom-com celebrates love, family, and the wild creative life―perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Casey McQuiston.
Top reviews from the United States
4.0 out of 5 stars delightful holiday romcom
Three siblings facing personal crises retreat to their mother's estate for the holidays to tend to their wounds and prepare for the upcoming festivities.
It started slowly but about a third of the way in, things got more interesting, and I was thoroughly engaged throughout the remainder.
Each sibling was struggling with career and relationship issues and there was a lot of room for growth. I found all the characters likable in their own way. They each had unique voices and personalities, and the sibling bond was entertaining and heartwarming.
I enjoyed the writing style, and it was mostly clean of typos, etc., making for a smooth, quick read. I loved the winter setting in Upstate New York. It was beautifully described.
The relationships each sibling had with their significant others felt believable and passionate. I was all in. I could have enjoyed a whole book about each, but the parts given in this family drama were enough to sell the story.
The family dynamics were lovely as well. How each sibling related to one another and their mother and how they supported each other through their struggles was uplifting.
Some serious issues such as mental health, abandonment, miscarriage, past trauma, and chronic illness, were touched on and handled gently and maturely. Be aware that some of those may be triggering.
Most Wonderful was a fun and inspiring holiday novel where a supportive family takes center stage, giving each member room for personal growth and enlightenment. A lot was going on, and I was concerned that it might be too much for one book, but it was balanced well and worked for me.
I would be happy to read more by this author.
#M/M #F/F #mentalhealth #alcoholaddiction #chronicillness #actor #performer #screenwriter #comedian #artist #miscarriage #hollywood #singlemother
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is such a sexy, cozy Christmas delight!
3.0 out of 5 stars Romance, humor and family drama!
The story did not have an epilogue and made me feel like I was left hanging. Perhaps, the author did that purposely so that readers could imagine the epilogue theirselves.
I appreciate how the author blended the heavy topics with humor as well as the mental health and chronic illness rep. I have the chronic illness that is touched upon in the story and it was a great feeling to see it mentioned as I feel it is rarely ever referred to in novels.
FYI: Most Wonderful is an open door romance. The story is very character driven and there is strong character develop throughout the story.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys queer romance with a side of humor, family drama and steamy times.
3.5 stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️????
4.0 out of 5 stars Family Drama and Romance
First, I have to start with how much I appreciated the amazing dedication, "For those who create, seek, or champion queer joy."
I knew this book was for me right from the start. Georgia Clark writes books that follow a variety of characters, often within the same family. And she explores queer relationships in such unique ways.
This book was no exception, as she included three complicated and nuanced siblings as the main characters. I definitely had my favorite, but I enjoyed their interactions as much as any one storyline. Liz is a Hollywood show runner, trying to make her successful show remain so for a second season. Birdie was a middle child struggling with addiction and finding her path. Rafi was the youngest and dealing with romantic disappointment.
All of their love interests were incredibly wise and emotionally mature. They actually felt a little less realistic than the siblings until the end. But I felt each relationship reached exactly the appropriate place for the book.
Patti Murin, Kristen Sieh, and Shawn K. Jain narrated the audiobook incredibly well. Having three narrators helped immediately set the tone for each chapter with easily distinguishable voices for Liz, Birdie, and Rafi.
CW: pregnancy complications, alcoholism, chronic, debilitating illness