The Time Loop We Didn’t Know We Needed (Or Did We?)
Let’s cozy up by the fire, get some hot cocoa in hand, and get right into the holiday rom-com that’s got all the feels with a sprinkle of magic. If you’re into books that are like a warm hug on a cold winter night, In A Holidaze might be for you.
Holiday Traditions and Groundhog Day
Our leading lady, Maelyn Jones, is 26 and feeling pretty stuck. She’s got a dead-end job, lives with her mom, and is generally not living her best life. Every year, Mae and her family join a group of family friends for a Christmas vacation at a cabin in Park City, Utah. This place is dripping with nostalgia and traditions. Think cozy fires, festive decorations, and the same familiar faces every year.
But this year, things go a bit sideways. Mae makes a drunken mistake: she kisses Theo, one of the family friends she’s known forever. The problem? She’s actually been in love with his brother, Andrew, for years. After the kiss, Mae’s feeling all kinds of confused and regretful.
Here’s where things get interesting. Mae and her family leave the cabin, but on their way to the airport, there’s a car accident. Instead of waking up in a hospital, Mae wakes up on the plane at the start of her holiday trip. Yup, she’s caught in a time loop. Every time she messes up, she’s zapped back to the beginning of the trip, like a Christmas-themed Groundhog Day. This loop forces Mae to rethink her choices and figure out what she really wants.
Mae’s time loop ordeal is all about self-discovery. She starts off freaked out—understandably so. Who wouldn’t be? But as she relives the holiday over and over, she starts to get the hang of it. Each loop gives her a chance to make different choices, take risks, and be honest about her feelings. It’s like having multiple shots at getting things right, which, let’s be real, sounds kinda awesome and kinda exhausting.
The time loop pushes Mae to confront her feelings for Andrew. She’s spent years pining for him but never had the guts to do anything about it. Now, with infinite do-overs, she decides it’s time to make a move. The romance that unfolds is sweet and satisfying, like a perfectly toasted marshmallow on top of your hot cocoa.
At the same time, a rom-com without the “rom” isn’t much of one. So we have Andrew. And he is quintessential nice guy. He’s kind, thoughtful, and completely oblivious to Mae’s long-standing crush. Their chemistry is palpable, and watching Mae muster the courage to go for what she wants is heartwarming. The romance is light and fluffy, perfect for the holiday setting. Think snowball fights, cozy cuddles, and stolen kisses under the mistletoe.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The time loop means Mae has to keep re-wooing Andrew, which leads to some hilarious and touching moments. Each iteration of their budding relationship adds depth to their connection, making the eventual payoff even sweeter.
Family and Friends
One of the strongest aspects of In a Holidaze is the ensemble cast. The group of family friends that gather at the cabin every year are like an extended family. There’s Benny, the wise and slightly kooky older friend who’s always ready with advice and a warm hug. Mae’s parents, who have their own quirks and mid-life dilemmas, add to the mix. The camaraderie and deep bonds between these characters add warmth and richness to the story.
The dynamics within this group are relatable and endearing. The traditions, the in-jokes, the minor squabbles—all of it feels real. It’s like stepping into a familiar, comforting scene where everyone knows each other’s business but loves each other anyway.
Light and Breezy
Christina Lauren’s writing style is perfect for this type of story. It’s breezy, fun, and full of charm. The dialogue is snappy, the descriptions are vivid without being overbearing, and there’s just enough humor to keep things from getting too sappy. It’s like the literary equivalent of a peppermint latte—sweet, with a bit of a kick.
The authors do a great job of making you feel like you’re right there in the cabin with Mae and the gang. The sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season are so vividly described that you can almost hear the crackling fire and smell the pine trees. And the banter? It’s on point. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at the witty exchanges and the ridiculous situations Mae finds herself in.
No Book is Perfect
In a Holidaze isn’t perfect. The time loop gimmick, while fun, isn’t fully fleshed out. It feels more like a convenient plot device than a fully integrated element of the story. Mae’s initial freak-out is believable, but she adapts to the situation a bit too quickly. More exploration of the time loop’s rules and boundaries could have added depth and tension.
Also, the plot is predictable. But hey, it’s a holiday romance. We’re not here for shocking plot twists. We’re here for warm fuzzies and happy endings. Still, a bit more unpredictability wouldn’t hurt. And Theo? Total missed opportunity. He’s just kind of there to create some initial tension before Mae and Andrew get together. He could’ve been a more compelling character, but instead, he’s just a hurdle for Mae to jump over.
Taking Risks
As I stated earlier, In a Holidaze is about self-discovery and taking risks. Mae’s journey through the time loop is about figuring out what she truly wants in life and finding the courage to go after it. It’s about letting go of the past, embracing the present, and taking a leap of faith into the future. The time loop gives Mae the chance to reevaluate her choices and make changes without the fear of failure. It’s a bit like having a magic reset button for life, which is something we all wish for sometimes.
Final Thoughts
In a Holidaze is a fun, heartwarming holiday romance that hits all the right notes. It’s like a big, festive hug in book form. While it’s not without its flaws, the charm, humor, and warmth more than make up for any shortcomings. It gives you exactly what you expect – a solid romance-comedy for the holidays. So yes, Mae’s journey of self-discovery, the sweet romance with Andrew, and the delightful cast of supporting characters make this a holiday read worth your time. These feel-good vibes can make for a great festive read.
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