THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere … Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.
But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.
The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.
Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.
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If you’re a fan of holiday books, Ground Hog’s Day (the movie) and Christina Lauren (all of which, I am) then this is definitely a book you should check out.
I loved the mish-mash of families and friendships that came together in this story, complete with traditions, good-natured ribbing, a bit of drama, and lots of love.
Considering the circumstances of the story, Mae handled things pretty well. I mean, most people would just have themselves checked in to a psych ward if they started to repeat the same day over and over. But Mae did a fairly good job of trying to figure things out. More importantly, she used the do-over to go after her dreams, and I loved that.
Andrew was sweet, romantic, shy and yet not a push-over. He might be one of my favorite book heroes that I’ve read in quite some time.
Overall, this was a fun, happy, laugh-out-loud book that made me smile.
I’m so glad Christina Lauren decided to write a Christmas novel. I’m more glad they made it unlike anything else they’ve written. The whole Groundhog Day set-up was quite amusing.
My only “complaint” is that, to me, the characters felt younger than they were supposed to be. I sometimes forgot our narrator was 26 because it felt like she was 19-22ish.
Overall, this was a fun and fast book to read.
I liked this book. Had I read the description of the book before reading it I probably wouldn’t have read it. I picked the book because I have enjoyed books by these authors before. In the story Mae gets the chance to redo some days on her Christmas family vacation and thus make aggressive decisions to ensure her happiness. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Gallery Books for my honest review.
What an interesting love story and what a wonderful journey this character went on. I recommend this book and these authors.
I grab every single one of these ladies books. They always bring the swoon and laughs and I am never left unhappy with their books. This was no different.
In a Holidaze was a giggle filled swoon fest and you will love every single word of it. This was a rom com you wont want o put down. It is full of joy and finding your true happiness. I fell for Mae very quickly and this story was fun and unique. Someone said it had Groundhog day kind of feel and that is totally accurate but in a holiday feel. It was perfection. Throw some fanatic and yummy best friends into the mix and things get fun.
This book was a cherry popper for me: my first Christina Lauren book and first time traveling read. The story is about a group of 13 people (family and friends) who for a long long time spend the Christmas week together in a cabin. Maelyn, or Mae, she is in love with Andrew since she was thirteen and she knew what love is. But everyone thought she was into Theo, Andrew’s brother, who was her age, against the 3 years difference from Andrew.
I’ll say that it took me some time to really get into the story, in the beginning I was really annoyed with Mae, she was winning so much about how she wasn’t happy with her life and now the owners of the cabin were planing to sell it, changing everything and don’t get me start with how she briefly kissed Theo while drunk.
So when she asks the universe to show her what will make her happy? The universe gives to her, see be careful for what you wish for. She is sent back to the first day when she and her family was arriving at the cabin, so she could make things right and make her happy. From there on everything is crazy, chaotic and funny. Every time she did something wrong the universe sent her back.
Tired of it all, she finally says f*ck it all and start to be free and go after what she really wanted for her life, including her dream man Andrew. And that’s when things got awesome! I love this Mae! She got her sh*t together and said her feelings to Andrew. It took some time for him to flip the coin, because he never thought she was available to him. But damn when he did they were fire and their chemistry was off charts.
The book also brings a lot of Christmas traditions and family awesomeness. But of course they had some bumps on the road and I loveeeeeed her speech in the end, it was true and heartfelt. The epilogue was my kind of ending and it made me love Andrew even more! Gah, he was awesome! If you like Christmas romances, this is for you!
Once again, the duo behind the eponymous Christina Lauren delivers a fun, witty tale that mines surprising depths.
Maelyn Jones has spent most of her life letting it happen to her. From her unfulfilling job to her unrequited crush on Andrew, an old family friend, Mae has never really dared to step outside what’s familiar. Then, one snowy evening during her family’s annual Christmas getaway with their closest friends, she makes a mistake that could change everything, and she desperately wonders what in her life actually makes her happy. She sends her wish up to the universe, and it responds in the most unexpected way: Mae is sent back to relive the same vacation again. And again. And again.
In a Holidaze is part Groundhog Day and part Russian Doll (without the more macabre elements), and just the type of escapism that is needed right now. Christina Lauren always brings the humor and the chemistry, but they also create complex, mature characters who are dealing with very real, very human problems. They’re flawed, but that’s why we love them so much. Mae’s journey to self-actualization brings as many laughs as it does tears, and the way she boldly decides to live her life is inspiring.
Andrew is a wonderful character who brings a quiet sensitivity to the page. His journey, while not at the forefront of the story, is just as enthralling as Mae’s, and you can’t help but root for him and his happiness as well. The way that he interacts with Mae in the story is a delightful unraveling that is a joy to read.
While anything by Christina Lauren is always an insta-buy for me, In a Holidaze ranks up there with my very favorites by the duo. One of my top reads for 2020.
Maelyn Jones’ life is stuck in a rut and now it seems it’s stuck in repeat mode. Mae is back living with her family; hates her job; and has no dating life to talk about. The one thing Mae does look forward to every year is when her family goes to the cabin in Utah owned by their family friends, the Hollis’ and two other families. They have been spending the same week there every year for her entire life of twenty-six years….and for the last thirteen years she has had a big crush on one of the Hollis’ boys.
When Mae makes one of the biggest mistakes of her life, she wishes she could have a redo. It turns out she gets one….over and over again! It will take some crazy moments for her to figure out what is going on and to be able find her happy ending, but she eventually does.
I just loved this story and couldn’t put it down. All of the characters in this story are such fun and unique in their own way. I really enjoyed the path that Mae had to go on to find her happy ending but it was so worth it. Great story and I highly recommend it.
2.75-3 stars. I didn’t completely love this book, unfortunately. In a Holidaze is Maelyn’s story. Maelyn is a young woman whose family has a close “best friend family” that they have always spent Christmas with at a cabin. Mae has always had a crush on one of the sons of that family, Andrew. But this Christmas at the cabin, everything has gotten mixed up. Bad news about the cabin, kissing the wrong brother, and accidents abound. When the Christmas week is over, Maelyn makes a wish for the universe to show her what will make her happy. The family is immediately in a car accident and when Mae wakes up the week is just starting again. Thus begins a Groundhog Day like scenario, where Mae goes through the week over and over until an accident happens to make her begin again.
This book did have a cute premise. But Mae came off like a very immature and innocent, young teenage girl with a silly schoolgirl crush, instead of a woman in her late 20s. Andrew, also did not feel like a 30 year old man. For much of the book, it did not feel like a romance. There was no chemistry or depth of character. The reasons why the “Groundhog Day scenario” happens are never fully explained, nor is why the days repeating finally stops. Also, the pacing is off. Rushing in parts and slow moving in parts. The book is relatively entertaining, but it felt more like a debut novel.
Overall, I can’t say I enjoyed this book very much. I have read and enjoyed Christina Lauren books in the past, but haven’t enjoyed many of their newer books. The Unhoneymooners was pretty good though, so I thought I would try In a Holidaze, in hopes that they got some of their groove back. But I was disappointed as I felt this was my least favorite book of theirs to date. It wasn’t bad, but it was definitely only okay for me.
Christina Lauren’s books have largely been hit or miss for me lately. I have been so desperate to get back to a story like The Unhoneymooners, and unfortunately, In a Holidaze was not it.
In a Holidaze is basically a Groundhound’s Day Christmas rom-com. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy time travel and time loops in storylines, so I found the premise to be really exciting.
Our MC Mae is quite literally a hot mess. She’s living back home with her mom and her job leaves more to be desired. At least she gets to look forward to her time at the cabin in Utah that her family spends Christmas at every year; especially since Andrew (who she’s been in love with since she was a teenager) will be there. Anyways, fast forward to the final night of the cabin where Mae finds herself locking lips with Theo, Andrew’s younger brother. Mae wakes up the next day mortified, but the universe has other plans for her and gives her the chance to do things over and finally be with the man she’s loved since she was thirteen.
I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the traditions that these families engage in during the Christmas holiday. There’s an annual snow creature building contest, sledding, lavish feasts, and overall holiday joy. I loved that there was an established mlm relationship with two adorable children.
For the most part, I was rooting for Andrew and Mae. I found their inside jokes with the nicknames a bit odd (they call each other Mandrew and Maisie), but it’s something from childhood, so I let it slide for the most part. It was clear that Mae and Andrew have always had incredible chemistry since they’ve literally known each other their whole lives.
What kept me from really enjoying this book though was the narrative surrounding Theo. It is clear that Theo is in love with Mae even though Mae is the only one that seems oblivious. Mae is so determined to bury what happened between her and Theo in order to be with Andrew at the expense of Theo’s feelings. When we finally get to the point that Theo and Mae address everything, it’s just sort of brushed under the rug and we move on to Andrew again. I don’t even understand what was the point of the Theo storyline.
Thank you to Gallery Books for providing a review copy through NetGalley. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
This was such a fun read. I am a sucker for Christmas stories. I loved the characters , the setting, and the normal day-to-day life; that throws us a curve ball every once in a while, that is played out in this story. The writing is very good and the story held my attention; start-to-finish. This is a friends to lovers story with the twist of a time loop in the style of the movies Groundhog Day/Christmas Everyday. Maelyn Jones finds out that you really do have to be careful what you wish for when she starts reliving the same Christmas week over and over again. Actually, she thinks she might be going a little bit insane. She has a unique extended family made up of her parents’ college besties and one particular “Uncle”, Benny, is her go-to confidante. She is fearful at first not sure what to do or how to make it stop. She finally throws caution to the wind and figures out that our pasts may shape us; but, it doesn’t have to define us. We can make our own destinies; apparently with a little help from the Universe.
In A Holidaze was a really cute read, I read this in less than a day. The author was new to me but she wrote a very good book. This was a light and easy read, and it helped to bring my stress levels down. I would certainly recommend this book to others.
I received a ARC from NetGalley and Simon & Schuster and am under no obligation to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
I actually didn’t read the blurb before diving into this eARC, and omg, I’m so glad I didn’t! What a FUN surprise!!!! I’m still not quite sure how I missed the setup, since it’s in bold text in the description—truly, wtaf, self?—but Mae’s time-travel felt fresh (despite it not being original) and really gave this story something different and special … a sort of spark that I felt was missing in THE HONEY-DON’T LIST.
Besides the romance, which was really solid with some great chemistry, this chosen family that has brought together the hero and heroine, and the cabin they’re all gathered in for the holiday were so well-developed. I could easily see this one being adapted for film. (I want Taika Waititi to play Benny!)
I don’t know if it was my mood this year or what, but IN A HOLIDAZE really hit the spot for me. The story is cozy, heartwarming, and just the right touch of quirky fun.
RATING: A-/B+ (4½ stars)
(Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. Thanks, Gallery Books!)
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
Contemporary romance. A twist on the movie Groundhog Day, Maisie makes a wish to be shown what happy could be, and the universe delivers. Deja Vu.
Maisie has had a crush on Andrew since she was thirteen. Now at twenty six and during the multi family Christmas holiday, Maisie makes her feelings known.
A lovely and engaging romance where deep friendships of a lifetime become more. Emotional and enriching.
Surprisingly, there also seems to be a deeper meaning in the writing: Acceptance of yourself. I say surprisingly because I don’t remember getting a message from this author from prior books. But perhaps I just read past it. It was a good message and fit the storyline.
A few small quotes that made me smile:
“We are now celebrating the small victories.”
“I use the opportunity to give Andrew a warning expression that I can’t seem to hold; it immediately cracks into a smile that feels like sunlight on my face. In my head, Julie Andrews sings and spins on an Austrian mountainside. Confetti bursts from a glittery cannon. A flock of parrots take flight from the top of an enormous tree. I am silvery, glimmering happiness.”
Excerpt from In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.
I throughly enjoyed this sweet holiday treat. The cast of quirky and lovable characters, especially Benny, had me smiling. I instantly connected with Mae and her search for what makes her happy. Loved watching her relationships evolve with each chance she received. This book definitely put me in a holiday mood.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC received via NetGalley.
In a Holidaze is a feel good holiday romance that will leave you swooning and smiling.
Mae is stuck reliving December 20th. She is in a funk. She isn’t happy with her job, she is living with her parents. The one bright spot is spending the holidays at a cabin in Utah that is owner by long time family friends, only she founds that it will be the last holiday there.
I love all the family traditions throughout this story and really just the family vibe throughout the story itself. Benny is one of my favorite characters and I love how he helps Mae at the beginning. Mae and Andrew though. I completely loved them. The friendship, their relationship and the slow burn.
Reading In a Holidaze is like watching a Hallmark movie. They story line is perfect and the way the cabin and everything is describe paints such a vivid picture in your mind.
If you’re looking for a feel good holiday romance with a little groundhog day vibes this is on you’ll want to check out!
3.5 Christopher Walken Stars!!!!
I’ve been on quite the rollercoaster ride with CLo books this year. I’ve gone from This book is everything thing to meh it was just ok.
In a Holidaze fell somewhere in the middle of this. I didn’t completely fall in love with it but it was definitely more than meh.
This one did give me the warm and fuzzies and set me up to get on the road to binging holiday reads.
So I actually knew nothing about the book before diving in so my reactions went something like this: Wha!?, Un!?, Ohhhhhhh. When it all finally came together I must say it was quite enjoyable!!
**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**
I love it when a book sneaks up and surprises the heck out of me. IN A HOLIDAZE, from writing duo Christina Lauren, is one of the best holiday romance books I’ve read. Like the best presents under the tree, IN A HOLIDAZE filled with so much to love! There’s:
– a bit of a fantasy/sci-fi (TIME TRAVEL!!)
– friends that are family that you want to spend time with
– holiday traditions that warm your heart
– friends to lovers’ romance that’s sweet AND sexy
– character growth that makes me a little teary-eyed
– characters you miss as soon as you read the last page.
– just enough angst to make the ending as emotional as can be
I’m still grinning like a fool. Maelyn Jones is definitely one of my favorite characters written by Christina Lauren. At 26, Maelyn thinks she has it all together–except for her 13 year-long, seemingly unrequited, crush on Andrew Hollis. When everything appears to go wrong during the traditional Christmas gathering with Maelyn’s friends and family, she makes a wish while driving to the airport at the same moment she sees another car crashing towards hers. When she wakes, her holiday has reset to day one. Thus, begins Maelyn’s personal Groundhog Day.
IN A HOLIDAZE beautifully, sometimes humorously, sometimes a bit achingly sad, takes readers on Maelyn’s journey to discover what brings her joy. Over and over, with each reset, Maelyn is forced to decide what makes her happy. Throughout this journey Maelyn discovers herself and what she means to those that love her.
All of the characters of IN A HOLIDAZE are delightful and bring so much to the book, most especially Andrew, who Maelyn has loved from afar for years. He’s sexy, steadfast, and just a little clueless when it comes to Maelyn. Maelyn’s parents and friends round out the cast of characters providing humor and loving support that warms the heart.
I have no doubt that IN A HOLIDAZE is a book I know I’ll come back to each year to start off the holiday season.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the early copy in exchange for honest feedback.
This was so much fun to read & it got me into the Christmas holiday like now! Things haven’t gone as planned for Maelyn Jones – she lives with her parents, hates her job, and forget about romance. It’s Christmas and her family always vacations in Utah in the same snowy cabin every year. Once she gets on the plane it’s one mishap after another – reminds me of Groundhog Day! Can she break free? This is funny and in the spirit of CLa. The characters are like able and relatable and it certainly feels like Christmas! Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for a gifted copy. This is my honest review.
This was my first book by the duo that I have heard so much about. The book started off interesting, although I don’t think I am so much a fan of the Groundhog/ time loop story line as I found it just kind of frustrating at times.
I think the overall premise of Mae trying to find what will make her happy in life to be a story line that held a lot of promise, but I just didn’t think the execution worked for me. I did think the book starting flowing better once Mae and Andrew started getting cozy, but the conflict towards the end of the book with them too brought about more frustration for me. I did really enjoy the epilogue but didn’t quite understand how all of a sudden the time tràvel story line just ceased to exist and was no more, unless I just missed something. This book was just so so for me.