Kristin's Bookshelf

🎄 The Christmas Party
✍️ By Kathryn Croft
🎤 Narrated by Billie Piper & Avita Jay

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

Wow! After finishing this one, I immediately downloaded a few more books by Kathryn Croft. If you’re an Audible Premium subscriber, you’ll be happy to know that many of her books are included for free.

The narration was fantastic. Billie Piper’s voice felt so familiar, but after searching through my listening history, I still can’t figure out where I’ve heard her before. Maybe it’s from an ALC that hasn’t been released yet. The narration brought so much emotion to the story, especially during the final scenes.

I was hooked from beginning to end. There was so much college drama resurfacing that it could be hard to keep track of everyone at times, but it all came together. That said, there are some triggers, including mention of r&pe, someone being dru##ed, and child mder**.

The story explores how the past continues to haunt everyone involved, how first impressions and long-held perceptions aren’t always accurate, and how every character seems to have something they’re hiding.

I know some reviews describe this as a slow burn or say it feels repetitive, but I honestly didn’t feel that way. Every flashback, memory, and encounter seemed intentional and added another piece to the puzzle.

And that ending… so good! Everything tied together in a way that felt satisfying without feeling forced.

I’m really glad I picked this one up. That brings my Christmas in July reads to two!