I love a holiday novella, but I don’t know if I’ve ever been more frustrated by a man who was supposed to be the romantic hero. Nick, my dude… you must be one REALLY good-looking lawyer because you have the emotional maturity of a mongoose. I don’t know if I was supposed to sympathize with him after Stella unintentionally insulted him, but his reaction was GROSS and incredibly childish. Meanwhile, Stella is bending over backward to apologize, and when he insults her acting, she manages not to blow a gasket. I’m glad he eventually apologized, but personally? I think Stella can do better.

That said, I really enjoyed the premise! Stella and Nick find themselves cast in a holiday play to help save a struggling theater, and somewhere along the way, he helps de-Scrooge her while she helps him grow the F up (my words, not the author’s). It’s a cute, low-spice holiday romance with a charming storyline, even if I wasn’t completely sold on the leading man.

But the REAL holiday star of this book? Kyle, Stella’s brother! Here’s a man who knows how to communicate like an actual adult. He tells Stella how he feels about her need to take control, they have a conversation, and their relationship actually grows because of it. Imagine that, Nick! COMMUNICATION!

Overall, a sweet holiday romance with a great premise and some genuinely lovable characters. Loved Stella. LOVED Kyle. Nick? Ehhhh… no comment. 😂

📖 Our Holiday Star
✍️ Caroline Ann Hull
📚 Everglen Holiday Romance, Novella
🎁 Provided by Happily Booked PR
📅 Release: 11/17/26
🏁 Finished: 11/08/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨