So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen is a feel-good romcom filled with misadventures and Christmas cheer. The main character is easy to root for, and the book’s setting of Christmas, Oklahoma is vividly described, making for an immersive reading experience. This is the perfect book to celebrate the holidays, or Christmas in July.
Title: So, This is ChristmasAuthor: Tracy Andreen
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: October 5, 2021
Rating:
Sarah Dessen meets Let It Snow in this new YA Christmas romance!
When Finley Brown returned to her hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma, from boarding school, she expected to find it just as she left it. Christmas hasn't changed much in her sixteen years. But instead she returns to find that her best friend is dating her ex-boyfriend, her parents have separated, and her archnemesis got a job working at her grandmother's inn. And she certainly didn't expect to find the boy she may or may not have tricked into believing that Christmas was an idyllic holiday paradise on her grandmother's doorstep. It's up to Finley to make sure he gets the Christmas he was promised. This is Finley's Christmas. It's about home and family and friends and finding her place, and along the way she also finds the best Christmas present of all: love.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: So, This is Christmas by Tracy Andreen
After posting misleading photos of her hometown, Christmas, Oklahoma, Finley never expects a boy from her prestigious boarding school to show up with his aunt, expecting a perfect American Christmas. However, the town is far from the holiday paradise Finley made it out to be, and Christmas isn’t the same for her as her parents got a divorce and her best friend started dating her ex while she was away at school. As a distraction, and out of guilt for her visitors’ disappointment, she agrees to try her best to give them a magical Christmas anyway
❀ Entertaining Main Character
Finley is a realistic character, and I enjoyed tagging along on her tour of Christmas. I really felt for her, as she was always the smartest in school, but away at boarding school, she struggles with grades and with making friends. To make matters worse, she struggles to find her place back in her hometown, as so much has changed in the time she was away. Despite this, Finley is an entertaining character, and I loved reading about how hard she tries to make Arthur’s visit enjoyable.
❀ Christmassy Atmosphere
One of the book’s strongest elements is its Christmassy atmosphere. The author has done a fantastic job capturing all the charms of small-town Oklahoma, and I enjoyed the quirkiness of the entirely Christmas-themed town. Throughout the book, there are many vividly described festive activities, from a Christmas parade to a sleigh ride, and these had me itching to celebrate the holidays despite the current summer heat.
❀ Festive Mishaps
So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen is an entertaining read about finding your place. I enjoyed the festive mishaps throughout the story, and the main character is relatable. Finley’s hometown of Christmas, Oklahoma jumps off the page, and the book’s generous helping of Christmas cheer makes it the perfect read to cozy up with over the holidays.
About Tracy Andreen
Tracy Andreen was born in Southern California but raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Journalism and Professional Writing then promptly moved to Los Angeles where she spent many years in the world of film development, employed at Amblin/DreamWorks and Mandalay Pictures, among others. She began her paid writing career when she took it upon herself to revise some properties in development at Mandalay and ultimately left that side of the film world to pursue writing full time. In her spare time, she enjoys staring at her fantasy football lineup, hiking, gardening, perusing homes on Zillow, and making some amazingly cool candles that you totally would buy if only she would at long last set up that website.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
I want to read this book, and all the Christmas vibes are the main reason. Love when a book gets me feeling festive.
You and me, both, Sam! I love the holiday season! 🙂
We’re so glad you enjoyed this one. It’s on our TBR.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it! 🙂
Sounds like a great book. Perfect to forget about this summer heat!
Ha! Yes! I am celebrating a little Christmas in July this year, so it helped me to get into the spirit! 😉
I’m not ready for Christmas stories yet, but this is on my TBR for later, maybe November? Lol. Great review!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…Blog Tour Review: The Knuckleball (Boys of Summer #4) by A.M. Williams
I hope that you love it! 🙂
This sounds so cute! And I don’t see a lot of books set in Oklahoma, which is where my brother lives, so that’s fun!
I agree! It is a really fun setting! 🙂
I’m not ready for holiday novels just quite yet, but this one does sound good!
It is super cute! 🙂
Ooooooh! Loooovely! I’m very intrigued with this story, since I live in Oklahoma myself. Looks like a fun Christmas read.
Tarissa recently posted…Book Review: Amy’s Story
Definitely a fun story to read! 🙂
the cover is really cute. i like the setting