This author is 100% right - you don't read many YA black festive reads and this book completely fulfills this gap in the market. Whilst this book does have romance running through it, it is also so much more. Its a reflection on how society needs to shift to supporting independent stores over those ran by huge corporations otherwise we run the risk of losing those independents; a reminder that the Black Lives Matter movement continues and how we can all play our part in supporting black people in our communities; its a celebration of Black artists and writers too.
As well as all the above, the writer deals with social media and how this is central to teens, the issue of consent for posting content, and standing up for yourself. Altogether, this creates a wonderful story and the characters feel really authentic as they handle their college life, friendships and relationships. A great festive story with a big message! Loved it!

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

I started reading this before realising it was a YA book, thought it would put me off as I am a bit old for YA but actually really enjoyed the whole story and think it was a worthy read!

A big thanks to NetGalley for a proof of this book.

After reading the synopsis for this book I was all for reading this and after finishing my other books and finally coming onto this one, I just couldn't wait.

Unfortunately, it wasn't as good as I hoped it would be.

It started with the first few chapters, the writing didn't get me and neither did many of the characters, but I kept reading hoping I would change my mind.

Trey was the only character I really liked throughout the book, but even he didn't really feel good to me. The romance between him and Ariel it too fast and just out of no where that I felt a bit worse than Disney early romance.

The main girl Ariel isn't that good either; Trey's dad gets injured at work as she uses that to get a job there, she secretly draws Trey and herself together all romantic even though he's dating someone - she also secretly recorded him singing and let her friend post it without his knowledge and permission, and trying to get him to sing in front of a crowd when he clearly stated that he didn't want to.

Speaking of singing, there's so many cringy moments when Trey and Ariel start singing, if the writing didn't remind me of early fanfictions, then that did.

Sadly, this book just didn't do it for me.

Love in Winter Wonderland

5⭐️

This was exactly what I was looking for. It was Christmas and hard to put down and just all things merry.

It felt like a cross between a Nicola Yoon novel and Lily and Dash. Which is a huge compliment.

Highly recommend. The story, the characters, the christmas spirit. It’s all here. Seems like it should be in the regular rotation for the Christmas season.

This is a perfect, feel-good, cosy up with the fire and Christmas tree lit behind you kind of book. Perfect Christmas read, simple and easy! This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no large gaps between words some text written has been typed in red and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book therefore a star is lost for this.

Well that was like a massive festive hug!

Up front honesty here, I don't usually encounter romance unless it's sandwiched into a fantasy or there is some form of ice hockey playing college dude (I've got a type..) so this is new(ish) territory for me; I'm by no means a romance buff.

As much as this is a romance, this is also a beautiful story about community pulling together to support an independent black owned bookstore. Threat of corporate retail offerings and pressure from greedy developers is discussed along side the commentary on how the black lives matter movement and its impact on support for black owned businesses and the importance that this movement and message is kept very much at the forefront.

The romance dazzles through in this story; Trey and Azriel's familial, romantic and friendship are not cliché, they feel very authentic.

Whether I'm reading a story with romance or not, I do like to read stories where I feel deeply connected to the characters and how they navigate and overcome their 'struggles'. Ariel and Trey each have their personal ups and downs. They own their mistakes and its a beautiful way of exploring themes of growth through trials and errors.

I felt an array of emotions throughout and at a couple of points I was peering up from my screen and sniffling at the cat "NO YOU'RE CRYING"!

I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a playlist or two on Spotify for release day so I got a soundtrack for a merry little re-read when I get my physical copy...

This is a new author for me and I will definitely be looking out for more by this author in the future. It was lovely, uplifting, romantic, and full of the Christmas spirit. One guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Thank you Simon & Schuster and Abiola Bello, A. Bello for gifting me a Sample of this book via Netgalley!

I loved the fact that this book had songs at the start of every chapter (got some good recommendations!).

I also love the fact that it was set in a Bookstore, it's very current with mentions of "Black lives matter" and supporting black run businesses. I also found it was easy too read, I am sure that when it is released, I'll read it!

Loved the first three chapters of this and can’t wait to read more. It’s set around a bookshop which is the first black owned bookshop in the area but is struggling. We have multiple pov, I’m hoping we have some romance. Plus it’s set at Christmas so think this will be a really cute December read

In short I absolutely loved the three chapters that were on offer here.......it has left me eager to find out which direction the story will head next. I have an idea but I'd love to see if my theory is correct.

From the sampler I did find that the characters came to life instantly and I was pulled into the story straight away. There was no long lead up to the narrative taking shape which meant that my attention was piqued and I was fully invested to find out what would happen next.

I can only hope that the full book will be available to read and review asap.

I didn’t realise this was a sample when I requested. I don’t read samplers as I’d prefer to wait for the whole book.

Thank you Netgalley.
I am intrigued. I like where the story is moving.
I will definitely read this book when it comes out!

An intriguing start to the story, which would certainly compel readers to continue with the book, although in places it seemed rushed, omitting the opportunity to leave clues for readers to form their own guesses or ideas by stating exactly what's happening instead. It introduces a wide range of interesting characters and makes the dynamics between several of the characters clear within the first few chapters. Overall, this seems like an interesting start to a book and would interest readers as they want to discover how Trey plans to save the bookshop.




Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the sampler in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting start to a book, which definitely makes me want to read it all the way through.
A great mix of characters so would appeal to a large group of people.

An intriguing start and great introduction of the characters. Would love to read more about Wonderland and its destiny.

Looks like a good Christmas romance with an interesting cast of characters. Interested to see where it goes from here.

An interesting start. I’m really looking forward to the plan of action that Trey and his friends come up with to save the book shop. Some interesting characters have been introduced and I’m curious to see how this plays out.