Book Review: Holiday Romance (Fitzpatrick Christmas, #1)
There’s something undeniably magical about diving into holiday-themed romances; they promise warmth, cheer, and a sprinkle of nostalgia. When I stumbled upon Holiday Romance by Jennifer Dugan, the first installment in the Fitzpatrick Christmas series, I felt that familiar spark of excitement. I was craving a light, festive read—something to transport me away from the mundane and into a world of twinkling lights and romantic tension. And while it had plenty of festive vibes at first, the journey became a bit uneven as I turned the pages.
The story revolves around Molly Kinsella and Andrew Fitzpatrick, who have been making their annual Christmas pilgrimage from Chicago to Ireland for the past decade. This year, however, a snowstorm threatens their plans, and amid the flurry of flirty banter and unexpected detours, the weight of their long-standing friendship starts to unravel into something deeper. I must admit, the best friends-to-lovers trope is a personal favorite of mine, and the witty repartee between Molly and Andrew had me grinning more than once. Molly’s quirky humor and Andrew’s goofy Christmas spirit created a delightful dynamic that was well worth the read.
However, as the story progressed, I felt a spark of discontent. The dual timelines, which initially added layers to their backstory, became rather tiresome, making the pacing feel sluggish. As much as I enjoyed learning about Molly and Andrew’s history, I found myself longing for the present-day narrative to take center stage completely. The first half had me enraptured; the second half had me drifting.
Molly was such a relatable character—her emotional vulnerability, especially her bouts of tears, struck a chord with me as a fellow Cancer. Watching her journey from feeling undervalued to embracing her passions and surrounding herself with genuine friends was uplifting. Andrew, on the other hand, was the embodiment of a golden retriever—a devoted friend who just screams “nice guy.” Yet, one nagging disappointment lingered; Andrew harbored feelings for Molly since their second flight together but held back from expressing them. This extended silence about true feelings was a small hiccup in their chemistry, which I hoped would be more pronounced than it ultimately was.
Despite these frustrations, the absence of the typical third-act breakup was refreshingly different. I found solace in the ending, as Molly and Andrew grounded each other in their individual ways and celebrated what brought them joy. The quotes surrounding their heartfelt confessions made me smile, particularly when Andrew states, “You’ve had me for years.” Moments like this captured the essence of their bond beautifully.
So, who would benefit from picking up Holiday Romance? I would say it’s perfect for anyone seeking a cozy, light-hearted read to curl up with during the holiday season. If you revel in witty banter, a dash of nostalgia, and the feel-good moments that a slow-burn romance can offer, then you might just find yourself swept away by Molly and Andrew’s journey.
In reflection, while the book had its flaws and moments that dragged, it ultimately delivered the festive cheer I was after, making it an enjoyable experience overall—just not quite as impactful as I hoped. So, grab a mug of hot cocoa, a cozy blanket, and give this one a shot—you might just fall in love with it, as many others have. Happy reading! 🎄✨
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