In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

The book review was postponed, to better match the timing and theme of this book.

This has got to be one of the funniest holiday rom-com, time travel, best-friends turned romantic partners book you could possibly read. Maelyn is spending time with the chosen family at Ricky and Lisa’s house in Park City, Utah for one last Christmas. Only Mae doesn’t realize it is the last time until the last day before she and her family leave, and while on route to the airport there is a car accident where she asks the universe to show her what makes her happy. This leads to her repeating the same holiday with the chosen family over and over until she is able to “fix” her life. The chosen family started with college friends and roommates Benny, Aaron, Ricky, Lisa, Elise, and Daniel which has grown over the years to include Aaron’s spouse and twins, Ricky and Lisa’s sons, and Mae and her brother. The chosen family has such a strong connection that they are still together each Christmas despite Elise and Daniel having gotten a divorce years ago. For as long as Mae has remembered she has had a crush on Andrew, despite her mother and Lisa saying her and Theo would marry each other one day and make them real family instead of chosen family. Mae confides in Benny what is going on with her time traveling and what caused it, leading to Benny providing an amazing twist end. Benny the forever bachelor and locksmith in Portland gives Mae the best advice at the dinner and leaves a $100 bill to cover her $4 coffee when he helps Mae realize that honesty has been what is keeping here this time around. The only spoiler I will give is that while some might think that Mae is supposed to realize she loves Theo, that is not the case in this book. 

 

Character List/Book Summary:

Maelyn Jones – not happy with her job, or having to move back in with her mother and step-father, but not willing to risk leaving her job to find something that will make her happier. In the first time around gets drunk on eggnog and accidentally kisses Theo in the kitchen, his reaction the next day causes her to be mad at him in subsequent trips back to the cabin. Is heartbroken at Ricky and Lisa having to sell the cabin, explains this to Benny along with her time traveling experience in each trip back. Her crush on Andrew has been there as long as she can remember. 

Benny – like an Uncle to Mae, calls her noodle. Aware of her kiss with Theo, aware of her trips back in time. Gives sage advice, but he might have to be high to give the good advice. His finances are not what Mae would have thought and she goes to him for help on her idea after attending Christmas Mass. 

Aaron – married to Kyle going through a midlife crisis and has dyed his hair so black Mae and Andrew consider it a black hole. His fashion choices are questionable. 

Kyle – had been a back up dancer for Janet Jackson and it always comes up at least one when they get together. Together with Aaron has 5 year old twins Zachary and Kennedy. 

Andrew – Ricky and Lisa’s oldest, a few years older than Theo and Mae. Has different experiences with Mae based on which time she goes back. In one they flirt, in one they become a couple, in one they are just friends. 

Miles – Mae’s younger brother, about to go to college. In different times at the cabin tell Mae she should spend time with her friend Theo. Is very upset about what he learns about Mae, and to some extent, Theo in two truths and a lie. 

Ricky – Andrew and Theo’s dad. Tells Mae some interesting information about some of the things their friendship group has gone through and still remained friends, including her parents’ divorce. 

Lisa – Ricky’s wife, a great writer but horrible baker. Provides comfort to Mae at a time in need when Mae needed it and thought Lisa would not be willing to provide her extra mom love and care. 

Theo – born a few days apart from Mae, has always seemed to have a crush on Mae. Starting to build his own house. 

Elise – Mae’s mom, is worried about her daughter’s strange behavior, and shocked when she learns her daughter quit her job while hunting for a Christmas tree. 

Daniel – Mae’s dad, doctor, thinks Mae be suffering from altitude or dehydration issues with some of her crazy behavior. 

 

https://bookshop.org/widgets.js