In A Holidaze - Christina Lauren

In less than two months, Christmas will have come and gone. What! Well, what that means is, it's time to get going on your Christmas listening and reading!Although, you would enjoy Christina Lauren's newest book - In A Holidaze -  at any time of the year.

Maelyn Jones arrives at the cabin for the yearly Christmas get-together of three families. They've been meeting up since the kids were babies. Maelyn is now in her twenties. And in a drunken moment she makes out with Theo, whom she's been friends with since they were toddlers at the cabin. It's a 'too much to drink mistake'... because it's his brother Andrew she's been in love with for - well - forever. Oh, how she wishes it never happened! "Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy."

Uh huh, enter Groundhog Day Christmas. Mae gets to relive the same time frame again. And again. Will she get it right? You'll have to have a listen to find out.

I loved the friendship and affection shown between all the members of these families. Their coming back to the cabin year after year for get togethers, especially at Christmas, was lovely. The traditions they have, the meals, games and more had me thinking of my own family traditions. And how important family and friends are to our lives.

Lauren writes romance really well. Yes, there's some steamy bits (also well done), but love is more than the physical side of things. Mae gets to explore what she wants from life and love more than once and her introspection will have you nodding along. 

The other thing Lauren does well is comedy. Some of the situations Mae gets herself into are laugh out loud funny. And the dialogue is fun as well. So, I guess that makes In A Holidaze a rom com listen. (And you know, it would make a great film as well) And a feel good listen. And a seasonal listen. And a magical listen. And one I really enjoyed!

The narrator was Patti Murin and she was just perfect for the character of Maelyn. Murin has a wonderfully expressive voice. She captures each and every emotion, situation and thought with her voice. She speaks clearly and her voice is pleasant to listen to. Her voice was perfect for the character of Mae as I had imagined her. She also provided other voices for the rest of the cast, including an Aussie player. She's interpreted Lauren's work really well and brings the book to life. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of In a Holidaze.