'Tis the Damn Season by Fiona Gibson on September 11, 2024
Genres: FICTION / Family Life / Marriage & Divorce, Fiction / Family Life / Siblings, Fiction / Friendship, Fiction / General, Fiction / Mashups, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / Holiday, Fiction / Romance / International, Fiction / Romance / Later in Life, Fiction / Women
Pages: 252
Format: ARC
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‘Tis the Damn Season’ by Fiona Gibson is a delightful, feel-good story that captures the essence of friendship, self-discovery, and the magic of Christmas. The novel follows three friends—Shelly, Pearl, and Lena—who decide to escape their hectic lives and head to Scotland for a much-needed pre-Christmas getaway. However, their plans for a quiet retreat take an unexpected turn when they find themselves snowed in at a remote bed-and-breakfast after offering to run it so the owner can leave and have his own mini-vacation.
Shelly, Pearl, and Lena are each looking for a break from the pressures and expectations of their everyday lives. Shelly feels overwhelmed by her family’s demands, Pearl is tired of being taken for granted, and Lena is seeking clarity on what she really wants. As they settle into their temporary snowy sanctuary, they soon find themselves managing the B&B and its eclectic mix of guests. What starts as an inconvenience quickly transforms into a heartwarming adventure, filled with unexpected challenges and the joys of the holiday season. Forced to work together, the friends rediscover their own strengths, re-evaluate their relationships, and form new connections, all while keeping the B&B afloat during Christmas.
Fiona Gibson masterfully captures the ups and downs of friendship and the importance of finding oneself amidst the chaos of life. Shelly, Pearl, and Lena are relatable, charming, and wonderfully flawed, making their journeys of growth and self-discovery feel authentic. The cozy, festive setting of a snow-covered Scottish B&B adds a magical touch, making the story an ideal read for the holiday season.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is how it handles the complexity of relationships. While some bonds are strengthened, others naturally come to an end, reflecting the real-life ebb and flow of connections. Gibson’s storytelling is both heartwarming and humorous, perfectly balancing the cozy atmosphere with moments of genuine emotional depth.
In the end, ‘Tis the Damn Season’ is a charming, uplifting read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. It’s a perfect pick for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit with a story of friendship, new beginnings, and the unexpected twists of life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this ARC. This review contains my honest opinion about the book.