If you are an eldest daughter who bears the weight of everyone around you, buckle up for this one. I thought it was going to be a lighthearted romance but it, well, was not. Sam and Noelle’s story was lovely, but be prepared for it to be heavier than you might expect. 

This book is not a lighthearted Christmas/Winter rom-com that takes place over the course of eight hours. Don’t let the cover fool you (as it fooled me and many others). However, despite not being at all what I thought it would be, I really enjoyed it.

This book is for eldest daughters in their late 20s/early 30s who are the glue holding their families together. ‘Frazzled English woman’ sympathizers and admirers. Late bloomers who are lost in life yet holding, dearly, to the concept of fate.

The romance here is very tender and emotional but also second to Noelle’s journey of personal growth (which I think would land this book in the realm of Chic-Lit/Women’s Fiction). Everyone in this book has a struggle, if not multiple struggles. The description doesn’t allude at all to how much of this book is about caring for aging or disabled parents, coping with depression, anxiety and grief, or learning how to not be afraid of life.

But the emotional internal conflict is balanced by the very British, Bridget Jones type humor as well as a genuine budding hopefulness about fate and letting yourself want a bigger life.

My biggest criticism against this work is regarding Ed, Noelle’s former boyfriend.

He gets a gentle goodbye during his last conversation with Noelle, despite treating her like garbage for the entirety of this book. I don’t even know where to begin with describing how much I hate this guy. He calls her pathetic, doesn’t care about her responsibilities, promises to help her with her flower gig then does nothing but try to have sex with her all night, allows his mom treat her like shit, and refuses to tell her that he was on a break from his American Fiancée. It felt like he got away with being a complete asshole.

CW:

Postpartum Depression

All other content warnings are listed below.

Brought together under less-than-ideal circumstances, after spending an evening stranded but enjoying each other's company and conversation, Noelle and Sam go their separate ways. What follows is a series of serendipitous encounters that leave Noelle questioning whether fate is trying to bring them together or she should reunite with her ex-boyfriend. The serious side stories with her friends and family occasionally seemed to be taking up a lot of time, even darkening the mood. However, though somewhat predictable, the additional "coincidental meetings" between Noelle and Sam helped to lighten the mood and made for a fun, sweet story. 

Not my taste, but we’ll written. Very character focused with complex relationships and emotions

This book grew on and i’m by the end I really liked it. I was surprised by the ending but It brought everything full circle for the characters. I may consider re-reading it but wouldn’t every year.  Lots of wintery fluff in the beginning. 

My expectations for this one were blown away! I really enjoyed the take on fate and the incorporation of the Chinese proverb of the red thread. The characters were so enjoyable (even though at times I wanted to shake them and scream "what are you doing?!"), and I loved seeing not only the relationships in this one grow, but also the individuals grow past their "flaws".