Review: The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman
Thank you Pamela Dornan Books and Becca Freeman for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
It was such a thrill to read this book, one of my most anticipated 2023 releases! I read it while on vacation, soaking in the August sun, and it was still a perfect read. If you’re someone who likes the holiday vibes but aren’t looking for a sickly sweet Hallmark version (like me) this is a perfect read for you.
This is a book that feels like Sunday brunch with your friends. It feels like hangover bagels and crisp Fall days. It feels like boring your hometown friends with stories of the new friends you made in college. It feels like a night in after a bad break up, when your heart is broken but you’re never alone.
Synopsis:
“Hannah and Finn have spent every Christmas together since college. Neither has anywhere else to go—Hannah’s parents died, and Finn’s disowned him when he came out. Their tradition of offbeat holiday adventures only grows more outrageous with time. When the pair starts their adult lives in New York City, they add stylish Priya and mysterious Theo to the group, solidifying a found family and sense of belonging they’ve always craved.
But now, when Finn announces a move to L.A., this Christmas may be their last. Hannah is terrified of losing the family she’s built for herself, even as her boyfriend nudges her toward commitment. Meanwhile, Finn struggles with the things he’s about to leave behind—namely, his unexpressed feelings for Theo. Does growing up mean growing apart? This Christmas the changes these friends fear may be exactly what they need. . . . “ —StoryGraph
What I Liked:
The Concept—I LOVE a book about found family. I love Friendsgiving. I love the idea of a group that makes the holiday special for themselves, with or without a nuclear family. I also loved how New York this book was, as your found family in New York is what makes your time there the most special.
The Way We Moved Through Time—This book is told in a non-linear timeline but it WORKS for the reveals so well.
The Characters—I loved all the characters so much.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Wanted More Priya!—Since I loved them so much, I wanted more of Priya! I felt like she was the one we got to know the least, but (no spoilers) part of that is the point I suppose. I just wanted more!
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 0/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
death of a parent, homophobia (moderate), grief