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So, This Is Christmas #2
So, This Is Love
In the sequel to Tracy Andreen's debut romantic comedy So, This Is Christmas, we follow Finley and Arthur back to Barrington Academy for a swoony semester.
Finley and Arthur are back at boarding school and neither quite knows where the other stands--are they couple? Are they not a couple? What does one magical Christmas Eve kiss in Oklahoma mean for their relationship status? This confusion isn't helped by the re-entry of old enemies into their school lives, especially ones that may or may not be crushing on Arthur. Finley is at a loss when navigating the complexities of her new (maybe) relationship, which could very well turn into love. . . if she doesn't blow it.
So, This Is Love is a perfect read for the Valentine's Day season, or for anyone looking for a delightful romantic comedy that has just a dash of drama. Once again, Tracy Andreen has proven that no one writes a holiday rom-com like her.
Finley and Arthur are back at boarding school and neither quite knows where the other stands--are they couple? Are they not a couple? What does one magical Christmas Eve kiss in Oklahoma mean for their relationship status? This confusion isn't helped by the re-entry of old enemies into their school lives, especially ones that may or may not be crushing on Arthur. Finley is at a loss when navigating the complexities of her new (maybe) relationship, which could very well turn into love. . . if she doesn't blow it.
So, This Is Love is a perfect read for the Valentine's Day season, or for anyone looking for a delightful romantic comedy that has just a dash of drama. Once again, Tracy Andreen has proven that no one writes a holiday rom-com like her.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published December 20, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
January 10, 2024
Very, very cute follow up to So, This is Christmas. This one, which takes place immediately after, plunges Finley and Arthur back into life at their elite prep school, to navigate their newfound romance in front of an audience of their peers. But all is not well in Romanceland! Can they even make it to the Valentine's Day dance?!
December 30, 2022
Such an incredibly sweet duology! I honestly didn’t understand why it needed a sequel, because the first book was great as a standalone, but book 2 actually turned out to be worthwhile. I liked seeing the “after happy ever after” kind of plot, and it made me ship Arthur and Finley way more by the end of this one than I even did by the end of the first book. I also appreciated that every character felt very real. Even Bronwyn, who is your classic mean girl, felt well done. Like, we all hate the mean girl trope. But at least this was written well and didn’t feel one dimensional? I just really liked the dynamics in this and how everything developed. I got choked up at some of the advice Esha gave Finley close-ish to the end, and it had other really meaningful moments as well. There are a lot of YA contemporaries that make me feel like maybe I could actually age out of YA contemporary soon, but this series is not one of them. The characters feel real and no one is “a stupid teenager” for the sake of being a stupid teenager. They’re good characters. And I think that’s awesome!
January 24, 2023
Ok I have mixed feelings. *3.5 stars*
Not that it wasn’t good and I’m definitely not complaining that we got more of Arthur and Finley, but…idk. The only issue I really had with this book was that we didn’t get any more of the romance than the first book, which in my opinion defeats the point of a sequel. Sure it had its cute moments, but Finley and Arthur had to start from square one, ignoring all that happened over Christmas. And that kinda bugged me. Like the whole point for me was to see more of the cute swoon-worthy couple, but instead we had them avoiding each other, all until the end where you get your classic romantic ending. I feel like when romances have a sequel authors often cause the couple to have issues to support the plot, but I’d rather have no plot and have the romance. Ya know?
So if you don’t mind waiting to see them together and kinda being bored the whole book till you get to the happy ending then yea I’d recommend this. I do really like her writing style and the characters so I do think it was worth a read, but I feel like we could have seen more of Arthur and Finley together and still had the same effect with the plot line.
I hope she comes out with a third just so I can actually have a book with them together because aww we love Arthur. They are super cute together and I just want to see them happy! Overall I’d say anyone who really enjoyed “So This Is Christmas” would like this book and find it worthwhile. Just keep in mind you have to wait.
Not that it wasn’t good and I’m definitely not complaining that we got more of Arthur and Finley, but…idk. The only issue I really had with this book was that we didn’t get any more of the romance than the first book, which in my opinion defeats the point of a sequel. Sure it had its cute moments, but Finley and Arthur had to start from square one, ignoring all that happened over Christmas. And that kinda bugged me. Like the whole point for me was to see more of the cute swoon-worthy couple, but instead we had them avoiding each other, all until the end where you get your classic romantic ending. I feel like when romances have a sequel authors often cause the couple to have issues to support the plot, but I’d rather have no plot and have the romance. Ya know?
So if you don’t mind waiting to see them together and kinda being bored the whole book till you get to the happy ending then yea I’d recommend this. I do really like her writing style and the characters so I do think it was worth a read, but I feel like we could have seen more of Arthur and Finley together and still had the same effect with the plot line.
I hope she comes out with a third just so I can actually have a book with them together because aww we love Arthur. They are super cute together and I just want to see them happy! Overall I’d say anyone who really enjoyed “So This Is Christmas” would like this book and find it worthwhile. Just keep in mind you have to wait.
February 3, 2023
3.5 a cute YA romance
Exactly what I needed after reading two high fantasy books
Exactly what I needed after reading two high fantasy books
December 20, 2022
3.5 rounded up
This was a sweet, light-hearted YA romance that picks up where last year's So, this is Christmas as Finley and Arthur return to their boarding school after sharing a first kiss at Christmas and try to figure out whether they're just friends or maybe something more. The biggest problem is Arthur's father doesn't want him dating an American and Arthur is supposed to go away to Oxford. Can they make things work? Thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
This was a sweet, light-hearted YA romance that picks up where last year's So, this is Christmas as Finley and Arthur return to their boarding school after sharing a first kiss at Christmas and try to figure out whether they're just friends or maybe something more. The biggest problem is Arthur's father doesn't want him dating an American and Arthur is supposed to go away to Oxford. Can they make things work? Thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review!
January 3, 2023
I need another one, like, right now!
December 8, 2022
After their chaste holiday break in Christmas, Oklahoma, Arthur and Finley return to Barrington like Christmas never happened? Was their connection all a sham? The agreement to be just friends surfaces and Finley struggles putting her feelings aside. She joins the dance committee to help plan the Valentine’s Day dance to keep herself busy, but what she realizes is that love holds true meaning… even when she feels it breaking her heart.
A delightful YA story about love and hope with a side of romance embellished in the main characters, SO, THIS IS LOVE is the sequel to Finley and Arthur’s budding relationship in SO, THIS IS CHRISTMAS. I definitely enjoyed this one much more than the first book! From the boarding school and all the teen drama, I loved the interactions between the strong heroine and the old soul of a British hero. And the ending (though slightly predictable) was super sweet and swoony, The Valentine’s Day dance theme the icing on the cake.
A delightful YA story about love and hope with a side of romance embellished in the main characters, SO, THIS IS LOVE is the sequel to Finley and Arthur’s budding relationship in SO, THIS IS CHRISTMAS. I definitely enjoyed this one much more than the first book! From the boarding school and all the teen drama, I loved the interactions between the strong heroine and the old soul of a British hero. And the ending (though slightly predictable) was super sweet and swoony, The Valentine’s Day dance theme the icing on the cake.
January 25, 2023
saved by the ending by the skin of its teeth. i rly enjoyed the friendship dynamics in this one and getting to see finley bloom beyond arthur, but the romantic plot was really really not my favorite. plus, we got MORE references in this one like GIVE IT A REST ALREADY
December 5, 2021
I haven’t read this, but I love ‘So This Is Christmas’.
February 11, 2023
Book one in this series, So, This is Christmas, was adorable. I was really excited when I found out about book two. I even pre-ordered if before reading much of the synopsis. It came out around Christmas time and when I realized it was actually set at Valentine’s Day I decided to put it on the back burner till after Christmas.
I’ll be honest, and I hate to say it, I really struggled to get into this story.
I assumed the second book in a series would move the plot forward from book one. I don’t feel like that happened. I feel like book two is very similar to book one.
At the end of So, This is Christmas Finley and Arthur have become a couple. But at the very beginning of So, This is Love, Arthur and Finley have broken up already! This book starts just days after the first book ends and they have already broken up.
We don’t know why at first. So it starts with tension between Finley and Arthur again. I found Arthur less likable after he hurt poor Finley. It made his comments feel more cold than charming.
Then Arthur explains why he broke up with Finley and she becomes friends with him. But they still have feelings for each other.
So, you know that we’re going to spend most of this book working towards Finley and Arthur being together just like we did with book one.
I usually stick with a series but I just think this story would have been ok if it ended with book one. Because book two feels very similar to book one only without all the cute Christmas stuff. I actually think I’d like this book more if I read it as a stand alone (though, I liked book one better).
If you haven’t read book one, don’t let that stop you from reading this book. You might enjoy it more if the story feels fresh rather than like deja vu, but if you have to choose between the two then I’d recommend So, This is Christmas.
That’s my two cents :)
I’ll be honest, and I hate to say it, I really struggled to get into this story.
I assumed the second book in a series would move the plot forward from book one. I don’t feel like that happened. I feel like book two is very similar to book one.
At the end of So, This is Christmas Finley and Arthur have become a couple. But at the very beginning of So, This is Love, Arthur and Finley have broken up already! This book starts just days after the first book ends and they have already broken up.
We don’t know why at first. So it starts with tension between Finley and Arthur again. I found Arthur less likable after he hurt poor Finley. It made his comments feel more cold than charming.
Then Arthur explains why he broke up with Finley and she becomes friends with him. But they still have feelings for each other.
So, you know that we’re going to spend most of this book working towards Finley and Arthur being together just like we did with book one.
I usually stick with a series but I just think this story would have been ok if it ended with book one. Because book two feels very similar to book one only without all the cute Christmas stuff. I actually think I’d like this book more if I read it as a stand alone (though, I liked book one better).
If you haven’t read book one, don’t let that stop you from reading this book. You might enjoy it more if the story feels fresh rather than like deja vu, but if you have to choose between the two then I’d recommend So, This is Christmas.
That’s my two cents :)
December 23, 2022
After a Christmas filled with the excitement of a new love, Finley Brown is looking forward to returning to school and seeing where things go with her maybe-boyfriend Aurthur. But their reunion is not what Finley was expecting, and she finds herself feeling the sting of rejection harder than she ever has before. Luckily, her newest friend Ayisha has just the right solution for Finley, and as Finley dives into preparations for the upcoming Valentine’s Day dance, she begins to put the pieces of her broken heart back together again. This teenage romantic comedy is a sequel to So, This is Christmas, where Finley and Arthur’s story begins. Enough detail is provided in this novel to remind readers of what happened in the previous installment, and it also gives readers who are new to the series a foundation from which to start. With an easy flow to the narrative, this book reads quickly and is entertaining from the first moments. Finley is a junior in high school, but she attends a private boarding school, so many of the interactions feel more like a college campus than a high school one. In addition, underage drinking is mentioned even within the first pages, which likewise enhances the apparent age of the characters in the story. Told from Finley’s perspective, readers get a clear sense of her feelings as she faces different experiences, and there are both moments that will make readers cringe and those that will make readers cheer for Finley as she matures. Fans of romantic comedies will appreciate this story, perhaps even because of the predictable tropes it incorporates. This is a light and entertaining, cotton candy-esque romantic comedy that is a perfect escape, and it will appeal to young adults and older readers alike.
January 6, 2023
SO, THIS IS LOVE is such a sweet young adult read that I absolutely adored. This is the sequel to Tracy Andreen’s SO, THIS IS CHRISTMAS, so I recommend reading that one first, before diving into the second book. (Spoiler alert: I love that one as well!)
The story picks up after Finley and Arthur return from their magical trip to Christmas, Oklahoma, where their relationship has definitely taken a turn towards love. Finley is excited to explore what this next step looks like, but Arthur (and his family) has other plans. Over the course of a few eventful weeks, Finley and Arthur have their fair-share of run-ins and shenanigans, heart-to-hearts and disagreements, and I loved being along for the ride.
I was reminded of how much I enjoy reading young adult with this book! The joys of first loves, the thrills of adventures with friends, the drama of high school—this story had it all! Finely was such a fun and relatable character and I was chuckling along with some of her internal dialogue. It even reminded me of my days in school, way back when. I loved it when Arthur, usually so stoic and serious, let his guard down around Finley. A grump and his sunshine at its best! The secondary characters are also wonderful—Ayisha, Petra, Grandma Jo, Auntie Esha—and it was great to see everyone, both old and new. There’s no shortage of drama, but there’s also family, friendships, and finding yourself along the way. Finley and Arthur’s journey to each other was heartfelt and charming and everything you’d want if you were in high school, falling in love for the first time.
SO, THIS IS LOVE is the perfect Valentine’s Day read, and perfect for those who love a charming rom-com. (Don’t we all?) Huge thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Viking Books for a review copy of this delightful story. Be sure to get your hands on it—out now!
The story picks up after Finley and Arthur return from their magical trip to Christmas, Oklahoma, where their relationship has definitely taken a turn towards love. Finley is excited to explore what this next step looks like, but Arthur (and his family) has other plans. Over the course of a few eventful weeks, Finley and Arthur have their fair-share of run-ins and shenanigans, heart-to-hearts and disagreements, and I loved being along for the ride.
I was reminded of how much I enjoy reading young adult with this book! The joys of first loves, the thrills of adventures with friends, the drama of high school—this story had it all! Finely was such a fun and relatable character and I was chuckling along with some of her internal dialogue. It even reminded me of my days in school, way back when. I loved it when Arthur, usually so stoic and serious, let his guard down around Finley. A grump and his sunshine at its best! The secondary characters are also wonderful—Ayisha, Petra, Grandma Jo, Auntie Esha—and it was great to see everyone, both old and new. There’s no shortage of drama, but there’s also family, friendships, and finding yourself along the way. Finley and Arthur’s journey to each other was heartfelt and charming and everything you’d want if you were in high school, falling in love for the first time.
SO, THIS IS LOVE is the perfect Valentine’s Day read, and perfect for those who love a charming rom-com. (Don’t we all?) Huge thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Viking Books for a review copy of this delightful story. Be sure to get your hands on it—out now!
February 10, 2023
Actually 3.75. Enjoyed the second book about Arthur and Finley. Very cute just like the first book Only the second semester at the Academy is very different than the first for Finley, as another new student arrives to shake things up a bit, from Christmas.The second semester wasn't typical for the students who have grown up together because of parental friendships. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. The second semester has barely started,with hints dropped of possible 3rd and/or 4th books.
All I have to say ....Waiting is the hardest part...
All I have to say ....Waiting is the hardest part...
December 8, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up! Gosh I loved this series. I was really excited for a second book where we’d get to actually see Finley and Arthur continue their relationship at school. Unfortunately that was not the plot lol. But still, I loved this book so much! I really like Tracy’s writing and for once didn’t find the main character annoying or irrational when it came to a boy. Also loved all the friendships going on in this book.
Read
December 26, 2022read this for a kind of reading challenge where this was literally the only book i could find that worked for the challenge. i haven’t read the first one, but that wasn’t really an issue, i picked up on all the details pretty quickly.
parts of this were cute enough, other parts i hated. it would probably work well as like a cute hallmark or netflix teen movie??
parts of this were cute enough, other parts i hated. it would probably work well as like a cute hallmark or netflix teen movie??
January 24, 2023
a different version of a love story that covered a broad range of themes - recommend it to anyone still going for romance, but not the simple version :)
January 31, 2023
This duology is cute I could actually scream!!! I sat here blushing, twirling my hair, and kicking my feet while I read this.
February 2, 2023
This was a cute follow up to So, This is Christmas which I loved. Centered around Valentine’s Day I enjoyed this story which was both light hearted and entertaining but also with substance.
February 14, 2023
This was a cute read, although the jaded old woman in me had a hard time digesting that a love between a 16 and 18 year old is everlasting enough to alter one’s future around. Lol
April 9, 2024
loveddd it! It was super duper cute and I loved the first book so much I was really excited to read this!!
September 5, 2024
i love you arthur
December 30, 2022
Just like it’s predecessor, this book was adorable! This YA romance novel follows Finley and Arthur after they return to school from Christmas Break and how they navigate their new feeling for one another.
I was at first surprised to hear that this sequel was coming out, but I’m ultimately so glad it did that I have my fingers crossed that a third book might be in the works! It was everyone you could want from a coming of age novel: romance, high school drama, new friendships, and forging your own path in life.
Plus this book is set around Valentine’s Day which is just adorable! So I definitely recommend adding this book to your 2023 TBR (or squeeze it in before the end of 2022 since it came out on December 20th)!
*I received an ARC from Penguin Teen in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was at first surprised to hear that this sequel was coming out, but I’m ultimately so glad it did that I have my fingers crossed that a third book might be in the works! It was everyone you could want from a coming of age novel: romance, high school drama, new friendships, and forging your own path in life.
Plus this book is set around Valentine’s Day which is just adorable! So I definitely recommend adding this book to your 2023 TBR (or squeeze it in before the end of 2022 since it came out on December 20th)!
*I received an ARC from Penguin Teen in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 12, 2023
This rom-com sequel is such a fun follow up to So, This is Christmas! (cue John Lennon) I definitely recommend reading them in order as this one starts right after through Valentine's Day.
Finley and Arthur have a new set of challenges facing them between his father and her personal Regina George. New friendships hang in the balance and Finley struggles to make everyone happy.
I really enjoy Tracy's charming wit. In both books, I've found myself laughing out loud. I just can't resist well placed sarcasm!
Thank you to Penguin Teen for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Finley and Arthur have a new set of challenges facing them between his father and her personal Regina George. New friendships hang in the balance and Finley struggles to make everyone happy.
I really enjoy Tracy's charming wit. In both books, I've found myself laughing out loud. I just can't resist well placed sarcasm!
Thank you to Penguin Teen for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
April 16, 2024
This was such a good follow up to So, This Is Christmas. If you have not read So, This Is Christmas I suggest doing that before reading this one. Because there were a lot of call backs to that book. I really loved getting to see more of Finaly and Athur. I loved seeing how there realtionship grew and changed over the course of this novel. Also, this picks up right were the last one left off. I will say that this is not a Christmas read, while the first one is. So if you want a Christmas read, then read the first book. I would suggest both of these books.
Thank you so much Tracy Andree, Viking books, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Thank you so much Tracy Andree, Viking books, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
August 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book as well as the first one. I thought that they were very cute and had a great romance. I really enjoyed the characters, they didn’t seem one dimensional like most in other rom-coms. However, I just felt frustrated that they couldn’t figure out what they wanted, like obviously they wanted to be together but just couldn’t find out how. But I thought it was a very cute read and this duology is one of the better Christmas time books I have read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 16, 2023
4.25⭐
March 5, 2023
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
After spending winter break in her Oklahoma hometown in So, This is Christmas, Finley returns to her prestigious boarding school in Connecticut, bringing her best friend Ayisha with her. She's on the outs with Arthur over a perceived slight, and thinks that he is flirting with her nemesis, Bronwyn. She has a new roommate, Petra, who never seems to leave the room, and makes a new friend in Gaines. Even though she was quite the mover and shaker at her school in Oklahoma, Finley still hasn't gotten the hang of dealing with fellow students with "law firm names", and is a bit envious that Ayisha has jumped in and made a lot of connections. She even tries to unseat Bronwyn as the head of the Valentine's dance committee, but the two end up co-chairing it. There is a school ski trip that Finley and Ayisha decide to go on, even though they don't ski. Ayisha is happy to stay in the lodge and socialize, but Finley takes ski lessons that end with Arthur having to save her and ending up in the hospital. Meeting his father doesn't go particularly well, as Lord Watercress is even more formal and uptight than his son. Finley is still obsessed with Arthur, so pays a lot of attention to what he is doing, and the two finally are able to talk about what happened and decide to stay friends. Because Arthur is turning 18, his father is planning a big party that coincides with the dance, and is expecting him to go back to England for college. This sends Finley into a tizzy, since she hadn't thought their time together would be so brief. It gets even briefer when Arthur is accepted into another school in England, and his father is expecting him to return to England in two weeks. Even though the school dance runs into problems after some sabotage, Finley is preoccupied with Arthur. Finley's grandmother and Arthur's aunt are still an item, so it's possible that the two will be able to see each other on occasion, but what does their future hold?
Finley is a fairly typical high school girl whose fascination with one particular boy colors everything she does. While this is very true to life, it's also a little alarming to read about as an adult! It's good to have some balance with Ayisha, who is interested in Caldwell but also pays attention to the rest of her social life, watches out for Finley, and also keeps academics in mind. Bronwyn is a good example of a student entitled by her family's local reputation and her history of being in charge. We don't see a lot of what Arthur is feeling, but this also seems true-- teen boys play their cards close to the vest, and don't necessarily let everyone around them know what's going on.
The real appeal of this book is the Barrington Academy setting, with all of the posh students who assume that everyone has a cook and housekeeper, and the teachers who know how to deal with these students. There's plenty of friend drama and romance, and the ski trip was a nice touch. (There aren't a lot of books that deal with those, although Ellen and Ivison's The Never Evers does.)
Finley is a bit self centered, but is also dealing with an unusual change of venue from her small Oklahoma home town. This will be a popular title among readers who love Kasie West, Sarah Dessen, Suzanne Colasanti, Emma Lord, and other young adult romance writers.
There are sevearl f-bombs in this one as well. I still don't understand why YA writers feel a need to include these. Do high school students use this language? Absolutely. Should it be encouraged? No.
After spending winter break in her Oklahoma hometown in So, This is Christmas, Finley returns to her prestigious boarding school in Connecticut, bringing her best friend Ayisha with her. She's on the outs with Arthur over a perceived slight, and thinks that he is flirting with her nemesis, Bronwyn. She has a new roommate, Petra, who never seems to leave the room, and makes a new friend in Gaines. Even though she was quite the mover and shaker at her school in Oklahoma, Finley still hasn't gotten the hang of dealing with fellow students with "law firm names", and is a bit envious that Ayisha has jumped in and made a lot of connections. She even tries to unseat Bronwyn as the head of the Valentine's dance committee, but the two end up co-chairing it. There is a school ski trip that Finley and Ayisha decide to go on, even though they don't ski. Ayisha is happy to stay in the lodge and socialize, but Finley takes ski lessons that end with Arthur having to save her and ending up in the hospital. Meeting his father doesn't go particularly well, as Lord Watercress is even more formal and uptight than his son. Finley is still obsessed with Arthur, so pays a lot of attention to what he is doing, and the two finally are able to talk about what happened and decide to stay friends. Because Arthur is turning 18, his father is planning a big party that coincides with the dance, and is expecting him to go back to England for college. This sends Finley into a tizzy, since she hadn't thought their time together would be so brief. It gets even briefer when Arthur is accepted into another school in England, and his father is expecting him to return to England in two weeks. Even though the school dance runs into problems after some sabotage, Finley is preoccupied with Arthur. Finley's grandmother and Arthur's aunt are still an item, so it's possible that the two will be able to see each other on occasion, but what does their future hold?
Finley is a fairly typical high school girl whose fascination with one particular boy colors everything she does. While this is very true to life, it's also a little alarming to read about as an adult! It's good to have some balance with Ayisha, who is interested in Caldwell but also pays attention to the rest of her social life, watches out for Finley, and also keeps academics in mind. Bronwyn is a good example of a student entitled by her family's local reputation and her history of being in charge. We don't see a lot of what Arthur is feeling, but this also seems true-- teen boys play their cards close to the vest, and don't necessarily let everyone around them know what's going on.
The real appeal of this book is the Barrington Academy setting, with all of the posh students who assume that everyone has a cook and housekeeper, and the teachers who know how to deal with these students. There's plenty of friend drama and romance, and the ski trip was a nice touch. (There aren't a lot of books that deal with those, although Ellen and Ivison's The Never Evers does.)
Finley is a bit self centered, but is also dealing with an unusual change of venue from her small Oklahoma home town. This will be a popular title among readers who love Kasie West, Sarah Dessen, Suzanne Colasanti, Emma Lord, and other young adult romance writers.
There are sevearl f-bombs in this one as well. I still don't understand why YA writers feel a need to include these. Do high school students use this language? Absolutely. Should it be encouraged? No.
February 6, 2023
3.5
Like So This is Christmas, this was a super cute book. The way Tracy Andreen writes dialogue between characters is impressively realistic and incredibly well done! Especially the text exchanges which can so easily be cringey when written about a different generation by a different generation. They’re done perfectly here. I adored seeing Finley and Arthur explore the intimacy that can be found by being best friends with someone. A lot of romances ignore the importance of being friends with your partner first and focus solely on chemistry and attraction. That being said though I wasn’t a fan of how drawn out some of the conflicts were. Miscommunication (albeit recognized in the book) is one of my least favorite conflict catalysts in stories. If I’m being honest I think this would be mismarketed as a romance. It’s really a story about a girl navigating school and friendships and fitting in, all while having relationship issues and development. Seeing Finley’s progress in school and with her friendships was really refreshing and I was genuinely happy for her as a person. Even knowing she isn’t real. This could be helpful for anyone who’s struggled with putting themselves out there and opening up to people.
All in all, I’ll definitely read any more continuation of these characters! I’ve definitely grown to love them!
Like So This is Christmas, this was a super cute book. The way Tracy Andreen writes dialogue between characters is impressively realistic and incredibly well done! Especially the text exchanges which can so easily be cringey when written about a different generation by a different generation. They’re done perfectly here. I adored seeing Finley and Arthur explore the intimacy that can be found by being best friends with someone. A lot of romances ignore the importance of being friends with your partner first and focus solely on chemistry and attraction. That being said though I wasn’t a fan of how drawn out some of the conflicts were. Miscommunication (albeit recognized in the book) is one of my least favorite conflict catalysts in stories. If I’m being honest I think this would be mismarketed as a romance. It’s really a story about a girl navigating school and friendships and fitting in, all while having relationship issues and development. Seeing Finley’s progress in school and with her friendships was really refreshing and I was genuinely happy for her as a person. Even knowing she isn’t real. This could be helpful for anyone who’s struggled with putting themselves out there and opening up to people.
All in all, I’ll definitely read any more continuation of these characters! I’ve definitely grown to love them!
December 18, 2022
*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review
I enjoyed SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS, so I was looking forward to this sequel, but I, unfortunately, didn't like it quite as much. To no one's surprise, everything that happens in the first book is undone because of various outside forces (this isn't a spoiler, btw) so we have to rewrite Arthur's and Finley's romance. While there were parts I enjoyed throughout this book, overall it fell flat for me. For one, I didn't like how predictable it was, all the way through the ending. The third-act breakup and resolution were ones I've seen so many times, and they're so anticlimactic that I was bored and underwhelmed by them. I also didn't love how some of the conflicts throughout the book were overdone. I've said it before and I'll say it again, but most high schools don't have a queen bee who threatens everyone and gets away with it, and I don't like seeing that in YA books because I don't think it's realistic. Most of the conflict in the book was spurred by this one girl, and while she was very unlikeable, people like her don't really exist in normal high schools, nor do the situations she caused. Like I said, this book wasn't bad, it was just a little too dramatic and mildly unrealistic for my tastes, but it would be a fun younger-YA story, especially for Valentine's Day!
I enjoyed SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS, so I was looking forward to this sequel, but I, unfortunately, didn't like it quite as much. To no one's surprise, everything that happens in the first book is undone because of various outside forces (this isn't a spoiler, btw) so we have to rewrite Arthur's and Finley's romance. While there were parts I enjoyed throughout this book, overall it fell flat for me. For one, I didn't like how predictable it was, all the way through the ending. The third-act breakup and resolution were ones I've seen so many times, and they're so anticlimactic that I was bored and underwhelmed by them. I also didn't love how some of the conflicts throughout the book were overdone. I've said it before and I'll say it again, but most high schools don't have a queen bee who threatens everyone and gets away with it, and I don't like seeing that in YA books because I don't think it's realistic. Most of the conflict in the book was spurred by this one girl, and while she was very unlikeable, people like her don't really exist in normal high schools, nor do the situations she caused. Like I said, this book wasn't bad, it was just a little too dramatic and mildly unrealistic for my tastes, but it would be a fun younger-YA story, especially for Valentine's Day!
February 17, 2023
3 1/2 Stars but I am going to round up.
This is Valentine’s Day book but the story starts the first of January, right where So This Is Christmas leaves off. You can obviously read this whenever you want though.
I will be honest, I was worried this was a a break story and Arthur would swoop in at the last minute to twist it into a love story but that is not the case. When I first started reading I almost did not finish reading it at around Chapter 3. So if you are feeling like that but really liked So This Is Christmas, I would urge to hang on and keep reading. The story eventually picks up and keeps going. It’s hard to put it down once the story starts moving.
And for those (like me) who were thinking this is a break up story, it’s not. It’s a friendship story. From an adult’s perspective, Arthur and Finley were moving really fast and didn’t know a lot about each other. Slowing down and getting to know each other is a good thing. It also includes the other characters’ friendships with Finley and other classmates at Barrington.
This is Valentine’s Day book but the story starts the first of January, right where So This Is Christmas leaves off. You can obviously read this whenever you want though.
I will be honest, I was worried this was a a break story and Arthur would swoop in at the last minute to twist it into a love story but that is not the case. When I first started reading I almost did not finish reading it at around Chapter 3. So if you are feeling like that but really liked So This Is Christmas, I would urge to hang on and keep reading. The story eventually picks up and keeps going. It’s hard to put it down once the story starts moving.
And for those (like me) who were thinking this is a break up story, it’s not. It’s a friendship story. From an adult’s perspective, Arthur and Finley were moving really fast and didn’t know a lot about each other. Slowing down and getting to know each other is a good thing. It also includes the other characters’ friendships with Finley and other classmates at Barrington.
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