Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark

‘Tis the season for heartwarming holiday romances, and Georgia Clark’s Most Wonderful delivers a delightful queer Christmas story wrapped up with all the trimmings. Like a warm mug of spiked eggnog, this charming novel goes down easy while packing an emotional punch. Clark, known for her previous rom-com hits like It Had to Be You and The Bucket List, brings her signature wit and keen observations on modern love to this festive tale of three adult siblings reconnecting over the holidays.

A Very Belvedere Christmas

At the heart of the story is the endearingly dysfunctional Belvedere family, helmed by aging Hollywood icon Babs Belvedere. As Christmas approaches, Babs’ three adult children find themselves at personal and professional crossroads:

• Liz, the responsible eldest, is a TV showrunner struggling with writer’s block and a massive crush on her show’s star
• Middle child Birdie is a stand-up comic whose career and love life are equally messy
• Baby of the family Rafi is nursing a bruised heart after a public proposal gone wrong

When the siblings all converge on their mother’s sprawling Catskills estate for the holidays, hijinks and heartache ensue in equal measure. While each Belvedere child wrestles with their own demons, they also rediscover the unbreakable bonds of family.

Clark deftly juggles the multiple storylines and perspectives, giving each sibling their moment in the spotlight. The result is a rich tapestry of interwoven narratives that keeps the pages turning. Readers will find themselves equally invested in Liz’s creative struggles, Birdie’s journey of self-discovery, and Rafi’s quest for true love.

Queer Joy to the World

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its joyful celebration of queer love and identity. Clark populates her story with a diverse cast of LGBTQ+ characters whose queerness is an integral yet unremarkable part of who they are. There’s no coming out angst or tragic backstories here—just fully realized queer characters living, loving, and finding happiness.

The central romance between Liz and actress Violet Grace is particularly swoon-worthy. Their slow-burn connection crackles with chemistry and sexual tension. Clark builds their relationship with care, allowing it to unfold naturally amidst the chaos of family drama and showbiz pressures. By the time they finally get together, readers will be cheering.

Birdie’s journey of self-discovery as she wrestles with sobriety and commitment issues offers another compelling queer narrative. Her budding relationship with artist Jecka provides some of the book’s sweetest moments. And Rafi’s realization that his soulmate has been right in front of him all along in the form of his best friend Ash is equally touching.

All is Calm, All is Bright?

While Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark delivers plenty of warm fuzzies, it doesn’t shy away from heavier themes. Each Belvedere sibling grapples with very real issues:

• Imposter syndrome and creative blocks
• Addiction and recovery
• Fear of commitment
• Family secrets and illness

Clark handles these weightier topics with sensitivity and nuance. She allows her characters to struggle and make mistakes while still rooting for their happiness. The result is a novel that feels grounded in reality even as it indulges in holiday magic.

Babs’ hidden health struggles add an extra layer of poignancy to the family’s Christmas reunion. Her eventual reveal of her MS diagnosis to her children is one of the book’s most emotional moments. It’s a stark reminder that even as we celebrate the joy of the season, life’s challenges don’t take a holiday break.

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Humor

Lest things get too heavy, Clark infuses the story with her trademark humor. Snappy dialogue and wry observations keep the tone light even in more serious moments. Birdie in particular gets many of the best quips as she navigates sobriety with self-deprecating wit.

The author also pokes gentle fun at holiday movie tropes and rom-com clichés. Liz and Violet’s will-they-won’t-they dance hits all the expected beats while still feeling fresh. And Rafi’s romantic grand gestures are both swoon-worthy and slightly ridiculous in the best way.

Pop culture references abound, from nods to classic Christmas movies to jokes about social media influencers. Clark’s writing crackles with millennial energy while still feeling accessible to readers of all ages.

Home for the Holidays

The Catskills setting provides the perfect cozy backdrop for this yuletide tale. Clark brings the Belvedere manor to life with vivid details, from the crackling fireplaces to the twinkling Christmas lights. Readers will feel transported to this winter wonderland alongside the characters.

Family traditions both touching and absurd add to the festive atmosphere. Whether it’s Babs’ annual holiday party performance or the siblings’ secret wine cellar meetings, these rituals ground the story in a sense of history and belonging.

The author also captures the sometimes claustrophobic nature of returning to your childhood home as an adult. Old dynamics resurface and long-buried resentments bubble up amidst the holiday cheer. But ultimately, the Belvederes’ love for each other shines through.

Making Spirits Bright: Themes of Family, Identity and Self-Acceptance

At its core, Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark is a story about finding your true self and your place in the world. Each Belvedere sibling must confront their fears and insecurities to move forward in life and love.

• Liz learns to embrace her talent and open her heart to love
• Birdie faces her addiction and commitment issues
• Rafi discovers what he truly wants in life beyond societal expectations

Their individual journeys mirror each other as they all learn to be more honest with themselves and those around them. The siblings’ growth is mirrored by their mother Babs, who must reckon with her own mortality and legacy.

Chosen family is another key theme, particularly for the queer characters. Clark celebrates the bonds we forge beyond blood relations. Whether it’s Ash’s place in the Belvedere clan or Birdie’s found family in the comedy world, these chosen connections are shown to be just as vital as biological ones.

Silent Night? Not Quite

If there’s one quibble with the novel, it’s that it can feel overstuffed at times. With three main plotlines plus various subplots, there’s a lot to keep track of. Some threads, like Babs’ health struggles, could have used more development. And certain side characters fade into the background.

However, the frenetic pacing and multiple storylines also capture the chaotic energy of a family holiday gathering. Just like Christmas dinner conversation, the narrative bounces between topics and tones. It’s a whirlwind, but an entertaining one.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark is a gift to queer romance fans and holiday book lovers alike. Georgia Clark has crafted a heartfelt story brimming with humor, heart, and hope. Like the best Christmas movies, it’s the kind of comforting read you’ll want to revisit year after year.

With its diverse cast of characters and sex-positive approach to queer relationships, the novel feels refreshingly modern. Yet it still delivers all the cozy vibes and happily-ever-afters that define the holiday romance genre.

Clark’s writing shines brightest in the quiet moments between characters. Whether it’s Liz and Violet’s tender exchanges or the Belvedere siblings’ banter, the dialogue crackles with authenticity. You’ll find yourself wishing you could pull up a chair at the Belvedere family dinner table.

Checking It Twice: Final Verdict

Georgia Clark’s Most Wonderful earns its place on the nice list this year. With its perfect balance of humor and heart, it’s sure to become a new holiday classic for rom-com fans. Georgia Clark has delivered a queer Christmas miracle—a feel-good story that will leave you believing in the magic of love and family.

So pour yourself some hot cocoa, curl up by the fire, and lose yourself in the warm embrace of the Belvedere family Christmas. You might just find yourself feeling a little more wonderful by the final page.

Stocking Stuffers: If You Liked This, Try These

• Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
• In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae
• All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox
• The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox