In her latest collection, Holidating, bestselling author Sarina Bowen delivers three delightful holiday romance stories that showcase her talent for crafting authentic characters and heartwarming relationships. This anthology brings together a novel and two novellas, each exploring different facets of love during the festive season. While the collection maintains Bowen’s signature style of witty dialogue and genuine emotional depth, some stories shine brighter than others.
The Stories
Boyfriend
The centerpiece of this collection is “Boyfriend,” a full-length novel that follows Abbi and Weston’s fake dating arrangement during Thanksgiving. When Abbi needs a date to avoid her toxic ex at a holiday gathering, she responds to Weston’s amusing flyer offering boyfriend services for $25. What begins as a simple arrangement evolves into a touching exploration of family dynamics, trust, and unexpected connection.
Bowen excels at creating believable chemistry between her protagonists. The natural progression from playful banter to deeper understanding between Abbi and Weston feels organic and earned. Their shared vulnerability, particularly during intimate moments, adds depth to what could have been a predictable fake-dating trope.
Crossroads
The second story, “Crossroads,” presents a poignant tale of missed connections between taxi driver Damien and his wealthy client Nicolette. This novella spans several years, tracking their evolving relationship through holiday encounters. While shorter than “Boyfriend,” it packs an emotional punch with its exploration of class differences, timing, and the courage needed to pursue happiness.
Blonde Date
The collection concludes with “Blonde Date,” a charming novella featuring Katie, a college student seeking a nice guy after a traumatic experience with a fraternity brother. This story effectively balances lighter moments with serious themes about trust and healing.
Strengths
Character Development
One of Bowen’s greatest strengths is her ability to craft multidimensional characters who feel like real people. Even supporting characters receive careful attention, from Abbi’s complicated family dynamics to Damien’s military experiences.
Emotional Authenticity
The author doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, addressing them with sensitivity while maintaining the overall hopeful tone expected in holiday romance. Characters deal with real issues like:
- Family trauma
- Social class differences
- Personal growth
- Trust after betrayal
Setting and Atmosphere
The Vermont setting comes alive through detailed descriptions and local flavor. Bowen’s intimate knowledge of the area adds authenticity to the stories, particularly in “Crossroads” with its vivid depiction of rural New England life.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Inconsistencies
While each story has its merits, the pacing occasionally feels uneven, particularly in the shorter pieces. “Crossroads” sometimes rushes through important emotional beats that could have benefited from more development.
Genre Conventions
Some readers might find certain romance tropes predictable, though Bowen generally manages to add fresh elements to familiar scenarios.
Length Disparity
The significant difference in length between the novel and novellas can feel jarring, potentially leaving readers wanting more from the shorter stories.
Writing Style
Bowen’s prose is engaging and accessible, striking a perfect balance between description and dialogue. Her ability to capture the internal monologues of her characters adds depth to their interactions and helps readers connect with their emotional journeys.
Particularly noteworthy is her skill in writing romantic tension. The author excels at creating chemistry through small moments and subtle interactions, rather than relying solely on physical attraction.
Target Audience
This collection will appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Contemporary romance with depth
- Holiday-themed stories
- Complex family dynamics
- Small-town settings
- Character-driven narratives
Comparison with Other Works
Fans of authors like Emily Henry and Christina Lauren will find familiar elements in Bowen’s writing style. Like these contemporaries, she balances humor with emotional depth while maintaining authentic character voices.
Impact and Relevance
While holiday romance collections are plentiful, Holidating by Sarina Bowen stands out for its honest portrayal of modern relationships and family dynamics. The stories resonate particularly well in today’s context, where traditional holiday expectations often clash with contemporary realities.
Final Verdict
Holidating by Sarina Bowen is a heartwarming read for its engaging characters, emotional depth, and skillful storytelling. Despite some minor pacing issues, the collection delivers satisfying romance stories perfect for holiday reading.
Pros
- Strong character development
- Authentic emotional connections
- Engaging dialogue
- Well-crafted Vermont setting
Cons
- Uneven pacing in novellas
- Some predictable plot elements
- Length disparity between stories
Recommendation
Holidating by Sarina Bowen is recommended for readers seeking meaningful holiday romance stories that go beyond surface-level charm. While maintaining the warmth and joy expected from the genre, these stories offer deeper explorations of relationships, personal growth, and the complexities of modern love.
The collection works particularly well for those who enjoy:
- Character-driven narratives
- Holiday settings
- Complex family dynamics
- Contemporary romance with depth
Perfect for curling up with during the holiday season, these stories remind us that love often appears in unexpected ways and that sometimes the best gifts are the connections we make along the way.
