
the setup…
Baltimore bar owner Grace White lost her husband Tim to cancer almost a year ago. She’s left raising their 11-year old son Ian and 7-year old daughter Bella and a rescue pup they named Harry Styles, brought home the day of Tim’s funeral. As the holidays are approaching, Grace is still navigating through grief and preparing for that first Christmas. Marketing creative director Henry Adler lost his wife suddenly, also a year ago and hasn’t been able to return to their home since. He’s been camping out at his parents house or couch surfing friends. His and Grace’s mother are in the same book club and both cook up a truly lame excuse for Henry to stop by Grace’s house. They figure it out right away but he stays to watch the Christmas movie she was ready to watch. And so it begins.
the heart of the story…
While that first movie started things off, Grace and Henry shared more than a holiday movie marathon tradition. There are clear signs that neither has “overcome” their grief and they understand each other in that unique way. In a lot of ways it’s a tender story but equally funny and delightful. I’d want either of these two as friends!
the narration…
I loved the subtlety of the performances by Alex Finke and Jay Myers. I don’t have the words to adequately describe the beauty of their delivery. It just worked.
the bottom line…
There’s so much heft to this story that it was a lot to take in, in a very good way. Each chapter is headlined by a Christmas movie, which brought fun and a little whimsy. Watching Grace and Henry take this final journey together, facing the holidays and their grief was a gift. I think I’ll create my own tradition by listening to this every year. It’s that good.
Book Info
- Release Date: October 14, 2025
- Narrators: Alex Finke & Jay Myers
- Audio Length: 8 hours, 43 minutes
- Publisher: Random House Publishing
Listen to a Sample!

It’s a good one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So lovely💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fab review, Jo, it sounds lovely, and so did the sample!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nicki💜 There’s not enough praise I can say about this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review! Sounds like a good one.
Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Anne💜 You would love this one.
LikeLike
Wonderful review! I will definitely be adding this to my holiday TBR list.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jodie💜 You will love this, too.
LikeLike
Wow, that’s high praise, Jo. I’ve seen a lot of positive reviews of this book, but yours just sold me on it. I will have to see if my library has the audiobook. It will be perfect for Christmas in July.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Carla💜 I’m certain you’ll love it, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fab review! I’m going to keep this one in mind for my Christmas reads this year. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Yvo💜 Highly recommend!
LikeLike