Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Miracle of the Bellskis (Bellskis #2)

by Astrid Amara (Goodreads Author)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 189 ratings · 36 reviews

Too much family…too little Egg Nog.

It's been three years since Seth Bellski forced his boyfriend and ex-boss Lars Varga out of the closet. Since then, Seth has passed the bar and become an attorney, and Lars has started his own firm. Their sex life has gotten steamier, and everything seems perfect between them. Until the holidays arrive.

It's bad enough that Seth's mother a...more

ebook, 1st Edition

Published December 13th 2011 by Loose Id

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Best Gay Winter'ish Holiday Romance

33rd out of 134 books — 207 voters

Regularly Scheduled Life by K.A. Mitchell

Best Gay "Established Relationships" Romance

66th out of 195 books — 139 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 333)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Dec 06, 2012 DaisyGirl rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: december-holidays, m-m, genre-romance, i-own, other-steamy, romance-contemp, other-funny

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.0

It's been three years since Seth Bellski forced his boyfriend and ex-boss Lars Varga out of the closet. Since then, Seth has passed the bar and become an attorney, and is working at Partridge & Craft, a small family law firm dedicated to helping the underprivileged and victims of domestic violence; meanwhile, Lars started his own firm and is settling in nicely. Seth's sister Rachel and her family have relocated to Seattle, prompting Seth's parents to follow suit. D...more

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 15, 2011 MandyM rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance

Miracle of the Bellskis revisits Seth and Lars, the sexy heroes from Carol of the Bellskis. It's a few years later and Lars' parents, who have been fairly unaccepting of their relationship, have come for the Christmas holiday. The visit is complicated by Seth's first case as a new lawyer. Seth has some niggling suspicions about the case and to make matters worse, Lars is the lawyer for the other side.

I love this author's writing. Her characters are so natural and normal and full of life and fun....more

7 likes · like · see review

Dec 22, 2011 Jenre rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, m-m, romance

Last year I really enjoyed Astrid Amara'sHanukkah story Love Ahead: Expect Delays, and so I was looking forward to her offering this year. At first I was a little dismayed to discover thatthe story was a sequel to Carol of the Bellskis which I haven't read, but it seemed a good excuse to buy and read that first book so I could get this one too. I loved Carol of the Bellskis which I reviewed briefly on Good Reads here, and so that made me look forward to reading this book.

Whilst, in the end, I di...more Last year I really enjoyed Astrid Amara's Hanukkah story Love Ahead: Expect Delays, and so I was looking forward to her offering this year. At first I was a little dismayed to discover that the story was a sequel to Carol of the Bellskis which I haven't read, but it seemed a good excuse to buy and read that first book so I could get this one too. I loved Carol of the Bellskis which I reviewed briefly on Good Reads here, and so that made me look forward to reading this book.

Whilst, in the end, I didn't enjoy this one as much as Carol of the Bellskis, it was still a really great read. It picks up the story three years after the first book. Lars is now out to his family and, having sold his half of the partnership of his previous law firm, is now in business on his own. Seth has passed the bar and is working as an attorney for a friend of Lars, Violet, because he wants to gain some independent experience away from Lars' influence. All would be perfect except that Lars' parents are coming to stay for Christmas, meeting Seth for the first time, and Seth finds that he has to juggle to expectations of his family at Hanukkah with coping with the frosty behaviour of Lars' parents.

What I liked about this story was that it was less about Hanukkah itself and more about the slight clash of Jewish/Christian traditions around this time of year. Previous Hanukkah stories from this author have focused on the improtance of Jewish family and traditions, but with the addition of Lars' parents, the focus shifts to how they view Seth's Jewish traditions and how he views their Christian traditions. This was handled in a very sensitive fashion, and is a gradual creeping theme through the story so that I never felt that either tradition was being favoured over the other.

The visit from Lars' parents is a cause of contention between Seth and Lars, leading to arguments, but on the whole I liked that they were a united front against the cold treatment from Lars' parents. I especially like the scenes where Seth stands up for Lars, or for himself. This is something I've always liked about the character of Seth. He's not afraid to tell people exactly what he thinks, even if it's not the more diplomatic way of going about things. In this book it works in his favour, as his forthrightness coupled with a 'through gritted teeth' determination to make the best of the situation because he want things to be better for Lars, is just the right thing to do for Lar's parents.

Where the story didn't work so well was in the plot involving a divorce case. Seth and Lars find themselves on opposite sides when Seth takes on a last minute divorce case. This would have been fine, expect that I'm sure there could have been a better way of resolving the problems they encounter other than the grand gesture that Lars makes towards the end of the story (sorry for being vague, I don't want to give away spoilers). I can see why it was used because it not only gave the story a dramatic push but it allowed all the characters in the story to gather in one place, but the whole thing felt a little forced. Other than that part, I liked the way that Seth's working life is shown, such as the haphazard way that Seth and Violet run the office, compared the Lars' much more organised way of doing things. It was also nice to see the pair working as attorneys as it gave a different perspective on their relationship.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this novella length story. I loved revisiting Seth and Lars and was happy to see them having successfully worked through the problems from the previous books. Even the niggle with the divorce case wasn't enough to really spoil things to much for me and I would happily recommend Miracle of the Bellskis.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 09, 2012 Plainbrownwrapper rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm

3.5 stars, rounding up to 4

Astrid Amara herself says in her dedication that this book has a "ridiculous plot", and I more or less agree with her. Nonetheless, it's a fun way to waste an hour or two.

I enjoyed both of the MCs, Seth and Lars, more in this book than in Carol of the Bellskis. It may just be that I have had more chance to get to know them now, but they seem more like real, rounded people in this book. Also, at this point the two have lived together for three years, so they are more st...more

like · see review

Jan 08, 2012 Tam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christmas-story, m-m

We might have switched holidays to Hanukkah, but I just realized we have a theme with a bit of a switch. While in the last book they didn't mind him being gay, they hated his partner, in this one they are freaked that he's gay, although not that freaked by his partner, if they knew him.

This is the sequel to Carol of the Bellskis (wow, that was 2009) which I adored even if I wasn't certain Lars was the right guy for Seth. But it's been three years and things are going well. He's totally supportiv...more

like · see review

Dec 28, 2011 SA rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

If the first in this series, Holiday Outing, was a little weak, and Carol of the Bellskis was a delightful treat, this third book in the burgeoning series is an accomplished, well-done sequel. Telling the story of Lars and Seth three years down the road, it centers primarily on the familial relationships that trouble all partnerships/marriages--especially with individuals who've only come out as adults. Lars' characters progression was great, satisfyingly nuanced, and Seth's own accomplishments...more

like · see review

Dec 13, 2011 Sadonna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: holidays, mm, pdf

I officially love Lars and Seth now. There are so many funny moments in this story - as well as some genuinely touching moments. This story takes place at least three years since the last story since Seth has now finished law school, passed the bar and now has his first case. Who should the opposing counsel be? Of course it's Lars! Lars has split from his original homophobic partner and gone out on his own. He has only taken this divorce case as a favor to another friend. But the true drama of t...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 26, 2011 Lasha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: jessewave

4.75 stars.

Miracle of the Bellskis is the sequel to Carol of the Bellskis, which was also reviewed on Jessewave and got 5 stars. The sequel is just as entertaining and goes in my top two holiday stories along with K.A. Mitchell’s The Christmas Proposition. Set three years after the other book, Seth and Lars have now settled into domestic bliss — or have they? With the holidays coming, old hurts surface and Lars and Seth’s relationship falters as Lars’ parents come into town disapproving of their...more 4.75 stars.

Miracle of the Bellskis is the sequel to Carol of the Bellskis, which was also reviewed on Jessewave and got 5 stars. The sequel is just as entertaining and goes in my top two holiday stories along with K.A. Mitchell’s The Christmas Proposition. Set three years after the other book, Seth and Lars have now settled into domestic bliss — or have they? With the holidays coming, old hurts surface and Lars and Seth’s relationship falters as Lars’ parents come into town disapproving of their son’s “lifestyle.” As Seth and Lars try to juggle Lars’ homophobic parents, Seth’s meddling mother who wants her son and his lover at their house for Hanukkah and a court case that has them facing off against each other, this holiday looks like it could destroy their new-found happiness.

When Wave gave me this book to review, I had no idea it was part of a series. So each book could be read as a standalone, but I don’t advise skipping book one, as that is delightful too and you’d be missing out on the background of the two families. Since there are a lot of books out there about Christmas, it was wonderful to see a romance novel include Hanukkah in there too. Seth’s Jewish family is loud, bossy and loving and make for great secondary characters. I wish I could say the same for Lars’ parents, who make the Grinch look warm and cuddly. However, a holiday novel would not be complete without a little miracle and Lars’ folks eventually wise up, and while they won’t be running for president of their local PFLAG chapter, their turnabout is a wonderful part of the book.

Miracle of the Bellskis has it all: amazing characterizations, a believable love story, solid plot, steamy sex, holiday cheer and a subplot that I found interesting, plus for diversity the protagonists are celebrating Hanukkah. I fell in love with Seth’s family and I know you will too. And as someone who is also Jewish, I loved reading about Hanukkah traditions and food. (Mmm…latkes).

I’ve never read any of Astrid Amara’s other books, but if her Bellskis‘ series is any indication of her talent, then I will be adding her to my auto-buy list immediately. Highly recommended.

Reviews by Jessewave(less)

like · see review

Feb 26, 2013 Kaetrin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, ebook, m-m-romance, short-novella

What it's about: (from Goodreads) Too much family…too little Egg Nog.

It's been three years since Seth Bellski forced his boyfriend and ex-boss Lars Varga out of the closet. Since then, Seth has passed the bar and become an attorney, and Lars has started his own firm. Their sex life has gotten steamier, and everything seems perfect between them. Until the holidays arrive.

It's bad enough that Seth's mother and father want them over every single night of Hanukkah. And that Lars's less-than-toleran...more What it's about: (from Goodreads) Too much family…too little Egg Nog.

It's been three years since Seth Bellski forced his boyfriend and ex-boss Lars Varga out of the closet. Since then, Seth has passed the bar and become an attorney, and Lars has started his own firm. Their sex life has gotten steamier, and everything seems perfect between them. Until the holidays arrive.

It's bad enough that Seth's mother and father want them over every single night of Hanukkah. And that Lars's less-than-tolerant parents are sleeping in the room next door for the duration of Christmas, putting the kibosh on their kink. They also end up attorneys representing opposing sides in a divorce case, one which quickly proves to be much more than it seems.

Amidst Hanukkah candles, Christmas lights, burned dinners and delayed court appointments, can Lars and Seth's relationship survive the ultimate holiday challenge: too much family?

What worked for me (and what didn't): I actually enjoyed this one a little better than the first novella - partly because it was a little longer and partly because the subplot regarding the divorcing couple being represented by Lars (husband) and Seth (wife) was, while a bit of a stretch, more believable than the reason for the aunt and uncle's disappearance in the first book.

I also love stories "after the HEA" - everyone knows that even the happiest of couples have issues that crop up that can threaten their relationship and seeing how a couple has grown and changed over time and how they work things out (hopefully with maturity - at least, if I'm going to like it, that is) interests me. This story is also set at Hannukah and even though Seth and Lars are pretty happy together, now they have to deal with their respective families - complete with a model train loving father (Seth) and the cold and aloof Vargas. Once again there is a bit of farce and a lot of humour but I really liked how Seth and Lars had grown since the events of Carol of the Bellskis. Seth is now a lawyer but rather than working immediately with Lars (who has started his own firm as (I believe) as sole practitioner), he decided that he needed to work elsewhere first so that he could join Lars in practise as more equal partner. I really liked this. I liked how both parties accepted this was a good for them move and how supportive Lars was and how sensible Seth was - it seemed to me they were making good decisions for a healthy relationship. I didn't really get the impression that Lars ever thought Seth was inferior in the first book, but it is clear that Seth is active about making sure that he takes an equal place and Lars in no way is discouraging of that.

There are some wonderfully funny descriptions in both books and amusing depictions of family life mixed in with the general story arc. I really enjoyed the writing style and I expect I will be reading more from this author. I wonder if there will ever be a Bellski's 3? I can only hope.

Favourite Quote:

He popped open the door and saw Mr. and Mrs. Varga hadn’t moved an inch. They halfheartedly dipped their bread, limply shaking off the excess like sad seagulls in an oil disaster.

Grade: B+

http://kaetrinsmusings.blogspot.com.a...(less)

like · see review

Dec 16, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this. What a wonderful surprise to see this release. I loved the first book in the series, Carol of the Bellskis from Astrid Amara that was released last year. So this was a joyful present this December. This sequel finds partners Seth Bellski and Lars Varga happily together and getting ready for the holidays, Hanukkah and Christmas. For the first time, this will include Lars' family, who is still not comfortable with the idea of their son being gay and his meeting live-in lover. Plus Se...more

like · see review

Dec 22, 2012 Deeze rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: december-reading, pick-me-up, quick-easy-reads, would-read-again

I always worry that sequels will not live up to the first book. I’m very happy to say that this was not the case.

This book was just as well written and entertaining as the first. Again Lars and Seth were wonderful. They are just one of those couples that belong together.

Meeting Lars parents made understanding the Lars from book one so easy. I really loved that Lars didn’t backslide when his parents came to stay.

Seth was wonderfully entertaining with his thought process, although this time round...more

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 13, 2011 Ami rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance-or-erotica, mm-contemporary

3.5 stars

What I enjoy most from this story is how as a couple Lars and Seth are not "perfect". They have been together for four years now, three years after Seth forced Lars to come out ... but they still have their fights and disagreements. It's nice, because it shows that being a couple doesn't mean all flowers and rainbows, but there are also compromises along the way.

If Carol of the Bellskis is mainly about handling the secrecy of their relationship, this book is about handling the family. L...more

5 likes · like · see review

Mar 04, 2012 ElaineY rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sequel-or-prequel-true

Surprise! I actually survived Bellskis #1 and looked forward to the sequel! Some of the MMs I've reread recently didn't make it to the sequel so I'm patting myself on the back for this one:P

Bellskis #2 was a much more enjoyable read because I managed to lay aside the horror of running the motel and focus on the romance. Alright, I admit at the back of my mind I was still wondering what happened to Seth's uncle and aunt but Ami's assurance that they haven't been kidnapped by aliens (or murdered b...more

like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 Nikko rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourites

I caaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnn't wait!!!! Woooo Hooooo!!!

Latest update!!! Just as I expected it, it was a lovely read!!

1 like · like · see review

Dec 15, 2012 Kaje Harper rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: light, m-m, short-story

I like Lars and Seth as a couple - they have love and fun and disagreements and seem real. The parents are a little polarized, but they progress through the story nicely. One thing I liked was the realistically present-but-mild clash of Jewish and Christian holiday traditions and expectations. I thought the choices and compromises were well depicted and fit with the families involved. I'm not sure the big plot point is truly plausible, but it worked for the story and wasn't so impossible it coul...more

like · see review

Jan 07, 2012 Fehu rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: challenge-book, christmas-m-m-story, genre-m-m-contemporery, established-couples, favorites, proffesion-lawyers

I really liked the previous book and was a bit reserved about this one, because a lot of sequels are not as good. Not this one!

There was a story besides the relationship and family problems. Lars changed a lot and it seemed a bit fast for Seth to have a law degree but otherwise it was a great read.

In this book we get to know Seth and Lars parents and see what happen when they all come together for the Holidays? Who get to celebrate which holidays with which family?

Besides the stress of managing...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 16, 2011 Nichole (Dirty H) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, m-m, holiday

Awesome sequel. I was sad when it ended, I could have kept reading this story forever.
Just an FYI, the blurb makes it sound like Lars and Seth became kinky BDSM sceners. I don't know why that was in the blurb at all. When it says "kink" what it really means is "sex". There are a couple of scenes where they have quiet sex because Lars' parents are in the next room. No BDSM, or even hints of it, in this book. Which I was glad of. I didn't really want any spanking in this book. I have other books...more

like · see review

Dec 09, 2012 Ayanna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

It's nice. It's an effortless read, but it has just that hint of intrigue that makes in more interesting. It's very mundane, and I think that's what makes it all better. It's nice to be reminded that there are more problems than just impending-end-of-the-world/war-between-the-species type problems.

like · see review

Apr 18, 2012 Jane (PS) rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this sequel far more than the original story because I liked the MC a lot more. I couldn't really connect to them in the first book at all. The climax was pretty interesting regarding the legal case and I liked how the parents bonded in the end. Satisfying.

like · see review

Sep 17, 2012 Vin9 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Talk about hilarious in-laws drama!!

This sequel is much better than the first book. It is a good old romantic-comedy set during Christmas season, The chemistry between two MC's is hot.

Realistically portrayed it shows different situation between family, professional life and love.

Loved it.

like · see review

Dec 20, 2012 Shelby P rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, holidays, holly-challenge

I really love Seth and Lars as a couple. I want more of them. Where is book 3??? I liked the first book just a tad bit more than this one, but both were great. I believe in their relationship. It was nice seeing Lars' parents come around. Oh and nice little twist with the divorce case.

like · see review

Oct 06, 2012 Snowtulip rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, m-m

4.5

Hard to believe that I loved this more than the first one! This had more humor than the first and kept me cracking up...Seth is a riot!

Loved Lars and Seth together even more :D Once again, I was all smiles at the end of reading this story and completely bummed that I don't have another Lars and Seth story to read.

like · see review

Dec 15, 2011 Candice rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: holiday

Great book. So far this is my favorite holiday book this year. I just love Lars and Seth. This book will definitely be a re-read for me in the future.

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 27, 2011 Sherry rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lars and Seth's interactions are still funny; Seth is humorously snarky as always.

like · see review

Dec 20, 2011 Adrianamae rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christmas, family, favorites, fun, mm

i didnt want it to end. i loved this christmas story.

like · see review

Dec 15, 2011 ~*coffee*lover*~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh, this was just so good. I adored Seth and Lars in the first book so I was very happy to see there was going to be another book featuring them. And it didn't disappoint. I couldn't put it down. My only fault? Not long enough by half. I'm greedy, I want more Seth and Lars :)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 25, 2011 Lady*M rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, m-m-romance

I actually liked this sequel better than the original story. The men are still great together, but the addition of their parents was wonderful. I liked how even the smallest characters - like Violet or the judge - had their own, distinct personalities. I had my suspicion about George and I was right! Seth has grown, not just because he became a lawyer, but because he found new confidence and he stands for himself and for Lars, if necessary. Lars is now comfortable with being gay and I liked how...more

like · see review

Jan 05, 2012 Antonella rated it 5 of 5 stars

4.5

like · see review

Dec 13, 2011 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: holiday, gay, romance, ebook, 2011, done

Very good m/m Hanukkah/Christmas romance that takes place several years after Carol of the Bellskis, as Seth meets Lars' somewhat icy parents for the first time... because Lars' parents are staying with Lars and Seth for the holidays.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 30, 2012 Aniko rated it 5 of 5 stars

4.5 to 4.75 stars

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 next »

Contemporary

20 users

Holiday

16 users

Holiday > Christmas

10 users

Romance

9 users

Family

5 users

M M Romance > M M Contemporary

4 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

3 users

Glbt > Gay

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Astrid Amara

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Miracle of the Be...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Miracle of the Bellskis
avg rating	preview: Miracle of the Bellskis Goodreads rating: 4.09 (189 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12565322-miracle-of-the-bellskis?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1323159967l/12565322.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12565322-miracle-of-the-bellskis?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Miracle of the Bellskis by Astrid Amara[/url]

Miracle of the Bellskis (Bellskis #2)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Astrid Amara

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Miracle of the Be...

Miracle of the Bellskis (Bellskis #2)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (1)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Astrid Amara

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Miracle of the Be...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)