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Holidays with the Bellskis #2
Miracle of the Bellskis
LGBT Holidays with the Bellskis; Previous Carol of the BellskisToo 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 as the 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, Lars and Seth’s relationship is going to need a miracle to survive the ultimate holiday challenge of too much family.Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find male/male sexual practices.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 31, 2025
Loved this novella! Dry humour, relatable “not perfect” relationship and a decent little storyline. This would be best read after Carol of the Bellskis because it is set 3yrs after book 1 and is about the same couple but could work as a standalone if you don’t mind not reading about them first getting together. Set during Hanukah. Originally published 14yrs ago, it still feels fresh and it feels nice giving an older book a bit of love. I highly recommend this cute little series.
December 22, 2025
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 I found myself more on Lars side when things got iffy lol.
The “Divorce” case was well done and entertaining, again without taking away from the main focus of Seth and Lars.
A perfect follow on, and I would be very happy to catch up with these guys again anytime lol.
ETA Very enjoyable again, my only disappointment was not getting to see the present unwrapping LOL
ETA Still a favourite.
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 I found myself more on Lars side when things got iffy lol.
The “Divorce” case was well done and entertaining, again without taking away from the main focus of Seth and Lars.
A perfect follow on, and I would be very happy to catch up with these guys again anytime lol.
ETA Very enjoyable again, my only disappointment was not getting to see the present unwrapping LOL
ETA Still a favourite.
January 5, 2014
4.25*
I'm so ridiculous, seriously. I loved Carol of the Bellskis and read it in the fall of 2011 and I waited all this time to read the sequel? What is wrong with me? *please don't answer that, it was a rhetorical question and we don't really have time to compile that list*
Astrid Amara has never disappointed me, every single one of her stories was funny, fun, entertaining, sweet and original and Seth and Lars are as awesome in this book as they were in book one. ( if anything Lars is even better.)
Seth's family is a hoot and I loved seeing Lars and Seth as an out and proud and committed couple!
So, you know, don't make the same mistake I did. Read it. And if you haven't read book one, do that now and then this one...
Really, go do it.
I'm so ridiculous, seriously. I loved Carol of the Bellskis and read it in the fall of 2011 and I waited all this time to read the sequel? What is wrong with me? *please don't answer that, it was a rhetorical question and we don't really have time to compile that list*
Astrid Amara has never disappointed me, every single one of her stories was funny, fun, entertaining, sweet and original and Seth and Lars are as awesome in this book as they were in book one. ( if anything Lars is even better.)
Seth's family is a hoot and I loved seeing Lars and Seth as an out and proud and committed couple!
So, you know, don't make the same mistake I did. Read it. And if you haven't read book one, do that now and then this one...
Really, go do it.
December 13, 2011
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. Lars's parents are the icy, cold, and not 100% accepting of Lars's coming out. In contrasts to Seth's parents, who love Lars just like they love Seth, and even put Lars on their will. It's totally interesting to read about this two different family and how it sort of mirrors in their respective sons. Ah, family, you can't live with them, can't live without them.
It's an enjoyable holiday read ... even if at times I am annoyed at Seth for pushing his needs towards Lars.
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. Lars's parents are the icy, cold, and not 100% accepting of Lars's coming out. In contrasts to Seth's parents, who love Lars just like they love Seth, and even put Lars on their will. It's totally interesting to read about this two different family and how it sort of mirrors in their respective sons. Ah, family, you can't live with them, can't live without them.
It's an enjoyable holiday read ... even if at times I am annoyed at Seth for pushing his needs towards Lars.
December 15, 2011
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. It could be my friends or my family she is describing. And she makes it look so simple too. Just a few words of dialogue, or some little description and I'm immediately thinking, "God that is SO true!". I hope the author continues to release these Hanukkah stories every Christmas because they are such a gift! Thanks Astrid!
I love this author's writing. Her characters are so natural and normal and full of life and fun. It could be my friends or my family she is describing. And she makes it look so simple too. Just a few words of dialogue, or some little description and I'm immediately thinking, "God that is SO true!". I hope the author continues to release these Hanukkah stories every Christmas because they are such a gift! Thanks Astrid!
December 14, 2011
4,5 stars
The best Christmas/Hanukkah story in 2011 so far!
I want to adopt Seth,Lars,the Bellskis and...yes - o.k.,the Vargas too.They came around after all...
Just need a good attorney (or two),a little egg-nog,the world`s best recipe for cinnamon rolls,some courage and room for a model train...
The best Christmas/Hanukkah story in 2011 so far!
I want to adopt Seth,Lars,the Bellskis and...yes - o.k.,the Vargas too.They came around after all...
Just need a good attorney (or two),a little egg-nog,the world`s best recipe for cinnamon rolls,some courage and room for a model train...
December 15, 2011
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.
December 7, 2012
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. During the holidays, Seth's parents expect Seth and Lars for dinner every night of Hanukkah. Lars's less-than-tolerant parents, however, are visiting from California and staying with Seth and Lars for the duration of Christmas. The bonds of Seth and Lars's relationship are tried as they work to strike a balance between spending time with their families, spending time with each other, working, and shopping for Hanukkah and Christmas gifts. Not to mention that Seth and Lars are surprised to find themselves on opposite sides of the aisle as opposing counsel in a divorce case. Oy vey!
I absolutely love this series and while I'm often disappointed with series that follow one couple throughout, that wasn't the case here. Seth and Lars are thoroughly enjoyable and catching up with them three years after Carol of the Bellskis was a sweet treat. I really liked the secondary characters in this story and seeing how the stress and tension that was pervasive throughout the beginning of the book eased as everyone settled into their own. I loved how the two families eventually became friends and turned the corner from burdensome detractors to supportive and loving of Seth and Lars's relationship. And, Astrid Amara gifted us with some sexy, smexy love scenes. Yum!
Bottom line: another enjoyable holiday spent with Seth, Lars, and family. Recommend!
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. During the holidays, Seth's parents expect Seth and Lars for dinner every night of Hanukkah. Lars's less-than-tolerant parents, however, are visiting from California and staying with Seth and Lars for the duration of Christmas. The bonds of Seth and Lars's relationship are tried as they work to strike a balance between spending time with their families, spending time with each other, working, and shopping for Hanukkah and Christmas gifts. Not to mention that Seth and Lars are surprised to find themselves on opposite sides of the aisle as opposing counsel in a divorce case. Oy vey!
I absolutely love this series and while I'm often disappointed with series that follow one couple throughout, that wasn't the case here. Seth and Lars are thoroughly enjoyable and catching up with them three years after Carol of the Bellskis was a sweet treat. I really liked the secondary characters in this story and seeing how the stress and tension that was pervasive throughout the beginning of the book eased as everyone settled into their own. I loved how the two families eventually became friends and turned the corner from burdensome detractors to supportive and loving of Seth and Lars's relationship. And, Astrid Amara gifted us with some sexy, smexy love scenes. Yum!
Bottom line: another enjoyable holiday spent with Seth, Lars, and family. Recommend!
December 7, 2016
First read Dec. 22, 2011 - 4.5 stars
Re-read Dec. 7, 2016 - 5 stars
This time I even liked this a bit more than the first time I read it. And a bit more than the first book:)
Re-read Dec. 7, 2016 - 5 stars
This time I even liked this a bit more than the first time I read it. And a bit more than the first book:)
December 14, 2011
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 the story takes place because Lars's parents have come to visit for 5 days at Christmas. Seth has never met them before - despite being with Lars for over 4 years. Apparently neither they nor their other son have accepted Lars sexual orientation nor do they acknowledge his relationship with Seth. It's a tough visit for everyone especially since the parents are very cold and aloof.
I suppose that I loved the story so much because a lot of it felt familiar to me being in a "multicultural" relationship myself for many years. And this author nailed it. I'll never forget the first time my mother met my ex's mother. Two more polar opposites you could not find - the extremely uptight WASP mother and my ex's lovely Jewish mother. It should have been filmed. I always loved going to temple, but I know it wasn't the same going to church for my ex, but he did it for me and my family, which I always really appreciated. I loved that Seth's parents called Lars son and had him in their will. I was surprised and impressed and the thaw in Lars's parents.
I really really hope that there will be more stories about these two. They are such a wonderful couple. The love they have for each other is just such a pleasure to read. Plus they are hot together!
I suppose that I loved the story so much because a lot of it felt familiar to me being in a "multicultural" relationship myself for many years. And this author nailed it. I'll never forget the first time my mother met my ex's mother. Two more polar opposites you could not find - the extremely uptight WASP mother and my ex's lovely Jewish mother. It should have been filmed. I always loved going to temple, but I know it wasn't the same going to church for my ex, but he did it for me and my family, which I always really appreciated. I loved that Seth's parents called Lars son and had him in their will. I was surprised and impressed and the thaw in Lars's parents.
I really really hope that there will be more stories about these two. They are such a wonderful couple. The love they have for each other is just such a pleasure to read. Plus they are hot together!
January 7, 2012
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 the demands of two sets of parents Lars and Seth face each other in court on a reither odd case of divorce settlement.
Fun and light are part of the story but there is also a conflict and the parents are slowly coming around, which was believable.
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 the demands of two sets of parents Lars and Seth face each other in court on a reither odd case of divorce settlement.
Fun and light are part of the story but there is also a conflict and the parents are slowly coming around, which was believable.
February 1, 2014
and..so..this is why it is..
why I read.
I read..
..to laugh
..to smile
..to be stimulated
..enlightened
..to live another life..in another skin..place..time
..to love abundantly..openly
..and to escape in so many more sensations I've left unlisted.
Reading is my fulfillment..and Ms. Amara has left me pleasantly stuffed..full. So blessed.
why I read.
I read..
..to laugh
..to smile
..to be stimulated
..enlightened
..to live another life..in another skin..place..time
..to love abundantly..openly
..and to escape in so many more sensations I've left unlisted.
Reading is my fulfillment..and Ms. Amara has left me pleasantly stuffed..full. So blessed.
November 24, 2021
3.5 stars - I mostly liked this follow up holiday story, but Lars’ dad was a little too much for me. Overall it was sweet, and I’ve already got the third and final installment downloaded on hoopla.
July 12, 2021
While this installment definitely gave insight into why Lars was so reluctant to come out, his parents really pissed me off. I think it was supposed to be sweet at the end but all I could think of is WHY would you subject not just yourself but the one you love to such parents? Lars' dad "now he's a whining fag" was not redeemable, in fact never apologized. Yet Lars had the nerve to say, " Lars scoffed. “Hell no. I am not having my parents sit through one of your dad’s lectures.” Seth straightened. “What’s wrong with my dad?” “He’s a fucking bore, Seth. He talks incessantly about model trains. No one gives a shit about model trains.”
December 27, 2011
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
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
December 16, 2011
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 for that. ;)
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 for that. ;)
March 29, 2016
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 couldn't be accepted. A well-written story with a believable and likable main couple.
December 14, 2011
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.
December 15, 2011
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 :)
January 16, 2012
I caaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnn't wait!!!! Woooo Hooooo!!!
Latest update!!! Just as I expected it, it was a lovely read!!
Latest update!!! Just as I expected it, it was a lovely read!!
December 7, 2012
4.5 stars
December 21, 2011
i didnt want it to end. i loved this christmas story.
June 29, 2014
Love it! Seth and Lars are so good together.
April 6, 2018
(Same review as for the first.) I so enjoyed this series. I'm especially happy about it b/c I just set down another series that was also trying to be funny and couldn't sustain it. Humor is hard, and I'm delighted that this series pulled it off throughout.
The first was my favorite, sharp and pointed and with moments of surprise sweetness. The emotions felt real even in the absurd premise. The second was a bit repetitive but still quite enjoyable, then the third was wonderfully sweet, seeing them together a decade later, a rich depiction of a long relationship despite the antics of the plot. All three worthy of telenovelas in plot and secondary characters but with real richness and depth.
Side note: I know I was hooked from the first book b/c I made a surreptitious trip to the library (while out grocery shopping) just so I could access their wifi and update my tablet with the next two - didn't want to wait until I was back at work.
The first was my favorite, sharp and pointed and with moments of surprise sweetness. The emotions felt real even in the absurd premise. The second was a bit repetitive but still quite enjoyable, then the third was wonderfully sweet, seeing them together a decade later, a rich depiction of a long relationship despite the antics of the plot. All three worthy of telenovelas in plot and secondary characters but with real richness and depth.
Side note: I know I was hooked from the first book b/c I made a surreptitious trip to the library (while out grocery shopping) just so I could access their wifi and update my tablet with the next two - didn't want to wait until I was back at work.
December 8, 2025
Another installment with Lars and Seth now together for about three years. Seth is now a lawyer and working for another law firm and has a case. It's Hanukkah and Christmas again. This time Lars' parents are visiting Seth and Lars. The parents are still struggling with Lars' coming out and his life decisions about the law firm. So against the backdrop of the strained visit, Seth is dealing with his first case and trying to placate his parents who want everyone to visit for Hanukkah. Oh I love these two guys. Well told story of Seth and Lars living their lives, working together and trying to negotiate family dynamics. The writing is again, superb! "Be careful, he throws the term in contempt of court around like verbal napalm." I just drooled over this author's words. Just wonderful!!
January 1, 2018
3.5 Stars
Wonderful holiday romance and carries over very nicely from the previous book. We meet Lar's family and get to understand him much better.
Wonderful holiday romance and carries over very nicely from the previous book. We meet Lar's family and get to understand him much better.
December 1, 2019
Nice continuation of the story, although I really thought Lars should've apologized after their fight, rather than Seth.
February 27, 2013
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...
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...
December 9, 2012
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 stable in their relationship and they don't have to feel any serious insecurity towards each other -- now, they can save their worrying for their family members.
Once again, the story starts at the beginning of the Hanukkah holiday. This happens to be a year in which Hanukkah and Christmas coincide, and Lars' parents have come to visit for Christmas. This will be the first time they have met Seth, and they are somewhat homophobic, so everyone is nervous. Seth's parents have also moved to town since the previous book, and of course they want to meet the Lars' parents as well. There is plenty of angst to go around while the MCs try to fulfill the expectations of both sets of parents, at the same time that Seth is also struggling through his first case as a newly-minted attorney.
Once again we see some of Amara's fondness for these characters. All of them have human frailties; none are really evil, but all are far from perfect. There is not so much of the Jewish stereotyping here, though we still get plenty of the Jewish mother routine. As for high points, I really liked the scene in which both sets of parents finally met. I won't spoil the details, but I thought that the way Lars' parents were shown what they were missing was very nice.
As with Amara's other Hanukkah stories, there's nothing terribly heavy or significant here. If you're looking for some light heartwarming fare, any of these books should do well.
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 stable in their relationship and they don't have to feel any serious insecurity towards each other -- now, they can save their worrying for their family members.
Once again, the story starts at the beginning of the Hanukkah holiday. This happens to be a year in which Hanukkah and Christmas coincide, and Lars' parents have come to visit for Christmas. This will be the first time they have met Seth, and they are somewhat homophobic, so everyone is nervous. Seth's parents have also moved to town since the previous book, and of course they want to meet the Lars' parents as well. There is plenty of angst to go around while the MCs try to fulfill the expectations of both sets of parents, at the same time that Seth is also struggling through his first case as a newly-minted attorney.
Once again we see some of Amara's fondness for these characters. All of them have human frailties; none are really evil, but all are far from perfect. There is not so much of the Jewish stereotyping here, though we still get plenty of the Jewish mother routine. As for high points, I really liked the scene in which both sets of parents finally met. I won't spoil the details, but I thought that the way Lars' parents were shown what they were missing was very nice.
As with Amara's other Hanukkah stories, there's nothing terribly heavy or significant here. If you're looking for some light heartwarming fare, any of these books should do well.
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