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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

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Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, right? At least that’s what twenty-year-old Ginny Bailey’s grandmother always told her, and Ginny believed it until Grama died. She even put on a brave face the following two Christmases, carrying on Grama’s traditions and decorating her house and café with Grama’s favorite decorations.

But Ginny can’t pretend any longer. When she finds out she’s going to be alone for the holidays this year, her Christmas spirit goes out the window, along with her luck. Everything that can go wrong does, and Ginny just wants to spend the holidays hiding under the covers...until Dean Riley comes back into her life. With their shared past, old feelings begin to resurface almost immediately, and Ginny thinks Dean might just be the Christmas miracle she’s been waiting for to help her remember why Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year.

137 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2013

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About the author

Marie Landry

26 books853 followers
Marie Landry lives and writes in a cozy apartment in Ontario, Canada, surrounded by books and Funko Pops. An avid reader from a young age, she loves getting lost in characters’ worlds, whether they’re of her own making or someone else’s. She particularly loves stories with as much of an emphasis on self-discovery and friendship as on romance...but don’t leave out the romance!

When not doing bookish things, you can often find her taking pictures, cooking, scrolling Instagram (find her at @marielandry.author), daydreaming about frolicking through the Scottish Highlands, or listening to the same music she's loved since the '90s. She's an unapologetic nerd and fangirl, and that, along with her mental health advocacy, is often woven into her books.


Stay up to date with new releases, sales, promos, and other news by signing up for Marie's newsletter and be sure to follow her on BookBub so you never miss a new release!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea.
397 reviews63 followers
December 15, 2013
Marie Landry's novella, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, is the perfect read to put you in the spirit of the holiday. Ginny is struggling with feeling the holiday spirit since her grandmother passed. Her parents take off for warmer climates and even her best friend leaves her during this difficult time. It looks to be the worst Christmas ever, until an old crush comes back to town and things rekindle between them.
The spark between Ginny and Dean slowly builds into a sweet romance. With Dean's help Ginny finds herself and her love of the holidays again.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is a sweet love story about second chances and keeping faith that in the end things will be alright. If you are looking for a light holiday romance, I would recommend you give this one a try.
Profile Image for Christy LoveOfBooks.
842 reviews570 followers
January 30, 2019
Now that the holiday season is fast approaching, it’s time to bust out the hot chocolate, put a fire on and snuggle in with some good books. Unless you live in the southern hemisphere, then I’m jealous of your warmer weather. I don’t like winter and hate cold weather, which probably contributes to the fact that I very rarely read holiday themed books. I’m pretty sure I can count the number of holiday/wintery books I’ve read on one hand. However, when I do, I prefer them to be novellas. So I was stoked that The Most Wonderful Time of Year by Marie Landry was in novella form.

Not only is the author a lovely person, she’s also a fantastic writer. I’ve read her work before, so I was fairly certain I’d enjoy this book. And I did! The Most Wonderful Time of Year was quick and sweet, just how I like my holiday reads (when I actually read them).

This is a small town story with a great set of characters. Ginny loves her town, her job, and her friends. But Christmastime has been a little bittersweet since her grandmother passed away. I completely connected with Ginny and the relationship she had with her grandmother, because I was a total grandma’s girl until she died when I was thirteen. Although Ginny is trying to stay in the holiday spirit, it seems like everything is working against her. That is, until Dean arrives.

Obviously since this is a novella, the romance has to move a little quicker than in a 300+ page book. Thankfully, it isn’t turned into a ridiculously over the top love story. Instead, there is some background to their relationship, and it’s all very sweet. There’s also a few surprises along the way.

In addition the romance, there are some great friendships. It can be hard to get a good feel of the secondary characters in novellas, but it’s clear that Ginny has some amazing friends. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about her parents, who are definitely more on the selfish side of the spectrum. But it all plays out very nicely.

Overall, I enjoyed The Most Wonderful Time of the Year a lot, and found it to be perfect for when you want a quick, feel good story. Plus, it's only $ 0.99 !

Profile Image for Linda Rimer-Como.
1,263 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2014
Wonderfully well written story about loss, love and Christmas miracles. The characters are detailed, realistic and have great interactions. The storyline grabbed my attention from the start and held it to the end. It was hard to put this book down and I loved this delightful Christmas story.

Received copy for review.
Profile Image for Rita.
10 reviews
November 15, 2013
Sweet and heartwarming! Made me miss my own grandmother, and really put me in the Christmas spirit!
Profile Image for ☕️Kimberly  (Caffeinated Reviewer).
3,095 reviews665 followers
November 10, 2013
Marie Landry delivered the perfect little holiday novella with The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. It has a small-town coffee shop, memories of Christmas with Grandma, snowballs, hot cocoa and a yummy man from our heroine’s past. Mini review: romantic, sweet and filled with holiday spirit.

We meet Ginny sometime right before Christmas, on the first snow of the season. She owns a coffee shop in the middle of her small-town and still lives in the home she was raised in. Missing her Grama. She is determined to embrace the holiday spirit, but everything that could go wrong does. That is until Dean Riley, the man who as a young boy stole her heart shows up in town. It is filled with sweet moments, and memories of Christmas and childhood pasts. This tale quickly tugged at my heart and I consumed it in a single sitting. Bring on the mistletoe, I am feeling festive!

While, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, is a novella, Landry did a wonderful job of fleshing out the characters, especially Ginny. I related to her on so many levels. I was very close to my own grandmother and holidays were extra special thanks to the magic she wove. Plus, Ginny, owns a coffee shop and when you hear her plans for the future you will quickly want to be her BFF too. While Dean wasn’t as fleshed out, he was incredibly sweet, romantic and just the kind of guy you would want under your tree. Other characters such as Ginny’s parents and friends and the cutest little boys or rascals you would ever want to meet help flesh out the tale and add substance to this novella.

Novellas can be hit or miss with me, but Landry did an excellent job with the pacing of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. The couple shared a past, helping make the “insta-love” feel genuine and I like how the author paced the tale. There were several threads woven into the tale, and you got a sense of the small-town and shop. I easily connected with the characters and bought into all the gooey-goodness Landry shared. Those looking for a clean, feel good, holiday romance will find The Most Wonderful Time of the Year offers the perfect afternoon delight.

Fans of holiday themed, small-town romances, will enjoy The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. This was my first read by Landry, and I will certainly be reading her again.

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Profile Image for Heather.
1,057 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2021
This book was absolutely adorable! I love a good holiday novella and Marie Landry's books will be ones I seek out in the future for this reason. I also adore books set in small towns and heroines that want to make a difference in their communities and UGH this was just so sweet and cute.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,252 reviews187 followers
November 3, 2013
When Marie put out the call for reviewers for her new book, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, I did not hesitate in putting my name down. I have adored every book that I have read so far by Marie, she never fails to make me cry within minutes of starting her books, and The Most Wonderful Time of the Year was no exception. Even though I know that I will always end up crying I have to read her books. She always has a way of making an emotional connection with the characters and I find it so easy to not only feel that connection with them, but also fall head first into the pages..

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is the perfect Christmas book and Virginia is a girl after my own heart, she runs a coffee shop, wants to expand and have a bookshop, and she also loves snow. Her Grandma died three years prior, but this year is harder than the previous knowing she will be celebrating the holiday season alone, her parents have booked a last minute holiday and her friend is travelling to her boyfriends house. But all is not lost when the new neighbour Dean introduces himself, and pretty soon the sparks begin to fly.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year was a quick read but did not lack for anything. It has the perfect blend of romance, friendship and best of all Christmas with lots of snow. The pacing is realistic and doesn't feel rushed, and the strong friendships Virginia has with her friends and co-workers are evident in every page. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year deserves to be read curled up in a comfy chair with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and if my wishes came true, a perfectly timed snowfall.
Looking for a book that will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, this IS the book.
Profile Image for Patricia Lynne.
Author 21 books108 followers
October 23, 2013
I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. I should note that I don't often read contemporary holiday stories either, but Marie promised me it wasn't too cheesy. (I have to tease about that.)

Ginny is struggling with holiday cheer since her grandma passed. This year is tough because her parents decided to go to Cancun and her best friend is spending the holidays with her boyfriend. It's the worst time to be alone. Then Dean, a childhood sweetheart, shows up and things slowly pick up and Ginny starts to rediscover the holiday spirit.

By the cover, you can guess this is going to be a sweet romance. And it was. With a lot of romances, there is usually a rush. The characters fall for each other quickly and have sex and BAM I love you. So it's nice to see two adults taking the time to get to know each other. There was kissing and making out, but no bedroom tango. I really like the emphasis that you don't have to have sex to be in love with someone. It's nice not to have sex shoved down my throat (mind you, I do enjoy a steamy romance.) Although sometimes I felt like Ginny and Dean where being too reserved. I kept urging them to get a tad bit steamier.

My favorite part of the story was the fact Ginny had fuzzy socks. Okay, so that's really pointless in comparison to the plot and character development, but I like fun socks, so I wanted to fistbump Ginny for her excellent choice in footwear.

This was definitely a feel good story. It is perfect for a cold and snowy day (like that day I read it) with a cup of hot chocolate. The only thing I was missing was a warm fire place (I read half at the laundry matt actually.) Ginny had ups and downs, but in the end, the Christmas Spirit triumphed. You want a story that will make you go "AWWWWWW." Read this.
Profile Image for Angie.
2,849 reviews12 followers
November 6, 2014
Synopsis: "Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, right? At least that’s what twenty-year-old Ginny Bailey’s grandmother always told her, and Ginny believed it until Grama died. She even put on a brave face the following two Christmases, carrying on Grama’s traditions and decorating her house and café with Grama’s favorite decorations.

But Ginny can’t pretend any longer. When she finds out she’s going to be alone for the holidays this year, her Christmas spirit goes out the window, along with her luck. Everything that can go wrong does, and Ginny just wants to spend the holidays hiding under the covers...until Dean Riley comes back into her life. With their shared past, old feelings begin to resurface almost immediately, and Ginny thinks Dean might just be the Christmas miracle she’s been waiting for to help her remember why Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year."



My Review: This little holiday novella came highly recommended by some trusted friends. I put off reading it far too long and should have read it last year! It is what you expect, a light and fluffy romance, Landry knew what she was writing and did it well. It is a short story that can be read in one sitting but by the time you are done it feels like you read a full length novel. She doesn't leave you feeling like you missed something. The characters were fully developed and I love how she played it smart and gave them a history before the story began so she didn't have to start at square one and move things along too quickly. I particularly loved little Dominic, I want my Munchkin to grow up to be like him. All in all it was a fun and pleasant read for this holiday season, now if only it would start snowing!
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 2 books166 followers
July 10, 2014
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.

My Thoughts:

To this day, I have not read a single Marie Landry book that I didn't like. I think it's impossible for me not to enjoy her work. And I have a feeling this trend will keep continuing. This story shows that she can even write a novella and make it amazing.

It's impossible to not feel for Ginny and everything she's going through. There are so many things that keep going against her original plans, it's hard to stay positive. Enter Dean Riley, this wonderful guy she spend a great summer with years ago. It's hard for Ginny to not have her feelings come back, those kind of feelings are hard to fight. There's a lot more to the story than rekindling an old friendship into something more, there are other great friendships and relationships explored, including family. There's even some hilarious moments (*cough snowball fight cough*) that I just LOVED and couldn't help but laugh.

While The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is a quick read, it is an adorable one. This story shows the value of friends and family and the importance they have in our lives, no matter what time of the year it is. Marie Landry never stops being awesome. If you're looking for a well-written, heartwarming story for those cold days, pick this up, along with some hot chocolate and cookies. Because. Cookies. Seriously. It makes everything awesomer.

My Rating: Exceptional
Profile Image for Monica.
535 reviews60 followers
October 10, 2014
Originally posted on my blog
http://asoutherngirlsbookshelf.blogsp...

Now this is what I call a Christmas read! It’s everything you will want in great holiday tale. It’s sweet, heartwarming and has just the right amount of romance. Am I the only one who thinks that some of these holiday reads have a huge amount of sex in them? Don’t get me wrong romance is a good thing but I want true romance not sex in my holiday reads.

I truly enjoyed the romance and spark between Ginny and Dean. It’s sweet and there’s just something about first loves reuniting that is worth rooting for. Ginny is still trying to recover after the lost of her beloved Grama when things just seem to get worse over Christmas. She’s left alone while her teen crush moves back in next door. With his help she starts to feel like her old self again, enjoying the holidays again and just wanting to do her best. While this is quick story it reads like a full read. You get the whole experience of great detailed story of love, hope and the magic that is Christmas. I can’t recommend this enough. This my friends is a book you must read over the holidays!

I’m quickly becoming a huge fan of Marie Landry. I read her previous book Waiting for the Storm and loved that book as well. Do yourself a huge favor and curl up under a warm blanket and let yourself fall in love with this awesome read.
Profile Image for Mlpmom (Book Reviewer).
3,009 reviews378 followers
December 15, 2013
I love this time of year if not for all the excitement, festivities and the feeling of love and giving in the air, then because of the many sweet, fun, and heartfelt books and novellas that come out each year that I tend to devour.

This is one such novel set in the atmospheric and homey feeling of a small town, where everyone is friendly, everyone knows and cares about one another and where those good life lessons about hard work and helping one another are still in full force.

This was a sweet tale about a young woman named Ginny who is still trying to get over the death of her beloved grandmother (Grama) and still stay true to the holiday spirit around her.

I picked this one up after reading a couple of other reviews on it from trusted bloggers and friends and really, I am so glad I did. Not only was this filled with all the good stuff it was the perfect length to cozy up in front of the fireplace on a cool winter night and get that perfect does of romance, fun, and holiday spirit.


This was my first book by Landry and I really enjoyed the story, the characters as well as her writing style. I will definitely be picking up another of her books in the future.
Profile Image for Jaimie Admans.
Author 19 books598 followers
December 30, 2013
Such a lovely and heart-warming story that makes you remember what’s really important at Christmas! I loved both lead characters, Ginny and Dean, and really felt for Ginny when things started going wrong for her. I love Christmas but have also lost my Christmas spirit some years, so I knew what she was going through, and really rooted for her and wanted things to get better. Then there’s Dean – Oh my! Marie is a wonderful author with a real talent for creating hot men, and I could really do with a Dean of my own!
An absolutely lovely story, it made me laugh and cry, feel all warm inside, and it left me with a big smile and really looking forward to Marie’s next book!
Profile Image for Ashley - Book Labyrinth.
1,251 reviews306 followers
December 13, 2013
Such a lovely Christmas tale! I found myself wishing it was longer so I'd have more time to spend with Ginny and Dean. I loved seeing these two reconnect over the holidays.

This is a clean New Adult novella.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 2 books91 followers
December 14, 2019
Sweet, Gentle Holiday Romance

This is one of those sweet, small-town, slow-burn romances full of holiday happenings. I seem to have read a lot of books lately where Christmas is merely the backdrop for the story, but in this one, it felt more integrated, which I enjoyed completely. The heroine, while a big Christmas fan, is having a hard time this holiday season, with things seeming to go from bad to worse in her personal and professional life. A young man on whom she had a crush while in high school returns to town. While they were never really a couple back in the day, they both had an attraction to each other. And this becomes intensified when they meet again in the present-day book’s timeline. This story wasn't just about romance but also the heroine's journey back to wholeness. What a lovely sentiment for the holidays. I enjoyed this gentle, sweet Christmas romance.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
2,969 reviews4 followers
December 8, 2019
Ginny's gonna be all alone this Christmas. Her grandmother died several years ago, her parents are going to Cancun, her best friend is going to her boyfriend's family. Honestly, she's been struggling with Christmas since Grama died, so she completely chucks her Christmas spirit this year and embraces her loneliness. Grama's neighbor recently passed away, and he left his home to his grandson, Dean, Ginny's childhood crush. They begin to spend time together, but is the spark still there between them? This is a heartwarming story, as Ginny and Dean work out their feelings. No spoiler here, but it turns out to be a truly wonderful Christmas after all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.9k reviews53 followers
November 8, 2021
She used to enjoy Christmas with her gran but when she lost her, she has tried to carry as normal but after 3 long years she cannot do it anymore. Her plans for expansion is looking more like a dream and she is also going to be alone, makes it even harder. She then see him for the first time in years and it seems they have some unfinished business. Will they get together? Will her dreams fall through? See how they get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,026 reviews26 followers
December 3, 2019
This Christmas Holiday is not turning out the way Ginny had hoped. Her parents are going out of town and so is her best friend and since her grandma has passed a few years ago she is feeling lost and lonely. Her holiday begins to turn around when her long lost love Dean returns to town so maybe this could turn out to be a great holiday after all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
7,672 reviews100 followers
December 3, 2019
This is a sweet second chance romance between Ginny and Dean who reunite at Christmas time just as she's having her worst Christmas ever. The author weaves a touching story filled with tons of emotions, giving them a newfound love and faith as he helps her find the holiday spirit. I enjoyed and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Carmen Davis.
434 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2019
Omg Dean and Ginny are too stinking cute. I kept smiling to myself like a moron while I read this book. This is literally EVERYTHING you want in a Christmas book. Once I started it, I had a hard time tearing away from it. So romantic, so sweet, and so much heart!! This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
3,993 reviews26 followers
December 11, 2019
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is a heartwarming holiday romance. Ginny and Dean are charming characters, loving, and relatable. The storyline is well written and flows nicely, with sorrow, loneliness, and a sweet second chance for romance.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading many more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
17.2k reviews8 followers
December 12, 2019
A well written Christmas story that is a short quick story to read. Ginny finds the third Christmas after her Grandmother died that she just can not put on a happy face for the season. Then Dean comes back into her life and this just might be the time that they get a second chance. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
8,748 reviews100 followers
December 17, 2019
This is the 3rd book I've read written by Marie Landry; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ashleigh.
3,411 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2019
I was very impressed with how simply and effortlessly this author told this addicting, multi-layered tale with well-developed world building and great characters despite this being a shorter book.

The chemistry, sweetness, and twists in plot kept things interesting.
Add in a wee bit of drama and you have a good read.

I received a copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews165 followers
December 23, 2019
Another great read, with lots of chemistry and hotness. This is a well written story and hooked me from the start.This is a quick hot read, with a interesting plot and fantastic characters, great emotion and Loads of steam!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,532 reviews7 followers
December 23, 2019
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is a sweet well-written love story about second chances with characters that have depth and history. This story is about keeping faith and about everything will end with things alright. This is a must read light holiday romance

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
1,882 reviews11 followers
December 3, 2019
She's having a really bad couple of days, but there is no conflict in the story. It's just her turning her thoughts around from what she misses to what she's got now.

It was a nice sweet small-town tale, with characters I wouldn't mind having as friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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