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Holiday Hopefuls
“Has your family been on your case lately? As your date to this year’s holiday festivities, I’ll use my professional training to convince your family that your shortcomings are their own doing.”
Serenvale Springs is the perfect place to spend the holidays—unless you’re Callie Rutherford. The youngest of the Rutherford siblings, Callie is everything her tightly wound brothers and sisters aren’t. Leading a life of creativity and chaos has put her firmly on the outside of the Rutherford clan, and every once in a while, the bubbly kindergarten teacher wishes they would just stop calling her a glorified babysitter. That’s where family therapist Dr. Oliver Rhodes comes in.
When Callie finds the flyer advertising Dr. Rhodes’ holiday services, the stars align for both of them. Oliver agrees to accompany her and fulfill the promises put forth by the ad, so long as Callie attends his family’s home, as well. Her goal is convince Oliver’s family he’s not a workaholic. But Oliver? Respect from Callie’s family is on the line, and Oliver’s going to ensure the Rutherford home gets very uncomfortable this holiday season.
This is the first in a series of interconnected standalones.
Serenvale Springs is the perfect place to spend the holidays—unless you’re Callie Rutherford. The youngest of the Rutherford siblings, Callie is everything her tightly wound brothers and sisters aren’t. Leading a life of creativity and chaos has put her firmly on the outside of the Rutherford clan, and every once in a while, the bubbly kindergarten teacher wishes they would just stop calling her a glorified babysitter. That’s where family therapist Dr. Oliver Rhodes comes in.
When Callie finds the flyer advertising Dr. Rhodes’ holiday services, the stars align for both of them. Oliver agrees to accompany her and fulfill the promises put forth by the ad, so long as Callie attends his family’s home, as well. Her goal is convince Oliver’s family he’s not a workaholic. But Oliver? Respect from Callie’s family is on the line, and Oliver’s going to ensure the Rutherford home gets very uncomfortable this holiday season.
This is the first in a series of interconnected standalones.
- GenresChristmas
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2025
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 11, 2025
Holiday Hopefuls by Emmy Todd ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am so excited to have been gifted an ARC copy of this book. Holiday Hopefuls was the perfect festive read! It’s packed with cosy Christmas vibes, heartwarming friendships, and just the right amount of family drama.
The two main characters were absolutely adorable, and I loved the fake dating trope in this story. Oliver is total book boyfriend material, the way he looks out for Callie had my heart melting! And Callie is such a joy to read, she’s confident in who she is despite the constant criticism from her family, and you can’t help but root for her every step of the way.
The family conflict and pressure felt like it could be so relatable, I think a lot of readers will see a bit of themselves in this story. It’s a lovely reminder to stand up for yourself and chase your own dreams, especially during the holidays.
The pacing was spot on, fast enough to keep me hooked from start to finish, with no slow moments. I flew through it and didn’t want it to end!
And that epilogue! It gave me all the happy, festive feels and left things open perfectly for more stories about the other characters (fingers crossed 🤞🏻). I’ll definitely be reading whatever comes next!
I am so excited to have been gifted an ARC copy of this book. Holiday Hopefuls was the perfect festive read! It’s packed with cosy Christmas vibes, heartwarming friendships, and just the right amount of family drama.
The two main characters were absolutely adorable, and I loved the fake dating trope in this story. Oliver is total book boyfriend material, the way he looks out for Callie had my heart melting! And Callie is such a joy to read, she’s confident in who she is despite the constant criticism from her family, and you can’t help but root for her every step of the way.
The family conflict and pressure felt like it could be so relatable, I think a lot of readers will see a bit of themselves in this story. It’s a lovely reminder to stand up for yourself and chase your own dreams, especially during the holidays.
The pacing was spot on, fast enough to keep me hooked from start to finish, with no slow moments. I flew through it and didn’t want it to end!
And that epilogue! It gave me all the happy, festive feels and left things open perfectly for more stories about the other characters (fingers crossed 🤞🏻). I’ll definitely be reading whatever comes next!
November 13, 2025
ARC review; thank you for this early copy of Holiday Hopefuls.
5 ⭐️
1 🌶️
I loved this. As someone who is the black sheep of the family, often overlooked and overly critiqued, I ate this up. I loved Oliver and Callie’s story. The way they met and their first initial interactions were awkward in the best way. This is a feel good story with a few little plot twists along the way that made me laugh out loud and do a little hand slap 😅 I really hope we get more books for her siblings as there’s a lot to unpack.
Tropes include;
-Fake dating
-one bed
- He falls harder
-protective MMC
-she’s the families black sheep
5 ⭐️
1 🌶️
I loved this. As someone who is the black sheep of the family, often overlooked and overly critiqued, I ate this up. I loved Oliver and Callie’s story. The way they met and their first initial interactions were awkward in the best way. This is a feel good story with a few little plot twists along the way that made me laugh out loud and do a little hand slap 😅 I really hope we get more books for her siblings as there’s a lot to unpack.
Tropes include;
-Fake dating
-one bed
- He falls harder
-protective MMC
-she’s the families black sheep
November 6, 2025
My first ARC!!! I absolutely loved this book, and I think fake dating was the perfect trope to use and used in such a different way to how it normally is! Oliver Rhodes has 110% made his way onto my book boyfriends list as well 🤭 This book was such an easy, cosy read, with a small spicy moment, and completely got me into the Christmas mood!!! 🤍
November 22, 2025
I loved the build up and the yearning that took place and the f*ck it moment without saying f*ck it! lol
I loved how I could relate to each main character on their stance of not wanting to find love, and how their families treated them on this view point.
I will say the spice level is on the lower side but I think the slow burn build up and the cute moments make up for it!
I loved how I could relate to each main character on their stance of not wanting to find love, and how their families treated them on this view point.
I will say the spice level is on the lower side but I think the slow burn build up and the cute moments make up for it!
December 5, 2025
I received this as an ARC, and it was the cutest little romance story. I enjoyed it and it was exactly what I needed at this point in time.
November 8, 2025
🍪ARC Review🍪
This book blew me away!!😍
I’m afraid to even read another holiday book because nothing will compare to this. It’s utter perfection!
First of all it has one of my favorite tropes, Fake Dating, but with a twist I couldn’t get enough of. It was brilliant and I ate it up.
Calloway’s (Callie) difficult family dynamic was wrote in a way that I think will be relatable to a lot of people that feel like the black sheep in their own families. I absolutely loved how even though Callie felt so much pressure from her family, she was always 100% herself right up to the end. (Well, minus the fake boyfriend…🫣)
Dr. Oliver Rhodes has definitely made his way on my top MMC’s list. The way he stands up for Callie had me a puddle on the floor, and his subtle (or not subtle) digs had me giggling like a little girl. And he bakes!! 🤤
The relationship between the two was incredible, I could feel the love through the pages. Simple jokes back and forth, yearning for one another from the first time they met. But my favorite part was how they brought each other peace even in the chaos.
That’s one of the things that pulled me to my husband and seeing it on page just made me mushy for him all over again.
The ending was one of my favorites I’ve ever read. Everything was wrapped up beautifully and the epilogue had me crying happy tears. 🥹
I will be buying this for my bookshelf when/if it comes out in paperback or hardback and probably any deluxe edition that comes out as well! 😂🫣
I cannot wait to see which character’s story Emmy Todd chooses for the next book…but I know I will be first in line when it comes out!
But for now….
Holiday Hopefuls releases on KU Nov 14th and I promise you won’t regret reading this!! 🥰
This book blew me away!!😍
I’m afraid to even read another holiday book because nothing will compare to this. It’s utter perfection!
First of all it has one of my favorite tropes, Fake Dating, but with a twist I couldn’t get enough of. It was brilliant and I ate it up.
Calloway’s (Callie) difficult family dynamic was wrote in a way that I think will be relatable to a lot of people that feel like the black sheep in their own families. I absolutely loved how even though Callie felt so much pressure from her family, she was always 100% herself right up to the end. (Well, minus the fake boyfriend…🫣)
Dr. Oliver Rhodes has definitely made his way on my top MMC’s list. The way he stands up for Callie had me a puddle on the floor, and his subtle (or not subtle) digs had me giggling like a little girl. And he bakes!! 🤤
The relationship between the two was incredible, I could feel the love through the pages. Simple jokes back and forth, yearning for one another from the first time they met. But my favorite part was how they brought each other peace even in the chaos.
That’s one of the things that pulled me to my husband and seeing it on page just made me mushy for him all over again.
The ending was one of my favorites I’ve ever read. Everything was wrapped up beautifully and the epilogue had me crying happy tears. 🥹
I will be buying this for my bookshelf when/if it comes out in paperback or hardback and probably any deluxe edition that comes out as well! 😂🫣
I cannot wait to see which character’s story Emmy Todd chooses for the next book…but I know I will be first in line when it comes out!
But for now….
Holiday Hopefuls releases on KU Nov 14th and I promise you won’t regret reading this!! 🥰
November 13, 2025
Coming November 14
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
The first conversation on the very first page got me so mad, I was hooked! And wow, the very last sentence is just perfect 👌.
This book tought me a lot... here's why:
I was frustrated and ready for action during the first chapter, especially wanting someone to put that family in their place. But to my pleasant surprise, the story slowed down and gave me time to learn more about the plant-loving teacher whose family members are… let’s say, unique, and the baker-doctor with the cutest doggo ever, Nacho. I fell in love with them. You never know when your life is going to change forever, and this story was a sweet example of that. It felt like I was reading about years of their lives, not just months, because so much was happening. At times though, I was expecting more from certain conversations. I found myself getting frustrated when things didn’t go the way I wanted 😅. I needed things to get fixed, to change for the better, and fast, like I was personally invested and hurt. And that’s when it hit me: @emmytoddauthor took the time to build the story and tie up all the loose ends, just like how things often unfold in real life, not as fast as we'd want them to. Nothing felt rushed, and I ended up loving that. It gave me the feeling of slowing down and appreciating the little things, especially during the holidays. It even made me want to start new holiday traditions. With the upcoming season, I’m so glad I read this book. It’s inspiring. ✨️
Can't wait for your next book 🙌
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
The first conversation on the very first page got me so mad, I was hooked! And wow, the very last sentence is just perfect 👌.
This book tought me a lot... here's why:
I was frustrated and ready for action during the first chapter, especially wanting someone to put that family in their place. But to my pleasant surprise, the story slowed down and gave me time to learn more about the plant-loving teacher whose family members are… let’s say, unique, and the baker-doctor with the cutest doggo ever, Nacho. I fell in love with them. You never know when your life is going to change forever, and this story was a sweet example of that. It felt like I was reading about years of their lives, not just months, because so much was happening. At times though, I was expecting more from certain conversations. I found myself getting frustrated when things didn’t go the way I wanted 😅. I needed things to get fixed, to change for the better, and fast, like I was personally invested and hurt. And that’s when it hit me: @emmytoddauthor took the time to build the story and tie up all the loose ends, just like how things often unfold in real life, not as fast as we'd want them to. Nothing felt rushed, and I ended up loving that. It gave me the feeling of slowing down and appreciating the little things, especially during the holidays. It even made me want to start new holiday traditions. With the upcoming season, I’m so glad I read this book. It’s inspiring. ✨️
Can't wait for your next book 🙌
November 12, 2025
This read is truly the best holiday romantic comedy I have experienced in a long time in both book and movie form. There is always a huge risk to embark in some major cheese 🧀 when a romantic comedy takes place during the holidays, but we do not experience that in this dual POV read.
Callie, a hard working passionate kindergarten teacher who is constantly being belittled by her family for not choosing a more “lucrative” career path, finds a flyer that promises to be the solution to all of her problems, connecting her with none other than Oliver, a family therapist who works long hours who is being pressured by his family to settle down. What do you get when you put these two together? A journey like no other where they bond through the tests and tribulations that their families put them through.
The way Oliver is written about in this story makes him seem so incredibly sexy. We have a dreamy man here 👌 With absolutely no red flags 🚩 which I feel like is rare to find in modern romantic reads.
Emmy Todd does an amazing job finishing this story with a nice red bow 🎁 leaving no stone left unturned by the time you finish. The only thing she’ll leave you wondering is what is happening with the other adjacent romantic connections. I have a feeling that there is more to come from Emmy Todd, and I, for one, am excited to see it.
Callie, a hard working passionate kindergarten teacher who is constantly being belittled by her family for not choosing a more “lucrative” career path, finds a flyer that promises to be the solution to all of her problems, connecting her with none other than Oliver, a family therapist who works long hours who is being pressured by his family to settle down. What do you get when you put these two together? A journey like no other where they bond through the tests and tribulations that their families put them through.
The way Oliver is written about in this story makes him seem so incredibly sexy. We have a dreamy man here 👌 With absolutely no red flags 🚩 which I feel like is rare to find in modern romantic reads.
Emmy Todd does an amazing job finishing this story with a nice red bow 🎁 leaving no stone left unturned by the time you finish. The only thing she’ll leave you wondering is what is happening with the other adjacent romantic connections. I have a feeling that there is more to come from Emmy Todd, and I, for one, am excited to see it.
November 12, 2025
Thank you Emmy Todd for providing this ARC of Holiday Hopefuls in exchange for my review.
Fake dating? At Christmas? I was already halfway sold. But Holiday Hopefuls manages to give the trope a fresh spin with the best reason behind the pretend romance.
Oliver might actually be my new gold standard for book boyfriends. The way he defended Callie to her family - and never once backed down or felt overshadowed - had me swooning into my hot chocolate. (Honestly, how was this man single?)
And Callie… bless her. I have endless respect for teachers, and watching her deal with being undervalued by her family was both relatable and infuriating. I loved that she didn’t try to compete, she simply was herself - confident, capable, and kind.
Their chemistry built beautifully, and by the time we reached that kiss by the Christmas tree, I was practically overheating. Cozy, romantic, and just the right amount of festive spice.
My only tiny gripe? The ending felt a bit rushed, and Oliver’s parents moved things along faster than I expected. But honestly, I can’t begrudge a happy ending that warm and sparkly.
A charming festive read full of heart, hot cocoa, and holiday hope.
Fake dating? At Christmas? I was already halfway sold. But Holiday Hopefuls manages to give the trope a fresh spin with the best reason behind the pretend romance.
Oliver might actually be my new gold standard for book boyfriends. The way he defended Callie to her family - and never once backed down or felt overshadowed - had me swooning into my hot chocolate. (Honestly, how was this man single?)
And Callie… bless her. I have endless respect for teachers, and watching her deal with being undervalued by her family was both relatable and infuriating. I loved that she didn’t try to compete, she simply was herself - confident, capable, and kind.
Their chemistry built beautifully, and by the time we reached that kiss by the Christmas tree, I was practically overheating. Cozy, romantic, and just the right amount of festive spice.
My only tiny gripe? The ending felt a bit rushed, and Oliver’s parents moved things along faster than I expected. But honestly, I can’t begrudge a happy ending that warm and sparkly.
A charming festive read full of heart, hot cocoa, and holiday hope.
November 15, 2025
Thank you BookFunnel for the ARC!
This was between a 3.5 and 4 star for me! This was a cute little fake dating situation so they both could get their families off their backs. Of course the fake becomes less fake and all that!
I had a really good time, I love Christmas romances so much. I really enjoyed seeing Callie develop and become so strong and able to stand up to her family. I loved how Oliver stood by her side the whole time.
The only reason it wasn’t higher for me was just some little things that were repetitive that kinda gave me a small ick but that’s 100% a personal thing. How he started calling her my love allll the time and while I get the emphasis on her “quirky” interests, it did feel repetitive at times for me.
Overall, I’ll be 100% reading the rest of the series when it comes out. That epilogue just made me want all the stories right now!!
*stop reading here if you don’t want to hear about the type of conflict*
I also really enjoyed that the main conflict was not directly between the 2 main characters. I don’t always enjoy a third act breakup or similar so this was really refreshing for me
This was between a 3.5 and 4 star for me! This was a cute little fake dating situation so they both could get their families off their backs. Of course the fake becomes less fake and all that!
I had a really good time, I love Christmas romances so much. I really enjoyed seeing Callie develop and become so strong and able to stand up to her family. I loved how Oliver stood by her side the whole time.
The only reason it wasn’t higher for me was just some little things that were repetitive that kinda gave me a small ick but that’s 100% a personal thing. How he started calling her my love allll the time and while I get the emphasis on her “quirky” interests, it did feel repetitive at times for me.
Overall, I’ll be 100% reading the rest of the series when it comes out. That epilogue just made me want all the stories right now!!
*stop reading here if you don’t want to hear about the type of conflict*
I also really enjoyed that the main conflict was not directly between the 2 main characters. I don’t always enjoy a third act breakup or similar so this was really refreshing for me
November 24, 2025
This book was such a fun holiday read! If you're in the mood for a new book this season with romance, a variety of characters to love, and family dynamics, this is for you! I will say, the cast of side characters are a plenty, but once you get down the connections and relationships, it's so fun to see so many personalities and working parts to Callie's journey with her tough family during the holidays. Spoilers below, but this book definitely was a great start to ring in the holidays this year for me!
SPOILERS:
I'm a SUCKER for a good fake-dating trope and Callie and Oliver really went full swing! They are such a cute couple and Oliver is the dream book boyfriend who speaks his emotions and protects his girl! I mean, him calling her "my girl" before they even made it official in his POV had me SWOONING! I do wish there was a little more comments and moments of confronting family members from Oliver, since that was his role in the deal, but I still like how the story progressed and how much his presence forced the family to a nowl their rudeness. And the EPILOGUE!!! Now I need to know if we get more books about the other characters' relationships and their happy endings! 😊
SPOILERS:
I'm a SUCKER for a good fake-dating trope and Callie and Oliver really went full swing! They are such a cute couple and Oliver is the dream book boyfriend who speaks his emotions and protects his girl! I mean, him calling her "my girl" before they even made it official in his POV had me SWOONING! I do wish there was a little more comments and moments of confronting family members from Oliver, since that was his role in the deal, but I still like how the story progressed and how much his presence forced the family to a nowl their rudeness. And the EPILOGUE!!! Now I need to know if we get more books about the other characters' relationships and their happy endings! 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
This was my first holiday read of the season and it was so cute!! 🎄😍 Callie is the youngest daughter of the Rutherford family. As a kindergarten teacher, she lacks the approval of her family, often called a “glorified babysitter.” Up until she decides to prove to them that she doesn’t need a luxurious lifestyle to prove she is happy and accomplished. To impress her family she hires Oliver Rhodes, a family therapist to convince her family that her life is fine just the way it is.
This was such a cozy holiday romance! The fake dating trope was done in such a fun, lighthearted way, and the chemistry between Callie and Oliver was unbeatable. Their banter was playful, their moments together were sweet, and the family dynamics added just the right amount of drama! If you’re looking for a warm, festive read to kick off the season, this one is perfect. ✨
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was such a cozy holiday romance! The fake dating trope was done in such a fun, lighthearted way, and the chemistry between Callie and Oliver was unbeatable. Their banter was playful, their moments together were sweet, and the family dynamics added just the right amount of drama! If you’re looking for a warm, festive read to kick off the season, this one is perfect. ✨
Thanks to the author for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 8, 2025
3/5
When I first started reading, I hadn't read the blurb so I needed a bit more scene setting before my brain could comprehend what was going on, but once I figured it out the rest of the story flowed.
Oliver is very supportive as a MMC to Callie, and does the fake boyfriend role well. Perhaps the empath in me wanted Callie to push back against her 'illustrious' family members more which made me vibe a little less with the book. Personally I hated how her family belittled her but I believe that was the intended purpose.
Yes to found family, sweet little school kids like Marigold and Cecilia and to the realisation between Oliver and Callie from fake-dating to real love.
I'm keen to see what is in store for the other characters in the rest of the series! Connie... Aaron... Ian.. Blythe....
Thanks Emmy for the ARC.
When I first started reading, I hadn't read the blurb so I needed a bit more scene setting before my brain could comprehend what was going on, but once I figured it out the rest of the story flowed.
Oliver is very supportive as a MMC to Callie, and does the fake boyfriend role well. Perhaps the empath in me wanted Callie to push back against her 'illustrious' family members more which made me vibe a little less with the book. Personally I hated how her family belittled her but I believe that was the intended purpose.
Yes to found family, sweet little school kids like Marigold and Cecilia and to the realisation between Oliver and Callie from fake-dating to real love.
I'm keen to see what is in store for the other characters in the rest of the series! Connie... Aaron... Ian.. Blythe....
Thanks Emmy for the ARC.
November 11, 2025
4.5 STARS
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC and give an honest review.
Holiday Hopefuls feels like the best kind of holiday romcom(honestly where is the movie?). I couldn’t put it down - aside from having to toss my kindle, kicking my feet and squealing a little during the first kiss!! All of the different dynamics, between Callie & Oliver, Callie and her parents and siblings, Callie and her found family, Callie and Oliver’s family, Callie and her students, Oliver and his family and friends, and of course every interaction with Mrs. Lanahan, were so well done that I felt like I was watching real people throughout the story.
Watching Oliver support Callie was so sweet and heartwarming, and I loved their mutual pining the entire time. I cannot wait for more in this series, and am hopeful for some of the romances that were hinted at throughout the first book.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC and give an honest review.
Holiday Hopefuls feels like the best kind of holiday romcom(honestly where is the movie?). I couldn’t put it down - aside from having to toss my kindle, kicking my feet and squealing a little during the first kiss!! All of the different dynamics, between Callie & Oliver, Callie and her parents and siblings, Callie and her found family, Callie and Oliver’s family, Callie and her students, Oliver and his family and friends, and of course every interaction with Mrs. Lanahan, were so well done that I felt like I was watching real people throughout the story.
Watching Oliver support Callie was so sweet and heartwarming, and I loved their mutual pining the entire time. I cannot wait for more in this series, and am hopeful for some of the romances that were hinted at throughout the first book.
November 6, 2025
The start of this book had me worried as there was far too much plant talk for my liking but I held out and I’m so glad I did, I loved the fake dating, family drama and character growth.
I can not count the number of times I said awww whilst reading this book thanks to the adorable Oliver and his numerous meaningful actions towards Callie. Holiday hopefuls is like a Hallmark Christmas movie. It is cutesy, enjoyable to read, full of festive cheer. There was a little bit of spice but not much but this didn’t take away from the plot. This was a nice little read that got me into the festive mood.
I can not count the number of times I said awww whilst reading this book thanks to the adorable Oliver and his numerous meaningful actions towards Callie. Holiday hopefuls is like a Hallmark Christmas movie. It is cutesy, enjoyable to read, full of festive cheer. There was a little bit of spice but not much but this didn’t take away from the plot. This was a nice little read that got me into the festive mood.
November 8, 2025
Holiday Hopefuls was like a warm hug with a side of hot chocolate 🍫 Whether you get along with your family or not holidays can still be a stressful time. The way Oliver and Callie had each other’s backs constantly was so refreshing. Their playful banter had me giggling and kicking my feet while snuggled up on the couch. Seeing Callie gain confidence and not only speak up in her defense but also mend relationships within her family was amazing. Lastly the yearning was to die for!! I loved Oliver’s POV that man knew what he wanted ❤️
This story included almost all of my favorite tropes:
Fake Dating
One Bed
Dual POV
No Third Act Breakup
This story included almost all of my favorite tropes:
Fake Dating
One Bed
Dual POV
No Third Act Breakup
November 16, 2025
This book had me hooked! I know all too well what’s it’s like to never measure up to your family. And boy does it get tiring. So I totally felt for Callie. So I totally fell in love with Oliver when he agreed to accompany her to her family’s as long as she took his courses. Boy did he step up to bat for her. I loved hire he grew protective of her as time went on. It was fun watching the two stick together with her family, and of course end up falling for one another. This book was fun, romantic, and had just the right amount of spice to it.
I received this as an ARC and in leaving a voluntary review
I received this as an ARC and in leaving a voluntary review
November 13, 2025
This was such cute and beautiful book! Oliver and Callie are the best! I fell in love with them so hard! I related to Callie quite a bit honestly. I am the black sheep of my family and experiencing Callie’s story really hit me hard and in the best way possible. I loved seeing how her and Oliver’s story began and developed. The plot twists were just perfect, and the plot of the book was honestly beautiful to it’s core. This was a cute feel-good comfort read, and I can’t recommend it enough! It was the perfect holiday romance and so beautifully written.
November 15, 2025
Im always a fan of the fake dating trope! It brings me so much joy! I couldn't believe how awful Callie's family was. I didn't expect anything to change with how they treated her especially Chris. But, by the end, there were lots of growth. Unfortunately, its her parents that are truly at fault. They damaged all the Rutherford siblings. I love Ollie and his family! They made this book even more enjoyable. I love the ending to this and I do hope we get the stories for the rest of the siblings, especially after the 6 years later epilogue.
November 17, 2025
I really liked the first few chapters of this book where we got to meet all the characters and they hatched their holiday plans but then the plot kind of flatlined for me. Idk if it’s the writing or I’ve just read too many similar books recently and it felt too predictable but something about it just wasn’t doing it for me. It was still a pretty good book and you’ll like the characters (and dislike the ones you’re supposed to dislike) and their romance but overall I think there could have been more to this book. Thank you Emmy and team for the ARC
November 13, 2025
First of all thank you to Emmy Todd for the arc copy.
This was somewhere between a four to five star read.
The two main character are small town cute the type you definitely expect to find in a holiday read. The build up of the story line before they jumped into the fake dating plot was something I feel added more depth to their story.
Them both having family issues and working on them together made sense in building their relationship and closeness really added something to this book because it never made you question their chemistry you saw it building. Although I must admit the engagement felt hasty?
I don’t know it gave hallmark Christmas movie where it’s I love you so now I’m going to marry you and have a hundred kids with you.
It’s a very cute cosy holiday romance a sweet light hearted read. I would definitely recommend it for a holiday read and was an enjoyable read I didn’t want to put down.
The epilogue was sure something everyone seemed to have a kid but it also did give a sort of promise for more books as we never actually found out who peoples significant others where. So definitely looking forward to future possible books exploring them relationships.
This was somewhere between a four to five star read.
The two main character are small town cute the type you definitely expect to find in a holiday read. The build up of the story line before they jumped into the fake dating plot was something I feel added more depth to their story.
Them both having family issues and working on them together made sense in building their relationship and closeness really added something to this book because it never made you question their chemistry you saw it building. Although I must admit the engagement felt hasty?
I don’t know it gave hallmark Christmas movie where it’s I love you so now I’m going to marry you and have a hundred kids with you.
It’s a very cute cosy holiday romance a sweet light hearted read. I would definitely recommend it for a holiday read and was an enjoyable read I didn’t want to put down.
The epilogue was sure something everyone seemed to have a kid but it also did give a sort of promise for more books as we never actually found out who peoples significant others where. So definitely looking forward to future possible books exploring them relationships.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2025
I was able to get an ARC of Holiday Hopefuls. It is a holiday romance between Callie and Oliver. Callie enlists Oliver's help and expertise to help convince her family that as a teacher she is so much more than a 'glorified teacher'. Oliver asks in return she help him get his family off his back about getting married and settling down. It has hard family dynamics, fake dating, only one bed, and a HEA. Thank you Emmy for the early copy!
November 10, 2025
What a fun, cozy holiday read!
Kindergarten teacher Callie has had enough of being belittled by her four very successful older siblings and parents, and with the help of Oliver (a clinical family therapist with his own family pressures) decides to put an end to it.
If your favourite trope is fake dating, you love a dog dad who falls first, and you'd prefer to avoid a third act breakup, then this one is for you!
Kindergarten teacher Callie has had enough of being belittled by her four very successful older siblings and parents, and with the help of Oliver (a clinical family therapist with his own family pressures) decides to put an end to it.
If your favourite trope is fake dating, you love a dog dad who falls first, and you'd prefer to avoid a third act breakup, then this one is for you!
November 17, 2025
This was absolutely wonderful! It was the sweetest Christmas romance story ever!! I love fake dating that turns into falling in love. Callie’s family is so awful that you love to hate them. Oliver is just adorable. I just loved how everything flowed so well and we got to watch the fall in love without realizing they were falling in love. I am super happy to have been a part of the arc team for this book!!!
November 11, 2025
I was fortunate enough to get an arc copy of this book. I can say that it was everything you want in a Christmas romance. There was a lovely story between the couple. Callie & Oliver were silly, heart felt & ride or dies for one another. I can see this story being turned into a wonderful movie in the future. 🫶
November 14, 2025
Thank you so so much to Emmy Todd for sending me this ARC! I absolutely loved this book!!! This is the perfect Christmas romance! The family dynamics were so real! The chemistry was *chef’s kiss*! I can definitely see myself reading this every year as part of my holiday traditions! So excited to see what happens next in this series!!!
November 17, 2025
3.5!!
A really cute, quick Christmas read. I loved Callie and Oliver though I felt the ending was a little fast paced. This was a fun and cozy read - perfect if you’re in the mood for a fake dating, cozy christmas book. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more stories in this universe.
Thank you to Emmy Todd and team for the ARC!
A really cute, quick Christmas read. I loved Callie and Oliver though I felt the ending was a little fast paced. This was a fun and cozy read - perfect if you’re in the mood for a fake dating, cozy christmas book. I really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more stories in this universe.
Thank you to Emmy Todd and team for the ARC!
November 23, 2025
ARC review.
A wonderfully written story of true love.
As you delve deeper into the lives of Callie and Oliver you will laugh out loud, grit your teeth in anger, hold your breath in anticipation, pray to the hot cocoa gods and cheer loudly for the pair.
Fun, festive, romantic, slight spice and overwhelmingly bingeable
A wonderfully written story of true love.
As you delve deeper into the lives of Callie and Oliver you will laugh out loud, grit your teeth in anger, hold your breath in anticipation, pray to the hot cocoa gods and cheer loudly for the pair.
Fun, festive, romantic, slight spice and overwhelmingly bingeable
November 20, 2025
When you need to convince your family you are in love but end up in love with the guy. This book kept me turning the page at every chapter to find out what happen.
November 22, 2025
Such a cute, fun, and sweet love story! Oliver is a total dream boat and the way he cares for Callie is what hallmark Christmas movies are made of!
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