Merry and Bright (Home Sweet Holidays)

This was very cute. It didn't feel too rushed, although there's obviously some insta-love considering the volume of this story. I loved the lighthearted representation of Hanukkah as well as Christmas, and a story about someone who had lost their hope, but managed to find it again. This fake dating novella hit all the right spots this season!

such a cutesy holiday short story! one thing about me is i LOVEEEE a fake dating trope. sign me up actually. i thought this was a great way to incorporate interfaith relationships, grief, and family dynamics. I’ve never read Ali Rosen’s work before but this short story had me wanting so much more so i’m excited to indulge in the future🤍

Merry and Bright by Ali Rosen is another cute, cozy, fast holiday novella from the Home Sweet Holidays collection. I enjoyed the mix of Hanukkah festivities and a fake-romance-turned-real storyline with Miriam and Cal—it was light, fun, and heartwarming.

Barrie Kreinik & Eric Nolan did an amazing job with the narration, bringing the characters and holiday cheer to life. Perfect for a quick, festive read.

This was genuinely one of the worst reads I’ve had in a long time. The story is aggressively cheesy, and the female main character is written as childish, self centred, and emotionally flat. Instead of growth or charm, she mostly inspires irritation. The inclusion of a dead wife in what is meant to be a festive romance already sets a strange tone, and it never recovers from there. What really pushed this into dislike territory was the imbalance in effort and respect. The male character goes out of his way to learn about Hanukkah, to understand her background, and to show consideration. She, on the other hand, shows little to no interest in his Christmas, his traditions, or even basic curiosity in meeting him halfway. There is no exchange, no mutual learning, no respect. Just expectation. Rather than feeling inclusive or thoughtful, the cultural aspect comes across as one sided and preachy. It left me with the uncomfortable impression that one tradition mattered and the other simply didn’t. That is not romantic, festive, or heartwarming. It is arrogant. I finished it out of stubbornness, not enjoyment. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a Christmas romance, or frankly, for a well written one at all.