"Season of Love" by Helena Greer is the first romance that centers around being Jewish, both the religion and ethnicity and also the Christmas season. Mirium Blum has escaped from an abusive home life and created a new life away from her family and with her platonic girlfriend. When a family death brings her back to her roots she has to face the family and friends she has left, both the good and the bad. Reckoning with her past brings Mirium closer to her authentic self that she has tried to run from, and she starts to mend close relationships she thought she had to cut off to keep herself safe.
With a hunky, butch love interest, and a quaint Christmas village run by a Jewish family, this book has its cute and fluffy moments but also mixes in dealing with past family trauma and abuse, homophobia, and finding acceptance within yourself.
I didn't love how quickly it felt like the romance between Mirium and Noelle came together but once I was able to accept how quickly it came about I could focus on the romance and exploration of found family and family trauma.
I loved how diverse the book was and the unique personalities each character had.

When Miriam receives a phone call that her great-aunt, Cass passed away, she goes back to her Christmas tree farm (a place she hasn’t visited for over ten years) to sit shiva. While there, she learns that she inherited her farm with her cousin, Hannah, and Noelle, the grumpy tree farmer. The three must come together to save the farm but they must also work on trusting each other - something that both Miriam and Noelle need to work on.

This book did not really excite me as much as I would have liked. There were a lot of characters that weren’t necessary in the story. The romantic relationship between Noelle and Miriam was a bit rushed and the chemistry wasn’t one to be desired. Their closed-door romance was disappointing too.

I did find some things to be amusing such as a Jewish woman running a Christmas tree farm and Miriam’s friend, Cole, always coming up with some questionable schemes. Based on the epilogue, I hope the author has a sequel in the works (which would answer many questions).

This book would be a good for someone that likes a sappy Hallmark movie but not a lot of romance.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ForeverPublishing for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

TW: abuse, alcoholism, death, drugs

3.5/5 - Season of Love is a perfect hate to love romance this holiday season! This is the story about Miriam, a Jewish, queer woman, who inherited a part of her aunt's Christmas tree farm. She returns to upstate New York and the family she left 10 years ago, due to deep trauma with her father. She is reunited with her cousin, Hannah (also a partial owner), and her other family and found family. She also meets the tree farmer, Noelle (another partial inheritor), who wants nothing more than for Miriam to be gone. Noelle feels that Miriam abandoned both her aunt and Hannah. Even though there is these tense feelings Noelle, Hannah and Miriam agree to work together to try to save the farm from the financial trouble they are in.

This book was seriously the queer holiday rom-com that we are all looking for. Both Miriam and Noelle are dealing with their own demons and that means there is a push and pull of them trying to trust and believe in each other. Surrounding both Miriam and Noelle's history there is a lot of trauma. This book has a lot of trigger warnings and Helena does a great job of noting them at the beginning of the book. Please take care if you need them.

I really liked that this book had both a butch and fem rep in this book, I don't think that it is seen often enough in sapphic romances. The enemies to lovers portion of this book was written really well. I could understand why Noelle had such deep anger toward Miriam, and her desire to protect her friend was believable. Once they worked through their issues though, they really seemed to have chemistry and a deep sense of care for each other.

The side characters in this book were a favourite part of my book. Cousin Hannah, bestie Cole, the Matthews and even Levi were all important additions to this story. They all really connected me with the story and the tree farm itself.

One thing I did find with this book was that it dragged on a bit long. I felt that the end of the book didn't wrap up when it could have, almost like it was setting up for future books in this world.

This was a great debut novel by Helena and I hope there will be more stories in this world! I will check out the authors future books for sure! If you like Hallmark type movies and books with more representation, this is the book for you! Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

I absolutely loved this book! It deals with some heavy issues. I loved the journey each character has taken during the emotional loss of Cass, the founder of Carrigans. Her loss brought them all together, made them each dig deep and far beyond their comfort zones. It was a great holiday read and put you right in the spirit. Enemies to lovers, found family, holiday season are right up my alley. I'm looking forward to seeing more from this author!

3.5 stars

Season of Love had an interesting concept that I couldn’t resist: a jewish-owned Christmas tree farm. When Miriam returns for her great-aunt’s death, she discovers she is left one-quarter of the farm…and it’s not fiscally healthy.

Miriam was hard to like. She’s avoided all mention of that part of her family, due to some major trauma revolving her father. So even though her father doesn’t go to the farm, nor does he live there, she still just drops off the side of the planet and refuses to communicate with her great-aunt Cass and her cousin. Then she has the gall to be mad that no one told her that Cass was sick?! MAKE IT MAKE SENSE FOR ME.

I resonated so much more with Noelle. She has a grudge against Miriam from the first day (and I did too, girl!) but she apologizes and grows as a character, the more that we learn her back story.

Season of Love felt long and dragging. And we don’t even get any sexy times, of which I am very disappointed with. Less of a romance and more of a “women’s fiction” type story, while still enjoyable most of the time, just not what I had hoped for.

Pub date: 10/11/22
Genre: romcom (queer, holiday)
In one sentence: When Miriam inherits a fourth of her aunt's failing Christmas tree farm, she teams up with grumpy farm manager Noelle to save the farm - and maybe fall in love?

I love holiday stories about saving the family business (Hallmark, anyone?) so this one sounded great! Miriam and Noelle both won my heart - they were so fun to get to know, and I enjoyed seeing them get closer to each other. I almost DNFed this book because it felt a little slow in the first half, but the second half really came together, and I was glad I finished the story.

If you like Hallmark movies but want a story with more representation, you might enjoy this one! 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Forever Books for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

When a book title is my favorite Rent song and has Judaism in it, I feel like it will be a perfect fit for me. Unfortunately, this book missed the mark for me and I ultimately ended up DNFing it. The lack of Hewish representation hurt in a book that is being promoted as a Jewish OwnVoices book. The romance in the book felt like it was lacking as well.

I adored this book. The only thing that’s even close to a complaint is how grumpy the love interest was at first, almost to an unreasonable degree, but that situation was dealt with and explained really well. To be honest it’s really hard for me to even write about this book because my brain mostly remembers the vibes. I appreciated getting a little insight into Jewish traditions. I’d like to formally request more sapphic Jewish romance please. Also I adored the romanticization of Noelle’s butch identity. I love seeing characters that aren’t petite and delicate being portrayed as sexy and desirable because, not in spite of, these qualities. Overall this book was wonderful, cozy, sapphic, and dealt with two wonderful people with complicated, traumatic pasts in a really meaningful way. I’ll definitely be buying a physical copy when it comes out!

What a charming book! The best word to describe this book would probably be "fun." A great enemies-to-lovers holiday romance with strong themes of found family made this for a delightful summer read that made me excited for the holiday season.

Season of Love by Helena Greer got under my skin. Deep under my skin. Not just Noelle and Miriam - both swoon worthy leads in their own rights - but Greer's portrayals of frank Judaism, authentic queerness, and heartbreaking trauma all made this book un-put-downable. This book really was beyond my wildest dreams.
I'm not a Christmas person, certainly not a Hallmark person, and I usually end up gently making fun of Christmas movies when my family members watch them.

It turns out I just needed the cheese to be kosher, the tinsel rainbow.

Miriam shocked me in how much I saw myself in her - not precisely the trauma, thankfully, but the way she experiences Judaism and especially her queerness -

"'You're bi, what does that mean to you?' Noelle asked finally. 'There's no universal 'this is what bisexuality looks like.' What is it for you? You don't date men? It doesn't seem like?'...
'If Josh Jackson or or Timothy Oliphant showed up at my door, I would probably faint from lust, but romantically and emotionally I rarely meet cis men I can connect to.'"*

This conversation sent shivers down my spine, as it almost too closely mirrors conversations I've had about my own bisexuality, and why despite finding men attractive, I typically fail to connect with straight cis men on a life experience level. It was both a deep relief and almost unnerving to have this character (and author) understand me more than people in my life to whom I have tried explaining this.

And Noelle, oh Noelle Northwood, genuinely one of the most - if not the most swoon-worthy romantic leads I have ever encountered in a novel. It was abundantly clear that Greer was writing from her own experience of attraction and it served the book well, adding a delicious extra layer of sexiness to the book. That said though - and I am aware I have said this recently about another book that this one has now eclipsed - I have never been more startled by a fade to black. It is obviously the prerogative of any author to write as much or as little smut as their heart desires, but going from the very sexy dialogue, the minute details of attraction toward masculine women, the descriptions, to the abrupt chapter end was jarring.

There is more I could say about this book, a lot more, but I'm not sure I can without gushing about spoilers. It lives in my brain (and on my Kindle) rent free now, and probably for a long time to come.

*As I read an ARC, this quote is subject to change.

This book may look hallmarky from the cover, but it actually has some pretty heavy tones. I was a bit thrown by the introduction into the story, in the first few paragraphs there is a lot of names and events thrown at the reader. Overall a well done book though

Miriam Blum has been estranged from her parents (and by extension cousins and childhood friends) for over a decade. When her beloved great-aunt Cass unexpectedly passes away, Miriam is unprepared to return home. Having been left part-owner of Carrigan’s, the family's Christmas tree farm, she needs to decide if staying behind to help save the business from going under is worth all the heartache that may come with it.

I'm heartbroken because I was incredibly disappointed by "Season of Love." I felt that Miriam and Noelle's relationship lacked chemistry, having been told their relationship rather than shown it. While there was an initial mutual attraction between the two, their connection stopped there. Everything else after felt forced and disingenuous. I was not in the least bit interested or compelled by their romance–this is most likely due to the author leaving out character development. The lack of communication was a frustrating and unnecessary rollercoaster ride.

Also, Noelle constantly referring to Miriam as an elf had me cringing enough to need a reading break every time my eyes scanned the word.

As a book promoted for its Jewish representation, there was way too much Christmas in it for me. The Jewish components bordered stereotypical, Miriam Blum's name, for one example. And despite being written by a Jewish author, it felt like the rep was included merely to claim diversity points within the story. Especially considering how Hanukkah would've happened during the timeline and it was not touched upon at all. I really want to see more books with Jewish happiness not intertwined with Christian holidays and mentions of Judaism that feel natural.

Overall, "Season of Love" left me out in the cold. I would've DNFed if I believed in it.

This book was wonderful. I enjoyed it from the beginning, but it just kept getting better and better! I don't even know how to articulate how much it filled my heart. The themes get pretty heavy, but it never gets overly dark or emotionally draining. And while the main romance is of course wonderful, the supporting cast stole my heart! I want to read twelve more books about the Carrigan's crew.

I loved the Jewish rep in this book - I thought it was woven into the story very well, and it wouldn't have been the same book without it. I know some Jewish reviewers aren't happy about one of the few visibly Jewish books we get being Christmas-themed, especially since it's not the only one like that being released even this year. No community is a monolith, and my opinion doesn't cancel others' out. For non-Jews, I'll just say that books like this absolutely shouldn't be the only time you read Jewish rep.

CW: off-page family member death, abusive parent, alcoholism (in recovery), past parent deaths, referenced antisemitism and biphobia, references to drug dealing

Thank you Helena Greer, Forever, and NetGalley for this eARC. I read this as part of the HoliGays22 group.

There was so much to like about this book. After years away in effort of self-preservation, Miriam Blum returns to Carriagan's Christmasland tree farm upon her great-aunt's death to sit shiva. Once there she has to deal with the fall out from losing contact with not only her great-aunt, but also her cousin and other people she practically grew up around as a child. Noelle is a more recent addition to the Carrigan's family, running the actual tree-growing operation of the Christmas tree farm. While she's initially drawn to Miri, she has a hard time accepting any reason for her absence of the past decade. Can they save Carrigans after years of declining returns? Is their mutual attraction enough to get past self-doubts and trust issues?

I love everything this book is trying to do. A Jewish family running Carriagan's CHRISTMASland? Yes. Potentially misguided efforts at self-preservation while dealing with abuse? Compelling. Taking one of Hallmark's favorite Christmas movie plots but make it sapphic? Here for it.
That said, the book did fall a little flat- but only because I wanted *MORE*. I wanted to read more about Noelle and Miri working together on their grand plans. The relationship building was more of a montage, and I think that left me a little let down. That said, if you're a fan of holiday romances, this definitely should be on your list!

This book is the biggest warmest holiday hug. It has a little bit of everything from love, abusive relationships, loss, lgbtq, fat MC, Jewish MC and more! Not only did this book make me cry but it gave me goosebumps, Helena Greers writing is amazing.

I loved all the characters and all the growth that each one of them had to go through. I was happy that this book had a HEA, but I could maybeee sense a second book in this series!? Fingers majorly crossed.

This made me very excited for the holidays!

Thank you to foreverpub and netgalley for this earc in exchange for an honest review.

Do you like the idea of those Christmas movies where someone returns to a small town and finds the Spirit of Christmas, but you wish they were gayer and Jewish? Helena Greer’s Season of Love is for you. Season of Love is also for you if you ever wanted to read about a Jewish family trying to save the family Christmas tree farm while grappling with grief and trauma, but in a way that leaves you feeling like someone just handed you the best cup of hot cocoa.

Miriam Blum has built a carefully successful and regulated life. She is about to take her business to the next level with a physical studio and shop in Charleston, and she’s engaged to a woman who will be a great life partner. And then she gets a phone call that her Great-aunt Cass has died. For the first time in a decade, Miriam has to go back to Cass’s Christmas Tree farm, Carrigan’s.

The story telling switches between Miriam and Noelle. Noelle joined Carriagan’s during the decade Miriam was absent. Cass took Noelle under her wing and gave her a sanctuary and Noelle is mad at Miriam on Cass’s behalf. Cass’s will torpedos everyone’s plans to move forward by leaving the farm to four people – Miriam, her cousin Hannah, Noelle, and Hannah’s ex, Levi. In addition, she’s left the farm in a precarious financial situation. Shenanigans ensue.

I just erased three paragraphs recounting the plot and a whole paragraph about Miriam’s best friend Cole. The plot is great, but I want you to read the book and enjoy it as written by Helena Greer, not as recounted by me. I fell in love with Cole before he finished his first line of dialogue and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with him too.

Helena Greer impressed me over and over again with Season of Love. She deftly weaves together grief and trauma with hope and love into a richly textured whole. We never meet Cass alive, but she is the light source that illuminates Carrigan’s and the nearby town of Advent. The legacy of love and generosity she leaves behind has left a foundation that allows the people she left behind to heal and build a stronger future.

There’s so much goodness in Season of Love. Greer has given her world the range to move from life altering grief, to sparkling banter while never straining credulity. The messy feelings that come with grief, trauma, and falling in love never overwhelm the plot. Miriam and Noelle have both kept the messiness of strong feelings out of their lives, and it is only the grief of losing Cass that cracks them open enough to let love come in. This is not a spicy book, because it is fade to black, but it is steamy with yearning.

I cannot wait to see how Greer brings Noelle and Levi together in the next book.

I am friendly with the author of this book, but have done my best to ensure the review is based solely on the book itself.

I received this as an advance reader copy from Forever and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advanced reader’s copy of this book!

Season of Love has to be one of the BEST sapphic romances I’ve read so far. The story follows Miriam Blum, an artist, after she (very reluctantly) returns home following the death of her beloved great-aunt Cass. There, she meets Noelle Northwood, one of the managers of her aunt’s Jewish-run Christmas tree farm who she’s immediately intrigued by- that is, until she realizes that Miriam is the same girl she already formed a (poor) opinion of. They get to know each other (albeit forcefully) when Miriam learns she has inherited the farm alongside Noelle and her estranged cousin, Hannah. Miriam and Noelle go through journeys of their own on this Christmas tree farm that helped them both learn more about love and found family.

This story was so unbelievably heartwarming and beautiful to read and the writing was absolutely gorgeous. There are some heavy topics explored, such as recovering from alcoholism, heartbreak, abusive/narcissistic family members, etc. but the author handles them extremely well. Miriam and Noelle are both such dynamic characters that learn more about themselves and come together to create their own family. I absolutely loved all of the relationships showcased in this story aside from Noelle and Miriam - found family is really one of the most special and unbelievably beautiful things in this world!!

Totally recommend this book for a heartwarming holiday read!! If you’ve ever wanted a sapphic jewish holiday romance this is so for you!!! <3

DNF at about 50% of the way through. I did not enjoy how dense this story was. It also felt clunky. I had to force myself to pick it up so I decided to just put it down for good. I'm bummed because the premise sounded so great. It just wasn't for me.

This is not your typical holiday romance book. At the beginning of the story we meet Miriam, an artist who is uncomfortable in her own skin and in her life. Miriam gets a call from her estranged mother that her beloved aunt has died and she decides that she needs to return to her aunt’s Christmas tree farm to say goodbye. When she gets there she is met with mixed greetings as some are overjoyed to see her after her 10 year absence, and some are bitter she stayed away so long without an explanation. As the story unfolds there is a lot of past secrets and trauma that are discovered (there is a content warning at the beginning of the book for those looking to avoid triggers). The setting of the beautiful upstate NY Christmas tree farm owned by a Jewish family, was beautiful and a neat twist. The cast of characters, were all deeply flawed and people that I’d love to meet and hangout with. Despite all the trauma in the book, it still manages to be a hopeful story perfect for curling up with during the holiday season. I’m really hoping this is a series and that Hannah will be getting her own book soon. I received an ARC from netgalley, and this is my honest review.

This book was everything I expected it to be and more. I loved the characters and the personal and relationship development. It was beautifully written.