A queer holiday romance that has ALL of the Christmas vibes. I loved the relationship between the 3 siblings (and how they gave themselves a club name every Christmas) as well as the relationships they had with their mother. I also loved how Ash was an honorary sibling and key member of the family. There is a lot that happens in this book, but it never felt overwhelming to keep up with, and all of the storylines were fairly well developed. Of all the romantic relationships that develop in this one, Birdie's was my least favorite, and I never felt the connection in that one. I think this one addresses some important and heavy topics in a way that never felt heavy and kept it more Christmas-ey (addiction, family secrets, sexual identity, social media, and more). Recommend for readers who are looking for a holiday romance that isn't necessarily a typical Hallmark holiday romance.

Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark was a delightful holiday romcom in the vein of the traditional lifetime film, only with an exceptionally queer cast and an eccentric matriarch. 
Three siblings facing personal crises retreat to their mother's estate for the holidays to tend to their wounds and prepare for the upcoming festivities. 
It started slowly but about a third of the way in, things got more interesting, and I was thoroughly engaged throughout the remainder. 
Each sibling was struggling with career and relationship issues and there was a lot of room for growth. I found all the characters likable in their own way. They each had unique voices and personalities, and the sibling bond was entertaining and heartwarming. 
I enjoyed the writing style, and it was mostly clean of typos, etc., making for a smooth, quick read. I loved the winter setting in Upstate New York. It was beautifully described. 
The relationships each sibling had with their significant others felt believable and passionate. I was all in. I could have enjoyed a whole book about each, but the parts given in this family drama were enough to sell the story. 
The family dynamics were lovely as well. How each sibling related to one another and their mother and how they supported each other through their struggles was uplifting. 
Some serious issues such as mental health, abandonment, miscarriage, past trauma, and chronic illness, were touched on and handled gently and maturely. Be aware that some of those may be triggering.
Most Wonderful was a fun and inspiring holiday novel where a supportive family takes center stage, giving each member room for personal growth and enlightenment. A lot was going on, and I was concerned that it might be too much for one book, but it was balanced well and worked for me.
I would be happy to read more by this author.
#M/M #F/F #mentalhealth #alcoholaddiction #chronicillness #actor #performer #screenwriter #comedian #artist #miscarriage #hollywood #singlemother
I received this ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark is a heartwarming holiday tale centered on the chaotic lives of the Belvedere siblings. Liz, a successful Hollywood showrunner, is battling a creative block and a huge crush on her show’s star, Violet Grace. Birdie, the middle-child stand-up comic, is struggling with her career after focusing more on romance than her craft, and Rafi, the sensitive youngest sibling, faces heartbreak after his public proposal is rejected. The three siblings, all born to different fathers, retreat to their famous mother Babs' house for the holidays, hoping to focus on their careers and personal growth. But in true festive fashion, the holiday season has other plans, leading them into unexpected romantic and personal twists. This story is a delightful mix of family drama, romance, and holiday magic, making it a perfect seasonal read.

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for arc of this in exchange for an honest review.

Overall an okay holiday read for me. I had higher hopes for this novel but it started to feel stagnant around the middle. Also I had a really hard time picturing the characters in my mind. Not sure if that's just me? 3 stars because I do think this book will have a large audience that loves it but it won't be a memorable romance for me in 2024.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this advanced copy. Most Wonderful is available on October 15, 2024.

Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark

Most Wonderful is a queer rom-com written in three perspectives. It is based on three siblings who are very complicated and their relationships. There was a lot going on with family drama and complex characters but it is heartwarming and has feel good moments. I did find one of the siblings unlikable— more so how she was a bit obsessed with her love interest.

The story did not have an epilogue and made me feel like I was left hanging. Perhaps, the author did that purposely so that readers could imagine the epilogue theirselves.

I appreciate how the author blended the heavy topics with humor as well as the mental health and chronic illness rep. I have the chronic illness that is touched upon in the story and it was a great feeling to see it mentioned as I feel it is rarely ever referred to in novels.

FYI: Most Wonderful is an open door romance. The story is very character driven and there is strong character develop throughout the story.

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys queer romance with a side of humor, family drama and steamy times.

Thank you NetGalley and Dial Press Trade Paperback for the eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

3.5 stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

*4,5

This book follows three siblings, as they go to their mother's house for the holiday season to escape from their life’s problems. Liz has a crush on the main actress from the show she created and produces; Birdie is stuck in her career, getting lost in alcohol and casual sex; Rafi got rejected by his girlfriend after he proposed to her in front of their colleagues.
Usually, having three stories in one book doesn’t work for me but I really enjoyed this book!
Each story was heartfelt in their own way, and I appreciate that we got three different stories and characters’ baggage instead of one seeping into the other, which happens sometimes with siblings. At the same time, I loved the family dynamic and how they were able to be main characters and supporting characters at the same time, without losing their essence.
The story feels slow-paced, even though it takes place within a month. Alternating between the siblings’ point of view made the story compelling, especially because 1/3 through the book, none of the stories have actually developed. I also think it helped to get into the different stories, as you get to know the characters and become invested in their stories little by little.
My favorite arc was definitely Rafi’s, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by Birdie’s arc. At first, I felt like she was so annoying (I’m not a fan of the stand-up-comedian-who-doesn’t-know-how-to-adult archetype) BUT I loved where her story went and we leave her at the end.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable read, full of heart (and a little heat ;))

This is a warm, queer Christmas-time book that should appeal to a wide range of readers. It's got steam, sweetness, and charm in the sibling characters and their relationships, a great Hollywood, fame adjacent aspect, and fun, seasonal elements that readers can enjoy. It is a touch too long (the problem with establishing three different main characters and developing their relationships), but it's enjoyable.

Liz, Birdie, and Raft are all at difficult points in their romantic life so what can be better than spending time with their mother Babs. This tells the story of all four of them as they navigate their love lives and the holidays. Know that there's a lot going on with these four but it isn't hard to keep them straight and frankly. all the issues make them feel more real. And Babs is a hoot. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A quick fun read.

This was a super cute holiday read from Georgia Clark! I enjoyed reading about the journey of the three siblings and their love stories, but I wish there was more time with each couple! Georgia’s writing is light and easy to read - I almost wish this had been a series instead so I could not only enjoy more of her writing, but enjoy more of each couple’s story and connection.

I love and admire Georgia Clark’s writing and Most Wonderful was no exception. This light but yet complex Christmas read had everything I needed to get in the holiday spirit. Three siblings, their larger than life mother, and their ever-evolving romantic relationships.

I absolutely adored all the characters. Liz, Rafi and Birdie all have their own challenges this holiday season, both in their love life and out of it. I loved how the character’s each had their own storyline and that their respective love interests felt like fully fleshed out people. Even though this is a cheerful, optimistic story, Clark didn’t shy away from showcasing realities of life and how they might affect how people approach making important life decisions and react to challenges in relationships. Family illness, miscarriage, complex parental relationships, alcohol abuse and divorce are all discussed during this story in a meaningful way that doesn’t detract from the overall holiday cheer.

This was truly an ambitious book and Most Wonderful sticked the landing. Be sure to preorder this book now and add it to your TBR for this upcoming winter season. Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Dial press for the ARC.

I wanted to love this, but there was just too much going on. Maybe if each story was a standalone novel I would have enjoyed it more. I felt like each story didn't get enough time, which was a bummer.

I was drawn to the cover and the story of three siblings coming together for the holidays, but I found the execution only so so. It got too long with the three different perspectives and I found the pacing off.

I think it has elements of a lovely rom-com holiday read but this wasn't my favorite.

Thank you Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group - Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback for the advanced reader copy.

This book was absolutely wonderful! Just wonderful.

The characters felt like friends and were deep and complex. I loved every moment getting to know them and being involved in their lives. Throughout the course of the story we saw so much growth and self reflection from each character, it was an honest and beautiful way to tell their stories. I got choked up at least three times.

I loved that the whole story embodied the Christmas season. Friends, family, love, friendship. It was the perfect time setting for this sweet, sweet story.

This had perfect christmas rom com vibes but was also so heartfelt, I think that’s what sets this story apart. It was real and complex but so funny and endearing. And it was a little spicy too!

The ending was a beautiful conclusion for each of these characters and was incredibly satisfying. I was on the fence about 4 or 5 stars but the ending sent me straight to 5!

I do recommend checking trigger warnings before reading, it covers some heavy topics that might be hard if you’re not in the right headspace.

Overall, Most Wonderful was an easy 5 stars. Thank you NetGalley and Random House- Dial Press Trade Paperback for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

It Had to Be You is one of my favorite romance books, so there was no question I was reading this. I LOVED it! I love how Georgia Lou Clark's books include multiple POVs and love stories -- in this book it shifted between the 3 Belvedere siblings, Liz, Birdie, and Rafi. They all wind up at their mother's house in upstate NY in early December, contemplating their love lives and other various life choices. It's great to see them all come together to support each other while they spend time with their aging mom, Babs. All of the characters were top-notch, I can't pick a favorite. I appreciated the depression rep so much, and resonated with Liz's self-imposed obligation to take care of her mom (#eldestdaughtervibes). Overall this was a wonderful😉 queer holiday romance story, and you should MOST 😉 definitely be reading it this winter season!

okay, I'll start this by saying that when I started the book is when I realized I had tried to read another book by this author and It was a DNF for me. I still went in with an open mind, and I think this was okay. It had like a Love, Actually vibe with siblings going through different things while finding love. So I got it, and I enjoyed parts of it. I just always had the being outed without their consent. It just bothers me, a tiny bit. I know it happens and it's a part of life but I don't actively enjoy it most of the time.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I want to thank NetGalley and Random House for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Please keep in mind the following content warnings: Alcoholism, Mentions of Miscarriage, Character Fainting, Mentions of Trauma, and Sexual Content.

To say I loved this book is a bit of an understatement. I loved all three love stories, from their moments of absurdity, horniness, and joy, to their moments of realness, vulnerability, and uncertainty. It's not a secret that I'm a sucker for stories with strong familial bonds and I haven't seen such a strong trio of siblings like Rafi, Birdie, and Liz. I loved how different they were from each other, it made their stories unique and fresh. It's hard to pick my favourite sibling, but if I really have to I'm still between Rafi and Birdie.

I loved how complicated their mum was throughout the whole story, yet impossible to not love her and see the love she had for her children. Each of the love interests has my heart. I don't want to go too much into detail about what I loved about each one of them to not risk any spoilers, but they were all perfect. There were only two explicit sex scenes, but they both had me at the edge of my seat. I have read way spicier things but it was still satisfying and it felt right for the characters.

Honestly, I loved this book so much that I almost went to look for fanfiction until I remembered this is not out until October 15. I beg more people to read this book so I can have people to yell with.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

In Most Wonderful, siblings Liz, Birdie, and Rafi are back home for the holidays at their mother’s inn, each struggling with their careers and their love lives. I really enjoyed reading about the relationships between the siblings and seeing the differences in how they interacted with their mother Babs. Many Christmas romance novels tend to stay surface level, but the author did well balancing the light, holiday moments with the deeper family drama.

Overall, the family relationships felt more fleshed out than the romantic relationships. I enjoyed being able to see the love life of each sibling; however, the length of the story did not allow for each romance to be explored as deeply as I would have liked.

Most Wonderful embodies the most wonderful time of the year while delving into the deeper themes of family, mental health, and finding purpose in life. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a queer, cozy, holiday read for the upcoming season!

I liked this one, but got a little lost with the tree different stories going on at once.

I think if I watched this as a movie or show it would be easier to keep track, but I kept forgetting whose story I was reading and was mixing details from each story.

Love the setting in the Catskills - makes me long for a snowy Christmas.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. I loved this queer Christmas rom-com/family dramedy. Christmas novels can feel very formulaic, but this one was deeper than the average. I liked the interactions between the siblings and that the story followed three different romantic relationships. I am definitely back on the Georgia Clark train after this one. I loved It Had To Be You, but did not enjoy Island Time at all, so I’m thrilled she is back!

This was one of the best queer holiday romance books I’ve had the privilege of reading. I loved that it included 3 different stories of each sibling but they were easy to follow and woven perfectly together.

This book was full of heart and seeing how each sibling grew and learned new things about themselves. Having 2 siblings and being a similar age, I related to the aspect of having to change & looking at your family as who they are now and not who they were growing up.

I definitely will reread on a snowy winter night this holiday season