i wanted to like this book more than i actually did. i am so thankful to netgalley for letting me read this one before its release date!!! what an absolute fun experience.. i think this will find its audience and I'm so excited for that!!!

A Home for the Holidays is a short and sweet novel telling the story of Mel and her recently deceased mom, Connie.

I love a good found family and country music Christmas trope and this one hit all of the markers!

Giving it a 3 because I felt it ended a little abruptly and left me wanting a bit more.

Overall, a super sweet read, full of inclusivity of all people. I’m glad I read it 🫶🏼

A Home for the Holidays was a beautifully woven story about the relationship between Mel and her mom. This was one of the most touching, heartfelt stories I’ve ever read.

This was extremely well written & while sad, the exploration and excitement of new beginnings played a huge role in the book and in healing .

I received a free copy of, A Home for the Holidays, by Taylor Hahn, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Mel Hart is a wedding singer, who had a good but not healthy relationship with her alcoholic mother. After her mom passed away a stranger named Connie said, she was allegedly her mothers best friend. I really enjoyed the ending of this book! A really good read.

This is a heartwarming read that masterfully captures the essence of found family and the healing power of new beginnings. Mel's poignant journey through grief and the discovery of her mother's past is engaging. The characters are wonderfully crafted, making it easy to become invested in their stories of love, connection, and moving forward. The book's exploration of mother-daughter relationships, and the complexities of loving someone with addiction, is handled with grace and empathy. With its blend of holiday cheer and emotional depth, this book is a touching reminder of the redemptive power of opening one's heart to unexpected connections and the magic of the holiday season.

A fun sweet read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my ARC.

I really enjoyed reading A Home for the Holidays by Taylor Hahn. It wasn’t light and fluffy but it had oh so much heart. I love the found family trope and this book did it so well. I fell in love with all the characters and I’m so sad that it’s over because I miss them already.

Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, NetGalley, and Taylor Hahn for the complimentary ARC. All opinions expressed above are my own.

In “A Home for the Holidays” by Taylor Hahn, readers are invited into the poignant world of Mel Hart, a wedding singer whose life takes an unexpected turn during the holiday season. Hahn masterfully weaves together themes of love, loss, redemption, and the complexities of family dynamics in this heartfelt tale.

At the core of the narrative lies Mel’s profound connection to her mother, Connie, whose whimsical antics during the holidays provided a sense of magic amidst the turmoil of her alcoholism. When tragedy strikes and Mel loses her mother just weeks before Christmas, she is thrust into a whirlwind of emotions. However, an unexpected visitor, Barb, Connie’s estranged best friend, offers Mel a glimpse into her mother’s past, shattering long-held perceptions and unveiling hidden truths.

Hahn’s character development is impeccable, drawing readers into Mel’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates the intricacies of grief, forgiveness, and love. From her conflicted feelings towards Barb’s son to her reflections on her own future, Mel’s evolution is both relatable and compelling.

What sets “A Home for the Holidays” apart is its exploration of complex relationships, particularly the bond between mother and daughter. Through Mel’s introspection and the revelations about Connie’s past, Hahn skillfully delves into the multifaceted nature of familial connections, leaving readers pondering the intricacies of their own relationships.

Furthermore, Hahn’s prose is evocative, transporting readers into the cozy holiday setting while simultaneously tugging at their heartstrings. The narrative unfolds with a perfect balance of emotion and intrigue, keeping readers engaged from beginning to end.

Overall, “A Home for the Holidays” is a captivating tale that resonates long after the final page. With its compelling characters, thought-provoking themes, and heartwarming moments, Taylor Hahn has crafted a story that is sure to delight readers seeking a blend of holiday cheer and emotional depth.

A Home for the Holidays was a beautifully woven story about the relationship between Mel and her mom. This was one of the most touching, heartfelt stories I’ve ever read.

This was extremely well written & while sad, the exploration and excitement of new beginnings played a huge role in the book and in healing . I loved the characters so much, the storyline was a perfect combination of love, relationships, healing, moving forward and so much more. It truly was a feel good story!

Thank you to Netgalley and aaknopf for an ARC of A Home For the Holidays in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful cover and a creative story exploring relationships that are complex and also unfolding ones. I liked the direction the author went in with the characters and thought it was well written. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I received an ARC of A Home for the Holidays.

I loved this book. The weaving of the story. The sweet relationships built in Mel’s time of need.

I wished there had been a bit better character development for Henry, Summer, and Lizzie. For the parts they played, I didn’t get to know them well.

However, I can see past all of that to enjoy the ride that was Mel’s dealing with the grief of losing her mother around the holidays. The outcomes were worth it!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of A Home for the Holidays.

I enjoy heartwarming stories especially around the holidays so I was pleased my request was approved.

The premise was promising which focused on a wedding singer named Mel Hart whose mom passes away right before Christmas.

When Mel connects with her mom's ex-BFF, Barbara, she discovers surprises about her mom's past, and their relationship.

Sadly, this was too corny and sentimental for me.

Mel breaks up with her loser boyfriend, but meets and falls in love with Barbara's (handsome) doctor son, Mel's BFF meets her soulmate in Barbara's daughter, Summer. Summer is in the music business (lucky!) and helps Mel score an audition with American Idol, I mean. American Icon.

Everything falls into place, everyone falls in love, relationships are quickly mended. etc.

I did like Mel reconnecting with her dad, and when Barbara admits she wasn't a good friend to Mel's mom because she lacked strength and courage.

I understand this was supposed to be a feel-good story but this was just too romance-y and sappy for me.

Thank you @aaknopf and @netgalley for the eARC of A Home for the Holidays by @taylorsheahahn in exchange for an honest review!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Mel Hart had a difficult childhood and spent most of the year being the parent to her own mother, except for Christmas. Christmas was the magical time her mother kept special for her, even through her drinking daze. Now an adult, Mel receives the call that her mother has died on December 14th, a true shot in the heart to the Christmas spirit. As someone who lost their mother on December 13th, the roller coaster of emotions with a loss like this so close to Christmas is wild and Taylor Hahn writes Mel’s grief perfectly. When an old friend of her mother, Barbara, reaches out to Mel, she has the gift to see her mother in another light. It is like a true Christmas miracle for Mel to be able to work through her grief in this unique way. A Home for the Holidays is an absolutely beautiful and cathartic read so grab the tissues and settle down to enjoy this one.

5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review is posted on Goodreads and will be on Instagram ahead of the publication date!