I received this book for free from Hear Our Voices Book Tours and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello Published by Soho Press on October 3, 2023
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Holidays & Celebrations, Young Adult Fiction / Own Voices, Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Pages: 312
Format: Hardcover
Source: Hear Our Voices Book Tours and the publisher
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Goodreads
The Sun Is Also a Star meets You’ve Got Mail in this YA Christmas love story set in a London Black-owned bookshop.
Charming, handsome Trey Anderson balances the pressures of school popularity with a job at his family’s beloved local bookshop, Wonderland.
Quirky, creative Ariel Spencer needs tuition for the prestigious art program of her dreams, and an opening at Wonderland is the answer. When Trey and Ariel learn that Wonderland is on the brink of being shut down by a neighborhood gentrifier, they team up to stop the doors from closing before the Christmas Eve deadline—and embark on a hate-to-love journey that will change them forever.
Heartwarming and romantic, this read is the gift that keeps on giving, no matter the season.
Welcome to my stop on the Love in Winter Wonderland Book Tour hosted by Hear Our Voices Book Tours! Special thanks to them and the publisher for having me on the tour.
Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello celebrates Black love, friendship and the importance of community. It combines my most favorite setting with my most favorite holiday: Independent bookstore + Christmas = perfect setting for romance!
There is just something magical being surrounded by books in an Indy bookstore during the holidays. Main characters Trey and Ariel finds themselves working together to save Trey’s family business. Trey’s family has owned the Wonderland bookstore since his great grandfather opened it. It’s the only Black-owned and family – run bookshop in that area of London.
It’s a little bit opposites attract, as Ariel is a red-haired artist who sometimes struggles socially and Trey is the cool, popular boy who is one half of the most popular couple in school. But the one thing they have in common? You guessed! Books! And when Ariel comes into the shop looking for a job at just the right time, the two teens find themselves working together to save the shop by Christmas Eve.
A Few of My Favorite Things
Here are some of my loves from Love in Winter Wonderland:
- Black Teen Romance
- Supportive friends and the significance of friendship and community
- Christmas playlist ( I can’t wait to put together this mix!)
- Importance of family
- Showcasing the brilliance and ingenuity of teens with their talent and how they leverage social media to be changemakers
- And did I say the fact that it’s set in a bookshop during Christmastime?! (Swoon!)
For Educators
This is a great book to discuss the importance of community and friendship, gentrification, aspiring dreams and working towards a goal. In the age of social media, teens in this generation understand the power of “followers”, “likes” and “comments”. Ask them what kind of impact they would have on making a difference regarding an issue in society if they honed the power of social media to support that change they seek.
About the Author
Check out more about Abiola Bello at her website: https://www.a-bello.com/about-a-bello
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