Make the Season Bright

It's always a sign of a good book when you find yourself crying in the last act. And let me tell you, I cried. MtSB is far more angsty than I originally thought it would be. The title and cover both scream that this is a happy, fluffy, fun holiday hijinx, but that couldn't be further from the truth. It's quite serious, and often sad in a mournful way. But it's deadly romantic, and the chemistry between Charlotte and Brighton is pure electric. I loved seeing them fall in love, both as teens and then again in the present day. They cannot help but gravitate towards each other, and it is so, so enjoyable to read. There's a line near the end of the book that hit me like a truck. It's about how risking something to take a step forward is better than staying still in "just okay". I won't copy the dialogue here, but it is an absolutely brilliant piece of writing. That I highlighted and will be revisited again and again. I really enjoyed this book. It's not a shallow Hallmark romance by any means. It is a complex exploration of grief, forgiveness, moving forward, and most of all--love. It's wonderful. It is a deeply satisfying read. I loved it. 10/10 would recommend.

This story wasn't what I expected from the title. However, it is truly a story of loves perseverance. Brighton and Charlotte have loved each other since they were children; but insecurities and lack of communication lead to epic implosion of the relationship. The two meet again by chance when they both go home with friends for the holiday. I enjoyed the book.... especially how well the author weaves a story and creates characters with such depth. The parts I struggled with were Charlotte's mother's character and Brighton's insecurities. These two things just didn't seem as well integrated in the storyline for me. But overall, I thought the story was really engaging. If you are looking for a cutsey, romantic comedy then this story may not do it for you. If you like a real life, emotional rollercoaster of a romance then this will hit the mark.

I wanted to love this book. I’m a huge fan of second chance romances but I’m sorry, this one was just a huge let down. I actually almost threw the book across the room a couple of times. SPOILERS!! You are left at the alter not just by the woman you loved but by the ONLY woman you have EVER loved. Your first love, your childhood best friend. That’s a certain kind of love that runs deep and the betrayal…. Maybe I’m just not a forgiving person but I can not accept Lola’s forgiveness of Brighton. I would never forgive Brighton if it was me. It’s baffling that you can say you love someone so deeply and yet she left her at the alter without a word? Who does that to their best friend? Yes, the author tries to brush it off with a weak excuse at best but when you love someone that deeply you MAKE them hear you. You don’t get engaged and plan a wedding and then run like the coward Brighton was and then have the audacity to blame Lola. Lolas forgiveness for me was WAY TOO EASY. Trust like the two these had was shattered and is not easily rebuilt. Even if Lola needed to forgive Brighton for herself, I can’t even begin to imagine how she would ever trust Brighton again. Considering how deep Lola’s scars ran because of her mother making her feel worthless, honestly, the WORST thing Brighton could have done, she did. She reaffirmed everything Lola’s mother ever made her believe about herself. Lola deserved more, deserved better and honestly, I think Lola taking her back speaks volumes…

Ashley Blake was one of the first sapphic authors that I ever read, with Delilah Green doesn't care trilogy, and I loved it. That was legendary. But, to be honest, when I heard she was releasing a new book, I tried very hard not to have expectations. I must say, Miss Blake, this book checked all the boxes for what I always look in a book. Lola and Bright's story felt very real, hit right on the feelings, and it was authentic. You showed them as they truly are, human with a lot of flaws and insecurities. And for that, I'm truly thankful. I invite everyone to read this wonderful masterpiece, and not only for Christmas time.

This was my first Herring Blake novel, but it won't be my last! I enjoyed reading it around Christmas time (when it was set). And I loved learning about Charlotte and Brighton's history and watching them try to interact like normal in the present, when they meet up again unexpectedly. There were definitely moments when I didn't understand either character, but the story worked for each of them. I liked each character individually, but I'm not sure I believe they belonged together. However, I did enjoy watching how much each one of them grew.