reads like fanfic in the best way possible. i could’ve read a full length, 700 page version of this book and be happy. 

pros:
virtually nothing happens except characters feeling things and talking to each other about those feelings, which is my ideal narrative. fun to get to be in different POVs for the first time. a nice interlude for them to digest the events of the first 3 books as well. fun found family vibes.

cons:
tragically fucks itself in the last 20% by including my least favorite romance plot point of all fucking time. unfortunately i have to look past this because the rest is so incredible. what a shame.

Pregnancy trope was annoying. This book didn’t need to exist. 

Out of the series I've liked this one the least. Still a good read but I just didn't love the plot and couldn't find myself to care about most of the characters. The only character I really enjoyed reading about was Elaine, I'm usually more invested in the other characters. 

This book was beautiful. It was that sort of needed read between the war and every chaos of the previous books and what's coming next. It was relaxing, to just read about festive times and love. Love how we also got so much more insight in the other characters their lifes. It's a little treasure and SJM nails it every damn time. Onto the next one!