Cute novella, perfect read in between book 1 and 2.
This book is told from the 4 POVs, each main character has its own chapters. This was so much fun to read and listen to! It’s a perfect “prologue” to the next book in this series. Time wise I was a little bit confused because apparently it takes place after the last chapter of the last summer but before its epilogue, so in fact you already know the “big secret”. For some reason I thought it took place after that epilogue. I’d definitely recommend you read this one before starting the final chance.

You can find my full review of this book and others here:

https://leahs-books.com/2020/12/23/the-first-holidays/

I absolutely love Cait’s writing, and this story is certainly no exception. After reading The Last Summer, I couldn’t wait to read a short story that continued Lila and Gavin’s story, and kicked off something between Dylan and Beth Ann to be carried on in The Final Chance.

Lila and Gavin are the cutest couple ever. This story gives them plenty of time to showcase their adorableness (is that even a word? If it wasn’t before, it is now!) I was thrilled to see that it wasn’t just a Christmas story, either. One of the characters is Jewish, and having my own family traditions echoed in a holiday book made me feel SEEN! The Christmas traditions are beautiful as well, but the main focus of the book is on so much more than the holiday celebrations — it’s about the connections between the characters.

Lila and Gavin are a solid and established couple basking in their happiness, which is well-deserved after how hard they fought to be together. If you haven’t read their story in The Last Summer, now is the time to give it a read. They’re super sweet together, and it made me so happy to see them celebrating holidays together again.

Dylan and Beth Ann are so clearly crushing on each other, but Beth Ann is fighting it. It’s hard to start a relationship with someone when you live 800 miles away for most of the year, so I completely understand where she’s coming from. Long-distance relationships are tough, although I also understand Dylan’s point of view. He’s such a good guy, so I really wanted to see Beth Ann just get over it, and get the happily ever after, or at least a happy for now.

But … it’s a short story, and Dylan and Beth Ann’s story is just getting started. The story is great, and it made me super excited for The Final Chance to drop so I can dive right into it and find out what happens next. Trust me, you won’t be sorry!

Cait Marie's writing is beautiful, heartwarming, and heart wrenching. She does a lovely job writing stories of love, family, adventures, and all of the feelings that come along with it. I absolutely adored The Last Summer and was equally impressed with The First Holidays.

The First Holidays is a short story that comes after The Last Summer but is a mini prequel to the next book. Lila, Gavin, Dylan, and Beth Ann are all home for the holidays. They plan to spend as much time together as possible. Dylan wants to use that time to get closer to Beth Ann. Beth Anns family has other ideas about travelling to see family, so Dylan makes a plan to join in on it.

Everything seems to be going well until the New Years party when Beth Ann had a heartbreaking surprise. While also, Lila gives an amazing surprise to Gavin.

It is a very fast paced, quick read to introduce Beth Ann and Dylan a little more. I look forward to reading the next in order see what happens next. The relationships and friendships are so strong, but it also begins to introduce some tough family dynamics.

This story does hint a little bit at cheating in relationships but doesn't go into detail or give information.

I need the next book now because this made me cry. It was so perfect. The writing the emotions. It had it all and I need more. How the heck so I have a book hangover after something so short. Like what the heck. I shouldn't be this attached but I am. Best book I've read all year so far.

This short story follows the events of "The Last Summer" (read that first!) and is a prequel to "The Final Chance", a book yet to be released.

This is really the beginning of Beth Ann's and Dylan's story, but we're also reunited with Lila and Gavin, which I enjoyed; they're such a cute couple!

It's a cosy story, well suited to read this time of year. Since it's so short you can read it in one sitting if you like. I was prepared to give "The First Holidays" five stars, because I truly enjoyed it, but then came the epilogue and ruined that cosy feeling... Even though I knew this was only the beginning of their story I didn't expect that ending. What was Dylan thinking?! With that said, I'm really looking forward to reading "The Final Chance" - because I want my happy ending!

* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *