'Tis the Damn Season by Fiona Gibson - Book Review

Publication Date: 11th Sep 2024

Genre: Christmas Contemporary Fiction 

3.7 stars 

One Liner: A heartwarming read (though some of it could have been better) 

Old friends and women in their forties, Shelley, Pearl, and Lena decide to take a break for three days before Christmas and go to stay at a B&B in the Highlands. When they get snowed in and realize they cannot go back to celebrate the festival with their families, the women have to face the real reasons for their escape and decide what they want to do with their lives when they go back. 

Will they continue with their old lives and same old frustrations or find the courage to break the patterns? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Shelley, Pearl, and Lena, with a few chapters from Joel, Tommy, Michael, and Martha’s POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a quick yet heartwarming story about three women and how they face the issues in their lives (and come out stronger). Given the premise, I wasn’t looking for romance. There’s a bit of new love but the focus is on how three women deal with different situations. 

It was heartwarming to read about their friendship. They share a deep bond, and it shows in their interactions. 

The Highland setting during Christmas, the snow, and the cozy B&B are beautiful. I enjoyed the descriptions that provide the necessary detail but don’t distract the reader from the plot. 

There’s a cute doggie, Stan, who is adorable. Then, there is a five-year-old guest, Theo, who is NOT cute; a proper brat! 

The side characters are decently done. Not too deep but works for the plot. We hate those we need to hate and feel bad for those who need our sympathy. However, I did want more from Tommy’s character and was disappointed a little. 

It seems that teenagers are given a free pass for certain things. Since a couple of important questions are not answered, I’m left wondering about their intentions. Can’t say I could feel bad for them (in fact, it’s the opposite). 

While the ending is hopeful for all three ladies, I do wish Lena’s track and Brandon’s track were explored a little more. A kind partner is an asset. But a weak person with a kind heart is a headache.

Anyway, the book ends on a positive note and suits the Christmas mood with a bittersweet-cum-hopeful vibes. 

To summarize, 'Tis the Damn Season is a quick read about three women whose time away from their families helps them reevaluate their lives and make some much-needed decisions. You can finish in a single sitting (or two). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TistheDamnSeason