A Second Chance and Sweet Romance in 'The Politics of Christmas'

Second chances.

We all wish for them, but what happens when we actually get a redo? What happens when our biggest regret stares us in the face when we least expect it?

Stella was eighteen when Lucas proposed to her. Just hours after saying yes, she received a letter from her dream college. Torn by two of the most important decisions she would ever have to make, Stella chooses a path that leaves two hearts broken and the next ten years of her life riddled with unknown regrets.

The Politics of Christmas, by Drew Taylor, was my first official eARC read! I honestly didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I’m so grateful to have been able to read Stella and Lucas’s story before its release. It was the perfect read for my beach vacation. I had plenty of time to leisurely delve into it and really soak in the sweet romance!

One of my favorite aspects of The Politics of Christmas was the chemistry between Stella and Lucas. It was a beautifully executed lovers to enemies to lovers trope, a concept I hadn’t read about in way too long. Stella and Lucas were once engaged right out of high school, but when faced with her dreams, Stella chose to abandon Mississippi and move to New York to completely start fresh. However, as fate would have it, the couple is reunited ten years later with a comical meeting at the airport. From the moment Stella meets the ground… er, I mean, meets his eyes… the story is off to a wonderful start. From crude bantering to mild flirting, Stella and Lucas’s relationship is a sweet, slow burn as old feelings are revived.

I truly loved The Politics of Christmas! I am, again, so grateful to the lovely Drew Taylor for letting me read through it. I am so excited to see her writing career set sail and how the Lord will mightily use her for His glory!

Characters and Character Development

Stella Harper has a passion for politics and a dream to change the world. She is a vivacious and outgoing young woman though she is subtly haunted by her past decisions. After leaving her hometown in Mississippi to chase her dreams, she can’t help but wonder if she made the right decision. At the age of twenty-eight, her second chance arrives though she never sees it coming.

Lucas Grady, on the other hand, is the cutest Southern guy I’ve ever read about. He’s a hardworking, loving, passionate young man, though his past is riddled with pain and regret. When he is asked to pick up Stella from the airport ten years after proposing to her, he begrudgingly agrees, oblivious to how his life would forever change.

When Stella and Lucas meet again after ten years, they both still dwell on previous anger. Stella, still clinging to something Lucas said in the past, is sharp and sarcastic with him. Lucas, on the other hand, tries to hide the things he feels by bandaging his wounds with quick wits. However, as the story continues, the character development shines through. Their love for each other begins to rekindle, and they must learn to forgive. Their forgiveness ultimately leads to a precious romance that is sure to leave readers with soft, mushy hearts.

Romance and/or *Spice*

The whole story revolves around a second chance romance, so you can expect some kisses and hugs. I truly applaud Drew Taylor as she kept everything squeaky clean. Stella and Lucas practice self-control and rely on the Lord to keep them from going too far. It’s a great romance for the readers that want something clean but also moving.

Violence

The Politics of Christmas is a sweet rom-com without anything violent. There is a mention of a car accident, but nothing explicit in the least!

Spirituality

While this book isn’t explicitly Christian, there are subtle elements of faith entwined throughout. It’s not preachy whatsoever, but rather reveals the inner prayers of Stella and Lucas. It was beautifully executed as the faith wasn’t overwhelming, but it still gave a hint of the firm foundations Stella and Lucas stand upon.

Recommended Audience

I can’t say confidently that The Politics of Christmas should have a set audience. It is clean, enjoyable, and entertaining for many audiences and age groups. I loved it, but I also think a fifteen-year-old would enjoy it as much as a thirty-five-year-old would. The spectrum is super broad, so I can’t put a limit on it. I truly think everyone would enjoy it—the comedy, the love, the hope, the faith. There are aspects in it that all ages will love!

Overall Conclusion

I can’t give The Politics of Christmas enough hype. I loved it from the first page to the last, and I just know everyone else will, too. It’s a light read, perfect for road trips or afternoons with coffee. It is such a sweet, light-hearted read, and I would love for you all to read it, too. Drew Taylor has done an outstanding job with her debut novel, and I encourage you to get your hands on it as soon as possible!

The Politics of Christmas releases on July 5th, 2022! Get your copy now!

All my love,

L. Taylor