I absolutely loved this book. I think it is very thought-provoking and calls to so many important social issues, as well as one's place within various systems of power and how those roles intersect.

One thing I really liked is just how unlikable the main character is. She is messy, self-absorbed, problematic, and the fact that she is all of these things and more is what adds so much nuance and beauty to the many messages within this book. The same way that although I think some of the messages and information are more tell instead of show, it actually does benefit the character and world that it is done this way, and allows other beautiful details to be what is shown to us.

All in all, this book is so intentional and layered, in such a well-done way. And I know for a fact I will be getting a copy so I can annotate and break down more of that, because it was so beautifully done!

This is a very Hallmark-esque second-chance romance and leans into that well. I do appreciate that there is a bit more of a complex undertone to the drama between Calista and Tristan. However, I don't think it was as successful at blending that into the holiday romance, and some of the more chaotic and childish, but funny, aspects of their dynamic. Making it come across blocky at times.

Although this isn't my favourite holiday romance, I do think it was a fun time. Though for anyone particular about audiobook narration, this is one to read a physical or ebook copy of. It's not the worst I've heard, but how the male narrator did the niece's voice and even Calista's was not something I really enjoyed. I am not too particular about narration, so I kept listening. Though I adjusted my speed to see if that was the issue, and it was not.

Well, my mother and her slight fear of squirrels would never survive this book, but I adored the new addition to the weirdly specific and in-your-face animals of this world.

Overall, I think this is a well-done sequel. I was impressed with how they expanded the world, while still keeping the charm and goofiness of Beatrice's small town tied into the story. I do think that some of the charm and ridiculousness of the situational humour was lost, but they maintained it enough that it's still present. I was also super happy that we got to properly meet the infamous Sir Huxley in this book and see how he played into Beatrice and Inspector Drake's new dynamic as partners.

I really enjoyed my time with this book, and I definitely want to continue the series and see what other chaos occurs.