A Bella Flora Christmas by Wendy Wax | Novella Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A TEN BEACH ROAD NOVELLA   The ladies of Ten Beach Road are home for the holidays in this brand-new novella.

Although their lives have changed since their first desperate renovation of Bella Flora, friends Madeline, Avery, and Nicole have always been there for each other. Now they're returning to Bella Flora for Christmas—where Maddie’s daughter Kyra isn’t feeling particularly celebratory.   Kyra was hoping for a peaceful holiday at Bella Flora—a last gathering before a wealthy, mystery tenant moves into the home she’s been forced to rent out. Instead, she must make a life altering decision by New Year’s -- a decision that becomes even more difficult when unexpected guests arrive at Ten Beach Road on Christmas Eve. Now Kyra, Maddie, Avery and Nikki will need to pull together to secure Bella Flora’s future, as well as their own.

Includes an excerpt from Best Thing Ever

A Bella Flora Christmas by Wendy Wax is a SUPER quick Christmas novella that I read entirely out of context. This novella is part of a larger series called Ten Beach Road. I have read basically none of the other books in the series. I will say that did affect my perception of this novella a little bit. Readers who want a more glamorous sort of Christmas read as opposed to a cozy read will likely enjoy this quick read.

Wendy Wax’s A Bella Flora Christmas follows main character Kyra, a young single mom who has a tough decision to make. Kyra lives in a giant house called Bella Flora in Florida with her son Dustin. Dustin’s father is a movie star and a total dick. Kyra’s mother is dating an aged rocker and is pretty cool. So, the plot of this book is about when all her friends and family come to visit on Christmas eve and Christmas day. However, it’s also about her choice to allow Dustin to be in a movie with his father.

Overall, I read A Bella Flora Christmas very quickly. There’s a sufficient bit of information dump about all the characters and their scenarios. It kind of gets you up to speed on the other books in the series. However, this novella really doesn’t feel like a completed story. It feels like an extended chapter to a much longer story. I don’t know that I could 100% recommend you check it out without reading the other books first. Also, I sort of felt like Kyra’s choice was a bad one in light of all these Hollywood revelations that are coming out. Not sure I would ever subject my child to that kind of industry so that really colored my perspective.

On A Scale Of One To Buddy The Elf, How Much Christmas Spirit Does This Book Have?

Eh, so the title has Christmas in it. However, not much of the book has to do with Christmas, maybe a few pages. Like there’s a tiny bit on the lead up but it is more about people arriving. Then Christmas day is like one chapter where Dustin gets a present from his dad. Finally there’s a post Christmas chapter where Kyra makes her choice. Then it’s the end. So, overall, this did not live up to Buddy The Elf spirit hopes and expectations. That’s fine. If you want a more low key book give this one a shot.

Other reviews of A Bella Flora Christmas by Wendy Wax:

• Romancing The Book – “another heartwarming story of friends that have become family“
• Silver’s Reviews – “a perfect read for fans of the Ten Beach Road series“
• The Novel Lady - “a bit of a disappointment to me“

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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