Book Review: The Holiday Honeymoon Switch

By Melissa Smoot

Holly Beech and Ivy Casey are bury-the-body besties. They’re so in sync, they even look alike. When Holly’s fiancé jilts her, leaving her in shock and with a nonrefundable honeymoon, Holly convinces Ivy to switch places. Ivy will go on the Hawaiian honeymoon her best friend can’t bear to take alone, while Holly escapes to Ivy’s rented Hudson Valley cabin to binge-watch holiday movies and heal.

But Holly’s wallowing is interrupted when her rugged Airbnb host turns out to be her high school academic rival who’s had a major glow-up. Meanwhile, Ivy’s (now Hawaiian) annual solo art retreat is upended when Holly’s ex-fiancé checks into the honeymoon suite—with a new woman. Raging and bed-less, the last thing Ivy expects is for the hot hotel bartender to come to her rescue. Against all odds, this Christmas might prove the most magical yet. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I found myself smiling to myself throughout this entire book. It is such a warm and heartfelt story about love, friendship, and the courage to start over. The endearing and loving friendship between the two main characters, Holly and Ivy, was written so well. There were times I found myself missing my own long-distance best friend, terribly. I really liked how McKay wrote the book in two different points-of-view, so we got to hear both Holly’s and Ivy’s voices. Both friends were grappling with their own pasts and traumas, and I loved how the author let them find their ways in their own time.

The dichotomy of the two settings, Hawaii and upstate New York also made it more interesting and fun to read. I could feel the heat of the sun when the chapters were set in Hawaii and the snowy chill of the air while reading the scenes in New York. The holiday setting made it even more perfect. I have spent time over the holidays in both settings, so it was easy for me to picture them both in my mind. Overall, this was a really sweet story, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for the perfect festive read this holiday season.

Thanks to Putnam for the book in exchange for an honest review. Purchase The Holiday Honeymoon Switch here.

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