This was the book equivalent of a PureFlix film, including misogyny, using forgiveness to continue cycles of abuse, and the most rushed romance I have ever read. Like... she's awed and amazed that he had wanted to kiss her since the day before.

I want to make it clear: I didn't rate this book a one star because of the religious aspects, though I do think this should have been marketed better. With that being said, I did want to mention that - as an ex-Christian - I did find the religious aspects both tedious and... very forced. The prayers were both excessive and really awkwardly placed/timed?

I went into this expecting a fun, Christmassy time and I left feeling very let-down.

There's not a single enjoyable moment in this nor are any of the characters redeemable. A big part of the story is Starr's love for her family which makes... no sense. If my boyfriend of 6 months left me the moment he laid eyes on my sister and then my entire family treated me like I was unreasonable for being uncomfortable, I'd be a little bothered.

Overall, this was... a mess and I did not like a single thing about it. I wish the author well and I hope she continues to find readers that love her books, I'm just not one of them.