The Most Wonderful Time

A Novel

By: Jayne Allen

Narrated by: Mela Lee

""The Most Wonderful Time is a lovable, unexpectedly thought-provoking Christmas romp of a novel from the ever-sparkling pen of Jayne Allen!"" — Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye and The Alice Network

The author of the beloved, bestselling Black Girls Must Die Exhausted trilogy returns with an intriguing blend of Such a Fun Age and The Holiday—an irresistible holiday rom com about heartbreak, hope, love, and the joy that comes from rediscovering oneself.

With Christmas around the corner, Ramona Tucker is desperate to get away. She has been lying to her family about her engagement to Malik, her (ex) fiancé. But breakups are fickle, and Ramona is convinced that she can make her pretend wedding real again—but only if she can avoid everyone discovering her secret at her mother’s over-the-top Christmas Eve party.

Two-thousand miles away in sunny Malibu, Chelsea Flint needs money to hold on to the beloved beachside cottage she shared with her late parents. The taxes are expensive, and her art isn’t paying the bills. Once an irresistible star of the Los Angeles art scene, Chelsea seems to have lost that spark that vaulted her to the top. If she doesn’t rediscover that magic—and sell a painting—soon, it will be her family’s home she’s selling instead.

The two women swap homes, just in time, thanks to some careful planning by Ramona’s best friend and a sturdy nudge from Chelsea’s gallerist godmother. Ramona’s Malibu dreams of sun and surf are interrupted as her first night brings an unwelcome stranger to her door, making her question who she can trust—the meddling neighbor Joan, or Jay, the handsome beachside fitness instructor with a secret of his own. Chelsea, desperate for Ramona to stay, hides what she knows—even if that means jeopardizing her budding connection with charming Carlos, whose dreams for his future could be the very key to unlock Chelsea from the weight of her past.

Combining escapist fun and sizzling romance, a dose of poignant self-reflection, and a little holiday magic, The Most Wonderful Time is a warm and relatable novel that will delight at Christmas and throughout the year.

• A touching holiday read
• Perfect for fans of uplifting winter romances
• A delightful Christmas gift

Things can always turn out for the best

this is an easy read, and a cute story. Nice for when you want to unwind.

Cute Christmas romance!

This was like a two for one romance…I do hope there is a sequel because now I’m curious as to how everything ends up with both couples. Not to give the book away but it’s a good book that deals with grief, lost love and budding romances and friendships. Good read!

The story

Needed a different performer. I wasn’t able to connect with the characters as much. The storyline as always was well thought out.

Nice read for the holidays

Light-hearted, joyful read for the holiday season 🎄. I enjoyed the depth of characters as they explored what it means to really live life and being brave enough to redefine what makes them happy.

Cute

I honestly wasn’t sure at first, but I locked in about a third of the way through. I’m often hesitant about stories that jump from one person to the next (because ADHD…), but this one kept me engaged.