Finding My Elf by David Valdes
Single All the Way meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this festive romcom about Cam, who’s trying to find the “the one” and also trying to find himself—while spending winter break working at a hectic Santa’s Village.
Escaping to NYU for college didn’t turn out the way Cameron planned—he’s flunking his theater classes, about to lose his scholarship, and he still hasn’t found anyone he can call his “people.” When he gets home for winter break, he’s so desperate to avoid a Conversation with his dad that he takes the first acting job he can get—as a mall elf. Despite how Scroogey he feels, the plus side is that there’s a cash prize for the most festive of Santa’s helpers.
But the competition is fierce—especially from fellow elf Marco. Christmas spirit oozes out of his veins. At first Cam is determined to see him as nothing but a rival, but as they spend more time together, Cam starts to second-guess himself. What if he’s finally found his people here—in the fakest consumerist nightmare place on Earth, where he least expected it?
Review:
I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fun fact about me. I LOVE Christmas just as much as I love Halloween, and one thing you may be really surprised to learn is that I am slightly obsessed with Hallmark Christmas movies. If you’ve listened to this podcast for any length of time, you’ll know that cheesy romances aren’t really my thing, but for some reason if you give me a cheesy romance set at Christmas time, then I am all in. Throw in some snow and some Christmas magic and I will forgive every annoying trope, stereotype and plotline that has been used to death. I love it.
That said, I absolutely adored this book, and even though it is set during Christmas, that wasn’t the only reason I loved it. I read this one at the beginning of October and felt a bit like a department store putting out their Christmas decor before Halloween was over, but having just read 25 horror/thriller/mystery books in a row, this was the perfect palette cleanser.
The story revolves around Cameron (Cam), a college student at a crossroads in life. Cam was the star in all of his high school theatre productions, and after graduation, he set off to study theatre at NYU but quickly learned that things are much different in college. Cam no longer stands out as the star, and he is pretty sure when his grades come in, they won’t be high enough to keep his scholarship, and he won’t be able to go back. How can he possibly tell his dad or his friends this? Desperate to escape difficult conversations with his dad about his personal failures, Cam takes on the unexpected role of a mall elf at the new mall in his hometown. Here, he meets the puppy-dog cute Marco, who is a little too cheery and perfect for the job. When Cam learns there will be a competition between all of Santa’s elves, with the winner bringing home enough money to keep Cam at NYU without his scholarship, the competition is on. Cam just needs to stay focused on the prize rather than the way Marco makes his heart pitter-patter.
Woven throughout the story are themes of self-discovery and personal growth. As Cameron navigates his way through the challenges of his college failures and the pressures of family expectations, he gradually learns to let go of his preconceived notions and embrace the possibilities that lie before him. This exploration of identity and self-acceptance is expertly conveyed, and leaves us with a sense of hope and inspiration.
As far as characters go, Cameron is a relatable and lovable character. Through his often clumsy yet endearing charm, readers can’t help but root for Cam as he strives to find his place in the world. We feel his disappointment in himself, and we totally understand why he doesn’t want to tell his dad he may be failing out of school. Speaking of his dad, has there ever been a cuter and sweeter parent? His obsession with Christmas and all things snowmen and his dedication to Cam are seriously adorable.
And we can’t forget Marco. He is the embodiment of the Christmas spirit, serving as both a friendly rival and a guiding light in Cameron’s journey. The dynamic between Cameron and Marco adds another layer of charm to the narrative. As their relationship develops, Valdes convincingly portrays their deepening connection, challenging Cameron’s preconceived notions and helping him discover a newfound sense of belonging.
Aside from the characters, the author skillfully captures the chaos, excitement, and enchantment of Santa’s village, and adding a competition element makes it even more fun. Everywhere we turn these days, there’s another competition – be it on TV or otherwise – and I loved the idea of mall elves competing for the prize of top elf, especially when two of them are falling for each other.
Finding My Elf is a super fun rom-com perfect for the holidays. It’s filled with warmth, humor, and a touch of holiday magic. The relatable characters, charming setting, and heartfelt themes make this book a delightful read that will leave you feeling all kinds of warm and fuzzy this holiday season. Embrace the magic and pick up a copy – you won’t be disappointed!
