The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman
From bookfluencer and host of the BAD ON PAPER podcast, a riotous holiday rom-com about four friends in NYC who hold onto their unconventional Christmas tradition even when their paths diverge—but the changes they fear might be exactly what they need…
Hannah and Finn have spent every Christmas together since college. Neither has anywhere else to go—Hannah’s parents died, and Finn’s disowned him when he came out. Their tradition of offbeat holiday adventures only grows more outrageous with time. When the pair starts their adult lives in New York City, they add stylish Priya and mysterious Theo to the group, solidifying a found family and sense of belonging they’ve always craved.
But now, when Finn announces a move to L.A., this Christmas may be their last. Hannah is terrified of losing the family she’s built for herself, even as her boyfriend nudges her toward commitment. Meanwhile, Finn struggles with the things he’s about to leave behind—namely, his unexpressed feelings for Theo. Does growing up mean growing apart? This Christmas the changes these friends fear may be exactly what they need. . . .
Review:
I pre-ordered this book as soon as I read the synopsis. It sounded perfect for my holiday-loving heart, and I immediately added it to my post-Halloween TBR.
In “The Christmas Orphan’s Club,” we are introduced to Hannah and Finn, two best friends who have spent every Christmas together since college. Hannah’s parents tragically died when she was young. Hannah and her sister aren’t close, leaving her feeling lost and alone. Finn, on the other hand, was disowned by his family when he came out as gay, and his father kicked him out. The two meet in college when Finn randomly shows up at Hannah’s dorm room dressed in a costume from the theater department. He saw Hannah’s light on and decided to introduce himself. No one should be alone on Christmas, so Finn takes Hannah on a Christmas adventure, kicking off a beautiful friendship and a yearly Christmas tradition. Together, they find solace in their offbeat holiday adventures, eventually adding two more friends – Theo and Priya to the mix.
As the years go by, their Christmas day shenanigans become more and more extraordinary, and it seems nothing could tear this group apart – not until Hannah and Finn find themselves at a crossroads. Finn announces his plans to move to Los Angeles, which leaves Hannah terrified of losing the only family she has ever known. As she grapples with her fear and uncertainty, she also faces pressure from her boyfriend to take their relationship to the next level. Meanwhile, Finn is torn between a new career in LA, away from the life he’s built in New York, and his unexpressed feelings for Theo. Is this the end of the Christmas Orphans Club?
What I loved most about this book is that it focused on the friendships and less on the romances that Finn and Hannah are involved in. I’ve read so many books where it seems the author randomly shifts the focus to either the sex or the romance, and it completely ruins the story for me, but that was not the case here. Freeman masterfully explores the complexities of friendship, love, and personal growth, crafting multi-dimensional characters that readers will instantly connect with and care about.
Hannah is absolutely adorable. We can feel her loneliness, and I loved how committed she was to her found family of friends. I understood why she grappled with the fear of change and the desire to hold onto the family she had created. Finn’s internal struggle between his feelings for Theo and his fear of losing his friendship with Hannah is also very sweet, and Priya and Theo bring their own unique perspectives and dynamics to the group, enriching the story even further.
The author captures the magic of the holiday season with vivid descriptions of New York City during Christmas time and the charming traditions the group indulges in. Her prose is infused with warmth and humor, making it a joy to read. Each page is filled with moments that will have you laughing one moment and tearing up the next. This was a friend group that I related to and wanted to be a part of.
The book is filled with themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and
the importance of embracing change – even if it means breaking with traditions (or in some cases, making new ones). Through the journeys of Hannah, Finn, and the rest of the group, readers are reminded that family isn’t just about blood relations but about the unconditional love and support we find in the people who truly see and accept us for who we are.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and uplifting read that will put you in the holiday spirit, then look no further than “The Christmas Orphan’s Club.” It’s a delightful holiday read that will warm your heart and leave you with a renewed sense of hope. It’s the perfect book to curl up with by the fireplace and a cup of hot cocoa.
