MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT

Childhood sweethearts get a second chance in this bittersweet holiday romance. Serious, closed-off violinist Charlotte is devoted to her successful classical quartet, and narrator Kristen DiMercurio gives her an unemotional, lower-register voice. Singer-songwriter Brighton is reeling from being kicked out of her own band. Five years earlier, Brighton left Charlotte at the altar; now, they're both unexpectedly guests of the same Colorado family over Christmas. DiMercurio makes Brighton sound meek and clingy when she interacts with Charlotte, whom she calls Lola. Both women have a lot of complicated feelings to work through before they can move forward, and much of the audiobook is a less than jolly listening experience as they endure the forced proximity and reluctantly attend holiday-themed matchmaking events with their friends. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2024]