A LITTLE HOLIDAY FLING

Soneela Nankani surrounds listeners with the warmth of Toronto's Christmas festivities as she portrays the romance between two Muslim Canadians. Ruby meets Rashid at a Christmas tree lot and finds him to be a sullen Grinch. But Rashid's persona changes as he and Ruby communicate honestly and agree to Christmas outings with his two nieces. Ruby's dedication to holiday traditions and her determination to honor her mother's memory ring true in Nankani's narration. She shows Ruby's agency in standing up for herself with Rashid and with her estranged father. She also makes Rashid a likable partner and voices his nieces and all Ruby's acquaintances with aplomb. Nankani anchors Heron's winter-themed romance, naturally conveying the roadblocks as Ruby and Rashid move from holiday fling to deeper feelings. C.A. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2025]