If you are looking for the perfect Christmas read, “The Holiday Treatment” should be top of your list for Santa.
Light-hearted, laugh-out-loud funny with all the right ingredients for a perfect Christmas rom-com, it would make the ideal screenplay for a Netflix special.
Talking of which… Holly Hudson writes screenplays for the Wifetime Network, specifically a series of holiday romances called Christmas in Evermore. The irony is that Holly literally hates Christmas and spends it alone every year in Hawaii. The reason for her bah-humbug attitude? Growing up in Christmas Cove where the stores provide all round Yuletide cheer, her parents are known as Mr and Mrs Claus, and she felt stifled by the attitudes as well as the ever-present holiday spirit. While she has become hugely successful with her straight romances, she dreams of writing a gay Christmas movie, and of the new development executive Meredith Drake.
When Holly saves Meredith from an embarrassing situation at the airport it sparks a holiday romance as hot as she has dreamed of. But when life and reality come rushing back in the New Year all does not go well, despite their plans to date; Meredith will not risk her job for an open relationship under the new company rules, and ultimately betrays Holly’s trust by towing the company line. For once Holly goes home for some comfort, but can Christmas Cove mend her broken heart and re-kindle her Christmas spirit?
The first 50 or so pages of this book would make Scrooge laugh. It’s witty and clever and delightfully warm. Holy perceives herself as a dork and Meredith as way out of her league. Her attempts to either hide from or talk to her crush will touch everyone who has dreamt of their dream girl then been confronted with the reality of trying to speak. Holy is a delightful character, Meredith is wonderful – until she isn’t – and together they definitely make the angels sing. Holly’s friends and family add an enchanting ensemble, warm and loving, sarcastic and witty. Add in the background of sleigh bells ringing, hot chocolate and carols, and this really is the picture-perfect romance. Its well written, well paced and brings welcome relief after a difficult year. Perfect reading for the holiday season and a great stocking filler for your friends.