Book Review: The Christmas Orphans Club

Today I’m sharing my review of my third and last Christmas in July book for the year – The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman. I first learned about this book last holiday season when I saw someone on Instagram reading it and I was immediately drawn to the cover. So I made a mental note to read it next Christmas and I decided last month to read it for Christmas in July.

The novel has a dual POV and follows Hannah and Finn, best friends since college. Since college, they have been spending every Christmas together – Hannah because her parents both passed away and Finn because he hasn’t been welcome home since he told his parents he’s gay. After that first Christmas when they realized they seemed to be the only two kids left on their college campus during the holidays, they have spent every Christmas together doing something fun and/or unique. Over the years they have added in 2 others that have become their best friends – Theo and Priya – who are also alone for the holidays. The novel goes back in forth in time between present day and Christmases past following these best friends.

But this year might be the last Christmas they all spend together because Finn just got a new job in California. Hannah is determined to make Finn’s last Christmas in New York City memorable, but it seems like the harder she holds on to the tradition the more things seem to fall apart.

I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down! I loved all the characters and I actually really related to Hannah and how loyal/tightly she holds on to people she loves. That’s totally healthy, right? lol The book had me laughing, emotional, and all the emotions in between. I also really loved all the pop culture references that Becca Freeman included and when I looked her up I saw that we’re the same age so I was like ahh this makes so much sense! Plus, I’m not sure if she’s from NJ originally but she mentioned towns that are right by me – Edison, Highland Park, what?! Also her references to Z100 is a flash from my past. That was the only thing I listened to on the radio in middle and high school. Anyway, enough of my gushing – I just need to reach out to her and see if she wants to be besties haha.

If you are making a tbr for this holiday season and you want a book about friendships over the years with the found family trope, you should add The Christmas Orphans Club to your list!

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