The First Holidays

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Author(s)

Cait Marie

Genre(s)

Age Range

12+

Release Date

December 19, 2020

ISBN13

B08R2Y5DCS

Lila Weston is a pro at keeping secrets, but this time, she can’t wait to share with her friends and *ahem* boyfriend. She has been counting down the days until Gavin, Beth Ann, and Dylan are home for the holidays. Despite seeing Gavin most weekends, however, they haven’t spent more than a day or two together since the summer. And she’s worried their time apart might have changed things, that he might not be as excited about her big decision as she hopes. Beth Ann is skilled in avoiding her issues, but she’s never had to face someone just as stubborn. All year, she’s brushed off Dylan’s flirting, claiming he’s ridiculously friendly to everyone. Yet, the extra attention he seems to save just for her warms her from head to toe. It was easy to ignore while in New York, but now she’s home for three weeks. And there’s no way she’ll be able to stay away. ---------- This short story is perfect for readers who just want some fluff for the holidays. Our favorite characters from The Last Summer are back and full of love and dreams… and nerves. While this story can be read on its own, it does follow the events of The Last Summer and serves as a sort of prequel to The Final Chance. One couple does get their happy ending, but the other has to wait until The Final Chance, out 1/20/20!

Editor reviews

8 reviews

Overall rating

5.0

Writing Style

5.0(4)

Plot

5.0(4)

Characters

5.0(3)

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Leaving Summersville 1.5

November 28, 2021 (Updated: November 28, 2021)

Overall rating

5.0

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THE FIRST HOLIDAYS by Cait Marie is a novella set during winter break after THE LAST SUMMER, in which Lila and Gavin finally resolved their feud and admitted their feelings, only to be separated by the first semester of college. Lila is worried that their relationship could have shifted, and is even more concerned to tell Gavin about her plans to end the distance between them. At the same time, Beth Ann, Lila’s best friend, returns home after a semester in New York City and has to deal with her strained relationship with her parents, and her confusing feelings for Dylan, Gavin’s best friend.

This novella is told from four different POVs, which I absolutely loved. Getting to read the thoughts of Lila, Gavin, Beth Ann, AND Dylan really brought me into the story, and also moved the plot along perfectly, avoiding telling us what’s happening by showing us instead. It is also a great transition into the next book in the series in which the main characters are swapped.

Cait Marie does a good job in THE FIRST HOLIDAYS of tying up Lila and Gavin’s storyline for readers. Even though they’re young, we can imagine that their relationship is set up to continue on in whatever manner they decide. The novella also kicks off what’s next, even though I found how Beth Ann went back and forth to be a bit annoying.

That being said, like the book before it, I read this story so fast. It’s entertaining, and warm, and fun, and romantic. In many ways, though it’s a bit idealistic, it’s a nice fantasy to live in for a bit— friends who will do anything for one another, lovers unafraid of grand gestures, family who always has each other’s back, and people willing to help those in need. It’s honestly the kind of hope many can use right now and an excellent addition to the series.

Elisha Jachetti, Staff Reviewer Top 50 Reviewer 198 reviews

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Sweet Flirtations

June 04, 2021

Overall rating

5.0

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‘The First Holidays’ by Cait Marie is a sweet story of friendship and love. Readers will feel the warmth between the characters as they come to terms with how they feel about each other. Despite the short nature of the book, it shares the beauty of how friends can come to be as important as family. While they are away at college, they miss each other, but when they come back together, it’s as though no time has passed.

Even though one relationship between Lila and Gavin revolves around their love for each other and how they had to overcome obstacles in their pasts to get to the point where they are happy and in love, the other between Beth Ann and Dylan is full of cute flirtations and a true friendship.

Cait Marie has crafted a cute and enjoyable short story that will keep readers compelled and eager to know more about the characters. It is definitely a story to check out.

Good Points

It is a cute and enjoyable short story that will keep readers compelled and eager to know more about the characters.

Beth Rodgers, Staff Reviewer Top 50 Reviewer 365 reviews

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Perfect For Those who love Cait Marie's characters

March 17, 2021

Overall rating

5.0

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This short story is perfect for people who loved The Last Summer and for those excited for The Final Chance. THE FIRST HOLIDAYS takes place between the two books and get you so excited for the next one!

With Gavin coming home for the holidays, Lila couldn't be more excited. It's scary when you're forced to spend time away from the one you love. You never know if things are going to change during that time. But Gavin and Lila are made for each other. I adore the relationship they have and it's cute being able to witness their first Christmas together.

We also get to see Beth Ann, who wants to focus on school and Dylan who wants there to be more between them. I looked forward to their chapters and it makes me so excited to read their story! I love how sweet and loyal Dylan is. I looked forward to their chapters the most.

Final Verdict: THE FIRST HOLIDAYS is a sweet short that is perfect for those who love the holidays with a dash of love. It's also a good "in between" while eagerly awaiting the next book or for those who can't get enough of Cait Marie's characters.

Bethany Wicker, Listings Manager & Staff Reviewer Top 10 Reviewer 858 reviews

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So Sweet

January 31, 2021

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5.0

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A sweet and perfect novella to go with this series.

The Story:
Four best friends have been separated at their various colleges for months, only occasionally seeing each other. It had been a rough time for all of them with one being diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Now, they're all traveling back to their hometown for the holidays, hoping to spend a few weeks catching up. Lila never left, and is looking forward to the boy she fell in love with being at her side so she can surprise him with good news. Gavin only wants his girl.
Dylan is nervous because he's gotten closer to Beth Ann through months of texting, but she's keeping him at arm's length, knowing she'll have to go back to school across the country soon.

What I loved:
There's a sweetness here that fits so well with the rest of the series. The characters all have their flaws, but it only makes them better. They're every bit their ages with the anxieties and fears, but also the innocence that comes with first loves. The story is a one-sitting read because it features such easy writing that by the time I looked up, I was mostly done.
It's a good author who can weave four characters' storylines together so well with their family drama, relationships, and individual worries.
I'd recommend reading the rest of the series along with this to get the full experience of what they're going through and what they've been through. You won't regret it.

Final Verdict: A sweet story of friendship and first love, written in an engaging style that never lets up.