ONLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

A city girl and a country boy strike a deal to help each other out with their relationship woes.

Nigerian British Tia Solanké thought life was going well. But then her boyfriend, Mike, who’s Black and Indian, asked her for “space,” and her mum announced a surprise two-week winter holiday at a country house. They’d be away from London during Mike’s 18th-birthday party, which Tia planned and sees as her one shot to save her relationship. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Quincy Parker is reeling from betrayal—his best friend and now-ex-girlfriend slept together. Perhaps that’s why he panics and lies about having a date to their small market town’s storied Winter Ball, which for the first time will be hosted by a Black family—his. When the Solankés arrive at the Parkers’ luxurious Georgian farm property, neither teen is impressed by the other, but they nevertheless soon make a deal: Tia will fake date Quincy so his ex will see that he’s moved on, and in turn, Quincy will help Tia sneak out to Mike’s party for a few hours. It’s a perfect plan—until their feelings become real. This charming, straightforward romance with a little added drama will appeal to Hallmark fans. Quincy, Tia, and their siblings feel like fully formed characters, and the portrayal of Tia’s blended family is particularly heartwarming. Though the ending feels abrupt, the story appealingly incorporates popular romance tropes.

A sweet Christmas love story.