ONE WAY OR ANOTHER

One choice leads to two possible fates, each involving romance at Christmas.

Arizonian Paige Collins struggles with making decisions because the voice in her head always thinks of the worst-case scenario. With Christmas just around the corner, she has to choose between a snowy mountain cabin getaway with her best friend, Fitz, or a trip to New York City with her mom. Paige is in love with Fitz, but she’s also an aspiring travel writer, making each option enticing and terrifying. Just after using a magic eight ball app to make the decision for her, a slippery fall leads to split timelines exploring both options, taking a cue from Sliding Doors. Rom-com–loving, grand-gesture–making Fitz is single for once, so at the cabin Paige finally has the opportunity to share her feelings. In New York, she develops a crush on surly, philosophy-quoting Harrison. However, in both situations, her untreated anxiety threatens to ruin any chance of romance and a happy holiday. Paige’s narration is endearing and authentic, negative thoughts and all. Her descriptions of anxiety and panic are spot-on, and she often uses grounding techniques to help her. Cliffhanger chapter endings maintain a brisk pace between each timeline all the way to the uplifting, hopeful ending. Both settings are filled with enchanting, romantic Christmas-related activities. Main characters are assumed White.

An engaging combination of delightfully over-the-top Christmas swoons and realistic anxiety representation.