In Holiday Wedding, Melissa Dymond crafts an enchanting dual-perspective romance that interweaves the stories of two couples against the backdrop of a magical New York Christmas. As a follow-up to her debut novel Holiday Star, this book successfully expands the universe while maintaining the warmth and charm that readers have come to expect from her writing.
Plot Overview: Something Old, Something New
The narrative follows two parallel love stories. The first centers on Gwen Wright and Caleb Lawson, the beloved couple from Holiday Star, as they prepare for their Christmas Eve wedding. The second focuses on Jenny, Gwen’s best friend, and Dean, Caleb’s stoic bodyguard, whose antagonistic relationship slowly transforms into something deeper.
Character Development: Hearts Growing Three Sizes
The Main Characters
Dymond excels at character development, particularly in how she portrays the evolution of relationships. Gwen and Caleb’s story demonstrates the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the spotlight, while Jenny and Dean’s enemies-to-lovers arc provides a perfect counterpoint with its slow-burning tension and gradual revealing of vulnerabilities.
The author deserves particular praise for her handling of Dean’s PTSD, which is treated with sensitivity and understanding. His struggles with loud noises and his past trauma are woven naturally into the story without becoming defining characteristics.
Supporting Cast
The secondary characters are well-drawn and contribute meaningfully to the plot. Wayne and Alvina’s secret relationship adds depth to the story, while Teddy’s subplot with Helen (teased for a future book) provides intrigue.
Writing Style: Christmas Cookie Sweet with a Bite
Dymond’s writing style is engaging and accessible, with a good balance of humor, emotion, and suspense. She has a particular talent for dialogue, crafting conversations that feel natural while advancing the plot. The dual POV structure works well, allowing readers to experience both love stories from intimate perspectives.
Strengths
- Strong character development
- Well-balanced dual narratives
- Authentic portrayal of relationships
- Engaging suspense subplot
- Rich holiday atmosphere
- Natural integration of previous characters
Areas for Improvement
- The stalker subplot resolution feels slightly rushed
- Some plot points are predictable
- Secondary character storylines could be more developed
- Pacing occasionally uneven
- Some dialogue tags become repetitive
Themes: More Than Mistletoe
Love and Trust
The novel explores various facets of love and trust, from new relationships to established ones. Both couples must navigate their own trust issues: Gwen and Caleb with his fame, Jenny and Dean with their past hurts.
Identity and Growth
A significant theme is the importance of maintaining individual identity within relationships. Gwen’s struggle with her professional identity versus her role as Caleb’s wife is particularly well-handled.
Healing and Acceptance
The book thoughtfully addresses trauma and healing, particularly through Dean’s character arc. His journey towards accepting help and opening his heart is compelling and realistic.
The Holiday Element: Christmas Magic Done Right
Dymond excels at creating a festive atmosphere without overwhelming the story. The Christmas setting enhances rather than dominates the narrative, providing a magical backdrop for both romances to unfold.
Technical Elements
Pacing
The pacing is generally good, though it occasionally falters in the middle sections. The climactic sequence with Gwen’s kidnapping effectively ramps up tension.
Point of View
The alternating perspectives between Gwen and Jenny are well-handled, providing distinct voices for each character while maintaining narrative coherence.
Romance Factor: Sweet and Steamy
The author offers two versions of the book – a “spicy” version and a “clean” version – allowing readers to choose their preferred heat level. This thoughtful approach demonstrates consideration for diverse reader preferences.
Target Audience
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Holiday romances
- Dual timeline stories
- Enemies-to-lovers tropes
- Celebrity romance
- Romantic suspense elements
Final Verdict
Holiday Wedding by Melissa Dymond is a worthy addition to the holiday romance genre, successfully combining sweet romance with elements of suspense. While some aspects could be stronger, the book’s warmth, character development, and dual love stories make it an engaging read.
Similar Books and Recommendations
Readers who enjoy Holiday Wedding might also appreciate:
- Holiday Star by Melissa Dymond (the first book in the series)
- The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
- Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey
- Paging Dr. Hart by Melissa Dymond
Special Mention: Representation and Sensitivity
Dymond deserves recognition for her thoughtful handling of mental health issues, PTSD, and body image concerns. These elements are integrated naturally into the story without becoming stereotypical or oversimplified.
Conclusion: A Gift Worth Unwrapping
Despite minor flaws, Holiday Wedding by Melissa Dymond delivers a satisfying blend of romance, suspense, and holiday cheer. The dual love stories provide depth and variety, while the Christmas setting adds magic without overwhelming the narrative. This book is perfect for readers seeking a romantic escape during the holiday season or any time they need a dose of warmth and joy.