‘It Happened at Christmas’: The Best Kind of Fairy Tale YA Romance

THE STORY | Murphey Cain’s life is something of a Cinderella story. She’s a teenager without family or the means to find a way to become “unstuck” in this life. Still, she dreams of the day she can leave behind the snooty lifestyle of the private school she’s been allowed to attend, on condition she also work in the kitchen, clean and do any other jobs no one else will do. But she has friends, and soon as she leaves, she’s planning to travel the world, just like she and her father always planned.

LIST | How I Rank Some of the 2019 Hallmark Christmas Romance

When her unattainable crush, Tripp Harrington ends up injured just before he goes on Christmas break, Murphy is somehow mistaken as his girlfriend by his family. With Tripp unable to correct them, Murphy is pulled into Christmas festivities she isn’t used to, and she also begins to spend a lot of time with Tripp’s brother, Hank…

Five Things to Know about the Contemporary Fairy Tale It Happened at Christmas

1: All About the Fairy Tale Tropes

This may be a contemporary YA romance, but golly, the fairy tale elements are REAL. I kinda’ love it all. Whether it’s the Cinderella throwbacks or even the faint reflections of A Little Princess, this one brings together so many of our favorite “comfort stories.” It’s definitely a “pleasing to the reader” kind of read, and that’s a very good thing.

2: [A] Cinderella Heroine to be Admired

Murphy is quite the heroine. She’s bright, fun and interesting to know. While she does have a bit of a flaw in the way she allows herself to be pulled into a tangled web, given her past and present, it’s also forgivable.

3: Hank Harrington

I mean, I cannot not include Hank as a legit reason you should read this novel. I mean, Hank is a pretty darn cool hero; plus, from my perspective, he’s a pretty genuine and gentlemanly guy to boot. That makes him the ideal counterpart for the likable Murphy.

4: [It’s] Penned by a Talented New Indie Author

Anytime I can discover a new author who’s talent makes me excited for future releases, I’m excited. This novel is no exception; Christen Krumm’s book is witty, charming and perhaps best of all, all about the kind of sweet romance we most love to champion.

5: While You Were Sleeping Re-Telling

Did I mention this yet? No? Well, that’s right, It Happened at Christmas is a young adult re-telling of the beloved romantic comedy While You Were Sleeping. If there’s nothing else you take away from this, make sure it’s this because let me tell you, you will love it to pieces.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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Author: Christen Krumm
Publisher: CK Publications
Source: Bought
Publication Date: 2019
Genre: Fiction; YA Romance
Find the Book Elsewhere: Amazon | Goodreads
Find the Review Elsewhere: Amazon | Goodreads
Rating: ★★★★½