Book Review
Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman
Publisher: Random House
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Format: Paperback - 337 pages
Kindle - 298 pages / 12.8 MB
Audiobook: 8 Hours 43 Minutes
ISBN (PB): 978-0593975053
ASIN (Kindle): B0DT1ZYHN2
ASIN (Audiobook): B0DWCFN1M2
Genre: Holiday Fiction / Holiday Romance
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Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Book Description:
A sentimental advertising creative and a blunt, no-nonsense bar owner find a second chance at love while binge-watching iconic holiday movies in this poignant and heartwarming romance, from the author of Charm City Rocks and All Together Now.
“Norman weaves nostalgic references to modern holiday classics . . . throughout this comforting romance.”—The Washington Post (Noteworthy Books of the Month)
The new year had barely begun when Grace White and Henry Adler both lost their spouses. Now, nearly a year later, the first holiday season since their "Great and Terrible Sadnesses" approaches. Although their mothers' scheme to matchmake the two surviving spouses, it’s clear that neither is ready to date again. Yet no one understands what they are going through better than each other, and a delicate friendship is born.
When Henry sees an ad for a Christmas movie marathon—once an annual tradition for him and his wife—Grace offers to watch some films with him, despite her aversion to a few of his picks. Her two young kids, Ian and Bella, also join in whenever possible bedtimes permitting, of course.
With each movie, Grace and Henry’s shared grief eases as they start to see a life beyond the sadness. But as they draw closer, other romantic possibilities leave them uncertain about their future together. Is their bond merely the result of loneliness and shared circumstances, or have they found something that’s worth taking a shot at . . . again?
My Book Review:
In Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon, author Matthew Norman transports the reader to Baltimore for a heartwarming holiday tale of family, friendship, loss and grief, new beginnings, and finding a second chance at love.
Grace White's husband Tim passed away from cancer in January, leaving her and their children Ian and Bella grieving his loss.
Henry Adler's wife Brynn passed away in a plane crash in January, leaving him grieving her loss.
As the first Christmas holiday approaches without their spouses, Grace and Henry's moms try to matchmake them, but neither are ready to date. But when they meet, they agree to become grief friends and help each other get through the grief and sadness during the holiday season. Henry suggests that they watch holiday movies together, and as the holiday season progresses, a friendship blossoms, and soon they realize that they begin to rely on each other. Can Grace and Henry learn to move forward with their lives and possibly find a second chance at love?
Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon is a wonderful holiday story that will tug at your heartstrings. The reader can't help but follow along as Grace and Henry find a way to help each other with their grief and sadness, and hope that their friendship may bring them something more.
Their story unfolds in a heartfelt and magical way, as each chapter follows a classic holiday movie theme (there are sixteen movies)! I found myself writing down the sixteen movies so that I can watch them during the holiday season, what a fun idea!
This holiday themed rom-com story will take the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride where they will experience the full gamut of emotions as Grace and Henry's story unfolds. This Christmas story will have the reader believe in the power of love, family, friendship, new beginnings, and the joy of the holiday season. This was such a heartwarming story to read, I loved the chemistry between Grace and Henry, their opposites attract friendship had me cheering for them to find joy in life, an unexpected chance at love, and once again find the beauty of the Christmas spirit.
Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon is an enchanting holiday story full of warmth and comfort that will remind the reader of the magic, joy, cheer, and spirit of Christmas.
RATING: 5 STARS
About The Author
