Holiday romance is a crowded room. Usually, it's full of perfect people in perfect sweaters drinking perfect cocoa. Then there's the Let It Glow book by Joanne DeMarchis. It’s different. Honestly, it’s refreshing because it doesn't try so hard to be a Hallmark movie, even though it hits all those cozy notes you probably want when the temperature drops.
You’ve likely seen it popping up on "Best of December" lists or TikTok feeds. People are talking about it. Why? Because it manages to be sweet without giving you a toothache. It deals with real-life messiness—the kind we all try to hide behind a strand of overpriced LED lights.
What is Let It Glow Actually About?
The story follows a woman who basically has her life dismantled just as the festive season kicks in. It’s a classic trope, sure. But DeMarchis handles the fallout with a bit more grit than your standard Christmas paperback. The protagonist isn't just "sad"; she's frustrated, exhausted, and feeling that very specific type of pressure that only December can bring.
We aren't just looking at a "find a man, save the holiday" plot. It’s more about finding a sense of self when everything you thought was stable turns out to be made of gingerbread. Fragile. Crumbly.
The Setting Matters
The book is set in a small town. Obviously. If a holiday romance doesn't happen in a place where everyone knows your business, does it even count? But this isn't a cardboard cutout town. It feels lived-in. You can almost smell the damp pine and the slightly burnt cookies.
The atmospheric writing is arguably the strongest part of the Let It Glow book. DeMarchis uses sensory details that move beyond the surface level. She talks about the bite of the wind and the way shadows stretch in a house that feels too big and too empty. It’s moody. It’s atmospheric. It’s exactly what you want to read while buried under three blankets.
Why This Book Specifically Is Trending Right Now
Trends are weird. Sometimes a book blows up because a celebrity posted a picture of it. Sometimes it's just good timing. For this story, it's a mix of both, but mostly it's the relatability factor.
In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, there's a massive appetite for "Low Stakes" reading. We want to know things will turn out okay. But we also want to see the struggle. If the character gets everything handed to her on page twenty, we're bored. We want to see her work for that happy ending.
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The "Cozy" Factor
Let’s be real. We read these books for the vibes. The Let It Glow book delivers on the cozy aesthetic, but it grounds it in reality. The romance isn't instant. It’s slow. It’s awkward. It involves a lot of second-guessing and those "did I just say that out loud?" moments that make you want to curl into a ball.
That’s the secret sauce.
- The pacing doesn't feel rushed.
- The dialogue sounds like things actual humans would say to each other.
- The conflict isn't based on a simple "we didn't talk for five minutes" misunderstanding. It’s deeper than that.
Breaking Down the Characters
The lead, Holly (yes, the name is on the nose, but let’s go with it), is someone you’d actually want to grab a drink with. She’s cynical in a way that feels earned. When she moves back to her hometown, she isn't magically cured of her city-life burnout. She’s grumpy. She’s tired. She’s very much a mood.
Then there’s the male lead. He isn't some billionaire with a dark secret or a prince in disguise. He’s just a guy. A nice guy, but with his own set of baggage. Their chemistry works because it's built on shared history and quiet moments rather than grand, expensive gestures.
It’s the quiet moments that stick with you. A conversation over a broken heater. A shared look across a crowded room. These are the things DeMarchis excels at writing.
The Reality of Writing Holiday Fiction
Writing a Christmas book is harder than it looks. You have to balance the magic with the mundane. If you go too far into the magic, it feels fake. Too far into the mundane, and it's just depressing.
The Let It Glow book finds that middle ground. It acknowledges that the holidays can be lonely. It admits that family can be annoying. It shows that sometimes, the best part of the season is just surviving it.
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Experts in the publishing industry often point to "seasonal escapism" as a primary driver for these sales. According to data from various book tracking platforms, there is a 40% spike in romance novel consumption between November and January. People aren't just looking for love; they're looking for warmth.
What Critics Are Saying
Most reviews highlight the emotional depth. While some readers find the pacing a bit slow in the middle act, others argue that it adds to the "slow burn" appeal. It’s not a thriller. It’s a simmer.
A lot of the praise is directed at how the book handles grief. It’s a heavy topic for a holiday read, but it’s handled with a light touch. It shows that you can be happy and sad at the same time—which is basically the definition of being an adult during December.
Practical Advice for Readers
If you’re planning to pick up the Let It Glow book, go into it with the right expectations. This isn't a high-octane plot. It’s a character study with a side of tinsel.
- Read it when you need a break. It’s the perfect "reset" book.
- Don't rush it. The prose is meant to be savored, not skimmed.
- Pay attention to the secondary characters. The grandmother in this book is arguably the best character in the whole thing. She provides the comic relief and the wisdom exactly when it’s needed.
Common Misconceptions About the Story
Some people think this is a sequel. It’s not. It’s a standalone. You don't need to have read anything else by DeMarchis to get what’s going on, though if you like her style, you’ll probably end up hunting down her back catalog anyway.
Another misconception: that it’s purely for women. Honestly, anyone who likes a well-written, atmospheric story about human connection will find something to like here. It’s a "human" story first, and a "romance" story second.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Reading Experience
Pair this book with the right environment. I’m serious. It sounds pretentious, but it works. Get the lighting right. Get a hot drink. Put your phone in another room. The Let It Glow book is about presence—being present in the moment even when that moment is difficult.
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If you’re a fast reader, try to slow down for the dialogue. There are subtexts in the conversations between Holly and her mother that are really beautifully done. It captures that specific "I love you but you drive me crazy" dynamic that defines so many family holidays.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Read
If you’ve finished the book or are looking for something similar, here is how to navigate your next steps in the "cozy lit" world.
First, look for authors who prioritize character over trope. If you liked the tone of Let It Glow, you might enjoy works by writers like Josie Silver or maybe even some of the more grounded Emily Henry stories. They share that "real world" DNA.
Second, consider joining a virtual book club. There are dozens of Discord servers and Goodreads groups dedicated specifically to holiday fiction where people dissect the themes of these books. It’s a great way to find recommendations that aren't just the top ten list on Amazon.
Finally, take the themes of the book to heart. The core message is that it's okay not to be "glowy" all the time. Sometimes, just showing up is enough. That’s a pretty good lesson for the holidays—and for life in general.
Check your local independent bookstore first. They often have signed copies or specific "staff pick" editions that include extra notes from the author. It adds a little something extra to the experience of owning a physical copy.