The Most Wonderful Time: A Novel

Jayne Allen

Oct 2024 · Harper Perennial · Narrated by Mela Lee

About this audiobook

""The Most Wonderful Time is a lovable, unexpectedly thought-provoking Christmas romp of a novel from the ever-sparkling pen of Jayne Allen!"" — Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye and The Alice Network

The author of the beloved, bestselling Black Girls Must Die Exhausted trilogy returns with an intriguing blend of Such a Fun Age and The Holiday—an irresistible holiday rom com about heartbreak, hope, love, and the joy that comes from rediscovering oneself.

With Christmas around the corner, Ramona Tucker is desperate to get away. She has been lying to her family about her engagement to Malik, her (ex) fiancé. But breakups are fickle, and Ramona is convinced that she can make her pretend wedding real again—but only if she can avoid everyone discovering her secret at her mother’s over-the-top Christmas Eve party.

Two-thousand miles away in sunny Malibu, Chelsea Flint needs money to hold on to the beloved beachside cottage she shared with her late parents. The taxes are expensive, and her art isn’t paying the bills. Once an irresistible star of the Los Angeles art scene, Chelsea seems to have lost that spark that vaulted her to the top. If she doesn’t rediscover that magic—and sell a painting—soon, it will be her family’s home she’s selling instead.

The two women swap homes, just in time, thanks to some careful planning by Ramona’s best friend and a sturdy nudge from Chelsea’s gallerist godmother. Ramona’s Malibu dreams of sun and surf are interrupted as her first night brings an unwelcome stranger to her door, making her question who she can trust—the meddling neighbor Joan, or Jay, the handsome beachside fitness instructor with a secret of his own. Chelsea, desperate for Ramona to stay, hides what she knows—even if that means jeopardizing her budding connection with charming Carlos, whose dreams for his future could be the very key to unlock Chelsea from the weight of her past.

Combining escapist fun and sizzling romance, a dose of poignant self-reflection, and a little holiday magic, The Most Wonderful Time is a warm and relatable novel that will delight at Christmas and throughout the year.

• A touching holiday read
• Perfect for fans of uplifting winter romances
• A delightful Christmas gift

Ratings and reviews

***Spolier*** I listened to "The Most Wonderful Time" by Jayne Allen Narrated by Mela Lee via Audiobook. I enjoyed this novel and loved that it was told from different characters' points of view. I love the characters were diverse in race and personality. In addition, I enjoyed that the book stated the name of the person speaking and what city they were located in each time they talked. I know this novel takes place during the Christmas season, however, it is not a Christmas story. This story could have been told in any other month. You will understand my review after you have read the novel. - Ramona Tucker, African-American, from Chicago, Illinois: Ramona and Jay (Vijay Singh) relationship was cute. I believe since they knew they only had a week together, they were their true selves. They didn't put up walls or pretend. I loved that Ramona learned that she was enough. She had been taught being with family means you are not alone. Ramona didn't want to tell everyone her engagement was off, meaning she was alone. I do not believe ending an engagement means you are alone or even being single means you are alone. However, Ramona did and Ramona had never been taught she was enough. - Chelsea Flint, White, from Malibu, California. Chelsea is an artist. Sadly, Chelsea's parents died seven years ago. So Chelsea paints best what she is afraid to lose. It is sad but to Chelsea it is ok. Chelsea met Carlos, an artist as well, and they were attractive to each other. I don't get artists and their thinking. Chelsea wanted most to help Carlos get what he wanted but idk why she only gave him half of what he needed. Chelsea said Carlos was important but her actions didn't show this especially because she was ok with letting him go. - Joan Foxx is a crazy entitled noisy neighbor with no life, no accountability, excessively demanding and is the definition of a "Karen". Joan had the opportunity to apologize and she apologized about something else. Smh. Ramona and Jay made this novel for me. They really had "The Most Wonderful Time".

About the author

Jayne Allen is a writer, producer, entrepreneur, and forever recovering lawyer. She is a proud native of Detroit and graduate of Duke University and Harvard Law School. Purposeful in centering and celebrating black women's societal contributions, Allen crafts transcultural stories exploring contemporary issues such as modern relationships, workplace and career dynamics, and the complexities of race. Her common themes include mental and physical health and highlight the importance of self-love and self-care—all with a healthy dose of warmth and humor. Allen is the author of the bestselling Black Girls Must Die Exhausted trilogy, currently being adapted for television, and The Most Wonderful Time. She is also a collaborator with Malcolm Lee on The Best Man: Unfinished Business. She lives in Los Angeles.