Setting the Stage for Christmas | Sapphic Christmas Romance
Setting the Stage for Christmas by Tanya Boteju
Setting the Stage for Christmas is a sapphic small-town holiday romance.
The community of Cedar Ridge takes Christmas VERY seriously. Their annual holiday play is central to their celebration. But director Bo Amaratunga is concerned that her set designer is out on maternity leave. Who will bring her vision to life?
Enter Val Morales. She and Bo had a brief but intense romance back in high school. But when Val’s parents found out she was in love with a girl, her family left town. Bo felt confused and abandoned, and all those feelings are emerging.
To complicate matters further, Val’s parents have sent her to sell a beloved town property. It all feels very Hallmark Movie, but with a queer spin.
I loved my time in Cedar Ridge, which felt like a more diverse Stars Hollow. I was rooting for Val and Bo, and rooting for the community production of A Christmas Carol to succeed.
Setting The Stage for Christmas had:
- Dual POV narration
- A sweet, second change sapphic romance
- A warm and cozy small town setting.
- Publication date: October 13, 2026 by Simon & Schuster. Thanks so much to them for the advance review copy.
Setting the Stage for Christmas is Perfect For:
- Fans of Hallmark movies who wish they were more diverse
- Readers who love a good amateur theatre subplot
- Those who love a sweet and cozy holiday romance
LINKS
My post on Top Rated Christmas Romance: what are the readers favorites in holiday romance?
Play Christmas Romance Bingo: Grab My Cards and See my Book Recommendations!
