Music was everything to professional soprano Charlie Ward…until her brother died, leaving her lost in grief. But when her beloved Gram moves into the Glendale Retirement Village, Charlie is cajoled into temporarily volunteering to direct the community’s new choir, their sights set on winning the Annual Christmas Choir Competition.

Only, the home’s activities director happens to be the super-cute guy she once spent a hot, hazy, sexy summer with. Julian Guerrero hasn’t forgotten Charlie Ward. Not even a little. Fortunately, he has his hands full with the lively residents who are determined to win, even if they must twerk their way to victory.

Amid mince tarts, gingerbread houses, and Christmas lights, Charlie and Julian must find a way to transform their quirky singing seniors into a sensation. It’ll take hard work. It’ll take heart. And it’ll take just enough holiday magic to surprise everyone…Charlie, most of all.

~Standalone~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title:  The Best Christmas Choir Ever
Series:  Standalone
Author:  Elizabeth Hrib
Published:  October 28, 2025
Publisher:  Harlequin Afterglow
My Rating:  4.5 stars

The Best Christmas Choir Ever is a standalone Christmas Romance featuring Charlie (Charlene), a talented, professional singer who is mired in grief right now, and Julian, the activities director at the retirement facility her beloved grandmother now resides at… and an unusual Christmas that will have them all facing memories and changes before this season comes to a close.

Charlie and Julian’s story is so heartfelt, and it proves that real-life emotions and reactions to life’s events often color our responses to the most wonderful times of the year.  Watching Charlie step into her grandmother’s life, champion the choir, and allow herself to feel once again was an emotional, delightful journey.  Yes, I loved the romance between Julian and Charlie, and how they fit so perfectly together… but I loved the inclusion of the elder residents, some with off-color humor, some angels, others, well, you get the idea.  Together, they made a community, one worth fighting for, and I adored every moment spent in this world.

It’s a well-written story full of emotions, not always happy sunshine, but deeper, grieving, realistic reactions as well.  I think that’s why this story touched me so much… life happens, it’s not always easy, but somehow we survive.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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