Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon - by Matthew Norman Paperback

About the Book

"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?"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

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?

Review Quotes

"Hands down, one of the best rom-coms I've ever read. No one can make me laugh (and cry) quite like Matthew Norman, and I know I'll be re-reading this warm hug of a book every holiday season for years to come."--Colleen Oakley, USA Today bestselling author of The Invisible Husband of Frick Island

"With an engaging plot and the smart, funny dialogue that we have come to expect from Norman, Grace and Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon gives us a cast of relatable, complex, and idiosyncratic characters."--Baltimore Fishbowl

"In Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon, Norman ups the ante by infusing this sweet story with ample holiday movie references. And the dog in this book is named Harry Styles, which makes it an absolute must-read."--Country Living

"Matthew Norman . . . balances sentiment and wit in a story about loss, laughter, and what it means to start over when the season itself demands hope."--Town & Country

"This book will make you snort with laughter repeatedly."--People

"A holiday romance novel with surprising depth and heart . . . What begins as an exercise in the building of friendship and an unburdening of grief slowly begins to turn into small glimmers of hope and joy. This book was such a lovely surprise: it was so witty and sharp but also truly tugged at my heart strings. The depth of feeling in this book goes beyond a superficial holiday romance."--The Clarion-Ledger (Mississippi)

"Matthew Norman wraps his characters in empathy and comedic finesse. With beloved Christmas movies, two charming kids, and a dog named Harry Styles, this hope-filled tale sparkles."--Christian Science Monitor

"Between the snappy dialogue, lovable characters, and pitch-perfect emotion, Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon is a delightful gem of absolute perfection. Literally only Scrooge couldn't fall in love with this book."--Allison Winn Scotch, bestselling author of The Rewind

"I loved this book! Grief is not generally synonymous with a barrel of laughs, but Matthew Norman beautifully weaves the poignancy of loss with the hilarious, often ridiculous side of human nature, and I am here for all of it. I unashamedly snorty laughed my way through their healing journey."--Jenny Bayliss, author of Kiss Me at Christmas

"There's an intimacy of thought in Matthew Norman's books that creates the sense of feeling, as the reader, that you are understood and welcome, that you would also be cared for in the world of his characters. I didn't just love Grace and Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon."--Allison Larkin, author of The People We Keep

"A winning, bittersweet love story that has just as much hope as it does heartbreak."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Matthew Norman pens a poi­gnant tale of a pair in search of the holiday spirit. . . . This book will break readers' hearts and put them back together again."--BookPage, starred review

"Norman's characters may be on a difficult journey, but the author leavens it with heart and humor, making for a satisfying romantic read perfect for the holidays and beyond. Recommend this to fans of Katherine Center and Sarah Adams."--Booklist

"Grief brings people together in this bittersweet romance."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Matthew Norman lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife and two children and holds an MFA from George Mason University. His previous novels include Charm City Rocks, All Together Now, Last Couple Standing, We're All Damaged, and Domestic Violets.