Matthew Norman’s novel, Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon, wasn’t at all what I expected. I expected a story in which the two main characters watched holiday movies, and discussed them. There was a little of that, but this story of two grieving people was better than I expected.
Grace White and Henry Adler both lost their spouses in January. Grace was left with two children, ten-year-old Ian and six-year-old Bella. On the day of the funeral, she startles everyone by taking her children to the Humane Society to get a dog. Her husband, Tim, was allergic to dogs, and the couple had even discussed it before Tim died. The dog, now named Harry Styles, adds humor to the story, but he can’t make up for Tim’s loss. Time spent in the bar and restaurant she owns in Baltimore, Edgar Allan’s, certainly can’t make up for it. She’s grieving her way through the year, although she imagines she sees Tim and talks with him.
Henry Adler is an artist in advertising, although he’s on vacation following the incident in which his wife, Brynn died. He’s lost without her, and walked away from the house they owned, leaving it just as it was the day she left. He’s spending way too much time at his parents’ until his mother, impatient with him by Thanksgiving, sends him on an errand to Grace’s mother’s house. They realize they’ve been “Mommed”, set up by their mothers.
But, Henry and Grace are too deep into grief to even imagine dating. Instead, they connect a little at a time through holiday movies, beginning with “Die Hard” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”. They don’t even talk much about the movies, but they each recognize movie moments and memories in their lives. And, Henry connects quickly with Grace’s son, Ian, a budding artist, although Bella is suspicious of him.
It’s a rough year for two people who lost spouses they loved. But, they slowly work their way through grief, with the help of family, friends at work, a dog, and a funny mouse situation. There’s humor int he book, and rebounding grief. There’s also a hilarious “Love, Actually” scene with extended family. Grace & Harry’s Holiday Movie Marathon is much more satisfying than I expected. It’s an unexpected pleasure to read about two people making it through a year, one movie at a time.
Matthew Norman’s website is https://www.thenormannation.com/
Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon by Matthew Norman. Dell, 2025. 336p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley supplied by the publisher through NetGalley, with no expectation of a positive review.
I really like the sound of this — neither too cozy because both people are dealing with grief, nor too rushed, as they connect slowly in a believable way.
You’re right, Kim. Neither too cozy nor too romantic or rushed.
Jackie says she will “give it a try.”
I’m always interested in Jackie’s opinion, Jeff.
I’ve read another novel by Matthew Norman and enjoyed it. He’s a good writer indeed. I’ve seen him announcing the upcoming publication of this but didn’t realize it would be out now. I’ll read it!
I think I’ll look for some of his earlier books, David, on your recommendation.
I just started this last night, the cover caught my eye. I realized I had also read another book by the author a few years back.
I can’t wait to see what others think, Susan.
Lesa, I’m so glad you liked it. When I read it a few months ago, I had the same reaction. It was so much more than I expected, and I rated it highly. It even inspired me to read another Matthew Norman book, Charm City Rocks, which I enjoyed just as much.
Not at all what I expected, Margie. I liked it, and I’m going to look for another one of his books.
I love better than expected!
Me, too, Carol.