The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

Title: What Light

Series: Standalone

Author: Jay Asher

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Holiday

Rating: 4.25 stars

Review:

Sierra’s family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon and Thanksgiving through Christmas they sell their trees on a lot in California. This year is different, though, because she meets Caleb. Caleb has a past; years ago he made a mistake and has been paying for it ever since. Sierra sees beyond Caleb’s past and tries to help him find peace and forgiveness. As rumors and disapproval surround them, Caleb and Sierra find love.

I didn’t really know what to expect from this book. The mistake that Caleb made in his past was one that I have never seen in a book. While it was a big mistake and serious, it also wasn’t as bad as I thought.

With that in mind, I don’t know if I would have made the same decision as Sierra. Reading the book, you know Caleb isn’t a bad guy, but in real life I don’t know. I think that was one of the perks of reading this book: it made you think.

I really liked that the story took place in the Pacific Northwest. I have lived here for my whole life, and I don’t think enough books take place here. I wish more of it happened in Oregon, though.

It was also super cool to read about a Christmas tree farm. I drive past a Christmas tree farm almost every day. It was nice to see this perspective, but it was also more holiday central than some of the other books I read.

I enjoyed all of the characters, and their unique dynamics. Though sometimes they were a little one-dimensional. I think this would be better if it was a series. It would allow for more character development, which did happen in this book, but I would be able to better know the characters and story if there was a sequel.

I can’t really pinpoint what was missing. I think it might have been that it felt a little rushed and there wasn’t a major conflict. There was a lot of minor arguments, but not really a big climax.

What Light was a more emotional, serious holiday book that follows a Christmas tree farmer/seller. It was a nice book with good characters and new perspective, though the characters could have been more nuanced, with more of a major conflict, and a sequel may have added to the story in a positive way.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a more serious holiday romance!