The Christmas Orphans Club

A Novel

By: Becca Freeman

Narrated by: André Santana, Brittany Pressley

From bookfluencer and host of the BAD ON PAPER podcast, a riotous holiday rom-com about four friends in NYC who hold onto their unconventional Christmas tradition even when their paths diverge—but the changes they fear might be exactly what they need…

Hannah and Finn have spent every Christmas together since college. Neither has anywhere else to go—Hannah’s parents died, and Finn’s disowned him when he came out. Their tradition of offbeat holiday adventures only grows more outrageous with time. When the pair starts their adult lives in New York City, they add stylish Priya and mysterious Theo to the group, solidifying a found family and sense of belonging they’ve always craved.

But now, when Finn announces a move to L.A., this Christmas may be their last. Hannah is terrified of losing the family she’s built for herself, even as her boyfriend nudges her toward commitment. Meanwhile, Finn struggles with the things he’s about to leave behind—namely, his unexpressed feelings for Theo. Does growing up mean growing apart? This Christmas the changes these friends fear may be exactly what they need....

©2023 Becca Freeman (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Becca Freeman gives a much-needed update to classic holiday tales. Told over the course of eleven Christmases, this witty and heartfelt debut tracks a group of four young New Yorkers as their friendship solidifies into a chosen family, one with its own traditions, tensions, and drama. It’s a whip-smart story of modern love, letting go, and growing up.” —Carley Fortune, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Meet Me at the Lake

“I’m completely in love with this book! The Christmas Orphans Club is a beautiful story of friendship with laugh-out-loud dialogue and characters you can’t stop thinking about. Becca Freeman’s debut is witty, heartwarming, and hilarious and the most delightful thing you’ll read all year.” —Jennifer Close, New York Times bestselling author of Marrying the Ketchups

“Freeman's writing is filled with wit and insight, and her dialogue crackles. Beneath the abundant humor and charm is a thoughtful exploration of friendship, tradition, and the challenges of growing old.” —Grant Ginder, bestselling author of The People We Hate at the Wedding and Let's Not Do That Again

A feel good read all around

Loved the combo of love and friendship and all the nods to NYC. Becca Freeman knocked it out of the park on her debut book!

Couldn’t stop listening

The character development in this book is impeccable. You root for everyone individually and the group as a whole. Such a heartwarming listen to kick off my holiday season. Amazing job Becca!

Such a cute holiday read about friends!

Loved this book! It was so fun to listen to the back and forth of Christmas memories, the traditions that the characters hold dear and how they grow over time.

Good seasonal read but wouldn’t pick up again

I really wanted to like this book but it just wasn’t for me. I’m a fan of “classic Christmas” and I was really missing those elements. However, I did really enjoy the concept of friendships and how they evolve as it’s a topic I don’t find a ton!

❤️💚❤️

I have a trip to New York coming up and this was the perfect book to put me in the Christmas in NYC mood.

Just OK

It's a basic read, just ok, you will know the ending at the beginning of the story

Feel holiday friendship

This was just a cozy read for the holidays that focused on the power of friendship.

Fun characters and a good story

I liked the story, it was easy to follow and was a great leisure-listen. The characters were fun. Very much enjoyed.

Totally Incredible!

This book was a joy from the very beginning. I love all the characters and was rooting for them the whole time. I love how this book is equal parts about friendship and romance. It makes me want to celebrate Christmas in July every year. I cannot wait to read Becca's next book!

The Christmas Orphans Club

I liked the story and the meaning it brings to this book. Great story, lots of love