I love Juno Dawson, and have read all her books, so was looking forward to his first Christmas story. As expected, the characters are a real mix, with some almost panto-like 'oh no, he didn't, oh yes ge did!'. Great fun, a strong story and moral, and would make a lovely Christmas fiilm:)

There are parts of this book that I found frustrating, with most of the characters being kinda awful at times, but overall I enjoyed it. Syd was definitely my favourite character, but by the end I appreciated all of the main characters in the story and I thought the ending was perfect. This book covers difficult topics such as mental health and eating disorders - the latter is a huge theme throughout the book. The amount of drama throughout this story was absurd, I cannot imagine any family having *that* much drama in such a short amount of time, but it made for an interesting read and kept me hooked.

Unfortunately, this book was not for me.

I don't feel we got enough time with each character initially to develop a connection.

It felt like there was nothing much happening, the story just continued as it went.

However, there was fantastic representation throughout this book.

When twins Fern and Rowan return home for Christmas, they are preparing themselves for whatever battles they will face walking through the doors. Extroverted "Scottish twink" Rowan brings his non-binary friend Syd home to meet his Tory father, and Fern comes with her boyfriend Thom, who ends up knowing one member of the family a little bit too well. And then there's youngest daughter Willow whose eating disorder struggles have consumed and broken the entire family for year, and everyone is at boiling point. Will they all survive until Christmas Day?

In true Juno Dawson style, this was fun, glittery and all kinds of dramatic in the best kind of ways. Juno is so good at writing relatable yet horrible characters who show all the flaws of being human and selfish in the best ways - it definitely took me a while to warm up to Rowan, and figure out why he was so casually cruel to everyone, and uptight Fern, and tragic Willow. I felt for their parents a lot who seemed to be treated badly for no reason in particular. But I soon found myself welcomed by the kind of crazy family, and enjoying my time with them.

The 'love triangle' part of this book was actually really good, and I did enjoy where it went - it was sweet and complicated all at the same time, and I felt for everyone involved in what seemed like a possible situation. There's not many times you can say a love triangle really worked well and this time, it did!

I really loved Syd, and part of me would have liked so much time with them other than them apparently being there to be everyone's agony aunt. I do like how they do seem to become part of the family, by retuning the next year but I don't know, I feel like there was a lot of potential with Syd's character that never truly happened. They were just there in the background.

I can't speak from experience but I think that Willow's chapters and her struggles with her ED and intrusive thoughts were done really well. But at the same time, they could be very triggering for people suffering from intrusive thoughts when it comes to food. Juno Dawson never shies away from some of the horrible things in life, such as the things people will say or do when they feel desperate, alone and struggling. I appreciate this with her writing though it does mean you don't always like her characters.

I do think this dragged a little bit at the end - and the whimsical sections of the Christmas being told by the house were a little weird for me as it just jarred with everything else in the book - and while I still liked this, it's probably my least favourite of Juno's books I've read

This is the first of Juno Dawson's books that I didn't finish. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood but the storyline just didn't grab me and carry me a long in the way that all the others have. I must admit to being rather disappointed.

Stay Another Day is the YA Christmas book that we all need in our lives right now. It is chaotic and stressful but it is so entertaining! Juno Dawson is such an incredible author and it is no wonder she is a shining star in the UKYA world.

Juno Dawson does not shy away from showing her readers the darker side of being a young adult and subjects other authors may be afraid of discussing. Her books look at so many things, LGBTQ+ issues, class dynamics, women’s issues, mental health and a whole lot more. When discussing these things it is done so in a way that does not make her readers feel like children.

I adored the characters in this book. All of them are self-aware and we get to see some really open and honest discussions between them all. The McAllister siblings may be self-centred and battling one another for attention but it means we see characters who feel very real. I feel it was a change to see people with flaws in a YA story and a change I greatly appreciated. None of the siblings are innately nasty but they all have their flaws. We see them be selfish, jealous and react negatively to things without really thinking about consequences. It shows how human these characters are. They are a messy bunch of siblings but Juno Dawson makes you fall in love and root for them all. We can see how much they love one another and it is just wonderful.

There are a lot of supporting characters in this book too and they are all wonderful in their own rights. Syd is such a witty, wise and wonderful character who is never once reduced to their non-binary identity. The insight that they give into mental health and LGBTQ+ issues was inspiring and eye-opening. I would love to see more characters like Syd in YA in the future, those part of the LGBTQ+ living their authentic self without fear.

I think this has to be my favourite book I’ve read from Juno Dawson. I love how chaotic the plot was and how stressful at times it was to read. I love how Juno Dawson discusses mental health in her books so boldly and doesn’t shy away from topics others authors would do. Also, the Christmas element of this book is excellent. It makes you feel nostalgic for Christmases past and look forward for future Christmases. I love the message that no matter what happens new traditions and memories will be made and we will share them with new people. It really brought a smile to my face.

Overall, Stay Another Day has all the joy of Christmas as well as the parts we all have to deal with and don’t enjoy. It has drama, romances, amazing representation and dark humour. If you love all of these things, I cannot recommend this book enough!

RE: last RT, I've just read STAY ANOTHER DAY by @junodawson & it is a gorgeous, emotional, and funny Christmas #UKYA. Wonderful, well rounded #LGBTQ+ characters & a real family (TW for eating disorders). Thanks @HachetteKids for the proof (it is out now)! https://t.co/aN3LvrJ3DG

If Stay Another Day was the Christmas song that wasn’t, then this is definitely the Christmas story that isn’t about Christmas.

Why Christmas is the backdrop that brings the McAllister children home for the holidays don’t expect a Hallmark holiday reunion

Juno Dawson specialises in edgy YA and this is her at her finest.

The dynamics among the family are complex and fraught. Twins Fern and Rowan are growing further apart. Rowan is gay and parties. He sleeps around and enjoys an increasing hedonistic lifestyle that is not making him happy. Whereas Fern is studious and hardworking and in a longterm relationship. But is she really happy either.

Younger sister Willow had an eating disorder and is dreading Christmas as the holidays are completely centred around food.

There are some big and important conversations happening in this book. Sexuality, identity and relationships are explored sensitively and often humorously.

Despite their dysfunctional relationships and the arguing, the McAllister kids love each other fiercely and work to find ways to support each other as well as find their own individual paths.

Thank you Netgalley for my gifted copy of Stay Another Day. June Dawson continues to be one of my must read authors.

Twins Rowan and Fern - students in Bristol and London respectively - are returning to the family home in Edinburgh for Christmas, Rowan bringing his best friend Syd, and Fern her boyfriend Thom. At home is their younger sister Willow, who spent last Christmas at an inpatient ED unit and is dreading the festive period, and in particular the food she'll be expected to eat. The narration switches between the three siblings as events from last Christmas start reverberating through the family.

Oh my heart! I cannot adequately express how much I loved this book. Dawson manages to pull off something extremely tricky - making her main characters actively unpleasant at times, while maintaining the readers' sympathies. Syd is the undeniable star of the show, and their developing friendship with Willow really lovely to follow. Meanwhile, amongst all the chaos, tears and drama, Stay Another Day is also super festive. My campaign for it to be a Netflix seasonal series in 2023 starts here.

My second Juno Dawson book this year, what a great author!

A heartwarming story set at Christmas. The McAllister family get together for a traditional Christmas at home. One brings a friend, one a boyfriend. Then there’s auntie and cousin too. All have secrets which start to spill out, this will certainly be a Christmas to remember.

Another brilliant Juno Dawson book, possibly her best yet. Siblings return home for Christmas and find that while life throws curve balls, some things never change. With a diverse cast of characters in every sense, Stay Another Day touches on issues including anorexia and bi-erasure/intolerance without ever feeling gloomy due to Dawson's warmth and humour. #stayanotherday

After last years crap Christmas, the McAllister siblings are determined to make this year better. But Willow is terrified of food, Fern can’t help needing to control everything, and Rowan has one hell of a bombshell to drop ❄️

TW for eating disorders, mentions of homophobia, biphobia, mental health issues

(I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review)
For me, as soon as November hits, it’s Christmas. So this was the perfect book to get me in the Christmas spirit. It is, at its core, a heartwarming festive story, the plot of which would be right at home in a cheesy Christmas movie. And it does that so well. There are traditions, Xmas films, all the good food. It even bloody snows! Everything you need for a feel good time are right in this book.

But there is also: gay rep, non-binary rep, bi rep (and in a male, which is still quite rare.) It tackles eating disorders, OCD, alcoholism, teenage pregnancy, divorce… so much! Buts it’s still very positive and uplifting - it’s just very realistic and grounded in real issues while it does this.

I loved the short chapters and flitting between the points of views of all three siblings. I loved the sibling relationships and the character development, even though it only takes place over four days.

This is fun book to get you into the Christmas spirit, but please do heed the trigger warnings and read with caution if you think you may be affected

More authors need to write Christmas-set books - not only that, they need them to convey the levels of realism that are within this one. The sense of rising to the occasion, of repressing any thoughts that may result in drama of upmost proportions, of biting your tongue through the good, the bad and the ugly of the festive season - it's all here in this one. Thoughtfully and carefully written, with adequate trigger-warnings, the result is a really charming and heart-warming read.

Another cracker from Juno Dawson, just in time for Christmas! Three very different siblings return home to Edinburgh for Christmas, along with some secrets that threaten their holiday traditions. Tackling mental health, eating disorders, family dynamics and more, it will certainly get you in the festive mood.

Another triumph from Juno Dawson. Told through the perspectives of the three McAllister children, a Christmassy story that both pulls on the heartstrings and warms the heart.

I adore Juno's books and this was no exception. She once again has written something so moreish I couldn't put it down. For anyone who wants a page turner, a relatable (but slightly dysfunctional!) family, with a festival, snowy twist, this is the book for you. I've already started recommending this to customers. thanks Netgalley and thanks Juno!

Talk about family drama....this book is PACKED with drama! The twins have a huge secret that affects them both but only one of them knows about. The youngest sibling has all sorts going on. There are so many things going on at the McAllisters this Christmas but the question is, can they pull together and survive the season or will it break them??

An interesting read, I wanted to know how it would all pan out and who would end up with who!!

Good for fans of romance, drama, LGBTQ, Gender Neutral & Pansexual themes

This was so good! I love the way Juno captured the family dynamics and wove a compelling story with them. All 3 POVs were relatable and felt real, and that's what made the secrets so gripping to read. The secrets were juicy, but there was plenty of heart when dealing with the fallout of them that kept me reading and not wanting it to end.

Hmm didn't love it didn't hate. Enjoyed the majority of the story but bits were hit and miss for me.

I love Christmas, so I was excited to be approved to read Juno Dawson’s festive story Stay Another Day on NetGalley.

Fern and Rowan are heading home to Edinburgh for Christmas with their parents and younger sister Willow. Fern has perfect boyfriend Thom in tow, and Rowan his friend Syd. Fern adores Christmas and wants everything to be perfect, whilst Rowan would rather go out on the pull than have a cosy night in.

Younger sibling Willow is struggling to overcome an eating disorder, and with Christmas known for its gluttonous excesses she couldn’t be more terrified of what the dinner table will hold. With four nights until Christmas, parents acting cagey and siblings with secrets, this will be a Christmas none of them will forget…

This story is a lot of fun! The family dynamics are believable and relatable, and it’s refreshing to have such a diverse mix of characters. It’s rare to find a book with gay, bisexual and non-binary characters, and furthermore, one that doesn’t make their inclusion seem like a box ticking exercise. These all fully formed, fleshed out characters, though I’d expect nothing less from well known trans activist and writer Juno Dawson.

The narrative flows well so it is very easy to read and get swept up in the McCallister family drama. It’s got everything a Christmas family story needs: the strange dynamic of just-turned-adult children returning to the family home, seeing parents through new adult eyes; learning that parents are also perfectly flawed humans themselves; squabbling with siblings as though they never left; getting swept down memory lane with old friends and flames…

A fun, festive story that’s got wit, humour and a touch of drama, but nothing too heavy. It radiates warmth. A perfect Christmas read!