The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen
The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen
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The author of the beloved, bestselling Black Girls Must Die Exhausted trilogy returns with an intriguing blend of Such a Fun Age and The Holiday—an irresistible Christmastime novel about heartbreak, hope, love, and the joy that comes from rediscovering oneself.
With Christmas around the corner, Ramona Tucker is desperate to get away. She has been lying to her family about her engagement to Malik, her (ex) fiancé. But breakups are fickle, and Ramona is convinced that she can make her pretend wedding real again—but only if she can avoid everyone discovering her secret at her mother’s over-the-top Christmas Eve party.
Two-thousand miles away in sunny Malibu, Chelsea Flint needs money to hold on to the beloved beachside cottage she shared with her late parents. The taxes are expensive, and her art isn’t paying the bills. Once an irresistible star of the Los Angeles art scene, Chelsea seems to have lost that spark that vaulted her to the top. If she doesn’t rediscover that magic—and sell a painting—soon, it will be her family’s home she’s selling instead.
The two women swap homes, just in time, thanks to some careful planning by Ramona’s best friend and a sturdy nudge from Chelsea’s gallerist godmother. Ramona’s Malibu dreams of sun and surf are interrupted as her first night brings an unwelcome stranger to her door, making her question who she can trust—the meddling neighbor Joan, or Jay, the handsome beachside fitness instructor with a secret of his own. Chelsea, desperate for Ramona to stay, hides what she knows—even if that means jeopardizing her budding connection with charming Carlos, whose dreams for his future could be the very key to unlocking Chelsea from the weight of her past.
Combining escapist fun and sizzling romance, a dose of poignant self-reflection, and a little holiday magic, The Most Wonderful Time is a warm and relatable novel that will delight at Christmas and throughout the year.
Store Policy
Store Policy
PAYMENTS & ORDER CANCELLATIONS
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Please double-check that you select the correct store location for pickup at checkout—we cannot transfer orders between locations.
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You will receive an email once your order is ready for pickup. Please wait for this email before coming in.
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Bring your receipt or order confirmation email that includes your order number when picking up.
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Online Return / Exchange Policy
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In-Store Return/Exchange Policy
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We do not offer returns, but we’re happy to offer exchanges for eligible items.
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Exchanges must be made within 30 days of purchase
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Items must be in new, unused condition with original packaging (if applicable).
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We consider an item damaged if:
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There are deep scratches or gouges on the cover, spine, or dust jacket.
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Pages are missing or misprinted.
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There is significant water damage or binding issues.
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Tears larger than 2 inches are visible.
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Minor corner dents or edge wear.
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Light scuff marks or scratches.
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Small cosmetic imperfections under 2 inches.
All claims are handled case by case. If approved, we may offer store credit, a replacement (if inventory allows).
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Thank you for choosing Steamy Lit Bookstore!
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Fulfillment Timeline
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Incorrect Addresses & Returned Packages
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Replacements
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LOST PACKAGES
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If your tracking number shows a package as "delivered" but you have not received it:
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Wait 72 hours, as carriers sometimes scan early.
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If the package still hasn’t arrived, contact us at hello@steamylit.com within 30 days of the delivery date.
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We are unable to assist with lost packages after 30 days.
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Wait 72 hours, as carriers sometimes scan early.
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If your event ticket includes a book:
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You have 14 days to pick it up in-store.
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You may request shipping within 14 days (shipping costs apply).
After 14 days, the book will be restocked, and no refund or store credit will be issued.
