Book Launch: The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen

Join us for an enchanting evening with Jayne Allen, the beloved author of the bestselling Black Girl Must Die Exhausted trilogy, as she introduces her highly anticipated new novel, The Most Wonderful Time. This irresistible Christmastime romcom weaves a heartwarming tale of heartbreak, healing, love, and the joy that comes from rediscovering oneself during the most magical time of the year.

Don't miss your chance to meet Jayne, hear about her inspiration behind the book, and get your copy signed. This is the perfect event to kick off your holiday season with warmth, laughter, and a story that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

For questions regarding the event and book pick-up, check out the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

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 a glamorous star of the Los Angeles art scene, Chelsea seems to have lost the 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. In Chicago, Chelsea, desperate for Ramona to stay in CA, 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 unlock Chelsea from the weight of her past.

Jayne Allen is a writer, producer, and entrepreneur. In the earliest years of her career, as an alumna of Harvard Law School and Duke University Pratt School of Engineering, she worked as an entertainment attorney, including in service to the late artist Prince. Purposeful in centering and celebrating black women’s societal contributions, Allen’s writing crafts transcultural stories to explore contemporary issues such as modern relationships, workplace and career dynamics, and the complexities of race. Her common themes include mental and physical health and highlight the importance of self-love and self-care—all with a healthy dose of warmth and humor. Allen currently serves on the Diversity Committee of the Author’ Guild Council. A proud native of Detroit, she lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Lacey is a strategist, an Emmy-nominated and award-winning content creator, and community convener. 

A force of nature, Lacey combines her credentials as a writer, director, and producer, with her experience as a founder, consultant, and executive to embody the ideal interplay between business and creative. Informed by her legal background, Lacey has developed business plans, overseen large budgets, implemented brand development, and managed teams, spanning multiple sectors, including media, finance, tech, culture and politics. 

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Lit. Bar, 131 Alexander Avenue, The Bronx, United States