Only for the Holidays Summary, Characters and Themes

Only for the Holidays by Abiola Bello is a cosy, modern holiday romance set between London and the English countryside. It follows two teens dealing with messy breakups, family pressure, and the kind of small-town gossip that never seems to die.

When Tia Adeniran’s family books a Christmas stay at Saiyan Hedge Farm, she meets Quincy Parker, who’s helping his family host the town’s Winter Ball—an event loaded with expectation because they’re the first Black family ever asked to run it. A simple fake-date plan turns into something far more complicated, funny, and real.

Summary

Quincy Parker is trying to keep his head down at Saiyan Hedge Farm, the countryside estate where his family runs holiday cottages and manages a busy Christmas season. The farm is already under pressure because the Parkers are preparing to host White Oak’s Winter Ball, a prestigious town event that carries extra scrutiny since no Black family has hosted it before.

Quincy is also nursing a fresh heartbreak after his girlfriend, Kali, betrayed him with someone he trusted. He refuses to share the full truth around town because he doesn’t want to destroy Kali’s reputation, even though the secrecy leaves him carrying all the embarrassment alone.

At home, Quincy is surrounded by big personalities: his reckless, joking older brother Cam; his glamorous sister Drew, a London actress who arrives with celebrity energy; and his parents, who keep the farm running through long days and staff shortages. Drew shows up unexpectedly with her best friend Regal Majekodunmi, a famous model Quincy has known for years and quietly liked for just as long.

Drew and Regal are protective of Quincy and openly furious at Kali, but Quincy keeps changing the subject because he hates being the centre of the scandal. When his family teases him about going to the Winter Ball alone, Quincy lies and claims he already has a date.

The lie is meant to end the conversation, but it immediately becomes a problem he can’t solve.

The tension gets worse when Quincy has to visit a nearby vineyard connected to Simon’s family—Simon being the person involved in the betrayal. Simon’s mother greets them warmly, unaware of the damage her son caused.

When Simon appears, anxious and guilty, Quincy nearly loses control. Drew drags him away before he does something he can’t take back, but Quincy leaves with the anger still boiling.

In London, Tia Adeniran is dealing with her own disappointment. Her family has been struggling financially, and they’re living in a cramped flat as they try to rebuild.

Tia’s mum, Tope, gets a major win: a new job as a head chef and a Christmas trip arranged by a relative—at Saiyan Hedge Farm. Tia should be excited, but she’s focused on her boyfriend Mike’s eighteenth birthday party and already feels like her life is slipping out of her control.

Then Mike texts her that he “needs some space,” and the message hits like a door shutting. When they meet in person, Mike explains that he feels drained by the chaos around her family and wants room to “figure himself out.” Tia argues that love means showing up, but Mike can’t even say he loves her.

Still, he insists he wants her at his party, and Tia agrees, clinging to the hope that turning up for him will fix things.

Tia arrives at Saiyan Hedge Farm after a long drive with her mum, sisters Willow and Banks, and Paul, Banks’s dad. The trip is stressful, phone signal is weak, and the family is exhausted—then they discover the cottages have been double-booked.

Quincy is thrown into crisis mode at reception, trying to stall while Drew and his mum figure out a solution. When Tia walks in, Quincy is immediately taken aback by her, while Tia recognizes him from the farm’s social media and is unimpressed by the mess.

Quincy has to tell them there’s no cottage available until after Christmas, which sparks outrage—until Quincy’s mother steps in and offers them rooms in the main house for free as an apology. Drew’s arrival, full designer flair, distracts everyone just enough to settle the situation.

As the Parkers give the Solankés a tour, Tia is glued to her phone, desperate for messages from Mike. She and Quincy clash, and Tia embarrasses herself at the stables when she’s distracted, steps in horse manure, and loses her temper.

Quincy helps her anyway, even carrying her back to the house when she can’t manage. That awkward moment becomes the start of something softer.

Later, unable to sleep, Tia finds Quincy outside. He makes her hot chocolate, talks honestly about the pressure of the Winter Ball, and shows her the bright countryside stars.

For the first time since Mike’s “space,” Tia feels calm.

Quincy’s fake-date lie keeps spreading, helped along by friends who love gossip. He admits the truth to his best friend Eliza—he has no date—and Eliza suggests an easy fix: ask Tia.

Quincy and Tia strike a deal that benefits them both. Tia can use the “boyfriend” story as a buffer while she figures out what’s happening with Mike, and Quincy can stop his family from nagging him while keeping Kali at a distance.

They rehearse how they “met,” building a ridiculous backstory that makes them laugh and helps them relax around each other.

Their pretend relationship becomes public fast. They shop for the Winter Ball outfits, take photos, and get pulled into Quincy’s friend group.

But Kali is everywhere—at the café, around town, at events—and Quincy still flinches whenever he sees her. Tia starts noticing the gaps in the story and hears the name Simon, sensing there’s more Quincy won’t say.

During an ice-skating outing, Tia plays up the act to protect Quincy when Kali appears nearby, but the closeness on the rink is no longer fully pretend. Tia catches herself enjoying Quincy’s attention, then remembers Mike and feels guilty.

Kali corners Tia later and tries to rewrite the past, claiming she and Quincy were “on a break” and suggesting Tia is just a rebound. The confrontation rattles Tia, especially when Kali reacts badly to any mention of Simon.

That night, Tia and Quincy talk more openly—about Kali, about Mike, and about the confusion that comes with being stuck between what you used to want and what’s right in front of you. The conversation leads to a kiss, and it feels real enough to scare Tia.

The next day, she panics and calls it a mistake, trying to shove her feelings back into a safe box. Quincy is hurt, because for him it didn’t feel like an accident.

Tia finally decides she can’t keep dragging Mike’s relationship along. On December 21, she returns to London for Mike’s birthday party planning to end things cleanly.

She slips a breakup letter into his jacket, but Mike finds it, reads it on the spot, and explodes. When Eliza calls and mentions Quincy, Mike grabs Tia’s phone, scrolls through photos, and accuses her of lying.

Tia reminds him he asked for space and never gave her the security she needed. Mike admits he isn’t in love with her, then tries to pull her back anyway.

Tia refuses. She leaves with Eliza, texts Quincy that it’s over, and heads back to the farm.

On the drive, snow and icy roads turn dangerous. Eliza’s car spins off a country lane into a ditch.

Tia is shaken but mostly fine; Eliza injures her wrist. Quincy panics when the call cuts out, then rushes out with Cam to find them.

In the chaos, Quincy learns Cam and Eliza have been secretly dating for months—and Eliza is actually Cam’s Winter Ball date. The rescue ends safely, but the crash triggers consequences at the farm.

Tia’s mum is relieved, then furious when she learns Tia snuck to London. She grounds Tia, takes her phone, and bans her from the Winter Ball, determined to keep her away from Quincy.

Quincy doesn’t give up. He writes Tia a letter, and with Willow’s help, they plan a workaround.

On December 23, the Winter Ball goes ahead and the Parkers pull it off, even as Quincy feels the gap of Tia’s absence. Meanwhile, Tia sneaks out dressed for the night and arrives at the venue anyway—alongside Paul, who ends up dancing with Tia’s mum after a mix-up that becomes unexpectedly sweet.

Quincy spots Tia under the ceiling lights and can’t hide his relief. She reminds him she promised she’d meet him “under the stars,” and this time she shows up for herself too.

They step onto the dance floor, pose for photos, and Tia kisses Quincy in public—turning their holiday arrangement into something honest.

Characters

Quincy Parker

Quincy Parker stands at the emotional center of Only for the Holidays, a young man caught between familial responsibility, heartbreak, and unexpected romance. Living with his family on Saiyan Hedge Farm, Quincy’s outward calm conceals deep turmoil from his ex-girlfriend Kali’s betrayal with his best friend, Simon.

His struggle is marked by restraint—he hides the truth to protect Kali’s image, revealing his kindness and integrity even amid pain. Throughout the novel, Quincy evolves from a heartbroken, withdrawn figure into someone capable of opening up to new experiences and love again.

His sensitivity contrasts with the teasing energy of his siblings, highlighting his quiet maturity. His interactions with Tia spark both healing and conflict, forcing him to confront honesty, vulnerability, and forgiveness.

By the Winter Ball, Quincy’s emotional journey comes full circle as he learns that love rooted in truth can emerge even from heartbreak.

Tia Adeniran

Tia is the emotional counterpart to Quincy, her story unfolding as a parallel journey of self-discovery and independence. At the beginning, she is defined by her devotion to Mike and the pressures of family instability.

Her heartbreak after Mike’s distancing exposes her insecurities, yet also becomes the catalyst for her growth. Tia’s move from London to Saiyan Hedge Farm signifies not just a change in setting but a transformation in spirit—from a girl desperate for validation to a young woman learning to define her worth.

Her developing bond with Quincy challenges her sense of loyalty and guilt, especially as she grapples with what it means to love someone new while detaching from a failing relationship. Her arc captures the delicate navigation between adolescence and adulthood, heartbreak and renewal, culminating in her bold decision to pursue love on her own terms.

Cam Parker

Cam, Quincy’s older brother, brings humor, energy, and recklessness to the Parker family dynamic. A DJ with a carefree outlook, Cam initially seems to embody irresponsibility, often teasing Quincy and shirking work.

However, beneath his playful exterior lies deep loyalty to his family and a protective instinct toward his siblings. His romantic involvement with Eliza adds complexity to his character, revealing his capacity for secrecy but also genuine affection.

Cam’s arc, though secondary, mirrors Quincy’s in its balance between immaturity and emotional growth. Through his interactions with both Quincy and Eliza, Cam represents the messier, more impulsive side of love and responsibility, offering a vivid contrast to Quincy’s restraint.

Drew Parker

Drew, the glamorous actress sister, bridges the family’s rural roots with the allure of celebrity life. Her arrival with her famous best friend Regal infuses the story with energy and sophistication, yet Drew remains grounded in her fierce loyalty to her family.

She often acts as a mediator, combining her London polish with the practicality inherited from her mother. Her quick temper and strong defense of Quincy, especially in his confrontation with Simon, demonstrate her fierce protectiveness.

Drew’s presence also underscores the theme of public perception versus private struggle—a reminder that even those who appear confident and successful carry emotional burdens.

Mel Parker

Mel Parker, the matriarch of the Parker family, embodies resilience and discipline. Running Saiyan Hedge Farm and managing the chaos of preparing for the Winter Ball, she is the quiet backbone of the story’s setting.

Her interactions with guests and her children reflect both authority and compassion, showing a woman who juggles business pragmatism with maternal warmth. Mel’s trust in her children, coupled with her insistence on standards, shapes the moral environment in which Quincy’s transformation occurs.

Her belief in appearances and propriety underlines one of the novel’s key themes: that dignity and integrity are vital even amid personal and social challenges.

Tope Adeniran

Tope, Tia’s mother, offers a contrasting maternal figure to Mel. A hardworking Nigerian-British woman raising her daughters after financial hardship, Tope reflects endurance and pride.

Her insistence on taking the holiday despite Tia’s protests shows her determination to give her family moments of joy and stability. Tope’s discipline, while strict, is rooted in love and fear of seeing her daughters repeat her mistakes.

Her arc—especially her eventual softening toward Quincy and reconciliation with Paul—reveals her yearning for happiness as much as control. She represents the sacrifices of single motherhood, where strength and vulnerability coexist in equal measure.

Eliza

Eliza serves as Quincy’s confidante and emotional mirror. Her friendship is a steadying force during his heartbreak, and her lively personality helps draw him out of isolation.

Though initially a background presence, Eliza’s secret relationship with Cam gives her unexpected depth. She is loyal but not afraid to challenge Quincy, balancing honesty with empathy.

Her role in helping Tia acclimate to the farm and her eventual accident reveal her courage and emotional intelligence. Eliza is emblematic of the novel’s theme of truth and the sometimes-painful necessity of confronting hidden feelings.

Mike

Mike, Tia’s boyfriend, represents youthful immaturity and emotional detachment. His request for “space” exposes his inability to handle real emotional connection, and his eventual breakdown at his birthday party underscores his insecurity.

Mike’s contrast to Quincy is deliberate—while Quincy chooses empathy and respect, Mike is consumed by pride and possessiveness. His relationship with Tia serves as a cautionary tale about love built on imbalance and misunderstanding.

Mike’s presence lingers as a reminder of the relationships that must end before new, healthier ones can begin.

Kali

Kali embodies betrayal and denial. Her affair with Simon and her unwillingness to take responsibility for the hurt she causes make her a symbol of emotional cowardice.

Yet, she is not portrayed as purely villainous—her attempts to reconnect with Quincy reveal guilt and confusion. Kali’s role propels the main emotional conflict, forcing Quincy to define self-respect and forgiveness.

Her jealousy toward Tia adds tension but also highlights how both women, in different ways, are learning to navigate love and self-worth.

Simon

Simon, once Quincy’s best friend, becomes the story’s quiet antagonist. His betrayal cuts deeply, not because of malice but because it shatters trust.

When he reappears, nervous and regretful, it’s clear he’s haunted by guilt. Simon’s limited but crucial presence exposes the complexities of male friendship and loyalty, offering a realistic portrayal of how betrayal can reshape one’s sense of identity and belonging.

Regal Majekodunmi

Regal, Drew’s best friend and a famous model, represents glamour and nostalgia. For Quincy, she embodies a connection to childhood innocence and unspoken attraction.

Although her role is more peripheral, she adds emotional texture by highlighting Quincy’s struggle between idealized love and real affection. Regal’s warmth and humor balance the novel’s heavier emotional moments, reinforcing themes of friendship and sincerity amid fame.

Themes

Love, Betrayal, and Healing

In Only for the Holidays, the exploration of love moves beyond romantic idealism, capturing its fragility, its power to wound, and its quiet capacity to heal. Quincy’s heartbreak after Kali’s betrayal defines the emotional tone of his arc.

His choice to hide the truth about her infidelity—protecting her reputation even while hurting himself—reflects both his moral strength and his inability to process the betrayal fully. Love, for him, becomes a test of forgiveness and self-respect rather than devotion.

Similarly, Tia’s relationship with Mike demonstrates the unequal burdens often found in young love. Her emotional investment contrasts with Mike’s self-absorption, exposing the imbalance of affection and effort that often erodes relationships.

When Tia meets Quincy, love re-emerges not as an instant replacement but as a gradual rebuilding of trust. Their growing closeness, from awkward interactions to shared vulnerability, symbolizes the slow reconstruction of emotional safety after trauma.

The kiss in the hot tub becomes less about romance and more about reclaiming agency over their own feelings. Both characters evolve through love that asks for truth rather than performance.

By the time they dance under the stars at the Winter Ball, love has shifted from pain to partnership—a connection grounded in mutual respect, honesty, and emotional maturity. Through their intertwined experiences, Abiola Bello portrays love as a force that both breaks and remakes, demanding courage to confront one’s past and embrace a new beginning.

Family, Belonging, and Expectations

Family in Only for the Holidays functions as both sanctuary and source of strain. The Parker household is rooted in shared labor, tradition, and the pressure of public scrutiny as they prepare to host the Winter Ball.

Their unity is visible in their daily work—cooking, managing guests, supporting one another—but so is their tension. Quincy’s interactions with his siblings show the unspoken hierarchy and affection that coexist in close families.

His mother’s determination to maintain excellence under pressure underscores the generational weight of proving worth, especially as the first Black family entrusted with the event. For the Solankés, family is marked by survival and sacrifice.

Tia’s mother, Tope, holds the family together through relentless effort, yet her insistence on control stems from fear of instability. Tia’s resistance reflects a generational divide: a daughter seeking autonomy against a mother shaped by hardship.

When both families collide at Saiyan Hedge Farm, their contrasting experiences of privilege and struggle highlight different forms of belonging. The chaos of shared spaces, miscommunication, and eventual understanding turns the farm into a metaphorical crossroads where both families renegotiate love, pride, and forgiveness.

By the novel’s end, family ceases to be defined by perfection or public image; it becomes a space of acceptance where imperfection is allowed to exist. Bello crafts the idea that family is less about structure and more about emotional reciprocity—a willingness to show up for each other even when expectations fail.

Identity, Race, and Social Visibility

The hosting of the Winter Ball by the Parkers carries immense cultural and social weight. In Only for the Holidays, Bello frames race not as a background detail but as an ever-present reality shaping self-perception, opportunity, and community standing.

The Parkers’ position as the first Black family to host the event transforms a festive occasion into a milestone of representation, testing how much society truly embraces diversity versus tolerating it under conditional approval. Mel Parker’s professionalism and insistence on excellence reveal the pressure of having to outperform to be accepted.

Quincy’s interactions with townspeople like Mrs. Huntington expose subtle racial hierarchies and coded politeness, suggesting that progress is still fragile. For Tia and her family, race intersects with class and migration.

Their Nigerian-British identity subjects them to both cultural pride and social invisibility. The move from London’s cramped flat to the countryside exposes how class differences compound racial ones; their presence at the farm initially feels like intrusion rather than welcome.

Through these dual perspectives, Bello explores what it means to inhabit Black identity within contrasting spaces—rural and urban, privileged and struggling. The novel resists victimhood, instead celebrating quiet defiance, dignity, and joy.

The Winter Ball’s success ultimately becomes an act of reclamation, turning a space of historical exclusion into one of collective celebration, signaling a broader commentary on visibility and belonging in contemporary Britain.

Forgiveness, Growth, and Second Chances

The emotional core of Only for the Holidays rests on learning to forgive—not only others but oneself. Quincy’s struggle to forgive Simon and Kali for their betrayal mirrors his need to release anger and rediscover peace.

His reluctance to expose Kali’s wrongdoing, while noble, also reflects avoidance; he shields her reputation at the cost of his healing. Over time, his interactions with Tia allow him to confront rather than suppress his pain.

Similarly, Tia’s journey toward self-forgiveness emerges from her relationship with Mike. Her desire to “fix” him and the heartbreak that follows expose how guilt can masquerade as love.

When she finally ends things with him, it marks not just closure but emancipation from self-blame. The car accident becomes a turning point—an event that literally jolts characters into clarity about what truly matters.

Bello frames forgiveness as an active, painful process rather than a single moment. It requires honesty, accountability, and empathy.

The letter exchange between Quincy and Tia after the accident captures the tenderness of renewal—the recognition that mistakes do not erase worthiness of affection. Their reconciliation at the Winter Ball, under lights described like stars, reinforces the redemptive power of second chances.

The theme of forgiveness thus becomes the novel’s emotional resolution, affirming that personal growth often comes not from forgetting the past, but from understanding it deeply enough to move forward without resentment.