By: Peggy Sue Wood | @pswediting

December has started again, yet it isn’t the holiday season for me until I’ve re-read Yoroshiku Master (Sweet Rein, in the English translation)… again! A few years ago, I wrote about the series here, and—exciting news—the English translation is finally available on Amazon once more. I’m absolutely elated, and decided that I must discuss this series again in the hopes that all of you consider picking up this holiday treat for yourselves!

This is one of those sweet, comforting shoujo manga that never fails to lift my spirits. I cannot recommend it highly enough and since the last time I talked about this series was all the way back in 2019—I think it’s more than due for another shout-out.

For context, I first read Sweet Rein many, many years ago. I was a depressed teen who had quietly slipped out of the holiday spirit, even though the season had always been a big part of my family’s traditions. Something about this manga brought me back. Its warmth, humor, and gentle story about a lonely teen getting taken in by a holiday-spirited family of reindeer and the ongoing romance of the two leads helped me feel connected again—to the season, to stories, and honestly, a little bit to myself. Every December since, rereading it has become a small ritual of comfort for me and, with my new English copies of the work, I’ve been able to share it with my family as well.

If I’m being honest, there is one thing I don’t love about these volumes. Each one devotes roughly a third of its pages to chapters/specials from another series by the same author. They’re not bad stories, but they do pull you out of the main narrative if you don’t decide to skip them… Still, if you’re looking for a cozy, heartfelt read this winter, especially if you need something uplifting, Sweet Rein is my personal recommendation.

It is only three volumes long and, at the time of writing this, the Kindle version of the manga is on sale for $6.99 apiece or $20.97 in total. You may still be able to procure a print copy from Amazon as well if they’re still available. It’s not exactly a popular series in the US, considering its age and limited distribution, so I would consider getting it while supplies last!

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Developmental Edits: Krow Smith | @coffeewithkrow

Copyedited by: Katherine Cañeba | @kcserinlee