‘A cosy and heart-warming Christmas read – the perfect festive treat’ Heidi Swain‘A fun and festive read’ Trisha Ashley***Can a trip away lead you home?After a bad break-up, eternal optimist Evie Miller has moved to the small village of Willowbrook to finally pursue her dream of opening a craft shop. Unfortunately, with money worries and an ex-boyfriend determined to track her down, her fresh … worries and an ex-boyfriend determined to track her down, her fresh start isn’t going entirely to plan.
Jake Hartwood is also looking to escape his past. Haunted by the loss of his wife, he’s determined not to get close to anyone again – and the last thing he wants is to be celebrating this December.
Hoping to avoid the festivities, Evie and Jake arrange to escape Christmas together as friends in Provence. But will the magic of the season change things between them?
And what happens if one of them starts to feel something more?
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I absolutely adored reading this book. It was addictive and I was hooked from the first few pages. Evie and Jake are wonderful characters. Her cheerful and optimistic nature a clash with Jake’s aprupt and stern demeanour. Their interactions and verbal sparring a pleasure to read , very wittily written. Their chemistry was develiping slowly and you get thoroughly caught up in the romance. I was sad to reach the end of the book. I thoroughly recommend it and will definitely read more by this author.
Ahhh how cute was this book!!!!!
Give me a book with broken hearts, grief and second chances then add in an insanely adorable dog and I’m putty in your hands, I absolutely ADORE this kind of read especially when cemeteries around Christmas oh my gosh!
Evie is an incredible woman, my love for her is infinite. After a bad break up and a knock to her self confidence she’s making a go at something she’s proud of, something she loves and is passionate about. She’s set up her own shop and determined to prove those who doubt her wrong. Seven with a determined family and an ex fiancé telling v her she’ll never make it she strives to work harder to show them she can. She’s quirky as heck and an absolute joy to read. She’s clumsy and full of fun and brightness, it’s one of the things I love most about her. She’s not afraid to show off her boldness even if she’s in doubt.
Jake, oh this man. My heart instantly went out to him. He’s in Willowbrook looking to forget about his past but grief never leaves a person. After loosing his wife Jake has lost himself and the person he used to be. He’s determined to keep people away but when a whirlwind that is Evie comes barrelling into his house it’s impossible to do so. It’s almost impossible for him to not smile around this woman she’s so different to any woman he’s seen
They both want the same thing, to escape Christmas and the hurt that follows that certain day so they escape the town their in for a place in France.
And what happens in France you might ask…a whole lot but that’s all I’m gonna say about that, it’s GOOD. SO GOOD.
I absolutely adored this book and honestly, as soon as I read the last page I just wanted more from these two, they’re cute and adorable especially with Jake’s dog.
Although their story is fun it’s tinged with grief and broken hearts and there comes a point in the story that your eyes well up with tears and it’s almost impossible to not let them fall. The amount of things these two have gone through is just heartbreaking and you’ll want to hug them both so tight, ugh!
Now, I just want to go read more Christmas books lol.
I read The Christmas Holiday in a few days, I just couldn’t put it down.
As well as being an addictive, entertaining read, the book also has an emotional storyline. Grief is a central issue creating a barrier between the two protagonists.
I loved Evie and her story of opening her own craft shop in what sounds like a wonderful little village, Willowbrook. She has lots of insecurities and money troubles, but she’s determined to follow her dream and make the business a success even if others don’t believe in her.
I also loved Jake’s storyline and felt for his difficult situation. He is a brooding, handsome, hurting lead man with a heart in need of healing. His dog won my heart from the start of the story too.
I became invested in the two main characters straight away and read with increasing speed, desperate to follow Evie and Jake’s journey. It was a satisfying read, one that has stayed with me even two weeks after finishing it.
It’s a book I want to shout about, recommend to everyone and it is one I will read again! I can’t wait to discover more of Sophie Claire’s books.
FYI – I won this book in a twitter competition run by Whispering Stories.
It was a sweet although predictable story, but I enjoyed reading about the characters and how they developed through the story.
Warmth and renewal for a grieving widower and a crafter who lacks confidence
I really enjoyed the emotional journey of principal characters Jake and Evie as they face up to their past disappointments and find budding friendship and attraction despite their bitter disappointments in past relationships. Jake is the dark that highlights Evie’s light and positive nature. Christmas promises to be a difficult holiday for both but they join forces and find new possibilities on a trip to Provence. Their hot and cold connection was realistic if frustrating, but each of them gave support and encouragement to the other and let time, circumstance and a Dalmatian named Smoke work their magic.
Although Christmas preparations, weather and celebrations play a role in the plot, I would not label this as a Christmas story per se. Neither is it a light romance filled with warm and fuzzies. It’s a clever tale of second chances, difficult choices, and finding the strength inside to live consciously instead of coasting through life. It was a bit slower than I would have liked, but ultimately a very satisfying read.
Thanks to publishers Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
The Christmas Holiday by Sophie Claire an adorable four-star read. This is a great slow burn story that will surprise you at times, it’s a great story and true as not everyone is glossy and perfect Evie the main character has flaws that make you fall for her. This was so sweet, it made me want to pick up a needle and thread.