Holiday Romances 2023 Edition!

 I thought it would be nice to keep up this little end-of-year holiday romance round-up tradition (starting last year)!

Wrapped with a Beau by Lillie Vale

Published: 12th October 2023 

I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I enjoyed this book so much! I do feel as though Christmas romances can become a bit oversaturated, especially in recent years as they have become a hit, but this one really stood out to me amongst them all (and kept my attention when I was quick to put down others!). The premise is as ridiculous as you would expect, about Elisha who works as a location scout for films and wants her cosy small-town to be used for an upcoming highly-anticipated sequel. I do enjoy film and book tie-ins, and it reminded me of the great Julie Murphy Christmas book A Merry Little Meet Cute in the best way possible with this aspect. The chemistry between Elisha and the owner of the sought-after house Ves was really great, and I appreciated the way that it wasn't a full-blown enemies-to-lovers because they were both just too nice and cared for one another too much! I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for more from Vale.

4 stars

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

Published: 12th October 2023 by Penguin

I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I have heard nothing but great things about Silver's previous Christmas romance, One Day in December, so I was very excited to give this newest one a go, especially with its New York setting. I did really enjoy it, and I found the writing accessible and enjoyable, so I would definitely go back and read her backlist! I enjoyed the way in which Silver interweaved Iris' and her mother's story throughout the story, and I think the extent to which each narrative controlled each chapter within the whole book was very well done, and a hard thing to get right! I also enjoyed the whole found-family element with Iris being embraced by Gio's, and the way in which the two met each other, but it didn't feel the most festive to me, possibly because there was an underlying level of tension and uncomfortableness that wasn't shaken until towards the end.

3.5 stars

Winter's Wishfall by Ceri Houlbrook

Published: 12th October 2023 by Black & White Publishing

I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I had almost completely forgotten I had this book, but I'm really pleased I remembered in time for Christmas and read it this year, as it was such a nice little story set around the Christmas period. The plot is refreshingly original, set on a remote Scottish island and following a woman looking for a purpose in her life, while also searching for a job, and this mysterious role falling into her lap (and through the power of Christmas magic). I loved the setting, and how Ellie integrates herself so fully into the Jones family through her kindness and sweet nature, making them all fall in love with her, and helping her to find her place in the world and work towards a greater cause. I felt the book lost a bit of steam towards the second half, but still very enjoyable nonetheless.

3.5 stars