17 Dec 10 Sparkling Romances for Christmas
I love a feel-good Christmas read, and fortunately for me there are even more to choose from this year, and more time to read them … parties may be cancelled again, but there’s always solace to be had in curling up with a good book.
I’ve already reviewed a few titles on my review pages, and in the print magazines I write for, but I also need to shout out about these festive reads!
Hope they help you choose your next read, and that you all have a wonderful Christmas
The Merry Christmas Project by Cathy Bramley
*****
Merry’s lost her job and her man but not her spirit! Tasked with transforming the town’s market square into a magical wonderland, she works with old friends and new to light up Christmas for them all! And with builder Cole to help, there may be a mistletoe kiss or two. A sparkling romance from one of my favourite writers.
A Country Village Christmas by Suzanne Snow
****
Olivia Bradshaw’s returned to her family home in Thorndale village only to discover her father is letting a stranger stay there. Will ex-hearththrob actor-turned-author Tom’s presence make or break her last Christmas in Thorndale, a tight-knit community where seasonal celebrations are the order of the day?
Underneath the Christmas Tree by Heidi Swain
*****
Heidi’s a go-to favourite of mine – I love the communities she creates and the characters she peoples them with. This time she takes us back to Wynmouth, where Liza Wynter is dealing with the unwelcome inheritance of her late father’s Christmas-tree farm. Will she change her mind about selling it once the festive season’s over? Mmm … you can almost smell the pine needles in this warm and festive romance.
The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer
*****
Rabbi’s daughter Rachel leads a secret life as a writer of romantic Christmas fiction! Then her publisher asks for a Hannukah story. Will volunteering to help at the grandiose Matzah ball provide inspiration – or dredge up too many bad memories of her past history with organiser Jacob? A seasonal romance with a difference, and I really enjoyed learning about Jewish Hannukah traditions.
The Arctic Curry Club by Danni Redd
****
I’ve been to Finland, Sweden, the US and France with my Christmas reading this year, but this one takes the promise of a white Christmas even further, with a trip to the Arctic in the company of Maya, who has given up her old life to join her boyfriend Ryan there. But with him away at work, the reality of cold, dark winter nights alone makes Maya doubt her decision. Fortunately, help is at hand in the pages of her late mother’s Indian recipe book, helping Maya find friendship and warmth.
The Country Village Winter Wedding by Cathy Lake
****
Wedding planner Hazel has had her heart broken by her fiance’s infidelity. She’s retreated to the village of Little Bramble to lick her wounds, only to find herself organising a winter wedding for a local couple. Will helping them have their special day restore her own faith in happy-ever-after? Seasonal and warm, with the added “aw” factor of a winter wedding.
The Promise by Emma Heatherington
*****
Caught up in a terrible tragedy when a bomb goes off in the town centre, Irish youngsters Kate and David meet oh-so-briefly, but promise to find each other again. Ten years later, their paths cross again, but can they throw away the lives they have built to be together in the way fate seems to intended? A thoughtful and ultimately heart-warming read that will have you reaching for the tissues.
A Bookshop Christmas by Rachel Burton
*****
With a title like this, this one wasn’t going to get past my radar! An accidental encounter with prizewinning author Xander Stone should be exciting for bookshop owner Megan, but it’s hate at first sight! He not only damages her ankle with his supermarket trolley, he goes on to trash her taste in books. Can she change his mind about the virtues of a romantic fiction? And will he change her mind about taking a second chance on real-life romance?
One More Christmas at the Castle by Trisha Ashley
*****
What could be more magical than Christmas at a castle in the company of all the lovely people created by Trisha Ashley? Elderly widow Sabine is determined to make her last Christmas in her ancestral home one to remember with a giant house party – but organiser Dido has her work cut out to make sure she, her hostess and their assorted guests have a sparkling Christmas to remember!
A Christmas to Remember by Anton du Beke
****
The king of ballroom returns with a beautiful wintry romance that takes us back in time to 1938, Demonstration dancer Raymond is preparing to marry sweetheart Nancy – but there is a cha-cha-chance the wedding might not go ahead as planned amidst the louring clouds of WWII!
Check out my other Christmassy book recommendations here
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