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stewarb1's review against another edition
I could not get over how unlike able Summer is. Having a hard life doesn’t give you a pass to be a bitch.
sara_machado's review against another edition
2.0
I’ve picked up this book expecting a seasonal romcom, but this was heavier than the cover leads on.
Summer has a travel agency and loves everything summerly related - sun, heat, beach and sea. She longs for her own travels and for her life to begin.
Noel, loves Christmas and every year opens a Christmas pop up store somewhere. This year the chosen place is just beside Summer shop, leading to a less than cold meet up.
I really liked Rachel Dove Ten Dates and I wanted to enjoy this one just as much. Unfortunately, it had several things than didn’t feel right to me, especially regarding the amount of violence between the characters.
The writing is good, but too many things are happening, and none of those is more than superficially explored. I understand Summer had a difficult life, however, some of her actions are inexcusable, making it hard to believe on their HEA.
The resolution occurs too fast and easy for the amount ou problems the characters were experiencing.
Overall, it was an ok read, with multiple POV, and a diversity of difficult topics and their consequences on character lives and family bonds.
2.5 stars
I would like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
TW - depression, physical abuse, verbal abuse, alcoholism (off page), cheating (off page), isolation.
Summer has a travel agency and loves everything summerly related - sun, heat, beach and sea. She longs for her own travels and for her life to begin.
Noel, loves Christmas and every year opens a Christmas pop up store somewhere. This year the chosen place is just beside Summer shop, leading to a less than cold meet up.
I really liked Rachel Dove Ten Dates and I wanted to enjoy this one just as much. Unfortunately, it had several things than didn’t feel right to me, especially regarding the amount of violence between the characters.
The writing is good, but too many things are happening, and none of those is more than superficially explored. I understand Summer had a difficult life, however, some of her actions are inexcusable, making it hard to believe on their HEA.
The resolution occurs too fast and easy for the amount ou problems the characters were experiencing.
Overall, it was an ok read, with multiple POV, and a diversity of difficult topics and their consequences on character lives and family bonds.
2.5 stars
I would like to thank Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
TW - depression, physical abuse, verbal abuse, alcoholism (off page), cheating (off page), isolation.
laura_devouring_books_crumpets's review
3.0
It was a cute read... Summer Had it rough and was a Unlikable character to start with but i think she slowly reforms herself... I Did find myself asking what Noel was being so nice to her for... But he Makes the Grinch's heart finally grow. Its a bit of a sad read especially the mum.... for that many years Must be difficult and heartbreaking.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
3.0
This was an enjoyable, if at times heavy emotional enemies to lovers, reverse grumpy/sunshine British romance that sees to neighboring business owners at odds when one loves Christmas and the other hates it. Summer hasn't had an easy life, her mother was emotionally abusive and has forced Summer to miss out on a lot of things.
When Noel opens his Christmas shop next door he's immediately drawn to Summer, if only he can convince her to take a chance on love. This one tackles some tough topics but was overall a heartwarming read and good on audio. Would recommend for fans of authors like Mhairi McFarlane. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
CW: depression, physical/verbal abuse, alcoholism
When Noel opens his Christmas shop next door he's immediately drawn to Summer, if only he can convince her to take a chance on love. This one tackles some tough topics but was overall a heartwarming read and good on audio. Would recommend for fans of authors like Mhairi McFarlane. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
CW: depression, physical/verbal abuse, alcoholism
lifeasmrsbaker's review
4.0
"Summer Hates Christmas" by Rachel Dove is a delightful and heartwarming tale that proves that even the most unlikely pairings can lead to unexpected love.
Set against the backdrop of a small town during the holiday season, the story follows two characters with seemingly opposing views on Christmas. Dove's writing captures the essence of the festive season, immersing readers in the magic of holiday traditions and the charm of community connections.
The characters are endearing and relatable, each with their own unique quirks and pasts that unfold as the story progresses. As their paths cross and they find themselves thrown together, the book beautifully explores themes of transformation, forgiveness, and the power of opening one's heart.
"Summer Hates Christmas" is a heartwarming blend of romance, family, and the spirit of the season. While the premise may sound like a classic opposites-attract story, Rachel Dove infuses it with genuine emotion and authentic character growth, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
If you're seeking a feel-good holiday romance that will warm your heart like a cozy blanket, "Summer Hates Christmas" is a perfect choice. Rachel Dove crafts a story that captures the joy of the holidays and the beauty of love that blooms in unexpected places. So, grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle up by the fireplace, and let this charming tale whisk you away on a journey of love, laughter, and the magic of Christmas.
Set against the backdrop of a small town during the holiday season, the story follows two characters with seemingly opposing views on Christmas. Dove's writing captures the essence of the festive season, immersing readers in the magic of holiday traditions and the charm of community connections.
The characters are endearing and relatable, each with their own unique quirks and pasts that unfold as the story progresses. As their paths cross and they find themselves thrown together, the book beautifully explores themes of transformation, forgiveness, and the power of opening one's heart.
"Summer Hates Christmas" is a heartwarming blend of romance, family, and the spirit of the season. While the premise may sound like a classic opposites-attract story, Rachel Dove infuses it with genuine emotion and authentic character growth, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
If you're seeking a feel-good holiday romance that will warm your heart like a cozy blanket, "Summer Hates Christmas" is a perfect choice. Rachel Dove crafts a story that captures the joy of the holidays and the beauty of love that blooms in unexpected places. So, grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle up by the fireplace, and let this charming tale whisk you away on a journey of love, laughter, and the magic of Christmas.
recapturing_themagic's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
fubpg's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
0.25
ionalawrence's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kirstyreviewsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Summer Hates Christmas by Rachel Dove
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Summer Hastings hates Christmas. She loves sunshine, the beach and running her travel agency, sending people off to their dream destinations – even if she doesn’t get to see the world for herself. For Summer, Christmas is nothing but a reminder of all the things that have gone horribly wrong in her life, so when handsome Noel Pritchett moves his pop-up Christmas shop in the store next to hers, Summer is livid.
Noel loves Christmas…and he also has a sneaking suspicion that he might be falling in love with Summer, if only he could break through the armour she has surrounded herself with. Just why does Summer hate Christmas so much? And can Noel be the one to prove to her that life can be sweet all year round?
My Opinion
This was an enjoyable festive book but it was heavier in places than I would expect from a Christmas book - although the main character does hate Christmas so I should have known to expect the unexpected. It was easy to get lost in the drama contained within these pages and I felt myself at the end long before I was ready. Do not be fooled, this is not your average Christmas book, but it is still a delightful read.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Summer Hastings hates Christmas. She loves sunshine, the beach and running her travel agency, sending people off to their dream destinations – even if she doesn’t get to see the world for herself. For Summer, Christmas is nothing but a reminder of all the things that have gone horribly wrong in her life, so when handsome Noel Pritchett moves his pop-up Christmas shop in the store next to hers, Summer is livid.
Noel loves Christmas…and he also has a sneaking suspicion that he might be falling in love with Summer, if only he could break through the armour she has surrounded herself with. Just why does Summer hate Christmas so much? And can Noel be the one to prove to her that life can be sweet all year round?
My Opinion
This was an enjoyable festive book but it was heavier in places than I would expect from a Christmas book - although the main character does hate Christmas so I should have known to expect the unexpected. It was easy to get lost in the drama contained within these pages and I felt myself at the end long before I was ready. Do not be fooled, this is not your average Christmas book, but it is still a delightful read.
Rating: 4/5