Scan barcode
a_ab's review
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book was very superficial, with only marginal attempt at realism, and, despite all efforts to the contrary, not much of a heart.
It felt like everyone was going through the motions, saying the plot-appropriate things, but somehow none of it felt genuine or earned. The kids are convenient props, the adults are very neatly divided into vicious malicious manipulators and benign well-meaning manipulators.
The book is ok to pass the time, but forgettable and meh.
It felt like everyone was going through the motions, saying the plot-appropriate things, but somehow none of it felt genuine or earned. The kids are convenient props, the adults are very neatly divided into vicious malicious manipulators and benign well-meaning manipulators.
The book is ok to pass the time, but forgettable and meh.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Drug abuse, and Eating disorder
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
mollyb_e_e's review
4.0
Never got round to finishing it before Christmas… I feel I would’ve enjoyed it more if I was in the Christmas spirit too. Cosy vibes, Christmas spirit and festive romance
moirin's review
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book! My opinions are my own.
What better way to get into true Christmas spirit than by reading a Christmas romance novel? I was eager to start this one, especially with everything that's been happening this year. I could use a little bit of lights, hot chocolate and holiday cheer wrapped up into a nice book!
Hannah is an English woman living in Stockholm, Sweden. She owns her own boutique, but when she breaks up with her boyfriend she has to leave it all behind.
Nico, Hannah's brother Rob's best friend, is a Swedish man living in England. He is a single parent, father to an eight year old daughter, Josie. He split up with his wife a few years ago, when she became pregnant... by another man. Now, it turns out his ex-wife is no stranger to substance abuse and he suddenly finds himself looking after two year old Maria, too.
When Nico is in Stockholm for work, he and Hannah meet up. They get along great and quickly become friends again after not seeing each other for years. They might even be falling in love... If there weren't so many obstacles standing in their way.
To be fair, I don't read a lot of romance novels because they aren't really my thing, usually. I do however love Christmas so I was very curious about this book. I was a little surprised that in the first few chapters, there was already mention of substance abuse, eating disorders and mental health problems. So much for a light book, I thought. Though a little trigger warning might have been nice, the book keeps a light tone throughout its pages. The characters started to grow on me and I got invested in the story. The reason I don't like romance novels is because the characters often make weird decisions based on the fact that they don't communicate with each other. Unfortunately, this book was no exception and that is the reason I cannot give this book more than 3 stars.
I loved the Christmas setting and all in all this was a cosy book to read curled up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate.
What better way to get into true Christmas spirit than by reading a Christmas romance novel? I was eager to start this one, especially with everything that's been happening this year. I could use a little bit of lights, hot chocolate and holiday cheer wrapped up into a nice book!
Hannah is an English woman living in Stockholm, Sweden. She owns her own boutique, but when she breaks up with her boyfriend she has to leave it all behind.
Nico, Hannah's brother Rob's best friend, is a Swedish man living in England. He is a single parent, father to an eight year old daughter, Josie. He split up with his wife a few years ago, when she became pregnant... by another man. Now, it turns out his ex-wife is no stranger to substance abuse and he suddenly finds himself looking after two year old Maria, too.
When Nico is in Stockholm for work, he and Hannah meet up. They get along great and quickly become friends again after not seeing each other for years. They might even be falling in love... If there weren't so many obstacles standing in their way.
To be fair, I don't read a lot of romance novels because they aren't really my thing, usually. I do however love Christmas so I was very curious about this book. I was a little surprised that in the first few chapters, there was already mention of substance abuse, eating disorders and mental health problems. So much for a light book, I thought. Though a little trigger warning might have been nice, the book keeps a light tone throughout its pages. The characters started to grow on me and I got invested in the story. The reason I don't like romance novels is because the characters often make weird decisions based on the fact that they don't communicate with each other. Unfortunately, this book was no exception and that is the reason I cannot give this book more than 3 stars.
I loved the Christmas setting and all in all this was a cosy book to read curled up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate.
tishamae's review
5.0
Christmas Wishes is a great book with wonderful chemistry between Hannah and Nico. I could really tell the struggle of each character, and felt for Hannah as she deals with losing her business, her boyfriend and having to return home.
The kids are great and charming in the story, and though I haven't read Sue Moorcroft's books before, this definitely has me wanting to read more.
I highly recommend for anyone wanting to discover different customs or a feel good book
.
**Thanks Netgalley and Avon for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
The kids are great and charming in the story, and though I haven't read Sue Moorcroft's books before, this definitely has me wanting to read more.
I highly recommend for anyone wanting to discover different customs or a feel good book
.
**Thanks Netgalley and Avon for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
brewtifulfiction's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a sucker for anything Christmas related and yes I'm saying the C word in September.
Anything festive puts me in a good mood.
Xmas vibes plus a sweet romance, what could be better?
Sue Moorcroft has written a simple yet satisfying read.
My only real complaint was that Nico's daughter Josie sounded too grown up for her age, the dialogue felt less natural because of the words used.
Over all a feel good book perfect for the winter season.
Anything festive puts me in a good mood.
Xmas vibes plus a sweet romance, what could be better?
Sue Moorcroft has written a simple yet satisfying read.
My only real complaint was that Nico's daughter Josie sounded too grown up for her age, the dialogue felt less natural because of the words used.
Over all a feel good book perfect for the winter season.
hunkydory's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Eating disorder, and Addiction
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Medical content
thewoollygeek's review against another edition
4.0
A quick, light and pleasant Christmas read, emotional and well written, great characters you connect with. Beautiful story and very Christmassy
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
kathrynemw's review
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.25
sbrads's review
3.0
Surprisingly pleasant. I'm really not a fan of kids in romance novels, and while they weren't super obnoxious in this one there was a very heavy focus on them and the general family drama going on for Nico.
wrightashleyg's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0