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A review by beate251
Under The Mistletoe With You by Lizzie Huxley-Jones
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.
Christopher used to work in finance in London, now he is a baker in a small seaside village in Wales, and while this was his dream, he is lonely. So when Christmas comes around he sublets his flat and prepares to visit his family. Then a lot of weather happens and all trains and planes and with them Christmas plans are cancelled.
Suddenly he gets a knock on the door and the person he let his flat to stands on his doorstep, annoyed about his long and somewhat strange journey, involving sheep. It's none other than the Canadian (NOT American, that's important) Christmas movies star Nash Nadeau who he is a great fan of. But Nash is grumpy, he just about made it here and now it seems there is no room at the inn?
So begins a fun, dual POV "forced proximity, only one bed, insta love" love story between two people who really aren't irritating but irritate each other because they are afraid of their feelings. Their banter is world class, and so is the interaction with the locals, predominantly a woman named Shaz who doesn't take no for an answer when she wants to make friends and get reindeer biscuits.
There is a real sense of community and the villagers start a concerted effort to help everyone who is affected by the snow, roping Christopher and Nash in as if it's totally normal to have movie stars hanging around the place. The food descriptions throughout are mouth-watering!
But Nash has a decision to make about his future, and how can it include a baker in Wales, which he only just learned is not in England?
This is book 2 in a series, with the first book being about Christopher's lesbian sister. I didn't know this but the book can be read as a standalone as the recaps happen organically throughout the story.
I have to say, the LGBTQ+ representation is exemplary. Christopher is bisexual and Nash is trans and no one clutches their pearls about it or makes it a huge topic. Just lovely. Nash's disability is also covered sympathetically.
The revelation that both Christopher's name and that of his sister Katherine can be abbreviated to Kit had me in stitches!
This is a heartwarming festive story with tons of snow, animals and brilliant side characters. The subplots with the quirky villagers are hugely entertaining, making this a well-rounded sweet and interesting story that is highly recommended for Christmas time.
Christopher used to work in finance in London, now he is a baker in a small seaside village in Wales, and while this was his dream, he is lonely. So when Christmas comes around he sublets his flat and prepares to visit his family. Then a lot of weather happens and all trains and planes and with them Christmas plans are cancelled.
Suddenly he gets a knock on the door and the person he let his flat to stands on his doorstep, annoyed about his long and somewhat strange journey, involving sheep. It's none other than the Canadian (NOT American, that's important) Christmas movies star Nash Nadeau who he is a great fan of. But Nash is grumpy, he just about made it here and now it seems there is no room at the inn?
So begins a fun, dual POV "forced proximity, only one bed, insta love" love story between two people who really aren't irritating but irritate each other because they are afraid of their feelings. Their banter is world class, and so is the interaction with the locals, predominantly a woman named Shaz who doesn't take no for an answer when she wants to make friends and get reindeer biscuits.
There is a real sense of community and the villagers start a concerted effort to help everyone who is affected by the snow, roping Christopher and Nash in as if it's totally normal to have movie stars hanging around the place. The food descriptions throughout are mouth-watering!
But Nash has a decision to make about his future, and how can it include a baker in Wales, which he only just learned is not in England?
This is book 2 in a series, with the first book being about Christopher's lesbian sister. I didn't know this but the book can be read as a standalone as the recaps happen organically throughout the story.
I have to say, the LGBTQ+ representation is exemplary. Christopher is bisexual and Nash is trans and no one clutches their pearls about it or makes it a huge topic. Just lovely. Nash's disability is also covered sympathetically.
The revelation that both Christopher's name and that of his sister Katherine can be abbreviated to Kit had me in stitches!
This is a heartwarming festive story with tons of snow, animals and brilliant side characters. The subplots with the quirky villagers are hugely entertaining, making this a well-rounded sweet and interesting story that is highly recommended for Christmas time.