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A review by hopecobblepotworld
It Happened One Christmas by Chantel Guertin
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It Happened One Christmas
Author: Chantel Guertin
Publisher: Doubleday Canada
Pages: 336
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Scoville Spice Scale: 🌶 ½
Tropes:
🎄Grumpy/Sunshine
🎄Forced Proximity
🎄One Sleeping Bag
🎄Miscommunication
This was a fun read about Zoey, a Director who has written her dream script, A Very Chelsea Christmas, set in Chelsea, Canada. Through a series of mix ups, Zoey finds herself having to go to Chelsea just before Christmas to secure filming permits. Chelsea holds a special place in her heart as it is the only place she can remember her family having a great Christmas. Newly single, she figures she'll go to Chelsea, get those permits and then figure out Christmas later since her plans went out the window with her relationship.
Everything is going well until the Grumpy Owner of the Tree Farm, Ben, tells her no, absolutely not. But that doesn't deter Zoey. She'll figure it out. But then she goes to meet with the mayor. It turns out Ben goes by his middle name and is the mayor of Chelsea. And he doesn't want a movie being filmed in his town. That's when he suggests Zoey looks into the next town over but days she better get going. With it being 12/23 and the ice storm coming in, things are going to be shutting down. While Zoey races to get to the next town and meet the major, Ben knows her rental won't make it so he follows about 10 minutes behind her. Zoey ends up sliding down a hill and Ben rescues her. That's when this book takes a turn for the Network Christmas Movie of the Week.
I loved the town of Chelsea. Zoey was right. It was the perfect place to film a Christmas film. And the tourism it would bring was a selling point. I loved the Christmas songs going back and forth between Ben and Zoey. I loved that Zoey rescued Ben using skills she learned as a lifeguard (you never forget those). I loved Ben's family and the people of Chelsea. They welcomed Zoey with open arms. Even Ben saved Zoey from a drunken jerk her first night in town.
One of the best things about this book is that it comes with a Discussion Guide at the back. It is perfect for book clubs. That is such a great feature for books to have and I wish more would have it.
What character did I loved the most? Simon, of course! He knew right away that Zoey was a good person. Dogs always know.
What I would have liked to have seen. This book is written with each chapter saying December 21, 9:00 am. I really wanted to see January 30th, 6pm "And that's a wrap on A Very Chelsea. Christmas, folks!" Ben and Zoey celebrate and they discuss the future of their relationship. As an Epiloge on December 1st the whole town gathering for the world premiere of the film on TV. And having Ben propose. That would have felt satisfying.
I do recommend this book as a fun read.
I received a gifted copy from NetGalley, PenguinHouse Random Canada and Doubleday Canada in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Chantel Guertin
Publisher: Doubleday Canada
Pages: 336
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Scoville Spice Scale: 🌶 ½
Tropes:
🎄Grumpy/Sunshine
🎄Forced Proximity
🎄One Sleeping Bag
🎄Miscommunication
This was a fun read about Zoey, a Director who has written her dream script, A Very Chelsea Christmas, set in Chelsea, Canada. Through a series of mix ups, Zoey finds herself having to go to Chelsea just before Christmas to secure filming permits. Chelsea holds a special place in her heart as it is the only place she can remember her family having a great Christmas. Newly single, she figures she'll go to Chelsea, get those permits and then figure out Christmas later since her plans went out the window with her relationship.
Everything is going well until the Grumpy Owner of the Tree Farm, Ben, tells her no, absolutely not. But that doesn't deter Zoey. She'll figure it out. But then she goes to meet with the mayor. It turns out Ben goes by his middle name and is the mayor of Chelsea. And he doesn't want a movie being filmed in his town. That's when he suggests Zoey looks into the next town over but days she better get going. With it being 12/23 and the ice storm coming in, things are going to be shutting down. While Zoey races to get to the next town and meet the major, Ben knows her rental won't make it so he follows about 10 minutes behind her. Zoey ends up sliding down a hill and Ben rescues her. That's when this book takes a turn for the Network Christmas Movie of the Week.
I loved the town of Chelsea. Zoey was right. It was the perfect place to film a Christmas film. And the tourism it would bring was a selling point. I loved the Christmas songs going back and forth between Ben and Zoey. I loved that Zoey rescued Ben using skills she learned as a lifeguard (you never forget those). I loved Ben's family and the people of Chelsea. They welcomed Zoey with open arms. Even Ben saved Zoey from a drunken jerk her first night in town.
One of the best things about this book is that it comes with a Discussion Guide at the back. It is perfect for book clubs. That is such a great feature for books to have and I wish more would have it.
What character did I loved the most? Simon, of course! He knew right away that Zoey was a good person. Dogs always know.
What I would have liked to have seen. This book is written with each chapter saying December 21, 9:00 am. I really wanted to see January 30th, 6pm "And that's a wrap on A Very Chelsea. Christmas, folks!" Ben and Zoey celebrate and they discuss the future of their relationship. As an Epiloge on December 1st the whole town gathering for the world premiere of the film on TV. And having Ben propose. That would have felt satisfying.
I do recommend this book as a fun read.
I received a gifted copy from NetGalley, PenguinHouse Random Canada and Doubleday Canada in exchange for an honest review.