When the magic of Christmas does its thing!

Synopsis

A gorgeously romantic festive read from the author of A Mistletoe Miracle, guaranteed to warm your heart this Christmas!

Could it be the start of her happy ever after?

Ashleigh could use a little Christmas magic. She’s still living in Brighton with her Nan — who could give the Grinch lessons in how to be miserable — her acting career has been reduced to playing one of Santa’s elves, and not even the prospect of a friend’s winter wedding can cheer her up…

That is until Olivier, the gorgeous French chef, reappears in her life. Or more accurately, next door.

When they were teenagers, Olivier would spend every other Christmas with his mother, who just happens to be Ash’s neighbour and owner of the best chocolate shop in England.

If anyone can bring a little sparkle back to Ash’s life, it’s Olivier. All she needs is one kiss before Christmas…

Feel-good and festive, this is the perfect romance to curl up with this winter!

My review

Ashleigh is living in Brighton with her Nan, while her mother is being a famous soap actress. Yet Ashleigh’s own acting career is limited by playing one of Santa’s elves.
Even if she enjoys the festivities around Christmas, her Nan does not want to do anything to feel the Christmas Spirit. Even the excitement of her best friend’s winter wedding cannot cheer her up, as she has no idea what she wants to do with her life… When Olivier appears next door, Ashleigh is very surprised. Olivier spent every Christmas with his mother in Brighton, but now he is a famous French chef.
On top of it, Ashleigh used to have a crush on him!

Will him having next door make past feelings resurface? And will that one kiss finally happen?

If you are not willing to read this book in just a few sessions, don’t even start! Because it will be impossible to put it away!

Ashleigh was someone I immediately felt sympathy for. She wants to help everyone out, and yet at the same time she is longing for some TLC from her mother. Oh, how I disliked her mother! The only good thing she did, was bring Ashleigh to Nan.

Talking about Nan… she may seem like a real Grinch, but in the end I loved her! There are a lot of misunderstandings between her and Ashleigh, but she has her heart at the right place.

The attraction between Ashleigh and Olivier is just way too obvious! Yet it was frustrating that when you finally think something is going to happen, it just didn’t. But this also was part of the charm of this book.

The main characters have their own issues, and have to find out what would make them happy. And what sacrifices they are ready to make.
There are also a lot of discoveries to be made, because there is always more than sees the eye. And these discoveries will determine future decisions.

I fell in love with this book, its characters and the wonderful settings. The characters are on a self – discovering adventure, trying to find their passion again.
But a special remark is for Romesh. He is that extra something in this story! He is funny, caring but also a bit mischievous, yet with always the best intentions!

I cannot say more than sit back, start reading this book and fall in love with it! (and if you are like me, you’ll crave for some chocolate in the meanwhile!)