This book certainly started off with a bang, in a bar with a theatrical woman storming in demanding a G&T and saying she'd had enough and was off!

Clara is the main character and was staying in the B&B, travelling around but originally from Denmark, and the reason why all becomes clearer as the book goes on. Louisa (theatrical pub woman) decided she's had enough, is shutting her toy-shop in the village and jetting off to Spain, which happens really quickly. Clara gets this idea in her head and pops round to offer to house-sit and keep the toy-store open while she's away. Eccentric Louisa accepts and leaves everything in Clara's hands with hardly any instructions at all! So it's all completely mad at the beginning of the book, but in a nice way.

The village this all happens in is a quintessentially pretty English village that has fallen on hard times, shops are shutting and closed up and people moving away. The toy store, and the pub of course, were really the only places left open.

Clara decides to start updating and clearing the shop, doing lovely window displays, and customers start coming back. Then Louisa's son, Joe, arrives to see who this person is who is looking after his Mother's shop, sure she is up to no good. I found Joe a really difficult character to like and he really irritated me. He was a workaholic and only thought of work, no time for anyone else, and a very distrusting person who was all about appearances and how much things cost, although he did eventually change and mellow by the end of the book.

Louisa eventually returned out of the blue, a bit like she disappeared, and things changed around again in the toy shop and for Clara. A pleasant story with a nice feeling.

First off, I must say that I love the cover. Not very often that I mention the cover in my reviews, but it is so inviting I couldn’t resist reading ‘The Hygge Holiday’.

Clara is a sweet young woman who is carrying a lot of guilt with her, thus making her want to help others out, and always see’s the best in people. Joe is a workaholic. He lives, breathes and sleeps (or not), his city job, dealing with billions of pounds contracts. He does have a soft, but he is forever pushing it deep inside, him not wanting to show it.

The story has a lovely array of secondary characters too, including, Gavin and Craig from the village pub, Clara’s new tired friend, mum Lauren, and even battleaxe Roz – the character you’ll love to hate.

However, there was one character that had me laughing though out, Lady CaCa, Louise’s parrot. Imagine a parrot that comes out with movie quotes all the time, especially ones at inappropriate moments.

This is a warm, inviting book that I was so hooked to I ended up finishing it in the early hours of the morning, not realising how long I had been reading for. It will make you feel all warm and cosy. It is a book that from the beginning you have an idea where the author is going to take you, but the journey to get there is just wonderful.

Absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I read this book in two sitting which for me is a sign of good book. It had everything warm cosy happy children love and a mad parrot. Would highly recommend if you are looking for a cosy winter read.

I loved this book. A great story, and the characters of both Clara and Joe are really likable and you hope they find happiness.
It also makes me want to hygge my home, with lots of candles and blankets!

The small town of Yulethorpe in the English country is beautiful but shops and restaurants are closing. On holiday, Clara Kristensen stops at the local pub where she witnesses the owner of the local toy shop, an eccentric woman called Louisa, announce that she is leaving to move to Spain. Looking for some stability, Clara offers to house-sit and look after the shop while Louisa is away. Seeing the potential to draw more business, Clara works hard in the shop with the help of her two new friends, Lauren and the pub owner, Gavin. Her hard work is rewarded with more customers but there are two people who don’t seem happy about Clara’s success - Roz who wants to buy the shop, and Louisa’s son, Joe, who would like to sell the shop to assure a future for his mother. Joe is obsessed with his job in the City and, to win him over, Clara tries to get him to relax via the Danish lifestyle of hygge.
What I liked most about this book is the characters. They are honest and relatable and you can’t help liking them. My favourite is Louisa who is funny, blunt and exuberant. Set in the atmospheric English countryside, this is an enjoyable and heart-warming novel that, true to its hygge title, will make you light candles and drink hot chocolate to relax.

The Hygge Holiday is a cozy romance set in a small English village. Joe, the hero, works in finance in London. His work ethic puts the most devoted workaholic to shame. In contrast, the heroine, Clara, is someone who appreciates the smaller things in life. She ends up looking after a toy shop and hyggefying the entire village. And that includes Joe of course.
So clearly, this isn’t a story we haven’t seen before, even if it has been doused with a trendy hygge sauce. Does that matter? Not really. It’s the kind of story that just works. And Rosie Blake’s writing does it justice. I needed to suspend my disbelief at some of the basic ingredients of the plot, but once I had done that, I enjoyed the book.
The only real issue I have, is that I feel the romance could’ve used some more love. There aren’t that many scenes with Joe and Clara together, and yet they kiss at some point and get engaged at the end. I would’ve liked for them to spend some more time together so that I could see their connection and relationship grow.
I also would’ve liked to have liked to know more about Clara’s past earlier on in the story. Now she remained a little blank for a large part of the book, when her backstory could’ve given her some emotional depth.
But having said all of that, this book did exactly what it was supposed to do. It was cozy and comforting, it was hygge.
3.5 stars

Oh, where do I start? This book was AMAZING! So cosy and autumnal and absolutely perfect. The parrot was probably the funniest thing I've read in a book in recent years! I loved Joe and Clara and the whole story was just so wonderful. This is my first book by Rosie Blake but it definitely won't be my last! Fantastic!

Clara is on the move again, and when she witnesses a slanging match in Yulethorpe pub it will be the turning point of her life.

As The Hygge Holiday features small children from the very beginning I ought not to like it as everyone who knows me also knows I don’t ‘do’ children and they would be right. I didn’t like it. I loved it!

Reading The Hygge Holiday was akin to meeting up with an old friend or slipping into one of Clara’s scented candle lit baths. The Hygge Holiday felt familiar and new at the same time. I even think I may have an idea which book about 1950’s Devon Clara was reading even though the title isn’t given*.

The Hygge Holiday had all the warmth, humour and easy reading style I expect from Rosie Blake accompanied by real emotion too.

The characters are brilliant, from the parrot Lady CaCa who provides so many laughs through the taciturn, overworked and ambitious Joe to the wonderful Clara herself so that when I’d finished reading I didn’t want the book to end. I’d love to meet all the characters again to find out more about them and their lives beyond the story because they felt so real.

But for me, it was the themes that underpin Rosie Blake’s smooth and entertaining writing that make The Hygge Holiday such a satisfying read. We live in a world where, for so many Joes, money rules, we work too hard and a we don’t spend enough time watching a sunrise or sunset or doing small acts of kindness for others. I thought the little things Clara does would be so easy to emulate and would make the world a much better place. The search for ourselves that both Clara and Louisa display is something many readers will relate to and I found it very emotional to read about.

The quality of Rosie Blake’s writing, the wonderful characters and settings and the warmth and relevance of her themes make The Hygge Holiday a wonderful book this autumn. I thought it was wonderful.

I loved The Hygge Holiday as the perfect antidote to a frenetic, greedy world. I’m off to rearrange cushions, lamps and throws for a total house hygge makeover!

*Oh and if you would like to see which book I think it is that Clara is reading, look here https://lindasbookbag.com/2016/11/03/an-interview-with-cesca-major-author-of-the-last-night/!

I love a Rosie Blake novel. This one felt quite different from her previous novel, but then I think that the subject matter made it feel just a lot cosier and it was still really really enjoyable. I actually started this book before going to sleep and then didn't put it down until I had finish it. I didn't realise that I was reading it until the wee hours of the morning because I was just so engrossed and absorbed in the story, costing up with the characters and enjoying a little bit of me time away from everything else. I know people often talk about reading a book in one sitting and it therefore being an easy read but I know I will suffer the next day because of staying up reading but I don't care because I had such a good time wrapped up in this story!

Clara was such an interesting character to have as the protagonist of this novel. Unlike a lot of other main characters, this story isn't really about her as a person and we really don't learn an awful lot about her personality in this book. But we do learn about the effect that she has on people and places and the way that she choses to live her life and to conduct herself around others. I found this a very refreshing way of reading and I think that this is one of the reasons the book kept up at such a pace.

Because this book is set in a small village, there are very few other characters, but the characters to do me are just that, real characters. From Louisa and Roz, both big brash women with a bitter rival.ry, to harassed mum Lauren and Gavin who runs the pub and is just trying to do the right thing. We also get to know Joe who is a complete contrast to Clara in his London city lifestyle. I did worry about Joe and really wanted to see him happy, another thing that keep me turning the pages.

This book truly is warm and cosy. I knew nothing about Hygge going into this book but now that I know about it, I want to read more. I also want to go out and buy lots of cosy cushions and throws and candles and make rice pudding and fondue, but thats by the by. You really don't have to know anything about Hygge to read this book because you will feel its essence as you go along. You also don't have to have read any of Rosie's other books to read this one because it is a standalone, although I would love to have a sequel-please?! So whether you are already a Rosie Blake fan, like me, or this is the first time you are picking up one of her novels, you won't be disappointed. This is just a lovely read and will leave you warm and cosy, and wanting to buy candles and throws!

This book made literally made me go change into a warm sweater, put on fuzzy socks, climb under a duvet and drink tea. It is the book equivalent of a Richard Curtis movie. Full of hilarity, fun, romance and tips on how to be hygge, I thoroughly enjoyed this romp through Sussex.
The tale of Clara was something we can all relate to- wanting to get away from stress and overwhelming work and going the complete opposite route. I wish I too could just check out sometimes and follow in Clara's footsteps. Maybe with my own handsome Joe!

I've never read a book by Rosie Blake before this and I could kick myself now! This book was absolutely delightful and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside - and wanting to light about a thousand candles and fairy lights!

I wasn't entirely sure what hygge was until I read this book (you find out the actual definition about a quarter of a way in but it basically means cosy), and now that I've finished it, I want everything in my life to be hygge too! It sounds like the best way to live your life. If you live in London like me, then you'll know that everyone is always in a rush. So to read a book about slowing life down and just enjoying the view - it was really refreshing and I think it's a beautiful way to live life.

I loved main character Clara, I think she was so relatable and just a genuinely lovely person (just like most of the other characters in Yulethorpe too!). I'll admit that even I was a bit dubious on Clara's reasons to run the toyshop at first too, but after the book got into it, I understood that she'd finally found a place that felt like home - after all that happened to her the previous year.

I feel that Joe and Clara's story was beautiful and I just really enjoyed reading every page of it. The characters are all different in their own way and all relatable. I just want to go and live in Yulethorpe now! I adored what Clara done to the toyshop and because this book was set in Autumn and the run up to Christmas - it was all just so hygge! (I'm going to keep using that word forever now!).

Overall, a truly delightful story with lovely, happy ending. I enjoyed every minute. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sphere for an advance copy of this book. Having been unwell, I followed the instructions and snuggled under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate and relaxed. A great book. I loved it from the start - though felt better after googling how to pronounce Hygge - and as expected had been mispronunciation it in my head. A warm story of love and friendship with very likeable characters. Would highly recommend it.

Although a little surprised that someone would so willingly offer a stranger the use of their flat and the running of their business, Blake's beautiful story soon wrapped itself around me in a fabulous hygge hug! As more of Louisa's quirky personality was revealed through her hilarious messages, the fact that she had left Clara to it wasn't surprising at all. The number of candles and blankets I now have dotted about the house are proof enough of how much I enjoyed this cosy and satisfying read!

What a warm hug of a book, this book is pure hygge, and I absolutely love it as a result.

Ok, so until even part way through I wasn't completely sure what Hygge was, I just knew it was something that seemed to appear all over twitter at this time of year for the past few years, but couldn't quite work it out.

Well if you are like me you will find this book not only a great story with plenty of humour, but it will also teach you all you need to know about Hygge, and a few Danish swear words too!

Lady Caca as if often the case with fictional parrots, utterly hilarious. This is a bird that has a habit of calling out various phrases from TVs and Films, often and incredibly relevant moments almost as though she knows whats going on.

Clara arrives in Yulethorpe (which can I point out is a fabulous name for a village in a wintery book), not intending to stay in town long. She is wandering from place to place, just clearly not settled. After a great nights entertainment in the pub, she takes a chance, end ends up as a house sitter and also in charge o the local toyshop.

It is how Clara transforms that toy shop which amazed me, she had some brilliantly creative ideas, and the window display is memorable. I loved the descriptions of this toy shop, but not only that but she transforms other spaces in the village too, and makes some good new friends.

Then there is Joe, who is the complete opposite of Hygge, he works far too many hours in a day and is really suspicious of Clara's motivations towards his mother's shop. He goes to Youlthorpe to confront Clara and work out what was going on, and finds slowly his life starts to change.

This is a fantastic book of people trying to find their own happiness, always searching for something just out of reach, there are a few romances, some adorable children, and just a warm cosy feeling indeed. In fact the feeling I got from the book was one of Hygge!

Thank you so much to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I must admit I'd never heard of the principal of Hygge before I read this book and it has made me want to cosy up my lounge as Winter approaches.
I usually like my books a bit grittier so didn't really know what to expect with this. But I really enjoyed it, good story and well worth a read.

I was really looking forward to this book and to start with I was unsure but once I read on I got into it and it was brilliant so funny and festive and full of romance and laughter and learning about happiness. Well worth reading. Clara arrives in the village which is cold and gloomy and the last shop in the high street has shut its doors. She can see the potential and she asks the owner if she can run it while she goes to Spain as she wants to make a home of it. Jo arrives to find what is going on with his mothers shop but he's still busy with his job in the city. Can he amount his busyness enjoy the happy slow pace and maybe even find love. Well worth reading.

Having LOVED Rosie Blake’s previous novel; ‘How to Find Your (First) Husband’, I think I may have peed a little when she announced the release of her brand new book; ‘The Hygge Holiday’. Excited much? Errrrrr YAH! So excited in fact, I couldn’t wait until the 21st September to read it! #sorrynotsorry.

I’m sure a lot of you will recognise the term ‘hygge’. If you don’t, where on EARTH have you been hiding? I’ll be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what the definition of ‘hygge’ was, but now I feel ready to hygge everything!

Clara has a different outlook to life than most people. Gone are the days where her mobile phone is glued to her body like a third arm, her priorities involve work, work and more work, and her own personal life is completely non-existent. Clara didn’t want to live like that anymore. She didn’t want to be stressed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Something had to give before she lost her mind, so she got rid of her job, her mobile phone, as well as 99.9% of the stresses in her life. How? You’ll have to read the book to find out, won’t you!

Almost straight away, I found myself snlaughing. You know when you want to say something but are unsure whether you should incase it raises a few eyebrows? Well put it this way, Rosie Blake couldn’t give a monkeys about whether her humour raised a few eyebrows! There was no holding back, no ‘ahhh I probably shouldn’t say that’. Instead, the author seemed to write lines which the readers would probably relate to, or laugh out loud at. Trust me, I did both.

As the storyline unfolded, Clara seemed to make herself more comfortable in the village with the changes that she made. Oh my goodness, what changes they were! If you ever need an excuse to say ‘hi’ to your inner child, this storyline is it. Clearly I don’t want to give anything away, but wow – there were moments where the storyline became magical and even made me more excited to turn the page (well, if that was possible!). Of course Clara’s involvement in the village wasn’t going to be all plain sailing, someone’s nose just HAD to be pushed out of joint. However, there was a moment imprinted in my mind which meant I could no longer make Joe seriously, or even be THAT annoyed with him. One word; BATH. I was genuinely surprised my neighbour didn’t knock on my door asking me to turn the volume down as I was laughing so loudly. I mean, how could you NOT laugh loudly?

For me, the part of the storyline which stood out most was the involvement of hygge, and how important it is to breath, be in the moment, ensuring that you take that all important time out of your schedule for yourself, whether it’s lounging in a bubble bath, or laying on the sofa reading. Rosie Blake and her wonderful characters made it sound SO simple and, to be honest, it probably is that simple. But, when you’re in the middle of a constantly busy lifestyle, the last thing you’re going to think of doing is watching a Nicholas Sparks dvd whilst wearing a face mask, and pj’s with holes in.

‘The Hygge Holiday’ is exactly what the book world has been needing, what with its unique vibe and hilarious anecdotes. Rosie Blake’s new novel is EXACTLY what you need to forget the horrific new reports, people’s political posts on social media, and the new eye-brow raising craze of sticking pom poms to your face. Yes, really. ‘The Hygge Holiday’ is hilarious, cosy, heart-warming, fulfilling; pretty much everything you would want from a book.

Personally, ‘The Hygge Holiday’ has got to be my most favourite book of Rosie Blake’s, as well as being her best book yet. I have never read a book like this before, and to be honest, I don’t want to because I don’t think any similar books would match up to the authors unbelievably story telling and her magical way with words.

An absolutely phenomenal tale from the incredibly talented, Rosie Blake. If I could read ‘The Hygge Holiday’ for the first time every time, I would welcome it with open arms. Be prepared to be moved in a way you never thought possible. Be prepared to have your mind opened further than you ever dreamed of. Be prepared to find your inner child and the magic that it brings. Be prepared to laugh out loud and fall in love with every single character in this book (well, except Roz but shhhhh). Be prepared to devour ‘The Hygge Holiday’ in one sitting. Be prepared to love this book, because yes, it truly is THAT fabulous. Five stars for sure.

Thanks so much Little Brown Books.

Reminds me a little of the film Chocolat.

Clara is a Danish girl travelling around England with her rucksack. Spending an evening in a Suffolk pub (quaint ye olde outside but depressing interior) she is entertained by one customer, Louisa, who arrives in her pyjamas and dramatically announces that she is selling her toy shop and moving abroad. Despite her initial misgivings, Clara feels she wants to spend more time in the village so she offers to house-sit Louisa's apartment and the toy shop while she is away.

The village of Yulethorpe is suffering, the shops are closing and people are moving away. Louisa's toy shop and the pub and Roz's post office shop are practically the only places still open. Clara feels a deep need to bring the Danish concept of Hygge to the village. If you don't know what Hygge is, its a feeling a warmth and comfort - that feeling when you are all toasty warm in front of the fire with a fluffy blanket on your lap and a dog sitting on your feet, sipping hot chocolate and reading a good book.

Louisa's son Joe is horrified to find that his mother has just dashed off and left a perfect stranger living in her home and running her business. Joe works in the City in M&A, he is Very Busy and surgically attached to his iPhone. Clara thinks Joe is more in need of Hygge than any other person she has ever met.

So far this book has made me want to clean my house, buy some rugs, start drinking hot chocolate and move to Suffolk! This is such a lovely book to read, the characters are warm and inviting, well apart from Roz who is a bit tetchy, I love the idea that one person could stimulate life back into a village and create such a sense of community.

If you are looking for a sweet romance set in the country (and don't mind foul-mouthed parrots with a weakness for screeching famous lines from movies, accompanied by an ad-libbed obscenity) then I can't recommend this highly enough.