What an absolutely fabulous Christmas hug in a book. There's everything. Snow, Presents. Laughter and plenty of love...yet all with a great big twist that I didn't see coming.

Successful author Andrew (Drew) Vitruvius reluctantly agrees to a fake kidnapping on live TV as a publicity stunt. However the kidnapping feels all too real when he is left beaten and chained in an abandoned house with no means of escape.

Lori France, an aspiring writer, is looking forward to a few days off to finish writing her first novel. When her four-year-old niece is unceremoniously dumped on her for the holiday break Lori puts aside her plans and takes her to stay at a friend’s cabin in the Brecon Beacons, determined to give Misty a happy Christmas.

I quite enjoyed this Christmasy romantic suspense with likeable characters and a few twists to keep the reader engrossed. It was a light, easy read and had a compelling mystery behind the slow-burn romance between Lori and Drew.
Drew had a heart-breaking past that he needed to work through before he could give his heart to Lori. Both characters worked through problems that arose with patience and maturity. The inclusion of 4-year-old Misty and Lori’s cat, Griff added a sense of fun and humour to the story.

I am adverse to internal monologue and there is an abundance of that throughout the story but the anguish (which is another of my pet peeves) is kept to a minimum.

What Happens at Christmas is the perfect story for a quick holiday read.

I received my copy from Choc Lit via Netgalley.

This was such a fun read.I just loved the storyline what happens when a kidnapping for charity goes wrong and turns into the real deal.This was a great read it had a fantastic plot that I have never come across before in a romance it was well written and I really liked both Lori and Drew they were really good characters and had plenty of chemistry.A super Holiday read.

I love me a good Christmas read so when I saw this title I leapt at a chance to snatch this bad boy up, and booooyyyy. am I glad I did.
This isn't your typical feel good Christmas romance.
It has a little bit of everything thrown in - my fave mix - mystery, romance, drama, intrigue, aaaand Chrstmas Feels!!!!
I very much enjoyed this! It's fast paced and just Christmasy awesomeness!

Drew would be considered out-of-the-box by many standards and being kidnapped after thinking it was just staged as he planned hits the top of weirdness.

This book starts off with pulling the reader in. When adding in the Lori France and Misty’s moving situation, things get a little more complex.

And then the heat gets turned up. I like that you get to see a friendship develop between these three in a beautiful slow paced way. That’s rare in this timing of society and welcomed. This is a well written story with great humor and mystery. Having read it, I can say I would like to enjoy more novels by this author in the future.

This is a great book. I loved it. It was uplifting, it made me smile. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Evonne Wareham for the copy of this book. I agreed to give my unbiased opinion voluntarily.

This book was a really nice read it was a bit slow in places but eventually I got into the story and I enjoyed it.

This book has it all romance, suspense and a potential murderer what more do you need in a brilliant book for christmas.

A delightfully fun read for Christmas! This was a very engaging story with great characters. I loved Lori and Drew and spent a good portion of the book hoping they would find each other again! Highly recommend!

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

A Romantic-Suspense Christmas Book - Be still my heart! This is truly a rare breed in a reading list filled with sappy romances. It has humor too!!! It is sooooo good! I've added all Evonne Wareham's titles to my "to read" list. Yeah, she is that good. Intelligent, inventive plot, fully developed characters, a sweet slow romance and suspense that keeps you guessing. Throw in the tongue-in-cheek humor and I'm a fan for life.

When his agent approaches best-selling author Andrew Vitruvius about a London Christmas Celebrity Charity event she want him to participate in, he's not to keen to do the event. When she reminds him that the publicity would be good and the cause is near and dear to his heart, Drew agrees. What was to be a well coordinated "kidnapping" goes off the rails when fantasy turns into fact and Drew finds himself chained in a cold hut in the outback of nowhere.

Aspiring author, Lori France, has her Christmas vacation all planned out and taking her four-year-old niece, Misty, with her wasn't in the plan. That Lori is basically homeless due to major repairs on her home doesn't matter to her sister and Lori and Misty find themselves, by the grace of her contractor, in a homey, renovated barn in the wilds of Wales. On a walk to find the fairies, Lori and Misty discover someone else.

This book started off really strong, though I was a little disappointed with how quickly the mystery cleared itself up. Still, it was an addictive read overall.

Best-selling fantasy author Andrew Vitruvius reluctantly agrees to a publicity stunt in the lead-up to Christmas: being “kidnapped” on live TV to raise “ransom” money for charity. But the event goes wrong and Drew finds himself chained to the wall in barn with dwindling supplies and little hope of anyone finding him. Meanwhile, Lori France and her niece are staying in a barn in the woods while Lori’s house is redecorated, when they hear a voice calling for help…

I was really intrigued in the first half of this book, both by the mystery of who had kidnapped Drew and why, and the growing attraction between him and Lori. Once Drew got back to the city, though, the mystery solved itself fairly quickly and the plot became more about Drew and Lori trying to track each other down again. There was another bit of action and excitement around the 80% mark, but it resolved itself rather quickly.

Still, in the latter part I was rooting for Lori and Drew to find each other again and get together, and there was a satisfying conclusion at the end of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I found this book a little too slow moving for my taste, but an excellent read. I loved the characters, plot, and ending. At times it was a little predictable but good for a cozy blanket, hot chocolate, and candle type read.

3.5 stars

What Happens at Christmas might aptly be titled What didn't happen at Christmas?

Best Selling Author, Andrew "Drew" Vitruvius, wants a good publicity stunt. How about your good old-fashioned kidnapping? Who doesn't like one of those? How much publicity would he get if he were to be kidnapped live on the air? Sales would skyrocket!!! But what happens when you "kidnapping" feels a little too real? When your kidnappers get a little rough with you? What happens when you are left alone in a hut in the middle of nowhere?

Lori France is spending the holidays with her four-year-old niece, Misty after her sister had her dropped off. But did she knowing have her dropped off? Was it a mistake? Did she even know where she left her child? Trying to make the best of their situation, Lori and Misty go walking in the woods and make a discovery!

This isn't your typical feel good Christmas tale. It has a little bit of everything thrown in: drama, mystery, romance, family issues, intrigue, and yes, Christmas Cheer! This proved to be a fast read once I got over the first couple of pages. I think I read them at least 5 times trying to get into the book. Then once Lori and Misty showed up several pages in, I was hooked.

This is one of those fast-enjoyable reads. This is not a Dickens book! It has romance, troubled and flawed characters, who find a way to unburden themselves by the end - Hey, wait a minute...this is starting to sound like Dickens...I digress.

Fast, enjoyable and combing various elements to make the story-line move fast and for the plot to thicken. One thing I particularly enjoyed was that this book did not feel rushed. I would say it is more romance than anything and most romance books, build their story and them BAM the need to get married and the book ends abruptly. This book does not have an abrupt ending. I think the Author did a good job building her plot and did not rush a thing.

Enjoyable read for the holidays.

Thank you to Choc Lit and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great story that combines three of my favorite genres/themes: mystery, romance, and holiday. I found the two main characters - Lori, an office manager and aspiring author, and Drew, a world-renowned, best-selling author - to have enough depth to make them interesting, realistic, and likeable. A large part of the story takes places in the quiet, Welsh countryside in a converted barn, which adds to the charm. The only thing I didn't care for was how the second half of the book was a bit choppy, jumping forward in time here and there, making the reading go less smoothly. Other than that, I recommend this book for any fans of light mystery, romance, or Christmas-themed stories.

Lori France had organised a B&B for a few days over Christmas while her house was being repaired from recent storms; her dismay at the unexpected arrival of her sister – and change to her plans – leaving her four-year-old daughter Misty in Lori’s care turned to delight as she revelled in her niece’s company. Christmas would be a wonderful experience for Lori with Misty – and Griff, Lori’s cat – by her side.

Andrew Vitruvius – Drew to his friends – was a popular author who had been persuaded to let himself be kidnapped, all for the sake of publicity. But as he was bundled into the van, Drew was shocked at how rough the men were. And by the time Drew realised that something was wrong, it was too late. He was trapped…

Christmas Eve and Lori and Misty were searching for fairies in the woods. Misty had begged her aunt to help her find those small mystical creatures, and with the direction of the shopkeepers, the track they took, though it looked unused, also looked good for the location of fairies. At least Lori hoped sweet little Misty would be content. But was there danger in the woods? Lori knew they needed to leave before it was dark…

What Happens at Christmas by Evonne Wareham is a wonderful story set in the Welsh countryside. Filled with gritty tension, twists and turns, and the sweetness of Misty, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s my first by this author, and I’ll be looking for more. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Choc Lit for my digital ARC to read and review.

I still can't believe that we are actually in December and taking full advantage of this I'm really enjoying all of the wonderful Christmas stories. What Happens at Christmas is no exception it has some lovely warm and cosy vibes that will easily leave you smiling on these colder days. However there is also the added aspect of the kidnapping which really enhanced the storyline. It was such an interesting way to start the story something just that little bit different to capture my attention.

The characters are engaging and I was really rooting for them all the way through. They are well written, so likeable and I loved how they started to build a friendship but will there be anything more? There was also the added mystery as to who was behind Drew's kidnapping and also what was the motive behind it. I raced through this story and enjoyed every minute right through to the end!

With friendship and love all wrapped up in a gorgeous Christmas story that will capture your heart.

Five stars from me!

With thanks to Brook Cottage Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

This is the first book by Evonne Wareham that I’ve read and, because it was published by Choc Lit – whose books I love – I didn’t realise that there was some mystery going on as well as the romance! However, it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of a Christmas novel.

Drew is a best-selling author who gets roped into participating in a staged kidnapping – which is when things start to go wrong. Lori is hoping for a nice, quiet Christmas until her selfish sister dumps her little girl on her.

I wasn’t sure that I was going to like this, as I’m a bit of a sucker for ‘pink and fluffy’ but, to my surprise, I really enjoyed it! I look forward to reading more of Evonne Wareham’s books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Choc Lit for an ARC in return for a fair and honest review.

What Happens at Christmas is not the typical holiday love story that one might expect at this time of year. This story has grit, mystery, some sinister moments mixed in with two people finding an attraction in the middle of a rather unique circumstance.

As an adrenaline junkie who does most of his own extreme research for his fast paced novels, Drew probably wasn’t as surprised as he should have been at the idea of a faked kidnapping on live television. Except… this feels far more real than he ever expected.

Lori’s Christmas plans have certainly turned out far different than she had planned. Major renovations on her home, her niece dropped off by her selfish mother who views motherhood as a mantle to take up when it benefits her, and making impromptu Christmas plans for her sweet niece, Misty certainly were not on her things I’d love to do this Christmas list. Oh, Lori adores little Misty and will do everything in her power to give her a loving celebration but for her sister Lark, well a stern talking to is the least physically damaging thing she could think of at the moment.

Perhaps the most unusual of all thee events was finding a man locked up in a shed on the property Lori and Misty were staying at for Christmas. Not only is this stranger in trouble himself, but it’s also most likely that danger will follow him until they discover just who kidnapped him in the first place … and what the unknown kidnappers have planned when they eventually return. This is turning into a most unusual Christmas indeed.

What Happens at Christmas is an intriguing story that will capture your imagination. The story is mostly mystery with a bit of romance building between Drew and Lori. While their Christmas celebration is quite touching, it’s also clear that there is something sinister going on and they may be in more danger than they realize. As this story spans several months, I certainly had my suspicions. I enjoyed my time in this world with Drew, Lori and Misty. I love a good mystery and that’s what I got here. Not a typical Christmas story but one that I enjoyed very much.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

What Happens at Christmas,  Evonne Wareham

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Mystery and Thrillers, Women's Fiction

A mixed read here, it being a Choc-lit read I didn't notice the genre, ( I adore Cho-lit romances) and was expecting more romance. There is some, but its tied up in the mystery, kind of equal parts.

It was a fun read, and I loved the section where Lori, Misty and Drew were having Christmas in the barn. That was just magical, and felt so right for this time of year, had me hankering for some snow and crisp, bright days. That was my favourite part of the story, I felt “there” with them, sharing their Christmas. Sometimes its so commercialised we forget how simplicity can make it special.

Misty was a real star, poor kid had a flake of a mother, Lori's actress sister, and was just dropped off with random friends while her mum swanned off being Actress and Film Star....thank goodness for Lori, and for Misty's dad Dan, also a film star but not so concerned about image, aging and having a growing daughter.
I loved Lori, a real heart of gold person, ready to help anyone, wanting to be a writer but lacking in self confidence, so determined though that if she was a success it was going to be on her own merits and not by way of her famous family.
Drew, what a sad tale, and even sadder when he reveals the full details. Twenty years of carrying that around, what a burden. I was so glad he found Lori, and the fact they kept things secret and then he was tied up with work, and couldn't trace her fitted perfectly. Fate though brought them together again, but the mystery of how they met and the repercussions weren't over, and we got a gripping action finale.
I hadn't guessed who was behind things, and the motive and that was a perfect surprise. I had a slight idea but couldn't see how it would fit, so it was satisfying finding out how everything joined together.

 Stars: Four, a little slow to pull me in, but once they found drew and had those magic days in the barn I was hooked.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

If you're looking for a book which can cater for all of your bookish needs in one large swoop, look no further as Evonne Wareham has written a story which not only contains romance, it also contains a large about of suspense and grit. What more could you want?

What is even better is that 'What Happens at Christmas', if you haven't worked it out already, is incredibly apt with this time of year as the story is set during the festive period. And no, before you start wondering, you're not the only one who stresses out at this time of year. Take a look at Lori for example. She had a plan, was looking forward to her plan, but within seconds that plan had come unstuck thanks to an incredibly selfish family member. With Christmas looming and a house in disrepair, Lori has no home comforts around her and, funnily enough, neither does a Christmas guest who seems to have found himself in a rather sticky situation. Literally.

Hopefully I won't sound like I'm being picky here, but there was something which I found rather confusing about this book. As the storyline was told from both Lori and Andrew's viewpoints, I would have been able to enjoy the story more if those parts had been clearly set out and clearly labelled. Unfortunately they weren't, which meant that it took me a little while to work out whose life I was on. Whilst it was clear that both characters lives are exceptionally different, the flow of the storyline became rather hindered by the confusion I felt when it took me most of a section to work out who I was reading. I appreciate that it might seem a minor detail to other people, but for me it does make a huge difference to my overall enjoyment of the novel.

That said, as soon as both characters paths crossed at about 35% of the way through, I was able to let myself go with the flow of the storyline a lot more. From that point on, I seemed to race through the pages, hooked on the situation which Andrew found himself in, as well as ensuring that Lori and her niece had the happy ending that they deserved. Personally, at 35% read, I felt that 'What Happens at Christmas' was in its element. The flow was lovely, the characters were intriguing, and the storyline was severely addictive. In my eyes, that was the important turning point for the storyline and I am SO glad that it had that moment.

As I said above, 'What Happens at Christmas' doesn't just contain romance. It contains so much more - I was in shock during several events! Totally unexpected, whilst also being very cleverly written into the rest of the storyline.

Overall, this book had a jam-packed storyline which was completely unique. Evonne Wareham was able to take me on a roller coaster ride of journey, whilst still being able to make me go 'awwwwww!!!!' at the same time. Impressive!

A delightful, festive, addictive, and more-ish novel, which will bring suspense and romance together in the most unusual way. I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy treat.

Thanks ChocLitUK.

What Happens at Christmas is the eagerly awaited new tale by the UK’s answer to Nora Roberts and Karen Rose: Evonne Wareham. Gripping, thrilling and wonderfully moving, What Happens at Christmas is a fast-paced page turner readers will devour in one sitting.

After she is forced into unexpectedly caring for her four year old niece Misty, Lori France is looking forward to settling down and having a quiet and peaceful Christmas where excitement is kept to a minimum. Lori thinks that this Christmas will be a stress-free and unexciting holiday, but fate seems to have other plans in store for her when her path unexpectedly crosses with that of celebrity author Andrew Vitruvius. All Lori’s plans for a sedate holiday go flying out of the window as her life becomes inextricably linked to the best-selling writer and leads her on a journey of self-discovery, danger and unexpected romance…

There is no such thing as bad publicity – or so Andrew’s agent tells him! Although Andrew would rather let his work do all the talking, he finds himself persuaded into taking part in a reality TV show. Only his agent has not signed him up for a stint in a jungle or forced him to take up ballroom dancing for Andrew has been talked into being kidnapped on live television. Andrew is assured that his safety is absolutely paramount and that absolutely nothing will go wrong during this stint – only fate seems to have other ideas in store for him…

When disaster strikes and Andrew’s kidnapping goes seriously awry, little does he realise that this stunt will end up being the best thing that has ever happened to him for he finds himself coming face to face with a woman who could change his life forever…Lori!

Will Andrew ever get out of this escapade alive? Will a Christmas miracle bring him the happiness which he has turned his back on for so long? Or will he continue to turn his back on joy, contentment and love?

What Happens at Christmas is not your ordinary festive read! Although there is plenty of snow, light-hearted moments and poignant drama, award-winning author Evonne Wareham imbues her narrative with humour, menace and danger and keeps her readers eagerly turning the pages and desperate to find out what happens next.

I raced through What Happens at Christmas and found myself completely and utterly swept up in this story and not stopping until I had reached the final, satisfying conclusion.

A first-class tale from a wonderful writer, What Happens at Christmas is another keeper by Evonne Wareham!