I enjoyed this Christmas story. It takes place in Norway. I loved learning about the Norwegian Christmas customs. Holly comes to the island of the coast of Norway to stay with her brother Jack. She is on leave from the hospital in London, because of something Holly did at the hospital. She gets lost trying to find Jack;s house. Holly meets Tor and his cat Froy. Tor is known as a hermit. He is on the island working. I enjoyed how Tor and Holly’s story played out. I loved getting to know the people who live on the island. A wonderful cozy Christmas read. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.

My goodness! How festive is that cover? Honestly I could just stare at it all day. It’s stunning. The cover and blurb just ooze Christmas charm and immediately brought joy to me. And that’s without opening a single page.
I adore travel and festive romance so finding a combination of the two was just superb luck. Norway isn’t a common book location, so I found the description of the landscape stunning and the sumptuous food made my mouth water. I could feel the cold of the snow but that didn’t stop this book from completely warming my heart and soul. Learning about Nordic festive traditions was really enjoyable and a fabulous touch.
I’m a cat lover so Froy was amazing and such a central character despite not saying a word. Both Tor and Holly have baggage and issues to work through and these are revealed throughout the book. I adore plots where a character is introvert and grumpy and opens up to a romantic lead so this plot was right up my ally.
An adorable and very festive read that will melt the coldest of hearts.

This was a fun Christmas book set in Norway. I enjoyed the characters, story and setting. This was a great seasonal book.

Spending Christmas on a tiny, and very cold island off the coast of Norway is not what Holly expected. She also didn't expect for her brother to be in Spain, instead of at home on the island; she didn't expect to get lost in the dark and almost die her first night in, and she didn't expect to meet a "hermit" who would save her life. This Christmas trip is definitely more than Holly expected.

Arriving after dark on the island immediately leads Holly into trouble. She's got the wrong boots, her phone is dead, and there are absolutely no lights anywhere, so when she hears a mysterious noise all she can think of is the worst possible outcome. Turns out, it could have been even worse than that! Lucky for Holly, Frøy and Tor (not Thor, thank you very much) are there to save her from a quite perilous demise. After her first night turns out not so great, Holly has to try very hard to understand why her brother left London to live here, on this island, with nothing but grey and cold and lots of cliffs to accidentally step off.

This was such a cute book! I really enjoyed learning about the culture and food (and the recipes at the end were an amazing touch). The setting is absolutely perfect and I was longing to be on that island the entire time I was reading. Now, I'm planning to go back and read Summer Island to see how Jack got there too!

5/5 Stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so cute! I love books where the setting is described in such detail that you can really immerse yourself in the story. That's exactly what Natalie Normann did!

She described the wintery setting of Norway with such detail that it made the reader want to go! While it sounded freezing cold, it also sounded incredibly cozy. I loved the way cultural traditions were also described in the book. It was a really fun read. I liked the romance story between the main characters a lot and it wasn't cheesy or overdone. Overall, a nice holiday read to out you in festive spirits!

Having read and enjoyed Summer Island, I was excited to received a review copy of Christmas Island.

I find Natalie Normann’s writing so relaxing to read. I loved returning to the Island again, and getting to see how Jack and Ninni are doing. I loved Froy (apologies, I don’t know how to make the o with the line through it) best of all! I also loved both Holly and Tor, and their story. I loved reading about all the Christmas traditions, and the different kinds of Norwegian food they eat. The whole book just has a lovely, relaxing atmosphere.

I did notice a few small errors - Froy’s tail was always referred to as a tale, for example. And Rosie said something intelligible, which from the context, was meant to be unintelligible, I think. These do not in any way detract from the lovely story though.

This was a beautiful and relaxing read, full of Christmassy togetherness. I really recommend it.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

Beautiful! A real delight to read this novel set mostly in Norway, especially as it covered Christmas and romance. Natalie gave wonderful descriptions of how Christmas is celebrated in Norway- a place I love to visit.

I was in desperate need for a Christmassy light romance with no drama. This book really met that need completely. The story is sweet, endearing and straight forward. This book does not pretend to be anything but what is it: an uplifting holiday romance. I really liked the characters, though backstory is pretty lacking. I can forgive that as the priority is the romance. I loved the glimpse into Norwegian holiday customs and the food culture. I fell in love with Normann’s writing as well. I love how the author shows us the island and its people rather than telling us. In all, this book made me smile, which is exactly what I needed it to do.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review Christmas Island by Natalie Normann.

Holly is on the island to visit her brother, but he has been delayed elsewhere. While looking for his house she gets lost and reluctantly rescued by Tor. As they spend more time together he becomes more sociable. They know it is only temporary, but what will happen when it is time for Holly to go back to her life in London?

A great read - makes me want to go and visit the island!

I really enjoyed this story immersing myself in a Norwegian Christmas with a foodie twist. All the food items described in the book sounded absolutely delicious and just the thing to keep out the cold and damp. I was reminded of childhood at my Grandmother's, she had Norwegian neighbours who supplied several Norwegian goodies and had Norwegian Nisse in their house at Christmas. I remember the Brown Cheese (Gjetost, I think it was) which was very sweet that I don't think I'd like it now. There are a few recipes at the back of the book to try as well with plenty of Cinnamon to evoke the aroma of Christmas.

The well rounded characters were wonderful, in truly atmospheric surroundings and tempting to try a Norwegian Christmas. when we can. Definitely a book to cosy up with on an English cold damp day as just so straightforward with no dramas and misunderstandings it just flows along and I was sorry when it ended.

In all honesty I’m not usually one for romance but when I saw this one pop up online, it ticked several boxes for me. The first box was the festive cover which totally radiates Christmas and the second box was ticked by the Norwegian setting, a country I’d love to visit especially during Christmastime.

After an incident at her hospital, Holly Greene escapes her life as a busy doctor in London and retreats to her brothers isolated home on an island of the coast of Norway. She is looking forward to forgetting her troubles and spending Christmas with her family but her time there is nearly cut short when she makes a wrong turn and nearly ends up of a cliff.

Her saviour is a rugged Norwegian called Tor though really it was his very clever cat Frøy who raised the alarm. Tor wants to be alone, he has left Oslo and his own demons. Could Holly’s arrival bring him out of his shell?

Holly’s brother has yet to return from his trip abroad so she is left to her own devices, she quickly makes friends with the locals and starts to enjoy herself but a certain cat always seems to keep appearing and his owner is never far behind. Can they both forget their troubles and celebrate Christmas together?

This was a cute read, I loved the setting as it was all snowy and cold plus the food in this book is fabulous. Just the mention of marzipan was making me drool plus a whole heap of other cakes I’d never heard of but have looked up since!

Plus that cat, Frøy is the main star of the book, I believe he is described as a Norwegian Forest Cat and he sounds ever so fluffy and adorable, the kind of cat I’d love to have.

This is a charming read that will warm the heart over the colder months.

Thanks to Net Galley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a must read Christmas book full of the sights and tastes of Norway. A book I wanted to go on and on so I could read more about Tor and Holly and of course Froy, the beautiful cat who brings the two together

It was easy to imagine the island, the Christmas market and the fishing boat so good was the writing style. As was the descriptions of the Norwegian food.

This is a great feel good book enjoyable from the first page to the last.

Christmas Island by Natalie Norman is an excellent Christmas romance that was wonderful in every way.

I loved the location of the small, isolated island off the Nordic coast that was close enough (a ferry ride away) to the mainland, but yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the cities to feel cute, quirky, homey, and romantic.

I loved the use of the traditional concept of two lost souls trying to overcome current obstacles, at a crossroads within their own lives, trying to decide what their true purpose should be-finding one another on neutral territory, and in the process, finding themselves.

Holly and Tor are prefect options for this story. Holly, a Doctor from London in limbo, and Tor, the architect with a personal loss from Oslo. Both have escaped their current circumstances and have come to be on the island for different reasons (yet are they really so different after all?). Both keep running into each other, both help one another to work through their respective problems as romance blooms. Their attraction and chemistry is obvious, and they seem perfectly matched. I liked both as personable, realistic, and like able characters. They are flawed, but perfect for one another.

I also loved the full character cast. The town has unique and quirky characters, their own personal traits and customs unique to their own culture and upbringings. They rounded out the story quite well.

The two things I loved even more then Tor, Holly, and the perfect ending:

1. All the wonderful, delectable, and mouth-watering pastry, desert, breakfast, bread, and Nordic recipes. There were so many times I found myself looking up recipes and wanting to know more. I was so excited to see the added recipes in the back. I am most definitely going to make the Christmas cake, but now I need to find recipes for the gingerbread men and the soft gingerbread heart cakes that have the chocolate icing on top. Holy moly!

2. One word: Froy. He is the best feline character I have read in a very long time!!! Love him!

This festive Nordic romance hit the spot and has placed me in holiday spirit. This needs to be made into a Christmas movie. I loved it!

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and OneMoreChapter for this excellent ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/30/20.

Put another log on the fire, pour a yule latte and grab a slice of Delfia cake because you are going to want to get your Norwegian Christmas spirit going as you delve into Natalie Normann’s ‘Christmas Island’ to be published November 30, 2020. To misquote Will Smith and add a Norwegian flair to it …”Get Hygge wit it!”

For the past 8 months we’ve been inundated with Covid-19 terms. Everywhere we look we are reminded about 'social distancing', 'flattening the curve', and 'pandemic', so it’s for that very reason that it’s so lovely to read about something that takes our mind away from it all and offers hope – hygge!

Pronounced “hoo-gah,” this Norwegian word for well-being also means togetherness, fun, and safely/shielding from the world. Isn’t it lovely to be reminded to take things slow and enjoy the simple pleasures during such a traditionally busy season? This book will do just that.

Not only has Dr. Holly Greene just broken up with her boyfriend, but she has also just been suspended for a month from the hospital where she practices. Thankfully, her brother, Jack, has suggested that a change of scenery might help her recharge and destress, so he’s invited her to spend Christmas with his family on Christmas Island. Holly eagerly accepts his offer and agrees to house sit for a couple of weeks while they are in Spain. Ill equipped for the weather in Norway, Holly arrives in the winter darkness and gets lost looking for her brother’s home. A trollish looking, bearded man and his Norwegian Forest Cat rescue her and she spends the night with them before heading out during daylight to search for Jack’s home.

Tor Ruud, a recluse, has come to an Air B&B on Christmas Island to heal his heart and enjoy some solitude while he works remotely. Not expecting to see Holly again after sheltering her for the night, he discovers that he’s eager to see her again and surprises himself at finding ways to meet up with her. How ironic that they’ve both come to this island off the coast of Norway for a retreat because it’s when they get out and meet people and enjoy the rich, Nordic traditions of Christmas, that they feel most alive.

You’ll love this slow-burning romance complete with the hygge feel! Natalie Normann shares the warmth of the people, the rich traditions and language, the Nordic cooking and foods, and culminates with inviting readers to discover Christmas the Norwegian way. The author even includes the recipes of the festive foods most often enjoyed at this time of year. I promise you’ll be won over as much as Holly was and will dream about spending the holidays on such an apropos location .... Christmas Island.

Thank you to Natalie Normann, HarperCollinsUK/One More Chapter, and NetGalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was super cute!, I love the setting of Norway and the descriptions were so vivid I could almost see them clearly as I read. The characters were warm and fun to follow and the romance was perfect! I felt it ended quicker than I wanted but I enjoyed it so much!

Christmas Island by Natalie Normann will whisk you away for a Nordic holiday, with all of the associated traditions and delights awaiting your indulgence. This is a lovely escapist read that certainly put me in the festive mood.

Holly is an English doctor who has been suspended from her job in the UK, although the reason is not immediately clear. She opts to spend Christmas with her brother and his family on a remote Nordic island, and finds herself being saved from plunging off a cliff shortly after she arrives by local hermit Tor and his unusual cat, Froy. As she awaits her brother's return from a visit to Spain, Holly finds herself being thrown into Nordic tradition, learning the customs, and being embraced by the local residents as one of their own.

I loved the warm and cozy Christmas feeling of the island, and found myself fully embracing all of the unique celebrations of a truly Nordic Noel. I look forward to reading more from this author. Recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC.

An easy read that is perfect for Christmas. Set on a small island off the coast of Norway, Christmas Island is full of Norwegian Christmas spirit. It was fun learning about the Christmas customs of specific foods and house decorations. The food sounds scrumptious with recipes included at the end of the book, goody! Ultimately the book is a romance between two people who have come to the island to escape situations in their lives. As always, love and fresh air are a marvelous cure.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

This was a lovely story. Some really good characters and an excellent background. A couple meet on a small Norwegian Island over Christmas. They fall in love , have a very enjoyable Christmas and then go their separate ways or do they. Great conclusion!.

This book was really lovely. So what did I take away from it you ask?
Darkness!!!!! No, not the bad kind of darkness but darkness as in pitch dark outside.
The book is set in winter when it's dark and cold most of the time .
But winter isn't dark and depressing it's also filled with light,love,warmth and happiness.
I don't read many books taking place in Norway so I really loved this one.
The Norwegian Christmas customs, the landscape descriptions and definitely the layering of clothing was informative. The Norwegian food descriptions sounded sumptuous.
The romance was fun, I enjoyed it. This is the type of book that's hard to put down and when you do you're wondering what type of mischief the main characters are getting up to in your absence.
As much as I loved the main characters I believe Froy has stolen the show, he's the male main character's Norwegian Forest cat. These cats are ancestors to the Main Coon cats.
Froy is more dog like than a cat, very intelligent and wants to be included in everything.
Another show stealer was baby Rosie, what a cutie her niece is.
Delicious authentic recipes included in the back of this book I know you'll want to try.
I recommend this heart warming holiday book be read with a steaming mug of tea.

Pub Date 30 Nov 2020 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

If you need something to get you in the festive mood then this is the book for you.

Christmas Island is immersive and the perfect Christmas accompaniment.

Fall in love (and laughter) with Holly and Tor as they find themselves and each other the December!

Full review to come on my blog.