What a gorgeous festive read. Just what I needed snuggled up under my blanket with a cup of hot cocoa.
Thirty-year-old Belle Albany is feeling lonely this Christmas. Another whole year has passed and her life is… exactly the same as it was last December. She longs for true love and a little bit of winter magic – but she’s almost given up on finding it in the sleepy Scottish community where she lives…

When Belle crashes into elderly Edina on her cherry red bicycle, it’s not the meet-cute she’d been hoping for. But she immediately recognises the lost look in Edina’s watery-blue eyes and resolves to organise a Christmas to remember for them both – brimming with mince pies, mulled wine and lots of sparkle. Although Belle hadn’t counted on Edina’s home being a crumbling Scottish castle and she certainly hadn’t been expecting Edina’s handsome long-lost grandson Jack Hamilton-Kirk to turn up on the doorstep in the middle of a snow storm…

Jack is arrogant, rude and bossy and Belle is convinced he’s about to ruin the seasonal cheer she has worked hard to create. He’s basically the Grinch in human form, so why does her heart race every time they’re in the same room? They disagree on almost everything, from menu choices to music, and yet she starts to glimpse a softer side hidden behind Jack’s clipped words and brooding countenance.

As they hunt down costumes for the annual nativity show and save a donkey from a snowy disaster, Belle can’t ignore their growing attraction. But will a secret from Jack’s past come between them? Or will this finally be the year Belle falls in love? Giving this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Belle Albany is a primary school teacher in a Scottish village in the highlands. Belle literally crashes into Edina an elderly lady and the two form a special bond. Just as Belle and Edina are starting to settle into their new living arrangements Edina’s arrogant lawyer grandson Jack arrives. Jack is the opposite of Belle in so many ways he quickly decides she‘s too good to be true and makes it his mission to find out what she‘s up to.

As the story unravels you come to love Jack and realise although he isn’t good at showing it, his heart is in the right place. Jack teams up with Belle for the sake of Edina and giving her the perfect Christmas. Jack and Belle have a fiery chemistry and both struggle throughout to really be honest with themselves about what they really want.

Meanwhile Belle’s best friend Kenzy is hell bent on landing a date with the beautiful Logan. Kenzy knows what she wants and won’t stop until she gets it. Logan is just as stubborn. It’s a refreshing and alternative narrative especially as it doesn’t follow the typical girl pining over guy for serious relationship.

Add in the fact that it’s Christmas and Belle has been tasked with putting on the annual Nativity play this book will have you turning pages into the wee hours to laugh at cry. Bob, Edina’s pet donkey even gets a part in the nativity!

Although predictable at times this book really brings the festive cheer. It’s the perfect book to cosy up to at night with a hot cup of tea and a blanket. Be prepared to be a wee bit peckish best have some snacks too!