Dreaming of Christmas

Narrated by Anne Marie Piazza
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Pub Date 29 Oct 2021 | Archive Date Not set

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Description

It’s the dream Christmas: snow, mountains… and, er, an ex-boyfriend. But can Zoe still find love in the Alps?

Dumped on Christmas Eve by her long-term boyfriend, it’s been a rough year for Zoe Lumsley. But then she gets an invitation she can’t refuse: an all-expenses-paid skiing holiday with old university friends. The bad news: her ex, Grant, will be there with his new girlfriend. But so will her former flatmate Billy, the organiser, and in the meantime, he’s done rather well for himself.

As Christmas in the Alps approaches, it'll be great to see the old gang. Some more than others... Perfect for readers of Tilly Tenant, Holly Martin and Philippa Ashley, this is a magical festive getaway from the bestselling T.A. Williams.


It’s the dream Christmas: snow, mountains… and, er, an ex-boyfriend. But can Zoe still find love in the Alps?

Dumped on Christmas Eve by her long-term boyfriend, it’s been a rough year for Zoe...


A Note From the Publisher

Author Bio: T.A. Williams lives in Devon with his Italian wife. He was born in England of a Scottish mother and Welsh father. After a degree in modern languages at Nottingham University, he lived and worked in Switzerland, France and Italy, before returning to the UK. He’s taught Arab princes, Brazilian beauty queens and Italian billionaires. He speaks several languages and has travelled extensively. He has eaten snake, still-alive fish, and alligator. A Spanish dog, a Russian bug and a Korean parasite have done their best to eat him in return. His hobby is long-distance cycling, but his passion is writing.

Author Bio: T.A. Williams lives in Devon with his Italian wife. He was born in England of a Scottish mother and Welsh father. After a degree in modern languages at Nottingham University, he lived and...


Available Editions

EDITION Audiobook, Unabridged
ISBN 9788726869903
PRICE £10.99 (GBP)
DURATION 7 Hours, 59 Minutes

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (AUDIO)

Featured Reviews

A perfect christmass book. I felt familiar with the places and enjoyed it all the way reading.

The main charachter Zoe is dumped on Christmass Eve by her long-term boyfriend. Afer a year she gets an invitation she can’t refuse: an all expenses paid skiing holiday with old university friends.
She is excited to go skiing in the Alps but she is not really happy about meeting her ex boyfriend Grant. But she is happy to meet many others friends from the school time. She also meet former flatmate Billy, the organiser and spend a lot of time with him and his wife.. She has a lot of fun and some down moments but at the end everything is at the right place, puzzeled.

Thanks to Netgalley.com and Saga Egmont Audio for this opportunity.

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Dreaming of Christmas by T. A. Williams and audiobook narrated by Anne Marie Piazza is a great contemporary romance that left me feeling festive, warm, and cozy.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely read more from him now.

I enjoyed the winter scenery in the picturesque mountains of Austria. Ski slopes and snow abound in this second chance romance that I just adored.

I loved Zoe and I enjoyed this story where we see Zoe’s moral compass put to the test and I feel she held up her end of the bargain. I liked her. She is imperfect, yet likable, realistic, smart, and I enjoyed her character and how she responded to the surprises immensely.

Such a Christmas-y and festive holiday romance that has me thinking about decorating the house asap.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG, Canelo, and Saga Egmont Audio for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/29/21.

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Thank you to Netgalley, TA Williams and Saga Egmont Audio for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I have read a few TA Williams books now, but none set at Christmas time. Picking up one of his books, I always know I am going to get swept off to some beautifully, stunning location, usually in the sun. But on this occasion were are transported to the snowy Swiss Alps.

Zoe Lumsley. is invited on an all expenses paid skiing holiday with some old university friends to the Alps. Knowing she would stupid to say no, Zoe agrees to go along but is anxious what will happen as one of the other guests, Grant happens to be her ex boyfriend, who broke it off with her on Christmas Eve the previous year after telling her he had met someone else.

On arriving at the 5* resort the group of friends are welcomed warmly and hosted perfectly by their friend and self made millionaire Billy. Each character that features in the book is likeable and has their own side story going on. Keeping you entertained throughout the book. The relationship between Zoe and Grant is also interesting and she finally sees his true colours.

This book is typically what I have come to expect from the author, a beautifully written story, told in a beautiful foreign land. Being set at Christmas time also set the scene and the book left me with a warm feeling inside. Delightful reading or listening in this case. The narrator was brilliant and I really enjoyed listening to this one.

Expected publication date 29th October 2021.

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I love the plot. The idea of being given the opportunity to experience that type of luxury and find love all at the same time... ugh yeasss please sign me up!

Dreaming Of Christmas took me on a journey I didn't know I needed... and I am here for it!

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Back in 2018, I reviewed the ebook version of Dreaming of Christmas and loved it. I am a fan of T.A. Williams' books.

I adore T.A. Williams’ books! The atmosphere and locations in each are all so incredibly detailed. I have reviewed Dreaming of Florence, Dreaming of St Tropez and now Dreaming of Christmas

In Dreaming of Christmas, .Zoe Lumsley was dumped on Christmas Eve by her long-term boyfriend, Grant. Will an-all expenses paid skiing holiday with old university friends help? But, the last person she wants to see is there…..

Skiing and snow, romance, a beautiful holiday location (a ski resort in Austria which is very vividly detailed) as well as humour realistic characters with struggles and happiness in their lives and of course Christmas is the perfect combination in T.A. Williams’ latest novel.

I identified with the feelings of having studied and lived with people during university and then wondering what became of them years later. And the slightly uncomfortable atmosphere upon seeing people again who had not been in your life for years.

I quite liked Zoe and her friend Juliet and the story moves quickly. The book oozes Christmas atmosphere and is very true-to-life with ups and downs. Beautiful cover too, as with all the books by T.A. Williams,

Thanks to T.A. Williams and Canelo for my audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review and an opportunity to participate in the blog tour for the ebook version of the title.

The narrator was great and bought an already amazing book to life even more.

5 stars

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Getting invited to a union with your flat mates on an all expense paid vacation to the Austrian Alps is just the thing Zoe needs. This was very cute! And extremely descriptive! Surely transported me to the winter wonderland, mountain escape that was their holiday. Romance, skiing, realizations, second chances, and a twist at the end.

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I am a complete sucker for predictable, cozy, sweet Christmas romances and this one definitely fits the bill. I loved the setting, the Christmas elements, and that there were plenty of characters to keep the story going. One element I did not enjoy was the very consistent commentary on what food was “worth eating.” There was so much talk about whether our heroine should eat something or not, that maybe she should allow herself a treat because it’s cold outside and she’s burning more calories…this commentary repeated itself several times and it was just odd and added nothing to the story. Overall a good listen (I received the audiobook in exchange for an honest review), the narrator was pretty good too.

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This was a great audiobook. I really enjoyed where the story went and it had some great characters. Would definitely recommend

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Last Christmas Eve, Zoe’s long term boyfriend Grant announced that he was leaving – he’d found a new love – Claire.
This year, she has received an invitation from an old university friend to spend Christmas in Austria – skiing, catching up with friends that she hasn’t seen for years, a luxury hotel – and although she is hesitant to accept as Grant will be there, it’s an invitation Zoe really cannot refuse, after all it’s “all expenses paid” by one of the group who has done very well for himself!
The descriptions are detailed & vivid, it’s obviously based on a real location that the author has visited! The atmosphere of both the hotel and the interactions between the guests are realistic, from the slightly uncomfortable atmosphere when you see people after a number of years, to the way Grant was chatting up the hotel worker Erica! There is some romance, but it doesn’t dominate the story & this is a welcome change to most similar books. The emphasis is really on friendships & how they change. Each of the characters have a depth of their own: Zoe is likeable, imperfect, clumsy and has strong morals; Her close friend Juliet is quiet but delightful, Grant was suitable sleazy, Computer Billy was the epitome of nerd-who-grew-up and lets not forget the adorable 5 yr old and others! Although there are a lot of characters it’s not difficult to keep track of who they are.
Overall this was an enjoyable listen with a feel-good but not clichéd and twee storyline. The audiobook is well narrated and would be a good companion on a long journey & it might just make you wonder what happened to your housemates from years ago that you lost touch with!

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I find it hard to listen to audio books sometimes but I did enjoy this one. Well done and I’d listen to more!

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Dreaming of Christmas - T.A. Williams
Narrated by Anne Marie Piazza

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Sage Egmont Audio and I am leaving this review voluntarily

It’s the dream Christmas: snow, mountains… and, er, an ex-boyfriend. But can Zoe still find love in the Alps?

Dumped on Christmas Eve by her long-term boyfriend, it's been a rough year for Zoe Lumsley. But then she gets an invitation she can’t refuse: an all expenses paid skiing holiday with old university friends.

The bad news: her ex, Grant, will be there with his new girlfriend. But so will her former flatmate Billy, the organiser, and in the meantime he’s done rather well for himself. As Christmas in the Alps approaches, it'll be great to see the old gang. Some more than others...

I flew through this book - I started listening to it in the car and then found myself playing it whilst doing chores. This is a heart-warming and festive tale of a reunion in a lavish 5-Star hotel - all expenses paid. A beautiful story about friendship, relationships and second chances.

It will leave you with that warm and fuzzy feeling that will help build that Christmas spirit. An easy and quick book to read (or listen to) that is going to be perfect to read this festive season.

Rating 4/5

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This was my first TA Williams book and I liked it. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed it also (however, I’m generally not a fan of British narrators because I can’t listen to them as fast as American narrators - I have to concentrate more to understand what they are saying - which is totally my problem and not a problem with this book).

This story begins with Zoe being dumped on Christmas Eve by Grant, her boyfriend of 10 years. She never saw it coming and she was heartbroken for months afterwards.

One of their college friends, Billy, became very successful with a computer company and invited a group of them for a 10 year reunion to Austria at his treat. The problem is Zoe will have to spend Christmas with Grant and his possible new girlfriend. But Zoe also shouldn’t let Grant know that he affected her this much so she decides to go and make the best of it. What happens is a cute story that shows that all may not be exactly as it appears at first glance.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.

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Loved this book. Such a great story line. You know its true love when someone has loved someone for 10 years in secret. Great clean romance. Loved all the characters. Wasn’t hard to follow along with each one and remember what was going on.

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OK this was cute not some thing. I would not normally pick up.
But I’m really glad I did. I decided, to try it when I saw it on net galley. considering I’m looking for Christmas presents for family members.

I think this will, work really well for a couple people i’m not saying who. because. it’s connected to my Facebook, and I know how sneaky some of you are. 😉
it’s cute and fun and sweet. the audio is really good too for the audiobook.


It was just nice to read as I did chores today. Pretty quick and easy read but enjoyable nevertheless.

It is always thank you Nick Galli for sending me this audio review copy

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What a lovely book. Zoe has had a very rough year and could truly use a break from any and all reminders of her ex, who unceremoniously dumped her a year ago at Christmas time. When she gets an invitation from Billy, one of her college friends/housemates with the invitation of a lifetime it sounds like absolute perfection, with the caveat that the ex, who unceremoniously dumped her during the Christmas season last year after ten years together will be there possibly with her replacement. She decides to go anyway and not let him ruin anything else for her. And so begins snow filled holiday reconnecting with old friends, good food, a lot of secrets, some deceit and the possibility of new romance. In a short time Zoe discovers her true self, what she wants and learns to let go of the past and move forward. Of course we get a sweet HEA, which is just perfect for the holiday or really any season. The narration compliments the story.

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T.A. Williams, Dreaming Of Christmas.

With thanks to #Netgalley and #SagaEdmontAudio for an audio ARC of #DreamingOfChristmas By T.A. Williams.

This book was originally released in 2018, and will now make it’s audio debut on 29/10/21.

You know you are reading a T.A. Williams book when you tick these three boxes,
1, an adorable dog.
2, a stunning location.
3, an irresistible love story.
This book doesn’t disappoint.
We have Arnie the cheeky, loveable pooch. Who will melt your heart with all his canine cuteness.
The setting is the Alps in Austria.
The love story… well that would be telling!

Zoe is invited to spend an all expenses paid Christmas with her old university friends, skiing in the Austrian Alps.
The catch being, her ex boyfriend and his new girlfriend will be there.
There will also be a whole host of friends there, including Billy, who has done rather well for himself since their uni days, and is the host of the whole trip.

This book engaged my interest from the start. The characters are well written and the setting is described beautifully.
This is a fun read that trots along at a good pace.
It has humour, warmth and a real christmas vibe.
I loved it!

Well narrated by Annie Marie Piazza.

Five fabulously festive, feel good stars from me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Things I loved: strong MC, great best friend, sweet love interest
Things I didn't love: the miscommunication with Billy
Zoe Lumsley was still recovering from an awful breakup when she received an invitation to the trip of a lifetime. Even though she'll have to spend the week interacting with her ex, it's simply not a vacation she can pass on. While spending the week of Christmas reconnecting with old friends, Zoe begins to see that maybe she isn't as lonely as she feels.
For only 234 pages, this story had quite a few twists. I almost want to visit Austria after listening to the descriptions of the resort and skiing.
I really didn't like how Zoe assumed the worst of Billy at the end. He had been nothing but sweet the entire time, so I don't get why she thought he would do something terrible.
I really enjoyed the narrator. I thought she did a great job of giving each character a distinct voice. She also did well with the accents.
Narrator 4/5
Book 4/5

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Really enjoyed this story, definitely got me into the Christmas Spirit. The twist was really interesting, but also I felt guilty for rooting for the love story through the whole story.

The narrator was great.

*Thank you to the publisher for this eARC.

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I have previously read and enjoyed a book by T.A. Williams so I was happy to be allowed to review this ARC for the audiobook version of Dreaming of Christmas.

A year after Zoe was dumped at Christmas she is invited on an all expenses paid trip by an old uni friend, but unfortunately her ex is also invited.

What to expect:

✅ old uni friends reunited… have they grown up?

✅ dealing with an ex

✅ work vs friends… what if you have to choose?

✅ a cute black Labrador puppy named Arnie

✅ story set in a luxury hotel in Austria during Christmas

✅ lots of talk of mouth watering food

✅ relationships are not always what they seem

✅ some romance?

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Get ready to wrap up warm and don your ski's as you're about to experience the perfect winter holiday. A top notch hotel with all expenses paid and a handsome guy to show you the ropes. When Zoe is invited on an all expenses paid holiday to reunite with her University family she jumps at the chance, after all she is in need of some cheering up and it can't be worse than getting dumped on Christmas Eve surely...

Although, there is the small matter of her ex also being on the holiday but she's determined not to let Grant ruin this time away for her.

I loved watching Zoe and Billy's friendship growing and was so eager for them to get together but he's married and you just know that Zoe wouldn't get in the way of that, even if I did keep having the feeling that this marriage wasn't as happy as it seemed. I have to admit I didn't think too highly of Daniella and was sure there was more going on with her than met the eye, it was the way that she doesn't seem bothered at all that Billy and Zoe are spending so much time together - if it was me I wouldn't have been that calm!

Zoe quickly fell back into her uni role of agony aunt and it seemed that everyone on the holiday still came to her for advice, if only they'd have carried on doing this between Uni and now there may not have been as many 'interesting' moments. Some of these revelations were shocks to me and I think Zoe handled them really well, not letting her own emotions get in the way of her responses.

Throughout listening to this I kept having the thought that the article (or lack thereof) was going to come back and bite Zoe in the bum, especially when we hear that Lorna had an old friend coming to visit for the Ball as I was sure this was going to be connected somehow. I wasn't expecting what did happen though that's for sure!

I loved the way that the story ended, and it felt so fitting to see everyone benefitting from the holiday in their own unique way. It wasn't just friends that reunited on this holiday but also relationships and it really did make my heart feel warm.

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Dreaming of Christmas by T.A. Williams
Narrated by Anne Marie Piazza
Format - Audio Book
Genre - Romance/Women’s Fiction
Rating - 5 out of 5 stars
Narration - 5 out of 5 starts

Yes guys and gals it is that time of the year again. Time for Christmas books to start coming out again. Do you read Christmas all year long or just after Thanksgiving? Also is there a certain author that start out the Christmas season with? Let me know in the comments!

This is a light cheery book as most Christmas books are. This one is about Zoe a woman dumped my her boyfriend Grant on Christmas Eve one year before the book takes place. A year later a surprise invitation comes to her from an old roommate Billy to get all the roomies together for an all expenses paid holiday in the Swiss Alps. Although her Grant is one of those roommates.

The Zoe decides to go even though Grant will be there and ends up being surprised that the nerd of the group Billy has now become a sexy hunk but now Grant wants her back. All kinds of things happen like her learning how to ski quite well even if she is a tad on the clumsy side. Also she starts to become closer to Billy all the while thinking he is married.

The narration is excellent. I especially like the voice she used for the Billy. Kinda of a low sexy husky voice. She also keeps the book running smoothly.

Who will Zoe end up with Billy or Grant. I guess you are going to have to read or listen to find out.

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I enjoyed much of this book, but also had a few issues with it.
I did love the friendships outlined in the book. You can feel the love there.
There were times though that the story just seemed to repeat.
This was my first TA Williams book and I will give others a try.

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Zoe Lumsley is in a relationship with a fella called Grant and has been since they were both at university. She thinks that they are both happy but she is dealt the hammer blow that Grant has been playing away from home so to speak. Not only has she been dumped but the love rat only dumps her on Christmas Eve. Zoe picks herself up with the help of close friends and family and she manages to carve out a new life for herself. She throws herself into her work as a journalist for a celebrity gossip magazine. She then receives an invitation to a reunion with those she shared a house with at university. The reunion is due to happen in Austria and is all paid for by one of the housemates who has done rather well for himself. This throws up all kinds of feelings in Zoe. She is pretty excited to see all of her university buddies except for the fact that she will be seeing her love rat ex and she thinks that he will bring his new partner. This is a book filled with festive cheer, skiing, glorious Austrian settings, a grand romantic gesture, a few men that are bit great specimens of their species, this was a joy to read. I loved the descriptions of the setting and felt as though I was there beside Zoe and her friends. An enjoyable, easy read, perfect for an afternoon snuggled cosily in a chair in front of the fire, preferably as the world outside the window turns white.
My thanks to publisher Canelo for my copy via NetGalley.

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After she was dumped on Christmas Eve by her long-term boyfriend, Zoe is determined to have a wonderful Christmas the following year. Low and behold, her old college roommate turned tech billionaire, invited all his old roomies on a luxury ski trip in the Swiss Alps.

This is a lovely Hallmark Christmas movie of a book. That being the case, I'm guessing you are either going to love it or hate it based on how much you love Hallmark Christmas movies. Since I'm one you'll find curled up in my comfy chair for the whole month of December with hot cocoa in my snuggly pajamas, you can guess which camp I'm in.

There are no real surprises. If you don't know where this story is going from the first two sentences of this review, then you need to turn in your fuzzy socks and penguin mug. If you do, then dig in and enjoy. This book is for you and you are my people.

Persephone May is an orphan who grew up in the foster care system and has always yearned for family but is destined to be alone due to her strange powers. That may be about to change when she is drawn to an island where her family may be from.

I have mixed feelings about this book. In general, it is pretty well-written but there are some very strange quirks. That gorgeous cover grabbed me and the first couple of chapters really drew me in. It honestly has some really pretty prose as well. I mainly have two problems with it.

1. There is no delineation of time. I'm not sure if this story takes place in a day, a month, or a decade. No one sleeps, has a meal, or anything else that would suggest time passing. I could be exaggerating just a bit, but I honestly don't remember any of this happening. It's just nonstop drama. I found my mind wandering a lot for want of some release.

2. Not once in the whole book does anyone tell a single joke, laugh, smile, etc. I need a little humor to break up all that drama as well. I felt like I was living for 352 pages with a dramatic teenager. I just didn't end. It was all high-tension, high-drama, dense seriousness the whole way through.

This strikes me as a good draft. It needs some levity to offset the tension and drama, as well as some way to mark how much time is passing.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

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This was exactly the book I needed to read and I’m so glad I had the chance to listen to the audiobook of “Dreaming of Christmas” by T.A. Williams. That’s actually my first of his books, but I definitely want to read some more. I’m sure they will bring me some of this heartwarming feeling I got out of this one!

On this book, we follow Zoe, who was happily preparing for the Christmas dinner when her long term boyfriend, Grant, decided to dump her on Christmas Eve. That was not his best move, but it seams that Grant never grew up! Now, it’s been almost a year after this not so lovely event and she’s not really sure how she feels, especially because Christmas will remind her of what happened last year. But she has received an invite she cannot refuse. She’s invited to spend her Christmas days on an Austrian resort, having an all expenses paid skiing holiday with a chance to reunite with old university friends. This does sound like the most wonderful escape, but there is a drawback. Her ex, Grant, is one of those university friends and will most probably be there as well, as he loves snowboarding and would not easily pass such an opportunity.

But Billy, her former flatmate, that shy boy that used to spend most of his time in his room with his computer is the organizer of the event and he seems to have done rather well for himself. Zoe hasn’t seen him in years and she always liked Billy, so despite the chance of Grant being there as well, Zoe decides to go to that beautiful hotel in the Alps. After all, it will not only be Grant and Billy there, but so many good friends she hasn’t seen in years! And, as if that’s not enough, there will be snow and ski!

Dreaming of Christmas is a cozy festive read that could be read anytime actually, as long as you don’t mind reading about snow and skiing during summer days. It is a book about friendships and about relationships in general, second chances and finding our other half. It’s a book about realizing what it is in life one wants and how to think of and take care of oneself, especially on occasions that we usually put others first.

The scenery was one of the things that made the book all the more appealing. Being in a five star hotel in the Alps, seeing snow all around you and visiting a town up in the mountains that seems so out of the ordinary, makes the perfect setting for a winter romance. That and the fact that the main characters were so skillful and adventurous out there and down the slopes was everything you could ask for in order to cuddle with a hot beverage and a blanket by the fireplace.

The narrator was amazing! Anne Marie Piazza gave life to all the characters, not exaggerating a bit and making me love listening to Zoe. Billy was especially portrayed with his own special voice, that made it obvious he was significant in this book. The writing and the narration as well made me love these two characters so much, that I wanted them to follow a specific path. Thankfully, the author was kind to me and made my wish true!

This book is expected to be published on October 29 2021.

Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this audiobook. The views expressed are my personal and honest opinion.

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Dreaming of Christmas was released in 2018, but I never got the chance to read it. When the audibook was offered for review, I jumped at the chance. I love T.A. Williams' "travel romance" books and this was another winner for me. The book opens with Zoë being dumped by her boyfriend of ten years on Christmas Eve. We then fast forward one year to Zoë and a group of her university friends being invited to a lavish hotel for an all expense paid holiday in Austria. Everyone in the group had lived in a house together and one of the group, Billy, is now a multi-millionaire. He invites them all for a reunion. The only problem is that Grant, her ex is probably going to be there. But her best friend Jules persuades her to take the plunge, after all it's an all expense paid vacation to a gorgeous ski location in Austria. What more could you want at Christmas. The other problem is that Zoë is working for a not very reputable newspaper and her boss wants her to get an interview with the elusive Mr Billy Fischer. Knowing her boss, he wants dirt. Can Zoë risk her friendship and the privacy of her friend, or will she let her career and the idea of promotion take over? What will happen when Zoë and Grant meet up again for the first time in a year?

Dreaming of Christmas is a beautiful story about friendship, relationships, second chances, finding oneself, secrets, fun, humour, wit and drama. The cast of characters is diverse with everyone having a problem or some issues. I liked Zoë and was thrilled to see her stand up for herself on more than one occasion. Billy, the person responsible for the reunion is another great character. He was a geek in university, so the others didn't know him as well as they liked, but he remembered them. He was still a bit quiet but over the story, he and Zoë talk a lot and we get to know what a great guy he is. There are a few things that happened that didn't surprise me at all, but I don't want to spoil the story for anyone so won't say what they were. I loved the descriptions of the various activities at the resort and the Christmas activities in the town. I will tell you there is a happily ever after, but you will need to read the story to find out who gets it. All the characters have some growth and sort out some things in their lives, so it is a winning trip for all who attend. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy romance, armchair travel and Christmas stories. The book was narrated by Anne Marie Piazza. She gives voices to the various characters and uses expression, tone and emotion to add interest to the story. Besides the voice of Billy, which I disliked a lot, the audiobook was a nice way to experience this story.

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A Christmas must-read!!! Zoe finds herself in a place not many like. Broken-hearted, in an unsatisfying job, and mundane life. When she meets up with all her flatmates from college, almost everyone seems happy with their lot in life. Except slowly, her mates begin to confide in her their marital problems or financial circumstances and the difficult front of happiness they portray. Grant is trying hard to win her back, but she just wants to enjoy her holiday and avoid being trapped in the past. This vacation might be just what they all need. As Zoe finds herself, author T.A. Williams adds twists and turns with humor and fun, making me wish I was physically there! This is my first novel by Williams, and it won't be my last!
Netgalley gave me an audiobook version, but I was not obligated to provide a positive review. These thoughts are my own.
The narrator was great and this is one rom-com page-turner you won't want to miss!

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Zoe has been invited to spend Christmas with her former roommates from University. She is very much looking forward to seeing all of them, until she finds out her former boyfriend (who dumped her after 10 years together) and his new girlfriend will be there. Not one to back down, she accepts the invitation and is determined to enjoy her vacation. She soon discovers that not everything or everyone are as they seem. On top of that, Grant wants her back. Zoe must work through her own inner turmoil to do what she feels is right so that she can truly have a wonderful holiday and quite possibly find love in the most unexpected place.
Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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Dreaming of Christmas is a lovely listen. It had plenty of different story lines to keep me interested and entertained.
The story is well constructed and Zoe is a strong protagonist, there are quite a few characters so, especially with the audio book I needed to concentrate hard at the start but they all bring something to the story so it was worth it.

I wasn't too keen on the narrators voices for some of the characters

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What a book. There's everything you need for a perfect Christmas holiday book.
I quite enjoyed the story plot. The magical winter Austria could not be more perfect to set the most romantic and christmassy atmosphere possible and the hotel sounds extremely cozy and perfect.
The characters are also all very interesting. I like that they are old friends who get together for Christmas. I like the building romance and I like all the secrets that come out. They make the book so much interesting. And I guessed Billy's secret almost at the beginning.
All in all, this is a beautiful book and now I cannot wait for Christmas to come!

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This was a delightful holiday read. Fall in love with love all over again. Zoe will be the first to admit she’s hard a hard time since her longtime boyfriend, Grant, broke up with her. Surprisingly, Zoe and the rest of her previous housemates receive an invitation to spend Christmas in the Alps. Billy, the organizer, was always the quiet and recluse mate. Now, he’s richer than rich, mysterious, and handsome. Zoe finally gets a chance to have some fun and get out of her post-breakup depression. I love seeing her come to life again as she spends time with old friends, goes skiing, and enjoys all the outings arranged. Along the way, she gets a second chance at love, and it is truly something special. Don’t miss this one. I had the privilege of listening to an audiobook, truly bringing the characters to life. I was pleased with narrator and felt like she contributed to really adding an extra something special to an already great book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

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When Zoe gets dumped at Christmas after ten years with Grant she is, quite rightly, devastated. A year later her heart is mending, but she's stuck writing for a second rate gossip/celebrity magazine so an invitation for an all expenses paid ten day vacation in the Austria sounds wonderful. A chance to reunite with the ten people who shared the house during college means a chance to relax and see all her old friends. The only negative in that Grant is one of those ten people .

Her best friend convinces Zoe they should go and when her boss gets wind of the fact that one of the ten is a reclusive billionaire he tells Zoe she must get a story about Billy for the magazine.

The hotel is beautiful and all her friends seem to be doing well for themselves. Billy and his trainer wife are welcoming and attentive and Grant is girlfriend less and appears to be trying to win Zoe back. Also, there is an attraction between Billy and Zoe, but he is married and after what Grant did to her Zoe is very sensitive to people who cheat.

I received an audio book copy of this book from NetGalley and really enjoyed the story. The only drawback to the audio version of the story was when the narrator spoke the words of the male characters her voice was so quiet I missed some words. Other than that the narrator did a great job with a very enjoyable Christmas story. I could definitely see this book as a Christmas movie on Hallmark.

#NetGalley #ARC#DreamingOfChristmas #TAWilliams #SecondChances #SagaEgmontAudio #Romance #WomensFiction

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Zoey has had an awful year ever since her boyfriend of a decade decided to break up with her in new years eve, but Billy, her roommate and now successful CEO has invited her and all their roommates from college to spend Christmas with him and their families in the swiss alps. Zoe is reticent because this means she will see Grant again when all she wants is to move on. Will this trip help her find her prince charming or will she get back with Grant?

This was a cute story, and kept throwing me off. It was frustrating and pleasing to not know exactly whwre it was going and for that I'm thankful. It read like a cute hallmark movie that you must watch furing Christmas time.

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A fun Christmas friend's reunion and vacation.

Billy invites a bunch of old friends on a luxurious skiing vacation. Of course everyone is a bit different from who they once were.

I felt like this book was more about just friends having fun instead of having much of a plot. Yes, there was some drama with Zoe seeing her ex Grant, but overall I didn't find much substance until very close to the end.

I'm glad that I had the audiobook version of this book since the narrator was pretty engaging and easy to listen to. If I was reading a physical copy I may have given up part of the way through instead of finishing it.

3 stars for the audiobook version due to a good narrator.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this Audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

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Zoe gets dumped on Christmas Eve by her boyfriend Grant, so she has had a hard time in her life. A year later, her friend Billy from university invites her and their other university friends to an all expenses paid holiday in the swiss alps. When she goes there, her ex Grant is there, which makes things awkward for her. But then he surprises her. Her and Billy get close, but he apparently has a wife, so they can't go any further with their connection. Or can they? I really loved this heartwarming Christmas story, which brought me a lot of joy and made my heart sing. The narrator of the book was great and she had a pleasant voice. I highly recommend this wonderful book!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Zoe’s boyfriend of 10 years picks Christmas Eve of all days to tell her that he is leaving her for another woman. She’s been doing her best to move on with her life in the months since. When she receives an invitation from one of her university flatmates for all of them to have a reunion at a fancy Austrian ski resort on his dime, Zoe’s best friend encourages her to go so that she has something to look forward to this Christmas. Zoe is looking forward to seeing her old flatmates and getting in some good skiing, but she dreads the fact that her ex will also be there, presumably with his new girlfriend. Still, she intends to make the best of it.

This was a heartwarming read, though with a strange twist at the end. I thought I knew exactly where the story was going until Billy, the billionaire friend who has invited them all to Austria, turns out to be married. I liked the fact that the majority of the book was really about friendship. There were a lot of expected tropes but all slightly askew from how you would expect them to be.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.

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Another heartwarming holiday story for readers to enjoy during those cold winter months. Loved the characters, setting, and the unique spin the author gave to a few classic tropes. While this is defiantly a holiday romance I loved the focus on friendship and prioritizing your life goals when searching for a partner.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5 stars for an uplifting listen with a great narrator.

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Do you dream of a European Christmas vacation? Even if you can't jump on a plane this December, you can travel to perhaps the most Christmasy place on Earth - the Austrian Alps - in the pages of T.A. William's holiday romance Dreaming of Christmas.

A year has passed since Zoe's boyfriend of ten years dumped her on Christmas Eve. It's been a rough year both personally and professionally. She isn't really looking forward to this Christmas yet when an old university friend suggests a reunion by inviting his flatmates for an all-expense-paid trip to a small Austrian village. Though it means her ex Grant will be there (and probably with his new girlfriend), she feels like it's just the holiday she needs.

Dreaming of Christmas is a cute rom-com. Zoe's host Billy was a geeky, shy computer major in university. Now he's a billionaire mogul. The luxury hotel they are staying at - yep, he owns it. And he has had a major exterior makeover, but Zoe soon discovers he is the same sweet, shy Billy on the inside. All her friends appear to have been successful - personally or/and professionally. Yet, she soon discovers their lives are messy behind closed doors. Apparently, Zoe was a sort of Agony Aunt to the group and finds herself in that role once more as they unburden themselves on her. And there's Grant who is apparently regretting what he gave up. Will Zoe go back to what is familiar or give a new romance a chance?

The characters are all fun - they kind of make me think of the TV show Friends. There's a cute kid and an adorable dog - everything you need for a great Christmas holiday. I really wanted to be there with them. I listened to the audiobook so it was kind of like I was there with him.

Anne-Marie Piazza did a great job with a rather large cast of characters. I didn't have any trouble telling the characters apart as she gave them all unique voices.

The romance is light and the focus is largely on the group of friends reconnecting. Of course, there are romantic complications - Grant wanting to get back with Zoe, yet not really giving up his cheating, scheming ways. And there's Billy. The chemistry between him and Zoe is undeniable but what about the woman he's sharing a suite with?

This book definitely put me in the Christmas mood with its descriptions of the snowy mountain village, the lavishly decorated hotel, and the fun the group enjoy - ski adventures, decadent dinners, Mozart concert, and a Christmas ball. So if you are having trouble getting into the Christmas mood this year, I recommend picking up this book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Monday, October 25 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2021/10/4-more-books-to-add-to-your-christmas.html

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I enjoyed every bit of this book. It was not a Hallmark type Christmas story and I loved that. I loved the self discovery Zoey experienced. I was able to figure out how the book would end but it did not take away from the story at all.

I will be recommending this book to others this Christmas season.

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The setting was gorgeous and - living almost right around the corner I can say - rather authentic in its description. I loved the snowy landscape and the christmassy feel.

I especially enjoyed that it's about a group of friends, and those are as important to the story as the romance. Another giant plus was the way Zoe handles meeting her ex. I quite enjoy adults behaving like an adult, and not like a hormonal teen!

Did I mention the cute puppy yet? No? Now I did - and I desperately want to visit that shoe chewing monster.

Going for 4 stars because some of the decisions didn't make any sense beside driving the plot (when other explanations would have made much more sense). Some characters just felt a bit bland and seemed.like "plot furniture" more than actual people.

All in all a quick and fun read that kept me well entertained. Though it wasn't perfect it nicely jump started the christmas spirit!

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Dreaming of Christmas
by: T. A. Williams
Narrated by: Ann Marie Piazza
Saga Egmont Audio

In a setting of England and the Alps, this story is one of lost love and reconnections with friends. Narrator Ann Marie Piazza is superb in bringing all of the feelings and emotions that Williams conveys. The book has all of the elements for a warm, inviting winter story, with its snowy setting, ensemble cast of characters, and sparkles of a new romance. The writing is poignant and entertaining.
Thank you to Net Galley and Saga Egmont Audio for the advance audiobook copy and the opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
#DreamingofChristmas #NetGalley

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A wonderful Christmas story wrapped in a poignant look at the choices we make and the lies we tell ourselves as well as others that bring us to a crossroads in life. Sometimes the choices are of our own doing and sometimes they are the choices of others imposed upon our lives that make us sit up and take a hard look at where are. A reunion of college friends in their 30's helps many of the characters make better choices, while others continue on the path they have already laid down. A refreshingly real cast of characters with a touch of Cinderella gets her prince mixed in. If you like a touching Christmas story, then this one is for you!

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Zoe finds out on Christmas Eve that grant has cheated on her and decides he doesn’t want to be with her. She then gets and invitation to Austria to stay at a 5 star hotel with expenses paid for by their old flat mate Billy. Juliet convinces her to go despite grant being there. They spend the net Christmas together enjoying company and one realizes that she doesn’t love grant anymore.
Honestly I didn’t like the wishy washy of Zoe. I do like that she wasn’t a pushover and that she realized Grant was a loser. I loved seeing her relationships with everyone. The Secondary characters are dry well developed. I do think the story could have been shorter. It is a lovely feel good Christmas story. It made me want to learn to ski.

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First off, thank you so much to Netgalley for an advanced audiobook of this lovely book! I am a huge fan of audiobooks but you can't beat a Christmas audiobook!

For me, I look at every Christmas book as if it were a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. This book went above and beyond that for me! I loved this book so much. I loved the complexities of the relationships and the dynamics amongst the friends. Zoe was the most fantastic lead in this book and you couldn't help but fall in love with Billy as the story progressed as well!

If you are looking for a book to add to your Christmas wish list this year or maybe even gift to that Hallmark channel lover in your life this is it! This book was lovely and fun and had so much to it that was unexpected! Do yourself a favor and add it to your own list!

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I've always been a fan of T. A. Williams' books, and this newest one is no exception. It follows Zoe, who was dumped on Christmas Eve by her long-time partner, then is forced to encounter him the following Christmas at a gathering organized by one of their college flat-mates in Austria. The organizer was a nerdy, quiet guy in college, but has since become the wealthy owner of a large computer company, as well as the posh ski resort where they are all staying. The people who gather for this holiday trip have an interesting variety of occupations and personalities. There's enough suspense and action, as well as hints of romance, to keep one's attention, and the descriptions of the setting in the mountains of Austria make one feel as if they are there. This was a delight to listen to, and I'd highly recommend it!

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𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨!

Another amazing holiday story.
Beautiful writing, breathtaking setting, likeable characters, fast-paced, funny moments and adorable dog!
It was perfect and left me with a warm feeling.

Thank you sagaegmont and NetGalley for this ALC.

Dreaming of Christmas Audiobook by T.A. Williams releases October 29, 2021.

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦: 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘙𝘰𝘮-𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘴, 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘨𝘴.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcoffeemx/

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Dreaming of Christmas by T.A. Williams
Thanks to NetGalley and Sage Egmont Audio for the ARC of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC all opinions are my own.
Zoe is a busy journalist who is dumped by her boyfriend on Christmas Eve. A quick year passes and Zoe gets an invitation that she can’t refuse an all expenses paid ski trip by Billy old college friend for all of her old roommates. Sort of a reunion after 10 years. The only problem is that her ex Grant who dumped her on Christmas Eve will be there with his new girlfriend.
It’s a true Hallmark Christmas movie in book form.

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This is a perfect winter read to get you in the mood for the festive season as to also make you want to book a skiing holiday. It’s a quick read, easy to get into and I would recommend it if you need an interlude between chunky, serious reads.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

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