"It Happened One Christmas" by Chantel Guertin is a heartwarming holiday romance that captures the magic of the season in every page. Set in a cozy small town blanketed in snow, the story follows protagonist Ava as she navigates the ups and downs of love during the most wonderful time of the year. Guertin's writing is evocative, painting a vivid picture of holiday cheer and festive traditions. The chemistry between Ava and her love interest is palpable, and as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and romance, readers can't help but be swept away by the magic of the season. But beyond the romance, "It Happened One Christmas" is a story about the true meaning of the holidays: family, love, and the joy of giving. Guertin's heartfelt storytelling and charming characters will warm even the coldest of winter nights, making this book the perfect addition to any holiday reading list.

Writing felt confusing but I think I can overlook for the festive vibes? I don’t expect a ton from a holiday read but it should be easier to follow with the strain of the season!

Cozy Christmas romances are my favourite genre from October onwards, predictable but enjoyable, containing all the things you'd expect from a Christmas romance

thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!

I started this during the holiday season and unfortunately had to put it down due to external factors. What I did read was so cute and I can’t wait to finish it this next year!

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

It Happened One Christmas by Chantel Guertin
Pub Date: October 31st, 2023

A picture-perfect winter setting, small community vibes, traditions, a big city woman chasing her dreams and a hot town mayor that stands in the way has all the trademarks of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Zoey Andrews is set on recreating the perfect Christmas spent with her family when she was younger. It was one of her few happy memories from her childhood. She has written a Christmas movie and will stop at nothing to get the permits to film it. Not the snowstorm of the century can get in her way and not even the grumpy town mayor Benoit.

I loved the descriptions of the small town of Chelsea, Quebec, and the closeness of the community. One part that I felt dragged on was the snowstorm. I understood the severity of it and it showcased the intense circumstances under which they needed to survive but for me, I felt that it could have been a bit shorter.

Once past the storm and being able to get into the holiday traditions and celebrations, I was transported into what felt like a Hallmark movie with all the trimmings, the best part being that it took place in the province of Quebec!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC.

It Happened One Christmas is a cute holiday book with authentic Canadian charm. Based out of a small town in Quebec, this has all the beauty of a Canadian winter.

This is a fun, forced proximity romance, with a hint of grumpy x sunshine. You can feel the spark right away, and while Ben is being a barrier to Zoey who is trying to make a hallmark Christmas movie in the small town, he's definitely a good looking well mannered barrier to climb all over 😍

Insta-love isn't my favorite and this is exactly what this is. While the couple went through a dramatic and traumatic time over the course of 24 hours, I am not sure how much I believe in being in love and a HEA after that amount of time. For the sake of the holidays and this being a fluffy read, let's say it is possible. There was some odd drama that never really went anywhere, and a few scenes that made me a bit uncomfortable, but overall it was a fine fluffy Christmas read.

This was a super cute holiday read! I loved the small town in Quebec setting. Zoey was cool, and I appreciated her determination. The towns people were fun, just the right amount of meddling, and kindness. Benoît was the perfect amount of chivalrous, grumpy and mysterious. I liked the suspense and challenge of the snow storm debacle. The range of emotions Zoey went through was well described and realistic.

Now I’ll patiently wait for this to become a movie!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you're looking for a Christmas book that will give you Hallmark vibes - this is definitely the one you should be picking up. Zoey is a director of Christmas movies (seriously, think Hallmark or the W Network) and she is getting the chance to make her own movie, instead of directing other people's scripts. But there's just one person standing in her way and that's Benoit - the mayor of the small Quebec hamlet she wants as the setting for her film.

Chantel Guertin is easily one of my auto buy authors. As a fellow Canadian, I already think it's important to support a homegrown author, but the way Guertin was able to blend romance and Canada together was so beautiful. And the setting she chose? I want to go hop on a plane to Quebec right this minute! I loved this book and I can't wait to reread it next Christmas!

It Happened One Christmas certainly evokes the cozy, feel-good vibes of a holiday movie, complete with its whirlwind romance and festive atmosphere. However, I can understand how the instant love trope might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially when the couple experiences significant drama and trauma in such a short period.

While the idea of falling head over heels in love within 24 hours may stretch believability for some, it's worth suspending disbelief for the sake of enjoying a fluffy holiday read. The odd drama and uncomfortable scenes you mentioned may have detracted from the overall experience, but it sounds like the book still managed to deliver on its promise of spreading holiday cheer.

If you're in the mood for a light and fluffy Christmas romance that captures the magic of the season, this might just fit the bill. Despite its flaws, it does offer a cozy escape into a world filled with festive spirit and heartwarming moments.

Chantel Guertin's "It Happened One Christmas" is a delightful treat for lovers of holiday romance. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque small town blanketed in snow, this book is the perfect blend of festive cheer, heartwarming moments, and swoon-worthy romance.

The story follows the endearing protagonist, Emily, who finds herself reluctantly returning to her hometown for Christmas after a series of unexpected events. As she navigates the familiar streets and reconnects with old friends, Emily discovers that sometimes, the most magical moments can happen when you least expect them.

Guertin has crafted a cast of characters that are as charming as they are relatable. From Emily's spunky best friend to the handsome stranger who captures her heart, each character feels fully fleshed out and adds depth to the story. Emily herself is a protagonist worth rooting for, with her wit, vulnerability, and unwavering determination to find happiness.

What sets "It Happened One Christmas" apart is its heartfelt exploration of themes such as love, forgiveness, and the power of second chances. Through Emily's journey, Guertin reminds us that the holiday season is not just about presents and decorations, but about the joy of being surrounded by loved ones and opening our hearts to new possibilities.

Filled with cozy moments, sparkling dialogue, and plenty of Christmas magic, "It Happened One Christmas" is a joy to read from start to finish. Guertin's writing is engaging and heartfelt, drawing readers into the story and leaving them with a warm glow that will linger long after the final page is turned.

Whether you're curling up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa or looking for the perfect holiday read to get you in the festive spirit, "It Happened One Christmas" is sure to delight. Chantel Guertin has crafted a charming tale that captures the true essence of the holiday season and reminds us of the power of love to transform our lives. Highly recommended for fans of feel-good romance and Christmas stories that warm the heart.

This book follows Zoey Andrews, newly single and determined to direct her own Christmas movie in Chelsea, Quebec. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including a geographical mix-up and a reluctant partner named Ben, Zoey remains resilient and focused on her goal. As she navigates through challenges, readers are swept up in her determination and root for her success. The story features references to the author's hometown, engaging character development, and a subtle Christmas setting. While the romance is not over-the-top, the book offers substance and is recommended for those seeking a heartwarming holiday read with depth.

This book, happily set in Canada (Quebec), made me feel ALL the Canadianisms. I really enjoyed the set up of the characters and I found their journey to happiness fascinating but parts of the middle dragged for me a little bit. I enjoyed many of the side characters though and it felt very wintery!!

One of my favorite holiday romances of the year. I absolutely loved the setting and plot development. Absolutely lovely.

This was a fun holiday romance. I liked the plot and the characters were a lot of fun. Very much recommend this book.

This was a really sweet romance set in small-town Quebec Canada. Zoey Andrews loves Christmas and finally, her dream of producing a super sweet Christmas movie she wrote is coming true ... the only small caveat is she needs to secure all the permits needed in just a few days or the studio will proceed with a different movie. So she sets off to Chelsea, QC hoping the Chelsea residents are as excited about having a movie filmed in their town as she is. However, as it turns out the Major of Chelsea, Ben Deschamps is anything but excited, in fact, he couldn't say no fast enough.

I loved the premise of this book and overall I really enjoyed it. Being Canadian I loved that it was set in Canada and learning more about the Quebecois holiday traditions. I could easily relate to the weather scenes and the havoc it caused for our lovebirds having lived through a few bad snow/ice storms. This was definitely a slow burn and I did find it a bit too slow at times but it picked up in the second half and I flew through it.

Read if you like:
- grumpy-sunshine
- forced proximity
- slow-burn romance
- insta-love

Such a cute read to add to your Christmas collection. A fun Hallmarky romance that takes place in Quebec. Thanks for the early read.

3.5/5 ⭐️

i was really excited to read this one as it's set in the province where i live: québec. it also features a french-speaking romantic interest, which is always fun as a native french speaker! i loved how the author incorporated our christmas traditions into the story.

this was a nice, cosy and cute, but a bit predictable, read. it had some romance tropes i really enjoy: grumpy x sunshine, small town, snowed-in, hate to love and forced proximity. but it was both a slow-burn and insta-love, and that part took me off. for most of the story, the two main characters don't like each other and do not get along. but towards the end, suddenly, they are in love. and then, quickly after that, it ends. so it felt a bit rushed and i wish the development between them had been more flushed out.

it also definitely felt like a hallmark movie at times with its cheesiness and unrealistic events, so that might turn some reader off, but i enjoy those kind of movies, so i didn't mind that part! there was one low spice scene and it was well done, but i wouldn't consider this a steamy book, so if you prefer your romance closed door, you can definitely skip that scene.

it didn't end with an HEA which was a bit disappointing with since it's to be expected in a cheesy christmas romance like this. the ending lacked a bit of resolution and an epilogue.

overall, i recommend this if you enjoy hallmark christmas movies and you're looking for something to give you all the warm feels during the holidays, but keep in mind that the end is a bit rushed.

This is a cute Hallmark movie type of book. I enjoyed that the story is centered in Quebec with a great Christmas vibe. Zoey has to convince the mayor of a small town that she needs to make a movie there but he’s not interested. After some forced proximity can she change his mind? Definitely a cute book to add to your Christmas reading!