All around a great Christmas book! I could not put it down! After loving this author in historical romance, I was hoping this would be just as good and it was!

Charlotte is a child star in a cult classic movie, and while her family is still into film/acting, she very much is not. After being recognized/harassed in Central Park about reprising her role for a remake, she flees to her sister's in London.

The whole family dynamic was great, including in-law's, baby nieces, and her own parents (with issues). She meets Graham after she's left at a tree lighting at a manor house, part of her sister's in-laws campaign for Christmas activities, and hitches a ride back to London with him.

Their adventures around London, the family dynamics and the artistic scenes really bumped this one up for me. And then there's the romance...swoon!!!

4 stars!

"Christmas Is All Around" by Martha Waters is a holiday delight. I liked the characters and the humor this book had to offer. Charlotte was a child star who acted in one role: in a Christmas film called "Christmas, Truly" years ago. This film has haunted her ever since. Fans frequently hound her on social media, and when rumors of a sequel start to swirl online, Charlotte is deemed the "bad guy" because she doesn't want to reprise her role, which causes the film to get canned. While on vacation with her family, they unknowingly visit the very sprawling estate where that movie was shot. While at Eden Priory, she meets the owner, Graham, and his sister. Charlotte agrees to help Graham by using her "status" as the star of "Christmas, Truly" to help save Eden Priory, promote the grounds to the public, and use her artistic skills to illustrate iconic scenes from holiday films. In the process, Graham and Charlotte bicker constantly, but grow closer to one another as they scout locations for her drawings. They may find love within each other, where they least expect it. The characters here are developed thoroughly and have interesting and compelling backstories. They feel like authentic, lived-in people. I loved the banter between Graham and Charlotte. I think a lot of readers might not like Charlotte as a main character. She is a bit whiny and a little jaded, but I found her to be relatable and realistic. There are plenty of people who are jaded about the holidays! I really liked Graham as well. He has the stiff-upper-lip British sense about him but definitely has a softer side when the occasion calls for it. The secondary cast of characters is excellent, too. Both Graham and Charlotte's sisters are meddlers, which cause some much-needed hilarity here and there. There are several touching, heartwarming moments, and a couple of heartbreaking ones. I found myself itching to finish this book when I had to stop reading for a while. An excellent addition to your Christmas TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley, Martha Waters, and Atria Books for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

This was a really fun Christmas romance. I appreciated the grumpy FMC and her tale of growth in coming to terms with her past career and how she can create happiness for herself. It was wonderfully Christmassy without being religious and the cast of supporting characters was so fun. The only thing that got on my nerves was the FMC’s penchant for throwing things at people (it’s a weird default…) but we all have our faults.

4 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

CHRISTMAS IS ALL AROUND - Martha Waters

Christmas-Movie-Haters Unite! - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - As a former child actress, Charlotte starred in a popular holiday movie, and its fans won’t let her forget it. Ironically, she happens across Eden Priory, a filming location for her movie that she had never visited, with a handsome owner who might need her help to promote (and save) their home. Charlotte may not love Christmas, but is it so bad if you’re also falling in love?

Writing - 4 stars - I was caught up in the story right away, although I couldn't quite relate to the "I hate Christmas movies" philosophy. But I could understand Charlotte's need to move on from her childhood success and focus on her current career. I felt right at home in the family dynamics created by Waters--close but in a bickering sort of way--very entertaining.

Characters - 4.5 stars - This is where the story shone for me. Graham is an excellent hero--an even-tempered, stiff-upper-lip kind of Englishman, working hard to preserve his family's history while also living in today's world. He's funny, with witty banter that made me smile. Charlotte is also a strong character, but I didn't like her quite as well. She started out with a big chip on her shoulder about her "movie star" past, so much of her conversation and thoughts are negative about the holidays. She dismisses people's love of her movie and her character, which made her seem pretty ungracious at times. On the other hand, I found her to be intelligent and open minded when it was pointed out that she might be ungrateful about her successes.

Title - 3.5 stars - Not too sure about this title. I suppose it means that Charlotte is always running into people who want to share their love of Christmas (and consequently her movie), and this all makes Charlotte uncomfortable.

Cover - 4 stars - A cute cover. Although I'm not a huge fan of the current trend of cartoon-y covers, this one is simple yet effective.

Overall - 4 stars - All in all, this was a new-to-me author that I enjoyed very much. The story is all about Christmas but in a tongue-in-cheek way that was very entertaining. The characters were well drawn and very approachable, with some witty banter thrown in to make things fun.

Once upon a time, when Charlotte was young, she was in a movie, one that is one of those Christmas movies that become iconic. But Charlotte is no longer a young girl, and she doesn’t seem to want to be associated with that movie. She is also not a fan of Christmas.

When she leaves to go to London, she meets the man, Graham, who is the son of the family who lives in the home where the movie was set, although she doesn’t realize who he is, and he, having never seen the movie, doesn’t realize who she is, either.

As time passes, they form a kind of friendship, he helps her find places that she wants to capture for her art, and her listening to his concerns about the family home, and eventually (of course) a bit more than that.

A sweet story which evolves slowly as the holiday approaches.


Published: 22 Oct 2024

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Atria Books

Christmas is the most magical time of year and this book brings all the Christmas! I wanted so badly to jump into the setting of this book. The plot was a little too slow for me and although I liked the characters, it was hard to stay interested.

I will read any Christmas romance! This one was very well put together and I loved getting to know the characters throughout the novel. This is a good one to add to the list!

I ate this anti- Christmas book faster than warm Christmas cookies! Christmas is All Around is becoming one of my favorite Christmas books this year. I also enjoyed how Martha Waters sneakily incorporated regency themes and hints throughout the story. It was so charming and sweet that it felt like turning on a Christmas Hallmark movie and Lord knows I need that right now!
With the backdrop set in London, our main character Charlotte is on a mission to avoid all things Christmassy due to her childhood starlight past of becoming the girl version of Macaulay Culkin. I loved how the story mocked our culture’s obsession with Christmas movies and society's blinders to see the actors and actresses as people instead of playing long term roles.
When Charlotte meets Graham, the super charming, handsome, reindeer clad London man at a Christmas event she is amused. Graham was just my absolute favorite and his devotion to his family and their estate was just charming! One of my favorite things about the story was the adventures that Charlotte and Graham encountered together. Her sassiness and his dry humor and wit was just the perfect balance.
Martha Waters knocks it out of the ballpark with her newest novel, Christmas is All Around.
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The author did a real fantastic job of describing the scenery and setting the stage for the story that was being told… I could perfectly picture exactly the story that the author was painting. I really enjoyed all the Christmasy treats and drinks that were described here too 🤪
This was a super cute Christmasy rom-com that I flew right through! I really liked the characters and was rooting for them to get together ❤️
I had not heard of this author before this book and I am excited to tee d to read more by her!

First I would like to thank Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC of this novel.

There were a few things I really loved about this novel. The setting was great. London at Christmas! I love it. Also, I am a big fan of the movie, Love Actually so I loved all the references and similarities between it and Christmas, Truly. I also loved Graham. He was sweet and the perfect Christmas romance boyfriend.

Most of my complaints about this book have to do with the MC Charlotte. I found her over the top grumpy about everything. I know she was suppose to dislike Christmas but really she disliked everything and everyone it felt like (eg. demon baby). I just couldn’t root for her and Graham as much as I should have.

Overall, it was a cute Christmas romance and if you are a fan of Love Actually you will probably enjoy this book.

3/5 stars.

Every time I went to pick up this book, I just couldn't stay in it (partially because of real life things totally unrelated to the book / reading). But I have decided to DNF this book for now. I think I may enjoy reading it a little closer to the Christmas season and will definitely be giving it another try.

Thank you to Martha Waters, Atria Books, and NetGalley for sending me an early copy!

Christmas? London? A perfect holiday love story? Yes please! This was such a sweet story and makes me want to visit London (minus the holiday crowds)!

For fans of Love Actually you will absolutely adore this book!

I seriously ate this book up and finished in 2 sittings.

"A former child star learns that holiday magic can come from a change in perspective in this charming and hilarious holiday rom-com."

Charlotte is a former child star - only starting in one Christmas movie just about 20 years ago and she has had a hate and hate relationship with the holiday since. To escape the pressure of being asked on a reunion movie she heads to London for Christmas.

Graham is and accountant but his main focus in life is helping his family keep the Eden Priory estate that is a financial to burden but will do whatever it takes to keep.

The Meet Cute between Charlotte and Graham and the meddling Christmas loving friends and family take us on the journey and romantic development between these characters.

Leaning on, opening and trusting are hard for both main characters but their opposite personalities is what made them attract.

Pick this up for a Christmas, truly holiday treat.

As a former child actress, Charlotte starred in a modern classic of a holiday movie, and its fans won’t let her move on. As a result Charlotte hates the holidays. When a piece revealing that her reluctance nixes plans for a reboot, she flees to London to spend the five-week countdown to the holidays with her sister. There she meets Graham, owner of a historic house that relies on holiday cheer and visitors to keep running. A visit from the former star would bring in more business. They strike a deal and it is in this deal that their relationship begins to develop. The scouting trips these two go on makes for some of the best parts of the story! Their banter is awesome and their growing romance is sweet, swoony, and steamy. This is cozy and heartwarming book will make a great addition to your holiday reads.

I received this book as a Netgalley ARC this past July and was so excited to start reading it closer to the holiday season. This was a very sweet holiday rom-com that had all the typical holiday cliches that any hallmark loving girl/gays/theys would enjoy (me). Did I think this was the most amazing romance I have ever read? No. But it is my favorite holiday romance for sure. I felt like Charlotte's hatred of the holiday season was a little dramatic. I get not wanting to be known for something you did as a child, but that level of anger toward a holiday based on your childhood movie was a bit excessive. Graham was a dream and even though there was a third-act break-up, I'm glad they were both open and honest with each other (I'm tired of the miscommunication trope.) This is not the first Martha Waters' book that I've read (some I bought on my own some were sent to me) but it is the first contemporary romance. I will say she's getting better and better with each book I've read.

Keep this book in-mind for your next holiday read!

no one ever said a third act breakup is required, y'know? especially one that feels forced into the plot? much like love actually, it's okay to write a cozy christmas romance where the stakes are just kind of low and the protagonist's job is geographically flexible! i think this was a solid entry into contemporary romance by martha waters, but it paradoxically loses steam (and pacing) as it arrives at this unnecessary third act conflict.

Martha Waters does it again! But make it Christmas! Christmas Is All Around was a wonderful homage to Christmas classic movies but with a scrooge-like FMC. Charlotte was a child actor who starred in a famous Christmas classic: Christmas, Truly. Charlotte escapes the States and takes refuge with her sister just before the holidays. What she doesn't expect is to meet the handsome owner of Eden Priory, Graham, where Christmas, Truly was filmed, and embark on a journey to create artwork of all the famous Christmas movie locations nearby.

As always, Waters takes us on a journey with the characters and develops wonderful scenery in which to imagine them. I especially loved the cozy inn scene. I also really loved the tongue-in-cheek way the author incorporates a character who does not love Christmas but continually refers to being caught up in her own Christmas Rom-Com. Incredibly well written, Martha Waters can do no wrong in my book. I'm so grateful she decided to go out on a limb and write this!

I highly recommend for anyone looking to get into the Christmas spirit or if you just want to cozy up with a solid romance.

I thought this was such a cute and fun holiday read! It had a great, original plot and I really was rooting for the main characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.

We really enjoyed Martha Waters Regency Vows series. If you’ve read anything by her you know she has a way of weaving humour, romance, family and friends into a fun escape from the everyday. And this being a contemporary romance, we knew we had to give it a read.

Hating Christmas is not a feeling we have. But Charlotte sure does and she has her reasons. Mainly just one reason and it is Christmas, Truly, the holiday movie she starred in as a child, and when there are rumblings of a potential reboot happening, she escapes to London. So of course she ends up at the estate where part of the movie was filmed! There she meets Graham, a bespeckled brit looking for a way to save his family’s historic estate. Charlotte, welcome to your holiday romance!

Charlotte and Graham were perfect together. She’s so grumpy and cynical and he’s British. 😂 They matched wit and banter and their budding relationship was fun to follow. Their friends and family brought the right amount of chaos and fun.

What we really enjoyed is that Charlotte is forced to reckon with her feelings about Christmas and why she feels this way. It’s not the usual holiday romcom but you get everything you want from one. It definitely got us into the holiday spirit. You can be a Grinch at Christmas but still find some magic during the holidays.

Read if you like:
▪️Christmas romcoms (or don’t like them)
▪️Forced proximity
▪️Set in London
▪️Meddling Family
▪️Grand Gestures

I am a huge Martha Waters stan. I've read every single one of her books and have loved every single one of them. Christmas Is All Around is no exception.

Like Martha's other books, the premise of this book is chef's kiss. Charlotte hates the holidays, probably because of her role in a holiday movie when she was a child actress. As an adult, Charlotte has made a life for herself away from Hollywood. But when a piece reveals her reluctance to participate in a reboot of the movie, she flees to London to spend the holidays with her sister. But even in London, Charlotte can't escape her past. When she ends up at one of the movie's filming locations for a holiday decorating event, Charlotte is accidentally left behind by her sister. With no other way to get back home, Graham, the owner's son, offers her a ride back to London. Looking for ways to bring in more money for his family's business -- hosting events at their historic family home, Graham offers Charlotte a job illustrating iconic holiday movie scenes. Thrilled with the opportunity to miss holiday outings with her family, Charlotte agrees. Charlotte and Graham spend time together scouting locations for her illustrations. Charlotte hates Christmas, but maybe it's not so bad when you're falling in love.

This book is so charming and fun. The banter is off the charts, and I seriously laughed out loud several times. Between the shenanigans with Charlotte's family, including her infant niece, the setting, and Charlotte and Graham's love story, this book will put you in the holiday spirit.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.