Always enjoy Martha Walters books. This romance is fun, the dialogue is snappy, and the story interesting and not your usual romance. Characters are thoroughly outlined and the repartee so fun.

This was an okay Christmas read. Not my favorite if I am being honest but the vibes were there and premise was cute. I just was not a fan of the FMC but that could be a me issue. I recommend picking this up for yourself and giving it a try!

I think everyone enjoys a good Christmas rom-com and this delivers. It gives the Hallmark vibes with a cute storyline. I'm always a fan of a character who isn't into the holiday and boom, Christmas miracle happens!

Very Christmasy-, cute, and whimsical. I didn't find it "hilarious" as blurbed, and I think the October release date was a bit early (Christmas books before Halloween should be forbidden) but ultimately an enjoyable holiday read.

This was disappointing since I've enjoyed Martha Waters's previous books, but this just didn't have any spark. I will not recommend this to my library's patrons.

A contemporary from Martha Waters was such a delight. I loved everything about it. The charm in the writing and the lovable characters remained but the modern setting was fresh and fun to read from Martha.

Martha Waters can write anything and I'd read it happily. Modern Love Actually-inspired British story x her dialogue and descriptions...chef's kiss.

Genre: Holiday Romance

Format: Audio/E-book

4.5🌟 - I really liked it!

This was one of my favorite holiday books of this past year! It was cozy, had fun banter, and also had a dynamic plot! Ex child-star escapes to England after turning down a reprise role in a Christmas classic (a nod to Love, Actually) movie and then falls in love (swoon)! This was such a festive book, and I absolutely adored the UK setting!!

It was okay, lots of great holiday cheers but it was full of cliches. It was a slow read for me, I wasn't invested in it. The characters weren't likeable so I think that's what made it hard for me to get into. I like the ending message of gratitude.

Loved this book! A child star from a Christmas movie grows up to hate Christmas. Can the right person change her feelings? I enjoyed this book so much. Funny dialogue and well written.

One of my traditions in December is to read a bunch of winter/Christmas themed romances, and this made a lovely addition. At times the main female character's inability to appreciate literally anything good about her life was infuriating. If someone's willful blindness to their own privileges gets on your nerve, I wouldn't recommend this book. But generally, this felt very sweet and easy, a Hallmark movie turned into a book. It felt predictable but not stale, familiar but not boring. If you, like me, prefers your Hallmark Christmas movies in written format, this is right up your alley.

3.5 stars, leaning towards 3 stars rather than 4.

I really enjoyed this European holiday romance! It was a lot of fun to read and the setting was beautiful. I thought the romance was a perfect blend of sweet and swoony!

My final holiday book of the season, was Christmas is All Around.

Charlotte as a child stared in a holiday movie and its fans are hounding her for choosing not to rejoin a remake. To avoid all the internet bullying, she decides to spend the final five weeks of the year with her sister in London. While there, she mistakenly goes to one of the film locations and is recognized. She inadvertently gets left behind and the generous historic home’s owner, Graham, drives her to her sister’s. Graham needs to find a way to make more funds for the home and bring another film location is off the list. Can he create enough events and buzz as the holiday location to save the family home.

Martha Waters writes a fun historical romance series that I have really enjoyed but this book didn’t captivate me. When the holidays are hectic I want attention-grabbing reads and this one felt fine/cute. I felt the third-act breakup didn’t serve either Charlotte or Graham and didn’t feel like a good conflict for them to work through. I also didn’t love Charlotte’s character - there was a lot of hate towards acting and a film more than 20 years prior that gave her amazing opportunities later in life so it was hard to connect to her. If you want a cute London-based romance or love a child actor story this one might be for you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

2.5 Stars. Charlotte was a child actress, starring in the hit Christmas movie “Christmas, Truly”. When she is reluctant to appear in a sequel, she flees to London to escape the hate of the fans and spend the month leading up to Christmas with her sister.

The Christmas season was so busy that I did not have time to finish all my Christmas reads, so here we are reading Christmas in January—and I love it! I absolutely loved all the nods to Love Actually, from the book title, to the opening line, and to the storyline of Charlotte’s appearance in a Love Actually-esque Christmas movie as a child. However, while I understand that Charlotte is fulfilling the role of the “Grinch-like” character that’s lost her Christmas spirit, a roll most Christmas movies/stories have, I found her to be overly miserable and unlikeable. Honestly, I didn’t like Graham much either, so I struggled to feel invested in their relationship. While there was enough Christmasy elements sprinkled in to make it a festive read, this wasn’t the book for me.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for my gifted copy!

This was a fun Christmas romance. Great to read during the holidays to bring you that hallmark feeling in a book!

"Christmas Is All Around" by Martha Waters is a delightful holiday rom-com that blends humor and heart, making it a perfect four star, festive read. The novel follows Charlotte, a former child actress who starred in a beloved holiday movie but has since grown to despise the season due to the persistent attention from fans. Seeking refuge, she escapes to London to spend the holidays with her sister. There, she meets Graham, a charming man whose family owns a vineyard, and together they embark on a journey that rekindles her holiday spirit and opens her heart to unexpected romance.

Charlotte's character is richly developed, showcasing her transition from a holiday cynic to someone who rediscovers the magic of the season. Graham's warmth and support play a pivotal role in her transformation, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and genuine connection. The plot is well-paced, with each chapter introducing new challenges and heartwarming moments that deepen their relationship. Set against the backdrop of London's festive charm and a picturesque vineyard, the story captures the essence of holiday romance, making "Christmas Is All Around" a must-read for those seeking a cozy and uplifting tale.

This book released October 22nd meaning it is available now to enjoy!

Thank you NetGalley, Martha Waters, and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for a personal review.

This story follows Charlotte in third person. Charlotte starred in a popular Christmas movie as a child but decided acting was not for her and now pursues her passion in art and prefers to avoid the holiday. Her parents who have always worked in the entertainment industry and have a volatile relationship don’t understand her choices. After refusing to star in a sequel to her movie, Charlotte flees the media to stay with her sister and new baby in England for the holidays. Unfortunately, Ava’s in-laws are also visiting and love all the holiday festivities.

One of their excursions takes them to the Christmas tree lighting at the home of an artist that Charlotte admires, but when they arrive, she finds the estate strangely familiar. There she meets a descendant of the artist that she admires and is commissioned to illustrate iconic holiday movie scenes in various parts of London. Graham escorts her on some of these excursions and the two become friendly.

I really enjoyed this lovely holiday story. Charlotte has unresolved issues with her experiences in acting and resentment of her family’s dismissive treatment of her chosen profession. Graham is trying to save his family’s historic home and move into the future with it in a way that makes it more self-sustaining and family run. This is my sixth read by this author. I think I’ve read all her books. This is the first contemporary. I really enjoy the banter she creates between her romantic pairings. It had the perfect blend of romance, holiday, family and professional angst.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for a copy provided for an honest review.

This story follows a child star who wants to move on from acting but she ends up in a place she doesn’t expect. I have read Waters’ histrorical romances which were some wonderful reads but sadly this one wasn’t it. I was enjoying the beginning of this book but then it started to go downhill. I ended up not liking the third person pov as all the names just began to jumble up. The storyline was good but I felt as though a lot of the sentences were repetitive because if often felt like I read the words before. This is told from Charlotte’s pov.

Charlotte is the FMC and let me tell you that this woman hates everything. I couldn’t understand her and with her hate, it just made me not want to focus on seeing her growth. Then we have Graham who was honestly just like her but barely there. There are many other side characters but I truly didn’t care for them. The romance was okay but as I didn’t truly care for them. However they are perfect for each other. This is a grumpy x grumpy with an american x english trope and some steamy scenes.

The ending was decent with a HEA. This book takes place in London which I enjoyed because the setting was well described. This book didn’t truly feel like a christmas romance for me and I had high hopes for it since Waters wrote it. However, many readers will enjoy this because this is what I just thought. I will still be reading their other books because I truly enjoyed those a lot more.

"Christmas is All Around" is the perfect book to add to your holiday reading list! I loved the Hallmark feel to this book and the perfect winter setting. I really enjoyed the plot and coudln't stop reading this one!

You’ve got to add this book to your winter TBR—it’s the perfect mix of an engaging story and cozy Christmas vibes.

Here’s a little sneak peek: The main character, a former actress, is haunted by the childhood role she can’t seem to escape, and the male lead? Turns out he owns the house where she filmed that movie.

I loved watching the characters interact and grow. Their families were such a great addition, with their own little subplots that really brought the story to life. That said, I’ll admit I skimmed through a few parts—Charlotte’s constant frustration with her old role got a bit repetitive. I get wanting to be recognized for your art, but she seemed overly focused on it, especially since only a handful of people even knew who she was!

Still, the passion and energy the characters brought to the story totally made up for it. Overall, it’s such a fun and heartwarming read, and I’d definitely recommend it!