Welcome to Hollythorpe, a quaint village in the Cotswolds, where the locals are stringing lights around their village tree. And meet Clara as she pulls her suitcase through the snow, hoping for a new start…

This isn’t the Christmas that Clara was hoping for. Twenty-four hours ago, she was engaged, a shiny diamond on her wedding finger and a gorgeous husband-to-be by her side. Only now, the ring is gone and so is he. She’s almost given up on Christmas magic completely – until she arrives in Hollythorpe.

Clara waits outside of her kindly Aunt Eleanor’s red front door, knowing that a warm welcome will help heal her aching heart. Snowflakes are falling gently on her long dark hair when a car sprays her with slush and then, unexpectedly, stops to help. Clara lays eyes on Liam stepping out of his car, six feet of gorgeousness. She realises maybe there could be upsides to a cosy Cotswolds Christmas…

Except Liam is closed off to everyone and Clara knows she should be protecting her heart too, so she tries to put him out of her mind. When the village’s usual Mrs Christmas calls in sick before Hollythorpe’s winter fair, Clara steps into the role to help Aunt Eleanor. Only, she hasn’t realised who Mr Christmas is… none other than Liam himself.

As the two are thrown together to bring Christmas to Hollythorpe, Liam’s icy exterior starts to thaw. And Clara can’t deny she’s falling for him. But then the past comes back to haunt them, changing everything…

Will Clara and Liam end up lonely this Christmas? Or can the most wonderful time of the year bring them together, actually?

Fans of One Day in December, Philippa Ashley, Sarah Morgan and Jenny Colgan will adore this totally uplifting and page-turning novel of finding that love really is all around.

What readers are saying about Donna Ashcroft:

‘I loved every minute… I laughed out loud so many times!!… All of the Christmas feels and then some. Just adored this!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Delightful… A joy to read… So hilarious… I couldn’t help but laugh out loud… perfectly sets the stage for the Christmas season… Truly captivating… I loved every aspect of this’ Page Turners, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Exceptional, witty and heart-warming… tons of sparkle, cheer, charm and romance… I adored this… Off the charts!... Lots of friction and sparks!... Good for the heart and medicine for the soul… Bursting with enchanting chemistry… A red hot captivating Christmas story!’ 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘The ultimate cozy holiday escape! Imagine crackling fires, snow-dusted highlands, and a story filled with charm, romance, and festive magic. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, sip hot cocoa, and believe in happily-ever-afters all over again. If you’re looking for a heartwarming read to get you in the Christmas spirit, this one is a must!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘I read in one sitting… Laugh out loud moments, lots of twists, a beautiful love story.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘A beautiful festive read that filled my heart with pure joy! I thoroughly enjoyed it, so much! A real page turner! Finished it in a few hours.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️