I've been longing to read another novel from Maxine Morry for what seems like forever after I loved her debut novel, Winter's Fairytale.
Due to circumstances last year not allowing me to read as much I didn't get around to reading The Christmas Project although it is high on my list of books to catch up with this year. So imagine my delight when it was announced that Maxine is publishing two festive stories this year - you'll have to wait a little while longer for The Best Little Christmas Shop as today's review is all about The Christmas Holiday - but just click on any of the titles I've just mentioned and you can grab a copy for yourself!

Have you ever read a novel and thought 'Yes - this book just gets me'?

A book that you really want to read but at the same time your consciously trying to slow down your reading speed as you are aware it's nearing the end?
A book where your mind is constantly on the characters and what they will do next?

The Christmas Holiday was that book for me, and although it is a festive read, its not overloaded with Santa's and stockings, mulled wine or mince pies, but rather filled with luxurious hotels and private jets.

Mia Walker has just been offered by her boss Jeremy what could be the break her journalism career needs - travelling the world with his Daughter Olivia and her soon to be husband Sandeep - and documenting the build up to their Christmas wedding. Olivia has requested Mia on the trip as she adores Mia's writing style and has been following her write ups of weddings for ages. With a dream of being a travel writer this gives Mia hope of moving forward.

That is until she is introduced to the photographer for the holiday, Hunter Scott.
Ahh Hunter... if you don't fall for Hunter in this book then I'm disappointed in you, Ha!!

Anyway... Hunter and Mia have history, in fact they were previously engaged up until Mia broke it off and they've not seen each other since. Hunter makes no exceptions in stating his feelings that he would rather someone else be on the trip but Mia is set to prove him wrong.

From the moment the pair are re-connected, I knew I would love this book. It is clear that Maxine spent a lot of time getting their dialogue just right and for me, the balance of quick jibes at each other here or there along with sincere and caring moments mixed with tension and heat made it pretty perfect.

As Mia and Hunter travel and document Liv and Sandy's lives, they seem to be pulled closer together but with Mia still thinking that the reasons she gave for breaking them up to be true, and Hunter having secrets of his own, we are left wondering if they should just clear the air and be friends.

Liv and Sandy are utterly in love and I think if they were the main characters it could probably be a little too much but as they weren't it worked well and we see a different side to Hunter when in their company to what with do with just him and Mia.
Mia and Olivia on the other hand grow close and it was nice to read of a friendship forming as well as romance.

I think what I loved about this book what the fact that Mia and Hunter weren't a couple falling in love, they already were in love but for what ever reasons lost their way and it was refreshing to read of a couple in this situation.

The Christmas Holiday was full of moments where I chuckled out loud - rain storm, dress, thong... I say no more!
It also had moments where I felt myself welling up and wanting to give the characters a hug through the book. The locations on The Christmas Holiday were stunning and the book had the right balance of detail in each location as well as moving the story forward without getting a bit stale mate.

Overall, The Christmas Holiday is a wonderful book that I didn't want to leave - full of romance and emotion, its the perfect love story to curl up with!

Do you believe in second chances???
Oh my!  What a sweet read this was.  It really did pull at my heart-strings, making me cry at times.  This is the first book by Maxine Morrey that I have read and I can honestly say it did not disappoint me.

In this story Mia Walker is a London journalist writing the wedding section of a magazine, gets called into her boss's office to write a piece or his daughter's upcoming wedding.  If she does this piece she could become the next travel section author, a dream job she has been waiting for.  The only catch is the photographer they picked is none other than Hunter Scott, National Geographic's own and her ex-fiance'. 

Hunter is less than thrilled to be working with Mia and tries to get her thrown off the assignment to no avail.  Mia just hangs in there, proving that she can do the job at any costs.  The tensions run high and many arguments fly between the two, causing it to become difficult to handle.  Can Mia hang in there and complete the task?  Or will she give up her dream job to get away from Hunter and his anger?

This book was such and emotional read for me.  I cried several times.  The story between Mia and Hunter is so intense.  The feelings they have bottled up come out so forcefully and all at once things come crashing down between them.  It is a situation of people saying things in the heat of the moment and sometimes instantly wishing they could take it back, just to take away the hurt you see in the other person's eye.  Hunter really puts that hurt in Mia's eyes a lot during the story.  

Mia is such a stubborn individual.  She hasn't exactly had an easy life and that has caused her to be one that looks out for herself.  She really has a heart of gold and cares deeply for those around her.  She really does try hard, but she has a hard time letting people do for her.

Hunter is scarred in many ways.  He has been through and seen some things that have hurt him.  He is so angry and against love.  He has never truly healed from the pain Mia has caused him all those years ago.  He never really let go of that anger and he really let that influence his actions against Mia.

The other characters in the book Liv and Sandeeg are so sweet and adorable.  You can feel their love for one another in the way the author describes them and the things they do for one another.  They are also very sweet and caring individuals and you can not help but fall in love instantly with them.  

If you are looking for a sweet romantic read that reaches your heart.  Then this is the book for you.  You will be hooked from the beginning and feel as if you are in the story feeling all they feel.  A Hallmark movie in the making.  This is a cozy romantic read.  Perfect for curling up in your favorite chair, with a glass of wine.  I highly recommend, not only this book but the author as well.  I guarantee you won't regret it.