Cute story, took a while to get into but the story then began to get going. Fairly predictable but the writing was pleasant and whilst not a fast paced page turner, it was a good enough read x

Rose Quinn used to love Christmas but now everything has changed, she’s struggling and desperate to get out of Dublin for the holiday season and spend it alone. Except for her dog George, of course. She books and escape to Seaview Cottage in Donegal and sets off, her only plan to hunker down and walk the dog.

This is Charlie Sheerin‘s first Christmas alone and obviously he’s not looking forward to it. He sets off from Belfast accompanied by his dog Max and being the helpful chap he undoubtedly is, he tries to help a woman having car trouble. He arrives at the cottage he’s booked and whilst he’s being shown around another car arrives. Yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s Rose and I’ll bet you’ve also guessed, the cottage is double booked. Whoops. What to do?

If you enjoy the film The Holiday then you’ll probably enjoy this seasonal read from Emma Heatherington. This definitely gives you the festive vibes even before Christmas! It’s a touching feel good story which captures the late December magic, especially towards the end of the novel.

I love the setting in the Donegal area which is full of atmosphere and makes you want to visit as it seems so idyllic. The cottage is very tempting too! The two main characters, though polar opposite, are both very likeable and as for the dogs…..❤️❤️ We learn the burdensome loads both are carrying as the novel progresses and you warm to them even more. A shout out too for Rose’s Uncle Rusty who is so nice with a bit of a boo ya sucks to his wife Marion! This is a sweet story and although it definitely follows a predictable path but that’s what you hope for, so happy days.

However, it is a bit slow, especially at the start and so it takes me a while to get into it and the ending feels a bit rushed . One oddity is a character does a complete 180 personality change. Is it a sprinkling of Christmas Magic? Let’s go with a yes.

Overall, this is a lovely wintry escapist read, and obviously it snows.!! The lovely cover also entices you in.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

A lovely, romantic book about grief and finding new ways to feel alive at Christmas. Now if I could just find a way to visit Granny Molly's cottage, I'd be set!

This is an enjoyable, warm hearted read. I love the premise of the double booking, forced proximity, not-quite-enemies t0 lovers vibe. I liked that each had a wound that was believable and understandable. I enjoyed the development of their relationship but regretted the closed door approach to the love scene because I felt this was really one of those occasions when revealing the intimacy would have enhanced the subsequent regret and cold feet scene.

I enjoyed so much of this but I did feel that at times it was so slow and filled up with unnecessary description that I wanted to scream in frustration. I think some judicious editing would help. But overall, a lovely read.

Ended this book sobbing, this is a.perfect heart warming and emotional read that I loved. Credit to the author for making me as a reader become so engrossed in the story. I loved it!

A lovely easy Christmas story with well rounded characters and great descriptions of the winter countryside. Although predictable this has all the ingredients required of a Christmas novel. I have never visited Ireland but this book really makes me want to visit!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC

I read this book in the stifling 34 degree heat on my summer holiday and I blummin loved it.
Warm, gentle full of romance it was such a treat. I loved the characters particularly Uncle Rusty who reminds me of my own Irish family. The cottage our characters find themselves in is picture perfect and well described along with the beautiful scenery of Ireland at Christmas.
The perfect Christmas book so I might well re-read it in a few months time.

Rose is struggling with grief, which is worse around Christmas.
Charlie is broken-hearted following his young daughter moving abroad with her mother.
Both are seeking solitude and solace at Christmas, at a remote cottage in Donegal.
This is a gorgeous, sweet story, exploring grief and forgiveness.
It has a snowy, Christmas feel but isn't over the top and I enjoyed reading it in August.
I highly recommend this book.

"This Christmas" by Emma Heatherington is an absolute delight that captures the essence of the holiday season in a heartwarming and touching manner. The story beautifully weaves together the lives of Rose and Charlie, both struggling with their own pasts and present circumstances during Christmas. Heatherington's writing skillfully brings out the emotions of each character, making them relatable and endearing. As Rose and Charlie unexpectedly find themselves sharing a holiday rental, the ensuing interactions are filled with humor, warmth, and genuine moments that remind us of the magic of human connection. Set against the backdrop of rural Donegal, the atmosphere is cozy and inviting, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the charm of the setting. This book is a testament to the power of love, healing, and the joy that can be found even in unexpected situations. A perfect read to get you into the holiday spirit and leave you with a heartwarming glow long after the last page is turned.

A nice fun read. This was a great bit of escapism, though I wouldn’t go into it expecting anything more. I’m pretty sure it was inspired by the likes of The Holiday, and, as such, did the job well.

Two souls suffering their own losses, craving moments alone and thrown together in a random situation. What could happen?
Rose can't celebrate Christmas anymore. Not after a tragedy that left her alone and full of blame on Christmas Eve. All she wants is a few days on her own to reset, with no one expecting her to be all festive.
Off she heads to an extra special cottage in the middle of nowhere.
Charlie is in turmoil. After losing his daughter to another country, with her mum and new stepdad, Christmas has lost its sparkle... He needs to get away to wallow in his own misery.
A break suggested by his good friend in a secluded cottage in the back of beyond is arranged.
But the real tragedy is the fact that they are double booked into the same idyllic, isolated cottage. In the snow, where there is only one bedroom and no way for one of them to leave...
A recipe for disaster?
Both have their faithful pups with them, Max and George, who immediately become best canine buds. But the same can't be said of their human companions, who fight to stay as disconnected as possible.
This is a classic case of forced proximity, as Rose and Charlie learn snippets about the other and, in tiny ways, begin to change, but are those snippets enough?
I read it all in a day. Loved the story and the little twists that really had you guessing what was really going on in Rose and Charlie's personal lives back home.
Christmas is a time for love; this book showed it in spades.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House, UK, Cornerstone for an ARC.

Really enjoyed this one..never read anything from this author before. This was more than just an easy romance. Charlie and Rose and their respective dogs both end up in the same holiday cottage for a Christmas stay away from the world...both nursing their own issues. They resolve to both stay but with a set of house rules that mean they have as little to do with each other as possible.. This is so much harder than they imagine and over time they get to know one another and share their issues. Family ties and other complications add depth to this tale. Thoroughly enjoyable read .

First time reading a book from this author and I absolutely loved this book. This book made me fall in love, laugh and cry. Make sure to have tissue with you when you read this.

I love how two people with their own heartaches manage to make their Christmas happier again. All characters are lovely especially the 2 dogs Max and George.

I can't wait for this to be publish so I can share this to my friends.

Not the most original of plots, but I am a sucker for Christmas and romances - and when the two are combined, what else can I do but go with them? Two lonely people double-book a remote Irish cottage at Christmastime, and make the best of things as they find out more about each other and break each other's grief-related boundaries down. (Also, is 'digital marketing maven' the new 'bookshop owner' for female romance leads)? A perfect rendition of a Christmas in the Irish countryside - don't tempt me to book tickets!

Absolutely love it! Even brought a tear to my eye but also had me laughing and completely engaged with all the characters. Read it in 48 hours!

Wow! Where to start, other than have the tissues at the ready. This book will makes you laugh, fall in love and cry!
As the story develops you will be pulled in deeper to the main two characters lives and fall in love with them both.
They both have heartbreaking stories hidden deeply away, but find an unknown strength in each other. The author keeps some mystery throughout the book, like who is Helena, but it plays out well.
There are certainly some heart wrenching moments, especially towards the end of the book, where you just couldn’t help but let the tears fall as you read.
The author can most definitely pull you in, with how she describes the characters, the locations, the feelings.
Be ready for a beautiful story of love and loss, solitude, friendships, family and new starts, all wrapped with Christmas at the heart of the story.
I really hope this isn’t the end of Rose and Charlie’s story (or Max and George!)

This is a really lovely Christmas story. Two people with their own heartaches end up sharing a cottage at Christmas due to a double booking. The book covers loss and grief in a very sensitive way. They help each other find the magic of Christmas once again. The characters were interesting and engaging. Particularly liked Helena. A fantastic read and very much recommended.

What a delightful read. It had me gripped from the first page. Even though I'm living in Ghana where the sun always shines, the author's descriptive writing had me literally feeling the cold of Ireland at Christmas time.

The Helena question was excellently played out.

The story was mellow, the location was brought to life and the characters were all believable.

This is the kind of book I would read again and again. Bravo!

This is a wonderful Christmas holiday read.

The characters are engaging and it certainly gave me some laugh out loud moments.

I know reading a Christmas story in the middle of summer seems wrong, but this was thoroughly enjoyable.

It made me wish for Christmas early.

Oh my goodness I don't even know where begin! I absolutely loved this book. It's a perfect Christmas book I felt like it was Christmas when I read it even though we are in April.

I can't wait until this is published so I can share with all my friends