This was a cute, cozy romance. I loved the setting, but the characters were a bit unnerving at times. Overall I liked it, did not love it. 3 stars

In "The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field", Lilac Mills crafts a festive tale that’s as heartwarming as a mug of mulled wine by the fire. Harriet Parry, navigating her second Christmas since her husband’s vanishing act, is juggling more than just holiday decorations. With finances tighter than Santa’s belt after a cookie binge, she’s feeling the pinch. Enter Owen Loxton, the eco-conscious blogger living the #VanLife dream, who overhears Harriet’s woes and throws down a gauntlet: commit to buying only second-hand until Christmas. Unbeknownst to Harriet, Owen is chronicling her thrifty journey to his legion of followers, turning her life into a viral sensation without her consent.

Harriet’s plunge into the world of pre-loved treasures is both comical and touching. From wrestling with wobbly wardrobes to discovering the hidden gems of thrift shops, her journey is a testament to resilience and resourcefulness. Her kids, the quintessential moody tween Sara and the ever-energetic Bobby, add layers of chaos and charm, while Etta, the family’s spirited dachshund, provides a sprinkle of canine cheer. Owen, with his rugged good looks and green ethos, starts off as a mystery but gradually reveals depths that challenge Harriet’s initial impressions. Their interactions are a delightful dance of misunderstandings, mutual respect, and the slow burn of unexpected attraction.

While the narrative champions sustainability and mindful consumption, it occasionally teeters on the edge of preachiness. Some might raise an eyebrow at Owen’s ethically dubious decision to document Harriet’s life without her knowledge—a plot point that adds tension but also a dash of discomfort. However, the vibrant community of Foxmore, with its inaugural Christmas fayre, serves as the perfect backdrop for themes of redemption, community spirit, and the magic of new beginnings. Even if you haven’t read the first book in the “Foxmore Village” series, this installment stands sturdy on its own, offering a cozy escape into a world where second chances are as plentiful as holiday cheer. With its blend of humor, heart, and holiday hijinks, "The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field" earns a festive four out of five stars.

This was a really cosy, feel-good christmas read that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Although part of a series, it is also perfect as a stand-alone.

I was actually enjoying this book and I didn't even mind Harriet as a single mum which is a trope I don't typically go for but oh my goodness the MMC is insufferable, one minutes he's horny for her and then the next he is berating her for not being an eco warrior like him even though him driving and moving around a lot in his van costs the environment more than someone buying something new rather than second hand. I mean I get being more conscious with purchases and how that impact the environment but genuinely he is just so entitled and pompous that I had to stop reading. Not a negative against the writer just this MMC made me hate reading this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This second in series returns to the delightful village of Foxmore, with a few characters we already know popping up within the plot of a new couple headed along a romantic path via many struggles. The book is set in the run-up to Christmas over a couple of months and there's the Christmassy feel through talks of hot chocolate, autumn leaves and darkening nights even before we reach decorating the tree. Once again there's a strong environmentally-friendly theme which sits well against the normal Christmas overspending. The story leads towards a big problem between Harriet and Owen that the reader can see coming but there's definitely an extra twist at the end that I didn't expect.
This is another lovely, romantic read with an interesting subplot and engaging characters and it definitely fits the Christmas theme of love and forgiveness.

Cosy, comforting, romantic and eventful! All the ingredients for a great read. Characters old and new fit together to continue this series - this is a stand alone book. Lovely book and I hope there is to come from Foxmore.

Thank you Netgalley

I enjoyed The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field by Lilac Mills. A great easy to read book that left me in a Christmassy feeling. A lovely easy to read story read in one sitting.

In this delightful Christmas romance, a struggling single mom encounters a charismatic advocate against consumerism during the holiday season. The story explores whether his eco-friendly stance can save her money or lead to unforeseen challenges with reused items. As the second book in the series, it maintains the charm of the first, introducing creative characters and a well-written plot that strikes a balance between realism and romance. With a clean narrative and a low spice level, it's an ideal festive read. The quirky small-town setting, relatable characters, and engaging storyline weave together familiar holiday tropes. The writing is cozy, propelling readers toward a predictable yet eagerly anticipated happy ending, while the eco-friendly theme adds a unique touch without being preachy.

This story surprised me a bit in a good way. I didn’t expect environmentalism to be so deeply rooted in the story. Apart from that, it was really inspiring. I think of myself as an environmentalist, though sometimes my enthusiasm wavers, but this story was the boost I needed to be more invested in it again. I think the environmentalism part was more prominent than the romance part, but I didn’t mind it. It was obvious from the first time that Harriet and Owen had an instant connection and they would get their happily ever after. Harriet’s efforts as a single mum were quite admirable. The community of Foxmore was great, too, and I found the village quite charming. I find the title a bit misleading though, not all the book is about the Christmas fayre.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of the book.

I adored the eco vibes in this book - such a great message. The romance was ok, but not overly exciting. I’d recommend for a general feel good winter read.

I dnf'd this book at about 50%. There is a possibility that I will revisit this book in the future, and I will

Synopsis:
This novel stars, Single Mom, 37-year-old Harriet Parry, and 41-year-old Owen Loxton. This addresses consumerism within a holiday romance. Harriet wants to go shopping for Christmas. Owen is an environmental blogger living in his van and challenges Harriet to buy things second-hand.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

This sweet Christmas romance will have you swooning with delight! A single mom with little to no support from an ogre of an ex meets a one-man crusade to save the world from waste and unnecessary materialism as we come into the holiday season, but can his stance on consumerism actually save her money or will the social outcast aspects of reused items cause havoc they can't come back from. This is the second book in the series and it is just as good as the first! Totally enjoyable read with creative characters that you can completely relate to as well as a well written plot with enough realism to keep you centered, but plenty of romance to keep you swooning! It's a clean read so if you like a sweet romance with a low spice level then this is the best Christmas read for you, just don't forget to read the first book first! The stories build the town and flesh out the characters a bit in each book and you'll definitely see characters from book one reappear in this book as well so in order would make the most sense! You'll also get an education on recycling items and a challenge that I think most of us should attempt!

A sweet and easy festive read. This one made me want to dash out a start buying Christmas presents. This can be read at anytime as it's so lovely. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

If you are a big fan of Christmas. Then this book is certainly for you. It is full of Christmas joy, spirit and magic.

Christmas, Christmas and more Christmas. Love it. We all love a good Christmas read and again this one does the trick. Part of a series but a book that can be read as a stand- alone for sure, this is Harriet's story and what an entertaining and fun story it is.

The characters and premiss of this book is wonderful and the setting in a small English town I love. It made you feel as if you were there. This is such an easy and light read, fun and of course Christmassy. Bring on Christmas!

Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a Christmas book readers can enjoy year-round, and aren’t those just great?! The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field by Lilac Mills had a plot that just drew me in. This book is a part of the Foxmore Village series, which is the charming Welsh village readers are transported to. Lovely enough, this book can be read as a standalone (which I did) and really makes you want to read the rest of the series.

Meet Harriet. She’s challenged by a handsome stranger that she would not be able to last a week without buying something new. Excuse me, sir?! So she raises the ante and declares she can make it to Christmas buying solely preloved items. Little does she know, he’s actually a freelance environmental writer who is writing a series of blog posts about this challenge for his online community. Let the games begin!

I loved how the plot is based around the idea of purchasing everyone pre-loved when you can, saving money, and our lovely planet Earth. It was so influential! Mills was able to illustrate characters and settings beautifully, and tackled the consumer society problem we have become in a charming way. It’s clear Mills is passionate about this and I feel this passion is really what draws in readers and makes us think. Thank you, Lilac!

Lilac Mills is always a good shout when you want that brilliant read and leaves you feeling warm and happy. Loved this new one.

This was a super cute book. The quaint English village it was set in was adorable and made me want to visit. It sounds like a really nice place to live. The main characters of this book were a little bit annoying, hence the 4 star review. Other than that, the book was really good. I wish it was a little spicier though!

Lilac Mills is one of my favorite auther of all times! And I am so happy to have read her latest Christmas book! This one is brilliant! And it gave me the will to buy more pre-loved stuff now! It really made me think more about the environment. I wasn't expecting to read about these things in that book, I was reallly thinking it was going to be a Christmas romance. And it was totally something else even though there is romance and there is a bit of a Christmas aspect to the book, don't get me wrong! But if you are into the environment issues our planet is going through and what we can do as humans to help a bit, this book is for you! This is a very very very good book!!!

"The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field" by Lilac Mills is a heartwarming and timely holiday tale filled with charm and unexpected twists. Harriet's struggle as a single mother is relatable, and her challenge to buy second-hand until Christmas adds a unique and eco-conscious twist to the story. Owen, with his anonymous reporting of Harriet's journey, adds an element of humour and intrigue.

Mills beautifully captures the essence of the holiday season, showcasing the importance of family, resilience, and the joy of giving. The story unfolds with a perfect blend of humour and heart, making it an ideal festive read. Readers will find themselves rooting for Harriet as she navigates her unconventional Christmas journey and discovers the true meaning of the season.

"The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field" is a delightful and heartening story that reminds us that the holidays are about more than just gifts, and that sometimes, unexpected challenges can lead to the most meaningful moments.