Thank you Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this book.

It was my first Rachel Dove book and I had a nice time reading it.
First, I thought the concept and title was smart (it's what intrigued me when I saw the cover on Netgalley): the main character called Summer hating Xmas having a handsome neighbour moving in called Noel!

Then, I appreciated how Noel was. His patience, understanding, and want to be there for Summer. I know that I would not have been this patient.

I was not sure of how I would feel towards Avril but then she grew on me just like she did on the characters. I enjoyed her sparkling personality.

I have really mixed feelings about this book. I love Noel and his enthusiasm for Christmas and just overall positive way of living but I couldn’t find myself taking to Summer. There were moments I really liked her and felt there was personal growth but this wasn’t super consistent to me

Summer HATES Christmas. Noel LOVES Christmas! And this is only just the beginning of the problems between the two. Summer loves running her own little travel agency – finding and organising the perfect sun-drenched holiday for her customers. What Summer doesn’t love is when she discovers the shop next to her beautiful little travel agency is to become a pop-up Christmas store, with all-things-festive loving Noel running the store.

Summer takes an instant dislike to Noel – I mean how can one man love Christmas so much? Noel is really struggling to understand the level of hate he is getting from Summer, but yet also finds himself really attracted to her. As they begin to spend more time with each other, we see the chemistry between them begin to develop, as they begin to explore the possibility of a relationship. But, Summer begins to panic as it all feels like too much, too soon.

Will Summer take a chance on happiness with Noel, or will her past come back and haunt her, and ruin her chances of love and happiness? Summer Hates Christmas is a beautifully written story, with complex and real characters that take the reader on a real rollercoaster of emotions. A must-add to your TBR pile.

Summer hates Christmas (for reasons that are never explicitly explained) so when a Christmas shop opens up next door to her travel agency, she's rude and combative with the owner, Noel.

Noel is kind and breaks through Summer's walls, but what else is going on with her life? Why is his Saturday shop girl so interested in Summer?

It's a ok book - but I struggled to read it. If I'm captivated, I'll finish a book in 2 days. This took me 11 days - it was only the fact I got it in exchange for a review that made me finish it.

Summer is well-written as a very unlikeable character - but she never really apologises for the awful things and says and does to Noel, yet he wants to go out with her anyway.

The 'twist' with Avril was obvious from the first time she was introduced. The only really interesting part of the book was the Mum - and that all felt like it wasn't researched enough. I don't think medical advice for depression/agoraphobia (it's not clear what she's supposed to have) is opening the curtains, inviting people around and telling the person to deal with it.

Everyone knows Summer's mum doesn't leave the house, but no one asked if she needs help coping until Noel takes charge - at which point a therapist gets involved. Summer is failed by everyone around her, no wonder she's angry and deals with her emotions by shouting and shutting herself in a cupboard.

There are well-written elements to the story - Summer's mum is an interesting character, making big changes and the story ends. I loved the description of Noel's mum and her life.

Note - the book is barely about Christmas (if that's why you want to read it).

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Summer hates Christmas and Noel who has just opened up a Christmas shop next door to Summer's shop loves Christmas. Will Noel be able to break down Summer's walls and find the truth of why she hates Christmas so much and at the same time find a place in her heart. I was a little bit disappointed that it wasn't more Christmassy as I adore Christmas and I was looking forward to a really festive read but it was still a fun filled enemies to lovers romance. A joyous and fun plot with great characters and it is a nice and easy read too brighten up your day.

Summer Hates Christmas by Rachel Dove

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Summer Hastings hates Christmas. She loves sunshine, the beach and running her travel agency, sending people off to their dream destinations – even if she doesn’t get to see the world for herself. For Summer, Christmas is nothing but a reminder of all the things that have gone horribly wrong in her life, so when handsome Noel Pritchett moves his pop-up Christmas shop in the store next to hers, Summer is livid.

Noel loves Christmas…and he also has a sneaking suspicion that he might be falling in love with Summer, if only he could break through the armour she has surrounded herself with. Just why does Summer hate Christmas so much? And can Noel be the one to prove to her that life can be sweet all year round?

My Opinion

This was an enjoyable festive book but it was heavier in places than I would expect from a Christmas book - although the main character does hate Christmas so I should have known to expect the unexpected. It was easy to get lost in the drama contained within these pages and I felt myself at the end long before I was ready. Do not be fooled, this is not your average Christmas book, but it is still a delightful read.

Rating: 4/5

I am a fan of constructive criticism, and that's what I am going to be giving for this book.

I appreciate, as much as the next person the concept of the grumpyxsunshine relationship - they exist in real life, therefore they are a realistic expectation that many have. However, I cannot understand why Noel wasted any time in trying to get to know Summer after their initial confrontation. And that's what it was. This was no meet-cute that could be a nice story to share with friends and family. She abused him, caused what I would probably refer to as criminal damage and at every turn thereafter is insulting, rude and downright unlikeable.

I struggled with this book and several times I put it down and walked away, because Summer was not a MFC that I could bring myself to feel anything other than a genuine distaste for - and this upset me. I like reading books where the main characters have had a bit of a tough time and are working their way through it. Unfortunately, Summer was not one I felt in any way could justify her awful behaviour. Okay, you hate Christmas, I get it (I am not a huge fan of the winter season in general, but I am not a b* about it). I couldn't find one redeeming thing to recommend her.

When it comes to reading any novel I want to find something to recommend a character who has such a large part to play in it and while I thought Noel was lovely I felt that he was essentially punishing himself when spending time with Summer, giving her an opportunity to just be a pretty mean and unpleasant character.

The writing was good, but it wasn't good enough to convince me that spending more time with Summer than I had to was something I wanted.

Honestly I nearly DNFd this book too many times to count.

The writing was childish while trying to deal with some heavy topics like Depression and Agoraphobia.

I kept having to remind myself the main couple was in their late 20s not young teenagers because that's how every single character acted.

Summer starts this book by actually assaulting the MMC for no other reason than she hates Christmas. Their wasn't even a reason for her to hate Christmas so much. Just she destroys his property.

Noel is a kind kind man because if I was spoken to and treated the way summer treated him… well, I wouldn’t have given them as many chances as he gave her!
But it was lovely that he was so patient because I really felt for what she had been through and the nightmare situation her and her mum had ended up in. It was satisfying to read the story as she began to push her mum into living again and also started to experience some joy for herself too.
A sweet story

Summer is the owner of an estate agents and detests Christmas
Noel has rented the shop next door and is selling all things Christmas
Sparks certainly fly
I thought Summer was a complete cow to Noel and I wouldn’t have wanted to have anything to do with her but he slowly wins her round and finds out what has made her the way she is

I think I went into this expecting a nice light and fluffy read but to be honest this was a bit on the heavier side for me, I must say I adored Noel but my word, Summer is hard to like at times!

Still a good reading experience just be aware that it isn't a light and fluffy christmas book!

Summer has her reasons to be dreading the approach of Christmas – she’d prefer to ignore it altogether, enjoying her walks on the beach, and planning next year’s summer holidays for the customers who visit her Bridlington travel agency. When a pop-up Christmas shop opens up next door, it’s the stuff of nightmares – Noel might be an Aiden Turner look-alike, keen to make friends and get to know her better, but his enthusiasm for everything Christmas sets her against him from the very beginning.

I was expecting a light and festive romantic comedy – and the book certainly has plenty of laughs as Noel tries so hard to win her over and, after a distinctly shaky start, a friendship develops between them that might just become a romance. But this is a book with darker edges too – Summer’s life away from work is difficult, and she’s filled with dread and sadness every time she turns into her street and approaches the neglected house she shares with her damaged and reclusive mother. The family situation is so well drawn, and with particular sensitivity – heartbreaking at times, but with a glimmer of hope shining ever brighter when Summer takes steps to change things for the better. And there are some related sub plots that add extra depth to the story – a really lovely supportive friendship, and some particularly difficult family complications.

At first, I found Summer rather difficult to like – her reaction to Noel’s presence seemed rather OTT and out of proportion – but she did slowly win my heart as her issues became clearer. I really felt for her – planning experiences of a lifetime for others, but with no chance of managing her own escape. I loved Noel from the start though – he’s a bit like an over-excited labrador puppy, but with depths that are gradually revealed – and his understanding of Summer’s issues and the gentleness with which he handles her only made me love him more. The chemistry between them developed really nicely – and although I doubted it at first, this was a rather lovely developing romance I really believed in. And yes, there are heartbreaking elements to the story, but there’s a lot of fun too – some of the Christmassy set pieces were really laugh-out-loud, and the perfect counterpoint to the more emotional moments.

Not quite the book I expected, but it was certainly one I enjoyed – for the raw emotional content that was so well handled, but also for the romance and many fun moments along the way. Uplifting and particularly heartwarming – I’d recommend you give it a try.

Summer Hates Christmas was a really lovely read, emotional, but still full of fun and humour, it filled me with tears both of joy and sadness at points, but it’s well balanced and overall it’s a life affirming and uplifting read.

It’s got my favourite tropes in it enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine and the fact that they both run local shops, only Noel loves Christmas and Summer hates it. I have to admit, I’m a Noel, when I first went into this I wondered from my perspective how anyone could hate Christmas, but I’ve always had lovely family Christmases, about time spent together and having fun, poor Summer hasn’t had the lovely experience of family and those Christmases I got to love it, but she also missed out on so much more (no spoilers here you have to read to find out).

I adored Noel he’s such a warm and friendly character, so caring and I loved his attempts to try and convince Summer to take a chance on Christmas and love, does he succeed well you’ll have to read to find out. I can say this book won’t disappoint, although bring a tissue or two if you cry easily like me as it takes on some sensitive issues. A wonderful and emotional story, looking forward Rachel’s next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I’ve enjoyed reading this book but where I was expecting a cute Christmas romcom it was a little heavier than expected. The writing is really good and flows nicely. I didn’t know what to make of Summer at first, it wasn’t an instant dislike but I thought she came across as really spoilt and almost like a petulant child with her tantrums, especially with kicking over bins, shoving a Christmas tree on the floor etc. However, after reading the book and knowing what Summer’s been through, I can sympathise with her to a point and I understand her reasons for hating Christmas. I really liked Noel and didn’t like the way that Summer blew hot and cold with him but I also thought that he was a little bit of a pushover when it comes to Summer, he’s definitely the sunshine to her grumpy. I loved Jean and would have loved to have seen more of her and Jim.

I'm so Christmas ready right now, I've started on the present shopping, my card lists and the Christmas reading has begun!

An all year round Christmas shop is my idea of heaven, for Summer it was a nightmare of epic proportions, so when the aptly named Noel opens up Forever Festive his pop-up shop in the empty space next to Summer's she's not impressed.

Summer Hates Christmas is an enemies to lovers romance, that's not a heavy romance and has so many other issues including health, loss, grief, alcohol abuse and physical abuse tackled throughout.

How have I missed Dove's books up to now? I absolutely loved this! It was heartwarming and so worthy of all the stars!

The characters are wonderfully written, three dimensional and their stories so easy to become invested in.

But does it get a HAE? Now THAT would be telling!

i was eagerly awaiting this release after I read Ten Dates. This book was so good and had Rachel's signature writing that I love. I loved the enemies-to-lovers trope and the chemistry just seems to jump off the page even though they are totally different. The complexity of the family relationships is illustrated perfectly in this book. Summer and Noel are wonderfully written thought-out characters that make this such an intriguing story. I think this book ended far too soon and I'm desperate for a sequel.

My Review: Oh my what a funny, easy to read story. Rachel has done a great job. I laughed out loud at some of the dialogue and scenarios. There's an Indian Summer in Bridlington so the fact a very handsome new shop owner in the form of Noel Pritchard turns up next to her shop with all things Christmas in mind, really upsets and angers Summer. I really enjoyed it, and it's made me want to watch a Crimbo RomCom. You'll also enjoy meeting the other characters, including Reg, Jean and Benny the cat. The more serious parts in the book are tied in nicely. Enjoy.

Rachel Dove - Summer Hates Christmas.

Summer Hastings really does hate Christmas with a passion.
Noel Pritchett is a fan of anything festive.
When he opens his annual Christmas pop up shop next door to Summer’s travel agents…. What could possibly go wrong?

I struggled a little with this book at first. Summer’s reaction to Noel and his shop was so extreme and made me feel a tad uncomfortable.
The reasons for her behaviour do of course become clear as the book progresses.
Once I understood her situation, I felt a lot of sympathy for Summer. The situation with her mother was heartbreaking.

I did enjoy the romance in this story. It was very sweet and really quite lovely.

#SummerHatesChristmas is an emotional story. And despite it not being the light festive read that I was expecting, it is a story with a big heart, lots of happier moments and fun. All mixed in with some very heart wrenching threads.

Over all, this is an enjoyable and touching story. Full of raw emotion which is balanced alongside some uplifting and totally heartwarming parts of the tale.

A most enjoyable four stars from me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.

Summer hates Christmas, so when a Christmas festive shop opens next door she is not happy. But her past and personal life may be stopping her from seeing what's right in front of her.

Told from different points of view Dove gives us two characters, who are two opposites. I did struggle with the character of Summer a little as I couldn’t take to her attitude, but liked the character of Noel a lot.
Dove writes a narrative about two opposite characters as well as opposite seasons intertwining how the two could possibly work.

DNF at 29%

Uh, I love a good hates-Christmas/loves-Christmas enemies to lovers, and I picked up this one because of the cover and the title? But this wasn't really enemies to lovers, the FMC is just straight up abusive to the MMC from the moment they meet? Pretty much yells at him unwarrantedly every time since their first conversation? I stopped at the chapter where she gets angry at his shop's inflatable santa (he has a Christmas shop, duh??) and shoves the waffle he's eating into his face 😐 (I'm not kidding, the waffle is squished onto his entire face, and there's so much cream there that a bird attacks him, and she makes no move to help him too 😐)

-- got an advanced copy from Netgalley