Let me get my biggest (and pretty much only) criticism out of the way. Doing a PhD does not make you a professor and writing a thesis does not get you a professorship. Having finished a PhD makes you a doctor, not a professor. I have a PhD and I am nowhere near a professor. Being a professor is the most senior staff grade, not a qualification, instead it involves publishing lots of academic papers and doing a post-doctoral programme as well as teaching and researching.

Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I love anything Scandi so was delighted to find myself in Copenhagen, one of my favourite cities ever. I even went for a run after reading the chapter with the 10k run (though I can only wish mine had been a 10k). I liked how the story, once again, revolved around art. I am not one to go to museums a lot, I find them rather boring, but I found myself googling certain pieces or painters while reading, just because I wanted to know what they looked like. I also loved the tension between Max and Darcy, even though I think this kind of story is one of the reasons why I, and many others, have a thing for men who are unapproachable and don't let anyone close, we believe we can be the exception, their Darcy...

I have read almost all of Karen Swan's books and while I think they somewhat fall into the chick-lit category, which isn't my favourite, they are always more complex and well-researched (apart from the PhD bit in this case, ha!), and include various timelines, which makes her books stand out. If a book makes me stay up past my bedtime because I just can't put it down, it's usually either a crime/thriller, or a Karen Swan!

It wouldn't be Christmas without a cracking new festive book from Karen Swan, and this year's is as brilliant as ever!

What an utterly absorbing story this was, I was engrossed in the mystery at the heart of it, and just how Darcy was going to work out who the subject of a hidden painting was, and then bringing them to life, all with a seemingly impossible time frame.

Set to a Copenhagen backdrop, this was a fascinating story, that offered moments of great levity with Darcy's dating exploits. She is on a new app, and her picks are not the best, although it does turn out she will be seeing a lot more of one of them, whether she intends to or not.

Also set in the art world and acedemia, this just combines all matter of worlds in a way that was compelling to read. I was never completely sure how things would turn out, and I was overall astounded by some of the revelations.

I also loved the descriptions of the Christmas markets and various Danish festive traditions that are also featured in the story.

It's a fabulous book, and was joy to read it.

Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I have not read many books by Karen Swan but I will be now as I could not stop reading this one. A very enjoyable theme,and the setting of Denmark, was so good and different from any setting I have read before. Great read for this time of year..

The magic of Karen Swans books is that there is always an intriguing storyline which draws you in.
A disillusioned Darcy goes to Copenhagen to do her PHD after finding her boyfriend is a cheat. Being pushed by her flatmate, half-heartedly she agrees to an online dating site.
Whilst studying, an unknown portrait is discovered underneath a famous painting. Darcy is given the task of researching it and identifying the woman in the portrait. A complication is when she finds that Max whom she met through the dating site has an invested interest in the portrait. Max always seems to be in the background and there is definitely an attraction between the two. Will they break through each other’s barriers? Will they be able to resist the attraction and focus on their work in hand. Will the mystery and secret of the portrait bring them together or tear them apart?
I really enjoyed this story and it did not disappoint. A fantastic Christmas read, particularly those that want a subtle amount of Christmas.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Karen Swan for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Karen Swan’s Christmas novels are always a treat and this one certainly is.

The story is very original and I really appreciated how it sets itself apart from the more classical Christmas stories. First, it is set in Copenhagen and we can enjoy the atmosphere there at Christmas, discover what people like to do and feel the contrast of cold and cosy, the perfect atmosphere for a Christmas novel.

Then, the plot develops around the research which the main character, Darcy, has to do to find out who is the mysterious woman painted at the back of a painting by a famous Danish painter. We follow her research and how she discovers not only who the woman is, but also a lot about her life.

The characters are well portrayed and their relationships develop in an interesting way all along the story. Darcy and Freya are lovely and friendly. Otto and Viggo are authoritative, slightly intimidating and protective. And for course, there are the boyfriends, with Max playing the central role, cold, calculating but full of surprises.

So, make yourself a nice cup of tea, put on your nice cosy woolly sweater and enjoy this book. A very original and enjoyable Christmas read.

Now, first up I do have to point out that Karen’s Christmas books aren’t full on festive fun and are normally just set at or around Christmas time - however the story could be set at any point in the year and it would still work. I found that this one did have a slightly more festive feel to it however, there was Christmas market and the chilliness that comes with Copenhagen…

What this is though is a historical art discovery, it grabs you in and leaves you wanting to know more about the woman in the painting, I did have a few guesses but I was surprised with how it turned out. All along we have the somewhat will they won’t they relationship with Max and Darcy, you can see the sparks flying every time they meet but for professional sake they decide to keep things platonic… for as long as they can anyway!

At first I didn’t want Darcy to end up with Max and was hoping that she’d fall for the Vet instead but that very swiftly changed, IYKYK! Max also seemed to change as we went through the book, he started to open up a little and I felt like Darcy was helping to unravel his layers in more ways than one!

Overall, I really enjoyed this one, like I say, not really a Christmas book in my eyes but still a really good book, storyline and characters and one that I would recommend!

All I want for Christmas is een fijne roman om te lezen, met leuke personages en een goed verweven mysterie uit het verleden rondom een schilder en zijn werken.

British author Karen Swan writes contemporary feel-good novels at a fast pace. She publishes a new book every summer and winter. Another characteristic is that each novel is set in a different place in the world. Her latest novel is All I want for Christmas and is set in Denmark.

Darcy studies in Copenhagen, and for her graduation she goes to work at a museum that is planning an exhibition of the famous painter Trier. Discovering an unknown painting of a young woman gives Darcy a new assignment, in which she has to find out who that is in a relatively short time. The search for the unknown woman brings up an old secret.

The character Max has interests in the exhibition, but that only becomes clear later. There is an undeniable attraction between Darcy and Max, but there are too many factors at play, which means they keep circling each other for a long time.

The title All I want for Christmas suggests a Christmas story, but the Christmas element only plays a minor role. It is more like an indication of the time around which the story of Darcy and Max is interwoven.

The book is easy to read. Swan has a beautiful descriptive way of writing. Everything, characters and surroundings come to life while reading. The story has a good structure, but it goes slowly. As a reader you expect a bit more tension. But the interaction between Darcy and Max is well developed. The mystery from the past also has a good structure and keeps you captivated as a reader. In addition, the supporting character Freja is a sweet person and a perfect listener for Darcy's doubts. And the dates imposed by Freja on Darcy bring humor to the story.

All I want for Christmas is a nice novel to read, with nice characters and a well-woven mystery from the past surrounding a painter and his works.

Nothing kicks off the festive reading season quite like a new Karen Swan novel. I was utterly entralled with "All I Want For Christmas" and didn't want the story to end.

The backdrop for this festive treat is Copenhagen which I thought made the perfect Christmas destination. The main character, Darcy is currently finishing her art history PhD when best friend, Freja signs her up to an online dating app. Darcy reluctantly agrees to just three dates but looking for love is not her main focus when she is asked to research an unknown painting found hidden in the back of a well known masterpiece.

What I love about all of Karen Swan's novels is they are so much more than a romance story. There are layers of intrigue and mystery to unravel which makes for a satisfying read. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Darcy and Max. You could feel the sizzle of tension as they try to keep a professional relationship.

Overall this was great storytelling which kept me turning the pages. My thanks to Pan Macmillan for inviting me to read this book.

I love that Karen Swans Books are a great mix betweeen love story and solving a mysterious problem. I loved Darcy as she is just such a smart and sympathetic woman. The story with the mystery painting was very intriguing and took more than one unexpected turn. The location of Copenhagen at Christmas Time is wonderful. Definitely another great read!

It's no secret that I ADORE anything that Karen writes and even though it was probably July when Chlo slid into my inbox offering me her latest Christmas book, I wasn't mad about it ❤️
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Before I start, if you're looking for Hallmark Christmas, I don't think this is it. I don't think any of Karen's Christmas books tend to be - but that's why I like them. They're set at Christmas, there's definitely a seasonal feel, but I've said it before - Christmas just isn't rammed down your throat which personally, is a good thing.
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All I Want for Christmas follows Darcy, an art historian who is on a study year in Copenhagen to write her thesis. She ends up being parachuted in to help when a portrait is discovered on the back of a framed, 100 year old, exceptionally famous painting. With her knowledge, she's the person to unravel the mystery of the painting.
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But of course - this isn't a book simply about a mysterious painting! It's also a book about a strong, single woman who swipes right on three guys on a dating app! The path to true love never runs smoothly....especially in a Karen Swan novel!
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I loved it, in case you couldn't tell. It's cosy. It's got what Karen does best - a strong female lead. It's got friendship. It's got 3 hot guys in it, 2 situationships and one that doesn't quite make it. It's got the happy ending that you know you're going to get.
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For me - this is the perfect read to be getting into now - a bit of a warm up to the influx of festive reads. I'm a fan!

Another lovely book by Karen Swan. Her books always contain far more depth than a typical romantic / chick-lit type novel. Great characters and whilst somewhat predictable, this was a great read.

A nice read, not one of my favourites by Karen though, i found the art references too much at times, it’s didn’t feel as Christmasy as her books usually do, maybe just the way I am feeling, I still enjoyed it though. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for tho early copy.

As always with this author this is a beautifully written book featuring a love story, the joys and sorrows of Christmas and in this book an outstanding amount of interesting information about the art world.

Darcy has moved to Copenhagen for her art thesis and together with flatmate Freya is searching for a suitable partner. An exclusive dating app provides 3 matches, one of which is handsome Max, with whom she enjoys a love hate relationship that features throughout the book.

The story flows throughout so easily and I enjoyed the descriptions of how Darcy was investigating the origins of a painting and how the discoveries had an impact on both her relationship with Max and her completion of her thesis.

Lovely writing and a highly recommended read.

This was not my cup of tea, the art references seemed to go on forever and although I like art I don't understand all the jargon, I am sure it was well researched but I got so bogged down with it all I didn't finish it as I put it down and didn't pick it back up with is a clear indication I was not enjoying it, i am sure there are people out there who will love it and for the author I am glad.

Sorry not for me.

A cosy Christmas romance with a dash of Danish art history - I really loved this story, it has so much more than your usual festive read. The Danish artist storyline and the links to Lilja was absorbing, and I possibly enjoyed this part more than the modern romance between Darcy and Max. Her failed online dates added a touch of humour too. I just loved it and would highly recommend!

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

4.5⭐️

This is a Christmas read like no other. It has everything to sustain interest from start to finish. From the contemporary and Christmas vibes to the delve into history and the art world, this was interesting and engaging.

It follows the story of Darcy, a PhD student, who is tasked with finding the identity of a painting found at the back of a lost masterpiece.

I loved the idea of the story within the story and must confess that I was more vested in Lilja’s story.
I enjoyed the contemporary narrative too- the foray into online dating, the office politics and the politics that goes on around art, masterpieces and artists.

I loved Darcy’s enthusiasm and her commitment to her work and trade. I enjoyed her encounters with Max and how in the face of it all she was able to give a voice to the defenceless.

I loved how the author balanced the past with the present. There was a gentle easing into history but it was engaging, thrilling and had edge of the seat moments.

It was a beautiful story with great storytelling and wonderful characters all through. The Danish setting gives an authentic Christmas feel to the book.

But I felt the ending was quite rushed, given the word building from the start. I would have loved to read more about Max and Darcy.

If you enjoy office romance with some slight enemies to lovers then you will enjoy this.

It is the perfect escapist romantic mystery to get you in the festive mood. Darcy is a PhD student finalising her studies on secondment in Denmark. Her exceptional research skills allow her to research a recently discovered painting, which proves to be life-changing. As Darcy is between relationships, her best friend persuades her to sign up for a high-profile dating site and pick three matches. Darcy's dating experience becomes tangled with her professional research and takes her on a devastating emotional journey full of heartbreak, passion and self-realisation. It is a complex story with a fascinating art history setting. The romance is glamorous, and the emotional journey Darcy experiences is immersive. I like the art history, the mystery, the festive Danish setting and the romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

4.5 stars
I always look forward to a new Karen Swan read and this will look great amongst my collection of her books on the shelf. Thanks to Chloe
All I Want For Christmas has it all: a complicated chemistry, an intriguing mystery, beautiful Denmark at wintertime as the perfect setting and a gorgeous love story of course.
I found the mystery behind the painting so fascinating- the lives untold have such a great story. Seeing the mystery unravel through Darcy’s eyes as she started to realise what she’d discovered was captivating. Her tenacious approach despite the obvious and very attractive distraction was to be admired

I love Karen Swan’s books and All I Want For Christmas didn’t disappoint! I loved the characters and the Christmassy setting in Denmark. The relationship between the characters was a moving and interesting development across the novel. Would highly recommend this book as a Christmas read. Thank you to Net Galley and Pan MacMillian for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review

A very good book which had a bit of a mystery about it also romance.

Darcy is told to investigate a portrait of a woman that is discovered who is she and why was it hidden away. She meets Max who is a lawyer and the company he works for has a vested interest in the portrait. Darcy and Max have a connection but decide to keep it professional. Will Darcy discover who is the woman on the painting and the story behind it all.

I enjoyed the investigation of the portrait and how they went about it all it was interesting.

I could not put the book down and wanted to see if they found out and whether there would be a happy ending.