I always look forward to reading anything by Karen Swan and this was no exception. A tale of modern dating with some dreadful characters! Set in Denmark this book has it all, friendship, romance, mystery and Christmas what’s not to love.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for this ARC

Once again Karen Swan produces an extremely enjoyable intelligent romance. Although set in Denmark in the winter there is so much more than romance and Christmas as a theme. The story line of the identity of the sitter in a hidden picture was well written and conceived.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the advance copy of this book.

Set in the beautiful city of Copenhagen, this is a beautiful tale of the chemistry between two people and how they discover each other over their love of history and art. Another success for Karen Swan

I enjoy most of Karen's books, apart from the Wild Isle Series, but that's another story. Regarding her "normal" books, they usually make quite an impact on me, but this one didn't. There was far too much description, that I sometimes skipped over in order to get back to the story. I quite liked Darcy, though some of her decisions were questionable. I don't think Max's character was rounded out enough. The ending was too rushed, and was therefore a disappointment. I did appreciate the fact this book is not overly festive, with just a few references to Christmas - the title is misleading for those looking for a festive read. I enjoyed the art mystery, and the fact the book was set in Denmark. There was enough there to hold my interest. Just a few tweaks and it could have been a five star read. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It had a slower start to it, however as the story started to progress it picked up
In pace. I really liked the festive feel without it being too much of a Christmas book!

Yet another intriguing story by Karen Swan. This is a wonderful read full of great characters, romance and intrigue set at Christmas. Another page turner for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

This is another beautiful read by Karen Swan. In this festive treat the characters explore what happens when work and romance mix and it’s not just our main characters exploring this theme!
We follow Darcy as she tries to uncover the secret behind a hidden painting as well as trying to find herself a date for Christmas. After a few false starts in both areas we see her start to uncover the truths that she needs to find but in doing so will she lose her heart successfully or have it trampled on again? You’ll have to read this lovely, fascinating book to find out!
I really enjoyed the breadth of characters in this story and the stories around them as well as the main story arc of the book as a whole which kept me dipping in and out as often as I could, just needing to know what had and would happen with them all. This is a lovely festive romance without too much festive iconography but some very lovely touches!

Set in winter in Denmark you can feel the chill of the weather reflected in the frosty feelings of the main characters Darcy and Max that eventually melt in the full realisation of their feelings. As characters they are deeply involved in the mystery surrounding a secret painting that Darcy is sent to research. Her findings could blow a well established foundation apart . The story unfolds at Christmas but the underlying story lies in the story behind the painting and the possible repercussions once the truth is revealed. A Christmas tale with substance

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot - there are already plenty of reviews like that out there!

I've read lots of Karen Swan's books, so was delighted to be invited to read this.

I love a Christmas story - I've even read some during a heatwave - and this book can be enjoyed at any time of the year as although Christmas is involved, it isn't the main focus.

I loved the setting - Copenhagen - a place I've never visited, but felt I knew as it was well described here.

There's a good cast of main characters - Darcy, Max and Freya - plus an interesting supporting cast - all felt believable and were well written.

The storyline has multiple threads - the main one set in the academic world of art history, and the mystery behind a recently uncovered painting. Running alongside is the Darcy:Max thread, which I won't divulge the details of here (no spoilers!), but will simply say that I was pleased with the outcome.

A definite "must read" for fans of Karen Swan. I look forward to reading more of her work!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

Book Review: All I Want For Christmas

I just finished reading All I Want For Christmas by Karen Swan, and it was the perfect blend of romance, intrigue, and holiday cheer. The story follows Darcy Cotterell, a woman nursing a broken heart after discovering her boyfriend's infidelity. With Christmas fast approaching, she’s determined to focus on her PhD studies in Copenhagen rather than wallow in heartbreak.

What I loved most about this book is how Darcy is thrust into an unexpected adventure when a mysterious portrait surfaces beneath another masterpiece. The art-world mystery adds an engaging layer to the story, and I found myself as invested in her research as she was. The tension and excitement of uncovering the identity of the woman in the painting kept me turning the pages.

Enter Max Lorensen, her blind date, who also happens to be deeply embedded in the art scene. Their chemistry is electric, and I appreciated the way their professional relationship develops alongside the romantic tension. The push-and-pull dynamic was expertly crafted, making their interactions all the more compelling.

Swan’s writing captures the essence of Copenhagen beautifully, with vivid descriptions that made me feel like I was wandering the city alongside Darcy. The holiday atmosphere added an extra layer of warmth and charm, making it a cozy read perfect for this time of year.

As Darcy navigates her feelings for Max while uncovering the painting's secrets, I found myself rooting for her happiness. The twists and turns in their relationship were both realistic and heartwarming, making for a satisfying read.

Overall, All I Want For Christmas is an enchanting holiday romance that left me with a smile on my face. It’s a delightful reminder that love can blossom in the most unexpected places. If you’re in the mood for a cozy winter romance, I highly recommend diving into this delightful story!

I really Loved this book. I rushed through it desperate to see what happened. I thought the mystery and details of the art world were brilliant. The only thing was that it didn't real feel like a Christmas novel, could have been any time. Wish it had a different title.

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

Really enjoyable read that doesn’t need to be confined to Christmas. The storylines dip and weave around each other creating a tension and romance that’s tangible. The setting is just divine, coupled with a mystery that needs to be solved. I was completely engrossed by this story. It’s does not disappoint.

Thank you Netgalley

I'll be honest and say that for the first 30% of the book, I struggled.
I have read quite a few of Karen's books, and sometimes they are a bit hit and miss.
Art is not my thing, and I did find some of this boring. The diaries for me were much more interesting.
I liked Darcy. She was a very determined lady who knew what she wanted, and that was to find love.
Max was a complex character, moody, and brooding.
Thought out this they clashed on many occasions with Max giving Darcy mixed signals.
The title is a bit misleading. It did make a couple of references to Christmas, but it wasn't really Christmassy.
I was invited to read this ARC in return for an honest review. Thanks to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley.

A really good read. A very interesting story when Darcey is commissioned to try and find out details of a painting there is a fabulous history that is uncovered which is also a very emotional story. While she is working Darcey who has just finished a relationship tries dating again after her best friend encourages her to try online which is not very successful but after she meets the gorgeous Max who is very much involved in her work there is an instant attraction. The two stories work very well together and with some Christmas spirit in the mix makes this a real page turner

Well, we all knew that Darcy and Max would get their happy ever after but it was great fun finding out how. A good story but could have been a bit less descriptive for me, at times I was skipping whole pages to try and find the story again

All I want for Christmas is a brilliant read. The details included about art history and preservation made the book more than just your standard romantic fiction. I was thoroughly absorbed in the mysteries held within, both those of the past and present.

The main character Darcy is a PhD student at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Denmark who is chosen to be the soul researcher into the mystery surrounding a painting that has been discovered pasted behind a famous work of art. The painting is glued and only ghost like images using UV light can be seen. Darcy is charged with a massive task to go through all the records about and by the artist to try and identify the woman so if displayed the history of the painting it’s creator and subject can be displayed at the National Museum. As if the daunting task wasn’t enough the Foundation that stores and displays the majority of the artists work are also involved and although are offering resources time and space to do the research they want the information and painting for their collection too. The mystery of the painting really drew me in. Darcy’s enthusiasm and emotional connection to the subject was infectious.

The beginning chapter sees Darcy and her flatmate talking about their love lives and scrolling through an exclusive dating app. Darcy is tasked with choosing three maybes for a bit of fun but no heart strings to be involved. Of the three the most cocky Max the Lawyer is chosen because he seems honest “no time for dating” despite the cold look in his gorgeous eyes. Fate comes into play and Max is involved with the Foundation and Darcy has a couple of meetings with him. The chemistry between them is immediate and intense but neither admit to knowing one another through the app. It is all about business and Darcy has two other dates to go on first.

I was thrown by the app aspect of the story being in the first chapter, it was very lighthearted, talking about sex and not giving any indications to the more serious nature of the rest of the novel. It was essential we met Max in this way before Darcy goes to the work doing where important work meeting where she meets Max the Lawyer in his professional capacity, but I would’ve been drawn in faster if chapter one had been the unexpected meeting when Darcy is appointed to the researchers role. However, the dating app was central to the romantic side to the story. The interactions with the dates as Darcy juggled her work with play were amusing and enlightening. I was always rooting for dark, brooding and secretly kind Max the Lawyer, but it was clear from the start that the relationship between the two wouldn’t be straightforward due to work and his cavalier attitude to dating.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for an early review copy of this book.

Karen Swan's books truly intoxicated me, and this Christmas love story weaved through another tale of discovery was pure magic.
Darcy has moved to Copenhagen to finish her PhD studies. It's a good thing because, given a breakup, she needs to remove herself from certain aspects of her life. Love and celebrating Christmas are the last things on her list, and a chance project to research a particularly juicy discovery gives her the opportunity to bury her mind in other directions.
However, her wonderful housemate, Freja, is in the throes of her own early love story and, not wanting to leave her friend behind, creates a profile for Darcy on a dating app for well-to-do folk.
Max is one of those suggestions on the app.
He's wealthy, intelligent, in a good job, broodingly handsome, and moody. Sparks of attraction fly, but his close connection to her research makes it challenging to explore that attraction.
She kisses a few frogs on her journey of discovery, both personal and professional, and unearths some well-hidden home truths along the way.
I love the details of the art world. The history behind various artworks is always fascinating, and how this is entwined in the writing gives the story another dimension.
Did I want to shake Darcy and a specific other character several times? Why, yes, I did! But then, the book would have been far too short, and Darcy wouldn't have been allowed to finish her essential research!
Fantastically written and a wonderful read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an ARC.

I loved everything about this book. Yes, it was a romance but it was also so much more. The plot was a real page turner and I enjoyed every minute of reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for this ARC.

This complex story takes place in Denmark at Christmas time but can be read at any time of year. The emphasis is on the story of a painting discovered behind another, very famous one of a fictitious historic Danish painter. Darcy, a young British art history student working for the National Gallery, is tasked with finding out who the lady in the painting is and who painted her, which reveals a tangled web of secrets and lies that has far-reaching consequences into the present.

Darcy's best friend Freja doesn't want her to be alone at Christmas so gives her access to an exclusive dating app via her rich boyfriend. She swipes right on three guys but then discovers that one of them works as a corporate lawyer for the Madsen Foundation that she is seconded to. Max is a complicated character, and it took me a long time to warm to him - he's too possessive and jealous for my liking.

The men Darcy gets to know through the app are a mixed bag but seem to eat only at fancy restaurants like Noma and Geranium. Hasn't Noma closed down in 2023?

The love for art shines through and the mystery was intriguing enough to keep me interested, however, I found the historic diary excerpts distracting and taking me out of the story - thankfully there were only a couple.

This could have been shorter and feels repetitive at times, especially when it comes to Darcy and Max dancing around each other. Darcy is very traditional in dating etiquette and I discovered that I should have been sitting on the banquettes in restaurants all this time. I've been doing life wrong for years!

I usually love Karen Swan's novels but this one disappoints a little due to not being very festive and turning a nice man into an awful one, and an arrogant, moody one into a palatable one (he gets a rescue dog at the end so awww). I thought the ending was a bit abrupt and didn't deal with what will happen after Darcy's year in Copenhagen is over. A epilogue would have been a good idea!

However, it is a very well-written, partly predictable escapist read that is deeper than your usual fluffy rom-com. The supporting characters are rounding the story out nicely and Copenhagen is a fabulous backdrop setting.