All I Want For Christmas

All I want for Christmas is for everyone to read this book! It is one of those books that transports you making you forget about real life and full of delightful characters that spring to life. I actually felt like I was there in the story with them ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a very atmospheric read which is set in Denmark in the run up to Christmas however although there were a few Christmas events dotted throughout this I didn’t feel that this was an overly festive read. That said I found this very engrossing with both the storyline and the incredible chemistry between the two main characters - protagonist Darcy and aloof lawyer Max. Darcy is taxed with finding out the identity of a woman in a portrait that was discovered stuck behind a famous painting which is due to be displayed in an exhibition shortly. Max works for the foundation that is assisting Darcy with her research and coincidentally just prior to Darcy being given this assignment matched with her on a dating app and the balance between professional and personal is a very fine line for both of them. I really e joyed the background story to the lady in the portrait and her history unfolded well throughout the book, the tension between Darcy and Max felt very strong and believable and the way Darcy’s feelings towards Max vacillated really added to this. The Danish setting was wonderful and I was captivated throughout this wonderful book. 9/10

Thanks to Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for a review copy of this novel. Karen Swan is a go to author for me. Always consistent in weaving wonderful stories with richly drawn characters and a wonderful sense of place, she is one a handful of authors I look forward to reading and a rare author I will read again. This novel is definitely one to add to the collection of re-reads. It was an immersive compulsive and enjoyable read set in a wonderful location that comes alive under Swan’s deft handling.

Denmark is the setting in this story, with Darcy Cottrell on secondment from England to the premiere Danish national gallery for her PhD studies in art history. After an intriguing discovery of another painting glued to the back of a painting by one of Denmark\s revered 20th century painters, Darcy is tasked with finding out the identity and history of the subject of the portrait with only a shadowed outline from a scan to go on. To undertake the research she must go to a private foundation’s archives whose main mission is to collect all the paintings of this renowned painter. Coming off a failed relationship and with Christmas approaching Darcy is glad for the distraction of the project while resisting her roommate’s efforts to hook her up with someone through a dating app. Despite herself, she finds she’s swiped right on three potential candidates, only to find that one of them, Max is a trustee of the foundation where she’s researching. But despite the time and irresistible chemistry between them Darcy gradually finds that both Max and the foundation have plenty of secrets and manipulative strategies that eventually entangle her and are threatening both her workplace and her own principles.

With my own background in archives, researching art objects and that world, I found this novel’s premise irresistible from the start. I enjoyed so much following Darcy’s progress, but as always, I loved the manner in which Swan creates such wonderful atmosphere and a real sense of place as the reader gets a view of the Christmas St Lucia celebrations on a Danish canal, or the Danish seaside in winter along with the classic Scandinavian summer house, or the streets of Copenhagen preparing for Christmas. But those are bonus extras that go with a wonderful, warmhearted story with complicated characters and plenty of romance in the mix. Recommended.

While working on her PhD in Denmark Darcy is asked to research a painting found hidden on the reverse of a well known painting. During the research Darcy becomes emotionally and professionally involved with the history of a well known family . The painting is a portrait in oils of a woman done in the 1920s but who she is and who painted her is unknown. This becomes a legal fight not only for ownership of the portrait but also to uncover what happened to the woman.
This book not only brings the characters to life but draws you into their livers keeping you reading right through to the end. A really enjoyable read which is not only a romantic novel but a historical mystery as well.

This was another book of the author which I could not stop reading. A very enjoyable theme, set in Denmark, with the heroine trying to work out the story behind a hidden painting which has just been discovered. So good.

Thank you very much Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the advanced copy for review!

There's something very comforting with knowing Karen Swan comes out with 2 books each year. Having read The Lost Lover (Wild Isle #3) not too long ago, I was excited to see her next Christmas/Winter novel would be releasing in October.

While it seems odd to read about the festive season while it's summer - as usual Karen Swan's novels are very atmospheric and evocative of the holiday spirit. We're treated to a setting in Denmark, featuring a Christmas market, a fun city tradition, as well as the glamour and high stakes of the fine arts scene. Darcy is a very enjoyable female lead - I liked how she mostly knew her own mind, was forthright in her opinions, and also came from a slightly less established career background (being a student still) than some of our previous heroines.

Max, our male lead, is described as very handsome, very rich, and also very arrogant. He's actually quite insufferable on paper. He's possessive, and has his own personal hang ups, which influence how he forms relationships with women and those around him. While I found this part of his trait to be annoying, nonetheless he still makes for a swoony lead - he has a soft spot for Darcy and helps her out on many occasions. Darcy and Max also have very palpable chemistry.

Beyond the romance - the underlying mystery that Karen Swan weaves into her books are always a treat to read. They're usually a secondary plot and I find them very engaging, this one being no different. I liked learning more about the identify of the woman in the painting, as well as what her fate and legacy were.

This is another winner from Karen Swan's books, and hope others feel the same!

In my opinion this is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
A wonderful story set in Copenhagen in the art historian world with Darcy, a PHD student from London seconded to the Danish National Gallery to finish her thesis, and Max a corporate Lawyer and art trustee ,
Things I have really liked about this book include
Location and the danish culture - well researched the reader feels like they are in Copenhagen
Characters - Darcy, Max and Freya and the many supporting characters are all strong , well portrayed and believable
Storyline - Fast moving with many twists and turns and a secondary storyline introduced as the book progresses. The two storylines are seamlessly blended together
In conclusion, a brilliant story I would highly recommend, It was a book I didn’t want to end
Thank you to Netgalley, and Pan MacMillan for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Karen Swan’s Christmas “romances” are so addictive. Christmas plays a minor supporting role here, the real context is Danish culture and the mystery of a long forgotten portrait, A great read.

Another outstanding novel from Karen Swan. She can do no wrong!

If you want to escape for a while, read this, you will not be disappointed.

Highly recommend.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

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.

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.

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

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