I loved Love and Lies at the Village Christmas Shop. A great festive read that hooked me in from the first few pages.
A Christmassy story set in a Christmas shop in Marram Bay it’s full of that Christmassy spirit. Have a read you’ll love it.

This was a lovely read that really put me in the holiday spirit! The characters were lovely and so fully developed, the storyline was entertaining and the comedy was spot on. I am definitely going to look out for more by this author as the writing was superb.

A lovely light read centred around ivy’s love of Christmas and continuing her mother’s legacy. Tells the struggle of keepin the Little Christmas shop in business.

It may only be October, but Christmas is fast approaching and the holiday titles are appearing on the shelves. I received an early Christmas present of an advanced copy of Portia Mackintosh's holiday offering - and it's a little (Christmas) cracker.

Ivy Jones runs "Christmas Every Day", a festive themed shop in the Yorkshire village of Marran Bay, that she has inherited from her mother. Business is not doing well and even as December arrives the shop is quiet and the bills are stacking up. In walks dashing businessman Seb with a kiss under the shop mistletoe that send Ivy's heart aflutter - could he be the holiday romance she needs to end the year?

When her landlord decides to sell up, Ivy's home and business are threatened by development and the fight to save her mother's legacy begins.

This book is like a comforting Christmas film - you have no doubt how it will end and you've seen it all before but you still enjoy every minute!

The story is heart-warming and full of holiday spirit - you can practically smell the gingerbread pouring off the pages.

The main characters are charming and likeable and the supporting cast add lots of laughs. Cheeky Santa Gaz, prim school teacher Mrs Snowball and postman Pete create a real sense of village community and lots of laughs.

This is a perfect holiday romance - make yourself a hot chocolate, grab a blanket and snuggle down in your pyjamas to enjoy the festive fun.

Thanks to HQ Digital for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A very Christmassy story set in a Christmas shop in Marram Bay. Full of love, laughter and Christmas. Ivy runs her late mums all year round rented Christmas shop, Seb is looking to relocate and build some holiday homes. This is their story of finding love where it’s least expected and the fun and games they have coming to a wonderful romantic conclusion with each other or someone else? Enter Gaz, a young, lovable Casanova who plays Santa Claus and Charlie, he local vet who loves to introduce herself to all new good looking men. Put your feet up, grab a cuppa and snuggle down for an irresistible, unputdownable read.

A great christmas story featuring Ivy and Seb. Second book in this series, but I don't think it matters if you haven't read the first.

This is one fab Christmas story! I fell in love with Seb and Ivy and really wanted the best for them both. Plus all the mentions of cinnamon lattes and gingerbread truffles have left me very excited about making lots of Christmas goodies!

This is the first book I have read by this author but I have since found that this isn't the first book in this series. Even so it can be read as a stand alone. Now I can't wait to read more!

This is just what you need for your holiday reading. This fun book will get you out of your reading slump! Heartwarming,fast paced holiday romance. I love being able to count on HQ Digital for a guaranteed funtastic holiday read that's perfect to pair with cinnamon rolls and hot cider.
Pub Date 08 Oct 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from HQ Digital. Thank you. All opinions are my own.

Ivy and Holly are two very different twins – while Holly hates Christmas, Ivy lives and breaths Christmas. Their mum has started a Christmas shop that is open all year round and after her death Ivy takes it over – and she couldn’t be happier to work there. However, the shop is now in danger, as the owner of the building is selling up and moving away. Smooth operator Seb enters the scenes here – he wants to buy the place, demolish the shop and build something else there. Moreover, he’s very charming and it looks like the whole Marram Bay is under his spell. Ivy tries everything to raise the money to keep her shop – but can she save it? 

I thought we’re going to hear more from the characters from the first book in the series but except for one or two scenes including Lily and Prue there was nothing more – this book totally focuses on brand new characters that I immediately grew fond of. I loved Ivy – she was probably one of my most favourite characters ever, such laid – back and relaxed and full of the greatest one – liners, and so, so realistic and real! I really felt as if I can reach out with my hand and touch her.  

An open all year round Christmas shop – isn’t it a brilliant idea? And it was only the first festive thing in this novel. We then have twins Holly and Ivy, all the festive food you can think about, decorating trees, Christmas Festivals, Santa shenanigans … and yet it was not too festive overwhelming, thanks god, however a brilliant start to all the festive books slowly coming my way, tadah. It was full of brilliant, incredibly funny scenes and the tasting the Christmas Cake will probably stay with me forever, as well as the kissing booth and golden retriever, to name only a few.  

Portia MacIntosh has a talent to create characters that are full of life and that rarely give up but are also realistic, and it was the same this time as well. Ivy, living and breathing Christmas, was so optimistic and so bouncy and it was impossible not to like her. I absolutely loved the way she was thinking and how fair she was, she wanted to save her shop but she was also willing to take another look and see other options – however, I also loved the fire in her and that, even though she’s seen those other options, she always came up with brilliant ideas to help her keep her mum’s heritage. She was smart and funny and not taking herself too seriously. Her sister Holly was an absolute opposite of Ivy re: Christmas but as likeable as Ivy. The one and only Gaz and his never – ending attempts to chat up a girl and on the other hand such a lovely Santa. And Seb with his Lamborghini and plans, such enthusiastic and down – to – earth – all of them, as well as the supporting characters, were absolutely fantabulous and incredibly easy to like, even if they were planning on demolishing some beloved shops or trying to sabotage those plans. 

There was of course a hidden depth to it, and it had some very poignant moments, but on the whole it was a funny, entertaining novel. The banter between the characters was so natural and easy, the writing style was light – hearted and I was hooked from the very first page till the end. It was heart – warming and oh so romantic without being too saccharine. A lovely story about families, relationships, chances and finding what it really is what you want from life. It was not too complicated and a little predictable but full of other perks that made me appreciate it so much. Don’t be surprised when you’ll feel like curling up in front of your fire – place with a cup of hot chocolate and looking to put your Christmas lights on when reading “Love and Lies at the Village Christmas Shop”! Truly recommended.

Perfect read to get into the Christmas mood a little early on. 

I loved the twins and the small town shenanigans surrounding them. The Men in the story didn't disappoint at all.

Hey, well if you love Crimbo then this is the book for you
‘Christmas Every Day’ is the shop Holly and Ivy ( twins ) were brought up in and now their Mum has died Holly runs it...but the business is failing...enter Seb an ‘out of towner’ kinda Brad Pitt meets  Channing Tatum who is looking to redevelop land to build holiday homes.....need I carry on??.....he wants the land where the shop is...but theres a spark between them as Holly tries her best to keep it, then a kiss, then, well.....how will they unite their love with the impending sale 😃
All this set in a dreamy chocco box village where there is a home made jam shop and a headmistress called ‘Mrs Snowball’, a loveable rogue Gary who is the shops Santa,Crimbo fairs snd Christmas Cake competitions along with as much tinsel, baubles, trees and mince pies as you can handle
A dreamy, lovely book, cosily written which brought a near forgotten Christmas’( I sound old but its all changed now hasnt it ) back and gave smiles, raised eyebrows and fun
A very different read for me and hard to mark as usually do but marking on the criteria that it did as was meant to do it has to be a 10/10 and 5 stars

Cinnamon latte anyone?

This is actually MacIntosh’s second book based in Marram Bay (with its Yorkshire charm and causeway tides) but I haven’t read the first and that definitely didn’t detract from my enjoyment and understanding of the plot (I am however going to catch up with it because of how much I loved this book and her writing).

Holly and Ivy are non-identical twins that are as different as they look. Ivy is wonderfully bookish, independent and committed to her shop; Ivy is a savvy mum of 2 with a husband that works away and a lot of dislike for Christmas (for understandable reasons). Both sisters have suffered many heartaches and this book explores their different approaches to the festive season, and to life, but also their incredible bond and the ways they support each other. With everything they hold dear under threat it seems a Christmas miracle or two are much needed; you very much feel one of the family as you experience this life-changing season with them.

I really felt a connection with the peripheral characters in this book, there really is a community that provides much of the laugh out loud moments. Loveable rogue Gaz stole my heart and smooth operator Seb brings such a dilemma to the story that you just get hooked in to trying to figure him out.

Full of festive memories, nostalgia, pain, heartache, and loyalty, can anything ever be kept just as it was forever?

 

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher.  Way too early to be thinking about Xmas but that did not stop me really enjoying this heartwarming and romantic read.

This is the first book i have read by this author but it certainly will not be my last. Its a fantastic festive novel.  Brilliantly written and the sarcastic wit is priceless. I highly recommend this book.

This is the second novel I've read by Portia MacIntosh and I'll be honest and say they just keep getting better. I loved the last one but this one just blew me away because it was set at Christmas! And Christmas novels are my absolute favourite type of novel. The cover for this novel is so festive and simply beautiful! The idea of having a Christmas shop open all year round sounds amazing to me! The Christmas decorations, the little Santa and the beautiful tree looks so cute and just so Christmassy! It's one of the best Christmas covers I've seen.

As for the story, it was lovely and heartwarming. What I love about Portia's novels is that they are so lighthearted and easy to read. You feel like you're flying through the pages! This particular novel by Portia MacIntosh follows main character Ivy as she takes over her mums beloved Christmas shop but is stopped in her tracks when Seb comes along. Seb is intent on knocking down Christmas Every Day and wants to build holiday homes - which most of the village agree he should do to get more tourists! Ivy is heartbroken by their decision to knock down her childhood home and livelihood and makes it her mission to stop Seb getting his own way.

Along the way, she and Seb grow closer, no matter how much Ivy tries to stop her feeling - this man is trying to destroy her home after all! Will Seb compromise on his plans in order for Ivy to see him as he really is? It was such a great, festive read and I was left feeling so happy and warm inside once I finished it! I was sad when it finished and it was definitely one of the most festive novels I've read so far this year so would recommend giving it a go if you're not feeling as festive yet! It's a great way to get you in that Christmassy mood for sure.

Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

First of this authors books that I have read but will definitely be reading more. Festive, funny, feel good book, read in one afternoon.

I've read a few Portia Macintosh books and they never disappoint. They are light, easy reads that put a smile on my face and have me looking forward to the evening when I can curl up with and read.

Love and Lies At the Village Christmas Shop revolves around two main characters, Ivy and Seb. Ivy is running a year-round Christmas shop when Seb turns up intent on buying the land it operates on and developing a holiday village. Ivy is horrified and determined to fight against his plans, but despite this finds herself attracted to Seb.

Ivy is gloriously imperfect, and that's part of her attraction. She assumes many things and gets them wrong. She makes mistake after mistake but is honest enough to admit to them and correct any harm she's done. Seb is the perfect gentleman but is he prepared to compromise on his plans to ensure that Ivy sees him as the person he really is?

The book is amusing, with relatable characters and a perfect Christmas read with a storyline that would make a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Absolutely loved this! The whole developer moving into a tiny village storyline is one of my guilty pleasures. I love finding out how different authors handle the problem this creates between two lead characters. 

Portia MacIntosh has a flair for writing lovable characters. Even the characters that make a tiny appearance in her stories are memorable. Come on a golden retriever at a kissing booth? Visuals in my head for days, thanks for the smiles. 

Snowmance is also one of my guilty pleasures. I do love a good romance that's set at Christmas time or surrounding a Christmas themed shop. This story has both of those and the romance is sweet and a slow burn. 

Great story to cozy up under a blanket with. I read this in one sitting :)

Emma Messenger's review Sep 18, 2018  ·  
it was amazing

I have heard about this writer, but hadn't read any of her books yet. I really loved this book, and after I'd read it, I saw another book called ' Summer at the Apple Blossom Deli' which is set in the same village, and was written before this one. Although I hadn't read the first book, it was easy to follow the story as this book appears to be a Stand alone book. I would like to read more books by this writer.
This book is set in the picturesque village of Marram Bay. It focused on twins, Holly and Ivy. Their late Mother ran a Christmas shop, which was open all year round. Holly doesn't like Christmas, so Ivy has the responsibility of making Christmas memorable for Holly's children.
Ivy lives and breathes Christmas, although the shop is struggling, she is determined to keep the shop open.
A handsome and intriguing stranger, Seb, arrives in Marram Bay, and visits the shop. There is an instant attraction between them. Ivy is horrified to discover that Seb intends to buy the shop and demolish it, in order to build holiday lets.
Ivy goes into overdrive, trying to increase business, and raise the money to buy the shop herself. Seb and Ivy keep finding themselves thrown together, by the Villagers. Although Ivy wants to hate Seb,she is finding it hard.
It seems impossible that there will be a happy ending, especially for Ivy.
This book is fun, with interesting characters. The description of Marram Bay is lovely, and makes me wish that I could visit. 
There are plenty of food references, which made me hungry. This book is very festive, with lots of Christmas references. This book is romantic and a nice read. I would recommend it.

Well this is definitely the most festive book I've read in a long time!

We are introduced to twins Ivy and Holly (See? Festive!) who have differing views on the joys of Christmas. Ivy adores it and has a shop 'Christmas Every Day' that is literally how it sounds selling festive goodies all year round. 

Ivy took over the shop from her late mother and also lives on the premises so you can imagine her horror when it is announced that new guy in town, the suave sounding Seb, has bid for the property and plans to turn it into a holiday resort.

Ivy vows to come up with the money to outbid Seb but will her plans go awry? Or can she save her home and business? Indeed will she fall for and share mistletoe kisses with Seb? I thought it was brilliant reading about some of Ivy's money-making ideas for the shop and would so love to visit it myself! Ivy was as good a business person as Seb I thought with some very clever plans.

I did see where the book was going but was still delighted with the ending, it was exactly what I hoped to happen through the course of the book but I won't add any spoilers...

This was honestly perfect for those who love all things Christmas - I so enjoyed reading about all the scrummy treats, decorating trees and the Santa shenanigans! The book was very funny in places, in particular I found Ivy's colleague Gaz to add welcome comedy value.

My thanks to HQ Digital via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.