If you are seeking a Christmas Rom-com then this is the read for you, it is such a delightful festive read. A chance meeting - when man literally crashes into women, knocks her off her feet on a rainy winters evening. When the next day - fate throws the pair back together - with only a week until Isobel has to move, the pair decide to spend the 7 days doing all the festive things. Honestly, the festive themes are so strong - ice skating, Christmas markets, mulled wine - oh i wanted it all.

The pair share such a deep rooted love for all things festive and it was such a delight to read - because that is exactly how i feel. I loved the couple and as leading characters they were really stand out. This was christmas in a book and the most festive read yet. I urge you to read this and sample the Christmas delights, but if you want to know what happens after the 7days? You best give it a read.

What an absolutely wonderful read. It was such an uplifting and funny book that no doubt I will read again. I loved the characters and the setting. It has certainly been added to my Christmas must reads for 2019 list. This is yet another cracking read from Missen.

I loved this book so much! The only downside for me was the fact it felt too short - I could have kept reading about Isobel and Tom for a long time. One Week 'Til Christmas is about Isobel, a travel writer from Melbourne who is visiting London the week before Christmas (two of my favourite cities). She gets the opportunity to interview Tom, an actor who volunteers to show Isobel London's best Christmas sights. Missen's writing is atmospheric, as I was transported to London at Christmas and could see myself walking around Hyde Park and skating at Somerset House alongside Tom and Isobel. I also thought the characters were very likeable. I highly recommend picking this book up this Christmas. I look forward to reading Missen's future books.

Thank you Netgalley for the early copy.

This was such a fun, lighthearted Christmas book.
I really enjoyed it. I liked the story line. The characters were very entertaining. The writing was pretty well done also.

This was definitely a nice, sweet Christmas read. I have lived in England and the way the author describes the sights, the smells....was spot on.
The romance aspect was pretty sedate, cute but nothing outstanding.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book.

*thanks NetGalley and HQ Digital for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review*

this book is out now

This was a 4-star book until the last 100 pages where an unnecessary plot happens that made me angry and made me like the book less.

Belinda Missen has this amazing knack for making you fall head over heals with her story from the very first chapter.  The narrative flowed so well and it was effortless to read and become lost within the pages.  I was at the end before I knew it.  My only issue with this novel is that it finished and I had to go back to real life.

Many romance novels seem to spend a lot of time building up to the actual moment when two people get together Ms Missen always dives straight in with the meet and falling in-love which allows the reader to fully invest in the dating and relationship part of the story.  In this case - it was Isobel and Tom who had me totally smitten and devoted to them from the very moment the crossed paths.  The added tension of knowing there was only a week before Isobel left for home meant that I devoured this book.  Before children I would have had this read in one completely indulgent sitting.

The setting of London at Christmas was mesmerising.  I used to live near London and visited a lot and I think it lost some of it's charm for me.  Tom and Isobel's Christmas adventures really reminded me of some of the magic to be found in London and particularly at Christmas too.  It really is a perfect place to put you in the festive mood and it's charm is fully captured by the description and detail.

This book is a fabulous festive romance and I cannot recommend it enough.

3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I immediately felt like I was in the story, walking down the snowy streets of London smelling the pines and the delicious treats from the winter markets. What a magical well described time. ♥️
The romance wasn’t earth shattering but it was cute. This is a clean romance in case anyone was wondering and I wanted more chemistry between these two. It fell short for me. The Christmas parts were very Christmassy and I loved all of that.

This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.

On paper, the concept of this book is 100% my cup of tea but I really struggled connecting to it. I felt like both the main characters were far too perfect, neither of their lives were messy enough to be relatable and they both seemed to just be endlessly talented without ever really trying. The focus was so much on them that the side characters felt two dimensional and only ever concerned about the couple as opposed to their own lives. It just fell very flat for me, unfortunately.

I did really appreciate the writing about London during Christmas, this was accurate and really pinpointed why London has always felt like a ‘Christmas city’ to me

This is not the type of book I would usually choose but the premis sounded intriguing, and I'm so glad I read it.


Isobel is an Australian travel journalist, and whilst waiting for a bus on a visit to London, a man fall on top of her in the icy streets. She looks at him and decides that a) she is wet and very dishevelled, and b) he was seriously good looking. His car arrives, and with a quick apology he is gone and she didn't even catch his name.


As she's already in London, and had been asking her boss for some other types of journalistic experience, he sends her to interview an up and coming actor. Isobel turn up for the interview unprepared, but not as unprepared as she is to come face to face with the man who knocked her over the day before - and now she has his name.


Tom invites her to visit some Christmas fayres, and ice skating to make up for knocking her over, and they start to fall in love. Unfortunately they live on different continents, and have different lives and families, and we all know the path of true love never runs smooth - does it?


A lovely, feel good, seasonal book which I didn't want to end.

Isobel is a travel journalist and is in London for a few days visiting a friend. She literally bumps into Tom one day and finds that he is to be the subject of one of her interviews a few days later. When she bumped into him she had no idea that he is a famous face. when he asks her on a date to make up for the accident she leaps at the chance but then decides that as she is only here for the week then there is little point taking it any further. This one crept up on me. To start with, I wasn’t sure where it was going apart other than the obvious then suddenly found myself smiling and very much enjoying it whilst taking to the characters. Yes a romance but one more like real life where that real life can very much get into the way and present what at the time seems like insurmountable obstacles. Although set at Christmas this could be read at any time of the year as the majority is about people and life with Christmas being the obstacle and all it entails as we all well know with families. A wonderful uplifting read with a smile
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Amazon done- misfits farm)

Naww, this was a really sweet little story :)

Tom and Isobel meet when they bump into each other (and end up entangled in a gutter). Not the best of starts but then they run into each other again and their friendship/relationship takes off. Slowly and organically. Just a boy, meeting a girl, to paraphrase Julia Roberts.

I like that this is a romantic story without being super soppy and it is realistic as well, which is kind of nice and much more relatable than a lot of romance novels.

Tom is a very busy (and quite well-known) man, and Isobel has her hands full with her horrible boss and trying to work out how to cut herself in half so she gets to be in the UK and in Australia. As an Aussie who married a Scot, I understand very well how making things work with such a distance, can be tricky!

Anyway, this was just a lovely Christmas read and I think most readers will also enjoy it as much as I did.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley, The Book Club and HQ Digital.

Ten days before Christmas, Isobel and Tom meet by chance when they accidentally fall into a puddle in
the streets of London. Little does travel journalist Isobel know that Tom is not only going to be her next interview but perhaps also something more. “One Week ‘TIl Christmas” is a quick, delightful story about a chance meeting turned maybe romance in London at Christmastime. The author does an excellent job dispersing humorous quirks throughout the novel and developing characters you can truly root for. This a great holiday romance read!

I was not the biggest fan of this, I just couldn't get into the story. Oh well, maybe her next book will be for me :)

You meet the man of your dreams.....sparkling blue eyes, dark hair and a smile that lights up the frigid winter air......the problem is ..he hates journalists...and you are one!

What's a girl to do?? When a gorgeous stranger knocks Isobel off her feet ( literally) and she ends up in the gutter covered in snow and almost plowed over by a bus-she finds herself gazing into his big blue eyes and wondering if she should yell at him, hit him or hug him. Rendered speechless she does none of that and fails to get his name.

Fast forward less than 24 hours later and Isobel runs into her mystery man again. Is this kismet or just a coincidence? What Isobel doesn't realize is that everyone except her seems to know this mystery man and she is not the only one swooning over his movie star looks. Tom Bracken is the star of his own television show, in fact he even has his own action figure!

I loved, loved, loved this book! What made it even better is that the entire story takes place a week before Christmas, hence the title. All the characters in this book are so likable that I really started rooting for them to hit it off. Isobel loves all things Christmas and Tom shared that love for the holiday also. Except their busy lives have them going in all different directions. Is there a chance for romance for these two or are they just too different? Will their careers tear them apart before they even get started?

This truly was a Christmas rom-com if I ever read one. Very atmospheric with ice skating, mulled wine, dancing to Christmas carols and even a visit to Santa! Reading this book was like taking that first sip of hot chocolate on a cold day, or smelling freshly baked Christmas cookies! It was completely yummy and satisfying.

Throw in the com with that rom and it had me rolling...Tom and Isobel heard "a Sheldon-esque knocking at the door" OMG I literally laughed out loud! Isobel...Isobel...Isobel........Belinda Missen has done it again...always turning out a fantastic, entertaining read! Now excuse me while I dig out my Christmas decorations as I now feel very festive!

Belinda Missen is back with a funny, heart-warming and absolutely irresistible winter romantic treat that is as satisfying as a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie on a cold December day: One Week ‘Til Christmas.

Waiting for a bus is usually the most boring and mundane task imaginable – or so Isobel Bennett thought!
However, when a gorgeous man falls – literally – into her lap after slipping on ice, little does she realise that this accidental slip is going to end up changing the rest of her life forever. The man with dark brown hair is the most gorgeous guy Isobel has ever clapped eyes on, however, any chance she might have of striking up a conversation and finding out more about him is thwarted when his ride arrives and he drives out of her life without even knowing his name. Isobel is never going to meet the guy ever again, but little does she know that fate has got other ideas in store and with Christmas time fast approaching, absolutely anything could and will happen…

When Isobel runs into him again, she is convinced that it’s fate. Clearly the universe is telling her that she has met the guy for her, however, Isobel only has seven days until she leaves London and in these seven days she must decide whether this infatuation could lead to something deeper and long-lasting. As her and Tom begin to enjoy all the festive delights London has to offer, it becomes perfectly clear that they’ve made a connection, however, when the week will be over what will happen to the two of them?

Will their relationship have a future after the festivities are over? Or will this Christmas romance be over after the seven days have elapsed?

Tender, touching and totally thrilling, One Week ‘Til Christmas is a lovely read which will leave you with a great big smile on your face. Belinda Missen writes the most joyous and uplifting romantic comedies and with One Week ‘Til Christmas, she has penned a fabulous read that ticks all the right boxes and delivers on all counts with its beguiling blend of humour, warmth and heart.

You can never go wrong with a Belinda Missen romance so make sure you add her latest novel, One Week ‘Til Christmas, to your festive season must-buy list.

One Week ‘Til Christmas was cozy, lighthearted and heartwarming romantic comedy with Christmassy feel. The book was about passion, dream, workplace relationship, love friendship, trust, and Christmas luck.

This was my second Belinda Missen book. Writing was charming. It was first person narrative in Isobel’s charming voice. Characters were interesting, setting was magical, filled with festivity and romance was sweet.

It started with Isobel, a travel writer, landing in London for her one week holiday, excited for her favorite festival in favorite country where her best friend lived. But on very first day she fell with her ass in gutter. Moreover, her boss insisted her to take interview of a famous person. A work during holidays! Now you will think that’s not so good and all excitement might have went down in gutter… Nope! The person she was asked to interview was the one because of whom she was in gutter, a handsome tally star, who fell into her lap on that (un)lucky day, who left her daydreaming. There was a spark and instant attraction. This forced work meeting turned to many lovely romantic meetings. I had a feeling her one week till Christmas in London was going to be fun but what after that? Is there just attraction or more? Will she let herself fall for person whom she was going to leave after a week?

Isobel was fun, smart and friendly person. She loved her job and her passion for travelling and her love for Christmas was contagious. She was wonderful throughout the book. Her thoughts and feelings were realistic. I could understand her situation with her family and I adored her for loving them even after their unfair treatment.

Tom was a TV star. As much eye pleasing he was outside, he was equally beautiful inside. Even though he was popular, he didn’t have a speck of ego. He was even cool with Isobel who never watched his show, in fact she didn’t even know who he was until her boss sent her details. What more do you need to know! He was true gentleman and I loved him for that.

What I loved most the setting and romance. It was magical. Their sightseeing and meetings were so beautiful, Christmas market, shopping Centre, food and cafes left me wanting to pack my suitcase and leave to spend Christmas in London.

I loved Isobel and Tom’s relationship. They were similar in many things and they feel connected ever since their second meeting. There was a spark in first meeting but that spark grew into friendship, adoration and love, a love so deep they will follow each other anywhere. It all happened in less than 200 pages and still didn’t feel rushed. At first it did have insta-love feel but author did give characters enough time to know each other better. I enjoyed conversation between these two. Their views towards their life and dream, their family issue because of their work and why they choose the particular profession, it was all so realistic and inspiring.

The theme of following dream, take steps to make those dreams real no matter how tough it can be to balance work and family was brilliant. The workplace relationship issue was presented nicely through that horrible boss.

As soon as I got to know little about characters I kind of knew where this will head and how it will end. But that turn at climax was good, not exactly what I expected. And then that proposal, it was so beautiful and heart melting. End and epilogue was lovely, beautiful and I feel so good after reading this book.

Overall, it was packed with magical setting, developed characters, and lovely Christmas feel. If you love one of the character falling for celebrity arc, just go for this.

One Week ‘Til Christmas by Belinda Missen is a quickie holiday contemporary romance that takes place in the days leading up to Christmas. With the short amount of time frame for this novella length book readers are of course going to find a case of insta-love involved in case that bothers anyone.

Isobel Bennett is a travel journalist who is used to being on the go and never quite sure where she will end up. Based out of Australia where Christmas falls during the hot months of summer Isobel jumps on the opportunity to head to London and enjoy a good old fashioned snowy holiday when a story opportunity opens up.

When arriving overseas Isobel finds herself on a slippery street waiting for a bus when a man slides into her. Before she knows it though the handsome stranger is gone without finding out who he is but when their paths cross again both can’t deny their attraction.

One Week ‘Til Christmas is the type of read that is just perfect to pick up if you want a quick dose of festive spirit. The characters are sort of opposite attracting and the relationship is of course at a quick pace with the looming deadline of Isobel returning home. There wasn’t too much angst in the story but what was there was predictable but overall I’d rate this one at 3 1/2 stars for a nice holiday read.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I’ve been so looking forward to reading One Week ‘Til Christmas ever since I first saw the gorgeous festive cover and I’m really happy to be able to say that the novel absolutely lives up to it!

One Week ‘Til Christmas follows travel journalist Isobel as she arrives in London for a short holiday. As she waits for a bus to her friend’s house a random stranger runs into her and there is definitely some sparks between the two! Both go on their way and that seems to be that but then there is another random meeting the next day and it seems to be fate!

This is such a gorgeous novella set in London in the week leading up to Christmas. It has romance and snow, Christmas markets, ice skating and lots of lovely-sounding food! Everything is described so beautifully that I feel like I have been to all of the places in this book.

The romance in this book is a total whirlwind! Tom and Isobel spend a lot of time together in the few short days that Isobel is in London but their romance felt completely believable to me, I got completely swept up in it. I love how they spend so much time walking around London landmarks, and seeing all the Christmassy sights whilst talking about their lives and hopes and dreams. It felt very romantic and so possible.

One Week ‘Til Christmas is a gorgeous read that will really get you in the festive spirit! I adored this book and I will definitely re-read it over Christmases to come. I recommend this one!

I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing a couple of Belinda’s books now. I have thoroughly enjoyed those that I have read. I read each new book that she releases whilst at the same time trying to catch up with her previous books. I read the synopsis for ‘One Week ‘Til Christmas’ and I just knew that I had to get hold of a copy as soon as possible. ‘One Week ‘Til Christmas’ isn’t officially released until 1st November 2019 but I was fortunate enough to have a sneaky peek at a review copy and oh boy, it is one hell of a read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘One Week ‘Til Christmas’ but more about that in a bit.
I couldn’t help but take to Isobel Bennett from the first moment I met her. She is a travel writer and is frequently sent on overseas assignments. She has come back to the UK to have a much needed break before she goes home to Melbourne for Christmas. Isobel sounds like a lovely young lady. She is very popular and has many friends dotted all around the world. She is naturally a people person. She quite literally bumps into a man called Tom, who she first hears shouting down his mobile about some scandal or other that the tabloids have got hold of regarding his good self. She literally ends up bumping into him and ends up on the deck in a puddle. Even though she has only just met him there’s no denying that there is definite chemistry there and sparks fly between the two. Isobel is handed a work assignment which is to interview Tom!! It’s no wonder that Isobel wonders if she is destined to be with Tom. She has mixed feelings about their potential relationship because she definitely more than likes him but she is only in the UK for a week and she would hate to fall deeply in love with him but then have to split because their long distance relationship doesn’t work. So does Isobel get together with Tom and get the happy ever after ending that she so deserves? Well for the answer to that question and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this book. As soon as I started reading ‘One Week ‘Til Christmas’ I just knew that I would have to read the book in one session. I had taken to the characters so well and so quickly that I just couldn’t put the book to one side. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I didn’t want to miss a single second of the story. I found that this book made me chuckle on and off all the way through the story. The first time I chuckled was as I read and imagined about Isobel bumping into Tom- quite literally- and she ended up like a turtle on its back kicking her legs in the air. This book was just the tonic I needed on a cold and wet day in the North East of England. It was a fun, light hearted, romantic and amusing read, which didn’t take long to get through. I soon got to the end of the book. I just wish that the book had been longer because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to either Isobel or Tom.
‘One Week ‘Til Christmas’ is superbly written but then I wouldn’t expect anything else from Belinda Missen. Belinda has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Reading ‘One Week ‘Til Christmas’ felt more like I was chatting with ta friend rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Belinda certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and she draws you into the story. She has created likeable and realistic characters and you can’t do anything else but hope for the best for them. Isobel and Tom were so well described that they seemed just as real as you or I. Belinda writes so realistically and uses such vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself.
In short, Belinda has done it again and she has written one stonkingly brilliant, fun and festive book, which will melt even the coldest of hearts. I would definitely recommend Belinda’s books to other readers. I can’t wait to read more of Belinda’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.