I participated in a cover reveal for this book a month or so ago, and was so excited to read it. I’m happy to report: Emma Jackson did not disappoint. While it was less Christmassy than the title might reflect, this book was a lovely romance set around the holidays.

From the first moment we encounter Ashleigh at the Baxters’ Christmas Farm, where she’s working as an elf (baggy leggings, interactive socks, and all) for the fourth year in a row, I was hooked on her story. I found her to be engaging and completely sympathized with her stalled acting career, especially since I’m a performer myself. I confess, a part of me wanted to work at that farm, but that’s a digression.

Then there’s Olivier, the French chef whose mother just happens to live next door to Ashleigh and her Nan. Olivier is the perfect romance novel specimen, and not only because he can do incredible things with chocolate.

What I loved about this novel was that Jackson’s characters are very much ordinary people, They’re not millionaires or playboys or models, and their flaws are as compelling as their good points. Ash is a little bit bitter about her life, for example, but in a very plausible and organic way that takes real talent to convey.

I haven’t read a lot of Emma Jackson’s other works, but I recognized a few characters from other books she’s written, and I always find it charming when an author interweaves her stories even if the actual novels can be read as stand-alone pieces.

One “character” that must be mentioned is the setting: Brighton. I’ve never been there, but thanks to Jackson, I feel as if I’ve visited, and I really enjoyed the escape.

One Kiss Before Christmas is one book that is the perfect before-Christmas read.

Goes well with: espresso and chocolate croissants.

Ashleigh first met Olivier when he was staying with his mother next door whilst they were both teenagers and he is the one man she has never forgotten and now fate has bought them together again
Ashleigh lives with her grandmother in Brighton after being left by her mother when she decided to go be a tv star in LA and she now has fears about love being conditional but she is still a strong character who would do anything for her friends and her grandmother. Seeing her develop throughout the book really worked and let the reader know more about her, her fears and what her dreams actually are as she realises them herself
Olivier works for his father as a chef in Paris and has come to see his mother whist deciding if he wants to take a promotion at work. He has a strong relationship with his mother and she doesn’t force or pressure him to decide what he wants, instead giving him time and space as well as a project. He is creative and a brilliant chef, coming up with some ideas that I loved and would really like to taste!
Apart from some geographical issues that I struggled with due to knowing the area in real life (they wouldn’t distract anyone else from what is happening), I really enjoyed reading Ashleigh and Oliviers story. Brighton is a city of acceptance and inclusivity which provided a perfect backdrop to this book as they began to accept their lives and understand what they really want going forward
I would recommend this book to those who will enjoy a story where the magic of Christmas comes through and captivates the reader

I enjoyed reading this romantic, feel good, Christmas book, filled with humour and lots of cosy moments. I was squealing into my hot chocolate curled up, with my Yankee candy cane candle on. It really got me in the festive mood. This was a will they wont they romance – which I just love. I love a slow burn – the anticipation of what is going to happen and was routing for them from the onset.

Ashleigh was a bit lost, working as an elf, living with her nan and obeying by her rules. She was sweet and found it hard to let people in. Even with a few lovely friends, she was definitely missing something extra in her life. When Olivier her teenager friend comes back from Paris, who happens to be her next door neighbour, he would definitely life her spirits. Going through his own issues, he could also use a friend and some cheer in his life. Didn’t he sound just as delicious as his cooking, hehe! I loved their easy friendship and how comfortable they were with each other.

Set in Brighton, which gave it a great setting and many pretty scenes. I wont give any spoilers away, but will just touch on the basics. The Christmas market – it sounded fun and exactly what I am missing right now. The sea front – I loved how Ashleigh just let go and had fun. Beth’s wedding – the romance of it. But my most favourite scene was the sea life centre. It was just written perfectly, it fitted well and was just very lovely. I had all the feels reading this. It reminded me a bit like the fish tank scene in Romeo and Juliet.

This wasn’t just a book based on romance it also included family issues, being unhappy with the past and opening up to tell the people close to you how you really feel. I enjoyed this part of the story as it added another element to the story.

As well as Ashleigh and Olivier there was the wonderful Romesh, who was just a darling. I want him as a best friend. I loved how he had Ashleigh’s back all the time. They had such a sweet loving friendship. He was full of mischief, so much fun and could give Cilla Black a run for her money. He did make me laugh. Even if he was going through hard issues too.

Ashleigh’s nan was likeable even if she was a Grinch. She meant well, with a strong personality, no wonder Ashleigh spoke her mind. I could literally picture her as that sweet little old lady, who says it how it is, sitting by her window watching the street go by.

I do love a Christmas book and in my opinion its never too early to read them. After all what brings you joy, you should do more off and this book did just that. I have about 12 Christmas books on my list after this one. I just love the magical time of year and love reading about people taking risks more then they usually would to make themselves happy.

I love a good Christmas romcom and was expecting to adore this book from the description. The characters were brilliant and really brought to life by the author. However, for me this book was very slow moving and at times I got a little bored. Not the worst book but definitely not one of my favourites.

Love love loved this book! The setting was just beautiful and almost feels like another character for how wonderfully the author describes it. Ash was such a brilliant protagonist and I think we would all love an Olivier in our stocking this Christmas! This will be an addition to my Christmas book list for years to come.

This is a lively, fun, uplifting festive novel that’ll get you in a lovely Christmassy mood. Just look at that super cover!

Ashleigh is a super character, down to earth and very aware that life is somewhat disappointing but still determined to make the best of things. Playing an elf is better than no job at all, and as challenging as her Nan is, she’s lucky to have family.

Olivier is equally genuine and likeable, and a bit more successful workwise, but perhaps not successful enough as far as his father is concerned. He’s much happier with his chocolatier mum.

We get Ashleigh and Olivier in the same place for this Christmas, and what follows is a thoroughly enjoyable will-they won’t-they with a super seasonal background, lots of fascinating secondary characters and some wonderful chocolatey goodness. It’s all very Christmassy and heart-warming.

A real lovely seasonal rom com set around Brighton. A second chance romance with a feel good, curl up by the fire novel. 4 stars I recommend you read and enjoy this as I have done.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the ATC in exchange for an honest review.

Lovely heartwarming story ... really enjoyed the characters and the liveliness of their Jobs!! Great setting in Brighton and a warm Christmassy read

This book is just a wonderful Christmas romance. I loved it.

Ash is approaching 30, lives with her Nan (who is not a fan of Christmas) and longs to be an actress. She is currently working at the Christmas Grotto as an elf. She's a fab hand with a needle and thread and has taken on the task of making her best friends wedding dress.

Olivier works in Paris in his father's restaurant and is a Patissier. He is home for Christmas and his mum is neighbours with Ash and her Nan. Olivier was recently divorced and old feelings for Ash begin to surface.

All their mutual friends can see the attraction building but they cant.

This book made my heart swell and skip a beat. It's a beautiful will they wont they story, perfect festive read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

One Kiss Before Christmas - Emma Jackson

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to Orion Books and Netgalley.

Ashleigh could use a little Christmas magic. She's still living in Brighton with her Nan - who could give the Grinch lessons in how to be miserable - her acting career has been reduced to playing one of Santa's elves, and not even the prospect of a friend's winter wedding can cheer her up...

That is until Olivier, the gorgeous French chef, reappears in her life. Or more accurately, next door.

This book alternates between Olivier and Ashleigh. Whilst it is set at Christmas, the Christmas theme is light so this book could be read at any time of year.

I found this to be a relaxing read to curl up with after a tough day at work. There are amusing moments throughout this story; usually because Ashleigh’s nan is speaking her mind.

I would like to see a sequel to this book.

Rating: 4/5

A feel-good Christmas novel, great for curling up with.

Christmas, chocolate and charm. This book was a scrumptious heartwarming holiday treat. Ashley is feeling a little bah humbug this Christmas. Her struggling acting career has landed her a part as an elf at the local Christmas farm, she still living with her Nan who has a heart the same size as the Grinch, and all her friends seem to be coupled up. Olivier has come to England to spend Christmas with his mother a local chocolatier. He is delighted to have a break from the high pressure job as a chef at his father’s French restaurant, but he has an offer of a promotion looming over him. Ashley and Olivier have known one another since they were kids there’s always been a little spark between them but the timing has never been good. Will this Christmas bring these two together with a little mistletoe magic.

This was such a sweet romance with the perfect sprinkling of festive cheer. Both Ashley and Olivier were tremendously likable characters who I was definitely routing four. Loved all the secondary characters in the story and was thrilled to see a few characters from previous books make an appearance. This was a wonderful well done will they won’t they romance. The perfect little afternoon escape. And can I just say the things that they could do with chocolate was amazing I would love to see the window display that Olivier designed.

This book in emojis 🍫 🎄 🧝🏻‍♀️ 👰🏼 🐠 ⛸

*** Big thank you to Orion for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

A lovely feel good Christmas read, the characters were very endearing and it was fabulous to catch up with some characters from Emma’s previous books.
This can be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoy a will they won’t they storyline, and also the fact it’s duel narrated by both main characters.
Great setting too, I love Brighton and I really wanted to try the delicious sounding chocolates that featured in the story!
Super cozy, just what I needed to kick off my Christmas reading challenge! 📖🎄

One Kiss Before Christmas is a sweet romantic comedy with the warmth of Christmas and the sweetness and nostalgia of a boy/girl-next-door romance.

The Brighton setting adds so much to this story, giving it a special charm and ambiance. Ashleigh and Olivier are easy to connect and empathize with. I love that their relationship has burned since childhood, with circumstances keeping them apart. Though the story is somewhat predictable, so are awesome Hallmark Christmas movies, and I was immersed, stirred, and satisfied.

Overall, this lovely, fun, and sweet Christmas story left a smile on my face. Ash and Olivier took me on a short, fun, and memorable journey. A quick, fun read with steady pacing, cheer-worthy characters, and a festive feel.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book.

A simple (yet brilliant) read. This is the perfect book to get you in the Christmas spirit and proves that sometimes a story with a straight forward plot is all you need in a good book. I loved the location markers at the beginning of each chapter - I'm an easily confused reader but they were spot on to keep my mind focussed on the story. There was no faffing around with unnecessary characters or secondary plots (and they really weren't needed anyway). I read this from cover to cover in half a day and it's got me wanting to whip out some Christmas candles. If you're a fan of a Christmas romance then this is a must read.

Cute seasonal romance, but wasn’t the most festive or Christmassy feeling of stories, but it was such a great romance I didn’t really find myself minding too much. Great characters, lovely writing style, overall adorable.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

One Kiss Before Christmas is a feel-good, Christmas romcom that will melt even Scrooge. Ashleigh has been in love with her neighbours son since he first visited his mum 15 years ago, with miles and an ocean between them though she has never dared hope for more than his holiday friendship. Olivier has been visiting his maman in Brighton for 15years, wishing for more with the girl next door. Will these two finally get their Christmas wish?
I love a Christmas story, no matter the time of year, there is just something so special about them that makes you feel good and never fails to cheer me up. There was some really funny moments in this book, some moments that had me in tears but most of all it made me happy. Yes some may say that books of this genre are predictable or easy reads but I don't think that gives them enough credit. These types of books are meant to bring a smile to your face when there might not be much reason to elsewhere. They certainly do that and for that reason I think books like this are the best books of all.

Easy to read romance with likeable characters.
Ashleigh lives with her gran in Brighton, while being ignored by her actress mother living in the US.
Olivier grew up living next door till he moved to Paris to work in his dads Michelin star restaurant only visiting his mother every christmas.

Ashleigh hes been in love with Olivier since childhood without telling him, on his recent visit does she declare her love to him, scared of being rejected and having a long distance relationship, will it work and will she get that one kiss before christmas.
Olivier has been in love with Ashleigh since childhood will he finally tell her!
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a very sweets romance for this festive season, set to a backdrop of Brighton.

It's not the most Christmassy of books, but its a lovely romance none the less, a real will they, won't they ever get together sort of a thing!

For fans of Emma Jackson's previous books, there are some recurring characters that you will be delighted to see, but if you are new to her don't worry this definitely works as a standalone book.

This is the story of Ashleigh who is currently working as an Elf, at a fabulous sounding Christmas farm, that I would have loved to visit, and her next door neighbour (well when he's visiting his mum), Olivier.

Olivier on this visit home this Christmas, has the opportunity to design the window in his mother's chocolate shop and wow what they can do from chocolate sounds so impressive and tasty.

This was just such a relaxing book to curl up with, and lose yourself within the pages. There are various incredibly amusing moments, and I loved Ashleigh's best friends and just what Romesh was going through.

All in all a really enjoyable story that I had a good time reading.

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

The perfect recipe for a Christmas read, a tick in every box! Heart warming festive and romantic, unputdownable!

Ashleigh is a trained actress who is struggling for work, she has a regular seasonal stint on a farm as a Christmas elf.. Its a career she's got no passion for.
Olivier is an exhausted Parisian chef who has come home to Brighton for the holidays. He has an important decision to make about a job promotion.
The friends reunite after 15 years and even after all this time, they still carry a torch for each other. But what with Ashleigh's abandonment issues, and Olivier's tendency to put others before himself, will they ever be brave enough to say how they feel?

This was a joy to read, I loved all the characters, each bringing their own little side stories which I was equally invested in. There is a very important message conveyed in this book. Do not live your life for others. Put yourself first sometimes. Don't let life pass you by.

One Kiss Before Christmas is such a sweet, light-hearted romance all about second chances and the will-they-won't-they of life-long friends, Ashleigh and Olivier. Life has kept them apart for much longer than either wanted to happen, however, this Christmas, their hearts and minds are opening up further to new possibilities.

I absolutely loved Ashleigh, she was very relatable in the fact that she has such a high wall surrounding her heart and that she is always waiting for the worst to happen - you can't help but root for her to finally get the happy ending and the man she deserves. Olivier was a delightfully handsome love interest for Ashleigh, and although him being a French man has a slight part in that, his optimistic personality and heart of gold is a wonderful addition. It's hard to say a bad word about any of the characters in this book from Ashleigh's best friends, Romesh and Beth, Ashleigh's Nan, Olivier's mamman, and all of the friends in between - everybody bought something magical to this story & I was so excited to see that this is the third book in a series for these characters. I can't wait to go back & read more about the other characters I had the pleasure in meeting via this book.