A beautifully written emotional book about two people trying to move forward after major changes in their lives. Great characters, cute dogs, Christmas - a lovely combination.

Thank you NetGalley for an opportunity to read a book with Christmas in the title..and it's only August. Two troubled souls that have decided to deny themselves the opportunity to enjoy Christmas, book a secluded cottage, in order to escape the demands of family, friends and society. A double booking, car troubles and two adorable dogs leads (pun completely intended) to a houseshare with rules, texts and a white board. A predictable ending, but a journey that is worthwhile pursuing and some heartwarming characters help keep your interest alive.
A book that will be perfect for the Christmas season, when decorations are complete, the fire is lit and you're sat with a warming drink and choose to escape your own dramas.

Yet another lovely book from Emma Heatherington. This one was so emotional and just a little bit heavy for me but it has stayed with me long after reading.

Just a lovely story, thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read.

I’d like to thank Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘This Christmas’ written by Emma Heatherington in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Since her boyfriend Michael died at Christmas three years ago Rose Quinn has been unable to celebrate, but this year she needs to get away and spend some time by herself at her Granny Molly’s cottage now renamed Seaview Cottage. Although it’s advertised as closed she persuades her relative Rusty Quinn to let her stay there but unfortunately his wife Marion has also booked the cottage to Charlie.

‘This Christmas’ is a pleasant heart-warming novel that’s situated is the beautiful location of Donegal and has nicely described colourful characters. It’s a gentle story with a lovely Christmassy feel but although it started off well by grabbing my interest it slowed down mid-way and the plot became fairly predictable. Despite guessing in advance how it was going to end, it’s a novel that leaves the reader with the feel-good factor and is perfect for reading over the Christmas period.

As the temperatures for this time of year drop, my mind turns to autumn and Christmas.

I found this to be an easy read, that I did over two nights. It had me hooked from the start. The descriptions were so well done, that you could almost imagine yourself in the village that Charlie and Rose found themselves. Whilst there is an underlying back story for both characters, there are some laugh out loud moments, particularly when they find they are double booked, have to share and how to work around that, all whilst navigating life in a small village where news spreads fast.

Being Christmas titled, I probably should have waited until later in the year, to hunker down with a nice hot chocolate, cosy blanket and the heating on, which would have suited the ambience of the book more. As it is I’m a sucker for Christmas romances that give you that cherry feeling when you’ve finished and I found this novel delivered well.

Christmas books and movies are my jam! I love them , but unfortunately this book just did not hit the spot for me. The writing is good and the characters have depth, but also a lot of baggage.
however, this might be a case that it was not for me as a reader, and that's okay.

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This heart-warming romance is set around Christmas time at Seaview Cottage. As Christmas approaches Rose and Charlie although strangers both decide they need to spend this Christmas alone to work through the issues they are battling in their lives.

What Rose and Charlie don’t know is their hideaway cottage has been double booked, so they may not get the alone time as they had wished.

After an uncomfortable start the two strangers decide to share the cottage, with as little contact as possible.

Will they work through their issues? Will they find more at the Seaview Cottage?

I love this romance; it is heart-warming and funny too. It is sweet to see how the two characters develop and seem to help each other without even realising.

Rose is a strong woman who blames herself for something which is not her fault, which is heart-breaking to read about. I liked her determination and independence throughout even when she is hurting.

Charlie’s situation is just as heart-breaking, and I can’t imagine what he is going through. They make an unusually perfect couple, but will they realise?

Overall, a heart-warming romance where a double-booked cottage may change two people’s lives forever.

Apologies for the delay in this review, i have been battling ill health.

Great story, lovely setting, enjoyed the charcters and the story very much. I thought it flowed really well and it was a really good read.

Cute story, took a while to get into but the story then began to get going. Fairly predictable but the writing was pleasant and whilst not a fast paced page turner, it was a good enough read x

Rose Quinn used to love Christmas but now everything has changed, she’s struggling and desperate to get out of Dublin for the holiday season and spend it alone. Except for her dog George, of course. She books and escape to Seaview Cottage in Donegal and sets off, her only plan to hunker down and walk the dog.

This is Charlie Sheerin‘s first Christmas alone and obviously he’s not looking forward to it. He sets off from Belfast accompanied by his dog Max and being the helpful chap he undoubtedly is, he tries to help a woman having car trouble. He arrives at the cottage he’s booked and whilst he’s being shown around another car arrives. Yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s Rose and I’ll bet you’ve also guessed, the cottage is double booked. Whoops. What to do?

If you enjoy the film The Holiday then you’ll probably enjoy this seasonal read from Emma Heatherington. This definitely gives you the festive vibes even before Christmas! It’s a touching feel good story which captures the late December magic, especially towards the end of the novel.

I love the setting in the Donegal area which is full of atmosphere and makes you want to visit as it seems so idyllic. The cottage is very tempting too! The two main characters, though polar opposite, are both very likeable and as for the dogs…..❤️❤️ We learn the burdensome loads both are carrying as the novel progresses and you warm to them even more. A shout out too for Rose’s Uncle Rusty who is so nice with a bit of a boo ya sucks to his wife Marion! This is a sweet story and although it definitely follows a predictable path but that’s what you hope for, so happy days.

However, it is a bit slow, especially at the start and so it takes me a while to get into it and the ending feels a bit rushed . One oddity is a character does a complete 180 personality change. Is it a sprinkling of Christmas Magic? Let’s go with a yes.

Overall, this is a lovely wintry escapist read, and obviously it snows.!! The lovely cover also entices you in.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

A lovely, romantic book about grief and finding new ways to feel alive at Christmas. Now if I could just find a way to visit Granny Molly's cottage, I'd be set!

This is an enjoyable, warm hearted read. I love the premise of the double booking, forced proximity, not-quite-enemies t0 lovers vibe. I liked that each had a wound that was believable and understandable. I enjoyed the development of their relationship but regretted the closed door approach to the love scene because I felt this was really one of those occasions when revealing the intimacy would have enhanced the subsequent regret and cold feet scene.

I enjoyed so much of this but I did feel that at times it was so slow and filled up with unnecessary description that I wanted to scream in frustration. I think some judicious editing would help. But overall, a lovely read.

Ended this book sobbing, this is a.perfect heart warming and emotional read that I loved. Credit to the author for making me as a reader become so engrossed in the story. I loved it!

A lovely easy Christmas story with well rounded characters and great descriptions of the winter countryside. Although predictable this has all the ingredients required of a Christmas novel. I have never visited Ireland but this book really makes me want to visit!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC

I read this book in the stifling 34 degree heat on my summer holiday and I blummin loved it.
Warm, gentle full of romance it was such a treat. I loved the characters particularly Uncle Rusty who reminds me of my own Irish family. The cottage our characters find themselves in is picture perfect and well described along with the beautiful scenery of Ireland at Christmas.
The perfect Christmas book so I might well re-read it in a few months time.

Rose is struggling with grief, which is worse around Christmas.
Charlie is broken-hearted following his young daughter moving abroad with her mother.
Both are seeking solitude and solace at Christmas, at a remote cottage in Donegal.
This is a gorgeous, sweet story, exploring grief and forgiveness.
It has a snowy, Christmas feel but isn't over the top and I enjoyed reading it in August.
I highly recommend this book.

"This Christmas" by Emma Heatherington is an absolute delight that captures the essence of the holiday season in a heartwarming and touching manner. The story beautifully weaves together the lives of Rose and Charlie, both struggling with their own pasts and present circumstances during Christmas. Heatherington's writing skillfully brings out the emotions of each character, making them relatable and endearing. As Rose and Charlie unexpectedly find themselves sharing a holiday rental, the ensuing interactions are filled with humor, warmth, and genuine moments that remind us of the magic of human connection. Set against the backdrop of rural Donegal, the atmosphere is cozy and inviting, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the charm of the setting. This book is a testament to the power of love, healing, and the joy that can be found even in unexpected situations. A perfect read to get you into the holiday spirit and leave you with a heartwarming glow long after the last page is turned.

A nice fun read. This was a great bit of escapism, though I wouldn’t go into it expecting anything more. I’m pretty sure it was inspired by the likes of The Holiday, and, as such, did the job well.

Two souls suffering their own losses, craving moments alone and thrown together in a random situation. What could happen?
Rose can't celebrate Christmas anymore. Not after a tragedy that left her alone and full of blame on Christmas Eve. All she wants is a few days on her own to reset, with no one expecting her to be all festive.
Off she heads to an extra special cottage in the middle of nowhere.
Charlie is in turmoil. After losing his daughter to another country, with her mum and new stepdad, Christmas has lost its sparkle... He needs to get away to wallow in his own misery.
A break suggested by his good friend in a secluded cottage in the back of beyond is arranged.
But the real tragedy is the fact that they are double booked into the same idyllic, isolated cottage. In the snow, where there is only one bedroom and no way for one of them to leave...
A recipe for disaster?
Both have their faithful pups with them, Max and George, who immediately become best canine buds. But the same can't be said of their human companions, who fight to stay as disconnected as possible.
This is a classic case of forced proximity, as Rose and Charlie learn snippets about the other and, in tiny ways, begin to change, but are those snippets enough?
I read it all in a day. Loved the story and the little twists that really had you guessing what was really going on in Rose and Charlie's personal lives back home.
Christmas is a time for love; this book showed it in spades.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House, UK, Cornerstone for an ARC.

Really enjoyed this one..never read anything from this author before. This was more than just an easy romance. Charlie and Rose and their respective dogs both end up in the same holiday cottage for a Christmas stay away from the world...both nursing their own issues. They resolve to both stay but with a set of house rules that mean they have as little to do with each other as possible.. This is so much harder than they imagine and over time they get to know one another and share their issues. Family ties and other complications add depth to this tale. Thoroughly enjoyable read .