This was a very sweet, festive (even when it's not the festive time of year) story. I didn't realize it was part of a series at first, but that didn't matter as I was reading it. The story was still really enjoyable even without any prior knowledge of the characters or community.

The characters and community were great in this one. It's the kind of book that's sweet and simple and made me smile.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have enjoyed a lot of books by this author and this one was no exception. It was a great book!

Another fab festive read by Jaimie
Franca is wondering if her Nutcracker shop is going to survive as business is slow
Raff her arch nemesis’s snow globe shop is also struggling to survive
A freak accident at the start of the busiest season sees Franca get hurt which means she can’t work, help arrives with the person she least expects any help from Raff. Franca grudgingly accepts his offer and she gradually gets to see what a lovely kind caring person he really is and realises she has been wrong about him all along.
Will their shops survive on Ever After Street ?

This was a sweet Christmas story with substance. Don’t be put off by this book being in a series. I didn’t realize it was in a series till I was mostly through it. You won’t feel like you’re missing anything.

Franca kind of has an unfair grudge against Raff. His family sells magical slow globes that are supposed to tell the holders when they are meant to be together. Franca’s parents met because of one and had a nasty divorce.
And now Franca and Raff have both had businesses on Ever After Street for a few years.
Franca has suggested, kind of accidentally, a competition with only one winner. Either Franca’s nutcracker shop stays or Raff’s family snow globe shop.

Then Franca accidentally hurts herself and Raff winds up helping her make her nutcrackers. He turns out to be a wonderfully kind man.

Now Franca regrets that only one of them can stay. Because Ever After Street is the perfect place for both of them. It’s a collections of shops that celebrate the holidays year round.

Will they both stay? Is it possible?

I thought this book was sweet and enjoyable. Likable lead characters, especially Raff. Nice and Christmassy and I liked how vulnerable the characters are with each other.

I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley. Thanks!

Book Review: Christmas Ever After

I recently read Christmas Ever After by Jaimie Admans, and it was an absolute delight! This charming festive romance swept me into the enchanting world of Ever After Street, where magic and love intertwine in the most heartwarming ways.

Franca Andrews, the protagonist, had me rooting for her from the start. Running a struggling nutcracker shop during the bustling holiday season, she faces the seemingly insurmountable challenge of competing against Raff Dardenne, the talented snow globe maker. The tension between them was palpable and so well-written, capturing the essence of rivalry and the potential for something more.

What I loved most was how Franca’s character developed throughout the story. Initially consumed by frustration, she slowly discovers Raff’s kind, humorous side, revealing layers to him that make him incredibly relatable. Their chemistry crackled as they navigated their professional rivalry, and it was a joy to watch them evolve from adversaries to allies.

The setting itself was as vibrant as the characters. Admans paints a picturesque picture of a Christmas wonderland, filled with twinkling lights and holiday cheer. I could almost smell the gingerbread and hear the laughter echoing through the streets. The small-town charm added a cozy backdrop that made the festive atmosphere all the more enchanting.

Admans has a knack for blending humor with heartfelt moments. I found myself laughing out loud at some scenes while simultaneously feeling a tug at my heartstrings. The message of love, community, and believing in magic during the holiday season resonated deeply with me.

Overall, Christmas Ever After is the perfect read to curl up with during the holidays. It's a story about competition, understanding, and the unexpected magic that love can bring. If you're looking for an uplifting, romantic escape this winter, I highly recommend diving into this delightful book!

I had to dnf after the first couple of pages cause it made me uncomfortable and was gross. I get maybe it was supposed to be quirky and funny but it was not and if that is the writers humor I am not reading any further.

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

Can there be anything more Christmassy than a story involving a nutcracker shop and a Snow Globe shop, I mean with the exception of setting the story in Santa’s village on the eve of the big day itself I’m thinking this maybe the most Christmas themed of reads I’ve read and it made me feel the full spirit of the season, even reading at the very end of August.

It’s always such a joy to read one of Jaime Adman’s books, I especially love her Ever After series as they are just so magical. In this book, Christmas Ever After we get to see some old faces (if you’ve read before) and also get to know some new ones. Whilst this is a book in a series and we see some previous characters, I definitely think it could be read as a stand-alone and not lose out on anything.

I absolutely love Christmas, its probably my favourite time of the year, just spending time with family and friends, this story reminded me so much why I love the season so much and made me more excited for the next couple of months. I love Ever After street and the thought and images iof walking through it, all decorated abd the cute shops, I just wanted Togo there myself even more !

I love the slow burn we have with Franca and Raff, and although it reads as enemies to lovers on the synopsis, they only stay enemies for a very short portion of the book (but no spoilers fro me) I loved their story, the family side of Christmas again highlights my joy of the season. This is simply a wonderful Christmas story that reminds me of all the best things about Christmas and it’s definitely going to be a seasonal reread now.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A lovely Christmas romance full of Christmas magic a heartwarming enemies to lovers book that I didn't want to end I now need to read the previous books in the series

The Blurb :
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but Franca Andrews has never felt more miserable. With business far from bustling, she needs a Christmas miracle to keep her beloved nutcracker shop open... But there’s one man standing in her way - expert snow globe maker Raff Dardenne.
Dardenne Snow Globes have a magical reputation for bringing lovers together, a myth that Raff continues to exploit, much to Franca’s annoyance! But this Christmas their shops are pitted against each other and only one gets to stay on Ever After Street. Franca doesn't know how her handmade nutcrackers are ever going to compete with Raff's magical snow globes, especially at the most magical time of the year!
Franca’s determined to prove Raff’s business is built on lies. But when disaster strikes, and she’s left unable to make anything, she needs help. It’s just very frustrating that the only person offering is her gorgeous, annoying, nemesis himself!
As these two enemies get to know each other, Franca discovers another side to Raff – kind, caring and funny. But unless she can prove that his magical snow globes can’t really match true lovers together, she’s going to lose everything…
But maybe it's not too late for them to put aside their differences and find some Christmas magic of their own?

My Thoughts :
Christmas Ever After, is part of the Ever After Street series.
In this story we focus on Franca Andrews who owns a Nutcracker shop and Raff Dardenne, maker of snow globes and owns a shop.
Neither of them see eye to eye and really dont get on, years ago Franca’s parents were matched by one of the Dardenne family snow globes made by Raff’s grandfather and had a very unhappy marriage.
She thinks its all a con and complains to the council, who then in turn decide that one of the shops need to go in the new year as both shops do not work in the street.
But when Franca has an accident with her fingers, she can no longer make her Nutcrackers, Raff offers to help and soon the couple are forced together and the sparks fly in more ways than one.
As we continue with the story can they fall in love or were they always destined to hate each other!?.
Once again Jaimie Admans delivers us a festive treat. I really loved the blurb for this story and knew it was one I had to pick up and read, seeing as I am a fan of her previous work.
We are soon dropped right into all the festivities and made to feel all warm and fuzzy with the surroundings. It was great to revisit some past characters aswell.
Jaimie Admans, creates a community that we can relate to and I feel I am always routing for the characters in question and wanting to live on the street.
Great supporting cast as always and a few treats added in for good measure.
Looking forward to more soon.

A lovely heartwarming read. Raff seemed like the perfect gentleman and I enjoyed reading about the cosy festive nights that Franca had with Raff’s family.

A great story to add to the Ever After Street collection. Already looking forward to the next one!

Loved it!!!! I would give the book 4.5 stars. So far this is my second favorite book in the series after "An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street." This book series are cute and fun reads, especially if you love all things surrounding Disney and fairytales. This book is all about Christmas. It's the perfect read for the holidays or anytime since I read it in September. It will get you in the mood for hot chocolate, nutcrackers, mistletoe, carols.....everything holiday related. When I first started reading, I wasn't too sure about the story. Franca and Raff were dreadful. I didn't want to read about two people hating each other that much. The bickering and the anger was just too much. They didn't even know each other. Franca kept going on and on about Jorge and how wonderful he was and how much she wanted to kiss him. Bad breath and an oink definitely changed her mind. After a terrible fall and some broken bones, the story changes. We get to see the real Franca and Raff. Franca's anger was completely displaced. She blamed the Dardennes for her parents' horrible marriage. Instead of making her parents accountable for their actions she blamed the snow globe creators. Loved getting to know Raff and Franca. Once they let go of their anger, they were perfect for each other. They wanted both shops to succeed and helped each other out. Raff's family is the best. They are all so loving and welcoming of Franca. Grandma Biddy is never without a martini in her hand, no matter the time of day. All around I loved the book. It made me laugh, smile and maybe a few sniffles at the end.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the story, characters and writing style. I want to visit Ever After Street and Christmas on Ever After Street. I would be friends with all the shopkeepers, except for Jorge. Hopefully there's more books in the series. This would make the perfect Christmas rom-com. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Boldwood Books, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Ahhhh my first Christmas book of the year and now I can’t wait to dive into more! This was a lovely read and has left me wanting to do some crafting activities this weekend,

I love Christmas but haven’t been much of a nutcracker fan but that may change after reading this! Although it would definitely have to be a hand crafted one…

The community of Ever After Street is present in this book and lots of familiar faces are mentioned but this is very focused on Raff and Franca which I really liked, you get lost in their worlds and I felt like I became friends with them both.

This is chocka block with Christmas festivities, from quality street, to Christmas markets and building gingerbread houses. Such a warm feeling spreads while reading this and it really did feel like you (and Franca) were getting a massive hug!

I’ve loved this series and the final one is no different.
Full of Christmas magic and romance. Franca runs a nutcracker shop and when a terrible accident brings her together with Raff who runs Loves is all Around something magical happens.
With Raff and Franca both struggling to keep their business afloat can they settle their differences and help each other out.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book

Jaimie Admans’ Christmas Ever After is the perfect festive finale to the beloved Ever After Street series, and it absolutely shines with heart, humour, and Christmas magic!
Franca has lost her love for Christmas, and after watching her parents’ marriage fall apart, she’s also given up on romance. Now, she channels all her energy into one-upping her longtime rival, Raff Dardenne, who owns a snow globe shop with a magical history of bringing couples together. Franca, meanwhile, is famous for her handcrafted nutcrackers, and the rivalry between them has been simmering for years. But when a humiliating accident during a live-streamed holiday event leaves Franca with broken fingers, everything changes. Unable to work, she finds herself reluctantly accepting help from none other than Raff—and soon, their feud begins to melt into something entirely unexpected.
Raff is a beautifully flawed character, and as Franca starts to see beyond their rivalry, the chemistry between them becomes irresistible. Their enemies-to-lovers journey is filled with touching moments and festive charm, making their romance feel magical. Watching Franca’s walls come down and her rediscovery of Christmas joy was both heartwarming and relatable, especially with Raff’s gentle support.
This story is more than just a romance—it's about healing, embracing love, and finding magic in the most unexpected places. I loved the return to Ever After Street, with its enchanting setting and the sense of community that brings the story to life. The small, whimsical touches, from nutcrackers to snow globes, add an extra layer of holiday warmth.
Christmas Ever After is a joyous, uplifting read that will leave you smiling long after the final page. Jaimie Admans has crafted a wonderfully cozy, festive love story, and I couldn't think of a better way to close out this enchanting series. If you’re a fan of holiday romance, this is an absolute must-read!

This is the last book in the last in the Ever After Street series and boy is it a beautiful ending to a beautiful series! I’ve loved every one and this is no exception!
The two main characters in this story are Franc and Raff. They are at loggerheads with each other and no one is backing down!
Unfortunately there is a bit of an accident and Raff manages to knock Franc off a stool while trying to do a kiss under the mistletoe for the start of the Ever After Street Christmas, drawing customers in from far and wide to buy all their Christmas wares. The trouble is that it’s a live stream and the whole awful episode is live online! Feeling awful about it, Raff attempts to help Franc, although they have a notice by the council that whoever sells the most through December will keep their shop while the other one loses theirs.
It’s a truly joyous read, making you want all that the characters have. A loving family, a perfect Christmas…. we can only hope!! I was left with a warm feeling inside when I finished this book.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this arc copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #TheBoldBookClub, #JaimieAdams1

I'm thoroughly enjoying the Ever After Street Series so was looking forward to reading the latest book.

After Franca’s injury, the person who helps her most is Raff, although she cannot tolerate being in the same room as him. This changes as she gets to know him, which leads to some sweet moments and also some humorous ones. By the end I was rooting for both of them and their shops to stay on the Street.

I had very mixed feelings on Franca for a lot of the book but warmed to her as her realisation grew. Raff, on the other hand was so sweet and such a gentleman. I adored his family, especially when they welcomed Franca in and helped her see the magic of Christmas again.

A lovely enemies-to-lovers, slow burn story with all the magic of Christmas that makes for a heart-warming read.

Christmas Ever After
Jaimie Admans

“No one is ever too old to believe in magic.”

Ok this book was magical, I simply adored this and the sweet romance and realistic characters. The was the perfect balm to restore joy and festive cheer ahead of the busiest time of the year. I do know if Christmas Ever After lane was a real place I would be certain to visit.

“The broken fingers have revealed how many other parts of my life are broken. One spinning plate falls and all others falter too, like a ripple effect.”

Christmas Ever After was such a delightful holiday romance read and the perfect start to kick off my festival reads. It has feel - good characters, small town charm, second chances, found family and most importantly the magic of finding love in the most unexpected of ways.

“I’m yours. Metaphorically speaking.”

Welcome to Ever After Street and its little sister Christmas Ever After where every shop is festively themed. Franca owns the Nutcracker shop and her arch nemesis Raff Dardenne owns Dardenne Snow Globes, which has a magical reputation for bringing lovers together, a myth that Raff continues to exploit much to Franca’s annoyance. With their Christmas shops pitted against each other and only one will get to stay on Ever After Street, tensions will definitely boil over.

“You’re telling me that the entire Dardenne legacy is based on wishful thinking and the power of suggestion? Come off it, Raff!”

Will they be able to put aside their differences and find some Christmas magic of their own?
Magical matchmaking snow globes aren’t a real thing, or are they?

‘And it all starts to make sense. Horrible, profiteering, money-grabbing sense.’

Massive thank you to @jaimieadmans1 and @theboldbookclub. Christmas Ever After is out now!

Do you have a favourite Christmas shop? Mine is in Scotland, it’s open all year around and every time I’m on the Royal Mile (Edinburgh) I always go in and buy a handmade ornament.I have far too many now but it’s a little tradition I love. 💝

(Review posted 10th September 2024)

It was lovely to visit Ever After Street again, catching up with old characters and being introduced to new ones. Jaimie's books are such a joy to read, they remind me of Hallmark movies. Her characters are so lovely and have such depth. I loved getting to know Franca and Raff. Their chemistry from the start was fantastic. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series. I'm definitely feeling the Christmas spirit after finishing this.

This was such a cute Christmas novel. I haven't read the Ever After Street Series and read this book as a standalone.
I really liked the two main characters Franca and Raff.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.