A Very Irish Christmas
Debbie Johnson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SYNOPSIS:
When New York born Cassie O'Hara uses the money her sassy Irish nana left her to book a month long trip to a cottage in a quaint English village, she's expecting something out of a Hugh Grant movie. Instead she gets a dilapidated, dusty cottage, a temperamental stray dog and two handsome men vying for her attention. There's Charles, the dashing English aristocrat, with an enormous manor and a heart of gold. And Ryan, the brawny curly haired Irish handyman, with a reputation as a playboy and rules he doesn't break. Cassie finds herself doing everything she can to help save the money-draining manor and discovers her heart is pulling her in unexpected directions.

THOUGHTS:
This was such a cute christmasy read. I loved the feel of the village and setting of the quaint English village full of the Irish. It felt like such a big community family. I really enjoyed all the characters within this story. However, I do feel the romance was lacking slightly. I feel like the story put more into one relationship knowing all along she was going to go the other way. However, the spark wasn't fully there.

Having said that I just thought this was an adorable cosy read, with very likeable characters and snowy atmosphere.

Thank you to net galley, storm publishing and the author for the e-arc.

A Very Irish Christmas was so lovely. I loved every second and really couldn't decide if I wanted Cassie to end up with Charles or Ryan. Having a teenage daughter as a secondary character is always a risky move but Debbie Johnson made me love Georgie so much as well. There were many moments that made me laugh and the town made me think of The Holiday. I've already recommended this book to a few of my friends and will recommend it to many more.

This was the perfect festive read that felt like I'd jumped right into a Hallmark movie. I really loved being whisked away to the small remote town with a bunch of delightful characters, a mischievous teen, a gorgeous furry friend and two very handsome men. Every part of this story was extremely cosy and gave me the sudden urge to want to upend my life and fall in love with an unexpected place! Regarding the romance, Debbie really knew how to have me extremely conflicted between two perfectly suited men, Charles was a delightful and charming man who could definitely treat a woman like a princess, and Ryan was just as charming, a bit more rugged and intense but with the right woman, he would definitely pour his heart and soul into loving them. This would have been a 5 stars for me and the only reason I decided on 4 stars was because the romance aspect had me feeling a little unsatisfied by the end. I feel that Debbie should have made it more clear as to who the right man was for Cassie, as both men could have easily been the perfect happy ending and because of that, I found it hard to really root for only one. We see Cassie spend time with one a lot more than the other, therefore the last few chapters then felt slightly rushed in order to switch it up and refocus us on the one Cassie had less moments with. Despite all of that, this was still a very charming and cosy read that I really enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Books for the ARC of A Very Irish Christmas by Debbie Johnson!

If you’re a fan of festive tales where an out-of-towner swoops in to save the day just in time for Christmas, then is your perfect holiday read. This book felt like every Hallmark movie you’ve ever loved rolled into one, with the added bonus of taking place in the most charming of settings (no spoilers!). So many moments were reminiscent of holiday classics like The Holiday with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz (yes, that’s a classic) and it even felt like there was a hint of Disney magic at times. What really set this book apart for me was its delightful cast of characters. Each person Cassie meets, no matter how minor they seem, has their moment to shine, making the village feel like a vibrant, real place you’d want to spend your holidays.

I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because the love triangle left me a little baffled, and I wasn’t entirely sold on the outcome. There were also a few plot points that felt unnecessary, but honestly, isn’t that part of what we like about a good Hallmark movie? While this isn’t the best holiday romance I’ve ever read, I do recommend adding it to your December TBR!

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

This was such an incredible read, it was exactly what I needed without even knowing! I can also state that I had no clue this read would touch me in the way that it did. This is truly a perfect mix of festive fun mixed with an incredible cast of characters and such a remarkable journey of listening to your heart. There's a bit of a love triangle, but its so fulfilling and not at all cheesy in how it's presented, or in how it works out. Truly a read that I am going to reread each year!

Thanks to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the story, perfect for the holidays - but found the British English for an American main character to be distracting.

“A Very Irish Christmas” is a perfect little slice of nostalgia, and reminded me of those early 2000s Hallmark romcoms. It’s cozy and charming, and totally predictable in the best way. The Irish history and culture add a fun little twist, and I’ll admit, I wasn’t mad about the two really hot male leads who the main character is torn between. Classic love triangle, but I’ll give it a pass because it actually felt a bit refreshing and didn’t feel TOO obvious who she would end up with. That being said, the main character definitely got on my nerves a little. She has that "I'm not like other girls" vibe, full of self-deprecation and a lot of feeling sorry for herself. Honestly, she felt kind of flat—like a character we've seen a million times before. I had a hard time connecting with her. But honestly, I did love all the side characters. They were so much fun. They were the real standout for me. The ending romance felt a little rushed. I wasn’t completely sold on the connection between the two leads by the time everything wrapped up. The build-up definitely leaned more towards friendly vibes than romance, and then—boom—suddenly it’s a happily-ever-after. It didn’t feel fully earned, but at least it was feel good. At the end of the day, this is the perfect palate cleanser for a holiday romance. You know exactly what you're getting, and it delivers all the cozy, feel-good vibes you want from a Christmas romance, even if the love story itself could’ve used a little more depth.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find the audio version through my local library.
This was honestly a very cute and wholesome novel. There is some cussing in it, but not much. The characters are all great, and I loved how the author did not make it woke and put things in there.
I was very disappointed in her choice at the end...I was just kind of like, why? I was hoping she would have picked the other guy. I won't do spoilers. But I am glad I am not the only one to think that, lol. I feel like by her picked, I was so confused why she decided that way when clearly the author was going the other way. But if you are looking for a great gast read Christmas story, you will like this novel!

Certainly a cute holiday rom-com that will make you smile. I loved that Cassie was willing to take a chance and return to her nana’s roots. From the moment Cassie arrived until the end, I found myself laughing and cheering her on. Charles and Ryan are both great characters and they both bring out important qualities Cassie has had buried or hidden for too long. I don’t normally enjoy the stress and drama of love triangles, but I did not feel that angst with this story at all. The only thing that was a bit distracting as an American reader, all of Cassie’s expressions and thoughts were in a dialect that is not American. It was consistent with the people she was surrounded by, but not as an American. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story, and my heart melted at the end. There is some language, but the story is clean and sweet.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. A lovely Christmas story about Cassie who comes to spend a month in the Cotswolds from New York. She has been living a sad life until her friends persuades her to spend her inheritance on a break away from her family. She arrives in a snowstorm at a dismal cottage that she had pre-booked but us clearly not ready for guests. After a bad start things can only go one way.
A very heart warming story in what sounds like a nice place to live. I recommend this book yo those who enjoy romantic stories.

By the very popular author Debbie Johnson, this is her latest Christmas book set during the lead up to Christmas. Cassie has just been jilted and totally let down by her fiance and to make matters worse her beloved nanna Nora has passed away leaving a huge hole in her life. When her sister June tells her to use her inheritance money and make a visit overseas to England or Ireland where her nanna originated from, she is not really sure what she should do. Eventually she does just that and on arrival finds things are not quite as she thought they might be, the cottage is certainly not as it was advertised and all it does is rain all the time. But she makes the best of it and soon realises that the locals are certainly a friendly bunch, most with an Irish connection which she loves.
The village is just idyllic, lots of charm and characters that you could only normally read about and each family has an Irish connection and very soon she feels like she is also one of the villagers and throws herself into village life. When the big house needs help to generate necessary income to survive, she immediately steps in with suggestions for bringing in much needed money. Just before Christmas she takes the trip she has always dreamed of to visit the place where her beloved Nanna Nora grew up in Cork, Ryan who is the handyman on the estate, shows her important landmarks and the house where he lost his wife and daughter in a house fire. Very soon you realise that there is a new love interest in Cassie's life, will it work though? No spoilers here, but this is a very readable book, not just for Christmas too, it draws you in and you can't help but care about the characters. Set in lovely locations in England and Ireland, a lovely book to snuggle up with. I adored it, a five star read from me.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read A Very Irish Christmas by Debbie Johnson.

Debbie Johnson knows how to write the most magical, heartwarming stories, and this Christmas novel may be her best yet! I loved ever word and was sorry for it to end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by Johnson and I was immediately intrigued by the title alone. I love a great Christmas book set in Ireland! However, this one isn't actually set in Ireland, but a dreamy little English town like a little Ireland in the English countryside. From the first page, I knew I was going to love this story. I really enjoyed the author's writing style and the voice of the main character. She was so relatable and well-developed. I was rooting for her from the start.

Cassie O'Hara is stuck in a rut after being ditched at the altar. Three years later, she still can't let it go and move on with her life. Then, she loses her Grandmother, who was everything to her. So, her BFF convinces her to get away from her family, who drives her insane, and do something different this Christmas. She decides to use her inheritance to go to the English countryside and have a little adventure. Not only does she find herself while she is there, she finds a connection to a small town that she never imagined she would. And of course, she finds herself in a little love triangle, too! I wish this town was real because I'd want to be on the next flight over. If you are a fan of love, finding yourself, eccentric lovable characters, and of course, Christmas, you will love this story as much as I did. I am looking forward to more books by this author and I'd love to see a sequel with Cassie!

Another charming read from Debbie Johnson. Cassie, a New Yorker with Irish heritage, is struggling to move in from a painful period of her life and ends up decamping to a small English village with an Irish twist for the festive period. The characters and setting are engaging and it makes for a pleasant Christmas read.

I really enjoyed this title a great cozy christmas read. Within the book I did notice a few typos and large gaps but overall a great book and story.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or the publisher's blurb...

I've read a few other novels by Debbie Johnson, so looked forward to reading this, and was not disappointed.

This is a cosy, light read with sprinkles of romance - also features some sad issues, but shows how people are able to move forward, which is uplifting.

I loved the settings - New York, England, Ireland - all well described. I loved the wide ranging cast of characters - many eccentric, and the relationships between the various characters were believable too.

I have to admit to being slightly disappointed by Cassie's choice (not giving away the plot!), but I guess the clue is in the book title!

Recommended for lovers of cosy, light romance novels.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

Cassie decides to use her inheritance from her Irish grandma to escape a family Christmas. She ends up in a quant Cotswold village but things don’t quite go to plan. Luckily help is at hand from both the distinguished English landowner and an attractive Irish handyman. As with all Debbie Johnson’s books this will keep you hooked until the very last page.

This was such a cute feel-good holiday read, full of tradition and fun! All of the characters of the town were quirky, but not in an over the top way. It feels real and relatable as if I was truly transported into the town....wishing that I truly was! The author's descriptions were wonderful and it was beautiful to see Cassie find herself again and some new love along the way. I loved both MMCs and had a hard time picking between who I was a fan of more. I naturally wish that there was a little bit more heat overall, but for being a closed door romance, was still quite enjoyable.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The book tells the story of Cassie, who, needing a break from life, leaves NYC to reconnect with her roots. After a series of life-changing events, including the recent loss of her beloved Irish Nanna Nora, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Set at Christmastime, the book does a delightful job of capturing the holiday spirit, with its cozy village setting and festive atmosphere. While I expected Cassie to travel to Ireland, she instead finds herself in the Cotswolds—a village improbably filled with Irish people. Despite this odd twist, the story shines as the entire community rallies together to help one of their own, adding warmth and heart. Cassie also meets a cast of charming characters, including two very different men vying for her attention. The writing is fun and lighthearted, though occasionally overly long for my taste.

Cassie and Ted - college sweethearts - are getting married in the beautiful and festive month of December at the age of 34. Cassie is thrilled for her future but the moment she meets Ted at the alter, he utters those terrible words "I don't think I can do this," leaving Cassie at the alter.

Three years later, Cassie hasn't been able to move on and mend her fragile heart. Each year since she was left at the alter, in the once beloved month of December, she watches the wedding video leading up to the terrible moment, sobbing and feeling heartbroken all over again.

Cassie, now 37, is a professional events planner in NYC. At the urging of her well-intentioned family and friends, she realizes she needs a change of scenery. Using the inheritance left by her cherished Irish Nana Nora, she decides to book a 5 week holiday in Ireland to see the country her Nana left behind.

Landing on, and booking, the whimsical cottage of her dreams, Cassie is determined to make new memories in the month of December. Realizing the cozy, online cottage isn't actually in Ireland, she's not deterred and excitedly takes off for England.

Once she arrives, she finds the cottage greatly lacking. Dust covered sheets cover the furniture and a lightbulb bursts when she tries turning it on. To say she is underwhelmed by this Bancroft owned location, would be an understatement. Making her way to a local eatery, she complains about it to a fellow patron. To her shock and surprise, she's talking to Charles Bancroft, who is a real life Viscount, and the owner of the cottage she booked; and just openly complained about!

Much to Cassie's chagrin, Charles shows his disdain to Ryan, the Bancroft Manner handy-man and groundskeeper. Ryan is the local playboy who has a to-die-for Irish accent and an air of mystery that makes Cassie weak in her knees. But Charles is refined, sturdy, and the definition of a gentleman - someone Cassie is sure would never let her down.

Charles insists Cassie stay with him in the Manor while Ryan works day and night to get the cottage habitable. Over time, Charles explains the Bancroft Manor is running low on funds which may result in raising rents on the residents and business owners in the village below the impressive Manor. But Cassie's wheels begin to turn as she sees the possibilities the Manor possesses. She can envision everything from art classes, to corporate conferences, to wellness retreats taking place in the halls of the Bancroft Manner. Enlisting the help of the community, they stage a picture perfect event displaying all of those ideas to promote on social media and surrounding areas with hopes of revitalizing the area, drawing in tourists. The event closes the gap between the Manor and the residents, forging a positive working relationship that benefits everyone.

While all of this is going on, Cassie believes she's finally ready to open her wounded heart to someone and finally allow her heart to heal. But she feels herself pulled between Charles, his sophistication and refinement; his amazing smell, stability and loyalty; and Ryan who is handsome, hardworking, caring, selfless, and mysterious. As she gets to know both men, she knows she must make the right choice and not find herself jilted at the alter for a second time.

Who does Cassie pick? Who helps her put the pieces of heart back together? And will the success she helped cultivate with the Bancroft Manor and the town result in her starting over again in England? Or will she return to New York where both her bad memories and her family and friends live?

Once again, Debbie Johnson provides a fun and engaging read. A Very Irish Christmas is perfect to enjoy during the cooler evenings, bundled up with cozy blankets, and a warm coffee, tea, or cocoa. Once again, my love of Debbie Johnson's seemingly flawed characters, enthralling plot, and impeccable story telling has me wanting to consume her expansive back catalogue of novels while I delight in anticipation for her next one!