Review: Christmas is All Around by Martha Waters

Thank you Atria Books for my copy! All thoughts are my own.

I wasn’t too sure about this book, as I haven’t read any of the author’s historical romances, but after a review from a trusted friend I moved it up my TBR. And I LOVED it. It was such a fun, festive book with a lot of heart. It also has excellent audio production and was a great companion during this transitional time before December. It was Christmassy, but not Hallmark Christmassy.

Synopsis:

“Charlotte hates the holidays. As a former child actress, she starred in a modern classic of a holiday movie, and its fans won’t let her move on. When a piece revealing that her reluctance nixed plans for a reboot, she flees to London to spend the five-week countdown to the holidays with her sister.

But the ghosts of Christmas past follow her there when she ends up at Eden Priory, a filming location for the movie she has never visited. There, after being recognized by a fan while viewing the extraordinary holiday decorations, she’s accidently left behind, forcing her to accept a ride back to London from Graham, the son of the owners. Their family business—and the funds to keep their historic house running—relies on holiday cheer, and Graham knows a visit from a holiday star would bring in more visitors.

Now an illustrator, Charlotte accepts a commission illustrating iconic holiday movie scenes in London and its environs. Graham offers to help escort her, as long as she’ll commit to an art workshop at Eden Priory. But as Charlotte’s chaotic family holiday goes awry, she begins spending more time scouting locations with Graham. She may not love a Christmas romance…but what if she has one of her own?” —NetGalley

What I Liked:

The Premise—If you asked me what is one thing I’d want before I retire from an acting career, it would be to be in a classic Christmas movie. They’re my favorite films and I love that they are a part of families’ traditions each year. So I thought it was fun to see the effects of that, especially on a child star!
The Humor—This was a really cheeky, fun book and I thought the banter was nice between all the characters.
The Cozy but Not Cheesy Vibes—This is what I look for in a Christmas book! I don’t want holiday pun names, I want real people with their real lives and real problems amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays.