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A Concert for Christmas
Unwrap a story of festive song, good cheer and - just maybe - a sprinkling of love ...
Schoolteacher Sophie Lawson has fled to the Cotswold countryside after a tragic break-up and is throwing herself into dating and organising Cranswell's annual Christmas concert.
The festive fun is marred by the arrival of a handsome but surly musical director, tricky pupils and concert preparations falling into disarray. Disaster strikes, but the show must go on. Will the concert bring Christmas harmony to Cranswell and will Sophie end the year on a high note?
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'The perfect cozy Christmas romance.' - Jennifer Bibby, author of The Cornish Hideaway
'Full of the crescendos and cymbal crashes of a whole orchestra, A Concert for Christmas is a heart-warming Christmas novel that hits all the right notes!' - Rosie Hannigan, author of The Moonlight Gardening Club
'A Concert for Christmas has all the lovely sparkle you'd expect from a festive romance but real heart and emotion too.' - Jennifer Page, author of The Little Board Game Cafe
Schoolteacher Sophie Lawson has fled to the Cotswold countryside after a tragic break-up and is throwing herself into dating and organising Cranswell's annual Christmas concert.
The festive fun is marred by the arrival of a handsome but surly musical director, tricky pupils and concert preparations falling into disarray. Disaster strikes, but the show must go on. Will the concert bring Christmas harmony to Cranswell and will Sophie end the year on a high note?
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'The perfect cozy Christmas romance.' - Jennifer Bibby, author of The Cornish Hideaway
'Full of the crescendos and cymbal crashes of a whole orchestra, A Concert for Christmas is a heart-warming Christmas novel that hits all the right notes!' - Rosie Hannigan, author of The Moonlight Gardening Club
'A Concert for Christmas has all the lovely sparkle you'd expect from a festive romance but real heart and emotion too.' - Jennifer Page, author of The Little Board Game Cafe
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2023
7 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 28, 2023
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this quaint christmassy book
sophie lawson is a school teacher, shes also in charge of the christmas choir this year to raise funds for her mothers charity
but alas the musical director has a family emergency and someone else takes over, someone who sophie is trying to avoid after a very disastrous blind date that had balloons attached to that memory
this is a fun read for christmas, it has all the bells and whistle that give it a real good christmassy feel to it
sophie lawson is a school teacher, shes also in charge of the christmas choir this year to raise funds for her mothers charity
but alas the musical director has a family emergency and someone else takes over, someone who sophie is trying to avoid after a very disastrous blind date that had balloons attached to that memory
this is a fun read for christmas, it has all the bells and whistle that give it a real good christmassy feel to it
December 25, 2024
Unfortunately this is not a good book. I was hoping it would get me into the Christmas spirit, but it doesn’t at all.
It’s a fine plot, but the characters are quite annoying and dull. The end makes the story a 2 star instead of a 1 star book.
I will have to read at least two more books in 2024 to make up for this one!
It’s a fine plot, but the characters are quite annoying and dull. The end makes the story a 2 star instead of a 1 star book.
I will have to read at least two more books in 2024 to make up for this one!
November 26, 2023
A cosy Christmas romance to snuggle up with. Just add hot chocolate and a blanket.
I just love a good romance, especially when it is themed around Christmas.
Our main characters are Sophie and Liam who have recently had a disastrous first date, but seem destined to keep meeting. Liam turns up at her choir, where they are practising for a charity concert, as the temporary musical director. Then she finds out Liam’s troubled daughter is in her year 6 class.
Sophie has had more than her share of heartbreak in her life, as has Liam, and we gradually learn their stories and hope they can move forward with their lives.
If only all teachers were as considerate as Sophie, school would be a much better place!
I was obviously rooting for a happy ever after and for both of them to overcome their difficult pasts. I was also hoping Sophie’s mum would develop a heart as she is just horrible. Putting Sophie down at every opportunity. No wonder the poor girl left her parents behind when she moved away for her job.
I enjoyed the ‘enemies to friends to enemies to lovers’ storyline, but I have to say my favourite character was Lulu, one of the minor characters. I would love to read a story of her life as a star at MGM when she was younger!
This author is on my list to look out for in the future.
I just love a good romance, especially when it is themed around Christmas.
Our main characters are Sophie and Liam who have recently had a disastrous first date, but seem destined to keep meeting. Liam turns up at her choir, where they are practising for a charity concert, as the temporary musical director. Then she finds out Liam’s troubled daughter is in her year 6 class.
Sophie has had more than her share of heartbreak in her life, as has Liam, and we gradually learn their stories and hope they can move forward with their lives.
If only all teachers were as considerate as Sophie, school would be a much better place!
I was obviously rooting for a happy ever after and for both of them to overcome their difficult pasts. I was also hoping Sophie’s mum would develop a heart as she is just horrible. Putting Sophie down at every opportunity. No wonder the poor girl left her parents behind when she moved away for her job.
I enjoyed the ‘enemies to friends to enemies to lovers’ storyline, but I have to say my favourite character was Lulu, one of the minor characters. I would love to read a story of her life as a star at MGM when she was younger!
This author is on my list to look out for in the future.
October 27, 2023
I received a free copy of, A Concert for Christmas, by Helen Hawkins, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Teacher Sophia Lawson is in the Cotswolds, after a bad break up, romance is the last thing on her mind. This was a nice read, I liked Sophia, she is a nice character. The setting is beautiful.
December 12, 2023
I do love discovering new authors and especially at Christmas as it’s my favourite time of year, so when @allisonandbusby contacted me about a new book from Helen Hawkins I was excited to give it a read.
Set in the Cotswolds you get that cosy village setting along with the exciting build up to Christmas, from the school nativity play, the Christmas Carol concert, snow (and ice 🫣), a spot of Christmas shopping and festive hot drinks.
Sophie and Liam don’t exactly get off on the best foot when they first meet but neither of them can deny that there’s something there… even if it’s not just the first meeting that doesn’t go to plan! This has an enemies to lovers trope so if you’re a fan of that then I would highly recommend this.
This was a really charming Christmas romance that deals with a fair few tough and emotional issues but in such a good way that just makes you feel even more for the characters. Little Cassie especially grabbed my heart in this one 🥰
If you’re looking for your first Christmas book to read this year then this one should definitely be a contender
December 1, 2023
Sophie is living in Cranswell and has thrown herself into organising the Christmas concert to help her forget about her break up. While part of the Christmas choir the one person Sophie doesn’t expected to see is Liam, the new music director who she once went on a date with which didn’t end well. How will Sophie and Liam react to working together closely?
This was such a cosy and christmassy read. It has definitely set me up for the festive period. There are many themes included in the story from love, relationships, moving forward and change.
When Sophie and Liam meet again there is something in the air between them and it is a little awkward especially because they previously went on a date and afterwards Sophie didn’t give Liam her real phone number. The reason that Sophie was reluctant to see Liam again is something that the reader isn't told about straight away but this is explained towards the end of the book after Sophie and Liam have a heart to heart.
So when they reconnect they’re not on the best terms and are quite frosty towards each other. Sophie initially thinks that she will only be interacting with Liam at the Christmas concert rehearsals but then it transpires that he’s the father of one of her pupils who’s having a bit of a tough time. So despite them not wanting to spend a lot of time together fate has other plans especially when Sophie finds herself interacting with Liam’s daughter more and becoming someone that she can speak to. Which in turn means she has to interact with Liam more.
Sophie has been through quite a lot and when she starts having feelings for Liam I can understand her reluctance because her last relationship didn't end well, was quite traumatic and she's still processing what happened. In contrast, Liam is a single parent who isn’t looking for a new relationship and is concentrating on looking after his daughter. But they find themselves drawn to each other.
If you like tropes such as enemies to lovers and close proximity all wrapped in a Christmas setting this is the book for you.
This was such a cosy and christmassy read. It has definitely set me up for the festive period. There are many themes included in the story from love, relationships, moving forward and change.
When Sophie and Liam meet again there is something in the air between them and it is a little awkward especially because they previously went on a date and afterwards Sophie didn’t give Liam her real phone number. The reason that Sophie was reluctant to see Liam again is something that the reader isn't told about straight away but this is explained towards the end of the book after Sophie and Liam have a heart to heart.
So when they reconnect they’re not on the best terms and are quite frosty towards each other. Sophie initially thinks that she will only be interacting with Liam at the Christmas concert rehearsals but then it transpires that he’s the father of one of her pupils who’s having a bit of a tough time. So despite them not wanting to spend a lot of time together fate has other plans especially when Sophie finds herself interacting with Liam’s daughter more and becoming someone that she can speak to. Which in turn means she has to interact with Liam more.
Sophie has been through quite a lot and when she starts having feelings for Liam I can understand her reluctance because her last relationship didn't end well, was quite traumatic and she's still processing what happened. In contrast, Liam is a single parent who isn’t looking for a new relationship and is concentrating on looking after his daughter. But they find themselves drawn to each other.
If you like tropes such as enemies to lovers and close proximity all wrapped in a Christmas setting this is the book for you.
November 24, 2023
This was a very cute Christmas romance, beginning in November and spanning the festive season, with a Christmas concert on Christmas Eve. This was over-all cute, which the relationship between Liam and Sophie growing from negative to positive. I wouldn't say we know that much about the main or side characters, but it was about enough for an easy read.
Some spoilers ahead:
Regarding the multiple conflicts in this book, I don't think they were handled that well. There is mention of a death of a spouse 5 years prior, miscarriage, and trauma associated with these events. With Sophie's mum's charity supporting women who have had miscarriages, I expected her mum to be a lot more sympathetic. I also felt that the 'final' conflict before the end seemed forced, as I don't know how that could ever have been interpreted as Sophie's fault. All of this, combined with Liam often losing his temper, blaming Sophie for things that aren't her fault, not being entirely professional regarding the concert, etc all felt like some red flags against him. If you ignore those, then it's cute, but unfortunately it didn't make me root for them. Sophie deserves happiness and support, and I felt more empathy for her emotional responses. I also felt that the 'fear of balloons' was anticlimactic, and also Liam's an idiot for bringing them.
There were a few sections from Liam's POV, which were just the next paragraph after Sophie's and wasn't marked as a change in narrator. It wasn't too confusing, but I prefer when this is made clear.
Thank you to netgalley for the arc.
Some spoilers ahead:
Regarding the multiple conflicts in this book, I don't think they were handled that well. There is mention of a death of a spouse 5 years prior, miscarriage, and trauma associated with these events. With Sophie's mum's charity supporting women who have had miscarriages, I expected her mum to be a lot more sympathetic. I also felt that the 'final' conflict before the end seemed forced, as I don't know how that could ever have been interpreted as Sophie's fault. All of this, combined with Liam often losing his temper, blaming Sophie for things that aren't her fault, not being entirely professional regarding the concert, etc all felt like some red flags against him. If you ignore those, then it's cute, but unfortunately it didn't make me root for them. Sophie deserves happiness and support, and I felt more empathy for her emotional responses. I also felt that the 'fear of balloons' was anticlimactic, and also Liam's an idiot for bringing them.
There were a few sections from Liam's POV, which were just the next paragraph after Sophie's and wasn't marked as a change in narrator. It wasn't too confusing, but I prefer when this is made clear.
Thank you to netgalley for the arc.
November 27, 2023
Your next holiday read!
With the upcoming holidays I have find myself gravitating towards books that make me feel festive and if you're looking to do the same you should deffo pick up this book. A concert for Christmas is a festive romcom like no other, grab a hot chocolate and this book and you have the perfect winters night read.
This book gave me all the cozy feels. I loved the characters and how well they all went together. Sophie and Liam were so relatable but I found myself feeling super connected to Sophie from the start. Her awkward nature really won me over and made me feel right at home while reading. I enjoyed reading the developing romance between her and the mmc and while the two of them were complete opposites they go so well together.
Helen wrote some amazing tropes into this book from single father to enemies to lovers. The plot is well developed and you wont find yourself wanting to put this book down for even a second. The perfect holiday romance to get you in the mood for this upcoming Christmas season.
With the upcoming holidays I have find myself gravitating towards books that make me feel festive and if you're looking to do the same you should deffo pick up this book. A concert for Christmas is a festive romcom like no other, grab a hot chocolate and this book and you have the perfect winters night read.
This book gave me all the cozy feels. I loved the characters and how well they all went together. Sophie and Liam were so relatable but I found myself feeling super connected to Sophie from the start. Her awkward nature really won me over and made me feel right at home while reading. I enjoyed reading the developing romance between her and the mmc and while the two of them were complete opposites they go so well together.
Helen wrote some amazing tropes into this book from single father to enemies to lovers. The plot is well developed and you wont find yourself wanting to put this book down for even a second. The perfect holiday romance to get you in the mood for this upcoming Christmas season.
November 27, 2023
This was a gorgeous holiday read, that left me feeling fully ready to embrace all things Christmassy.
I was hooked on reading Sophie and Liam’s story and read it in a day. Sophie and Liam were fabulous characters and I adored their relationship even though it didn’t get off to the best of starts with a very grumpy Liam getting moody with Sophie on a few occasions. Liam, a single father, was witty and charming and easy to fall in love with. And Sophie was sweet and kind and filled with insecurities. They’d both suffered their fair share of heartbreak and were vulnerable as a result.
I really enjoyed the interesting insights into teaching in a primary school and dealing with pupils. And Kate, Sophie’s teaching buddy made me giggle on a number of occasions. Her reactions to being heavily pregnant were very relatable.
This was a tenderly written love story that filled me with joy and made me ready for December. Bring on Christmas!
I was hooked on reading Sophie and Liam’s story and read it in a day. Sophie and Liam were fabulous characters and I adored their relationship even though it didn’t get off to the best of starts with a very grumpy Liam getting moody with Sophie on a few occasions. Liam, a single father, was witty and charming and easy to fall in love with. And Sophie was sweet and kind and filled with insecurities. They’d both suffered their fair share of heartbreak and were vulnerable as a result.
I really enjoyed the interesting insights into teaching in a primary school and dealing with pupils. And Kate, Sophie’s teaching buddy made me giggle on a number of occasions. Her reactions to being heavily pregnant were very relatable.
This was a tenderly written love story that filled me with joy and made me ready for December. Bring on Christmas!
December 13, 2024
Lots of discussion of grief and loss in this book so it wasn’t really the festive holiday read I wanted right now.
December 23, 2025
Mega cozy lugemine just jõulude ajaks! Mul lihtsalt võttis natuke aega seda lugeda, kuna ma olen kooliga päris hõivatud olnud😓
November 25, 2023
This is the type of book you want to curl up with a hot chocolate, under a blanket and hide away from the cold weather with. It is full of festive warmth with characters you can relate too. It deals with some sensitive issues with real heart whilst keeping that Christmas spirit throughout.
What a fantastic debut novel from this author, I can't wait to read what comes next.
What a fantastic debut novel from this author, I can't wait to read what comes next.
November 13, 2023
Thank you to Allison & Busby for an arc in return for my honest review!
There are different kinds of Christmas romances - the fun and whimsical where a (often small) town have to work together for Christmas spirit, and the emotional where characters deal with all those difficult emotions that come up around Christmas (such as grief and loss) while also having all those emotions on the flip side (love and new beginnings). Somehow Hawkins was able to have both wrapped up in this one story.
I went from laughing to sobbing to wanting to curl up in front of some Christmas lights, all within the space of a few chapters.
Sophie and Liam - our two main characters - are those perfect Christmas romance characters. A primary school teacher who deserves a solo at the Christmas concert and a single dad farmer who is the new choir conductor. Oh, and insert meet-cute - they've already been on one horrendous date before he becomes her choir conductor and the dad of a pupil in her class almost overnight.
My only (minor) critic is that I wished we got a little more at the end! I would have liked another chapter or even half chapter after the resolution and before the epilogue because the ending was a bit abrupt.
Would recommend to anyone looking to curl up with a Christmas romance that feels like Love Actually meets Nativity (for adults!)
There are different kinds of Christmas romances - the fun and whimsical where a (often small) town have to work together for Christmas spirit, and the emotional where characters deal with all those difficult emotions that come up around Christmas (such as grief and loss) while also having all those emotions on the flip side (love and new beginnings). Somehow Hawkins was able to have both wrapped up in this one story.
I went from laughing to sobbing to wanting to curl up in front of some Christmas lights, all within the space of a few chapters.
Sophie and Liam - our two main characters - are those perfect Christmas romance characters. A primary school teacher who deserves a solo at the Christmas concert and a single dad farmer who is the new choir conductor. Oh, and insert meet-cute - they've already been on one horrendous date before he becomes her choir conductor and the dad of a pupil in her class almost overnight.
My only (minor) critic is that I wished we got a little more at the end! I would have liked another chapter or even half chapter after the resolution and before the epilogue because the ending was a bit abrupt.
Would recommend to anyone looking to curl up with a Christmas romance that feels like Love Actually meets Nativity (for adults!)
December 16, 2023
This was just the festive book I needed to read! I love books that are set following the lead up to Christmas and in particular I loved the main character Sophie. I thought she had some hilarious mishaps throughout the book and she felt very relatable. Poor Liam and Cassie were definitely struggling after losing Cassie's mum 5 years ago and were trying to come to terms with moving back to where the accident occurred. I think Sophie played such a great part in this story by helping Cassie try and feel more comfortable and make friends and also showing Liam that there can be happiness in his life again. I have to say, I felt sorry for poor Sophie towards the end of the book as Liam took all of his emotions out on her but im glad he apologises for his actions because they definitely seemed to be falling for eachother. Overall, I thought this was a great festive book to get me into the Christmas spirit and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
October 17, 2023
Sparkly, festive, glittery, gingerbread latte, mince pies and mulled wine. This was a perfect Christmas book with all the festive feels. Sophie is a teacher, part time fundraiser, Christmas concert organiser. She’s moved to a gorgeous village for her job and made brilliant friends like Kate who is Sarcastic, witty and very pregnant! Lulu, old school Hollywood glamour and a singer too!
The Christmas concert is looming and the musical director Nigel has to go home. Liam steps up and Sophie’s hormones and hot Dad radar go into overdrive. This book is sooooo good. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange on an honest review.
The Christmas concert is looming and the musical director Nigel has to go home. Liam steps up and Sophie’s hormones and hot Dad radar go into overdrive. This book is sooooo good. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange on an honest review.
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December 2, 2023Sophie is organising the local Christmas concert. When the musical director drops out, attractive Liam arrives to fill his shoes and convinces Sophie to overcome her fears to sing solo.
I am choosing not to rate on Good Reads as it’s a debut novel with very few ratings and I don’t want to affect things too much for the author. But unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me.
My main issue is Liam. I found him so unlikeable; maybe because I just do not find extreme rage and being hot and cold attractive. He was so up and down right down to the wire and I just can’t understand why being with him was better for Sophie than being single. She was portrayed as so weak and always bowing down to Liam’s anger, and this just didn’t get addressed enough to make up for it.
There’s also a lack of addressing some quite major issues around Sophie dating a school parent, of Kate being pregnant and literally not going on maternity leave despite clearly needing to. I also don’t understand the issues between Sophie and her mum - her mum literally runs a charity for people who have lost children, to be as unaware of how to support Sophie as she is is just so bizarre.
I’m genuinely gutted I didn’t enjoy this and hope that others find the love in this as I’m sure there is an audience for it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am choosing not to rate on Good Reads as it’s a debut novel with very few ratings and I don’t want to affect things too much for the author. But unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me.
My main issue is Liam. I found him so unlikeable; maybe because I just do not find extreme rage and being hot and cold attractive. He was so up and down right down to the wire and I just can’t understand why being with him was better for Sophie than being single. She was portrayed as so weak and always bowing down to Liam’s anger, and this just didn’t get addressed enough to make up for it.
There’s also a lack of addressing some quite major issues around Sophie dating a school parent, of Kate being pregnant and literally not going on maternity leave despite clearly needing to. I also don’t understand the issues between Sophie and her mum - her mum literally runs a charity for people who have lost children, to be as unaware of how to support Sophie as she is is just so bizarre.
I’m genuinely gutted I didn’t enjoy this and hope that others find the love in this as I’m sure there is an audience for it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 7, 2023
Thanks to Allison & Busby for the gifted proof of this title in return for an honest review.
People say that these kind of books are all the same. You know the type. The rom-coms, the happily-ever-after books as I call them. Boy and girl are going through some things, they meet, they don't get on, they then realise they love each other, some obstacles comes along and splits them up, they get together and all live happily ever after. And apparently that's a bad thing. But I love it. You get exactly what you're wanting from it and you get a good read.
My bookshelves are filled with the likes of Heidi Swain and Phillipa Ashley and Jessica Redland and Kiley Dunbar and Sue Moorcroft. This kind of book is exactly what I expect from these authors and it's what I want and it's what they've been excelling at all these years. And I can definitely put Helen on that list too.
And then when you throw Christmas into the mix as well, it really warms the cockles up. It's like a cosy hug in a book and I for one am, and always will be, here for it.
I liked the inclusion of a single dad. In most fiction, it's the single mum struggling with it all. But in this, that role falls to a man. And he is a single father raising his young daughter. And he's struggling, and he's making all the wrong choices. He doesn't have all the answers, he makes mistakes, and that's all very refreshing to see. He's not the big macho action man, and that made a lovely change.
I'd say your main three players are Sophie, Kate, and Liam - with special cameos from June and Lulu.
Sophie is the main protagonist. A primary school teacher who is getting over a breakup and is throwing herself into organising the annual Christmas concert. She felt so real that I think we can all see part of us in her. She is trying her best, and like a lot of women, is juggling so many balls that she worries if she drops one, then she'll drop all of them. She's so awkward that she really steals the story. You are embarrassed for her at times, but you love her and you're willing her on ad rooting for her throughout the book. Kate is her colleague who is also very heavily pregnant. I suppose she's technically a supporting character, but she works wonders off of Sophie, and almost plays devil's advocate and I just love the scenes where she popped up. And then you have Liam, the new choice music director. He and Sophie have history (no spoilers here), which adds to the awkwardness. Between them they are clearly going through things that don't make for a particularly happy friendship, and at first I felt they were quite unsuited, but once you delve into their lives, you're really wanting them to become something.
Whilst there is a fabulous supporting cast, my standout characters were June and Lulu. June is Sophie's mother and she's such a......no, I won't use rude words. She's not a particularly nice person, in my opinion. There's obviously reasons for it, but I felt she was so blunt and rude that I was willing Sophie to have a go back at her. And Lulu, a member of the choir who is a fabulously eccentric character who steals every scene from Sophie that she's in.
It's not all plain sailing. It's not all snowflakes and tinsel and hot chocolates. It ebbs and flows like any real life. It has you rooting for the characters, feeling giddy in their triumphs and despair at their mistakes.
It really is the perfect cosy festive read for a dark cold evening in the runup to the season. But, and I appreciate I could celebrate Christmas all year round, I think it would be just as enjoyable reading it at any time. But matching it with the season adds a sense of warmth and cosyness and cuddliness that really envelops you.
You get everything you want from a happily-ever-after romcom - the love and the slushyness and the awkward moments and the cheerful ones - but there's something else there. There's a real heart. There's some difficult topics, which I won't spoil, but for a debut novel, she's managed them with aplomb.
I definitely recommend this as an addition to your festive reads, and I'm excited to see what Helen does next.
People say that these kind of books are all the same. You know the type. The rom-coms, the happily-ever-after books as I call them. Boy and girl are going through some things, they meet, they don't get on, they then realise they love each other, some obstacles comes along and splits them up, they get together and all live happily ever after. And apparently that's a bad thing. But I love it. You get exactly what you're wanting from it and you get a good read.
My bookshelves are filled with the likes of Heidi Swain and Phillipa Ashley and Jessica Redland and Kiley Dunbar and Sue Moorcroft. This kind of book is exactly what I expect from these authors and it's what I want and it's what they've been excelling at all these years. And I can definitely put Helen on that list too.
And then when you throw Christmas into the mix as well, it really warms the cockles up. It's like a cosy hug in a book and I for one am, and always will be, here for it.
I liked the inclusion of a single dad. In most fiction, it's the single mum struggling with it all. But in this, that role falls to a man. And he is a single father raising his young daughter. And he's struggling, and he's making all the wrong choices. He doesn't have all the answers, he makes mistakes, and that's all very refreshing to see. He's not the big macho action man, and that made a lovely change.
I'd say your main three players are Sophie, Kate, and Liam - with special cameos from June and Lulu.
Sophie is the main protagonist. A primary school teacher who is getting over a breakup and is throwing herself into organising the annual Christmas concert. She felt so real that I think we can all see part of us in her. She is trying her best, and like a lot of women, is juggling so many balls that she worries if she drops one, then she'll drop all of them. She's so awkward that she really steals the story. You are embarrassed for her at times, but you love her and you're willing her on ad rooting for her throughout the book. Kate is her colleague who is also very heavily pregnant. I suppose she's technically a supporting character, but she works wonders off of Sophie, and almost plays devil's advocate and I just love the scenes where she popped up. And then you have Liam, the new choice music director. He and Sophie have history (no spoilers here), which adds to the awkwardness. Between them they are clearly going through things that don't make for a particularly happy friendship, and at first I felt they were quite unsuited, but once you delve into their lives, you're really wanting them to become something.
Whilst there is a fabulous supporting cast, my standout characters were June and Lulu. June is Sophie's mother and she's such a......no, I won't use rude words. She's not a particularly nice person, in my opinion. There's obviously reasons for it, but I felt she was so blunt and rude that I was willing Sophie to have a go back at her. And Lulu, a member of the choir who is a fabulously eccentric character who steals every scene from Sophie that she's in.
It's not all plain sailing. It's not all snowflakes and tinsel and hot chocolates. It ebbs and flows like any real life. It has you rooting for the characters, feeling giddy in their triumphs and despair at their mistakes.
It really is the perfect cosy festive read for a dark cold evening in the runup to the season. But, and I appreciate I could celebrate Christmas all year round, I think it would be just as enjoyable reading it at any time. But matching it with the season adds a sense of warmth and cosyness and cuddliness that really envelops you.
You get everything you want from a happily-ever-after romcom - the love and the slushyness and the awkward moments and the cheerful ones - but there's something else there. There's a real heart. There's some difficult topics, which I won't spoil, but for a debut novel, she's managed them with aplomb.
I definitely recommend this as an addition to your festive reads, and I'm excited to see what Helen does next.
November 27, 2023
A festive story set in the Cotswolds?! Yes please!! And it’s one of the most comforting stories I’ve ever read!! We follow Sophie who is fleeing a tragic break up, and throwing herself into her new life as a teacher in a lovely Cotswold community.
They host an annual festive concert so this is a wonderful way for Sophie to distract herself from her personal problems – the only problem is that things with the organising aren’t going smoothly so she’s really feeling that the world is against her!
Her friend Kate is on hand though to give her advice and add some fun to her life! She’s the kind of straight talking friend we all need on our side! And as well as concert problems she’s also facing new dating issues – never an easy thing! – as well as dealing with some troublesome pupils at the school!
We are also introduced to single dad Liam, with daughter Cassie, who isn’t dealing well with life and it’s really interesting to see the dynamics of a man dealing with his own grief while trying to make life better for his beloved daughter. He’s also involved in the concert planning too as the choir conductor, so that means he and Sophie are going to be spending lots of time together!!
Sophie is a really wonderful character, the way she pushes forward to help others while also facing up to some tragedies in her past and I just wanted to jump into the book and give her a big hug at times! She was always putting others first and really showed off the role that teachers have to play in not only educating but playing peacemaker and often being a social worker.
I loved my time with these characters and the choir backdrop was a really fun addition to the story and it’s a book that really got me in the festive feels!!
They host an annual festive concert so this is a wonderful way for Sophie to distract herself from her personal problems – the only problem is that things with the organising aren’t going smoothly so she’s really feeling that the world is against her!
Her friend Kate is on hand though to give her advice and add some fun to her life! She’s the kind of straight talking friend we all need on our side! And as well as concert problems she’s also facing new dating issues – never an easy thing! – as well as dealing with some troublesome pupils at the school!
We are also introduced to single dad Liam, with daughter Cassie, who isn’t dealing well with life and it’s really interesting to see the dynamics of a man dealing with his own grief while trying to make life better for his beloved daughter. He’s also involved in the concert planning too as the choir conductor, so that means he and Sophie are going to be spending lots of time together!!
Sophie is a really wonderful character, the way she pushes forward to help others while also facing up to some tragedies in her past and I just wanted to jump into the book and give her a big hug at times! She was always putting others first and really showed off the role that teachers have to play in not only educating but playing peacemaker and often being a social worker.
I loved my time with these characters and the choir backdrop was a really fun addition to the story and it’s a book that really got me in the festive feels!!
December 1, 2023
Unwrap a story of festive song, good cheer and - just maybe - a sprinkling of love ...
Junior school teacher Sophie is very busy, it's the run-up to Christmas and the excitement is high in the schoolchildren. Sophie is also in charge of organising the local choir's Christmas Carol concert, for which all the funds will be donated to her Mother's charity.
She's a popular member of the choir along with her best friend Kate, fellow teacher and currently very pregnant.
Sophie confides to Kate how awful her recent blind date was. The guy in question had arrived with a bouquet of balloons, completely unaware of Sophie's fear of them!
There proceeded to be a very awkward and uncomfortable date.
Whilst waiting for their music director they are surprised when they learn that he has left suddenly to look after his unwell mother and who has stepped in as a substitute? ...
Liam, Sophie's unfortunate date!
Liam has recently moved back to his family's farm with his daughter Cassie, who just happens to be in Sophie's class!
After some trouble with Cassie and two heated discussions with Liam at the school, Sophie learns that Cassie and Liam are still grieving the loss of Cassie's mother.
As Sophie herself relocated to the countryside from London, after a bitter break up, her and Liam begin to soften towards each other. Sophie helping with Cassie and Liam encouraging her to sing the solo in the concert, despite her stage fright.
Could there be a thawing in their relationship?
You'll need to read to find out!
A Concert for Christmas is a wonderful, cosy romance set in the wintertime of the beautiful Cotswolds.
I absolutely loved this book, I flew through it! So readable and relatable, serious topics mixed with some heartwarming festive cheer.
heartily recommend reading this lovely debut novel by
Junior school teacher Sophie is very busy, it's the run-up to Christmas and the excitement is high in the schoolchildren. Sophie is also in charge of organising the local choir's Christmas Carol concert, for which all the funds will be donated to her Mother's charity.
She's a popular member of the choir along with her best friend Kate, fellow teacher and currently very pregnant.
Sophie confides to Kate how awful her recent blind date was. The guy in question had arrived with a bouquet of balloons, completely unaware of Sophie's fear of them!
There proceeded to be a very awkward and uncomfortable date.
Whilst waiting for their music director they are surprised when they learn that he has left suddenly to look after his unwell mother and who has stepped in as a substitute? ...
Liam, Sophie's unfortunate date!
Liam has recently moved back to his family's farm with his daughter Cassie, who just happens to be in Sophie's class!
After some trouble with Cassie and two heated discussions with Liam at the school, Sophie learns that Cassie and Liam are still grieving the loss of Cassie's mother.
As Sophie herself relocated to the countryside from London, after a bitter break up, her and Liam begin to soften towards each other. Sophie helping with Cassie and Liam encouraging her to sing the solo in the concert, despite her stage fright.
Could there be a thawing in their relationship?
You'll need to read to find out!
A Concert for Christmas is a wonderful, cosy romance set in the wintertime of the beautiful Cotswolds.
I absolutely loved this book, I flew through it! So readable and relatable, serious topics mixed with some heartwarming festive cheer.
heartily recommend reading this lovely debut novel by
April 11, 2025
A christmas romcom set in the COTSWOLDS
The fictional village of Cranswell is building up for Christmas and a sparkling concert, which school teacher, Sophie Lawson, is arranging. But the musical director is called to a family emergency and the rather dour Liam is brought in. Oops, he and Sophie had a rather lacklustre date the other week, so that is embarrassing.
Funds from the concert are going to Sophie’s mother’s charity, but wait until you meet her mother! A bit of a ghastly character, to say the least, who is desperate for her daughter to hook up once again with her previous partner (but that really isn’t a good idea, mum!).
The frost is not only on the ground! Things between Sophie and Liam are distinctly sub-zero. And yet maybe, as they get to know each other in a professional capacity, things don’t feel quite so negative and embarrassing. In fact, buoyed along by the festive excitement they can maybe find an equitable footing, possibly something more. With tricky children to manage and things not quite going to plan, Sophie certainly has her hands full.
This is a cozy-up-by-the-fire kind of read, it’s not taxing, just upbeat and relaxing with a bit of music thrown in.
The fictional village of Cranswell is building up for Christmas and a sparkling concert, which school teacher, Sophie Lawson, is arranging. But the musical director is called to a family emergency and the rather dour Liam is brought in. Oops, he and Sophie had a rather lacklustre date the other week, so that is embarrassing.
Funds from the concert are going to Sophie’s mother’s charity, but wait until you meet her mother! A bit of a ghastly character, to say the least, who is desperate for her daughter to hook up once again with her previous partner (but that really isn’t a good idea, mum!).
The frost is not only on the ground! Things between Sophie and Liam are distinctly sub-zero. And yet maybe, as they get to know each other in a professional capacity, things don’t feel quite so negative and embarrassing. In fact, buoyed along by the festive excitement they can maybe find an equitable footing, possibly something more. With tricky children to manage and things not quite going to plan, Sophie certainly has her hands full.
This is a cozy-up-by-the-fire kind of read, it’s not taxing, just upbeat and relaxing with a bit of music thrown in.
October 22, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest of voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
There is a good Christmas feel to this novel with trees, decorations, hot chocolate and so on. The budding romance is beset by problems, as one would expect. But ... there seemed to be some inconsistencies with timelines, both within a day and in the days passing towards the concert on Christmas Eve. The issue of the money raised by the concert going to the charity run by Sophie's mum (who didn't seem to have a 'proper' job just complained about everyone else not doing things efficiently) became boring and repetitive - the idea of it being split after Nigel's mum's fall was never even put to a vote. Sophie is an adult who moved out of her parents home 10 years ago but is upset by them redecorating 'her' bedroom - this seemed ridiculous. I was surprised that Kate didn't give birth to 4 babies so much was made of hauling her out of a seat; other women seem to manage without endangering the health of their friends' backs.
I didn't enjoy it as much as expected due to some unlikable characters, this wouldn't encourage me to read another book by this author.
There is a good Christmas feel to this novel with trees, decorations, hot chocolate and so on. The budding romance is beset by problems, as one would expect. But ... there seemed to be some inconsistencies with timelines, both within a day and in the days passing towards the concert on Christmas Eve. The issue of the money raised by the concert going to the charity run by Sophie's mum (who didn't seem to have a 'proper' job just complained about everyone else not doing things efficiently) became boring and repetitive - the idea of it being split after Nigel's mum's fall was never even put to a vote. Sophie is an adult who moved out of her parents home 10 years ago but is upset by them redecorating 'her' bedroom - this seemed ridiculous. I was surprised that Kate didn't give birth to 4 babies so much was made of hauling her out of a seat; other women seem to manage without endangering the health of their friends' backs.
I didn't enjoy it as much as expected due to some unlikable characters, this wouldn't encourage me to read another book by this author.
November 14, 2023
A Concert for Christmas is a nice, easy read that I flew through within a day. I always love a small town festive plot and I enjoyed that aspect. The different members of the town were a joy to read, especially Lulu.
There were parts within this book that genuinely made me laugh. Like the first date story and the falling in the brook.
Overall, I really enjoyed and liked Sophie's character. I think she's sweet, humble and cares about everyone around her. I sympathised with her character a lot, and it was nice to see how her personality developed throughout.
However, my rating is so low because of Liam's character. I just really didn't like him. I completely understand his horrible past and trauma, but his behaviour is shocking throughout. He was constantly mean and rude, then apologising. Over and over. And by the end I was completely over it. I just couldn't excuse his actions and attitude.
For me, if I don't like a character it just ruins it for me. So sadly I've had to knock it down. I'm sure people will like this though.
There were parts within this book that genuinely made me laugh. Like the first date story and the falling in the brook.
Overall, I really enjoyed and liked Sophie's character. I think she's sweet, humble and cares about everyone around her. I sympathised with her character a lot, and it was nice to see how her personality developed throughout.
However, my rating is so low because of Liam's character. I just really didn't like him. I completely understand his horrible past and trauma, but his behaviour is shocking throughout. He was constantly mean and rude, then apologising. Over and over. And by the end I was completely over it. I just couldn't excuse his actions and attitude.
For me, if I don't like a character it just ruins it for me. So sadly I've had to knock it down. I'm sure people will like this though.
December 4, 2024
Our heroine, wallflower Sophie, is pushed into doing a solo at her Christmas concert. Somehow Helen Hawkins cleverly manages to make this seemingly small thing a big deal with lots of backstory and issues around and behind it, as well as lots of tingly romantic moments with Liam, the foxy choir director.
And who doesn’t love a single-dad-sad-little-daughter story? Aw… You really want to see Liam and his little girl, Cassie, happy again and it leaves you rooting for all three of them to have a Christmas happily ever after.
I also enjoyed outspoken Kate, the Pregnant Friend, the endless hot chocolates and gingerbread men, and the many deliciously cringey moments, when Sophie finds herself in totally awkward situations.
And who doesn’t love a single-dad-sad-little-daughter story? Aw… You really want to see Liam and his little girl, Cassie, happy again and it leaves you rooting for all three of them to have a Christmas happily ever after.
I also enjoyed outspoken Kate, the Pregnant Friend, the endless hot chocolates and gingerbread men, and the many deliciously cringey moments, when Sophie finds herself in totally awkward situations.
December 7, 2025
A Concert for Christmas by Helen Hawkins
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Schoolteacher Sophie Lawson has fled to the Cotswold countryside after a tragic break-up and is throwing herself into dating and organising Cranswell's annual Christmas concert.
The festive fun is marred by the arrival of a handsome but surly musical director, tricky pupils and concert preparations falling into disarray. Disaster strikes, but the show must go on. Will the concert bring Christmas harmony to Cranswell and will Sophie end the year on a high note?
My Opinion
A Concert for Christmas was a cosy, festive romance. A lovely setting with some great characters. A charming read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Schoolteacher Sophie Lawson has fled to the Cotswold countryside after a tragic break-up and is throwing herself into dating and organising Cranswell's annual Christmas concert.
The festive fun is marred by the arrival of a handsome but surly musical director, tricky pupils and concert preparations falling into disarray. Disaster strikes, but the show must go on. Will the concert bring Christmas harmony to Cranswell and will Sophie end the year on a high note?
My Opinion
A Concert for Christmas was a cosy, festive romance. A lovely setting with some great characters. A charming read.
Rating 4/5
December 16, 2023
I decided to read this book as I am going to a talk by the author at my local library next week. I really enjoyed reading this story. Sophie is a primary school teacher in the small town of Cranswell, having left London after a bad break up. Christmas is nearly here and Sophie is also organising a concert for a local choir. When their choir master is called away they find themselves being looked after by Liam, a local farmer cum musician. Sophie finds herself attracted to him but then discovers that his daughter is in her class. This is a lovely tale for Christmas with some very lovely characters.
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
December 24, 2023
Review copy from NetGalley.
This is a great debut novel from Hawkins. I liked the writing style and it felt suitably festive and wintery. I enjoyed the scenes in the classroom as well as at the concert rehearsals. I thought Kate was a great supporting character.
If I have one complaint it would be in relation to Liam's character. I just don't see the attraction beyond a physical one. He treats Sophie horribly and blames her for everything. I don't think he really learns anything at the end and I can't reconcile his character to the awkward date. I don't really buy he would bring balloons.
This is a great debut novel from Hawkins. I liked the writing style and it felt suitably festive and wintery. I enjoyed the scenes in the classroom as well as at the concert rehearsals. I thought Kate was a great supporting character.
If I have one complaint it would be in relation to Liam's character. I just don't see the attraction beyond a physical one. He treats Sophie horribly and blames her for everything. I don't think he really learns anything at the end and I can't reconcile his character to the awkward date. I don't really buy he would bring balloons.
December 5, 2025
I had really high hopes for this book but I just couldn’t get on board with the characters. Liam was a walking red flag with the way he flew off the handle constantly (and to blame Sophie because she had taken his injured daughter to hospital, come on), and I felt as though I was reading a sequel to another book as there was no real explanation for Sophie being in the village at the beginning. It’s ok, an easy read but it felt incomplete and the characters were definitely lacking. Also not sure what was going on with the Mum - it didn’t make sense that she worked for a charity that Sophie decided to raise money for, but then was complaining all the time about all sorts of things.
November 23, 2023
I'm going to put this out there.. This is THE best Christmas book I've read. It has everything. Singing (my fave) an adorable little girl in Cassie, school setting, a super female lead and a wondrous romance.
The characters felt so real and vivid, with sensitive issues at the heart which made them break the norm and into the real world.
I have to talk about the ensemble characters- from a bestie, to a wannabe superstar in Lulu, to Sophie's irritating parents, I simply adored this novel.
A must read for the festive season. Cant wait to see what this author does next.
The characters felt so real and vivid, with sensitive issues at the heart which made them break the norm and into the real world.
I have to talk about the ensemble characters- from a bestie, to a wannabe superstar in Lulu, to Sophie's irritating parents, I simply adored this novel.
A must read for the festive season. Cant wait to see what this author does next.
December 4, 2023
A lovely festive read. Sophie is a school teacher and is also in charge of organising a christmas concert that raises money for Charity. Coincidences and calamity combine to make the path a bumpy one between the concert director Liam and Sophie, overcoming their embarrassing internet date and dealing with his troubled daughter being in her class.
The rehearsals are a great way to meet the characters and learn about the ways they support each other. A lovely book focusing on friendships, romance and a busy build up to Christmas
The rehearsals are a great way to meet the characters and learn about the ways they support each other. A lovely book focusing on friendships, romance and a busy build up to Christmas
December 28, 2023
A Concert for Christmas is a super cosy Christmas romance with lots of lovely moments and very comforting for this time of the year.
Sophie is a wonderful character and reminded me a lot of my favourite teacher, which made this a very special read ❤️
I loved the dynamics between Sophie and Liam and was rooting for a happy ending. I’ve also loved that this was Christmassy all throughout with lots of gingerbread, mulled wine and all the holidays preparations ✨
Sophie is a wonderful character and reminded me a lot of my favourite teacher, which made this a very special read ❤️
I loved the dynamics between Sophie and Liam and was rooting for a happy ending. I’ve also loved that this was Christmassy all throughout with lots of gingerbread, mulled wine and all the holidays preparations ✨
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