A Christmas Truce

by Emma Bennet

Photographer Libby just got fired. Again . Then she gets home early to find her boyfriend in bed with another woman. And just like that, her dreams of a Christmas Day proposal are shattered.

Libby lands a new job as a personal assistant to enigmatic businessman Seth Coleman. He’s terse and demanding — it’s no wonder Libby keeps messing up.

Then one day an adorable Golden Retriever puppy is delivered to the house. As Libby helps Seth train Barney, she realizes that there’s a surprisingly sweet side to this CEO . . .

But everything goes wrong when Libby finds out that Seth’s company just bought the community centre where they’ve been training Barney. It’s not only puppy classes, it’s a lifeline for the whole village. Libby is devastated when Seth says it’s ‘just business’. So she packs her bags.

Until disaster strikes and Libby is forced to spend her favourite time of the year with a man who doesn’t even own tinsel. It’s up to Libby to bring some much-needed Christmas spirit. Starting with a truce, since they’re going to be stuck together whether they like it or not.

But Libby might just find magic under the mistletoe after all if she can encourage Seth to open his heart to Christmas . . .

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Christmas, Holiday, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit

194 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2023

About the author

Emma grew up and lived in London, before falling in love and moving to Wales to marry her own hero. Emma now lives with her husband, 4 children, and many animals a few miles outside of a small Welsh market town. She can often be found in rivers attempting to control two overexcited chocolate labradors.

Seven charming romances are currently available from the Amazon bestselling authoress:

Number 1 Australian kindle bestseller, 'His Secret Daughter', is the heart-rending story of Iris, a woman falling in love with the father of her child. The only problem is she never told him they had a daughter.

The beautiful landscape around her home gave Emma the inspiration for 'The Green Hills of Home', a tale of love and duty in which country girl Gwen struggles to save her family home and avoid her feelings for her handsome, suave new boss. Is he quite all he seems?

'Snowed in for her Wedding Day' is a novella picking up Gwen's story as her wedding day approaches, but with terrible weather, and an absent groom, will she have the happy ending she so deserves?

'Just Desserts' is a novella about confused chef Leah, who's falling for her handsome French co-worker Jean-Claude, but meant to be marrying to Dan in just a few weeks! Who will she choose?

'Her Perfect Hero' was released in July 2015 as 'I Need a Hero', it's a lovely comic romantic read for anyone who's ever searched for Mr Right (and failed to find him!). Despair of Bronte, a romance writer, incapable of spotting when the perfect man is right next door! Full of horses, country houses and dentists, just beware of the foul-tempered cat Mr Darcy!

'Starstruck', proves that falling in love with a rock star is harder than you'd think! When newly divorced Kate finds school friend, now super famous rock star Joseph Wild, on her doorstep, her whole quiet, ordinary life is thrown into disarray. Is the attraction between them enough to make up for all the hurdles they have to cross if they want to be together?

Latest release, 'Her Sister's Baby' is a beautiful and emotional story about grief, the promises we make and finding love in the most unexpected of places.

Emma likes (in no particular order): cake, books, Cary Grant films, prosecco, chocolate, guinea pigs, knitting, quilting and happily ever afters!

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite sweet, but the characters weren’t my favorites.

[Hannah Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sheeeeeesh, this had so much potential. The “truce” doesn’t happen until the very end and if I’m reminded who Barney’s owner is ONE. MORE. TIME. They fall in love but why!?!!??

Here’s the book in short.

“I love my job, Seth is a nightmare, my apartment is so lovely, though. I’ll tough it out”

“Barney is Seth’s dog” x 100,000

The end.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.2 stars.
Another book chosen because the synopsis made it seem it wasn’t really about Christmas.
Though, it was quite Christmassy at the end.

The synopsis also doesn’t mention how much of this book is dedicated to the training of a new puppy!

Anyway, this was quite detailed and because of that, the pacing was a little slow.
I also had a busy week and wasn’t able to listen to this as much which didn’t help.

I really liked the relationship. It slowly developed and I really believed in them as a couple in the end.

There were a few times where I thought there was some forced conflict, keeping them apart for a while longer. Though, I suppose the end ‘confessions’ explain those moments.

I didn’t think I liked this story more than the last one but I did rate this higher!

Now, I am truly in the holiday spirit! Diving into the really Christmassy stories now.

[Jennifer Ganley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that this was a clean romance. A cute story. My only complaint was with Libby. she complained about everything and wanted to quit over the littlest thing. Seth at least tried to improve and evolve as a character.

[Lauren Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas Romance! Fresh heartbreak, new job, new life, finding out & choosing the life really wanted. Super slow burn Hallmark vibes. It was a fun wholesome clean love story!

[MaKaylasJoys · Rating 2 out of 5]

FMC kinda sucked

[Katherine Bates · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was free on Audible and i needed a light read after A River is Waiting. It fit the bill, but would not recommend. Did I mention it was free (so 2 stars, really a 1.5)

[Laura Bradley-Twinning · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 1.5 stars

I can’t even call this a cozy Christmas book. It dragged, and aside from being set in December, there was very little festive atmosphere.

The writing style was frustrating — every conversation is weighed down by “she said,” “said Libby,” “Seth said.” The constant repetition made it feel more like a children’s book than an adult romance.

Libby, the FMC, was painfully naïve and more irritating than endearing. Seth’s grumpiness felt more believable than her sunshine, which left their dynamic unbalanced.

On top of that, the audiobook narration didn’t help. The delivery sounded like a teacher reading aloud to a primary school class, which completely clashed with the intended genre and audience.

Would I recommend this book? Definitely not.

[Shilo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters were all likeable in this story, but Barney was by far the favorite.

I enjoyed the character development and that the author didn't just leave the relationship between Libby and her boyfriend without a clear ending.

This was a typical holiday read without spicy details - this could easily be made into a Hallmark movie!

[Jada Reads Horror · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just didn’t work for me tbh. And to be fair….it is hard for me to LOVE a romance book. With that said, I never felt connected to any of the characters. Their relationship as well as the feelings they developed for each other just seemed to appear out of nowhere. Overall, it just fell flat. I’m sorryyyy 😕📖🎄🐶

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

FREE ON AUDIBLE

If you’re after something light, simple, and quick to listen to, this is the perfect pick.

The FMC quits her job, only to come home and catch her boyfriend cheating. She ends up working as a PA for a wealthy, grumpy boss, and their dynamic slowly shifts from awkward coworkers to a sweet friendship. Right at the very end, it finally turns romantic.

There’s no spice, no angst, and it’s definitely predictable—but in the best way. It’s the audiobook equivalent of a cosy Christmas Hallmark movie: easy, comforting, and very listenable.

What I didn’t like: I found the FMC annoying at times, more often than not. I would have liked an epilogue and the fact there’s no spice was a let down.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute gem of a Christmas book by super, lovely Emma. I listened to this on Audible and was completely taken in by both the narrator and the story of these two total opposites.
Emma's writing is engaging and fun, a real treat to read.
if you love Jenny Colgan, then you will enjoy this upbeat, full of banter, clean romance.
Such an engaging story with all the festive, Hallmark vibes.
Kerry Kennedy Author

[chantalle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A free listen on audible. Clean romance, cute story, and doesn’t hurt that there’s a golden retriever. 🐕

[Alessia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. The story in itself was nice the characters were likeable but I didn't quite like the straightforward writing style.

[Rhaina Mattaini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute enough and VERY quick ! Super straightforward and honestly a little bland. (I was out of audible credits(again) and this one was free)

[Chantelle Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🌟 (Audible Plus Catalog)

Cute holiday cozy romance with a HEA ending.

[Hannah Govang · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only redeeming male in the story was the puppy

[Jamie Rickard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly the whole book was about them taking care of the puppy. No chemistry between the two main characters in my opinion and the story was very slow and not entertaining for me at all. I hate giving bad reviews but I didn’t love this book and I’m sad because I was so excited to read a Christmas story:(

[Kelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a sweet little Christmas story. I enjoyed listening.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, wholesome, and utterly charming! Stephanie Rancine’s British accent made this short, slow burn romance extra delightful. Boss employee dynamics with total Hallmark movie vibes, it’s perfect for a quick festive listen that leaves you grinning.

[Blessed Brushstrokes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where to start? I found both the FMC and MMC to be unlikable. The MMC seems like a work-obsessed stick-in-the-mud until the last 30 minutes, when he comes close to human at least and not an emotionless robot. And the FMC? She's going to quit the best job she's ever had, where she lives in her own apartment inside a mansion, is given a car to use as needed, barely sees her boss who she communicates primarily thru email, and pays better than any other job, just because she's expected to take care of a cute puppy?! Or when she's ready to quit after her boss fund her an amazing gig as a photographer, when in the beginning she professes to love photography, but now all of a sudden doesn't want to be a photographer? Puh-leez. I found her whiny and entitled.
If you are hoping for a Christmas story, look elsewhere. There is neither hide nor hair of any Christmas theme or festivities in general until the last 30 minutes- which I will say, then gets fairly festive.
This is a very chaste, closed door, off page romance. That's totally fine. Unfortunately, there is no tension between the 2 main characters, no yearning or sense of the forbidden you find when there is a boss/employee trope. It's more of a professional relationship, then slightly more friendly, then BAM! in love, the both of them.
I don't expect a ton from these shorter holiday stories, just light-hearted, fun and festive reads. There was none of that here. I wish I could get my 6 hours back I spent listening to this one.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libby’s life falls apart in one day—she gets fired and catches her boyfriend cheating. Needing a fresh start, she becomes the PA to Seth Coleman, a demanding, no-nonsense CEO. When a Golden Retriever puppy arrives, Libby helps Seth train him and discovers he has a softer side.

But when she learns Seth’s company bought the village community centre—putting their puppy classes and the town at risk—Libby walks away. A Christmas emergency forces them back together, and as they spend the holidays under the same roof, Libby sets out to bring some festive spirit into Seth’s life… and maybe open his heart in the process.

This book just didn’t fully land for me. Even though it’s sold as a Christmas romance, the holiday atmosphere felt like a very small part of the story — more background detail than actual vibe. And while the characters do end up together at the end, the romantic connection just wasn’t there in my opinion. I never really felt the chemistry build, and their relationship development didn’t convince me.

There were moments that hinted at likability and potential, but overall the story felt a bit flat, and I found myself pushing through just to finish it. The emotional payoff wasn’t strong, and the plot didn’t deliver the coziness or romantic spark I expected.
I’m not sure I’d recommend this one, unless someone is specifically looking for a light read with minimal romance and doesn’t mind a Christmas book without much Christmas in it.

[Ginny Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Christmas romcom with Hallmark movie vibes (but in England.)
Libby loses (yet another) temp job and catches her boyfriend (whom she lives with cheating on her; so she’s very lucky that her temp agency friend Melissa helps her get a great job as a live-in personal assistant to wealthy entrepreneur Seth Coleman. (The home location on St. George’s Hill in Weybridge with a cook and gardener is a fabulous setting.). Although Seth is usually very particular and uptight, Libby has a way of getting through to him. His new puppy, Barney, also helps Libby find ways to bond with Seth. The dynamics are odd, but these two might be falling for each other. Until he makes a business decision that she morally disagrees with. They have a magical Christmas, but that might be the end. But of course it’s not because then it wouldn’t be a romcom. Everything works out with a HEA.
Cheesy and predictable- which is what a Christmas romcom should be. There are cute moments, but also frustrating parts. I didn’t feel lots of connection. But of course I wanted Libby & Seth to work things out. I’m glad it’s closed door (but it’s still weird to me to have a first kiss & then wake up in bed together - especially with a boss.)
Overall an enjoyable read.

[ضحى الحداد · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adorable book, really liked it

The story is about Libby who just got fired from her job and found out that her long term boyfriend is cheating on her her .. IN HER BED!!, so she accept an unusual job offer from CEO Seth Colman, and it comes with a bonus that she lives in his house to be his PA during Christmas, at first he comes off as stiff and controlling, but as time goes on she discovers that he has a sweeter side too

TBH I didn't find Seth to be stiff at all, he was charming in his own way and the best thing that he knows how to apologize when he feels he's been rude ( although he did have a point ) the book was really light hearted and I finished it in one sitting, really recommended for a light read

[Lisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby was planning on a Christmas proposal, but instead she comes home to find him with another woman - and right after getting fired from her temp job. Luckily, she lands a new job as a personal assistant to the successful businessman Seth Coleman, and it even comes with a place to live. It also comes with the quirks of her employer, like a brand new puppy being dropped off at the house with no more warning than a "package delivery" listed in the calendar. Libby is also not afraid to call Seth out, and instead of getting her fired, it may just break open Seth's heart.

Cute and sweet, and I enjoyed it, although I don't love the title - it takes too long in the story for it to come up, and I found myself waiting for what the truce would have to be about - ha ha! 3.5 stars

[Nootka Lenoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do my fair share of Christmas books.
Some hit some don’t and some I don’t really know where to qualify them as.
This was one of those.
It had the Christmas vibes it definitely did.
I loved Barney.
The relationship between Seth and Libby, that was a thing.
Either they didn’t talk or when did talk they didn’t listen to what was said
Then I could see why they were becoming a couple and I do see they complement each other. Just her saying I am in love with Seth was a bit out of the blue, for me I didn’t feel there were in the book things that pointed that out before she said it. Which felt weird.

And than when they finally had a talk and listened?? It was the end of the book…

[Hunter Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mild spoilers-beware. Not Christmassy at all except the very end. The FMC is one of the more annoying characters I have come across. She pouts, babbles, contradicts and is frankly mean. The MMC is actually the only likable one. The FMC makes ridiculous and inane decisions. I feel this is a good rough draft. It needs a ton of TLC to get worthy. I really hated Libby. The blurb states "Photographer Libby" What? She is a temp who constantly gets fired with cause and is not likable. She jumps all over Seth for trying to help her and can't forgive him for caring and then seems to forgive her ex who cheated on her just "once" (eye roll). Hated Emily's character. Writing is not developed or good.

[mailen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a short book that I finished it so quick I didn’t have much time to collate many thoughts about it but it was definitely a cute, short, Christmasy read.

It could have done with a bit more romance, because throughout the book you know they like each other secretly but then at the very end they sleep together (no smut) and then just confess to each other but the romance part wasn’t very drawn out at all.

Barney (the puppy) carried the book tbh.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an ARC.

[Chelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley for providing an advanced copy to read and enjoy!

This was a very enjoyable and cozy, feel-good romance story. A little cliché if you ask me, but I still really enjoyed reading the storyline.

Seth's and Libby's characters were well written. Libby was honestly pretty relatable, which kept me entertained. Seth likes everything structured and predictable. Libby is a little chaotic, and not sure what she wants to do in life as she jumps from temp job to temp job. That is, until she lands a job as Seth's girl Friday (I had to google what that was because I am not familiar with alot of British terminology. I'm in the US).

If you enjoy slightly predictable, but feel-good Christmas stories, then you'll enjoy this book. It's also a shorter book, so it can be read pretty quickly.

[Katherine Loyacano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming romance with likable characters set during the Christmas holidays.