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Delivering Christmas
All she wants for Christmas is peace and quiet, and to be alone...
Theo Pascoe is relieved she finally has her cottage back to herself, after her beloved son, wife, and grandson move out to their new home. Christmas is fast approaching and she's fully booked doing the work she loves, preparing Christmas decorations for the local hotel, running wreath-making workshops, and dressing clients homes for the holidays.
However her family and friend think they know best - that she is suffering from empty-nest syndrome and what she really needs is some romance back in her life. But that's the last thing Theo wants right now!
As Christmas Day approaches Theo is looking forward to spending the day quietly at home, with just her cat for company. But she has just one last home to decorate when a sudden cold snap catches everyone by surprise and she finds herself stranded in a remote house with a client. Theo just wanted to spend Christmas alone, but it seems fate has other plans?
Praise for Delivering Christmas :
'What a beautiful festive tale!' - Heidi Swain , author of That Festive Feeling
'A wise, warm, festive delight.' - Alex Brown , author of A Postcard from Capri
‘I absolutely loved it! It’s gorgeously romantic and uplifting!’ - Emily Kerr, author of Her Fixer Upper
‘No one captures the heart like Liz Fenwick! A beautiful love story of new beginnings intertwined with the unbreakable familial ties of the past.’ - Amanda Geard, author of The Midnight House
'...the perfect Christmas tale!' - Christina Courtenay , author of Promise of the Runes
'Romantic, evocative and beautifully described, this is Liz Fenwick's signature Cornish comfort in a perfect Christmas treat.' - Pernille Hughes , author of Ten Years
Theo Pascoe is relieved she finally has her cottage back to herself, after her beloved son, wife, and grandson move out to their new home. Christmas is fast approaching and she's fully booked doing the work she loves, preparing Christmas decorations for the local hotel, running wreath-making workshops, and dressing clients homes for the holidays.
However her family and friend think they know best - that she is suffering from empty-nest syndrome and what she really needs is some romance back in her life. But that's the last thing Theo wants right now!
As Christmas Day approaches Theo is looking forward to spending the day quietly at home, with just her cat for company. But she has just one last home to decorate when a sudden cold snap catches everyone by surprise and she finds herself stranded in a remote house with a client. Theo just wanted to spend Christmas alone, but it seems fate has other plans?
Praise for Delivering Christmas :
'What a beautiful festive tale!' - Heidi Swain , author of That Festive Feeling
'A wise, warm, festive delight.' - Alex Brown , author of A Postcard from Capri
‘I absolutely loved it! It’s gorgeously romantic and uplifting!’ - Emily Kerr, author of Her Fixer Upper
‘No one captures the heart like Liz Fenwick! A beautiful love story of new beginnings intertwined with the unbreakable familial ties of the past.’ - Amanda Geard, author of The Midnight House
'...the perfect Christmas tale!' - Christina Courtenay , author of Promise of the Runes
'Romantic, evocative and beautifully described, this is Liz Fenwick's signature Cornish comfort in a perfect Christmas treat.' - Pernille Hughes , author of Ten Years
126 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2023
42 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Liz Fenwick
25 books579 followersAward winning author of ten novels and two novellas. The latest is The Secrets of Harbour House out in the UK in July 2025. There are translated editions of my novels available in Dutch, German, Portuguese, French, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Estonian, Latvian, Turkish, Serbian, Czech, Hungarian, Italian, and Finnish.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 11, 2023
Sometimes, don’t you just have a craving for a novella? Something short and sweet and that you can devour in one sitting and come away with a satisfying conclusion? I know I do, especially at busy periods when you perhaps have less time to concentrate on a long and complex story and just want something you can escape into for a little while. Well, if so, I have the perfect thing for you today.
Delivering Christmas is a wonderful festive story that you can enjoy in just an hour or so that will leave you warm and happy and full of Christmas spirit. Liz has managed to pack a whole raft of emotions into a compact package here, with a cast of fantastic characters that are completely relatable. I know Liz has written a previous full length novel featuring Theo but, although I haven’t read it, I was able to fully enjoy this story as a standalone. It did make me want to go and read more about her back story though!
What I really loved about this book in particular was the fact that the protagonist is a woman of my own age. A woman in the middle of her life who is comfortable in her own skin and knows that she is enough in herself to be happy and doesn’t need a relationship to feel whole and satisfied. However, this doesn’t mean she is immune to the charms of a handsome man when he appears, she is a human after all! It is great to read stories about single women of my age who aren’t tragic, lonely creatures who need something more than themselves to make them happy, because this is just the truth of life!
Aside from Theo’s personal story, this book is full of Christmassy cheer. Liz pulls us into the swing of all the Christmas preparations, buying the tree, making wreaths, baking Christmas goodies, planning for the big day. If you are in the mood for slipping in to the Christmas spirit, this book will certainly set you on the way and have your fingers itching to grab some festive greenery and get creative. I can smell the cinnamon and pine from here. A perfect short read for Christmas lovers.
Delivering Christmas is a wonderful festive story that you can enjoy in just an hour or so that will leave you warm and happy and full of Christmas spirit. Liz has managed to pack a whole raft of emotions into a compact package here, with a cast of fantastic characters that are completely relatable. I know Liz has written a previous full length novel featuring Theo but, although I haven’t read it, I was able to fully enjoy this story as a standalone. It did make me want to go and read more about her back story though!
What I really loved about this book in particular was the fact that the protagonist is a woman of my own age. A woman in the middle of her life who is comfortable in her own skin and knows that she is enough in herself to be happy and doesn’t need a relationship to feel whole and satisfied. However, this doesn’t mean she is immune to the charms of a handsome man when he appears, she is a human after all! It is great to read stories about single women of my age who aren’t tragic, lonely creatures who need something more than themselves to make them happy, because this is just the truth of life!
Aside from Theo’s personal story, this book is full of Christmassy cheer. Liz pulls us into the swing of all the Christmas preparations, buying the tree, making wreaths, baking Christmas goodies, planning for the big day. If you are in the mood for slipping in to the Christmas spirit, this book will certainly set you on the way and have your fingers itching to grab some festive greenery and get creative. I can smell the cinnamon and pine from here. A perfect short read for Christmas lovers.
October 20, 2023
If you are struggling to find some Christmas spirit, then this novella might just be what you need to read. Chock full of Christmas decorating, cooking, and planning, it is sure to get your holiday anticipation kindled.
Theo is fifty-eight years old and an empty-nester. Her adult son, daughter-in-law, and baby grandson lived with her during the pandemic and have only recently moved out to a home of their own. She now has just her Norwegian forest cat, 'Cat', for company and that is just the way she likes it.... She runs a small business which decorates homes and businesses for events such as weddings, parties, and of course, Christmas.
This year Theo and her young assistant are very busy. People are just feeling like they can celebrate in public again. During one of her Christmas wreath-making workshops she meets a handsome Swedish man who is redecorating a house for his son.
As is promised by the blurb, Theo's plans for a solitary Christmas are foiled at every turn. In a good way, or course.
I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that some people have more than one Christmas tree! It would seem that most of Theo's clients had a surplus of money.
Theo Pascoe is a character from one of Liz Fenwick's novels "The River Between Us". Though I have not yet read that novel, I still had no trouble following the events in this novella.
"Delivering Christmas" was a charming, festive, Christmas romance sure to be loved by many.
Theo is fifty-eight years old and an empty-nester. Her adult son, daughter-in-law, and baby grandson lived with her during the pandemic and have only recently moved out to a home of their own. She now has just her Norwegian forest cat, 'Cat', for company and that is just the way she likes it.... She runs a small business which decorates homes and businesses for events such as weddings, parties, and of course, Christmas.
This year Theo and her young assistant are very busy. People are just feeling like they can celebrate in public again. During one of her Christmas wreath-making workshops she meets a handsome Swedish man who is redecorating a house for his son.
As is promised by the blurb, Theo's plans for a solitary Christmas are foiled at every turn. In a good way, or course.
I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that some people have more than one Christmas tree! It would seem that most of Theo's clients had a surplus of money.
Theo Pascoe is a character from one of Liz Fenwick's novels "The River Between Us". Though I have not yet read that novel, I still had no trouble following the events in this novella.
"Delivering Christmas" was a charming, festive, Christmas romance sure to be loved by many.
October 19, 2023
If you want to read this gorgeous novella, I would highly recommend you read A River Between Us which is a wonderful dual timeline novel featuring Theo and her move to Boatman’s Cottage, and this novella takes place later.
A River Between Us is one of those books which has stayed with me. I thoroughly enjoyed coming back to visit Theo and her cat, Cat. Having had her son, his wife and new baby living with her during lockdown, she is looking forward to having the cottage back to herself and spending a quiet Christmas alone. Then Erik from Sweden comes into her life, having signed up for 4 of her wreath making classes.
Christmas feel good romances don’t get much better than this and it can be read in one cozy sitting!
Strong characters, a snowy setting and now I’ll be looking for a wreath making workshop!
A River Between Us is one of those books which has stayed with me. I thoroughly enjoyed coming back to visit Theo and her cat, Cat. Having had her son, his wife and new baby living with her during lockdown, she is looking forward to having the cottage back to herself and spending a quiet Christmas alone. Then Erik from Sweden comes into her life, having signed up for 4 of her wreath making classes.
Christmas feel good romances don’t get much better than this and it can be read in one cozy sitting!
Strong characters, a snowy setting and now I’ll be looking for a wreath making workshop!
December 22, 2024
This was a thought provoking read which i really enjoyed NORMAL SERVICES will now resume I think I’ve overdosed on Christmas books bring me some thrillers please 🙏
November 6, 2023
When I heard that Liz Fenwick had written a novella featuring Theo from The River Between Us, I went straight onto Amazon to pre-order a Kindle copy. It is now available as a paperback too should you prefer a physical book. It’s fine if you haven’t read The River Between Us (though you should, it’s brilliant) as there are enough references to the back story for this to make perfect sense as a standalone book. If you have read it, you will enjoy finding out more about Theo.
First of all, I have to say that I loved revisiting the setting of Boatmans’s Cottage. It just sounds so beautiful and even more so when covered in a layer of snow. I wouldn’t fancy trying to navigate those narrow lanes though when it’s all frozen! It was so interesting reading about Theo’s work dressing people’s large houses and business for Christmas even though she was looking forward to a peaceful Christmas herself, not even putting up a tree.
I really liked the way that Liz Fenwick linked back to previous generations of Theo’s family while exploring the idea that everyone should have a chance to love and to love again. Theo thought she was quite happy on her own. She was quite adamant that she may be alone but most certainly wasn’t lonely. However, perhaps she too deserved the chance to experience love again and perhaps her handsome new client might be ‘the one’. I have to say one certain scene which mortified Theo made me laugh so much. I was really happy for her and for other characters who found happiness despite some difficult situations.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Delivering Christmas which is the perfect length to while away a few hours on a chilly day. It’s a gorgeous story of second chances and finding love in later life. A properly feel-good read sure to leave you with a warm glow inside and recommended for your Christmas reading list.
First of all, I have to say that I loved revisiting the setting of Boatmans’s Cottage. It just sounds so beautiful and even more so when covered in a layer of snow. I wouldn’t fancy trying to navigate those narrow lanes though when it’s all frozen! It was so interesting reading about Theo’s work dressing people’s large houses and business for Christmas even though she was looking forward to a peaceful Christmas herself, not even putting up a tree.
I really liked the way that Liz Fenwick linked back to previous generations of Theo’s family while exploring the idea that everyone should have a chance to love and to love again. Theo thought she was quite happy on her own. She was quite adamant that she may be alone but most certainly wasn’t lonely. However, perhaps she too deserved the chance to experience love again and perhaps her handsome new client might be ‘the one’. I have to say one certain scene which mortified Theo made me laugh so much. I was really happy for her and for other characters who found happiness despite some difficult situations.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Delivering Christmas which is the perfect length to while away a few hours on a chilly day. It’s a gorgeous story of second chances and finding love in later life. A properly feel-good read sure to leave you with a warm glow inside and recommended for your Christmas reading list.
December 14, 2023
I always think there’s a particular art in writing a novella – to interest the reader in the characters within relatively few pages, to engage them in a story with sufficient depth and detail and, when writing romance, to make it convincing at an emotional level. I did have a bit of a head start with this one – I’d met and liked Theo before, found her very easy to identify with in so many ways – but I’m sure new readers would find her equally sympathetic within the first few pages.
For me, she’s rather living the dream – living with her Norwegian Forest Cat (called “Cat”…) in Boatman’s Cottage, set in the most idyllic Cornish location, running wreath-making workshops and offering a service to local homeowners and businesses to get them Christmas-ready. She has a friendly and efficient assistant, plenty of friends around – but she’s looking forward to kicking back and spending Christmas on her own (with Cat, of course…) just because she can. Romance might not be something she’s looking for, but it sometimes takes you by surprise – an admiring glance at the Christmas tree farm, some (rather ham-fisted on his part) attempts at wreath-making, a commission to work at his son’s house, an unexpected change in the weather… and Theo’s plans rather leave through the window.
As a second chance romance – always a personal favourite – it’s really rather lovely. The Christmassy detail is fascinating and beautifully festive, I enjoyed the different relationships, the romance was warm and believable, and there are some lovely touches of humour (and just a little embarrassment too – loved that bit!). And there was a nice touch of historical detail too – it might mean more to those who’ve read The River Between Us, but I thought it was rather perfect.
I really enjoyed this one – the later life romance really warmed the cockles of my heart, the book had all the Christmas touches I could have asked for, and the whole story was beautifully told. One I’d very much recommend to others – and just the right length to make it easy to fit into your own build-up to the big day…!
For me, she’s rather living the dream – living with her Norwegian Forest Cat (called “Cat”…) in Boatman’s Cottage, set in the most idyllic Cornish location, running wreath-making workshops and offering a service to local homeowners and businesses to get them Christmas-ready. She has a friendly and efficient assistant, plenty of friends around – but she’s looking forward to kicking back and spending Christmas on her own (with Cat, of course…) just because she can. Romance might not be something she’s looking for, but it sometimes takes you by surprise – an admiring glance at the Christmas tree farm, some (rather ham-fisted on his part) attempts at wreath-making, a commission to work at his son’s house, an unexpected change in the weather… and Theo’s plans rather leave through the window.
As a second chance romance – always a personal favourite – it’s really rather lovely. The Christmassy detail is fascinating and beautifully festive, I enjoyed the different relationships, the romance was warm and believable, and there are some lovely touches of humour (and just a little embarrassment too – loved that bit!). And there was a nice touch of historical detail too – it might mean more to those who’ve read The River Between Us, but I thought it was rather perfect.
I really enjoyed this one – the later life romance really warmed the cockles of my heart, the book had all the Christmas touches I could have asked for, and the whole story was beautifully told. One I’d very much recommend to others – and just the right length to make it easy to fit into your own build-up to the big day…!
September 16, 2023
What a charming festive novella,
I loved getting to know Theo, and her amazing ability to decorate houses for Christmas, knowing just the right things that are needed. She also runs wreath making workshops each year, but despite all of that, and her normal love of Christmas, this year she intends to spend it alone.
Even meeting a hot Swede, who she has absolutely no intention of getting up close and personal with, despite the best matchmaking efforts of her friends and family, won't make her change her mind. She is also not willing to open her heart to love.
But yet as the story progresses and Christmas draws closer, well the season is often really good at working it's magic.
I really enjoyed this short but really sweet story, and the fact that the characters were that little bit more mature in years. There are some lovely secondary characters, and this story just generally had a really lovely feel to it.
Always good to see an author i enjoy reading, dipping their toes into the world of the festive novella, and hope this won't be their only one.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I loved getting to know Theo, and her amazing ability to decorate houses for Christmas, knowing just the right things that are needed. She also runs wreath making workshops each year, but despite all of that, and her normal love of Christmas, this year she intends to spend it alone.
Even meeting a hot Swede, who she has absolutely no intention of getting up close and personal with, despite the best matchmaking efforts of her friends and family, won't make her change her mind. She is also not willing to open her heart to love.
But yet as the story progresses and Christmas draws closer, well the season is often really good at working it's magic.
I really enjoyed this short but really sweet story, and the fact that the characters were that little bit more mature in years. There are some lovely secondary characters, and this story just generally had a really lovely feel to it.
Always good to see an author i enjoy reading, dipping their toes into the world of the festive novella, and hope this won't be their only one.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 13, 2023
A short book which follows on from The River Between Us, I hadn't read this book but it didn't detract from the story.
Theo, a garden designer and florist, is busy coming up to Christmas, running wreath making workshops, and decorating clients' houses for the festive season.
Her friends and family are worried that she's shutting herself away when she should be looking for love.
When she's stranded at a clients house because of bad weather, will she take a chance?
It's a really lovely Christmas story, and one which has made me download the book that sets up Theo's life!
If you want a quick read this Christmas, look no further!
Theo, a garden designer and florist, is busy coming up to Christmas, running wreath making workshops, and decorating clients' houses for the festive season.
Her friends and family are worried that she's shutting herself away when she should be looking for love.
When she's stranded at a clients house because of bad weather, will she take a chance?
It's a really lovely Christmas story, and one which has made me download the book that sets up Theo's life!
If you want a quick read this Christmas, look no further!
October 17, 2023
An enjoyable novella and a great introduction to Fenwick's books for me.
It's Christmas, there's magic in the air and love is on the cards, they just don't know it yet!
Fenwick has factored in some older characters making it much easier for us 'oldies' to relate to them and it made a refreshing change rather than it being centred around a younger couple. Theo was such a likeable character, relatable and real, making her easy to become emotionally invested in.
Everything Christmas is encapsulated into this little gem and I wish it could have been longer, it was such a heart warmer of a read.
It's Christmas, there's magic in the air and love is on the cards, they just don't know it yet!
Fenwick has factored in some older characters making it much easier for us 'oldies' to relate to them and it made a refreshing change rather than it being centred around a younger couple. Theo was such a likeable character, relatable and real, making her easy to become emotionally invested in.
Everything Christmas is encapsulated into this little gem and I wish it could have been longer, it was such a heart warmer of a read.
October 20, 2023
What an absolutely delightful quick and festive read!
After a hugely busy few months, it was such a delight to pick this book up and just totally immersed myself in Theo's world for a few hours.
This is a nice quick read, novella which I devoured in just one sitting. Being shorter, there's no time for any slow sections and I just couldn't put this down!
Theo was such a great character to explore. Being on the older side (nearer my age) made a refreshing change to lots of the Christmas feel-good stories around.
I loved that she was totally content with her life and ready to settle down to a nice cosy Christmas for one.....after helping the rest of the village prepare for their own festiviites.
Fate had other plans of course and she finds herself stranded with a client and a new relationship began.
I noticed in one of the other reviews, that Theo also features in one of Liz' other novels and I'd be keen to give this a read now and discover more of her backstory.
This gave me all the christmassy feels and had everything needed to put you in that festive mood.
Grab a hot chocolate and a blanket and settle in for the afternoon with this book.
After a hugely busy few months, it was such a delight to pick this book up and just totally immersed myself in Theo's world for a few hours.
This is a nice quick read, novella which I devoured in just one sitting. Being shorter, there's no time for any slow sections and I just couldn't put this down!
Theo was such a great character to explore. Being on the older side (nearer my age) made a refreshing change to lots of the Christmas feel-good stories around.
I loved that she was totally content with her life and ready to settle down to a nice cosy Christmas for one.....after helping the rest of the village prepare for their own festiviites.
Fate had other plans of course and she finds herself stranded with a client and a new relationship began.
I noticed in one of the other reviews, that Theo also features in one of Liz' other novels and I'd be keen to give this a read now and discover more of her backstory.
This gave me all the christmassy feels and had everything needed to put you in that festive mood.
Grab a hot chocolate and a blanket and settle in for the afternoon with this book.
November 3, 2025
Delivering Christmas
A beautiful story. A truly wonderful experience as the characters prepare their homes and community for Christmas and discover much more of what truly brings them together. Fantastic characters that are likeable, supportive and friendships. I really enjoyed this beautiful story. Enjoy
A beautiful story. A truly wonderful experience as the characters prepare their homes and community for Christmas and discover much more of what truly brings them together. Fantastic characters that are likeable, supportive and friendships. I really enjoyed this beautiful story. Enjoy
October 21, 2023
This is just the story I needed right now! I've missed Theo since finishing The River Between Us a couple of years ago. I just adored this novella and spending time with Theo again! Hoping there may be another Theo novel or novella again in the future.
February 25, 2024
This is a short but enjoyable book. The only reason it took me so long to read is my workload in the months of January and February! It’s a gentle story, about life continuing to be full of possibilities for happiness.
December 29, 2024
Fanns i boken "33 dagar kvar till jul". En kvinna som är mormor och haft otur med kärleken. Nu dyker det upp en "sexig svensk". Plötsligt så reflekterar hon över att hon omöjligt kan vara attraktiv. Varför handlar alla böcker jag fått tag i på senaste tiden om ytlighet och att trycka ner kvinnor??
December 7, 2023
A great festive treat!
I loved this Christmas tale full of hope and fun! Loved the o!d characters and the new. Really it's you in the Christmas spirit!
I loved this Christmas tale full of hope and fun! Loved the o!d characters and the new. Really it's you in the Christmas spirit!
December 10, 2023
Perfect Christmas read.
It was lovely to catch up with Theo again and read about how her life was progressing. A great read as always from Liz Fenwick!
It was lovely to catch up with Theo again and read about how her life was progressing. A great read as always from Liz Fenwick!
December 15, 2023
I nice little romantic Christmas novella to read in the run up to Christmas. I like reading books by Liz Fenwick.
December 29, 2023
Lovely, cosy Christmas read, really enjoyed it xx
December 10, 2024
A sweet read
January 12, 2025
Very enjoyable Christmas story with great characters!
October 21, 2023
This book catches up with Theo and her family/friends who we first met in The River Between Us (you can read my review here : https://mentoringmumof2bookreviews.ho... ).
I enjoyed finding out what happened next to Theo as she helped local businesses and families prepare for Christmas. Would she really spend Christmas on her own with just a demanding cat for company? You will need to read the novella to find out.
Loved my return visit to Cornwall. The ending made me laugh out loud. Happy to recommend this novella, an excellent addition to my collection of books set in Cornwall by Liz Fenwick.
I enjoyed finding out what happened next to Theo as she helped local businesses and families prepare for Christmas. Would she really spend Christmas on her own with just a demanding cat for company? You will need to read the novella to find out.
Loved my return visit to Cornwall. The ending made me laugh out loud. Happy to recommend this novella, an excellent addition to my collection of books set in Cornwall by Liz Fenwick.
February 9, 2025
Just Finished reading another Liz Fenwick, I enjoy her descriptive writing and bringing characters back from previous novels by intertwining them into the story.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews