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Maybe Next Christmas
On Christmas Eve, sweet-natured, obsessively organised hotel manager Bea and over-worked A&E nurse Ollie meet on the flight home to Ireland. They talk, sparks flying, the whole way. But when the plane lands, they wave goodbye, each secretly wondering if they’ll ever meet again.
A few months later, they bump into each other in London. The chance encounter leaves them breathless, til a tiny misunderstanding means that, yet again, they part as strangers. But as the next Christmas draws near, fate, it seems, won’t give up on Bea and Ollie… The only question is, will they listen to what the universe seems telling them?
Christmas Eve was just the beginning. Maybe next Christmas they’ll fall in love?
A few months later, they bump into each other in London. The chance encounter leaves them breathless, til a tiny misunderstanding means that, yet again, they part as strangers. But as the next Christmas draws near, fate, it seems, won’t give up on Bea and Ollie… The only question is, will they listen to what the universe seems telling them?
Christmas Eve was just the beginning. Maybe next Christmas they’ll fall in love?
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About the author
Emma Heatherington
21 books265 followersEmma Heatherington is from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone.
Her latest novel, THE PROMISE, is out now in Ireland (HarperFiction) and available elsewhere on Kindle and Audio.
Her latest novel, THE PROMISE, is out now in Ireland (HarperFiction) and available elsewhere on Kindle and Audio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
July 19, 2024
It’s Christmas Eve and there’s a wonderful festive feel as it’s snowing. Bea makes her way to Heathrow Airport to return home to Ireland for the festivities and her long-term partner Sean, however, there’s a bit of a story there. Of course! The plane is delayed and as she waits at the bar she meets Ollie, also returning home to Ireland, partly with a heavy heart (yes, you’ve got it, another story there) and the pair get chatting and there’s a very clear connection between them. Life inevitably gets in the way but a chance encounter in Kensington Gardens back in London starts a catalogue of events, a chain reaction if you like, that neither have foreseen. Christmas brings them together, what will the rest of the year have in store for them? A surprise or two without doubt.
This is a heartwarming easy read from the very start and is chock full of delightful, very easy to like characters. This is particularly true of Ollie and Bea but also of Ollie’s wonderful and lively Aunt Nora and Bea’s coworker in Leroy. There’s the added bonus of a couple of delightful dogs too. I really like the Peter Pan references and a nice touch with the name of one of the pooches.
The author creates a wonderful atmosphere, not just a gorgeous festive one but also with fantastic descriptions of Irish locations that makes me want to look up the next flight/ferry times. The whole thing gives you a warm feeling, although it’s obviously centred around Christmas, you could read it at any time of the year.
It’s very easy to read, the writing is engaging and it flows well. You absolutely root for Ollie and Bea because they’re so likeable you therefore want the best for them, It’s an emotional read at times but for all the right reasons.
Emma Heatherington delivers yet again as this is a sweet story. I daresay it follows a predictable path but as I enjoy it and it’s what you hope for it matters very little. There’s a lovely cover to complement the inside too.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin, Random House, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is a heartwarming easy read from the very start and is chock full of delightful, very easy to like characters. This is particularly true of Ollie and Bea but also of Ollie’s wonderful and lively Aunt Nora and Bea’s coworker in Leroy. There’s the added bonus of a couple of delightful dogs too. I really like the Peter Pan references and a nice touch with the name of one of the pooches.
The author creates a wonderful atmosphere, not just a gorgeous festive one but also with fantastic descriptions of Irish locations that makes me want to look up the next flight/ferry times. The whole thing gives you a warm feeling, although it’s obviously centred around Christmas, you could read it at any time of the year.
It’s very easy to read, the writing is engaging and it flows well. You absolutely root for Ollie and Bea because they’re so likeable you therefore want the best for them, It’s an emotional read at times but for all the right reasons.
Emma Heatherington delivers yet again as this is a sweet story. I daresay it follows a predictable path but as I enjoy it and it’s what you hope for it matters very little. There’s a lovely cover to complement the inside too.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin, Random House, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 29, 2024
Release Date: 24th October 2024
The fateful story of Bea and Ollie, two Irish people living and working in London heading home for two very different Christmases, meet at the airport, share time together while waiting on their delayed flight. Once they're in Ireland, they go their separate ways to spend Christmas with their loved ones.
A chance encounter back in London a few months later has a lasting effect on them both, changing the course of their lives and future plans.
Book Tag Line: This Christmas they're strangers. Maybe next Christmas they'll fall in love...
This is an emotional rollercoaster of a Christmas book, looking at love and relationships of all kinds and the impacts they have on us.
Dealing with love, relationship breakdowns, death and those last special moments and memories of loved ones, this is a touching, heart-warming book of love and loss and how that impacts Christmas, done in such a delicate and beautiful way, with lovable characters you just want to sit down with a drink and a mince pie and get to know more.
I don't think I've cried so much reading a book, ever, it was written so tenderly, and so much care. A must read for those who love a romantic Christmas book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
The fateful story of Bea and Ollie, two Irish people living and working in London heading home for two very different Christmases, meet at the airport, share time together while waiting on their delayed flight. Once they're in Ireland, they go their separate ways to spend Christmas with their loved ones.
A chance encounter back in London a few months later has a lasting effect on them both, changing the course of their lives and future plans.
Book Tag Line: This Christmas they're strangers. Maybe next Christmas they'll fall in love...
This is an emotional rollercoaster of a Christmas book, looking at love and relationships of all kinds and the impacts they have on us.
Dealing with love, relationship breakdowns, death and those last special moments and memories of loved ones, this is a touching, heart-warming book of love and loss and how that impacts Christmas, done in such a delicate and beautiful way, with lovable characters you just want to sit down with a drink and a mince pie and get to know more.
I don't think I've cried so much reading a book, ever, it was written so tenderly, and so much care. A must read for those who love a romantic Christmas book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
December 5, 2024
Just too saccharine and very dragged out. Not for me but I can understand why others love this. I read this as a book club read for December.
December 18, 2024
I really wanted to read a Christmas book this month, I had bought this book by chance at the airport when I was in London (plus I was in a gloomy mood and I was looking for a good story 😅). The story warmed my heart and I have to say that I cried several times. The story was sad at times but also very beautiful. Some of the characters, such as Ollie's father and Leroy, were full of wisdom and, like Bea, I wanted to write down everything they said.
Even though this is basically a romance, I found the character of Bea, who was still searching for herself and didn't really know where she stood in the future, very relatable. She's searching for herself and doesn't seem to be understood by her family, who indirectly push her to stay with Sean when their love has long since faded. I was also moved by the conversation she had with her sister when she said that Sean would not replace their brother Peter, whom they lost to illness. She finally had the courage to say what she thought and for once she put her own happiness first.
Ollie is a real sweetheart, I adored him from the beginning of the novel. He's kind, caring, wise, but also empathetic. He always knows what to say to make people laugh. I really admired him, because he has lost a lot and even so he remained positive and never put pressure on Bea. I even had the impression that he was the only one around Bea (apart from Leroy) who didn't do that. I also adored aunt Nora ! She was jovial, but very relevant in her comments.
This was just the perfect read before Christmas, it's all I asked for and I do believe I will be reading more of this author's work. When I read the acknowledgements, and when she admitted that she herself had been diagnosed this year, the story just felt even more real.
Maybe next Christmas ends well and is a balm for our hearts, I wanted to read on and find out what Ollie and Bea's next adventures were going to be.
Even though this is basically a romance, I found the character of Bea, who was still searching for herself and didn't really know where she stood in the future, very relatable. She's searching for herself and doesn't seem to be understood by her family, who indirectly push her to stay with Sean when their love has long since faded. I was also moved by the conversation she had with her sister when she said that Sean would not replace their brother Peter, whom they lost to illness. She finally had the courage to say what she thought and for once she put her own happiness first.
Ollie is a real sweetheart, I adored him from the beginning of the novel. He's kind, caring, wise, but also empathetic. He always knows what to say to make people laugh. I really admired him, because he has lost a lot and even so he remained positive and never put pressure on Bea. I even had the impression that he was the only one around Bea (apart from Leroy) who didn't do that. I also adored aunt Nora ! She was jovial, but very relevant in her comments.
This was just the perfect read before Christmas, it's all I asked for and I do believe I will be reading more of this author's work. When I read the acknowledgements, and when she admitted that she herself had been diagnosed this year, the story just felt even more real.
Maybe next Christmas ends well and is a balm for our hearts, I wanted to read on and find out what Ollie and Bea's next adventures were going to be.
December 30, 2025
3,5⭐
I absolutely loved the first half of this book. Unfortunately the second half felt a bit dragged out and too long.
I absolutely loved the first half of this book. Unfortunately the second half felt a bit dragged out and too long.
September 8, 2024
I think this book would make a totally fabulous festive film. I could see it all so clearly, and it certainly gave me all the feels.
Set between London and Ireland, with an initial first meeting at Heathrow airport with a flight delay on Christmas Eve, this was just one fabulous book.
I loved getting to know Bea, and the hotel she works in that sounded divine, as well as Ollie and especially his Aunt Nora.
Both are travelling back to Ireland for Christmas for the first time in years, hoping to make this a memorable Christmas.
And although they don't exchange details, fate clearly has plans for our leading pair, and I loved it even more each time they met.
It's a moving festive romance, that is another in a growing number of fabulous books from Emma Heatherington. She is definitely one of my auto read authors for a fab Christmas book.
Thank you to Penguin and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Set between London and Ireland, with an initial first meeting at Heathrow airport with a flight delay on Christmas Eve, this was just one fabulous book.
I loved getting to know Bea, and the hotel she works in that sounded divine, as well as Ollie and especially his Aunt Nora.
Both are travelling back to Ireland for Christmas for the first time in years, hoping to make this a memorable Christmas.
And although they don't exchange details, fate clearly has plans for our leading pair, and I loved it even more each time they met.
It's a moving festive romance, that is another in a growing number of fabulous books from Emma Heatherington. She is definitely one of my auto read authors for a fab Christmas book.
Thank you to Penguin and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 15, 2024
Hotel manager Bea and nurse Ollie meet by chance at Heathrow airport on Christmas Eve, when their flight home to Ireland is delayed. They immediately create a connection, but as both are preoccupied with the reasons they are going home for Christmas, neither thinks to exchange numbers or contact details.
Fate has other plans however, and the two do meet again unexpectedly - but is it too late?
This is like a warm hug of a book. Starting at Christmas and finishing the following Christmas, this book should definitely be made into a movie! I found myself totally invested in the outcome of Bea and Ollie's second meeting and really enjoyed the supporting characters who helped them on their journey - everyone needs a Leroy and Aunt Nora in their lives!
This is a book that could be read and enjoyed at any time of the year, but be warned you will want to visit Ireland after reading! Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK, Cornerstone for the review copy.
#MaybeNextChristmas
#NetGalley
Fate has other plans however, and the two do meet again unexpectedly - but is it too late?
This is like a warm hug of a book. Starting at Christmas and finishing the following Christmas, this book should definitely be made into a movie! I found myself totally invested in the outcome of Bea and Ollie's second meeting and really enjoyed the supporting characters who helped them on their journey - everyone needs a Leroy and Aunt Nora in their lives!
This is a book that could be read and enjoyed at any time of the year, but be warned you will want to visit Ireland after reading! Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK, Cornerstone for the review copy.
#MaybeNextChristmas
#NetGalley
December 16, 2024
Oh the characters in this book! Not just the main ones, but everyone, there was something about all of them that just worked and throw in a setting of Ireland and London in Winter and it was just a perfect combination. I LOVED that the hotel really does exist and that there is so much real life inspiration behind the book. It truly is all of the best bits of our favourite christmas movies rolled into the perfect novel.
Ollie & Bea were so likeable as a reader you just wanted the absolute best for them which is why their journey was agonising with some not-so-predictable twists thrown into the mix. Will they or won’t they? You’ll have to read to find out, but as with all of Emma’s books you will not be disappointed.
Ollie & Bea were so likeable as a reader you just wanted the absolute best for them which is why their journey was agonising with some not-so-predictable twists thrown into the mix. Will they or won’t they? You’ll have to read to find out, but as with all of Emma’s books you will not be disappointed.
December 27, 2025
Enjoyed the cosy vibes and the Ireland (Donegal!) connection, but the story was too long and some of the side characters and plots were unnecessary.
While this story was like a warm hug, I did not really connect with the main characters and I noticed checking after the halfway point how much longer the book would be.
I did not enjoy the dRaMa that kept being thrown to the MMC and the FMC. Yes, loss and heartbreak and trust issues are a part of normal life, but gosh these people could not catch a break!
Also all the exes were too visible and too much used as plot points. Not my cup of tea.
On top of that, the story could have been so much more easily resolved (honestly, a break up would have done it for me as well), but just kept whining and pining.
Still, enjoyable as a wintery, not Christmassy read.
A small 3.5 stars rounded down.
While this story was like a warm hug, I did not really connect with the main characters and I noticed checking after the halfway point how much longer the book would be.
I did not enjoy the dRaMa that kept being thrown to the MMC and the FMC. Yes, loss and heartbreak and trust issues are a part of normal life, but gosh these people could not catch a break!
Also all the exes were too visible and too much used as plot points. Not my cup of tea.
On top of that, the story could have been so much more easily resolved (honestly, a break up would have done it for me as well), but just kept whining and pining.
Still, enjoyable as a wintery, not Christmassy read.
A small 3.5 stars rounded down.
December 6, 2024
The perfect snuggle down, cosy Christmas read. Bea and Ollie first meet by chance when they’re travelling home to Ireland for Christmas. Both are carrying emotional baggage, but the spark begins in the airport and the flight. Life gets in the way for both of them and it seems they’re fated never to come together properly. I must say I felt like giving Bea a kick up the rear end at times! Without giving away any spoilers, the author pulls it all together so well, as always.
December 8, 2024
A beautiful festive story.
Packed with equal measures of heartbreak and heartwarming moments.
I loved following Bea and Ollie after they bumped into each other on a flight home to Ireland in Christmas Eve. There was a lovely connection between them, and of course they did not exchange numbers so what are the chances they would see each other again?
The story was told from both Bea and Ollie’s pov in alternative chapters and it was lovely reading from both their perspectives.
I loved all the little details, all the little signs that Bea and Ollie looked for. It was perfect.
There were a couple of twists to the story and it was just such a beautiful heartfelt read.
Packed with equal measures of heartbreak and heartwarming moments.
I loved following Bea and Ollie after they bumped into each other on a flight home to Ireland in Christmas Eve. There was a lovely connection between them, and of course they did not exchange numbers so what are the chances they would see each other again?
The story was told from both Bea and Ollie’s pov in alternative chapters and it was lovely reading from both their perspectives.
I loved all the little details, all the little signs that Bea and Ollie looked for. It was perfect.
There were a couple of twists to the story and it was just such a beautiful heartfelt read.
January 18, 2025
Another heartwarming read by Emma Heatherington, encompassing loss, grief, sadness, heartbreak, tears, laughter, and joy. Although set at Christmas, it's a book for any season. I loved the characters and their stories, and I shall look forward to another lovely Christmas read from this author.
September 22, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of Maybe Next Christmas in exchange for a review.
I absolutely love Christmas and combining it with my love of reading is a dream! The problem is there are always a LOT of very festive book titles and covers coming out around this time and it’s hard to tell the difference between the quality ones and the ones that punch you in the face with Christmas on the cover (good thing) but turn out to be quite slow and boring (bad thing).
I am here to tell you that this is not one of those books! It’s my first read by Emma Heatherington and I’m overjoyed to have found her and can’t wait to read more of her books now.
Maybe Next Christmas strikes a really nice balance between the gorgeous festive cosy feels and enough everyday life in between so that it can easily be enjoyed at any time of year - but if you time it right and read it in December you can totally be maximising its charm by snuggling up by a fire with a mulled wine on the go!
The story itself follows Bea and Ollie as they meet for the first time on Christmas Eve getting a flight from Heathrow to Ireland. Their connection is instant - but Bea is still in a relationship with Sean, although she’s on her way to break things off..
We follow them over the course of the next year where a lot changes for both of them, and we come around to the next Christmas! I won’t give too much away but it’s such a lovely heartwarming story. The two main characters are gorgeous and have great chemistry, and we also have the fantastic Leroy and Aunt Nora helping to bring it all alive. There are heartbreaking elements to it, but all with a lot of positive reframing of what the characters are going through which I loved - a lot of food for thought in challenging times and I took photos of a few things characters said (mainly Leroy!) that I particularly liked and wanted to remember.
An absolute festive delight!
I absolutely love Christmas and combining it with my love of reading is a dream! The problem is there are always a LOT of very festive book titles and covers coming out around this time and it’s hard to tell the difference between the quality ones and the ones that punch you in the face with Christmas on the cover (good thing) but turn out to be quite slow and boring (bad thing).
I am here to tell you that this is not one of those books! It’s my first read by Emma Heatherington and I’m overjoyed to have found her and can’t wait to read more of her books now.
Maybe Next Christmas strikes a really nice balance between the gorgeous festive cosy feels and enough everyday life in between so that it can easily be enjoyed at any time of year - but if you time it right and read it in December you can totally be maximising its charm by snuggling up by a fire with a mulled wine on the go!
The story itself follows Bea and Ollie as they meet for the first time on Christmas Eve getting a flight from Heathrow to Ireland. Their connection is instant - but Bea is still in a relationship with Sean, although she’s on her way to break things off..
We follow them over the course of the next year where a lot changes for both of them, and we come around to the next Christmas! I won’t give too much away but it’s such a lovely heartwarming story. The two main characters are gorgeous and have great chemistry, and we also have the fantastic Leroy and Aunt Nora helping to bring it all alive. There are heartbreaking elements to it, but all with a lot of positive reframing of what the characters are going through which I loved - a lot of food for thought in challenging times and I took photos of a few things characters said (mainly Leroy!) that I particularly liked and wanted to remember.
An absolute festive delight!
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December 20, 2024#Gifted
Maybe Next Christmas is the latest festive read from bestselling Irish author Emma Heatherington.
Bea works as a manager in a fancy London hotel, and she’s very good at her job. She’s headed home to Tyrone for the holidays but is dreading it a little; she and her boyfriend have drifted apart in the last year; her life is in London now.
At the airport she meets Ollie, a nurse working in a big London hospital, but from Donegal. They get chatting; they both instantly feel a spark but he also has a lot going on; he’s still recovering from a disastrous relationship, and his lovely dad is very unwell.
Somehow their paths cross again in the New Year, and although they seem made for each other, Ollie no longer feels London is his home, whereas it’s very much where Bea wants to be. Can they resolve the issues stopping them from being together?
This was an easy read, when I had the chance to read it (on a solo train trip 😅), I flew through it. There are some heavy storylines in here too though; it’s not pure fluff.
Personally, this isn’t really my cup of tea, I found parts a bit repetitive, and I’m just not much of a romance reader.
That said, I think a lot of people will love this one; the relationship between the main characters is sweet and feels genuine. If you’re looking for a warm, Christmassy read for next week, this is a good choice.
Also, shout out to the author for the afterword here;
She details her difficult diagnosis with an incurable blood cancer while writing this book, a hugely impressive achievement to be able to complete it and so well too.
With many thanks to @penguinbooksireland for my early copy, all opinions are my own, as always. Maybe Next Christmas is available to buy now.
Maybe Next Christmas is the latest festive read from bestselling Irish author Emma Heatherington.
Bea works as a manager in a fancy London hotel, and she’s very good at her job. She’s headed home to Tyrone for the holidays but is dreading it a little; she and her boyfriend have drifted apart in the last year; her life is in London now.
At the airport she meets Ollie, a nurse working in a big London hospital, but from Donegal. They get chatting; they both instantly feel a spark but he also has a lot going on; he’s still recovering from a disastrous relationship, and his lovely dad is very unwell.
Somehow their paths cross again in the New Year, and although they seem made for each other, Ollie no longer feels London is his home, whereas it’s very much where Bea wants to be. Can they resolve the issues stopping them from being together?
This was an easy read, when I had the chance to read it (on a solo train trip 😅), I flew through it. There are some heavy storylines in here too though; it’s not pure fluff.
Personally, this isn’t really my cup of tea, I found parts a bit repetitive, and I’m just not much of a romance reader.
That said, I think a lot of people will love this one; the relationship between the main characters is sweet and feels genuine. If you’re looking for a warm, Christmassy read for next week, this is a good choice.
Also, shout out to the author for the afterword here;
She details her difficult diagnosis with an incurable blood cancer while writing this book, a hugely impressive achievement to be able to complete it and so well too.
With many thanks to @penguinbooksireland for my early copy, all opinions are my own, as always. Maybe Next Christmas is available to buy now.
December 21, 2024
This is a beautifully crafted story that captures the essence of hope, love, and the magic of the holiday season without falling into the trap of being a cheesy Christmas romance. The narrative follows the journey of its main characters as they navigate personal challenges and the complexities of their relationships during Christmas time. What sets this book apart is its depth; it thoughtfully explores themes of grief alongside the festive spirit, making it a more profound and relatable read.
Heatherington's writing is both poignant and engaging, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters' emotions and experiences. The vivid depiction of the festive atmosphere is infused with warmth and nostalgia, while the exploration of loss adds a layer of authenticity to the story. The author skillfully intertwines themes of family, forgiveness, and the importance of cherishing moments together, making it a perfect read for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of Christmas while grappling with the realities of life.
Heatherington's writing is both poignant and engaging, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters' emotions and experiences. The vivid depiction of the festive atmosphere is infused with warmth and nostalgia, while the exploration of loss adds a layer of authenticity to the story. The author skillfully intertwines themes of family, forgiveness, and the importance of cherishing moments together, making it a perfect read for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of Christmas while grappling with the realities of life.
December 23, 2024
On Christmas Eve, Bea meets Ollie while they’re both waiting for a flight from London to Ireland for the holidays. Bea is heading home to break up with her long term boyfriend and Ollie is heading back for a last Christmas with his terminally ill Dad. They get chatting after their flight is delayed and then part ways. But neither can forget the other until fate intervenes and they meet again.
The story happens over a year between Christmases and is told from both Bea and Ollie’s POVs. It’s sweet, romantic and the characters are genuinely nice people who you root for all the way through. They’re both dealing with life’s struggles, grief and loss but neither wallow in it and just want to help others.
Just like Emma Heatherington’s previous Christmas novel, this was a lovely festive story with a nice romance, loveable characters and a great supporting cast.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in return for an honest review.
The story happens over a year between Christmases and is told from both Bea and Ollie’s POVs. It’s sweet, romantic and the characters are genuinely nice people who you root for all the way through. They’re both dealing with life’s struggles, grief and loss but neither wallow in it and just want to help others.
Just like Emma Heatherington’s previous Christmas novel, this was a lovely festive story with a nice romance, loveable characters and a great supporting cast.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in return for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
I don’t often read romance stories any more but when I saw this one from Emma Heatherington I knew I would enjoy it as I’ve love her previous books .
Bea and Ollie meet in Heathrow airport each returning home for Christmas. They both have things they need to address when they get home , but find themselves enjoying each others company and discovering a spark between them which takes them both by surprise!
With the pressures of work in London and problems which exist in Ireland will they ever meet again ? I was hoping they would find their happy ending even though the odds seemed to be stacked against them .
This book gives you a warm hug, Second chances, love, loss and family are all beautifully explored. This book would make a wonderful Christmas movie , and who doesn’t love a little Christmas magic, which this feel good romance definitely delivers on.
Bea and Ollie meet in Heathrow airport each returning home for Christmas. They both have things they need to address when they get home , but find themselves enjoying each others company and discovering a spark between them which takes them both by surprise!
With the pressures of work in London and problems which exist in Ireland will they ever meet again ? I was hoping they would find their happy ending even though the odds seemed to be stacked against them .
This book gives you a warm hug, Second chances, love, loss and family are all beautifully explored. This book would make a wonderful Christmas movie , and who doesn’t love a little Christmas magic, which this feel good romance definitely delivers on.
January 17, 2026
Esta novela la compré el año pasado cuando estuve de viaje en Dublín. Me llamó la atención esa portada navideña/invernal y que pusiera el famoso “”all I want for Christmas is you.
Esas veces en las que compras un libro impulsivamente puede salirte muy mal, pero no ha sido el caso; si no, TODO lo contrario.
Me he encontrado con una historia preciosa que lo tiene todo: unos personajes entrañables, un romance a fuego lento y una ambientación increíble, a caballo entre Londres y los maravillosos paisajes de los pueblitos irlandeses. Y, por supuesto, Navidad. Aunque, gran parte de la trama no ocurre en esa época.
Me ha encantado y la he disfrutado muchísimo. Es de esas historia que te hacen sonreír y, a la vez, llorar, empatizando con el momento tan doloroso por el que tiene que pasar el protagonista masculino.
Sin duda, la historia de Bea y Ollie me ha dejado con muy buen sabor de boca.
Esas veces en las que compras un libro impulsivamente puede salirte muy mal, pero no ha sido el caso; si no, TODO lo contrario.
Me he encontrado con una historia preciosa que lo tiene todo: unos personajes entrañables, un romance a fuego lento y una ambientación increíble, a caballo entre Londres y los maravillosos paisajes de los pueblitos irlandeses. Y, por supuesto, Navidad. Aunque, gran parte de la trama no ocurre en esa época.
Me ha encantado y la he disfrutado muchísimo. Es de esas historia que te hacen sonreír y, a la vez, llorar, empatizando con el momento tan doloroso por el que tiene que pasar el protagonista masculino.
Sin duda, la historia de Bea y Ollie me ha dejado con muy buen sabor de boca.
September 29, 2024
Emma Heatherington's Maybe Next Christmas is a cozy, slow-burn romance that captures the spirit of the holiday season.
On Christmas Eve, Bea is heading home to Ireland to reunite with her long-term partner, Sean. But when her flight is delayed, she meets Ollie, another traveler returning home. Despite their immediate connection whilst waiting for their delayed flight, they fail to stay in touch and they return to their old separate lives.
Months later, a chance encounter in London reignites their spark. As Christmas approaches again, Bea and Ollie find themselves drawn together by fate.
Heatherington's writing is warm and inviting, creating a delightful feel-good atmosphere. Her characters are lovable and relatable, and the Irish setting adds a charming touch.
(Netgalley ARC)
On Christmas Eve, Bea is heading home to Ireland to reunite with her long-term partner, Sean. But when her flight is delayed, she meets Ollie, another traveler returning home. Despite their immediate connection whilst waiting for their delayed flight, they fail to stay in touch and they return to their old separate lives.
Months later, a chance encounter in London reignites their spark. As Christmas approaches again, Bea and Ollie find themselves drawn together by fate.
Heatherington's writing is warm and inviting, creating a delightful feel-good atmosphere. Her characters are lovable and relatable, and the Irish setting adds a charming touch.
(Netgalley ARC)
December 22, 2024
My goodness, this was a truly big story and one that will stay with me as a Christmas favourite for some time. When we first meet Bea and Ollie, they are waiting for a delayed flight and find themselves sharing a table in the over-filled bar. Making the best of things, they start talking and that’s where the magical connection begins.
Bea is the manager of a boutique hotel in the centre of London, but her family and boyfriend live in a small Irish village and dream of her returning to live near them all. Sadly, Bea has no such plans and cannot imagine ever leaving the bright lights of the city behind her. I really liked Bea and could imagine us being friends, as her loyalty and kindness were at the forefront of her life. Just because she didn’t want to move home, she was still the same girl who had moved away to chase her career.
Ollie, a literal angel who cared for patients in A&E at a busy London hospital, was the epitome of a perfect romantic lead, and I was crying out for them to get on the same page. However, this was not to be, and it would have made for a very short story. There’s a serendipitous theme throughout the entire story that gave me hope that there would be a happy ending for them both. What wasn’t clear was how that would be reached, and what it would look like.
Emma Heatherington has created a beautiful story that is filled with joy and the magic of the festive season. Although the main characters are perfectly drawn, there is good reason to mention the supporting cast, especially Leroy and Aunt Nora. Both bring a magical layer to the story and add sparkle that helps make this story the festive gem that it really is.
I cannot recommend this book enough and hope that you have time to squeeze in another fabulous book before the New Year bells ring.
Bea is the manager of a boutique hotel in the centre of London, but her family and boyfriend live in a small Irish village and dream of her returning to live near them all. Sadly, Bea has no such plans and cannot imagine ever leaving the bright lights of the city behind her. I really liked Bea and could imagine us being friends, as her loyalty and kindness were at the forefront of her life. Just because she didn’t want to move home, she was still the same girl who had moved away to chase her career.
Ollie, a literal angel who cared for patients in A&E at a busy London hospital, was the epitome of a perfect romantic lead, and I was crying out for them to get on the same page. However, this was not to be, and it would have made for a very short story. There’s a serendipitous theme throughout the entire story that gave me hope that there would be a happy ending for them both. What wasn’t clear was how that would be reached, and what it would look like.
Emma Heatherington has created a beautiful story that is filled with joy and the magic of the festive season. Although the main characters are perfectly drawn, there is good reason to mention the supporting cast, especially Leroy and Aunt Nora. Both bring a magical layer to the story and add sparkle that helps make this story the festive gem that it really is.
I cannot recommend this book enough and hope that you have time to squeeze in another fabulous book before the New Year bells ring.
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December 18, 2024I've a soft spot for books about people missing/leaving Ireland. This story was much heavier than I was expecting, but beautiful also. Very emotional, which is not strange when you read the acknowledgement and find out that the author was diagnosed with cancer while writing it. Glad the book got a nice ending :).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2024
It's a nice, entertaining, and heartwarming story until around halfway through, then it's just dragged out for way too long. After Ollie movies to Ireland and they are back and forth, plus the wedding chapter - way too long and totally unnecessary. It could haven't been wrapped up sooner, it's not like you don't know how it's going to end - obviously, she'd move there, and they would open the b&b again. So all those chapters around halfway were long, slow, and unnecessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
Another amazing Christmas novel by Emma Heatherington! A lovely heartwarming journey of love, heartbreak, grief & all things Christmas! An absolute must read!
With thanks to #NetGalley #MaybeNextChristmas
With thanks to #NetGalley #MaybeNextChristmas
December 27, 2024
I was given this sweet book as a Christmas gift. I didn't want to put it down, completely invested in the lives of Bea and Ollie, and all the characters around them. Lovely descriptions of places and relationships throughout. A very easy and enjoyable read, especially in the winter time!
December 29, 2024
As Christmas romance books go this one was sweet and enjoyable. A bit repetitive and drawn out in parts and predictable from the start but I still thoroughly enjoyed the characters and depth of them.
December 17, 2024
Absolutely loved it - I'm a huge fan of Emma's work! Beautiful story, absolutely loved the characters and the story line. Nothing too dramatic, just a lovely easy going beautiful story to warm the heart like a huge festive hug in book form - five stars from me!
December 17, 2024
Cute and easy Christmas read. A bit predictable though.
December 31, 2024
A bittersweet love story. Really lovely characters but tinged with sadness, particularly when you know of the author's own health problems.
October 1, 2025
3.2⭐️ Cute. Very cheesy, especially the man xx
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