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A Very Irish Christmas
One part American sugar, two parts Irish spice. Cassie O'Hara is about to discover the recipe for the sweetest Christmas…
When New York-born Cassie O'Hara decides to use the money her sassy Irish nana Nora left in her will to book a month-long stay in a quaint country village, she's expecting a cozy cottage, steak-and-ale pie and plenty of Christmas cheer. Instead, she gets a draughty disaster covered in dust, a temperamental stray dog and two devastatingly handsome men vying for her attention…
There's Charles, the dashing English aristocrat with an enormous manor house and a heart of gold. And Ryan, a curly-haired Irish handyman with a past he won't talk about and an accent that makes her weak at the knees.
When Charles enlists Cassie's event-planning expertise to save his family estate, she finds herself working shoulder to shoulder with Ryan, breathing new life into Bancroft Manor. As village life weaves its spell, Cassie uncovers some intriguing secrets about Nana Nora's past. With her return ticket looming and her heart pulling her in unexpected directions, can Cassie find the love and belonging Nana Nora always wanted for her?
A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy filled with Irish charm, festive flirting and enough Christmas spirit to warm even the coldest of hearts. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Catherine Walsh and anyone who believes in the luck of the Irish…
Readers love Debbie Johnson’s books!
“Pure comfort reading!!... Loved it, it’s like a huge hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows!! Wonderful.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely fabulous, I couldn’t put it down. Humour, sadness, family, romance… what’s not to love?” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Definitely a five-star read… could... not... stop! Finished it in one afternoon.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A beautiful story from an author who never disappoints.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Deserves more than 5 stars. If I could give this a higher rating than 5, I would. Escapist reading, I couldn't put it down.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When New York-born Cassie O'Hara decides to use the money her sassy Irish nana Nora left in her will to book a month-long stay in a quaint country village, she's expecting a cozy cottage, steak-and-ale pie and plenty of Christmas cheer. Instead, she gets a draughty disaster covered in dust, a temperamental stray dog and two devastatingly handsome men vying for her attention…
There's Charles, the dashing English aristocrat with an enormous manor house and a heart of gold. And Ryan, a curly-haired Irish handyman with a past he won't talk about and an accent that makes her weak at the knees.
When Charles enlists Cassie's event-planning expertise to save his family estate, she finds herself working shoulder to shoulder with Ryan, breathing new life into Bancroft Manor. As village life weaves its spell, Cassie uncovers some intriguing secrets about Nana Nora's past. With her return ticket looming and her heart pulling her in unexpected directions, can Cassie find the love and belonging Nana Nora always wanted for her?
A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy filled with Irish charm, festive flirting and enough Christmas spirit to warm even the coldest of hearts. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Catherine Walsh and anyone who believes in the luck of the Irish…
Readers love Debbie Johnson’s books!
“Pure comfort reading!!... Loved it, it’s like a huge hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows!! Wonderful.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely fabulous, I couldn’t put it down. Humour, sadness, family, romance… what’s not to love?” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Definitely a five-star read… could... not... stop! Finished it in one afternoon.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A beautiful story from an author who never disappoints.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Deserves more than 5 stars. If I could give this a higher rating than 5, I would. Escapist reading, I couldn't put it down.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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First published October 30, 2024
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About the author
Debbie Johnson
31 books952 followersDebbie Johnson is an award-winning author who lives and works in Liverpool, where she divides her time between writing, caring for a small tribe of children and animals, and not doing the housework.
She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1,000,000 books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV.
Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Falling for You and the Starshine Cove books.
She is also the author of supernatural crime thriller, Fear No Evil, and urban fantasies Dark Vision and Dark Touch.
source: Amazon
She writes feel-good emotional women’s fiction, and has sold more than 1,000,000 books worldwide. She is published globally in many different languages, and has had two books optioned for film and TV.
Her books include the best-selling Comfort Food Cafe series, The A-Z of Everything, Maybe One Day, The Moment I Met You, Falling for You and the Starshine Cove books.
She is also the author of supernatural crime thriller, Fear No Evil, and urban fantasies Dark Vision and Dark Touch.
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 564 reviews
September 29, 2024
Cassie is not having a great year. She decides to rent a cottage in a quaint village that is not the picture perfect place she envisioned. A quick read.
October 12, 2024
I received a free copy of, A Very Irish Christmas, by Debbie Johnson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Cassie decides to use the money her grandmother left her to spend a month at a cottage, She meets wonderful people and a loyal dog. I really enjoyed this book.
October 17, 2024
Well, this was very cute! It's a warm, inviting, fluffy, feel-good story. Whether you're dreaming of a manor house or a cozy cottage this Christmas, this book delivers both charming settings!
After being jilted at the altar, Cassie has been feeling down. Using some of her inherited money, she decides to book a month-long stay at Whimsy Cottage, nestled in a quaint, Irish-influenced town. Soon, two men enter her life—Ryan, the handsome Irish handyman, and Charles, the charming viscount from Bancroft Manor.
I liked seeing Cassie rediscover happiness through her event-planning skills and helping those around her, but the romance itself felt a bit lacking for me. Without giving away any spoilers, the story seemed to lean heavily toward one man, even though it was clear she'd end up with the other. Both men were great— that certainly wasn't the issue here—I just didn’t feel an overwhelming spark between Cassie and either of them.
(heat level: closed door, some language)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After being jilted at the altar, Cassie has been feeling down. Using some of her inherited money, she decides to book a month-long stay at Whimsy Cottage, nestled in a quaint, Irish-influenced town. Soon, two men enter her life—Ryan, the handsome Irish handyman, and Charles, the charming viscount from Bancroft Manor.
I liked seeing Cassie rediscover happiness through her event-planning skills and helping those around her, but the romance itself felt a bit lacking for me. Without giving away any spoilers, the story seemed to lean heavily toward one man, even though it was clear she'd end up with the other. Both men were great— that certainly wasn't the issue here—I just didn’t feel an overwhelming spark between Cassie and either of them.
(heat level: closed door, some language)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 17, 2024
3.5 stars. Slow but comforting in a way?
December 10, 2024
This had the foundations of something cute but ultimately fumbled the bag. The love triangle was executed so poorly, in that she barely had any page time with the guy she ends up with. I kept waiting for her to end up with the other guy but then she just randomly decides she’s “in love” with this handyman guy.
December 25, 2024
Destination contemporary rom-com with a huge bit of found family and friends. It’s cute feel good closed door romance.
# A Very Irish Christmas
# 12/19/2024 ~ 12/20/2024
# 5.0 / 5.0
# A Very Irish Christmas
# 12/19/2024 ~ 12/20/2024
# 5.0 / 5.0
December 2, 2024
My 2024 reading goal is to not feel the need to finish a book that is giving three stars or less
January 29, 2025
*Follow your heart*
Cassie O’Hara is from New York but her Irish through and through grandmother Nora is her heart. She was very close to her Gran and loved listening to all the stories she would share.
She was due to get married to her first and only love but, at the eleventh hour he leaves her.
So with her broken heart and losing her Nan she receives money from her Will. Her best friend encourages her to go to Ireland to find out more about her nan who never seemed to talk much about her life. She books what looks like a beautiful accommodation and off she goes.
Cassie is expecting a beautiful cottage and dreams about a cozy fire and lovely comfort food. Well, the reality is far from what she expected. She lands in an English countryside and the place is described as little Ireland as most of the residents are Irish along with a village pub.
This trip turns into a revelation for her as she gains the attention of two rather handsome men.
One is Ryan who is an Irish handyman rugged with all the charm and he has many layers that he keeps close to his chest.
While the other is Charles who is English and an aristocrat who is more straightforward and lives on the enormous estate and he is in need of help to make the house more profitable. Cassie is an events planner and gives him tips.
There is also a stray dog called Eejit. There are many funny and colourful characters and I loved it.
The two men are both easily a great match but only one of them captures her heart and Cassie remembers things her Nan would say and one of them was to always follow your heart.
Cassie is in the process of thinking whether she should stay or go back to the USA. But her feelings are pulling her towards the man who stole her heart. Does he feel the same?
Below is a quote from Cassie’s Grandmother
‘Always follow your heart. It might lead you into trouble, but at least you’ll enjoy the ride.’ Nora O’Hara, RIP
Cassie O’Hara is from New York but her Irish through and through grandmother Nora is her heart. She was very close to her Gran and loved listening to all the stories she would share.
She was due to get married to her first and only love but, at the eleventh hour he leaves her.
So with her broken heart and losing her Nan she receives money from her Will. Her best friend encourages her to go to Ireland to find out more about her nan who never seemed to talk much about her life. She books what looks like a beautiful accommodation and off she goes.
Cassie is expecting a beautiful cottage and dreams about a cozy fire and lovely comfort food. Well, the reality is far from what she expected. She lands in an English countryside and the place is described as little Ireland as most of the residents are Irish along with a village pub.
This trip turns into a revelation for her as she gains the attention of two rather handsome men.
One is Ryan who is an Irish handyman rugged with all the charm and he has many layers that he keeps close to his chest.
While the other is Charles who is English and an aristocrat who is more straightforward and lives on the enormous estate and he is in need of help to make the house more profitable. Cassie is an events planner and gives him tips.
There is also a stray dog called Eejit. There are many funny and colourful characters and I loved it.
The two men are both easily a great match but only one of them captures her heart and Cassie remembers things her Nan would say and one of them was to always follow your heart.
Cassie is in the process of thinking whether she should stay or go back to the USA. But her feelings are pulling her towards the man who stole her heart. Does he feel the same?
Below is a quote from Cassie’s Grandmother
‘Always follow your heart. It might lead you into trouble, but at least you’ll enjoy the ride.’ Nora O’Hara, RIP
December 23, 2025
3 stars⭐️: This one is a love triangle christmas story with a setting in Ireland. I really liked the found family and the Ireland setting.💚☘️ The book was a little slow at times. In addition, the FMC had spent too little time with the man she declared she loved at the end...still, the book had some fun shenanigans!☘️
October 8, 2024
Debbie Johnson's *"A Very Irish Christmas"* is a heartwarming festive romance that transports you straight into the enchanting English countryside. Cassie, the main character, embarks on a journey to honor her late grandmother’s memory and perhaps find some healing along the way. The small, snow-dusted village in the Cotswolds where she lands is full of charm and holiday cheer, offering the perfect backdrop for this Christmas adventure.
Cassie’s romantic dilemma between two charming suitors was a fun aspect of the plot, though I didn’t feel a strong connection between her and either love interest. However, that didn’t take away from the overall warm and cozy vibe of the story.
Johnson has crafted a cozy, uplifting holiday read that’s easy to get lost in. With Irish humor, festive celebrations, and a sprinkle of romance, this is a great choice for anyone looking for a light, feel-good Christmas story.
Special thanks to NetGalley
November 3, 2024
3.5 rounded up
A charming festive holiday love triangle that sees a recently single American woman travelling to Ireland over Christmas thanks to an inheritance from her grandmother. While there she gets caught up in the conflict between a single father member of the aristocracy and a sad blue collar widower who isn't ready to risk his heart on love again.
I really loved the setting and atmosphere of this kissing only love story and despite mixed reviews enjoyed it a lot, especially on audio. Perfect for fans of Hallmark holiday movies and authors like Catherine Walsh. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
A charming festive holiday love triangle that sees a recently single American woman travelling to Ireland over Christmas thanks to an inheritance from her grandmother. While there she gets caught up in the conflict between a single father member of the aristocracy and a sad blue collar widower who isn't ready to risk his heart on love again.
I really loved the setting and atmosphere of this kissing only love story and despite mixed reviews enjoyed it a lot, especially on audio. Perfect for fans of Hallmark holiday movies and authors like Catherine Walsh. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 9, 2024
2.5 rounded down. Started out really cute but just fell flat. I do not like when she is leading on a guy while wanting another. It's not fair!
November 28, 2024
Cassie takes off on a trip of a lifetime after realizing she's spent years of her life falling to pieces after being rejected at the altar. She finds a quaint Irish village nestled into the English countryside and decides to stay for a month and learn a bit more about her roots. She meets two incredibly different and incredibly lovely men and wonders if she'll ever be able to open herself up to more and heal from her past.
*****
This was such a sweet and light-hearted read. I was feeling myself getting into a bit of a reading slump, and this yanked me right out of it. Cassie is relatable in both her strengths and her insecurities. She loves deeply and cautiously and is willing to extend herself to see others happy. Charles is kind, effusive, and thoughtful and brings her into his quirky family without second thought. His daughter, mother, and home manager are all so clearly individual people instead of secondary characters that you feel the warmth of their home on the page. Ryan is a cheerful playboy that's guarded, kind, and eager to please. You can see how deeply he's steeped in the community, and after learning his family trauma and how he's chosen to escape his grief, it solidifies that connection.
I enjoyed how this love triangle was brought about in a more gentle way. You could see which lead she was leaning towards at moments, but it was never in such an overt way that the second lead felt like an obvious dud the entire time. The push and pull of her finding her place in the community was interesting and sweet, if not a bit slow. I would have loved if there was more time spent detailing her time in Cork so it didn't feel like a rush to the end, but otherwise, the rich landscape and characters kept me engaged throughout.
If you're looking for a book with a charming single dad, single handyman playboy, and self-discovery in a cute little holiday escape, grab this one!
*****
This was such a sweet and light-hearted read. I was feeling myself getting into a bit of a reading slump, and this yanked me right out of it. Cassie is relatable in both her strengths and her insecurities. She loves deeply and cautiously and is willing to extend herself to see others happy. Charles is kind, effusive, and thoughtful and brings her into his quirky family without second thought. His daughter, mother, and home manager are all so clearly individual people instead of secondary characters that you feel the warmth of their home on the page. Ryan is a cheerful playboy that's guarded, kind, and eager to please. You can see how deeply he's steeped in the community, and after learning his family trauma and how he's chosen to escape his grief, it solidifies that connection.
I enjoyed how this love triangle was brought about in a more gentle way. You could see which lead she was leaning towards at moments, but it was never in such an overt way that the second lead felt like an obvious dud the entire time. The push and pull of her finding her place in the community was interesting and sweet, if not a bit slow. I would have loved if there was more time spent detailing her time in Cork so it didn't feel like a rush to the end, but otherwise, the rich landscape and characters kept me engaged throughout.
If you're looking for a book with a charming single dad, single handyman playboy, and self-discovery in a cute little holiday escape, grab this one!
March 12, 2025
Enjoyable romance that was on my list to read in December but given the title, I thought it would also be appropriate for March. It’s way too squeaky clean to call it a love triangle but I did wonder until the end which of the two male characters our heroine would end up with.
December 19, 2024
The setting was perfection. A little bit The Holiday, a little bit the Christmas episode of Downton Abbey. The village was full of delightful characters, right down to a cute stray dog. My only problem is the love triangle. If you don't mind them, this was a good one.
I felt cheated out of time with both of the love interests. One of the relationships felt a lot more developed than the other. I liked both guys and felt it was going to feel wrong no matter who she chose. I wish it would've just focused on either one so they got more depth. 3.5★
I felt cheated out of time with both of the love interests. One of the relationships felt a lot more developed than the other. I liked both guys and felt it was going to feel wrong no matter who she chose. I wish it would've just focused on either one so they got more depth. 3.5★
December 4, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Books for the ARC of A Very Irish Christmas by Debbie Johnson!
If you’re a fan of festive tales where an out-of-towner swoops in to save the day just in time for Christmas, then is your perfect holiday read. This book felt like every Hallmark movie you’ve ever loved rolled into one, with the added bonus of taking place in the most charming of settings (no spoilers!). So many moments were reminiscent of holiday classics like The Holiday with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz (yes, that’s a classic) and it even felt like there was a hint of Disney magic at times. What really set this book apart for me was its delightful cast of characters. Each person Cassie meets, no matter how minor they seem, has their moment to shine, making the village feel like a vibrant, real place you’d want to spend your holidays.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because the love triangle left me a little baffled, and I wasn’t entirely sold on the outcome. There were also a few plot points that felt unnecessary, but honestly, isn’t that part of what we like about a good Hallmark movie? While this isn’t the best holiday romance I’ve ever read, I do recommend adding it to your December TBR!
If you’re a fan of festive tales where an out-of-towner swoops in to save the day just in time for Christmas, then is your perfect holiday read. This book felt like every Hallmark movie you’ve ever loved rolled into one, with the added bonus of taking place in the most charming of settings (no spoilers!). So many moments were reminiscent of holiday classics like The Holiday with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz (yes, that’s a classic) and it even felt like there was a hint of Disney magic at times. What really set this book apart for me was its delightful cast of characters. Each person Cassie meets, no matter how minor they seem, has their moment to shine, making the village feel like a vibrant, real place you’d want to spend your holidays.
I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because the love triangle left me a little baffled, and I wasn’t entirely sold on the outcome. There were also a few plot points that felt unnecessary, but honestly, isn’t that part of what we like about a good Hallmark movie? While this isn’t the best holiday romance I’ve ever read, I do recommend adding it to your December TBR!
January 4, 2025
First, thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an arc of the book. This book was released on October 30th 2024.
“A Very Irish Christmas” by Debbie Johnson is a heartwarming holiday romance that whisks readers away to the enchanting English countryside. Cassie O’Hara, heartbroken after a failed engagement, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a quaint Irish-influenced village, hoping to reconnect with her roots.
Her stay is unexpectedly complicated by two charming men: Charles, the dashing English aristocrat, and Ryan, the ruggedly handsome Irish handyman. While the romantic tension between Cassie and both men is a key element of the story, the romance itself felt a bit subdued.
Despite this minor drawback, the book offers a delightful escape with its charming setting, heartwarming characters, and festive atmosphere. Cassie’s journey of self-discovery, coupled with the heartwarming community spirit of the village, makes for a cozy and enjoyable read. “A Very Irish Christmas” is perfect for fans of Hallmark movies and those seeking a lighthearted escape with a touch of holiday magic.
“A Very Irish Christmas” by Debbie Johnson is a heartwarming holiday romance that whisks readers away to the enchanting English countryside. Cassie O’Hara, heartbroken after a failed engagement, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a quaint Irish-influenced village, hoping to reconnect with her roots.
Her stay is unexpectedly complicated by two charming men: Charles, the dashing English aristocrat, and Ryan, the ruggedly handsome Irish handyman. While the romantic tension between Cassie and both men is a key element of the story, the romance itself felt a bit subdued.
Despite this minor drawback, the book offers a delightful escape with its charming setting, heartwarming characters, and festive atmosphere. Cassie’s journey of self-discovery, coupled with the heartwarming community spirit of the village, makes for a cozy and enjoyable read. “A Very Irish Christmas” is perfect for fans of Hallmark movies and those seeking a lighthearted escape with a touch of holiday magic.
December 21, 2024
3.75⭐️
This was a heartwarming holiday romance with the perfect cozy setting. I loved the writing, the characters and the sweet Irish charm. I was a bit disappointed that Ryan didn’t have more page time- it made the love triangle and her feelings a little confusing in my opinion but overall a fun story.
This was a heartwarming holiday romance with the perfect cozy setting. I loved the writing, the characters and the sweet Irish charm. I was a bit disappointed that Ryan didn’t have more page time- it made the love triangle and her feelings a little confusing in my opinion but overall a fun story.
December 20, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of A Very Irish Christmas by Debbie Johnson!
When a heartbroken woman swaps her usual holiday plans for a trip to a quaint and picturesque village, she finds herself surrounded by warmth, charm, and unexpected connections. A Very Irish Christmas is a story of love, self-discovery, and the magic of new beginnings, all set against a beautiful holiday backdrop.
For fans of The Holiday, this book offers Hallmark vibes, a stunning setting, and a delightful cast of characters. The story is simple, sweet, and full of festive cheer. While I enjoyed it overall, I think the love triangle could have been avoided, which would have made the book even more enjoyable. Still, it’s a cozy and heartwarming addition to any holiday TBR!
When a heartbroken woman swaps her usual holiday plans for a trip to a quaint and picturesque village, she finds herself surrounded by warmth, charm, and unexpected connections. A Very Irish Christmas is a story of love, self-discovery, and the magic of new beginnings, all set against a beautiful holiday backdrop.
For fans of The Holiday, this book offers Hallmark vibes, a stunning setting, and a delightful cast of characters. The story is simple, sweet, and full of festive cheer. While I enjoyed it overall, I think the love triangle could have been avoided, which would have made the book even more enjoyable. Still, it’s a cozy and heartwarming addition to any holiday TBR!
December 28, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. Loved this book and there is just something different about a little village over seas. It hits different I loved the story but wish it was a little longer once the main character decided who she wanted to be with.
December 25, 2025
Very cute. Extremely “The Holiday”-coded. Read most of this on a train in Ireland which felt very correct.
The opening with her being left at the altar at a Christmas wedding was a full jump scare for me personally, but once I recovered I had a great time.
The opening with her being left at the altar at a Christmas wedding was a full jump scare for me personally, but once I recovered I had a great time.
October 22, 2024
Very heart-warming Christmas romance! This book had very much ''The Holiday'' vibes, which happens to be my favorite movie! Loved every second of it.
The story is about Cassie who decides to use the inheritance from her spirited Irish nana Nora for a month-long escape to a quaint country village. However, she encounters a chilly, dust-covered disaster of a place, a stray dog, and two irresistibly handsome men, Charles and Ryan, vying for her attention. The dynamic between these characters adds a delightful layer of tension and romance to the story.
And as the enchanting village life unfolds around her, Cassie discovers intriguing secrets about Nana Nora's past. This is a great addition to the story, because it will bring Cassie to make the right decision in the end.
Overall, "A Very Irish Christmas" is a delightful blend of romance and holiday spirit, making it an ideal choice for those looking to get lost in a cozy, uplifting read this Christmas. It may not be groundbreaking, but it’s certainly a feel-good story that will leave readers smiling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for sending me a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story is about Cassie who decides to use the inheritance from her spirited Irish nana Nora for a month-long escape to a quaint country village. However, she encounters a chilly, dust-covered disaster of a place, a stray dog, and two irresistibly handsome men, Charles and Ryan, vying for her attention. The dynamic between these characters adds a delightful layer of tension and romance to the story.
And as the enchanting village life unfolds around her, Cassie discovers intriguing secrets about Nana Nora's past. This is a great addition to the story, because it will bring Cassie to make the right decision in the end.
Overall, "A Very Irish Christmas" is a delightful blend of romance and holiday spirit, making it an ideal choice for those looking to get lost in a cozy, uplifting read this Christmas. It may not be groundbreaking, but it’s certainly a feel-good story that will leave readers smiling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for sending me a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 17, 2024
This is a lovely Christmastime travel romance. I loved the setting of a mostly Irish town in the English countryside. I also loved that this trip of a lifetime was meant as a tribute to Cassie’s Irish grandma and at the same time, a way to reinvigorate her life and spirit. Both book boyfriends were dreamy and the people she meets on her trip are wonderful and charming. On a personal note, the Irish expressions and experiences reminded me of my own Irish immigrant grandparents that I loved which was heartwarming for me.
December 15, 2024
Heavier on the ‘Irish’ than on the ‘Christmas,’ this is a fun escapist novel! Light but with heavy themes, the plot ties the story together with an intriguing love triangle trope and gentle tension. The main character became too saccharine for my taste, reading more like a Disney princess than a real live woman, but all in all it worked as an atmospheric Irish holiday tale.
December 6, 2024
Sorry but a “very Irish Christmas” my arse. Why did it take until the last 3% of the book to actually end up in Ireland? Could not care less about any of the characters except from Eejit the dog and I’m just so glad that’s over. Also, the romance was shite? Good riddance.
December 8, 2024
Wow! And here I was! Thinking I use too! Many! Exclamation! Points!
December 10, 2024
2.5⭐️ cute and cozy but not actually set in Ireland which pissed me off
December 17, 2024
sexy irish man and no smut should be illegal
November 28, 2024
4.5 Stars rounded up. Being jilted at the alter has Cassie O'Hara trying to sort out her life. She is tired of her mother and sister interfering in her life, and certainly doesn't want to spend Christmas with them, especially as this will be the first Christmas without her Nanna Nora. With the encouragement of her BFF, she decides to take a month long holiday to England. Using the money she left her, Cassie books a cozy cottage in a small village on the grounds of Bancroft Manor, in a place the locals call Little Ireland. Her expectations were dashed when she arrived and found the cottage unlivable. Meeting Charles at the local pub, he realizes that she has been booked in mistakenly and invites her to stay at the Manor house until the renovations have been completed. She gets to know his family, as he shares things with her, including the possibility of having to sell the Manor. With her event planning expertise, she works with both Charles and handyman Ryan, breathing new life into Bancroft Manor as well as getting to know the locals and beginning to feel at home. She and Charles have some chemistry, but not as much as she and Ryan, the curly-haired Irish handyman. He has secrets and uses his joking demeanor to keep people at arms length. As Cassie begins to learn things about her Nana Nora, she also finds herself having to decide what to do as her time to head back home approaches, and she feels like she has found the place she wants to call home.
A Very Irish Christmas was a wonderful festive story. Before I say anything else, I have to say how much I loved Eejit. He was a stray dog, who belonged to the whole village and tried to herd everyone. The only person he listens to is Ryan, until he decides that Cassie is his master. I love their relationship, two lonely souls that find one another. Charles and Ryan are both handsome men who have their strengths, but Ryan has so many secrets. It seems that mysterious air is very attractive. All the people in the village are welcoming to Cassie and I loved how she was immediately made to feel at home. Everyone seemed to have ties to Ireland, some were originally from there. With fun, festive activities, lots of humor and warmth and two handsome men to choose from, Little Ireland was exactly what Cassie needed to figure out what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. I enjoyed this story and recommend it if you are looking for a sweet, festive, Christmas story. The final sentence is the blurb sums up my feelings perfectly: A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy filled with Irish charm, festive flirting and enough Christmas spirit to warm even the coldest of hearts.
A Very Irish Christmas was a wonderful festive story. Before I say anything else, I have to say how much I loved Eejit. He was a stray dog, who belonged to the whole village and tried to herd everyone. The only person he listens to is Ryan, until he decides that Cassie is his master. I love their relationship, two lonely souls that find one another. Charles and Ryan are both handsome men who have their strengths, but Ryan has so many secrets. It seems that mysterious air is very attractive. All the people in the village are welcoming to Cassie and I loved how she was immediately made to feel at home. Everyone seemed to have ties to Ireland, some were originally from there. With fun, festive activities, lots of humor and warmth and two handsome men to choose from, Little Ireland was exactly what Cassie needed to figure out what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. I enjoyed this story and recommend it if you are looking for a sweet, festive, Christmas story. The final sentence is the blurb sums up my feelings perfectly: A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy filled with Irish charm, festive flirting and enough Christmas spirit to warm even the coldest of hearts.
October 30, 2024
It felt very weird for me as a strongly seasonal/ mood reader to read a Christmas book during the height of spooky season. 😅 However, as soon as I saw this one on Net Galley, I knew I'd have to make an exception, and I am so glad that I did!
I've never read anything by Debbie Johnson before, but from the first few pages of this, I instantly loved the writing, the characters, and the story. Nanna Nora is sadly deceased already when the book opens, but she remains a glowing, sassy and ever present character throughout this book in Cassie's memories and thoughts. Best friend June was another character that I liked instantaneously, as was teenaged Georgie; both were spunky and just what Cassie needed to be pushed back out there in life. Cassie's journey, both the actual trip and the emotional journey through her heartbreak and healing, were a joy to read. I wanted to live in Whimsy Cottage and be friends with everyone in the village. (I might swap out the stray dog for a stray cat, but that's neither here nor there 😹) I'm not extremely fond of a love triangle trope where both suitors are great characters because I feel sad for whoever is going to ultimately be left in the cold. I was happy about who won out overall in this one because there was more chemistry there, but I still really liked the other character as well.
This book is one of the best festive romcoms I've read. Perfect setting, wonderful characters, heartwarming plot and full of Irish charm and wit! Cassie quite literally lived this redhead's dream come true. I will definitely be reading more from Debbie Johnson.
✨Thank you so much to Net Galley, Storm Publishing, and Debbie Johnson for this eARC! "A Very Irish Christmas" is officially out in the world for your own enjoyment today! (October 30, 2024)✨
I've never read anything by Debbie Johnson before, but from the first few pages of this, I instantly loved the writing, the characters, and the story. Nanna Nora is sadly deceased already when the book opens, but she remains a glowing, sassy and ever present character throughout this book in Cassie's memories and thoughts. Best friend June was another character that I liked instantaneously, as was teenaged Georgie; both were spunky and just what Cassie needed to be pushed back out there in life. Cassie's journey, both the actual trip and the emotional journey through her heartbreak and healing, were a joy to read. I wanted to live in Whimsy Cottage and be friends with everyone in the village. (I might swap out the stray dog for a stray cat, but that's neither here nor there 😹) I'm not extremely fond of a love triangle trope where both suitors are great characters because I feel sad for whoever is going to ultimately be left in the cold. I was happy about who won out overall in this one because there was more chemistry there, but I still really liked the other character as well.
This book is one of the best festive romcoms I've read. Perfect setting, wonderful characters, heartwarming plot and full of Irish charm and wit! Cassie quite literally lived this redhead's dream come true. I will definitely be reading more from Debbie Johnson.
✨Thank you so much to Net Galley, Storm Publishing, and Debbie Johnson for this eARC! "A Very Irish Christmas" is officially out in the world for your own enjoyment today! (October 30, 2024)✨
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