Could It Be Magic?

Brambleton #2

by Fay Keenan

Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree - tired and lacking in sparkle!

Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he's given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick...

But when Thea steps into Nick's world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?

As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick's thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas... is Nick!

**Prepare for a heartwarming and enchanting tale of unexpected romance, festive magic, and the surprising ways love can blossom when you least expect it! **

Genres: Christmas, Romance

309 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2025

About the author

Fay Keenan lives and works in Somerset. When Fay is not chasing her children around or writing, she teaches English at a local secondary school. Fay writes ‘heart thumping romantic fiction’ and likes to cover subjects of interest in her novels, including UK Parliament, the Air Ambulance and the international cider making industry. Her novels explore relationships, country living and hopefully have a good sprinkling of escapism, too!

Reviews

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Thea is a single mom facing Christmas on a limited budget. To make some extra money, she starts working a few hours at Nick’s farm shop. Thea has known Nick since high school, and Nick has secretly liked Thea and has been “friend-zoned” since they were teenagers.

Will a magical and popular small-town Christmas market, twinkling Christmas lights, and the scent of cinnamon spark romance?

We cheer for hardworking Thea as she strives to create special Christmas memories for her children, and we love kind and thoughtful Nick, who is an all-around good guy. Thea begins to see Nick in a new light, and a slow-burn romance ensues.

Fans of gently told, sweet romance will enjoy this festive, UpLit story.

Thanks #NetGalley @Boldwoodbooks for complimentary a eARC of #CouldItBeMagic upon my request. All opinions are my own.

For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually the second book in the Brambleton series and even though each book can easily be read as a stand alone, they are always much better when enjoyed as part of the whole series!

From start to finish i just could not put this book down, it had wonderful writing that pulled me into it’s pages right from the very beginning, the setting was perfect and i loved the farm shop and the author’s great ability to set the scene put me in a festive mood very easily!

I loved Thea and Nick, they were both such lovely characters, very relatable and down-to-earth and i absolutely loved become entwined in their story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this friends-to-lovers romance and it had everything that i loved from a Christmas novel. There were the most wonderful festive feels, delicious food, unexpected romance , a schoolgirl crush, it was wholesome & heartwarming and such an easy going read and now i cannot wait for more…..

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm yet to read the first book in the series, but this did not stop me enjoying Could it be Magic in any shape or form.

The cover is gorgeous and gives off the Christmas cosy vibe, and the story was just wonderful. It's heartwarming, full of charming characters, and left me feeling all the fuzzies.

My heart was with Thea all the way and it made my little heart so happy when she got the 'happy' she so deserved. Everyone needs a S̶a̶i̶n̶t̶ N̶i̶c̶k̶ Nick Saint in their lives for Christmas, right?

[Emma Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute festive read. Even though it's part of a series and I haven't read any of the others I still enjoyed it. I loved the cute and cosy, small town setting and the great mix of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood books and the author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice christmassy story 💜

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a gorgeous festive read by Fay. I loved book 1 of this series with Tristan and Charlotte's story and it was lovely catching up with them in Thea and Nick's story.

Small town romances just make me smile and friends to lovers is my favourite trope as that's how me and my husband got together.

I've loved all of Fay's books I've been fortunate to read and already cant wait for the next one.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look, I did not mean to start another series halfway through. I swear it just keeps happening. But if reading Could It Be Magic? without knowing a damn thing about book one is wrong, then baby, I don’t want to be right. Because this book? This was like stepping into a Christmas card where the glitter doesn’t come off on your hands, everyone bakes emotionally, and childhood crushes age like fine wine... or at least like cheddar in a fancy farm shop.

Thea Ashcombe is that relatable breed of chaos-mom who is one mortgage payment away from becoming an accidental influencer in the “how to survive Christmas with two kids, no money, and a lot of repressed feelings” genre. She’s part-time teaching, full-time spiraling, and absolutely allergic to asking for help unless it shows up disguised as a discount-app bag of groceries (à la Too Good To Go). Enter Nick Saint. Yes, his name is literally Saint Nick and no, I will not be emotionally normal about that.

Nick runs the local farm shop like a cinnamon-scented dream and has been quietly pining over Thea since before TikTok was a thing. He’s that golden retriever brand of steady, sweet, and a little bit tragic, like if Paul Rudd ran a co-op and occasionally looked tortured over his feelings in the bread aisle. They’ve been friends since forever, and he’s been locked in the eternal purgatory of “I’d ruin our friendship, but I’d also ruin my entire life if she asked me to.”

Cue: financial crisis, festive job opportunity, and a sudden proximity that has Thea staring at her long-time friend like he’s been wrapped in twinkle lights and dipped in mulled wine. Their slow-burn “should we, shouldn’t we” tension simmers under every awkward moment at the till and behind every mistletoe display, and I was HERE FOR IT. I was rooting for these two like I was personally invited to the Christmas market of their emotional repression.

Now, does this book flirt with some classic festive drama tropes that made me want to launch a snow globe across the room? Of course. But even when the plot zigs into slightly overcooked territory, the emotional payoff is still warm, gooey, and satisfying, like a mince pie with just the right amount of brandy. And Thea’s kids? Absolute scene-stealers. Especially Cora, who radiates emotionally intelligent teen energy in a way that made me feel personally judged and gently supported at the same time. I would let that girl run my life.

Also, the farm shop setting? That was crack for my cozy little brain. If I could read 400 more pages of Thea and Nick arguing about apple displays while secretly longing for each other, I absolutely would. There’s something about seasonal produce and repressed affection that really just hits.

And yes, this is technically part of the Brambleton series, but Fay Keenan spoon-feeds you just enough backstory to feel fully grounded without pulling a Marvel Cinematic Universe on you. It stands perfectly fine on its own, though now I absolutely will be going back to snoop on Charlotte and Tristan because I am nosy and emotionally invested in everyone’s business.

Four stars because I screamed a little at the unnecessary ex subplot and wanted ten more scenes of Nick being an accidental domestic husband. But still, this book left me smiling like I just got a free hot chocolate at the end of a Dickensian scavenger hunt.

Merry Mayhem Prize: For Making Me Fall in Love via Root Vegetables and Repressed Feelings

Huge thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC and for enabling my ongoing addiction to emotionally repressed men with secret feelings and excellent produce. Honestly, if you're going to ruin my productivity with a festive slow-burn, at least you made it tastefully cozy and full of farm shop flirtation.

[Melissa Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could It Be Magic was a sweet festive romance where childhood friends connect again and find love at Christmas – a pretty standard plot for a festive romance. I’d say I enjoyed this book but it hasn’t been my favourite festive romance of the year so far.

There’s not really a lot going on in Could It Be Magic but that’s part of the appeal of festive romances, I suppose. Very little drama, a sweet childhood friends to lovers romance and a Christmas market – what’s not to love? Well, I wouldn’t say love. I didn’t “love” this book, but I did like it and I thought the childhood friends to lovers was lovely. I’m such a sucker for that trope. Probably because it makes the relationship more believable when they get together and they love each other so quickly (which is a common theme of festive romances).

The connection between Thea and Nick was built in a realistic way and the little flashbacks and shared memories from when they were teens made their love more believable. I love it when the author shows you why they should be a couple rather than just making you like them because they say you should. Does that make sense?

The bit of drama that you do get in Could It Be Magic was a bit ridiculous. Third act breakups are one of the worst tropes in romance and also bringing the ex back to stir this up even more is terrible. I hate that so much. Thea’s ex doesn’t try to get between her and Nick but he does come back into her life as they’ve got together and while he isn’t trying to win her back, that whole situation felt a bit pointless. I now can’t even remember what happens with that storyline.

Thea has the most mature 13 and 10 year olds ever. To begin with she made Cora sound like a bit of a nightmare, but she was lovely and so empathetic. She was constantly making her mom a cup of tea when she was stressed or upset and she was the one that pushed her mom to go for things with Nick. Her 10-year-old son wasn’t involved as much but he seemed very mature too. They did still act like children though.

I loved the scenes that were quite literally just Thea and Nick working in the farm shop. It’s nice to reminisce on working in retail at Christmas (the nice parts, although let’s be honest, there aren’t many) when you no longer work in that industry. A Christmassy farm shop is my idea of heaven. I’m definitely going to try and get a few this festive season.

I’d recommend Could It Be Magic if you’re looking for a sweet romance set in a small town. There’s not too much drama so this is perfect for getting cosy under a blanket with your hot beverage of choice.

Rating: 3.5/5

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book. I really appreciate it.

I had the privilege of previously being able to read the first book in this series, so I really appreciate having some previous knowledge of these characters. However you don't need to have read 'A Sky Full of Stars' (Charlotte and Tristan's story) in order to read this book. Fay Keenan does a fantastic job of making this book it's completely own thing with little nods that catch you up on important information from the previous book.

I was really excited to read Thea's story after reading so much about her in her brother Tristans story. This one however fell a lot flatter than I was expecting though. This book like the first suffers from timeline errors that don't make sense as you're following along. I have to break a little from my beliefs about spoilers because there is no other way to word this and it really frustrated me with this story. The storyline part of having Thea's ex and .etc come back into the picture, unless it's a big centre focus for the next novel was completely unnecessary. As her son asked if what happened didn't happen would he even be coming around at all. That's honestly how I feel. I don't know if it was meant as a climatic twisty moment that pales in comparison to the ones in her previous book, or lead up to a new book but it truly wasn't needed. If it was removed the rest of the book could have still flowed the exact same way. It really feels like one of those if he wanted too he would have and I personally wouldnt have felt comfortable if that happened to me. He never once truly apologized for what he did and it just feels dirty and poorly done.

Honestly if that part had been cut, and we saw more of Nick interacting with the kids that would have been incredible. The characters in this book are fantastic and fun and real. I just wish collectively more time was spent on them coming together and being together seeing them flow together then lead up to that part at the very end. It would have felt more relatable or real and magical, as opposed to what is two characters that have known each other for over 30 years pretty well just seeming to insta fall (and not in the fun way) and say hey well we've barely talked in years let's just do this. I wanted the magic and fun of them creating a life together not just let's do this.

I know that doesn't sound very great this was a good book, it had a very Christmassy feel that I really loved, but it was the love that's lacking for me that really takes away from it for me.

Thank you very much again from the bottom of my heart for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book. I really appreciate it.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fay Keenan’s Could It Be Magic? is a charming friends-to-lovers small-town romance that will warm your heart.

Single mum Thea Ashcombe is used to juggling the million and one demands on her time, but her latest challenge might be her toughest one yet: Christmas on a budget! Determined not to let her financial situation grind her down, Thea is determined to do everything she possibly can to still give her loved ones a magical festive season – and as luck would have it her friend Nick Saint might just have the answer to all of her prayers. Only, what Thea doesn’t know is that Nick has a secret – he has been in love with her for years!

Nick and Thea have been friends since high school – and the farm shop manager has had a crush on the single mum since they were teenagers. Needing help at the shop, Nick offers Thea a job and being in such close proximity to the woman he’s loved for decades does nothing to minimise his feelings for her! Nick knows that nothing will come out of his crush, however, little does he realise that Thea might also have developed feelings for him!

Has Thea found more than a lifeline at the farm shop? Dare she risk telling Nick that she’s fallen for him? Or is she scared of jeopardising the friendship that means the world to her?

Fay Keenan’s contemporary romances never fail to touch the heart and make me smile and she’s done it again with Could It Be Magic? This heart-warming romance about two friends realising that their feelings for one another are far from platonic is charming, emotional, funny and so addictive, I couldn’t bear to put it down.

With lovely characters, laugh out loud moments and touching romance, Could It Be Magic? by Fay Keenan is romantic escapism at its most enchanting!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received and ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this second book in the series. It was a sweet love story between longtime friends, Thea and Nick. Of course, they face their challenges. But their strong feelings help to see them through. Their trust in each other is lovely to witness.

This book was a quick read for me. Although occasionally a bit repetitive, it had a nice pace right from the start.

The Christmas backdrop was cozy. As far as I'm concerned, you can't have too much Christmas in a Christmas book! But this book has enough to satisfy

I do have a couple of issues with the story.

When Thea's ex pops back up in her life in a most unexpected way, she does her best to handle it like an adult while trying to also protect her children. What I can't understand is why hardly a discussion of his utter lack of child support for the past 11 years! Especially as Thea has struggled - and is still struggling - to pay the bills! Fathers who walk out of their children's lives and give no support is a huge deal and a massive problem in our society. But here, it's basically glossed over.

Although only a small moment in the book, I have to say, I'm getting really tired of the politicizing in books. It's fine to include opinions of the characters on single-parenting, but why does it have to then be about left or right? It's just not that simple.

For these two reasons, I would give the book 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could It Be Magic? By Fay Keenan

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree - tired and lacking in sparkle!

Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he's given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick...

But when Thea steps into Nick's world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?

As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick's thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas... is Nick!

My Opinion

Fay Keenan has written a delightful, festive novel. I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I was excited to return to Brambleton. A lovely addition to the series, although it can be read as a standalone. It was nice to catch up with some familiar characters. A charming book for the upcoming festive season.

Rating 4/5

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could It Be Magic is one of those books that is a pure joy to read from cover to cover with characters who are just like the people you know, a plot line that is all to plausible and even though predictable, is still well worth the read.
Thea Ashcombe is facing a very bleak Christmas. Single mother, part time teacher and all-round nice person, she is in despair as the Bank has just advised there will be an increase in her mortgage payments after Christmas.
Struggling to make ends meet, she is always seeking bargains in food shopping. When she sees Saints Farm Shop is now part of the Too Good To Throw discount service she makes the decision to go over there and hopefully snag a bargain.
Running her car on a sniff of petrol she makes it to the Farm Shop, only to realise she has run out of petrol. Nick Saint comes to her rescue with a can of fuel and several days later the offer of a part time job, while his sister is away on a ‘second honeymoon’.
Even though she and Nick have history going back to their teen years she makes the decision to take the offer and so begins very, very slowly the next step in her life as they slowly begin to rekindle what was once a teen romance going nowhere, but now, older and wiser, it may lead somewhere positive.
Warm, enjoyable and absolutely entertaining Could It Be Magic is a gentle, perfect dose of romance set within the structure of a light read perfect to while away a wet afternoon when a little dose of escapism is required..

[Ashley Cohoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 out of 5 stars)

Could It Be Magic? is like walking into a cozy, twinkle-lit farm shop full of cinnamon-scented slow burns, holiday chaos, and second-chance warmth. I didn’t read the first book in the Brambleton series, but honestly? That didn’t matter. Fay Keenan gives you just enough context to dive right into Thea and Nick’s story without feeling lost.

Thea is juggling single motherhood, financial stress, and all the emotional weight of being pulled in a million directions, and somehow still manages to be relatable, funny, and heartwarming. Nick, the golden retriever of love interests, is gentle, loyal, and has been harboring a very patient crush on Thea for literal decades. Their chemistry isn’t flashy, but it simmers in that slow-burn, “we’ve known each other forever” kind of way that just works.

Yes, the ex subplot was unnecessary (honestly, we could’ve cut that and had more scenes of Nick being a domestic dream), and the third-act drama didn’t quite hit. But Thea’s kids were lovely and surprisingly well-developed, and the small-town farm shop setting delivered full festive vibes.

This is a gentle, low-stakes holiday romance that’s more about emotional connection than swoony drama, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you want. Grab a blanket, a hot drink, and enjoy.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[T M. Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could It Be Magic is a heartwarming romance that blends the sweetness of the friends-to-lovers trope with the grounded realities of navigating life as a single parent. What struck me most about this story was the way the author captured the delicate balance between opening yourself to love and protecting the well-being of a child. The romantic tension feels authentic, rooted less in contrived misunderstandings and more in the very real challenges of juggling responsibilities, self-doubt, and the courage it takes to risk starting over.The chemistry between the leads builds slowly and naturally, making their transition from friendship into love feel both believable and deeply satisfying. I appreciated that neither character’s journey was rushed—there was space for hesitation, messy emotions, and ultimately, growth. These nuances gave the story its richness and made the happy ending feel well-earned.While there were a few slower moments where the pacing lagged, overall, this was an engaging and uplifting read. The characters are relatable, the writing is warm, and the romance blends swoon-worthy moments with hard-won emotional truths.This is a lovely pick for readers who enjoy heartfelt contemporary romance, especially those who love seeing friendship evolve into something more while acknowledging real-life struggles along the way.Rating: 4 stars thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could It Be Magic is the second book in Fay Keenan’s Brambleton series. Thea Ashcombe, teacher, single mother of two, has just received notice that her house payment is going up and she is barely making ends meet now. Nick Saint of Saints’ Farm Shop, part of Thea’s friend group as they grew up, has pretty much taken over for his aging parents and works closely with his sister Annabelle.

Annabelle’s husband, Jamie, whisks her away for a much needed holiday right before a scheduled holiday update visit from the TV show that had featured their farm earlier in the year. With both his parents out with injuries and Annabelle away, Nick needs help and Thea is in the right place at the right time to help out, not to mention the thought of some extra earnings now when she needs it most is most enticing.

As the old friends work closely together, their friendship rekindles. It would seem that all who watch see more than friendship, it’s just taking Thea and Nick longer to notice, or do they? And will a future together be possible with the reappearance of Thea’s ex? Perhaps the answers will unfold as they attend the annual Christmas function and the events of the days afterward.

This is a lovely holiday story of friends being there when most needed. With well drawn characters in a lovely rural setting this story is well plotted with a few unexpected twists, I very much enjoyed this book. I do recommend it!

[Jennyfer · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Content warning: loss of parents, loss of pregnancy, infidelity, second families, addiction, gambling

Thea Ashcombe is a single mum, working part time as a teacher in the village of Lower Brambleton, and is starting to feel the pinch as Christmas approaches.

Nick Saint manages the local farm shop, and is desperate for staff after his sister and co-owner takes leave following a health emergency. When Thea takes him up on the offer, they rekindle a decades-long slow burning relationship and try to make a go of it amidst the complications of old friendships, family dynamics, and Thea's ex returning to the scene with a whole second family.

This book was nice, but it didn't really wow me. I suspect I wasn't in the headspace for holiday romances, as I felt the whole thing was a little flat and formulaic. Thea's jealousy over another person flirting with Nick when they weren't even an item annoyed me, and the lack of communication between the two was frustrating.

There are a couple of open door sex scenes towards the end of the book for those who want to know these things, and they are part way through chapters, so difficult to skip for those who prefer to skip them

This is book 2 in the Brambleton series, but it can easily be read as a standalone

~This is a NetGalley ARC. All opinions are my own~

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars: Could it Be Magic is the 2nd book in the Brambleton series, but I didn't read the first book and had no problem following or enjoying this one. Thea Ashcombe is a single mom who has been struggling financially after her divorce and having to pay off all her husband's debts. She's trying to figure out how to earn some extra money for Christmas when Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton offers her a part time job over the holidays. Little does she know that Nick has been attracted to her since high school, but has been in the friend zone, until.... Once they start working together, Thea sees Nick in a very different light. As he begins to help her out preparing for Christmas, she likes him more and more. With budding teenagers in the family, things don't always go smoothly, especially when someone from their past reappears.

This is a sweet, cozy, romance where we root for Thea and Nick from the start. There's Christmas magic in the air with Christmas Market, festive events and everyone in that Christmas spirit. Yes, it was a bit predictable, but I still enjoyed this one. There was some drama in the story where the children's father reappears and Thea has to deal with how she feels about that, but overall, this is a light and cheery story.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5


Thea Ashcombe es madre soltera de dos hijos, profesora a medio tiempo y una verdadera experta en hacer rendir cada centavo. Tras una subida inesperada en la tasa de su hipoteca, sus ya ajustadas finanzas comienzan a desmoronarse. Justo cuando su situación económica se vuelve crítica, una inesperada oportunidad laboral aparece en Saints’ Farm Shop, un encantador negocio local dirigido por Nick Saint, un viejo amigo de la infancia con quien Thea comparte más historia de la que está dispuesta a admitir.

Mientras Thea se adapta a su nuevo trabajo entre productos frescos y luces navideñas, comienza también a redescubrir su lugar en la comunidad… y en el corazón de alguien más. Pero con los recuerdos del pasado aún pesando y la llegada de una filmación para un programa navideño de televisión en la tienda, Thea y Nick tendrán que decidir si están dispuestos a arriesgar la amistad por algo más.


---


Además del romance, la novela trata temas como la maternidad, las segundas oportunidades profesionales, el peso del pasado, las dificultades económicas, y la importancia de pedir ayuda.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this cozy holiday romance novel, readers follow independent single mom Thea Ashcombe as she tries to put together a fantastic holiday for her kids. Old friend Nick Saint, the farm shop manager in the charming village of Lower Brambleton, is in a place to help out his longtime crush by offering a part-time job at the shop. This proximity sends Thea spinning with a crush on her old friend, but she isn’t sure if it’s because of the holidays or the proximity or Nick himself. Prepping for Christmas and helping each other out, Thea starts to wonder if Nick might be the answer for her Christmas wish after all. Cozy, charming, and romantic, readers will love this friends to lovers holiday romance from Fay Keenan. The characters are the stars of the book and have fantastic chemistry, while the tropes really bring the story to life in some fun ways. Keenan has absolutely nailed the atmosphere and holiday vibe of the story, while the setting is a fantastic backdrop to the characters’ relationship and individual storylines. Entertaining, emotional, and heartwarming, readers will love this new romance novel, beautiful village setting, and incredible characters from Fay Keenan this holiday season.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could It Be Magic? is a sparkling slice of festive comfort—like stepping into a snow-dusted village where the fairy lights twinkle just a little brighter and second chances feel entirely possible.

Thea Ashcombe, a single mum juggling life on a budget, is instantly relatable. She’s practical, proud, and quietly worn down by the weight of the season. Enter Nick Saint—gentle, dependable, and secretly smitten since their school days. Their slow-burn romance unfolds with tender gestures and shared moments in the heart of Lower Brambleton’s farm shop, where cinnamon-scented air and twinkling lights set the scene for something quietly magical.

Fay Keenan’s writing is breezy and heartfelt, with just enough sparkle to make the story feel festive without tipping into sugarplum overload. The emotional beats land softly but surely, and the community spirit adds a lovely layer of warmth.

Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson and Cathy Bramley, this is a hug-in-a-book that reminds us love often grows in the most unexpected places—especially when the Christmas tree arrives just in time.

With thanks to Fay Keenan, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Colin Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this, the second book in the series, Thea is a struggling single mother of two wondering how she will be able to afford Christmas presents. Only working part time as a teacher she is offered some work by Nick at his farm shop which will help her situation. They are old friends, there has always been a spark between them but neither has taken this any further, but things may change.
This can be read as a standalone book, but does build quite nicely on the first one of the series. As a man reading "women's fiction" it is nice to have a believable male character, rather than some alpha male stereotype. Thea also comes across well, despite being abandoned by her ex she is determined to offer her children the best possible upbringing. Seeing the will they, won't they romance developing between these two is a bit slow, but expected given their long friendship where neither wishes to put this at risk. A nice, warm (but with a couple of slightly spicy bits) romance for Christmas. 4.5*rounded up to 5* and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this gentle festive romance, the second in the Brambleton series. Thea is a part-time teacher with two children. She is back in the village where she grew up, but it's proving challenging to keep financially solvent, and her past with her ex and the children's father makes getting into debt something she will never do. The chance of part-time festive work at the local farm shop is the ideal solution, especially since it is close to an old friend she has known since childhood. Nick has never lost his attraction to Thea, although they have lost touch. Now she is back, he is happy to have her in his life as a friend and temporary employee, but longs for so much more. The chemistry between the couple is what makes this romance so good. There are plenty of conflicts to them being together, but it is so worth the wait. I like the connections between the couple, the romance, the festive Somerset setting and the supportive friends and family.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could it be Magic? is a charming holiday read. When single mom, Thea finds herself in need of additional income, a miracle happens when she walks in to Nick Saint's farm shop. He is in need of some holiday help, hiring her on the spot. As Thea and Nick work together, a little holiday magic spirals around both of them.

This is sweet, small town romance. It feels like walking into a Hallmark movie. Man harbors secret crush. Woman is busy raising two kids on her own. A close encounter (or several) opens woman's eyes. Slow-burn romance ensues. I love, love, love Could it be Magic?

The setting is magical. I felt like I was right there with them through all the drama, longing, and realizations. The characters are well-developed and enjoyable to watch grow and evolve. I rooted for Thea and Nick through the entire book. If you're looking for a magical, slow-burn holiday romance, look no further. Grab yourself a copy of Could it be Magic? by Fay Keenan.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thea is a single Mum struggling to make ends meet
She's independent and doesn't want to admit defeat.
With mounting costs she's determined to do her best
To make this Christmas as good as the rest.

The local farm shop manager is her friend
They met in school and he is someone on whom to depend.
When she hears of his problems running the store
She volunteers to help - it'll help her earn more!

What neither had anticipated what would happen then
As romance builds between these two again.
They never gave it any chance before
Will they now or will they their feelings ignore?

With Christmas festivities and lots to do -
Not to mention a visiting film crew -
Will this be the turning point for these two
And will their love find a way through?

This is a gorgeous friends first romance
Who, at last, may give love a chance!
For my copy of this gorgeous read I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Clairelettersandmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could It Be Magic? is like a warm hug wrapped in countryside charm and sprinkled with just enough sparkle to keep you believing in the unexpected. Fay Keenan delivers a story that blends second chances, a dash of mystery, and characters you’ll genuinely root for from page one to the sigh-worthy end.

Set in the ever-inviting village of Roseford, the book captures the beauty of healing, hope, and the kind of love that grows slowly, surely, and a little bit magically. There’s depth behind the sweetness, and you’ll find yourself wishing Roseford were real just so you could visit.

Perfect for when you want to escape into something comforting, romantic, and quietly magical.

Highly recommend if you love:

Slow-burn romance

Cosy English settings

Characters with emotional depth

A sprinkle of mystery and a pinch of magic

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Saint, the quiet farm shop manager in Lower Brambleton, has secretly loved Thea for years. Stuck in the friend zone, he’s given up on her ever seeing him differently. But when Thea helps out at the shop during Christmas, she’s unexpectedly swept up in a crush she didn’t expect. As they prepare for the Christmas market, Nick’s thoughtful gestures begin to melt her heart. Could the one thing she really needs for Christmas be Nick?

I thought this was a cute read! I enjoyed the friendship and growing relationship between Nick and Thea! I loved the supporting characters and their strong love and loyalty to Thea while also telling her when she may be missing something right in front of her! I loved the Christmas setting. Overall just very cute.

4/5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Fay Keenan for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinions!

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Book 2 in this Brambleton series, which is set on the outskirts of Bristol. Thea is a determined young woman who has been struggling to bring up her children who are her central focus. She was brought up in Brambleton along with her brother and her feisty grandmother still lives locally and is a great support. Thea resorts to working in the local farm shop to help ease the pressures of Christmas.
Nick Saint manages the farm shop and has always carried a torch for Thea. However, he is afraid to step out of the friend zone as it may jeopardise their long friendship. This is a gentle sort of romance with plenty of festive touches which makes it the ideal seasonal read. You catch up with the characters you met in Book one of the series but the story moves on as second chances rises to the fore.
Thanks to the publisher

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a charming holiday read.
I've read other books by the author and I always look forward to her books.
Now add in a Christmas story and it makes it even more delightful.
I was so delighted to see returning characters we met in the previous book.
I loved the setting with it's small town charm, markets and festive decorations.
The book is very relatable, Christmas on a very tight budget can be very stressful. Loved the two main characters, Thea and Nick. Each has a great personality. She's a great mom and wants the best for them, he's a gentle and caring guy. Will he get a chance to act on his long secret feelings for Thea?
Christmas magic sprinkled throughout in this hard to put down read. Lovely book to get lost in for an afternoon.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

I tracked down book#1, this is book#2 and I'm glad I did!

Book#1 introduced the town, the siblings, their grandma, and their life stories and so book#2 began with me already rooting for the main character (Thea) to find her happiness in this book. I want to say the plot was predictable (because this is a small little town after all) but who cares, I love happy ever afters and the possibility of friendship becoming love especially since she had such a difficult life as a single mother so far..

I feel it.. the trying to make ends meet, but not wanting the children to find out about the financial difficulties because it isn't their fault at all.. and the desperation of giving up what you really want for the kids.

Very relatable and I would say - read it to find out the ending!