A Christmas in Prague

by Helga Jensen

When Olivia's beloved Aunt Grace passes, she leaves everything to her niece, with one Olivia must travel to Prague and deliver a message to Grace's long-lost true love, Marek. The trouble is, Olivia's world is getting smaller. Since her husband left her one heartbreaking Christmas Eve, she has found even getting into town a challenge, let alone travelling by herself to a different country. But this is one adventure she has to take, if she is to honour Grace.

The snowy, magical city of Prague slowly starts to awaken her festive spirit, and as Marek’s nephew, Tomas, shows her around the gorgeous Christmas markets, Olivia begins to feel she can truly live again. Grace never had her chance at love, but might Olivia's secret Christmas wish come true and grant her a second chance at romance?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday

Audible Audio

Published November 1, 2024

Reviews

[Pang Happy Holidays & Happy New Year =D · Rating 4 out of 5]

☃️❄️ Meet Christmas Magics at Old Town Square in Prague. 🎄🎅

Happy Birthday 😁🎁 to me!! This review is pretty late for Christmas, I know. So, I decided to publish it on my magical birthday instead. xD and hope uncle Santa will grant me my wishes and the gifts! 🤭 feel sooo magically, seriously! *eiei*

🦌 Romance ❄️ anyone who loved 'You, with a View' will definately enjoy this! because this book give you a touching Multigenerational Romance again! It made me cry few tears. 😭 Goshhh it's just so bittersweet and beautiful!! 💌❤️



🎁 Heroine on the Cover ..
.. Olivia is facing to the Christmas Village ..
.. On the opposite, someone is facing out of the Christmas Village ..

🎅 Impressive, Such a Magic 🎄 Don't get scared when I said bittersweet!!! It's happy ending, dear. And it's sooo romantic how it happens in Prague of Czechia. It made me dream up of Prague Castle 😮 and one of the most beautiful library 📚 "Strahov Library" which I dream to visit once!!! *geeeez!!*

Heartwarming, Enchanted🕊️ Read it in your Christmas day, dear!!
Happy Birthday, Pang


☃️ Not Prague, just example of Christmas Market in Europe. 🎄🎅

[Desiree Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

OVERVIEW:
Minimalist read. Clean fiction with no sex scenes (although references thereto) or vulgarity. No diversity checklist bingo, which is quite refreshing.
A happy ending story, which leading lady Olivia certainly deserves after her unexpected and horrid heartbreak.
The setting in Prague sounds gorgeous.

OF NOTE:
The cover really needs a robin on it. (You’ll see why.)
The requisite stumbling blocks put in the characters’ paths are flimsy and somewhat obvious.

CONCLUSION:
An enjoyable holiday read.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book opens with Olivia's husband leaving her in Christmas Eve. She is devastated and spends the next year as a hermit. She takes a leave from work and talks to nobody, cutting ties with everyone except her Aunt Grace. When Aunt Grace passes, she is now dealing with that grief. She finally decides she can't return to work, but is almost out of money. When she gets a letter from a solicitor, she finds out that she has inherited her Aunt's estate, but to get it, she has to travel to Prague and find her long lost love and tell him she has died. It takes all Grace has to head off, but what a reward she has in store. With her divorce finalized, and needing the money, as well as discovering a secret her aunt had for years, she sets out to look for Marek. All she has is an address that is years old. The magic of Prague, and Marek's handsome nephew Tomas along with some letters that Marek's brother, Albert, has kept for years begin to awaken Olivia to a life that she thought she would never have again.

How have I never read anything by Helga Jensen? This was a wonderful story with great characters, descriptive writing, an interesting plot and full of both love and romance. Olivia was dealing with two kinds of grief, the loss of her marriage and her beloved aunt. Once she finally got out of her house she finally began to heal. Watching Olivia begin to heal and see her anger drop away was beautiful. Helga Jensen slowly peeled away the layers she had piled on to protect herself, and Marek was a wonderful caring person to help her do that. I loved the secondary characters in this story and how they helped Olivia begin to believe in herself again, as they welcomed her with open arms. It wasn't so much a romance, but a story of love with so many sad moments, but eventually ended hopefully and happily. Having been to Prague earlier this year, this story had me wanting to go at Christmas time to see the markets. I enjoyed this story a lot, and recommend it to those who enjoy a Christmas romance with a wonderful story pulling it all together.

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas in Prague is a charming and uplifting story that transports the reader through the wonderful descriptions right to the heart of Prague from the comfort of their own home whilst adding a sprinkle of festive romance. I really enjoyed it.

My full thoughts are on the My Weekly magazine website.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful & cute , loved it and the romance was so lovely.

[anetka · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 ⭐️

[Tania De Gheselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vond het een mooi verhaal. Heb al helemaal zin in kerst en het lijkt me leuk om zo in de winterperiode eens naar Praag te gaan.

[Pam Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story.
Makes me want to go to Prague even more than I already did.
Wonderful characters. This was a new author for me, I’ve ordered her Venice book now.

[Bonita Slovinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia’s husband leaves her on a Christmas Eve, and she is completely shocked. Her world begins to dwindle. She becomes a recluse, takes a leave from work, has groceries delivered, and her only visitor is her postman. She takes care of the garden, birds, and animals around her home in the woods and feels as though she does not need anyone. After her Aunt Grace dies, her aunt’s solicitor contacts her to inform Olivia that she is to inherit Aunt Grace’s estate, but there is a caveat…she must travel to Prague to inform a man named Marek that Grace has passed. The solicitor makes all the arrangements as directed by Aunt Grace, and if Olivia does not go she will lose her inheritance. Olivia does not want to meet this man, but she does need the inheritance, so she forces herself to go. Once in Prague she is determined to meet Marek and return home. She quickly reaches out to Marek’s family, and finds them welcoming and insist that she learn more about Marek and his romance with Aunt Grace, before she returns to Wales. As she learns about her aunt and her love for Marek, she begins to let some of the feelings she has put away come out. She actually begins to have very strong feelings for Marek’s nephew, Tomas. Can Olivia trust her feelings and fall in love?

This is a romantic story with a middle aged woman as the main character. The story is sweet and beautifully depicts the feeling of falling in love in a romantic city such as Prague, and of Olivia trying to become herself again.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: A Christmas in Prague by Helga Jensen

Rating: 2.5 Stars

When I picked up A Christmas in Prague by Helga Jensen, I was immediately drawn in by the stunning cover art. It has an enchanting winter vibe that just screams holiday spirit. The premise also intrigued me: after the passing of her beloved Aunt Grace, Olivia is tasked with delivering a message to Grace's long-lost love, Marek, in Prague. This journey seems not only to honor her aunt’s last wish but also to give Olivia a chance to reclaim her life after a tough divorce.

Let’s start with the positives, shall we? The writing is genuinely well-crafted and flows nicely throughout the story. The pacing kept me engaged, and I appreciated how the festive setting of Prague came alive on the pages. I could practically feel the chill in the air as Olivia navigated through the beautiful Christmas markets, soaking in the sights and sounds of the season. Moreover, I found myself really enjoying the characters of Tomas and Albert; they added a warm charm to the narrative that made me smile.

However, I have to admit that Olivia, the protagonist, was a bit of a stumbling block for me. Despite her journey being central to the story, I found her character quite frustrating. She often came off as rude and obnoxious, which made it hard for me to root for her. I mean, whose workplace gives someone two years off just because their husband left them? That felt unrealistic and honestly a bit pathetic. I understand that she's going through a difficult time, but I wished she had shown more resilience.

In conclusion, while A Christmas in Prague has a beautiful setting and well-developed supporting characters, Olivia’s character left much to be desired for me. It’s clear that many readers have loved this book, and I may just be in the minority here. But hey, you can’t love every book, right? All in all, I’d give it three stars for its delightful writing and festive atmosphere, even if it didn’t completely resonate with me.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read a book by a new to you author and you're just blown away. Now I realize I have a lot of catching up to do.
This book may have made me wipe a few tears away and more than ever I realize not to let a once in a lifetime opportunity slip away. Oh, my heart! The perfect book with all the feels, such a charming and delightful book that had me smiling the whole while I read it.
I've never read a book taking place in Prague and my journey was full of delightful scenery, fun customs, delicious foods and enchanting dialogue.
Olivia is devested when her Aunt Grace passes. She was like a grandmother to her, and they were very close. She is set to inherit everything her aunt owns but must first pass on a message to her aunt's lost true-love, Marek.
Having never been to Prague she really doesn't want to go but her aunt's solicitor talks her into it. Jumping on a plane to Prague at Christmas time is not idea with the business but is preferable to sitting around thinking about her divorce she has recently gone through.
Finding Mareck is not easy but does happen, well his family anyways as they say he has passed years ago. Mareck was her Aunt Grace's lost love but circumstances beyond their control kept them apart and Olivia was to give him a last message from her aunt.
As she meets Marek’s nephew, Tomas she starts to once again come alive after being belittled and made to feel inadequate in her marriage. Oh, I loved the Christmassy descriptions of Prague. It was so refreshing to see Olivia regain her self-confidence with Mareck's family as they go through letters sent by her aunt so long ago. Will Tomas and Olivia let their special chance at love slip away when she has to return home just like her aunt has or will this fairytale romance continue to shine bright for all time?
Pure delight can't wait to look up more by the author and get reading.

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

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas romance set in PRAGUE



The novel opens with the unexpected departure of Olivia’s husband, leaving her in the throes of extensive Christmas preparations. She is devastated.

A couple of years later, she is still smarting from the separation and now her Aunt Grace has died. In her will she asks Olivia to go to Prague and search out someone called Marek, who was the love of her life. This is news to Olivia and since Craig left her, she has become quite introspective. Thus, the prospect off heading off on a journey feels extremely daunting and challenging.

In Prague she has an itinerary, devised by her aunt, to keep her occupied, but first stop is the address she has been given for Marek. As she goes about trying to fulfil her obligations, she is supported by Tomas, a young man who comes to her aid. She is still very unsure of herself but is determined to get through her tour as best she can.

I have recently read several novels whereby an elderly relative has died, leaving instructions with a solicitor for a younger member of the family to go on a mission and get out in the world. I feel this is now a well-worn plot line but here the author has incorporated enough ingenuity and interest to keep the reader engaged.

As the Christmas Markets exert their magic, you can almost sense the tension and apprehension draining from her and she starts to succumb to the magic of a Prague Christmas.

The city forms a nice backdrop as Olivia explores the city, highlighting many of the attractions that tourists will inevitably visit.

[Claire Mc Partlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia has been through a hard time recently, her husband left her nearly two years ago on Christmas Eve and her much loved Aunt Grace has recently died. Olivia has become a bit of a recluse, not wanting to leave her remote water mill house even to go into town for shopping etc., so the terms of her aunt's will come at just the right time, as to inherit she has to go to Prague to pass on a message to her aunt's long lost love, Marek.

Of course she doesn't want to do this initially, but after a lot of persuasion from her aunt's solicitor (and friend) she eventually feels she has to do it, not least because her funds are also running low because she's not leaving the house and so not working.

Once in Prague she meets Marek's brother (Albert) and his nephew (Tomas), and slowly gets to know them, after a bit of a rocky start, and together they discover Grace and Marek's romantic history through old unopened letters that Albert has saved. During all this and Olivia's stay, which turns out to be longer than anticipated, she especially gets closer to Tomas who shows her around Prague, which does sound delightful.

There was a lovely Christmassy feeling throughout the book, with some interesting characters, and slowly Olivia regained her confidence and started to come back out of her shell. Very enjoyable read.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas In Prague by Helga Jensen is the most beautiful contemporary festive novel that I absolutely adored.
What is Christmas without snow? Helga Jensen takes the reader from rainy Wales to snow-covered Prague. Her delightful descriptions help the reader to ‘experience’ Christmas in Prague. It is a romantic destination with hot chocolate, a Christmas market and a fairytale castle. It is truly a magical place.
A character has been dreadfully hurt two Christmases ago. She has shut out Christmas but Prague is a place of healing and restoration as love and kindness thaw her heart and bring it back to life.
We ‘hear’ of a great love that was cut short. As the decades old letters are opened and read, we realise that true love never dies. It infects all those who are around as it comes full circle.
All the characters were wholesome and wonderfully warm. All were totally charming.
This is a book that gives the reader a warm welcome. It really is Christmas in a book. Christmas is a magical time of year. Let A Christmas In Prague reach out and wrap you in a hug.
I had heard nothing but praise for A Christmas In Prague – and I must say, it’s all true. This is a wonderful read that makes you feel nostalgic and long for snow at Christmas. This is a book to warm your heart and leave you smiling.

[Margaret Mary Lynch · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice romantic novel with some interesting references to sights to visit in Prague.
There were some scenes towards the end that did not ring true for me.
* spoilers*
Olivia and Thomas had a passionate kiss at his New Years Eve party but Olivia left when Thomas's ex girlfriend appeared and started an argument. It is understandable that Thomas could not follow Olivia immediately as the party was taking place in his bar but I would have expected he would have been waiting at her hotel first thing next morning.
When Olivia decided to go to Albert's flat to say goodbye on New Years day, I would have expected her to take a gift then if she wanted to avoid meeting Thomas and not arrange to come back later in the day. When she did come back Thomas should have made it his business to be there on time to meet her or when he missed her he could have followed her back to the hotel
But Helga Jensen wanted a reason to bring Thomas to Wales and when he arrived on a cold winters day in a snow blizzard, it gave them the opportunity to spend a few days together isolated in a remote mill.
Overall a light read for the holiday season.

[bookloversclub2023 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Helgas done it again! From the first chapter I was hooked, I did not want to put this book down. As soon as you start the book it’s Christmas vibes.

When Olivias aunt dies she gives her one job. to go to Prague and find the man she once loved and pass on a message. Olivia takes on her aunts wishes but not all is as it seems which leads to further discoveries.

I loved Olivia’s character but also loved Tomas and Albert who were really warm hearted lovable characters. The book gives you second chance vibes and highlights how what happens in the past can affect your future.

The book was such an easy read and melted your heart. Will Olivia and Thomas prove love can exist again or throw it away like her aunt did?

I loved the Christmassy descriptions of Prague and it heightened all your senses. It gave you warm, cosy Christmas vibes in a beautiful setting.

If you read any Christmas book this year it needs to be this one. Go pre order or add it to your wishlist now. You also need to go and check Helgas other books out of you haven’t already. They are all equally fabulous!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

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

A Christmas in Prague by Helga Jensen

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Hera and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

What if a last wish could mean a new love?

When Olivia’s beloved Aunt Grace passes, she leaves everything to her niece, with one Travel to Prague and deliver a message to Grace’s long-lost true love, Marek.

The trouble is, Olivia’s world is getting smaller. Since her husband left her one heartbreaking Christmas Eve, she has found even getting into town a challenge, let alone travelling by herself to a different country.

But this is one adventure she has to take, if she is to honour Grace.

The snowy, magical city of Prague slowly starts to awaken her festive spirit, and as Marek’s nephew, Tomas, shows her around the gorgeous Christmas markets, Olivia begins to feel she can truly live again.

Grace never had her chance at love, but might Olivia’s secret Christmas wish come true and grant her a second chance at romance?

My Opinion

A Christmas in Prague was a heart-warming festive novel. Another delightful read by Helga Jensen. A charming read for the festive season.

Rating 4/5

[Leeanne McHarg · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well… what can I say? The premise of this story had so much potential. The locations were absolutely fabulous and truly enticed me to hop on a plane! I’ve been to Prague myself and the descriptive prose was spot on — it really captured the magic of the city.

But the protagonist, Olivia, drove me absolutely crazy. She whined about everything. Yes, her husband left her and her world fell apart, but she second-guessed every single thing happening around her. So many issues could have been solved by simply asking a question — which she did consider in her head, only to decide she didn’t actually want the answer. She assumed the worst every time, was usually wrong, and never seemed to learn from it.

I listened to the audiobook, and I’m not sure if that added to my frustration. Olivia is meant to be in her early 50s, but the narrator made her sound closer to 80. The voice just didn’t fit the character at all.

I was hoping for a cosy Christmas romance… but instead I was overwhelmingly frustrated.

⭐ 1 star from me.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas in Prague is an enjoyable Christmas story that shows you that sometimes things turn out just right. Olivia’s character was a little hard to believe in the beginning, broken heart and all, but I loved seeing her come out of her shell. Olivia travels to Prague to honor Grace’s last wish and her world is turned upside down. The wintery and festive descriptions of the city are beautiful and set the stage for a sweet tale. Tomas is a friendly native who is just as vested in Grace’s story as it brings some closure to his uncle, Marek. I do wish we could have known her aunt Grace but loved getting to know her more in her letters to Marek. As Grace and Marek’s love story comes spilling out, Olivia and Tomas are given a chance to create their own love story. There are trials and obstacles, but thankfully they don’t drag on and you can just enjoy the love story unfolding. A sweet Christmas story that embraces the magic of the season and second chances.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an endearing love story set in Prague at Christmas. Since her divorce, Olivia has become a recluse. When her Aunt Grace requests after her death that she seek out her secret long-term lover, Marek, in Prague, she is reluctant. You can taste her depression, loneliness, and desire to keep herself to herself. It's so well portrayed and poignantly written. I adored the robin - very touching in its symbolism.

Grudgingly, she bows to the solicitor's pressure. Unexpectedly, she finds herself launched into the fairytale world of Prague. Its history, festive atmosphere, markets, and wondrous beauty in the snow tempted me to book a Christmas break. The imagery of Prague took my breath away.

Marek's brother has retained the heartbreaking love letters between Grace and Marek. Enter the handsome, romantic Tomas, eager to please her with surprises. Will she succumb to his charms and take a second chance at love?

Thank you to NetGalley and Hera.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. The characters were so well written that I could connect with them all. The location was described perfectly, and I could feel myself there.
Olivia’s Aunt Grace passed away and the last thing she did was leave a letter asking Olivia to go to Prague and give a message to a man she once loved. Olivia truly did not want to do this but felt she had to do this for her Aunt Grace.
This one request from would forever change Olivia’s life. The situations and people she meets on this journey were kind and I could feel the connecting.
This is a heartwarming, tender, joy filled along with some bumps in the road romance that will have me thinking about them all long after reading this book.
A Christmas in Prague by Helga Jensen is a book that many will enjoy. I recommend this book very highly.
Thank you NetGalley, Helga Jensen and Hera for this copy of this book. This is my personal review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only discovered this author recently and am loving their books and how they write about real people and relatable situations and also about characters that are in their 40s and 50s and what situations and decisions they might find themselves having to deal with.

A Christmas in Prague takes the reader on a journey of self discovery and second chances and how the events of the past can have a bearing on the future in this beautiful tale of Olivia travelling to Prague to carry out her late aunts wishing and what she discovers about herself
And her aunts past along the way.

Loved the characters and the setting and Prague is now on my wish list of want to visit places.

This was an uplifting yet heartbreaking read with sone laugh out loud moments and also some tearful ones.

Look forward to seeing what this author writes next.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving Christmas story.
Olivia's husband left her for a younger woman on Christmas Eve and she became a recluse refusing to leave the house until her aunt died and left her everything but only if she goes to Prague and deliver a message to her long lost love Marek.
Grace's solicitor gave her a to do list and places to visit.
Marek's nephew also shows her around Prague where they get to know each other a lot better.
The clear description of Prague is great you just want to book a flight immediately.
A great story well recommended.

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helga Jensen done it again! From the first page I was hooked.

When Olivia's beloved Aunt Grace passes, she leaves everything to her niece, with one condition, travel to Prague and deliver message to Grace's long lost true love Marek.

The story was as always beautifully written, with just the right amount of romance, intrigue, reminiscing and lively characters to warm too, and want to spend time with.

The location was described perfectly, and I could feel like I was there.

Helga, I love your books so much, and so sad to finish this one.

[Linda Tilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When Olivia’s beloved Aunt Grace passes, she leaves everything to her niece, with one Travel to Prague and deliver a message to Grace’s long-lost true love, Marek.

The trouble is, Olivia’s world is getting smaller. Since her husband left her one heartbreaking Christmas Eve, she has found even getting into town a challenge, let alone travelling by herself to a different country."

First of all, having visited Prague myself 14 years ago and always wanting to go back thank you to Helga Jensen for fulfilling my wish and taking me back there. I could picture exactly where Olivia was at any given moment and constantly thought back to when I was seeing what she was seeing, particularly the Castle, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square with hot dogs and the upside down horse!

The story was beautifully written with just the right amount of romance, intrigue, reminiscing and lovely characters to warm too and want to spend time with. I loved it and could read it again at a later date, which for me is a sign of a truly good book.

[Daniela · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful feel good Christmas read. The characters are very lovable and the setting in Prague can just transport you to that beautiful city, when reading you can feel you are almost there. A beautifully written love story that you will enjoy from beginning to end. Or I should better say two love stories. Grace & Marek and Olivia & Tomas, you will really enjoy their stories.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly decent and sweet read but bumpy along the way. Olivia was quite dense and helpless for someone her age. Relying on the postman and just basically ignoring everyone and then she goes into social butterfly mode which was a bit odd. Because of this the story just didn’t read as believable. But overall not a bad read. The ending seemed forced and rushed a bit.

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia’s beloved Aunt dies, leaving everything to her niece, with one condition: Travel to Prague and deliver a message to Grace’s long-lost true love.
While on this adventure she meets Tomas....

I read this on the plane- a nice holiday read. No real twists or turns, very easy reading.

[Jacki Bowker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had higher expectations for this book. I struggled with the narrator on audible. I was looking forward to reliving wonderful memories of Prague and that it fulfilled but the characters seemed very emotionally immature.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia must visit Prague as a condition of receiving her inheritance from her beloved Aunt.
A great, cosy Christmas read with the fantastic location of Prague.
A predictable, cheesy story but the characters are very likeable.