Mistletoe and Magic

by Helene Sula, Stephanie Cannon (Narrator)

Mulled wine, mince pies and a Yorkshire adventure…

Eva Coleman has lost her glow. She's missed a well-deserved promotion at work and been left heartbroken at what she thought was a proposal dinner. Who the hell said this was 'the most wonderful time of the year'?

Unable to face her family, Eva decides she needs a solo break to rediscover her passions and live life by her own rules. So, she swaps her Nashville hometown for a festive UK getaway.

Stumbling into an antiquarian bookshop, she discovers a book that might just bring her spark back and give her the adventure she's been seeking…

Eva knows what it's like to be left unheard, but can she be the person to finally tell this forgotten story, or is a grumpy Yorkshireman going to stand in her way?

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Rom Com, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published October 23, 2025

Reviews

[Jennifer (Jaye) (trying to catch up, so behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Self Sacrifice*

Eva Coleman, a young woman growing increasingly jaded, feels her life is dictated by her domineering mother. Her two older siblings have the freedom to grow, while Eva’s life is a marketing job she’s not passionate about. It’s her mother’s pride and joy, the job being orchestrated by her mother.

Eva’s appearance is meticulously controlled: the right clothes, hair, and even a boyfriend. He’s equally dominant, and when he decides to take her to a nice restaurant a proposal is highly anticipated. . But when it’s a breakup, Eva finds herself in limbo. They’ve planned a holiday, his choice, leaving her unsure of what to do.

Encouraged by her best friend, Eva decides to change the holiday destination. She’s always loved writing, but her mother’s influence has stifled her creativity. Inspired by her love for British writers, she swaps Nashville for York in Yorkshire. Eva, feeling trapped in her beige life, heads to the airport, telling her mother as her flight departs.

In York, Eva discovers a newfound sense of freedom and a chance to make her own decisions. She stumbles upon a quirky bookstore and, while browsing, a book falls at her feet. When she looks up the shelves are full with no space for the book. The bookshop owner tells her the book was waiting for the right person. Eva then learns about Margaret, a woman who fell in love while nursing a military man but was already engaged. She never forgot him, and there’s much more to her story.

York becomes a magical place for Eva, filled with unexpected events. Eva’s journey in York is just beginning, and she’s about to meet a grumpy Yorkshireman who might just change her life.

Eva discovers that Margaret never took the plunge with the soldier and went along with the planned marriage. To fill the void in her life she spent her life helping others. There are so many people who have a story to tell about her. Most of the time she hated praise and denied the help she gave. The magic is about her legacy and the things that she did. She constantly tried to fill the hole in her life and she never forgot the American soldier.

More revelations come to fore in the form of notes, letters etc most of it came to Eva in various ways and she sees there is a story to be told, especially when one of Margaret’s legacy properties comes under threat.

Can Eva turn things around with what may have to be the best story she has ever written to help the community filled with people who owe their lives and livelihoods to Margaret…. A certain Yorkshireman is not happy but Eva living in her new self grows a backbone and stands up to him….

This also made me think that Eva knows like Margaret what it’s like to make a sacrifice about life for different reasons. There is a line that Eva calls it ‘Catastrophizing yourself out of joy’

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, a book comes along that feels like it was written just for you — and Mistletoe and Magic is exactly that kind of story. Helene Sula weaves a tale that is both enchanting and deeply touching, filled with heart, hope, and the kind of gentle magic that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.

From the very beginning, the story sparkles with warmth and festive charm, but what truly makes it special is how effortlessly it captures the beauty of human connection, love, and second chances. The writing feels like a soft snowfall — calm, graceful, and quietly powerful.

Mistletoe and Magic isn’t just a holiday read; it’s a story that wraps around you like a cosy blanket and reminds you why we fall in love with reading in the first place. Truly magical in every sense.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story, I just found the dialogue clunky in places. The amount of times they mention Margaret Wells being upset at the 4th of July seemed very silly and not something anyone in the UK would say.

[Bella Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3hrs17 and I read it all. The magic of York really came alive in this story and it’s not your typical romance. It’s full of heart but the romance is almost secondary to the plot. It’s about falling in love with yourself, choosing your own path and finding lost stories and trails.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and predictable, with some really good one liners and descriptions thrown in. Was pleasantly surprised by the content, especially because it wasn’t overly gushy. It was a very sweet story shedding light on one woman’s past, and her impressive impact on those who needed hope and happiness; her story wasn’t just a tragic love story.

There were a few editing errors/grammar that snagged my attention.

Overall 3.5 ⭐️

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It was like a breath of fresh air, especially after reading a bunch of dystopian science fiction this year. This book is somewhat like a Hallmark Christmas movie (meaning the plot is a little bit formulaic,) but more thoughtful and nuanced. (Plus, I love a Hallmark Christmas movie!)
The prose is well-written, and I loved all the “notes” throughout. I highlighted a bunch of little moments in the text that I thought were totally on-point. I thought the ending was rushed, but no large complaints.
Travel to York was a hope for 2026; now I am going to make it happen!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great Christmas story! I follow Helene's adventures on Instagram (and you should too) so when she said she wrote a book, I had to read it. I love a good "starting over after my life goes to crap" story and this one checks all the boxes. I will pretty much read anything set in Europe because I'm dying to go there, and since she and her husband and dog lived there for several years, everything was very authentic.

I very much needed an uplifting holiday story full of hope and a little romantic tension after a rough year. Bravo, Helene! Please keep writing.

[Carrie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect cure for anything that ails you. It’s a holiday pick me up wrapped in a UK adventure that you’ll start to plan as soon as you’re done reading. Loved it and can’t wait for Helene’s next book!

[Martine Tieleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voelde als een Hallmark Christmas movie, maar dan in boekvorm.

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet holiday book that was even more special to read while on a river cruise to some magical Christmas markets with the author.

[Karina Bax-Putter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wat een heerlijk boek om in deze tijd van het jaar te lezen! Je wordt in het verhaal gezogen en leeft mee met Eva:-)

[Katya V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in one night - on my first night of winter vacation. It was the perfect way to escape the 9-5 grind and ease into holiday festivities. Can’t wait to watch the movie when this inevitably gets picked up.

[Alison Zavadil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Magic by Helene Sula (the Queen of Christmas Markets), has arrived just in time to get you in the mood for the holidays! The combination of a journey of self discovery, a mystery, romance, and an idyllic English town at Christmas made this book a very magical read. A fiction book that also contains aspects of the author herself, her husband and beloved dog (if you know, you know). It contains both heartfelt moments along with witty banter. Eva's journey shows us that if you are willing to move outside your comfort zone, and take a risk for what you really believe in then you can be rewarded beyond your dreams. A great book for anyone looking for a quick read full of heart!

[Krista Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect story for the season. So much to connect with in this heartfelt story and enough mystery to keep interest piqued throughout the story. Helene captivates with regaling tales, and intricately woven details that bring this tale to life.

Each character shares similar fears of rejection, hurt, pain and loss but it’s in their ability to step beyond the pan and creat beauty from the rubble that makes this a refreshing and exciting tale.

[Stacey Stokesberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas magic

Was like reading a Hallmark Movie. Beautiful story about a girl really truly finding herself. Finally doing something just for her.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story line and I loved the setting in York, England but the plot was just boring and I wasn’t a fan of the male love interest who was whiny 🤷🏼‍♀️. I wanted something festive but this wasn’t it…

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I follow the author on social media and while this book wasn’t perfectly edited and had a couple of weird plot misses, it’s a cozy little Hallmark movie in a book that I read in just a couple of hours. 4 stars because it met my expectations exactly, not because it’s going to win a Pulitzer.

One weird thing - the copy I got through Libby was definitely the UK version. Lots of u’s in words like “colour” and referenced “jumper” instead of sweater which someone from Nashville would not. Not sure if there is a US version (or if it was only published in the UK), but the author is from TX so it seemed strange.

[Amy Fessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first saw the cover of the book, I thought here’s another Hallmark story where the guy gets the girl and they save a place as the snow slowly falls from the sky. But this book was so good, so easy to read, so heartfelt I loved everything about the book as I devoured it. Was it some sort of a Hallmark story,yes, but it was much, much more than that! The story that was told was simply beautiful.

[Nicole Temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It spun a classic romance with historical context and a touch of Christmas magic. I loved the storyline and everything that went into it. Definitely a cozy on couch Christmas read.

[Jaime Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic hallmark love story, and I enjoyed all of it!

[Rebecca Guido · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read this book religiously every Christmas!!

This book is what I didn’t know I was searching for!! I had been actively seeking out a good festive story, that had lots of meat on the bone. This story found me & it was so worth the wait! I can’t describe how fulfilling this story was, but let it be known, that this author has a fan for life. I will eagerly await any future story she wants to tell. The only minus was, that there were some editing gaffs, in the last third of the book, which I found distracting, other than that, it was utter perfection!

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delight. It’s a sleepy 5 star because it is gentle and fun but was just what I needed. It has the intrigue and clever plot of the da Vinci code on a small, British cozy setting, enhanced by literary references, history, and small town community. I enjoyed this book immensely. It was light, but heartfelt.

[Taylor Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, heartfelt Christmas story without too much cheese

[Missy Burlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t a four star worthy book, but let me explain why I give it 4. I’ve followed Helene (the author) for years on instagram, so reading this was like being inside her head. And I oddly get proud of her for writing this!

This book is a written version of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Which isn’t to say it’s bad. Big city girl. Small town at Christmas. She needs to save the small town. But it’s all sweet and enjoyable.

I did think, because of the title, and something that happens early in the book there was going to be “magic”… but there is nothing sorcerous about the story.

[Alyssa]

Another one I’m embarrassed to tag as read but I want the credit. Super cheesy, lots of overly dramatic life lessons/revelations, plot holes/inconsistencies, dissatisfying ending. Read it anyway because it’s cozy and clean and takes place in the UK. Haha

[April Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet magic

Mistletoe and Magic is a sweet, gentle story that made for an enjoyable light read. I really liked following Eva as she stepped out into the world to rediscover herself—her journey felt heartfelt and hopeful. One of my favourite parts of the book was learning about Margaret Wells. Her quiet acts of kindness, combined with the thread of her lost love, added a lovely touch of depth and poignancy to the story.

Overall, this was a charming and pleasantly uplifting read. While it didn’t fully knock my socks off, it delivered a warm, comforting holiday story perfect for a cosy afternoon.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely Chrismas read! It's such a fun book filled with adventure and mystery and I really loved the main character and the settings of the book. Everything fills so christmassy and beautiful and cozy. I had fun following the main character into her adventures in England! I am giving this book a 4 stars out of 5!!!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley but this review is entirely my own.
I requested this book on a whim and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it.
Yes I’m a Yorkshire Girl, even born on Yorkshire Day so it felt cosy and comfortable reading about York and the other places Eve visits. The author has captured the magic of this city with its winding cobbled streets, its amazing history and the hoards of tourists. This book also contains social commentary on the redevelopment of historic buildings into flats and bijou hotels.
I loved the characters, all were real and not stereotypes that the author could have used. Florence the inn owner struggling to make the books balance and ignoring final payment demands is a perfect example.
This is a sweet romance which also fitted the storyline perfectly.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute hallmark movie-esque Christmas read. That’s how I would describe it. While a bit repetitive at times, with a few inconsistencies that were hard to miss, I still enjoyed it.

[Laura Koenes · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute and sweet Christmastime story, but quite a few plot holes and repeated lines throughout the book. Needed a better edit.