The Day After Christmas

Christmas #2

by Nicola Knight

The past may shape you—but love writes the next chapter...

Felicity Brooks always hated Christmas. But after one unforgettable festive season with James the Penguin Man, she's finally learned to embrace twinkling lights, hot chocolate kisses—and the power of starting again.

Now, months later, Felicity's trying to keep it all together. Her dream of motherhood has been shattered. She's somehow ended up planning a wedding for her ex and his chaotic bride-to-be. And then—just to keep things interesting—her estranged father turns up at the animal rescue centre where she works, unannounced, after thirty years away.

As Felicity navigates a whirlwind of animal antics, wedding disasters, family secrets, and one very unexpected donkey, she must decide what she really wants her future to look like. And when James begins acting strangely again, Felicity fears her happy ending may be slipping away—until one snowy Christmas morning reveals the surprise of a lifetime…

A feel-good festive delight full of warmth, wit and whiskers.

Genres: Christmas, Chick Lit

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2025

About the author

Nicola writes wholesome-ish commercial romantic comedy with plenty of heart, plenty of swoon and heavy on the comedy.

She was runner up in the Daily Mail First Novel competition in 2023 and her debut novel, The Night Before Christmas, a romantic comedy featuring giant penguins, rescued cats, and an unforgettable heroine, was first published in September 2024 by Bloodhound Books. It was shortlisted for Debut of the Year at the Romantic Novel Awards run by the Romantic Novelists Association. The sequel, The Day After Christmas, is released on October 20th 2025.

Nicola lives in Norfolk with her husband, young daughter and three* chaotic rescue cats (*number correct at time of going to press) for whom she is the official door opener and designated spare human.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐
Genre ~ contemporary fiction
Series ~ Christmas #1
Others in the series ~ The Night Before Christmas
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ book ~ October 20, 2025, audio ~ November 11, 2025
Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media
Est Page Count ~ 331 (56 chapters)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 36 minutes
Narrator ~ Hannah Curtis
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ references to a miscarriage, no steamage

*There might be spoilers below if you haven't read book #1*

Felicity & James's love story is progressing. She's working on her trust issues and he's so patient and understanding.

My biggest complaint with book 1 was that there was too much ex drama for me. I had hoped that that ended with that book, but turns out Felicity decided it was a good idea to be the maid of honor for the woman her ex had cheated on her with, and is now marrying, which was her best friend, Bex. Ummm, what? and why? No thank you.

Then her father shows up out of nowhere after being MIA since she was 6. I suppose you can say that's really where those trust issues began. Can she let him in her life again after he broke her heart all those years ago?

Donkey's are my 3rd favorite animal, so I was thrilled with how she (Jessica) played a role in the story.

Overall, the story is a little bit messy, but it did flow along nicely, minus all the drama. Our MC's really sweet together and I really liked how it ended.

Narration notes:
She did fine. No complaints.

Series notes:
Not a standalone ~ a continuation of Felicity & James's story from The Night Before Christmas

[Donne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh what a difference a year makes. Yes, I know the cover says, “a day”, but this second installment starts out a year after the first one, which I highly recommend you read for all the background and history on Felicity and James, especially Felicity. This one picks up on some of Felicity’s family drama that was revealed in the first installment. I suppose one could enjoy this one without reading the first one, but I’m a stickler about starting series from the beginning because of my FOMO on any tidbit of info that I may need to know.

The book summary pretty much lays out the entire story. There is Felicity and James going through the trials and tribulations of domestic bliss after a year together. However, it’s not long before my heart is absolutely breaking for Felicity. There are also new distractions at the animal rescue where Felicity works when a hot, young, stud shows up for community service. Then there is Felicity’s ex-fiance, Adam, and Felicity’s best friend, Bec, who were cheating together behind Felicity’s back. Now, they are getting married and Bec had the audacity to demand that Felicity be the MOH. Oh, just when you thought that the dramarama couldn’t get any worse, Felicity’s long deserted father shows up after 27yrs, wanting to reconnect with Felicity! SERIOUSLY!!!

Most of the story has Felicity bouncing around from one mini anxiety attack to another with having to deal with the madness of Bec’s and Adam’s wedding, the confusion of whether or not she wants a relationship with her father, and then there is the fundraiser to help save the animal rescue from getting foreclosed. LOVED the ending!!! Even though it had me tearing up, it was the perfect ending for Felicity. I really hope that last line was the lead in for the next installment.

The character development for Felicity along with a couple of other characters, especially Becs, was well done. The pacing was steady to fast, especially the second half. The storyline and writing were a little drama filled but also had a lot of amusing and heart-warming scenes and episodes. I’m looking at an overall solid 4.0 rating for a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #DreamscapeMedia #TheDayAfterChristmas

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this one!!!
Of Note: This is book #2 in the series. Although they do NOT need to be read together, or in order, I'd suggest that you do read book #1 first, as there are some tie ins to that book.

** THIS HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! LOOK FOR IT TOMORROW, 11/11/25!! **

That being said, this one was just beautiful, and made me 'feel all the feels!'

It made me LOL. It brought a tear or two to my eye. It made me think. And, it brought me peace and joy! And... as if that's not enough, there are dogs, and cats and donkeys!!!! =0

Felicity has not had a good few years. She broke up with her love not too long ago. She had a really rough upbringing with her Dad and her Mom. She's finally starting to get her life back together again... And now, her best friend is marrying her EX, and wants her to be the Maid Of Honor! Seriously! What are you actually thinking????

But, she agrees, half-heartedly, as she is her best friend. And she needs to GET OVER what happened... somehow or another.

In the meantime, she has met another love, James. They've been seeing each other for a while. He seems to treat her very well, and she is happy. But, in the back of her mind, she's always worried that he's just going to walk out on her one day...

She works in an Animal Rescue for cats, and is very happy there.

And that's all I'm giving you for now!!

If this sounds like something you might like, PLEASE, PICK IT UP!! I really don't think you'll be disappointed!! And after the last few that I read that I was kind of left 'holding the book' for the ending, this one beautifully surprised me with an ending that I could never have thought up in a million years!!! And, IT WAS PERFECT!!!

#TheDayAfterChristmas by @NicolaKnight and narrated beautifully by @HannahCurtis.

5 big, bright, beautiful, loving stars for me!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thanks so much to @NetGalley and @DreamscapeMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! The story was warm and heartfelt. It was such a pleasure to read. The cover is good and I loved the wee donkey on the front! The book was very well written and flows nicely. There are some sensitive issues in the book, but Nicola has written about them sensitively and compassionately. The settings are lovely as always. I even enjoyed the Guernsey visit! The characters are great. James and Felicity keep growing together, and the relationship gets stronger. Andrea was brilliant again. It was very interesting to see who she got her claws into! Jessica the Donkey was a wonderful addition, along with other fur and feather babies. A couple of interesting new characters were included! I definitely recommend the book! It was a pleasure to read. I do hope there will be another installment at some point!

[Little Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series and follows on from the first book. I’d say if you wanted to read this book as a standalone you could but would miss some important information. I loved the first book so was looking forward to reading this one. As before it’s a cute romance that involves lots of animals. I would say it may of need a trigger warning due to something that happens but it is only lightly covered. The FMC is maybe a bit too much of a people pleaser, so became a little annoying at times. However Felicity and James are definitely a great couple to read about. The cutest ending ever! I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

[Kimara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media, Author Nicola Knight, Narrated by Hannah Curtis and NetGalley for the ARC of The Day After Christmas in exchange for an honest review.

Looking for a cute Christmas stories that is worthy of its own Hallmark movie, look no further. Follow Felicity through trauma from past Boxing Day and how her love, James, stands by her, helping her work through her trauma, working on her inner voice, and helping to make new, beautiful memories. There are twist and turns throughout the plot line that keep you engaged and not wanting to turn the audiobook off. Highly recommend this close door romance for your TBR this winter season.

[Mel C · Rating 3 out of 5]

ALC

3rd Person • Single Narrator
Holiday Romance

A light-hearted and sweet holiday romance that’s perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit. Even though this is the second book in the series, it stands well on its own, you don’t need to read the first to follow along or enjoy the story. Cozy, festive, and easy to sink into, it’s a great pick for anyone craving a warm seasonal read.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was lovely to catch up with Felicity and James, aka the Penguin Man. I loved the fact that this book followed on from The Night Before Christmas (1st in the series), more or less straight away. It unfolds over a full year between 2 Christmases with enough seasonal references to make it a proper Christmas story. I do hope there will be another book to follow as I would love to find out how their lives unfold.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook.

This was a cute book, but IDK why we are supporting Bex and Adam? Friends who cheat with cheater ex boyfriends deserve to be taken out to the trash. I am and never will be the bigger person in that instance.

73% in - This would have been a lower rating if they would have followed through with that curveball. I was going to be so pissed. Third act break ups are one of my least favorite tropes

Felicity, dear, go to therapy and work on your trust issues.

I turned into a ball of mush with this HEA

[Julia Sarene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Day After Christmas by Nicola Knight

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for the ARC.

I didn’t realise this was the second book in a series, but it worked perfectly well as a standalone. I had no trouble getting into the story or understanding the relationships. The book gives you just enough background without slowing anything down.

One of my favourite parts was the animal rescue. The puppies, the cats, the donkeys, all the everyday chaos that comes with looking after vulnerable animals, gave the book a warm and grounded feel. I honestly could have read even more of those scenes. They added so much charm, especially Jessica the donkey, who steals every page she appears on.

The story itself has a good heart, though it does lean into overdramatizing at times. There are several moments where the narrative hints that something will turn into a big problem, then it simply… doesn’t. Those slightly misleading beats took me out of the story a few times, especially when the build up suggested a twist or major conflict that never arrived. Still, the pacing moves along well and the core of the story remains engaging.

Felicity is an interesting main character. She carries old hurt, especially around trust and abandonment, and the book explores that in a gentle way. Her father suddenly returning after being gone for most of her life brings up a lot of complicated emotions. It is handled with a light touch, not deeply dramatic, but honest enough to feel real. Her dynamic with him is messy in a believable, human way.

There is also the tension around being maid of honour in a wedding that ties closely to her past heartbreak. Some choices the characters make are a bit eyebrow raising, but in a way that fits the slightly chaotic, slightly exaggerated tone the book leans into. The emotional beats do land, even when the circumstances are a little unlikely.

The romance is sweet and soft rather than sweeping, which suits the story well. I liked how the main couple take their time, step around each other carefully, and slowly build something that feels safe. The ending is satisfying and leaves things on a hopeful, gentle note.

Overall, this is a warm Christmas romance with adorable animals, a bit of drama, a bit of mess, and a lot of heart. It is not entirely free from over the top moments or convenient coincidences, but it delivers a cosy festive read with likable characters and a lovely sense of community. Perfect if you want a comfort book with puppies, donkeys, and a second chance at healing.

[Stacy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felicity Brooks is really just trying to hold her life together with duct tape and some sparkling Christmas lights to be fair. Her dream of becoming a mam has crumbled, she’s somehow ended up planning her ex’s wedding (as you do), and now her estranged father has turned up at the animal rescue centre where she works after thirty years MIA. And just when she starts to think she’s got a handle on things....James - or better known as 'Penguin Man' or even just boyfriend, starts acting distant and strange (come on James man).

Now really what makes this story shine is how down to earth and real our leading lady Felicity feels. She’s messy, funny, and well... human. Sometimes brave and hopeful and sometimes falling apart mid-chaos, but that's what makes her totally loveable.

Nicola Knight has this lovely ability of blending emotional honesty with humour. One moment you’re laughing out loud at animal antics, and the next, you’re blindsided by a line about grief or forgiveness that hits straight to the chest (cheers for that). The pace never drags, even when the story dips into tougher territory. It just all feels very natural, lived-in and full of heart - which is what I want from my romantic reads.

Speaking of romance...the romance between Felicity and James isn’t a shiny Christmas gift, wrapped up with in a big bow. It’s about what happens after the fairy tale, when real life gets going and love has to prove it’s more than a seasonal situation. This realism is what makes their story so much more satisfying and relatable.

The Day After Christmas isn’t just a festive tale. Oh no...this is much deeper than that...with rebuilding, forgiving, and a daring belief that there’s still joy ahead. Felicity’s journey is a reminder that starting over doesn’t mean erasing the past...it means writing the next chapter anyway one fabulous word at a time.

[Cathy Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in this series and we catch up with the Christmas hating couple, Felicity and James. So there have been some changes since the last book, mainly Felicity has moved in with James and she finds herself as maid of honour for one of her best friends, Bex, who just happens to be marrying Felicity’s cheating ex-boyfriend Adam. And she is being put through the wringer every step of the way. And if that wasn’t enough someone from her past turns up out of the blue. Felicity does her best to navigate through all this chaos whilst trying to just be present and enjoy her relationship with James.

I really enjoyed this chapter in Felicity and James’ story. This is such a cute love story, but it is also about growth, mental health struggles, rejection, infidelity, trust issues, abandonment, and so much more. It was great to see Felicity overcoming some of these issues and growing enough that she finally learns how to trust those in her life.

We are introduced to some new characters, most of which quickly become firm favourites, and one or two not so much, like Bex’s mother, it’s clear that apple didn’t fall too far from the tree. And I have to say that I really disliked Ben in this book, she has turned into a really despicable character and was so mean to Felicity and Sophie, who were just trying to look out for her. She definitely doesn’t deserve them as friends that’s for sure.

I really hope Nicola will be writing another book in this series as I really want to see what happens next in Felicity and James’ story. This was a great 4 star read for me and I would definitely recommend.

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the prequel to this last year and very quickly fell in love with Penguin Man, so I was absolutely delighted to be back at the animal sanctuary this year reading another amazing festive funny with so much heart!
This had some really emotional parts to it, this is not all sweetness and light, it has real issues affecting its characters and its done so sensitively.
I loved the time on Guernsey, who doesn't want to come across a donkey in a house they are having a sneaky peek in! The donkey sanctuary sounded so special, donkeys are so cute, I've always has a soft spot for them since I was a young kid and went for respite on a farm that had a donkey that quite often came into the kitchen for a nosy! They are lovely animals. Speaking of animals, it was so nice to spend some more time in the animal sanctuary with Andrea and Felicity. With some new arrivals, and some shocking news, it was the usual chaos there.
I loved seeing Felicity, Bex and Sophie getting some much needed airtime for their friendship and its twists and turns.
James is still the absolute sweetest book boyfriend you will ever meet. The last few chapters made me totally swoon.
I read this in a few sittings over the course of about 10 hours, it was just so easy to get lost in.
It's ended in a really beautiful place, and I don't think we will revisit James and Felicity again, but could there be stories for some of the others so we could get a glimpse into our favourite penguin and cat people?! I would love to see it, but if this is it, what a way to bow out.
A great read for getting yourself into the festive spirit!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last Christmas they met and fell in love over a kitten rescue. Can their relationship continue past their happily-ever-after moment? When I learned there was a sequel to The Night Before Christmas, a sweet holiday romcom I enjoyed last year, I was excited to get the ARC for it. The Day After Christmas by Nicola Knight returns readers to the story of Felicity and James, who meet on Christmas Eve at the animal rescue where Felicity works. They’ve been together since overcoming the challenges posed by their ex-partners in the first book.

Yet Felicity still has so much growth to go through. Her trust issues haven’t even been touched as the story opens. A sweet then sad event occurs in the opening chapters, and for some unexplainable reason Felicity is acting as maid of honor for her friend Bex’s wedding to her horrid ex-fiance, Adam! Add to that an unexpected new co-worker at the animal shelter and the surprise arrival of a long-absent relative, and Felicity begins to wonder if she and James can truly be happy together.

True to the vibes from the first book (Bridget Jones returns!), The Day After Christmas continues Felicity’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth. However, as was seen in the first book, her story is not as light and fluffy as a reader might think based on the title, cover, and description. (Check for trigger warnings online.)

This book was a pleasure to read, though the ending was a bit too unbelievable for me. I enjoyed the audiobook narration by Hannah Curtis. There were countless laugh-out-loud moments, but many heavy ones as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC audiobook. All opinions are my own.

[Amorina Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, when a book is amazing getting a sequel is a mixed blessing. Because I absolutely, 100% want it but I don't want it to mess up the original. And the problem is so many can't live up to the original. Well, Nicola Knight understood the assignment! My 14-year-old pup passed away this week, and this book brought my spirits right back up. I mean, as much as they can be. When you need to be cheered up, a holiday romantic comedy is almost literally what the doctor ordered. And this one is perfect.

We pick up about a year after the first book - so the day after the next Christmas. And I don't like to do spoilers, but look - Penguin Man is almost too good to be true. He is pure cinnamon roll book boyfriend material. Like, I've never really understood the whole book boyfriend thing - but if something happens to Felicity, sign me up (but I know there will be a line a mile long)!!

And, Felicity is a character I can relate to so well, which helps: anxiety-addled, abandonment issues, animal-loving mess of a human being. But she is a lovely, caring, wonderful human as well!

We should all get ourselves a Penguin Man - one who supports our dreams, knows us better than we know ourselves, and won't let us self-sabotage. I'll be honest, my guy is pretty penguin-like, but I'd love to see a third book to see what real long-term life looks like!

But don't let me paint this as a cozy, seamless tale. There is absolute chaos, zany antics, and more animals than ever! So you will not be disappointed.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready for the next instalment of these wonderful books?

Previously we met Felicity and James, on Christmas Eve saving a kitten and her mum. Now we pick up the story just where the epilogue left us…..a year later. And gosh does Felicity have so much to deal with, aside from personal upset, she has a difficult bride to deal with - who is marrying her ex! Not only that, but the centre where she works is in financial trouble and not to mention someone from her past reappearing! What follows is a tale of Felicity taking life by the horns, and with penguin man by her side, negotiating everything that is thrown her way.

The characters are brilliantly developed, some you will love, some not so much!
The author has continued the humour through this book, much like the first, keeping it fresh and a smile on your face.

The chemistry between the characters is wonderful and even though some tough subjects arise during the book, the author deals with these sensitively and compassionately, while also keeping the book light and humorous.

The ending! Wow! Maybe a little predictable you will say….. but no, there’s still lots of surprises to be had, and maybe a tear or two to shed as well.

I really hope we get to meet these characters again, there are so many more adventures for them to have.

I can’t recommend this enough.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Title: The Day after Christmas
Author: Nicola Knight
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Hannah Curtis
Publisher: Dreamscape Media LLC
Genre: Women’s Fiction
First Published: September 28, 2025 - Rerelease date November 11, 2025.
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 322

I read and enjoyed [book: The Night Before Christmas} in that story I was introduced to Felicity and James.
That story starts with~
This year on the night before Christmas her evening is disturbed by a stranger named James— dressed in a penguin costume holding a tiny kitten in bad shape. He found the little kitten on the side of the road. Felicity is sure a momma cat and perhaps other kittens are probably near perhaps hurt as well

In this story Felicity Brooks somehow ended up planning a wedding for her ex and his chaotic bride-to-be. And then—just to keep things interesting—her estranged father turns up at the animal rescue center where she works, unannounced, after thirty years away.

Thankfully James the Penguin man turns up again.

Now you need to read or listen to the story to find out if there will be a HEA!

Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audiobook.
The First Publishing Date was September 28, 2025.Rerelease scheduled for November 11, 2025.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time last year, I read The Night Before Christmas by this author and loved it so much.
As the title suggests, we follow Felicity and "the penguin man" through the antics just before Christmas.
Spoilers, but there is a happy ending!

I often wonder with books like this, what would happen next and how the couple would get on - so I was thrilled to see that Nicola had written this sequel - and now all my questions can be answered!

This was so easy to fall right back into - with the same writing style and pretty much all the same characters, it was like just popping back to old friends for a good old catch up.

We follow on from the end of the first book and now follow the couple over the next year where there's happiness, sadness and more madcap capers to get our heads round - for instance, Felicity's friend is now marrying her ex and poor Felicity is roped into the organising!
I mean, who would do that!!
But of course she does her best to keep her friends happy even whilst navigating her own issues.

I loved that once again, although there are some less than happy moments here, they are well balanced out with the fun and crazy moments that had me laughing again.

A great read that you could read easily as a standalone - but honestly, grab both books anyway as you'll definitely have a great time!

[Lara Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found The Day After Christmas by Nicola Knight to be such a relaxing and easy listen. I did the advanced listening copy narrated by Hannah Curtis from The Dreamscape Team— she delivers a clear and crisp performance. The emotion in her voice pulls you right in. Her English accent is the cherry on top. I genuinely enjoyed this audiobook. It made me smile, it made me laugh, and I always knew exactly what the characters were feeling. The main character— Felicity’s emotional journey feels real, especially from a woman’s perspective, and the story itself is pure feel-good comfort. Hannah has this soft, almost whispery delivery at times that made everything feel intimate and immersive. Also— James, Felicity’s boyfriend, deserves a special shoutout. He is such a great person and has officially made my top five book boyfriends. Felicity’s job at the animal rescue is adorable and adds even more charm. This isn’t the type of book I usually reach for, but it absolutely did not disappoint. It kicked off my Christmas season in a calm, cozy way, which is exactly what I needed in the holiday rush.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun catching up with Felicity and her Penguin Man in this book that follows the Night Before Christmas. This is a story of life and love and learning how to trust and stand up for yourself. Felicity and James, aka Penguin Man, are a delight to watch.as their relationship grows. They are relatable and have worked their way into my heart. Penguin Man is everything I want in MMC , attractive, thoughtful, patient, kind, and understands Felicity and knows how to handle her moods and fears. The situations Felicity finds herself in make me laugh and feel all of the emotions, especially as she handles being maid of honor in Bex and Adam’ s wedding and works through her fears of abandonment. There is never a dull moment in her life! Add in the animals and there is even more humor and heart. While Christmas is an important element in the story, the book can be enjoyed anytime readers are looking for a story about life and love and learning to trust.

Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series I had not read the previous book and I think I was missing a lot of the backstory. Felicity Brooks is really just trying to hold her life together with duct tape and some sparkling Christmas lights to be fair. Her dream of becoming a mam has crumbled, she’s somehow ended up planning her ex’s wedding. The romance between Felicity and James isn’t a shiny item, wrapped up with in a big bow. It’s about what happens after the fairy tale, when real life gets going and love has to prove it’s more than a seasonal situation. This realism is what makes their story so much more satisfying and relatable. The chemistry between the characters is wonderful and even though some tough subjects arise during the book, the author deals with these sensitively and compassionately, while also keeping the book light and humorous. The cute animals adds the fun to the story. Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity.

[Rina · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Day After Christmas follows the story of Felicity Brooks for a year, from the Boxing Day to Boxing Day. It is the second book in a series. This book felt really disjointed. There are multiple story lines going on with the main character that don't really intersect. It felt like I was jumping between different books. I feel like the author should have just picked one main story line & developed it really well instead of multiple story lines that weren't executed very well. Also the way that she had Felicity move past different major upsets in her past didn't seem authentic or very healthy. This book didn't feel believable. The characters had potential to be loveable but didn't quite get there. I listened to this audiobook and felt the narrator did a good job with the characters voices. I sped the narration up so that it was more like conversational speed.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ALC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It took a couple of chapters to get into, but after that, it was definitely a page-turner. The story spans a year in Felicity’s life.

Felicity is dating James, the Penguin Man, and is starting to let down her walls after being hurt by her ex. However, life can be cruel. One of her best friends is now getting married to her ex and has asked Felicity to help arrange the wedding and be her maid of honor. This gives Felicity anxiety, but she does her best to keep her friend happy.

The book is a feel-good Christmas story as we read about Felicity and her relationships with her childhood friend, her boss at the animal shelter who is more like a friend, and her estranged dad who also turns up.

The book is a sequel to “The Night Before Christmas,” but it can be read as a standalone. However, I will be getting the first book to see what happened before.

[Emma Minazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute book! I loved book one where we met Felicity and James and their relationship has grown from strength to strength. I like how relatable Felicity and James are, both animal lovers, both caring and compassionate.

In this one, we see more about Felicity's past and with it, brings emotions and a whole lot more! I would love to work in an animal rescue place! Every day would be different but filled with cute animals, win win! Andrea makes me laugh with her no-nonsense approach to things. I also like Felicity's friends Bex and Sophie, together through thick and thin. Nice to see!

A lovely, heart warming read, a joy to read and I'm hoping there is more to come! From that ending, I feel there could be a whole new chapter opening! Loved it!

[Sam Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last year I read The Night Before Christmas (the first book in the series) and really enjoyed it! So I jumped at the chance to read The Day After Christmas!
Firstly, I love that we get to see more about Felicity and Penguin Man (James). I feel like most romance series tend to be a different couple becomes the main focus in each book, so it’s really nice to see what happens next for these two!
The characters feel even more fleshed out in this book and just like the first book, we really get a feel for their emotions and inner struggles and they remain very relatable.
While it has its emotionally hurt and sad moments, The Day After Christmas is a feel good, Christmas romance and a perfect addition for the holiday season

[Jen Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Felicity and James's story! I haven't read the Night Before Christmas, but was able to dive right into the storyline anyway.

Felicity has not had the best history with Christmas nor relationships. James however, is the epic book boyfriend! He is attentive, nurturing, and so in tune with Felicity's needs. Felicity is so real with her emotions and actions, and who doesn't love cuddly animals! The side characters made this story so interesting, but ultimately, it was Felicity being true to herself and James support that I feel in love with.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced listen to the audio version of this book. The narrators were wonderful as well. 5 stars!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an introduction to my first book by Nicola Knight and also narrator Hannah Curtis. The Day After Christmas is a heartwarming romantic story that works beautifully as a standalone, even though it follows The Night Before Christmas. I never felt like I wasn’t missing any background, though I’d love to know in more detail about how Felicity and James’s relationship began. Meeting all the human and animal characters was a treat. The storyline was well written and nicely paced, with a lovely balance of tender moments and tense, anxious times. I especially loved the ending, was it hinting at another installment? 4 stars
I would like to thank the author, narrator, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for my free copy of this audio, in exchange for my honest review.

[Jacquie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced audio of The Day After Christmas by Nicola Knight. This was a cute Christmas book that took place over two years. Felicity is not a fan of Christmas. When her best friend gets engaged to Felicity's high school sweetheart, she needs to put on her big girl pants and be apart of the wedding. If that is not bad enough, her father shows up after years of no contact. To say that Felicity has commitment issues is an understatement. She is in a good relationship with James, but she does not trust herself that it will last. Can she get out of her own way before she ruins that relationship? And oh, animals, lots of cute animals.

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Day After Christmas by Nicola Knight was a cute, easy read. It’s the second book in the series, but even without reading the first, I was able to follow along easily since the author does a great job providing backstory.

There are several subplots woven throughout the main story, which add depth to the characters and their interactions, though at times they made the narrative a bit hard to follow. I even found myself arguing out loud with one of the characters over their ridiculous actions...a sure sign that I was invested!

This isn’t quite a full Christmas cozy read, as the holiday mainly frames the beginning and end of the book, but overall it was a sweet, enjoyable read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solids 3.75-4 Stars (I always round up with GR).

📚 Book Note: This is #2 in the series! You can read it on its own, but I’d still recommend starting with book one since there are some fun tie-ins.

🎄 A light, sweet holiday romance that’s perfect for getting into the Christmas mood. Cozy, festive, and super easy to sink into—great if you’re craving a warm seasonal read.

💬 The story gets a little messy at times, but it still flows well, and the main characters are absolutely adorable together. Loved the ending!

🎧 Narration: Solid performance—no complaints.

Thank your NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Nicola Knight for the ALC!