From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Shirk comes a delightful romance, perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Viola Shipman, and Rachel Hanna.
Christmas is coming in Paris, Pennsylvania, and Sophie Dubois, Chamber of Commerce Promotions Director, is trying to work up enthusiasm for what is normally her season. Paris's business isn't exactly booming as much as it should be. Sophie loves her job, but she must come up with a plan to save it.
Her new neighbor, handsome but unfriendly bestselling writer of Horror novels, Mason Haywood, isn't making the season any more festive. When accidentally befriending his adorable Dachshund, Gingersnap, projects Sophie into the perfect plan to save Paris from decline, will Mason get in the way?
A charming, festive holiday tale that will have you running for the croissants and hot cocoa.
Jennifer Shirk is a USA Today bestselling author of sweet, funny, closed-door rom-coms. If you love witty banter, swoony heroes, and happily-ever-afters that feel like Hallmark movies with a playful twist, her books are for you.
Her award-winning romances have topped Amazon charts in both holiday and series romance, making her stories a go-to escape for readers who want all the laughs and feels—without the steam.
Jennifer lives at the Jersey Shore with her husband, daughter, and two grateful rescue dogs. She’s also president of her local library board—proof that she’s happiest surrounded by stories.
Every year I choose 1 Christmas themed book. It could be a favorite author, mystery, thriller or whatever my mood is calling for. This year I chose a romance and I’m glad I did because it gave me all the Christmas feels and I swear I could smell cookies baking.
A Little Paris Christmas (Paris, PA) was slow at the beginning, but when the story stated rolling, it was hard to put down. Tourism during the Christmas season fuels local businesses and the city of Paris, but this year tourism is down and it’s up to Sophie and her team to turn it around. Social media seems like the ticket.
Meanwhile, Sophie’s new neighbor is a distraction with his good looks and his grumpy demeanor. He’s Mason Hayward a famous author laying low with few interactions so he can focus on writing. He has an adorable dog, Gingersnap, that continually shows up on Sophie’s doorstep (probably because she gives him treats). She takes the dog for the day under one condition: nobody can know it’s his dog. Easy, right? Well, calamity ensues. Can Sophie solve the tourism issue and can Mason warm up to holiday cheer as well as promoting his new book?
I loved the chemistry between Sophie and Mason as well all the Christmas festivities! Highly recommend to put you in the Christmas spirit! Thanks to NetGalley and Harpeth Road Press for an early copy.
This was an easy five-star read for me! It took me until about 30% of the way through to really get hooked, but once I did, I could not put it down.
The book switches between first and third person, which at first can feel a little confusing — especially since the POV and tense changes happen without clear breaks or transitions. However, as the story goes on, you quickly get used to it, and it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment at all.
The chapters are quite long, but once you’re engrossed, the pacing flows naturally and the story keeps you invested.
This is the perfect small-town Christmas romance, full of charm, humour, and heart — the kind of story that feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie come to life. I loved the mix of romance, festive spirit, and lighthearted moments. Sophie’s assistant was a standout for me — you can picture him so vividly, and his humour adds a lovely touch of warmth and fun.
And honestly, while I adored Sophie and Mason, the true star of the book might just be Gingersnap, the adorable dachshund and unofficial mascot of Little Paris!
For anyone wondering — Little Paris is actually a town in Pennsylvania, inspired by the real Paris in France. The setting was so easy to visualise and added such a cosy, magical feel.
We also get a fantastic grumpy x sunshine dynamic: • Sophie, the head of marketing for her town, is determined to make this year’s Christmas event a success despite dwindling results. • Mason, her neighbour, is a brooding horror author struggling with book sales — and, of course, he hates Christmas.
Their opposites-attract tension, with a touch of enemies-to-lovers at the start, makes their romance feel organic and fun to watch unfold.
I loved how this book wasn’t too heavy — it’s cosy, funny, and heartwarming, with all the small-town vibes I adore: ice skating, bakeries, cafés, gossiping neighbours, and plenty of festive cheer.
Everything about this book was easy to picture and perfectly atmospheric. It’s one to add straight to your holiday TBR if you love comfort reads with depth and charm.
🎄 Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jennifer Shirk for the ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed every page!
Book: A Little Paris Christmas Author: Jennifer Shirk Rating: 5/5 stars
A Little Paris Christmas was a wonderful Christmas story that was a five-star read for me! It was a holiday rom-com that is full of festive charm.
It follows main charter Sophie, who is trying to increase the holiday spirit in her town of Paris, Pennsylvania - as the tourism isn’t what it usually is during this time of the year. Since Sophie is the Chamber of Commerce Promotions Director, it is her job to come up with a plan to boost tourism and save the day. The pressure is mounting, and Sophie needs to come up with something to turn things around quickly. Her new neighbour, Mason, is a bestselling writer of horror novels - and definitely won’t be boosting the holiday spirit. Sophie ends up accidentally befriending Mason’s adorable dachshund, Gingersnap. Gingersnap ends up being the perfect piece of the puzzle that Sophie is missing, and a plan falls into place. It’s up to Sophie to show Mason what the Christmas season is all about - as long as he will let Gingersnap help her!
Grumpy x sunshine is one of my favourite tropes to read - and Sophie and Mason fell into those categories perfectly. Their roles also weren’t overdone and in your face. The characters balanced each other out nicely. Sophie loves the holiday season, whereas Mason hates the holidays. After beginning to work together, Sophie begins to open Mason’s heart to both the possibility of loving Christmas and falling in love. I was rooting for them from the beginning and thought that their relationship was a great mix of humour, banter, and touching moments that strengthened the story.
The comedy in A Little Paris Christmas was one of the highlights for me. I laughed out loud a few times and especially loved the scenes with Gingersnap (who I think I can happily say was my favourite character). I hope Jennifer writes more pet characters in her future books - as he was an absolute joy to read about!
Overall, I loved the cozy vibes that A Little Paris Christmas was full of. From the writing to the small-town setting, it was full of Christmas joy, and I can happily say it will probably be one of my favourite reads of the 2025 holiday season. The characters were well-written and self-aware, Gingersnap was the perfect sidekick, and the happy ending was well-earned.
Thank you to Jennifer Shirk for the chance to read an eARC of A Little Paris Christmas.
Festive fun, holiday magic & all the Christmas feels… Is it December yet? ~ 4✨
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✧ PLOT ✧
Welcome to Paris, Pennsylvania. A town that runs on community spirit & Christmas magic.
Tourism director Sophie Dubois is Little Miss Christmas. She decorates months in advance, spreading joy & festive spirit wherever she goes. So when a real life Grinch moves in next door, well that just won’t do.
Famous author Mason Haywood’s perfect Christmas consists of him closing himself off from the world to work on his horror novels. Why people make such a fuss is beyond him?! Case in point his neighbour, Little Miss Christmas who he has zero desire to interact with.
But when Sophie’s job is put on the line & Mason’s latest book release introduces some less than ideal stipulations, the pair are forced to team up in a bid to resolve things.
Does Sophie carry enough magic, joy & festive spirit to make Mason’s heart grow 2 sizes or could this quite literally turn out to be the nightmare before Christmas…
~
✅ A great book for anyone who enjoys - • Genre - Romance: Festive/holiday, Comedy, Closed-door • Themes/Tropes - Grumpy x sunshine, Cozy Christmas, Guaranteed HEA, Hallmark movie vibes, Small-town setting & Swoony banter
‼️Please keep in mind this book includes mentions of - • Death of close family members & Abandonment issues
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✧ SUMMARY/OPINIONS ✧
A Little Paris Christmas is a warm, festive grumpy x sunshine rom-com filled with hilarious characters & small-town charm. It’s overflowing with Christmas magic & thanks to the cozy tight knit setting/community it feels like you’re stepping right into the middle of a Hallmark movie. Despite moments of sadness & self doubt, it’s an uplifting, positive journey with a guaranteed ‘happily ever after’.
Sophie & Mason’s journey was an absolute joy to follow. It had moments of wit, comedy & sarcasm but I loved the softer, more vulnerable parts too. The way they healed parts of each other that they’d been unable to heal themselves was super sweet & left me feeling all warm & content.
There were times where I felt like the pacing of their relationship was a little bit off. There’d be a brief/single interaction & their feelings would then intensify at a rate that didn’t really make sense/match up.
But overall Sophie & Mason’s story was a wonderful journey of growth, healing & most importantly, love.
SO, If (like me!) you enjoy a Grinchy heart growing 3 sizes, true meaning of Christmas realisation moment then this book is for you!🎄🎁🌟☃️
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✧ FINAL THOUGHTS ✧
I feel like this book should come with instructions: ⭑ Readers must be wearing Christmas pyjamas. ⭑ It’s imperative to have either Christmas music OR a film on in the background. ⭑ You must be prepared to eat way too many sweets/chocolates. (that you had to remortgage your house to afford..)
I really enjoyed this book. It left me feeling cozy & content which is exactly how I hope to feel after reading a good festive romance. Character wise - Gingersnap took the top spot on the pyramid however, Sophie & Mason came a close joint second! I’d recommend this emotional, magical Christmas romantic comedy to honestly, everyone! If you’re needing a pick me up or something to put a smile on your face, definitely give this book a go ♥️
📣 Thank you so much to BookSirens & the wonderfully talented Jennifer Shirk for allowing me to read & review this ARC. This is my honest opinion & I’m sharing it voluntarily.
Such a sweet holiday romance. This book perfectly captures that opposites attract vibe with a grumpy and sunshine dynamic. Christmas is Sophie’s favorite time of year, the one season she goes all out hoping for her happily ever after. For Mason, it’s the time he tries hardest to avoid because of painful memories. He’s a horror writer who temporarily rents a place in Paris, Pennsylvania, hoping for a quiet escape to focus on his next book. What he doesn’t expect is to end up next door to Sophie, who’s determined to spread Christmas cheer and bring new life to the town through the holiday spirit... and hopefully help the townspeople finances as well.
While Mason does his best to stay out of the festivities, his dog Gingersnap (with Sophie) have other plans. As Sophie and Gingersnap bond, Mason is slowly drawn into the warmth of the community. The town becomes intrigued by the broody author and his adorable dog, and even though Mason insists he doesn’t belong, Sophie "begins" to change the way he feels about Christmas. Still, can a woman who loves the holiday and the joy it brings find lasting happiness with a man who writes horror novels and avoids celebrations altogether?
This story was so heartwarming and had more emotional depth than I expected. Gingersnap definitely felt like a little matchmaker. The buildup to the romance was lovely, though I found myself wishing for a bit more time with them once things finally came together. Still, it’s a charming and cozy read with great community, family, and friendship moments throughout. I would absolutely read more by Jennifer!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
*Content info: closed-door romance with just kisses. Includes a side character in a same-sex marriage, for those that like to know that info in advance.
What happens when a Christmas-obsessed tourism director meets a Scrooge’y horror writer?
Jennifer Shirk’s A Little Paris Christmas is a delightful, festive Christmas romance. I loved the charm of the small town setting of Paris and the great mix of characters.
Sophie Dubois is the Chamber of Commerce Promotions Director, and is trying to come up with a plan to save her job. Business in Paris isn’t exactly booming for the Christmas season. Mason, her new neighbor is a best selling horror author who hates Christmas and would rather be anywhere else. But when the two are forced to work together chaos ensues.
The grumpy-sunshine situation worked really well as the two balanced each other out and had great chemistry. Gingersnap, Mason’s dachshund, was absolutely adorable and you could picture his antics. I have to give a shoutout to Sophie’s Communications Manager Johnathan who was hilarious!
Highly recommend this Christmas romcom for the holiday season.
Thank you Netgalley and Jennifer Shirk for the ARC. I really enjoyed this book!
I don’t usually rate my own books--okay, that's not true--but this one feels extra close to my heart. A Little Paris Christmas was such a joy to write—cozy, hopeful, and filled with the kind of holiday magic I love most.
I wrote this during COVID lockdown, so I wanted to capture that sweet spot where laughter and love collide, with a grumpy hero who needs a little Christmas spirit and a sunshine heroine determined to share it. Add in a small-town Paris (yes, in Pennsylvania!) and a mischievous pup, and it quickly became one of my favorite stories I’ve ever written.
My hope is that this closed-door romcom warms your spirits this holiday season the way it did mine while writing it.
If you love cozy Christmas rom-coms, grumpy/sunshine pairings, and one very mischievous pup, this story might be your next holiday read. 🎄✨
This book is everything you could ask for in a cozy holiday rom-com.
The story takes place in an adorable small tourist town called Paris, Pennsylvania. The two main characters are complete opposites. Sophie loves Christmas….like really loves Christmas! It’s her job to make sure everything goes smoothly for the town and tourism is up during the holiday season. Mason absolutely loathes the holidays! He’s a famous horror writer who just wants some peace and quiet to work on his next gory horror novel. They are forced to spend time together thanks to the shenanigans of Mason’s adorable little dog Gingersnap. Gingersnap kind of becomes the star of the town….and Christmas! And, maybe he’s playing matchmaker too.
Mason and Sophie’s relationship is so sweet. She helps him come to realize that even though he’s had some bad experiences at Christmas before, maybe he loves the holiday more than he realized. And, maybe he’s falling for Sophie too. Grumpy x Sunshine is definitely my favorite romance trope, and it plays out well here.
This is a funny, cozy, charming, Christmas Romance. It definitely has hallmark movie vibes, but doesn’t feel overly cheesy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Jennifer Shirk for the Advance Reader Copy. My review and all thought are completely my own.
The star of this book is probably Gingersnap the dachshund, but the entire story is sweet. The MMC is a horror author who bases his books around the holidays and he’s temporarily staying in a town that is driven by tourism during the Christmas season. One of the masterminds of Paris, Pennsylvania’s holiday display is also his new sunshine neighbor who believes everything is better at Christmas. Sophie’s outlook on the “perfection” required during the holidays is a little hard to embrace at times. From Mason’s POV I understand that there can be a lot of hard memories and emotions that come to light during the holidays, and sometimes it’s easier to hide. I do think Sophie and Mason bring out the good in each other and have a sweet relationship. I loved Mason being a horror writer, it gave him a little dark humor that I enjoyed. This was a good holiday read; if you’re looking for a grumpy/sunshine, closed-door romance I recommend adding this one to your TBR. Thank you Jennifer Shirk and Booked with the Emilys for the advanced copy of this book.
It may not be Paris, France, but Paris, Pennsylvania has plenty of charm and ambience, especially during the holidays. This was a heartwarming romcom, full of heart, humor, and romance.
Sophie is the Chamber of Commerce Promotions Director, and needs to get more tourist visits to help save Paris or she’ll lose her job.
Mason is her new neighbor, a bestselling author of horror novels, and a grumpy Grinch who seems to hate Christmas.
Gingersnap, Mason’s dachshund, is not only adorable, but he’s also a clever little matchmaker and a key to Sophie’s plans to save Paris.
A Little Paris Christmas was a delightful read with an abundance of holiday fun and magic, wonderful banter, small-town charm, and a swoony grumpy/sunshine romance.
You can expect— Grumpy + Sunshine Adorable Dog Matchmaker Small-Town Charm Enemies to Lovers Forced Proximity Holiday Magic & Healing Closed-Door Romance Hallmark movies vibes
This was the most perfect Hallmark type Christmas book that I could not put down. I flew through this one in less than a day! This was my first book by Jennifer and certainly will not be my last.
I absolutely loved Sophie’s character. Being the Chamber of Commerce director of Paris, Pennsylvania, she was trying to bring back the Christmas spirit of the town and boost tourism. Her neighbor, Mason, who is a horror author, is the complete opposite and can be deemed as the Grinch this time of year.
I thought the relationship between Sophie and Mason was really sweet and it goes to show that opposites really do attract. They brought out the best in each other and wound up being the perfect match, with a little help from Masons dachshund, Gingersnap! Sophie slowly taught Mason to warm up to the holidays again and I think he needed someone like her in his life.
This was a sweet holiday romance, with a little bit of dark humor that I would highly recommend reading♥️
⭐️ Reseña de «A Little Paris Christmas» de Jennifer Shirk⭐️
Puntuación: 3.75 ⭐️
Muchas gracias a NetGalley y la autora, Jennifer Shirk, por dejarme leer una copia digital avanzada de la historia. Las opiniones que leerán, son mías y solo mías.
Este libro es justo lo que necesitaba para despejar.
La dinámica grumpy-sunshine me gustó mucho porque no había excesos: el grumpy se relajaba de vez en cuando, y la sunshine no iba por ahí dando saltos de alegría. Todo estaba equilibrado de manera que se podía apreciar la profundidad sentimental de cada protagonista sin que pareciera impostada.
La ambientación previa a Navidad me gustó mucho. Francamente, mi espíritu navideño siempre brilla por su ausencia, pero aunque este período es importante en los conflictos de los protagonistas, creo que no eclipsó el romance con más "Navidad" de la necesaria. Lo mismo sentí con Gingersnap, el perro. Usualmente, que un animal tenga tanta importancia en una historia me hace sentirla infantil, pero creo que aquí el perro seguía siendo perro, y un muy buen hilo conductor en el acercamiento de los protagonistas.
Si bien es cierto que me encantó el slow-burn entre Mason y Sophie, cuando finalmente sucede "algo" es muy anticlimático. Después de un 60% de construcción de la relación, hay un paso indeciso en la frontera borrosa de lo que sería una pareja, para rápidamente presentar entrar en la ruptura del tercer acto. Esa transición fue sumamente apresurada, porque no se define nunca qué se está "rompiendo" y, por consiguiente, la "reunión" parece forzada.
El libro es una comedia romántica navideña clásica, con todos los elementos que debería tener para arroparte en el invierno. Aunque, en mi opinión, tenga aspectos negativos, estos no me impidieron disfrutar de la historia.
⭐️ Review of “A Little Paris Christmas” by Jennifer Shirk⭐️
Rating: 3.75 ⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author, Jennifer Shirk, for allowing me to read an advance digital copy of the story. The opinions you will read are mine and mine alone.
This book was just what I needed to clear my head.
I really liked the grumpy-sunshine dynamic because it wasn't overdone: the grumpy one relaxed from time to time, and the sunshine one didn't go around jumping for joy. Everything was balanced so that you could appreciate the emotional depth of each character without it seeming forced.
I really liked the pre-Christmas setting. Frankly, my Christmas spirit is null, but although this period is important in the characters' conflicts, I don't think it overshadowed the romance with more “Christmas” than necessary. I felt the same way about Gingersnap, the dog. Usually, when an animal is so important in a story, it makes it feel childish, but I think here the dog was still a dog, and a very good thread in bringing the protagonists together.
While I loved the slow burn between Mason and Sophie, when “something” finally happens, it's very anticlimactic. After 60% of the relationship building, there is an indecisive step on the blurred border of what would be a couple, only to quickly introduce the breakup in the third act. That transition was extremely rushed, because it is never defined what is “breaking up” and, consequently, the “reunion” seems forced.
The book is a classic Christmas romantic comedy, with all the elements it should have to wrap you up in winter. Although, in my opinion, it has negative aspects, these did not prevent me from enjoying the story.
Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilysj and @jennifershirkauthor for the #gifted copy of this book.
Summary: Full of small-town charm, swoony banter, and a dash of Christmas magic, A Little Paris Christmas is perfect for fans of Hallmark movies, RaeAnne Thayne, and anyone who believes love can make even the Grinch’s heart grow two sizes. (From Booked with the Emilys)
My Thoughts: A Little Paris Christmas was a cute closed-door holiday story full of grumpy/sunshine goodness as well as the most adorable dog ever. Sophie and Mason had a perfect first meeting that set off their banter right away. It was such a fun contrast to read about—a horror novelist who despises Christmas taking shelter in a town that lives and breathes it. Sophie’s unwavering positivity and Mason’s perpetual grumpiness balanced each other so well that by the end of the story they made a truly fantastic pair. The story may have centered on the humans falling in love, but Mason’s dog, Gingersnap, completely stole my heart. He had so much personality, and the outfits Jonathan would dress him in for their promo. The perfect story to sit and enjoy between all the Christmas fun.
What You'll Find: 🎄 Grumpy x Sunshine — the town’s holiday queen vs. the reclusive horror author next door 🐾 Adorable Dog Matchmaker — Gingersnap the dachshund steals hearts (and scenes!) 🏡 Small-Town Charm — cozy community, Christmas lights, and hometown traditions 💞 Enemies to Lovers — snarky banter turns into unexpected sparks 🪩 Forced Proximity — they’re teamed up for a holiday project neither can escape 🌟 Holiday Magic & Healing — rediscovering joy, love, and belonging at Christmastime 💋 Closed-Door Romance — all the chemistry and emotional payoff, fade-to-black heat level
In A Little Paris Christmas, Jennifer Shirk takes readers to Paris. Not that Paris, but Paris, Pennsylvania, a charming small town that’s big on Parisian charm and Christmas spirit.
Mason Haywood is a grumpy, anti-Christmas horror author who just wants to get away from NYC and all of its Christmas hoopla to focus on writing his next bestseller. His agent, Jocelyn, convinces him to spend the month of December at her vacation home in Paris. However, she fails to tell him that her neighbor, Sophie Dubois, loves Christmas and is a little over the top when it comes to it. When Sophie and Mason finally meet, it’s safe to say there isn’t an instant love connection. The same cannot be said for Sophie and Mason’s dog, a dachshund named Gingersnap. Their connection is instant, with Gingersnap managing to make Sophie’s home his second home.
When Sophie’s job as marketing director for Paris’ Chamber of Commerce is in jeopardy, Gingersnap runs to the rescue, forcing Mason to embrace Christmas and everything that makes it the most wonderful time of year. This Christmas could be the best yet for these three, but first, they have to overcome past traumas and fears.
I immediately fell in love with Sophie, Mason, and Gingersnap. Sophie is a ray of Christmas sunshine. She loves the holiday and season because it’s the one time of year she feels special and loved by her family. Mason is definitely the Grinch to Sophie’s Cindy Lou Who. He has valid reasons for not liking and embracing the season. And like the Grinch, Mason hides a huge heart. And Gingersnap. Don’t let the sweet name fool you. This little guy is full of mischief. I loved watching them all interact and fall in love.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“It’s the holidays. You’re allowed to indulge without guilt.”
“Life's too short to skip dessert on Christmas.”
“There is real beauty in the flaws and normalcy of family that maybe other people take for granted.”
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the author and voluntarily reviewed it.**
This was a sweet Christmas romance. Horror book writer Mason Haywood finds himself helping out Sophie Dubois with all things Christmas. Sophie is trying to save her job at the chamber of commerce, and accidentally finds instant success with Mason’s dog Gingersnap.
Favorite Parts: -Gingersnap somehow always getting away with his lease. And the dog outfits- funny. -Jonathon, Sophie’s employee, and his quick thinking. -Mason’s heart to heart with his brother. -Sophie’s parents bickering -Mason getting protective of Sophie when another guy is showing interest.
Favorite quotes: She glanced at Mason, and he sent her a smile that could have melted a candle from a yard away. She almost fanned herself. Maybe they should open a window.
It’d only been a few weeks, but being in this town made him feel… different. He was different. Paris—and Sophie—had reminded him there was goodness out in the world. He could still smile. He could survive the holidays unscathed. And as dark as his imagination got sometimes when he wrote, those reminders, like a life preserver, would pull him back to the light every time.
Paris. Not the Paris most people might think of. But the small town Paris in Pennsylvania. I love the heartwarming holiday tales and I adore the Christmas romcoms. Jennifer Shirk brilliantly combines the two, giving readers a story with heart and soul, as well as humor and fun.
Sophie is the town’s Promotions Director and is so full of bubbly enthusiasm and outlandish ideas, which will hopefully save the dying traditions. Mason is her new, extremely grumpy neighbor, who also writes horror novels. Gingersnap, the dachshund, is the perfect matchmaker and gateway to bridge the elf and the grinch together in all the holiday cheer and joy.
The laughs and Christmas antics just kept on coming–from holiday dog costumes, to quirky events and residents, to social media, and more. Sophie and Mason interact with an underlying current of attraction that gives off all kinds of sparks–good and bad–but the sweet surprises are what frost this one with all the Christmas goodness, small-town charm, and holiday magic.
I would definitely recommend this to any Christmas romcom lover and enjoyed savoring each and every page.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Christmas in Paris by Jennifer Shirk is a festive small-town romance that gave me all the holiday vibes. The charming setting complete with bakeries, bookstores, and community spirit felt like stepping right into the heart of a Hallmark movie. Sophie and Mason’s sunshine/grumpy dynamic was full of witty banter, laugh-out-loud moments, and a surprising depth as both wrestled with past hurts that made them question whether they were truly worthy of love. Their chemistry shone both in playful hijinks and in heartfelt, emotional scenes.
And then there’s Gingersnap - the adorable dachshund who steals the show and helps reveal Mason’s softer side. This story sparkles with holiday magic but has the kind of warmth and humor that makes it perfect for reading any time of year. Fans of small-town charm, canine companions, family drama, and happily-ever-afters will adore this delightful romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sophie Dubois, the Chamber of Commerce Promotions Director, is facing a challenging Christmas season. Paris, Pennsylvania businesses are struggling, and Sophie is determined to find festive ideas to help her beloved town through the holiday season.
Sophie’s new neighbor, Mason, is a complete Scrooge. As an author of horror books, his behavior makes sense, but Sophie refuses to let him dampen her Christmas spirit. Could she possibly introduce him to the magic of Christmas?
“A Little Paris Christmas” by Jennifer Shirk is a delightful and festive read. Paris, Pennsylvania exudes a charming small-town atmosphere, with cozy settings and wonderful people. I felt right at home in this enchanting place.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Sophie and Mason’s friendship, Gingersnap, the Dachshund, stole my heart. This book was a complete delight from cover to cover, and I can’t wait to read it again. I highly recommended this book to anyone that is ready to jump into the Christmas season.
This book was such a joy to read. It's like reading a Hallmark movie. I enjoyed the Paris-theme vibe of the town, Sophie's love for Christmas, Mason's grumpiness, and of course Gingersnap, the adorable dachshund. I was surprised how much I enjoyed Mason and Sophie's chemistry. From their first meeting to how they ended up working together, and of course the romance, even if they were night and day (the Grinch/horror novelist vs. Ms. Holiday Cheer). I recommend this book if you love all the tropes I mention. If you're looking for a book to read while enjoying your Christmas lights, hot cocoa, blanket, and fireplace. It's fun, sweet, and cozy. To be honest, this is one of the books I wish was a bit longer because you will also enjoy all the side characters. I also love the little plot twist in the end. 🤭
Sophie is determined to help boost tourism to her hometown of Paris, Pennsylvania, during the Christmas season. She and her team are under a good bit of pressure to come up with a fantastic campaign. Incredibly, her Christmas-hating neighbor, Mason, has a dog who turns out to be social media gold. One thing leads to another, and Mason ends up as part of the publicity, too. As Mason and Sophie attend events, Mason begins to remember happier Christmases. But both of them have reason to avoid a relationship, and Mason is leaving in a few weeks. They are definitely going to need a Christmas miracle. I enjoyed the comedy of this story. The dog steals all of his scenes. I liked the characters, and I liked that this was a clean story (a bit of mild swearing, a bit of kissing) because that went with the Hallmark-movie vibe of the book.
Sophie Dubois works for the city chambers of Paris, Pennsylvania. She finds herself in a stressful situation and at risk of losing her job: Christmas is just around the corner, and no tourists want to spend time or visit her small, adorable city. Mason Haywood is a well-known writer and 'ran' away to the city of Paris, Pennsylvania, to escape Christmas and all that this festivity implies. These two could not be more different people, but they end up finding each other in need of one another. This is a very heartwarming Christmas-centred book that reminds us of how special Christmas time is and what is important in this season. I loved reading the book because it made me wish for Christmas, where there are markets and cosy family nights in. This is a perfect book to read in a cosy environment with a lovely tea or hot chocolate. This is definitely a book that I recommend for everyone to read before/ during, or after the Christmas festival period, since it is an amazing book and you won't want to put it down until you finish. This book has everything: love, friendship, and funny moments. Highly recommend everyone to enjoy a cold, winter evening in the company of this book since it will make your heart and evening warmer.
Many thanks to Netgalley for sharing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I won’t lie. I mostly want a good amount of smut in my book. But this book sounded so good so I gave it a shot. I’m so very happy I got an ARC for it and gave it a chance. I fell in love with this book. It’s exactly like reading a hallmark movie. I fell in love with Sophie right away and of course Mason! I like Christmas but I’m more of a decorate for Christmas with some Halloween involved so this was kind of a perfect book for me. Sophia loves Christmas and has to bring people to Paris for Christmas this year and Mason hates Christmas and just wants to be inside writing. But of course he ends up needing Sophie’s help just like she needs his. This was such a good book. Definitely a slow burn romance that just makes you want to cuddle on the couch with a blanket and keep reading!
Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys and Jennifer Shirk for the gifted copy of this book. A Little Paris Christmas is a cozy Christmas romcom set in Paris, Pennsylvania. Chamber of Commerce director, Sophie, must work with grumpy horror novelist, Mason, to promote his new book and her small town of Paris to increase tourism. Sophie quickly befriends Mason's dachshund, Gingersnap, but it takes a bit longer to win over Mason.
🎁Grumpy x Sunshine 🎁Small Town Charm 🎁Holiday Magic and Healing
Pub date: October 28th, 2025, out now!
While I enjoyed parts of this book, like Gingersnap, the small town festivities, and most characters, this book wasn't really for me. Some of the conflict points in the book weren't resolved in healthy or realistic ways, which was a bit frustrating to read. While this book wasn't quite for me, it might be for you!
Jennifer Shirk brings the characters to life in this delightfully funny, yet touching rom-com. Readers will be drawn into Sophia and Mason's story as they go along a path of self-discovery and growth. Readers will find rich dialogue between characters, and genuine growth and development. The supporting characters are real, genuine, and provide a richness and depth that make this book worth reading. Also, don't forget the adorable daschund, Gingersnap, that steals the show! A great read, that I encourage all to pick up and read.
Simba gives this mazing read four paws (it is the purrfect holiday romance, and that Gingersnap is the purrfect addition to the book, even though he is a dog). Happy Reading!!
A fun, quick, and sweet read from Jennifer Shirk, this book is about Christmas in Paris just not the one in France.
Sophie is trying to save her job and make the town more festive to draw tourists. Mason is a writer who connects with Sophie despite his lack of holiday spirit. I really liked their character and relationship development. Jennifer wrote a fun, entertaining, and sweet holiday story and this is a great Christmas read
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Y’all, timing is everything, and I truly believe that we read books that speak to us when we need them. This hopeful, sunshine vs grumpy, opposites attract, Hallmark-esque novel comes at a time when the world really needs a reminder that good things can come from not-so-good things (events, memories, feelings).
Going into this novel, I wondered just how a horror writer and a Chamber of Commerce “Cindy Lou Who” could pull off a total read-worthy holiday romance? But Shirk wrote the perfect recipe: take a full cup of holiday anxiety and to that add a generous dose of fairy dachshund, a tablespoon of perfect small town holiday setting, and sprinkle in helpful sidekick characters, and VOLIA! A Christmas novel to make the darker days of winter (and world events) melt away.
While a few parts of the story were a wee bit repetitive, I really loved the character building and the true effervescent feeling of hope that emanated throughout the story. And as a former dachshund owner and all around dachshund lover, Gingersnap stole my heart! (The last slide is for Jennifer with all of my dachshund décor!) I just wish A Little Paris Christmas came with the recipes for those sables and the duck confit!!
This was a fun little christmas romcom- i love a good Christmas book and this had a little bit of everything, and it's awesome. Supporting cast of characters, I love the grandma and the office assistant, jonathan and of course gingersnap, our girl Sophie it's in charge of tourism in Paris, oh not that Paris- Paris Pennsylvania - and they follow the lead of their sister city in France- sophie is tasked with coming up with ideas to bring in business and visitors to the town, sophie, she loves Christmas. It's your favorite time of the year. It's when her family comes together. She was raised by her grandma and their christmas.They're all together, surprisingly, she meets her new neighbor a famous horror author via his mischievous dog gingersnap, mason has arrived in paris, wanting to hide and avoid the holidays as he hates christmas and all it entails due to his past.But with gingersnaps mischief, he becomes the new star of paris's tourism campaign- will this be enough to bring mason out of her shell, once his publisher gets word that he is in town with his dog. They put him on christmas duty as well, soon, Sophie and Mason are spending all their time together and dealing with feelings that they both i have issues with. it's a really fun little Christmas Ram. Tom, that'll make you smile and laugh. I honestly wouldn't find seeing another one in a series. Maybe set with the office assistant or even Grandma. This is a very cute and I could see it becoming netflix movie or a hallmark movie, small town, will they or won't they?, fun supporting cast of characters definitely recommend for a fun holiday read. The only thing I was unhappy about- there was no epilogue and I felt like it really could have used one. Maybe where they were the next season or just a little bit more of the story, rather than the ending, otherwise, I'd loved it
thank you netgalley for an arc copy in exchange for an honest review
I’m full blown into all the Christmas reads, and this one fit right in with plenty of laughter, the perfect slow burn, and just the right amount of holiday chaos!
Sophie is on a tight timeline and is doing everything to keep her job, and life, afloat, and the last thing she needs is a distraction… especially a handsome new neighbor. But her horror writing neighbor seems to get under her skin, along with his dog, Gingersnap, who can’t seem to stay away. And the more Mason is around Sophie, he begins to feel the same.
The town of Paris, Pennsylvania, had my heart from the beginning! Sophie and Mason’s chemistry was the perfect blend of slow burn and banter! And, Gingersnap? He was the perfect wingman that brought plenty of chaos and love! I highly recommend to anyone who is looking for their next holiday romcom with Hallmark vibes! ♥️
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily
Absolutely delighted with this story
Positively charming
Grumpy sad man falling for upbeat warm hearted woman
Set around my favourite time Christmas
Loved the “Paris” connection and all the little French phrases popping up
How hard did Sophie work and her work colleagues were hysterical made me wonder about our own perceptions as we get older maybe wrongly believing something about ourselves that if talked through can be totally different
Loved this story even grumpy Mason what loss but at such personal cost