It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

by Hayley Dunlop

'An absolute delight.' Lizzy Dent

Can life be like a made-for-TV Christmas movie?

Mally Allister prides herself on being nice and predictable, just like the trope-filled festive films she turns to for comfort every winter.

But when she faces the prospect of spending Christmas alone in her London flat, Mally is sent on a writing assignment to try to recreate the cheesy Christmas movie experience in her humdrum British hometown.

With the help of familiar faces from her formative years, including her teenage crush Tom, Mally starts ticking off the classic holiday romance movie tropes in unexpected ways.

But can real life ever live up to the magical movie experience?

A gorgeously warm, engaging festive romcom perfect for fans of Catherine Walsh and Josie Silver.

Readers are falling hard for this

'Warm and incredibly witty, this is one very special rom-com; layered, funny and full of heart. An absolute delight. Book your Christmas treat early." Lizzy Dent, author of The Summer Job

'An uplifting, but poignant story with a lot of emotional depth everything you could look for in a Christmas book.' Emma Steele, author of The Echoes of Us

'Touching, funny and a thrill to read Hallmark movie lovers will appreciate every little detail.' Jack Strange, author of Look Up, Handsome

'I utterly adored it Just an incredibly hygge, cozy read.' Reader Review

'Drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humour. Highly recommend!' Reader Review

'Everything I wanted in a holiday read: warm, witty, and full of heart and the ending? Pure magic. This one is going on my annual holiday reread list.' Reader Review

'Filled me with festive cheer I particularly loved that this book felt new, its storyline a spin on a traditional Christmas love story...I could read it again and again.' Reader Review

'One of the best Christmas books I have read in a whileSuper cute read! I will definitely recommend it to anyone that loves Christmas and real stories!!' Reader Review

'I did not realise how much this book would haveit was hard, it was soft. It was touching and tender. It was emotional and raw. It was like a loving embrace, or a warm mug of tea with a blanket on a comfy chair. You want to snuggle into this book.' Reader Review

'If you love a classic Christmas made for TV movie you will love this - it sets out to be exactly this in book form and it delivers! I could not put it down! Almost missed my stop on the tube/train a few times while reading it.' Reader Review

'I absolutely inhaled this book, which was a combination of three of my favourite things - Christmas, made-for-TV Christmas specials and cosy romance.' Reader Review

'This is a warm, witty tribute to the beloved Hallmark-style Christmas movie, complete with snow-dusted streets, second chances, and small-town magicbut with a smart, self-aware twist...a cozy, clever, and touching seasonal read' Reader Review

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Book Club, Fiction, Chick Lit, Grief

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2025

Reviews

[Monica Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 Stars- This was a novel set at Christmas time and had all of the aspects you would look for in a Christmas romance. However the book was more about overcoming grief and life's challenges than a cheesy holiday romance.

Elle's family was ripped apart with a tragedy and since that time 20 years ago she hasn't been back to her hometown. Her work is closing early for the Holidays so Elle decides to do some free lance work on the advice of her best friend and return home to write an article that meets all of the requirements of a Hallmark movie during Christmas. She randomly runs into her high school crush and meets up with long ago friends. While there though she has to face up to her family's tragedy.

There were many parts that I liked but I did find this book a little slow. I enjoyed the romance but I wanted more of it and less of the grief stricken backstory. I do think that overall this was a good story and the ending was worth it hence the 3.5 and not just 3 stars.

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love British fiction! This debut was perfectly cozy, genuinely funny (I will forever remember the Aslan scene), emotional, and a little slower paced, but in the kind of way where you truly feel like you’re spending time with real people!

I adored Mally. Given her first proper writing commission, she heads back to her hometown of Scarnbrook to tick off as many cheesy Christmas movie tropes as possible, all while documenting her very awkward efforts to recreate the plot of a festive rom-com.

But beneath this seemingly cheery mission was the loveliest exploration of grief. After the loss of her sister twenty years ago, Scarnbrook is a place of heartbreak for Mally and her family. Their way of coping has been, well, complete avoidance, choosing not to acknowledge it at all.

I loved seeing Mally confront these uncomfortable feelings while reacquainting herself with the locals, finding joy within the pain, and carving her own path without the influence of her best friend. There was even an unexpected reveal I didn’t see coming!

The precious romance between Mally and Tom, her old high school crush, was the absolute cherry on top with its gentle pining. The way this man would go out of his way for Mally! And the banter was SO good. I couldn’t get enough of these two!

(heat level: kisses only + language)

[ale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I completely enjoyed this book. Loved the Christmas vibes it gave me, loved the main character, loved Tom ❤️ it literally made me want to go and watch some cheesy festive rom coms.

My only “issue” is that Mally’s grieving + sister’s death (even if told as a memory), should have been stated on the summary and/or as a trigger warning in the beginning of the book. It’s really important throughout the entire story, and a warning should have been given since it’s a very sensitive topic.

Will definitely love to read more of her books!

[Maliha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a charming seasonal escape! Hayley Dunlop delivers all the cozy vibes you’d hope for in a Christmas read—festive settings, heartfelt moments, and just the right sprinkle of romance. The pacing kept me engaged, and the holiday atmosphere was so vivid it felt like stepping into a snow‑globe world.

While a few plot beats were familiar, the warmth and joy of the story more than made up for it. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to light a candle, sip something warm, and let yourself be wrapped in the glow of Christmas cheer.

A delightful, heart‑warming read that perfectly captures the magic of the season.

[Anna Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆ This was way more than a Christmas book! I cried on several occasions which I don't really want from a Christmas read but I loved the story and the journey Mally went on.

[Sarah Betteley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous, emotional and cosy Christmas-centred read, with a deeper emotional storyline throughout. My eyes got a bit leaky a few times. This is a brilliant debut novel from an author who clearly cares and understands what’s so special about both romantic fiction and Christmas. I loved Mally and Tom and their heartwarming story.

[Rachel_loves_to_read · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb:
Mally Allister prides herself on being nice and predictable, just like the trope-filled festive films she turns to for comfort every winter.

But when she faces the prospect of spending Christmas alone in her London flat, Mally is sent on a writing assignment to try to recreate the cheesy Christmas movie experience in her humdrum British hometown.

With the help of familiar faces from her formative years, including her teenage crush Tom, Mally starts ticking off the classic holiday romance movie tropes in unexpected ways.

But can real life ever live up to the magical movie experience?

My thoughts:
I think this might be my new favourite Christmas story 🥰 this was such a beautifully written, heartwarming read.

I loved the idea of Mally spending Christmas in a cottage, watching Christmas films, it sounded so cosy 🥰 however in reality, Mally took a walk down memory lane, meeting friends and ghosts of her past.

The story touches on the grief that Mally has carried around with her, and I loved seeing her grow as a person and build relationships that had started to crumble.

I loved seeing Mally reconnecting with friends from the past, and it was interesting when she started to evaluate her current situation.

This was such a lovely, festive story. There were so many positive interactions and heartfelt moments. There were moments that you could just resonate with Mally and I may have been very teary in parts, but by no means was this story depressing.

This story captured what the lead up to Christmas can be like when you lose someone special. It highlights all the good there is around, the highs and lows of life and the impact of friendships and building and repairing relationships.

I cannot wait to read more from this author, this was such a beautiful debut and I highly recommend picking it up.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas was cosy, entertaining, and exactly the kind of comforting read I didn’t realise I needed. I really liked the characters and especially enjoyed the Hallmark-esque Christmas film references sprinkled throughout. It felt like reading a festive rom-com, but with a bit more heart.

While it’s warm and uplifting, there’s also real depth here. The story gently explores grief and how it shapes family dynamics, which gave it more emotional weight than I expected. It balanced the cosy Christmas vibes with something a little more meaningful.

It’s also wonderfully British. As an American who’s lived in the UK for over 15 years, I loved catching all the references and subtle details that made this feel authentically UK-set. That made it even more enjoyable.

This isn’t my usual type of read, but it was a quick, easy, and very satisfying one. I’d happily watch a film adaptation, and I’d absolutely be up for a sequel too. I think there’s more story to tell with Tom and Amelia.

Now excuse me while I curl up with a cheesy Christmas film!

[Sam Mears · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ISH i guess...

Cute concept and way of titling chapters but also fuelled the predictability of something already very predictable.

Emotive back story with sister Livvie giving that classic family drama, personal growth thing.

Probably could have been more exciting

[Jacqui Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. It’s an easy romcom read with a couple of twists. Just perfect for the holiday season.

[Sian Isabella · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

[Emma Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this festive rom com and how it made a story out of all the tropes - a really clever structure! Also loved Mally and how she went back to her hometown for a work assignment but it raised lots of old ghosts so there was a real emotional depth to this book too. I think I welled up at around 5%. Wrapped me up like an early winter’s blanket, which is just what I want for a Xmas book- fab!

[Amy Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a Christmas book that gives ‘Hallmark’ vibes, but sometimes they can become a bit boring, as it feels you’re reading the same book.
However, this book, even though it did feel like a warm cosy hug, was so much more and tackled deeper topics such as grief.
You could feel the slow burn chemistry between Mally and Tom, and you fall in love with both characters. I found Mally really funny, which worked well to lighten the heavier topics.
Definitely recommend for a lovely Christmas book.

[Misha Panchal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read this book because I had to for my book club otherwise I never would have read it.

It took me about 150 pages to actually get into it. It was basically a Hallmark movie as a book and had all the typical subplots as usual.

I normally do relate to a book when it has a sibling storyline which is why when the subplot started, that was when I got slightly more interested.

Overall, a pretty boring, predictable story set over the Christmas period. Not something I would read again or recommend to anyone else.

[Layla Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me a hot minute to get into this but as soon as I did, I zoomed through it. It’s not the best Christmas book I’ve ever read but I also don’t think it was bad. It touched on a lot of grief that Mally was going through and I think it’s a bit of an eye opener on how many people go through their lives just surviving and not dealing with what they’ve been through. I don’t think the romance aspect of the book was particularly strong until the end but either way I enjoyed it

[Rhiann · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of the classy, but ever so uplifting fan of the Hallmark Christmas movies, I was charmed by this cute and festive story! I loved all the references to the classic tropes found in such movies, and after reading if I immediately wanted to settle down and watch some more! Emotional, a story of loss and grief, but was ultimately an uplifting one of love and belonging.

[Helen Lally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having never read this type of book before, I have to say that I found it hard to put down and read it in two sittings!
For me, the fact that Mally was dealing with grief is what resonated with me the most, it has helped me to recognise things within my own experience and behaviour that really hit me hard.
I am so glad that this book came into my life through my book club.

[Michelle L Cains · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a bit on the fence with this one. We read it for Book Club, and it’s not usually my genre, so I’ve tried to approach it as objectively as possible.

If you enjoy the banality and repetitiveness of a Hallmark-esque Christmas film, this will likely be right up your street. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it to a friend, but I also wouldn’t tell anyone not to read it.

I really wanted to love this book, largely because of how cosy it is. It’s easy to read, easy to follow, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. The subtle references to days gone by, along with the little nods scattered throughout, make it feel familiar, relatable, and gently fun.

That said, the book leans quite heavily into themes of grief, and I think the festive atmosphere suffers as a result. However, the way grief itself is handled is actually very well done, which softened that criticism for me.

Overall, I would read something by Hayley Dunlop again and will be keeping an eye on the author - but as far as Christmassy reads go, this one was a bit of a miss for me.

[Chloe Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely wasn't what I was expecting but it shares how Christmas can be difficult when you have lost loved ones.

Overall really enjoyed it so glad Tomeila finally got their happy ever after! 😁

[powerlireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t the Christmas romcom I was expecting, it felt more like a gentle exploration of grief.

Told in single POV, we follow Mally as she returns to her hometown of Scarnbrook on a writing assignment to try to recreate the cheesy Christmas romcom experience. I loved how the story unfolded as she experienced each trope herself, echoing the charm of a Hallmark Christmas movie (which was exactly the point).

Family relationships were a strong thread throughout, showing how grief can fracture and reshape relationships. It captured so well how grief lingers, even when life appears to carry on as normal, with people smiling and appearing to be moving forward, while quietly struggling beneath the surface.

The friendship between Mally and Elle added another layer of complexity, as it wasn’t the healthiest of friendships and I found my feelings torn more than once.

Of course, there’s romance, and it’s beautifully sweet. A closed-door love story, that didn’t need spice to feel authentic. What made it shine was Mally allowing her vulnerabilities to be seen by someone who made her feel safe.

I instantly liked Tom. He was such a strong MMC, always showing up when it mattered. The curtain scene was my favourite moment, and the subtle humour between him and Mally made their interactions feel natural and endearing.

Mally herself was a softer FMC than I’m used to, and I really loved that. She was a people pleaser who wasn’t brimming with confidence and her quirky way of thinking made her feel so endearing.

Overall, this was a lovely festive read. It’s warm, tender, and more than just a romance.

[Chloë · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m absolutely blubbering at the end of this one. It’s completely cheesy, but is so perfectly reminiscent of a late 90s/early 2000s rom-com and, therefore, everything I hoped it would be and more ♥️

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual genre but I really enjoyed it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Om man gillar Hallmarks julfilmer så älskar man den här.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

I originally found this book a little tough to get through and I was about to choose something else to read. I'm glad I stuck with it though as I did enjoy it.

Rating 3.2

[Izzy Merola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for book club. I really enjoyed it in the second half as it felt super slow at the beginning but something told me to keep going instead of DNFing it. Good character development.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nostalgic, comforting and emotional Christmas read. I really enjoyed the family and returning home focus of this book which made it so much more than a typical romance. It dealt with some deep issues in such a beautiful way and was an all round lovely cosy read.

[Tia]

DNF

[Finola Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas book, very festive, emotional and funny. Looking forward to the next one next year.

[Fictionatnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas by Hayley Dunlop was our last buddy read of 2025 and such a perfect way to finish the year.

I started it on my Kindle because I couldn’t justify buying another book … that didn’t last long, and I quickly bought the paperback. No regrets! This has definitely been one of my favourite Christmas reads.

I really loved Mally, even though she’s very much a people pleaser. She felt so real and easy to root for. I wasn’t a big fan of her best friend Elle, though. I found her quite overbearing and controlling.

Watching Mally be forced to confront her grief, reconnect with her old school friends, and her interaction with school crush, Tom was such a big part of why this story worked so well for me. It had emotional depth without losing that festive, cosy feel.

I also loved all the Christmas movie references. If you’re someone who lives for cheesy festive films every December, you’ll absolutely appreciate this.

This book is funny, emotional, and deeply nostalgic. It perfectly balances festive charm with themes of grief, growth, and self-discovery.

For a debut novel, this was absolutely beautiful, and Hayley Dunlop is an author I’ll be watching closely from now on. I already pre-ordered the next book.

[Lewis Ashfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could mark this as 3.5 I would. It's an ok read, Christmas-y and very Hallmark esque however, I did find it a bit surface level at times. That being said it is an easy read and is literally a Hallmark style Christmas film in book form.