I'm Dreaming of a New York Christmas: An unforgettable festive romcom

by Hayley Dunlop

Will a New York Christmas lead to all she never knew she wanted?

After the worst year of her life, speechwriter and introvert Flora Bell is looking forward to a calm home, alone and as peaceful as possible. But when her chaotic mum and sister turn up out of the blue to take Flora on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York, it's clear the universe has other ideas.

When Flora meets cartoonist Ethan in a Greenwich Village coffee shop – who asks for her help to write a best man's speech – fate and joy seem to be taking the wheel for the first time in her life.

But just as she dares to believe her New York fairytale might be coming true, she discovers something that changes everything.

Will Flora ever be able to reclaim her quiet existence?

Or will the bells of New Year's Eve ring in a new life altogether?

Readers have fallen in love with I'm Dreaming of a New York Christmas:

“I enjoyed this novel so much that I stayed up late to finish it.” Reader review

“This book was good for my soul.” Reader review

“I flew through it in just a couple of days because I just couldn't put it down!” Reader review

“Really engaging from start to finish.” Reader review

“I absolutely loved the festive New York atmosphere.” Reader review

“The perfect Hallmark-esque Christmas novel.” Reader review

“This was exactly the cosy escape I was hoping for… I finished the book with a smile on my face.” Reader review

“Every scene felt cosy, festive, and full of charm.” Reader review

“Their connection is soft and genuine, built on shared creativity and the kind of conversations that make you feel seen." Reader review

“From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked.” Reader review

Genres: Christmas, Romance

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2026

Reviews

[Natalie]

I loved Hayley Dunlop's first book so I was eager to read this one. Unfortunately I struggled through the first 30%, as it felt a bit too slow, so I put it down. I just couldn't gel with it and had a feeling of dread about the romance, plus Flora's mum and sister really annoyed me! I felt for Flora just wanting the house to herself for a peaceful Christmas. Perhaps it was the reading mood I was in, I felt compelled to read this before publication day instead of selecting a book that better matched my mood.

Well, I'm glad that I picked it back up, albeit over a month later. I completely missed how beautifully layered this book was. By being forced out of her comfort zone (all is forgiven Jennifer and Anneka!), Flora's slow journey to finally processes the grief of her decade long relationship and close the distance with her mum and sister was so heartfelt and moving. I loved her slow transformation and her unexpected romance with Ethan. While its a whirlwind romance that develops over a few days, I was sold on their deep connection and the way they just complemented each other and fit seamlessly in each other's lives. I think my favourite scene is when they're at a gig and Flora finally finds a part of her old self that loved to go out and lose herself in the music. You could tell the author was a regular live music goer.

Loved it and I send the author my apologies for putting this book down and not seeing how gorgeous it was.

[Isabell]

A book I didn’t want to put down and didn’t want to say goodbye to.

🎄 Christmas Romance | ​🫶 Neurodivergent FMC & MMC | ​💔 Healing from Heartbreak | ​🗽 New York at Christmas | ​👩‍👩‍👧 Family Dynamics | ☕ Coffee Shop Meet-Cute | ​🇺🇸​ New York / Bath 🇬🇧

I read Hayley’s debut novel last December as part of a buddy read with a lovely group of fellow Bookstagrammers. Although I really enjoyed it, I had a few minor issues with it, so I had second thoughts about requesting an ARC from NetGalley. However, I loved the synopsis and decided to go for it. Thankfully, my request was accepted, and I’m so glad I went through with it! There were a few moments when I rolled my eyes and predicted what was going to happen, but anyway: I absolutely loved it from start to finish!

The story follows Flora Bell, a quiet, introverted speechwriter who is still recovering from heartbreak after her fiancé left her at the altar. She leaves London behind to start afresh in Bath, close to her best friend Laurie. Flora expects to spend the holidays quietly with her flatmate’s cat, Jason, but her plans are quickly thrown out of the window when her mother and sister turn up and take her on a surprise trip to New York to cheer her up. Flora is not at all thrilled about this surprise because she just wanted peace and quiet over the festive period. However, she soon finds herself caught up in the magic and excitement of the city, and the trip turns out to be just what they all needed without realizing it.

I also dream of visiting New York at Christmastime one day, so this book was the perfect kind of escapism. There was something so magical about experiencing the city through Flora’s eyes, and I loved being swept away into the festive atmosphere. Unlike the last book by this author I read, this didn’t feel like a typical Hallmark movie to me (in the best possible way). It had a completely different vibe, and I really enjoyed that. It felt fresh and quirky, while still giving me all the cosy Christmas feelings I was hoping for.

And Flora! 🥹 She’s neurodivergent, a little quirky and definitely not your typical FMC, which made me love her even more because I could relate to her so much. She felt incredibly easy to connect with. Then comes Ethan ❤️ A charming, introverted cartoonist who Flora unexpectedly meets in a coffee shop. What a meet-cute! ☕ I could absolutely picture myself in that situation and falling for Ethan, too. Needless to say, I was rooting for these two from the very beginning and desperately hoping they’d get their happy ending. I also really loved how easy this book was to read. The story just flowed and, before I knew it, I had read a few more chapters. It was so hard to put down!

But what really surprised me was how much I enjoyed the family dynamics. As the story progressed, the relationships between the family members shifted, and I loved seeing them slowly begin to understand and really see each other. It added so much more depth to the story and made it feel like more than just a Christmas romance.

A charming, heartwarming and wonderfully festive read that completely transported me to New York and left me with the happiest heart. 🗽🎄❤️

[Yvette Jarrell]

ARC Review
I’m Dreaming of a New York Christmas by Hayley Dunlop
⭐️⭐️

I picked this up expecting a cozy, Hallmark-style Christmas romance set in New York City, but it ended up being a very different reading experience.

Flora’s quiet holiday plans are turned upside down when her mother and sister surprise her with a Christmas trip to New York. While there, she meets Ethan, a cartoonist who asks for her help writing a best man’s speech. Their chance meeting has the potential to change both of their lives.

Unfortunately, I never connected with the story the way I’d hoped. Flora spends much of the book feeling overwhelmed, annoyed or unhappy, and I found those emotions so constant that they became overwhelming for me as the reader. Instead of feeling swept up in the romance or the holiday atmosphere, I felt weighed down by the emotional tone.

I also struggled with the pacing and the chemistry between Flora and Ethan. I appreciated seeing two neurodivergent characters find each other, but their relationship never felt fully developed to me. It all happened so quickly that I had a hard time believing their connection.

There were also a few choices that completely pulled me out of the story. An ongoing description involving Flora’s roommate’s peeling feet, including skin ending up in the cat’s mouth - felt unnecessary and honestly gross. It added nothing to the story for me except an “ick” factor.

Finally, I was surprised by the amount of profanity. If I’m not mistaken, the F-word appeared around 68 times, which felt excessive for a book I expected to have a warm, cozy Christmas feel. That, combined with the overall emotional heaviness, made it difficult for me to find much holiday magic.

This wasn’t the Christmas romance I was hoping for. While I think some readers may appreciate its neurodivergent representation and more introspective approach, it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me.

My holly jolly is gone after reading this book!

🗓️Available August 27, 2026.

Thank you to NetGalley Canelo for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Leanne]

I’m Dreaming of a New York Christmas is the kind of story that wraps around you like a soft scarf on a cold December morning. It’s cozy, heartfelt, and full of that magical holiday sparkle that makes New York feel like the centre of the universe at Christmastime.

Flora is an instantly endearing heroine—quiet, thoughtful, and absolutely ready for a peaceful holiday after a year that’s taken more from her than she expected. Her plan for solitude is wonderfully relatable, which makes the sudden arrival of her chaotic family all the more charming. Their impulsive decision to whisk her off to New York sets the tone for a story filled with unexpected joy and gentle transformation.

The city itself feels alive on the page: twinkling lights, bustling streets, cozy coffee shops, and that unmistakable sense that anything can happen. Flora’s chance meeting with Ethan adds a sweet, serendipitous thread to the narrative. Their connection is soft and genuine, built on shared creativity and the kind of conversations that make you feel seen.

What gives the story depth is Flora’s internal tug‑of‑war—between the quiet life she’s always clung to and the possibility that she might want something more. When she uncovers a truth that shakes her newfound happiness, the emotional conflict feels honest and earned. It’s a reminder that even the most magical moments come with complications.

Warm, uplifting, and full of festive charm, this is a lovely holiday romance about stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing the unexpected, and discovering that sometimes the best gifts are the ones you never planned for.

With thanks to Hayley Dunlop, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Rachel Gilbey]

I'm a sucker for a Christmas book, and New York at Christmas has always sounded magical to me, so this was always going to a book on my radar.

And it was as enjoyable as I expected it to be,, if not more so.

I loved meeting Flora, who has spent the past year broken after being broken up with 3 days before her wedding. But she has moved to a new town and is looking forward to spending alone this year, in peace and quiet.

Until her mum and sister show up, and essentially kidnap her, and they are taking her on holiday to New York for Christmas.

She has never felt understood by her family, and finds them a bit overwhelming so this has come as a shock to her.

But it turns out it's just what's needed and it's an "adventure". And things take an interesting turn when she meets Ethan in a coffee shop.

Amidst various bits of blagging from her family, foraging in Central Park and various other things, it becomes apparent that this is a trip that Flora really did need.

I loved the character development, and thought this was a great book to kick off my 2026 festive reads.

This is the second book I've now read from the author and I'm already curious to see what she may have in store for us next Christmas.

Thank you to Hera and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Nicole]

This was a charming tale. Flora thrives on finding peace in a world that otherwise feels overwhelming and chaotic to her. After her fiancé leaving her at the last moment before their wedding, she's moved away from London to start over. She works remotely as a speech writer in a town near her best friends. The roommate/ owner of her flat is quite the trip (and thankfully flies off to Thailand and we don't see her again). She's ready to spend the holidays alone with the roommate's cat but her sister and mum show up to whisk her off on a surprise trip. When they arrive in New York, Flora finds ways to escape their craziness when she can. This is how she meets Ethan at a coffee shop. Their chemistry is pretty instant and you spend the story cheering for them to find a way to make a relationship work, despite the goal of it being just a fling. Flora's sister and mom spend most of the story being quite annoying and you can relate to Flo in regards to them. There are some revelations that heal their relationship, but I'm not sure I was as won over. The city plays a stereotypical backdrop, but it's what you want to see with a book of this title. The book was a cute little escape, even if it was heavy at times.

[Becky Jerams]

I absolutely loved this book!! It follows introverted speech writer Flora Bell whose wild sister and Mum book her a surprise trip to NYC over Christmas in order to get over a recent heartbreak. Despite her protestations, she finds herself falling for the magic of the city... And also falling for Ethan, the handsome, American cartoonist she just so happens to meet in a coffee shop. 🤭♥️

Despite reading this over summer, it really transported me to a snowy New York (which I experienced myself this Jan, so the setting had a very special place in my heart). There were so many amazing locations and scenes, and reading them felt like being away on holiday!

The whirlwind romance was SO SWOONY and the humour was spot on - Flora's Mum and sister Anneka are absolutely hilarious and provide much of the comic relief, as well as a beautiful B-story about reconnecting with family.

I also loved that Flora wasn't your typical leading lady - she's a little shy, a little quirky, but that just made me fall even more in love with her.

The perfect book to add to your Christmas TBR pile - I can't recommend it enough! 🎄✨

[Sneha R]

This book is the kind of book that wraps you in holiday magic from the very first page. With the sparkling backdrop of New York City at Christmas time, every scene felt cozy, festive, and full of charm.
I loved how the romance unfolded naturally alongside themes of hope, fresh starts, and finding joy in unexpected places. The characters felt relatable, and it was easy to root for them as they navigated life’s twists while opening their hearts to love.
The festive atmosphere is easily the star of the story twinkling lights, snowy streets, holiday traditions, and all the cozy vibes you’d want from a Christmas romance. It’s a comforting read that’s perfect for curling up with a warm drink during the holiday season.
If you’re a fan of feel good romances, charming holiday settings, and stories that leave you smiling long after the final page, this is one to add to your winter TBR.

[Louisa Saunders]

Hayley has done it again, a fantastic adventure that begins with finding yourself when you'd forgotten you were lost, reconnecting with those closest to you and finding those who were always meant to be in your life.
Throughout the story I felt Flora's frustrations, from misunderstanding her childhood and why her mum and sister act the way they do, to being whisked to New York city at Christmas time with no time to prepare. As an English person who grew up watching Christmas films set in New York the adventures in this story just dragged me along with them, I loved every moment.

Anyone who has ever been in love and it didn't work out can find some emotions to relate to in this book, and if you're still single it will remind you to keep hoping for that happy end, the universe has its own timeline.

[Caroline]

What a lovely story !

I loved Ethan and Flora and I wish I would have visited NYC with them during holidays !

They re so cute, Ethan is a green flag, I would love to meet him and become his friend. Flora and her family... they re complicated, so much miscommunication over the years. It was great that they managed to speak in the end (I wish Flora had her closure about her father, but I guess it was already a lot for her mother to tell so... one step at a time).

This novel is much more than a romance, and I binge read it ! A special thanks for the New York tour. I ve never visited this city, it was unusual and so fun.

Thank you to Netgalley and Cabelo for providing an eARC in exchange for honest review.

[Aga]

Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for this ARC.

I was super excited for this one. I really enjoyed the neurodivergent characters.

I loved the start of the book, the wedding speech, the fall of the marriage, the unexpected trip to New York, meet cute.

What I struggled with was Flora's obsession with her roommate foot obsession, her mother and sister's moniker of Flora's name.
I found myself skipping the book at around 50%.

I love Christmas books, but struggled with this one. It was like an author wasn't sure whether she wants to write a cute Christmas story or ficus on neurodiversity.

I am sure plenty of people would really love it.

[mel_neverendingtbr]

What a fantastic read, the absolute perfect Christmas read.

After a turbulent year Flora was really looking forward to a calm Christmas at home alone.

But when her mum and sister turn up on her doorstep to take Flora on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York, it’s clear that the universe has other plans.

When Flora meets cartoonist Ethan in a coffee shop-who asks for her help in writing a best man’s speech.

But just as she dares to believe her New York fairytale might be coming true, she discovers something that completely changes everything ?

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for a honest review

[Gary Collins]

I absolutely LOVED this book I flew through it in just a couple of days because I just couldn't put it down! ❤️
I laughed out loud so many times while reading, and Anneka was hands-down my favourite character she's absolutely hilarious.
I feel so lucky to have had the chance to read this fabulous book before it comes out. Thank you so much, Hayley, for sharing such a beautiful, feel good story.
This needs to be turned into a Christmas movie!
If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, this is the perfect book for you.
Published 27th August 🎄⛄️🎁

[Clare]

I thought this was a really lovely cheesy Christmas romcom. Super cosy and feelgood. I barely noticed the swearing others have mentioned, which might say more about me than about them. Maybe it’s a British thing. Although it is set largely in New York, it’s very definitely a British book and a New York Christmas seen from a British perspective. I loved the neurodivergent characters, and the stresses they experienced in everyday life felt very real.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free advance review copy in exchange for an impartial review.

[Catherine]

After enjoying Hayley's first novel, I was really looking forward to this festive romcom and whilst I struggled slightly to get into it at first, once we arrived in New York I whistled through the rest. I loved Flora and Ethan and their meet-cute, and the gig scene deserves all the stars for evoking so perfectly what it's like to immerse yourself in your favourite music amongst a room full of people who love it too. I'm feeling thoroughly festive now (despite it only being August!)

Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this ARC.

[Abbey M]

I inhaled this book, in a matter of hours. It features two of my favourite things in the whole world- New York and Christmas.

The characters were so vividly written and the storyline was engaging that I felt like I was there with them.

I enjoyed the relationship between our FMC and her family, and how it was explored throughout the book.

Our MMC was so cute and endearing.

This book was just what I needed and its put the pep back into my step!

[Jay Gee]

This book feels like drinking hot chocolate while wrapped in your favourite blanket, with a sleeping pet keeping your toes warm. Cosy, comforting and amusing. The chaotic charm of New York City is captured perfectly. The characters are well developed and flawed but likeable. The pacing is just right, and the main plot is romantic without being saccharine. And there's a cat called Jason!

[Clara]

Oh this was just such a wonderful hug in a book. I loved Flora and Ethan and just really wanted the best for them both! This is the second book by Hayley Dunlop I have read and I think perhaps I have a new must read author added to my list

Perfection for the upcoming festive season!

[Kelly]

This book is the perfect Hallmark-esque Christmas novel, and it was the perfect Christmas in July book for me to read. There are so many things I loved about this, but the biggest one had to be that not only was this a romance novel, it was also about the bonds of family and how they can get better over time if you allow yourself to truly understand them. The banter between Flora, her mom, and her sister were some of my favorite parts of the book. I also loved how both Flora and Ethan were neurodivergent. It was done so well. And obviously the coffee shop meet-cute between them was just adorable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone that likes or loves Hallmark movies. Honorable mention to the fact that the TV show Friends was referenced as well as Home Alone 2. Superb!

(ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review)