What do you think?
Rate this book
The French Christmas Market
BESTSELLING author of The Little Provence Book Shop Nicola’s move to France is not going to plan. Her husband Steven’s job meant he couldn’t join her for the first few months. Now he has to work at Christmas too, and she’s facing the season alone.
She’s finding life in the tiny French village harder than expected. The house feels more remote than she remembered, and the cold weather makes going out a challenge. Plus the neighbour she’d hoped to befriend seems to be doing everything he can to avoid her friendly ‘bonjours’.
Things begin to look up when she takes on an art student named Lucien who introduces her to life beneath the village’s sleepy façade. Then – at the local Christmas market – she’s given a ceramic angel and told to make a wish…
Nicola doesn’t believe in magic. But as things in her life begin to change, she starts to wonder whether wishes really can come true?
A totally gorgeous and escapist Christmas story, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Veronica Henry and Faith Hogan – available now!
Readers love Gillian ‘An evocative and beautifully crafted story about love and second chances. I loved it!’ Nicola Gill, author
‘Enchanting, beautifully written and with characters you will adore… An absolute triumph.’ Clare Swatman
‘An uplifting, heartwarming, escapist novel to be read with a DO NOT DISTURB sign, because once you start that very first page, you are not going to want to put it down.’ Kim Nash, author
'Gorgeously atmospheric and wise’ Linda McEvoy, author
She’s finding life in the tiny French village harder than expected. The house feels more remote than she remembered, and the cold weather makes going out a challenge. Plus the neighbour she’d hoped to befriend seems to be doing everything he can to avoid her friendly ‘bonjours’.
Things begin to look up when she takes on an art student named Lucien who introduces her to life beneath the village’s sleepy façade. Then – at the local Christmas market – she’s given a ceramic angel and told to make a wish…
Nicola doesn’t believe in magic. But as things in her life begin to change, she starts to wonder whether wishes really can come true?
A totally gorgeous and escapist Christmas story, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Veronica Henry and Faith Hogan – available now!
Readers love Gillian ‘An evocative and beautifully crafted story about love and second chances. I loved it!’ Nicola Gill, author
‘Enchanting, beautifully written and with characters you will adore… An absolute triumph.’ Clare Swatman
‘An uplifting, heartwarming, escapist novel to be read with a DO NOT DISTURB sign, because once you start that very first page, you are not going to want to put it down.’ Kim Nash, author
'Gorgeously atmospheric and wise’ Linda McEvoy, author
Audible Audio
Published September 4, 2026
About the author
Gillian Harvey
49 books361 followersI'm a British author and freelance writer, currently living in Norfolk, England with my husband and 5 children. I write contemporary, uplifting and emotive fiction, often set in France where I lived for 14 years.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 7, 2026
Nicola and Steven purchased a home in small French Village, but things aren't going towards plan. Steven is leaving his job as a pediatric nurse, but had to work for the first few months. When she gets word that he has to work over Christmas, she decides to join him, but her passport is with him in England, so she is stranded. She will have to spend Christmas alone. She hasn't met anyone and her neighbour won't even say bonjour. Then she meets Lucien, a young man who becomes her first art student. He introduces her to village life and takes her to the local Christmas market. While there a vendor gives her a ceramic angel and tells her it will bring her good luck, she just needs to make a wish. Nicola doesn't believe in magic, and it seems that her luck isn't changing. Steven becomes standoffish and she begins to suspect he might be having an affair. Her parents and sister are in a car accident, and she can't even find a turkey for Christmas dinner. Will her luck change by Christmas?
It's tough to move to a new community anytime, but to move just before Christmas, and then find out that your spouse can't get there until after the holidays would be so difficult. Throw in the fact that you are not fluent in the language, it's tough to meet anyone. Nicola has a lot to deal with and she is extremely lonely. This is not a romance, but a story of new beginnings and taking a chance on a new life. I liked that when opportunities arose, she took the chance and finally met some people. Giving her neighbour a gift of handmade slippers from the market, breaks the ice and she learns more about him. I loved the descriptions of the village and the Christmas Eve dinner that she shares with a new friend. One day, I would love to visit Europe for the Christmas markets. They always sound wonderful. I felt terrible for Nicola to spend Christmas alone, and have the suspicions of her husband having an affair. I can see why she felt that way. This is a story set at Christmas with some festivities, trying new things, moving forward, and eventually making new friends. There is one storyline about a character who is dying which is sad, but the book ends on an upbeat note. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Helen Stern and I enjoyed her performance. If you are looking for a hopeful story with a bit of Christmas magic, then you might want to pick this one up.
It's tough to move to a new community anytime, but to move just before Christmas, and then find out that your spouse can't get there until after the holidays would be so difficult. Throw in the fact that you are not fluent in the language, it's tough to meet anyone. Nicola has a lot to deal with and she is extremely lonely. This is not a romance, but a story of new beginnings and taking a chance on a new life. I liked that when opportunities arose, she took the chance and finally met some people. Giving her neighbour a gift of handmade slippers from the market, breaks the ice and she learns more about him. I loved the descriptions of the village and the Christmas Eve dinner that she shares with a new friend. One day, I would love to visit Europe for the Christmas markets. They always sound wonderful. I felt terrible for Nicola to spend Christmas alone, and have the suspicions of her husband having an affair. I can see why she felt that way. This is a story set at Christmas with some festivities, trying new things, moving forward, and eventually making new friends. There is one storyline about a character who is dying which is sad, but the book ends on an upbeat note. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Helen Stern and I enjoyed her performance. If you are looking for a hopeful story with a bit of Christmas magic, then you might want to pick this one up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nicola moved to rural France for the dream life and somehow ended up fighting a stranger for the last turkey like Christmas dinner was being decided by combat.
The French Christmas Market starts with Nicola already living the kind of life that looks incredible in photographs and slightly less incredible when you’re actually standing alone in a freezing French house wondering why your husband is still in England. She and Steven bought the place together, but work has kept him behind for months, and now he can’t even make it over for Christmas. Meanwhile Nicola’s attempts to make friends with her neighbor are being met with the social warmth of a locked gate. Très festive.
And Nicola is trying. God, this woman is trying. She takes on Lucien as an art student, starts venturing into village life, and eventually discovers there are actual humans nearby who might like her. Lucien was probably my favorite part because their friendship feels genuinely sweet, and he helps pull Nicola out of the little isolation bunker she’s accidentally built around herself. There’s also the neighbor situation, which slowly becomes much warmer than Nicola’s early attempts at “bonjour, please acknowledge my existence,” and somewhere along the way there is a kitten because apparently France knew I needed additional leverage.
Then Nicola goes to the Christmas market and gets handed a ceramic angel with instructions to make a wish. She does not believe in magic, which is fair, but she is also currently living in a Christmas novel in rural France, so ma’am, maybe read the room. From there, her life starts shifting just enough that even she has to wonder whether the tiny ceramic woman has unionized with the universe.
The Christmas market stuff made me want to immediately make several irresponsible financial decisions involving airfare. There are decorations and cakes and beautiful little things you absolutely do not need but would absolutely buy because you’re cold and holding something warm and suddenly seventeen euros for a handmade ornament seems like sound retirement planning. Nicola slowly finding her people among all of this is where the book really worked for me. She came to France with Steven expecting their new life to begin together, then had to figure out who she was there when he wasn’t around.
Now, I did spend a decent amount of time wanting Nicola and Steven to PLEASE JUST HAVE A CONVERSATION. When he starts becoming harder to reach, Nicola’s brain begins filling in the blanks, and some of those blanks could have been eliminated with one aggressive phone call. Then we have the Christmas lights situation and the aforementioned Turkey Games, where things occasionally get so ridiculous that I stopped asking whether a normal person would do this and accepted that Nicola had entered her holiday survival era.
But underneath all that, she’s lonely. That part sneaks up on you. Moving somewhere beautiful doesn’t magically make it home, and loving someone doesn’t mean you stop needing a life that belongs to you too. Watching Nicola go from counting on Steven to make France feel right to building friendships and belonging of her own was the part I cared about most. Sometimes the wish you need isn’t the one you thought you were making.
By Christmas, Nicola has collected enough people, mishaps, baked goods, questionable communication, and minor festive warfare that I was fully invested in seeing where everybody landed. The French Christmas Market gets 3.5 stars from me. A little ridiculous in places, very cozy in others, and absolutely dangerous if you are already vulnerable to the fantasy of abandoning your responsibilities and buying a cottage in France.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Turning One Ceramic Angel, the Last Turkey, and a Woman Saying “Bonjour” Into a Full French Christmas Crisis
Huge thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. You gave me French Christmas markets, cake, a kitten, and enough rural property propaganda to have me briefly forgetting that I do not speak French and would absolutely lose the turkey fight.
The French Christmas Market starts with Nicola already living the kind of life that looks incredible in photographs and slightly less incredible when you’re actually standing alone in a freezing French house wondering why your husband is still in England. She and Steven bought the place together, but work has kept him behind for months, and now he can’t even make it over for Christmas. Meanwhile Nicola’s attempts to make friends with her neighbor are being met with the social warmth of a locked gate. Très festive.
And Nicola is trying. God, this woman is trying. She takes on Lucien as an art student, starts venturing into village life, and eventually discovers there are actual humans nearby who might like her. Lucien was probably my favorite part because their friendship feels genuinely sweet, and he helps pull Nicola out of the little isolation bunker she’s accidentally built around herself. There’s also the neighbor situation, which slowly becomes much warmer than Nicola’s early attempts at “bonjour, please acknowledge my existence,” and somewhere along the way there is a kitten because apparently France knew I needed additional leverage.
Then Nicola goes to the Christmas market and gets handed a ceramic angel with instructions to make a wish. She does not believe in magic, which is fair, but she is also currently living in a Christmas novel in rural France, so ma’am, maybe read the room. From there, her life starts shifting just enough that even she has to wonder whether the tiny ceramic woman has unionized with the universe.
The Christmas market stuff made me want to immediately make several irresponsible financial decisions involving airfare. There are decorations and cakes and beautiful little things you absolutely do not need but would absolutely buy because you’re cold and holding something warm and suddenly seventeen euros for a handmade ornament seems like sound retirement planning. Nicola slowly finding her people among all of this is where the book really worked for me. She came to France with Steven expecting their new life to begin together, then had to figure out who she was there when he wasn’t around.
Now, I did spend a decent amount of time wanting Nicola and Steven to PLEASE JUST HAVE A CONVERSATION. When he starts becoming harder to reach, Nicola’s brain begins filling in the blanks, and some of those blanks could have been eliminated with one aggressive phone call. Then we have the Christmas lights situation and the aforementioned Turkey Games, where things occasionally get so ridiculous that I stopped asking whether a normal person would do this and accepted that Nicola had entered her holiday survival era.
But underneath all that, she’s lonely. That part sneaks up on you. Moving somewhere beautiful doesn’t magically make it home, and loving someone doesn’t mean you stop needing a life that belongs to you too. Watching Nicola go from counting on Steven to make France feel right to building friendships and belonging of her own was the part I cared about most. Sometimes the wish you need isn’t the one you thought you were making.
By Christmas, Nicola has collected enough people, mishaps, baked goods, questionable communication, and minor festive warfare that I was fully invested in seeing where everybody landed. The French Christmas Market gets 3.5 stars from me. A little ridiculous in places, very cozy in others, and absolutely dangerous if you are already vulnerable to the fantasy of abandoning your responsibilities and buying a cottage in France.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Turning One Ceramic Angel, the Last Turkey, and a Woman Saying “Bonjour” Into a Full French Christmas Crisis
Huge thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. You gave me French Christmas markets, cake, a kitten, and enough rural property propaganda to have me briefly forgetting that I do not speak French and would absolutely lose the turkey fight.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I am giving The French Christmas Market by Gillian Harvey a festive, enchanting 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Get ready to transport yourself straight to the snow-dusted, festive streets of France, because this holiday romance delivers pure festive magic, cozy small-town charm, and heartwarming romance right to your Kindle screen! 🎄✨🇫🇷
ARC Disclosure: A huge thank you to NetGalley, publisher Boldwood Books, and author Gillian Harvey for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
The French Christmas Market by Gillian Harvey is an absolute dream of a seasonal read! Gillian Harvey crafts a richly atmospheric escape set against the magical backdrop of a festive French market. Between the scent of spiced treats, sparkling holiday stalls, and a snow-dusted town square, the setting completely steals your heart from page one.
The romance is heartwarming, sweet, and filled with genuine connection. Watching the leads navigate personal growth, holiday surprises, and growing feelings amidst the festive bustle makes for a deeply satisfying read. If you’re looking for a cozy, festive escape that combines European charm with true Christmas warmth, this is an absolute must for your holiday TBR!
The Good
The gorgeous French Christmas market setting, festive small-town atmosphere, and heartwarming romance! It’s deeply cozy, uplifting, and beautifully written.
The Not So Good
The pacing slows down just a bit in the middle as the market preparations take center stage, but the emotional payoff and festive finale make it completely worth it.
I am giving The French Christmas Market by Gillian Harvey a festive, enchanting 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Get ready to transport yourself straight to the snow-dusted, festive streets of France, because this holiday romance delivers pure festive magic, cozy small-town charm, and heartwarming romance right to your Kindle screen! 🎄✨🇫🇷
ARC Disclosure: A huge thank you to NetGalley, publisher Boldwood Books, and author Gillian Harvey for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
The French Christmas Market by Gillian Harvey is an absolute dream of a seasonal read! Gillian Harvey crafts a richly atmospheric escape set against the magical backdrop of a festive French market. Between the scent of spiced treats, sparkling holiday stalls, and a snow-dusted town square, the setting completely steals your heart from page one.
The romance is heartwarming, sweet, and filled with genuine connection. Watching the leads navigate personal growth, holiday surprises, and growing feelings amidst the festive bustle makes for a deeply satisfying read. If you’re looking for a cozy, festive escape that combines European charm with true Christmas warmth, this is an absolute must for your holiday TBR!
The Good
The gorgeous French Christmas market setting, festive small-town atmosphere, and heartwarming romance! It’s deeply cozy, uplifting, and beautifully written.
The Not So Good
The pacing slows down just a bit in the middle as the market preparations take center stage, but the emotional payoff and festive finale make it completely worth it.
September 7, 2026
I've been meaning to read another Gillian Harvey novel for years, so when I spotted this brand new Christmas book I couldn't resist!
And what an enjoyable festive story this was, all about new beginnings set to a lovely wintery backdrop in France.
Nicola is lonely, she fears Christmas is ruined now her husband is saying he won't be able to make it over, and her family are reluctant to fly, plus her passport isn't to be found.
But then she rescues a kitten, takes on an art student, Lucien and as she gets to know him, he introduces her to more of life in her new home village.
And she starts to get to know people and really start to fit in. And it all begins with a purchase of a angel at the local Christmas Market that is meant to bring luck.
I really enjoyed seeing how she gets to grips with her new life, and could picture the markets especially really clearly.
And there is a rather emotional subplot that had me truly wishing for a Christmas miracle.
A festive joy of a book to read, and I must not leave it so long before I read another from this author.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And what an enjoyable festive story this was, all about new beginnings set to a lovely wintery backdrop in France.
Nicola is lonely, she fears Christmas is ruined now her husband is saying he won't be able to make it over, and her family are reluctant to fly, plus her passport isn't to be found.
But then she rescues a kitten, takes on an art student, Lucien and as she gets to know him, he introduces her to more of life in her new home village.
And she starts to get to know people and really start to fit in. And it all begins with a purchase of a angel at the local Christmas Market that is meant to bring luck.
I really enjoyed seeing how she gets to grips with her new life, and could picture the markets especially really clearly.
And there is a rather emotional subplot that had me truly wishing for a Christmas miracle.
A festive joy of a book to read, and I must not leave it so long before I read another from this author.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Free courtesy of Netgalley
This was a sweet little book from Gillian Harvey. It was a slow burner for me but I did enjoy reading it.
Nicola and her husband have bought a house in a little French village. She has retired and made the move to the new house but Stephen, who is a paediatric nurse, has not finished work to join her. She is looking forward to Christmas where he has booked time off to spend it with her. Things don't go to plan when he agrees to cover shift over Christmas as they are short staffed, so Nicola faces spending Christmas alone.
She has taken on an art student, Lucien, who sees how lonely and isolated she is and offers to take her to a Christmas market, where she purchases a vintage angel, the stall holders tell her it is lucky and will make her wishes come true. She doesn't believe in this nonsense but she likes the Angel so it is displayed in her house. All she really wants is to spend Christmas with her husband and make some friends in the village.
Things get better and then worse, Lucien is keeping secrets of his own, and she doesn't know how to help him.
The story is well written and leads you down a path that makes you believe some things and then changes again. I loved Nicola's character, she has lots of energy, time and kindness to give but no outlet to give away. Making friends in a foreign country, and feeling isolated and lonely is not easy.
It is a beautiful Christmas read and should be in your festive pile
This was a sweet little book from Gillian Harvey. It was a slow burner for me but I did enjoy reading it.
Nicola and her husband have bought a house in a little French village. She has retired and made the move to the new house but Stephen, who is a paediatric nurse, has not finished work to join her. She is looking forward to Christmas where he has booked time off to spend it with her. Things don't go to plan when he agrees to cover shift over Christmas as they are short staffed, so Nicola faces spending Christmas alone.
She has taken on an art student, Lucien, who sees how lonely and isolated she is and offers to take her to a Christmas market, where she purchases a vintage angel, the stall holders tell her it is lucky and will make her wishes come true. She doesn't believe in this nonsense but she likes the Angel so it is displayed in her house. All she really wants is to spend Christmas with her husband and make some friends in the village.
Things get better and then worse, Lucien is keeping secrets of his own, and she doesn't know how to help him.
The story is well written and leads you down a path that makes you believe some things and then changes again. I loved Nicola's character, she has lots of energy, time and kindness to give but no outlet to give away. Making friends in a foreign country, and feeling isolated and lonely is not easy.
It is a beautiful Christmas read and should be in your festive pile
September 22, 2026
The book shows Nicola’s journey as she navigates her new life alone in a sleepy French village while her husband gets approval to nurse in France completely stole my heart. The story balances cosy, atmospheric festive vibes with genuine emotional depth, making it the perfect holiday read.One absolute highlight for me was the hilarious trip for Christmas decorations! I was laughing out loud at the chaos, and the witty, joyful writing made me feel like I was right there in the middle of the festive mayhem. Seeing Nicola find her feet, make new friends, and embrace the magic of the local market was incredibly heartwarming. It is an uplifting, funny, and beautifully written book that I will be highly recommending this winter!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The French Christmas Market by Gillian Harvey ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I felt bad for Nicola alone on Christmas in brand house. Totally alone. No husband no family no friends, they are separated by 600 miles. But she shows them that she is a new Nicola. She puts herself out there makes friends and proud of the strong woman she has become.
Lovely story of family, heartbreak and strong female main character. Someone to look up. Don't forget it's Christmas the magical time of the year.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy for a September,4th release date. Hope you pre-order your copy today perfect for the Christmas holidays.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book so much I nearly finished it in one day. From the first page I was hooked & Nicola is so funny, in parts I laughed out loud & in others I nearly spat my tea out 🤣
I loved mooching in the French markets, the descriptions made me feel I was there wanting to collect unique pieces for the Christmas tree & sampling all the gorgeous bakes.
I love how Nicola went from not knowing a soul to finding her tribe & how everyone comes together to support whoever needed it.
A brilliant read & definitely one You're going to want to put on your TBR!
I loved mooching in the French markets, the descriptions made me feel I was there wanting to collect unique pieces for the Christmas tree & sampling all the gorgeous bakes.
I love how Nicola went from not knowing a soul to finding her tribe & how everyone comes together to support whoever needed it.
A brilliant read & definitely one You're going to want to put on your TBR!
September 7, 2026
Fabulous French Christmas read. Festive escapism, comfort for the soul and a gorgeous autumn read.
Nicola has moved to France but hadn’t quite realised how isolated she may become. When her plans to be with her husband for Christmas fell apart she realised she would have to make the best and would need to explore and make friends.
There is festive magic and more. This is a gorgeous book of hope light and of course love.
Great read, this is recommended for a fabulous festive French read full of sparkle and warmth.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read.
Nicola has moved to France but hadn’t quite realised how isolated she may become. When her plans to be with her husband for Christmas fell apart she realised she would have to make the best and would need to explore and make friends.
There is festive magic and more. This is a gorgeous book of hope light and of course love.
Great read, this is recommended for a fabulous festive French read full of sparkle and warmth.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had so much of the things i love in a book, family ties, strong female character and all the cultural crashes. It had sorrow , but also laughter. I just wanted more from the christmas markets, like you could feel you had been a part of it. And some parts felt a little bit too far fetched for my taste. But still glad i read it. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
August 30, 2026
Full of Christmas magic and wonder. Friendship and the future. What a gorgeous book full of French characters, food, scenery, magic and angels.
This is a lovely book. Full of wonder. I loved it. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is a lovely book. Full of wonder. I loved it. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2026
A nice easy read, with lots of precious moments. It makes you think about where we are, how we got there, why we make big changes, how important family and friends are. Great characters, heartfelt moments
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nicola and her husband are moving to France before Christmas. Unfortunately, he's delayed, and she's looking at spending the holidays on her own. She's also having a hard time making new friends until she buys an angel at a holiday market.
I enjoyed this Christmasy story set in France. It had a bit of magic, a bit of romance and some twists and turns along the way with a Christmasy magic feel.
Thanks to @netgalley, @boldwoodbooks and the author for this arc.
I enjoyed this Christmasy story set in France. It had a bit of magic, a bit of romance and some twists and turns along the way with a Christmasy magic feel.
Thanks to @netgalley, @boldwoodbooks and the author for this arc.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews