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Deck the Halls
Fall in love with Harri and her family in this fabulously festive romance. Harri (Harriet) Hall thinks Christmas will be perfect in her ancestral home, The Hall, with roaring log fires, scented pine trees, sparkling decorations, and mouth-watering, festive feasts. She’s been abroad for the last two years and is excited about introducing her, admittedly quirky, family, and The Hall, to her boyfriend, Art (Arthur) and his family, the Camlan-Browns. She soon finds things have changed. The family funds are dwindling fast and The Hall looks like a dilapidated pile. But Harri has her savings and it won’t take long to spruce it up. Although letting Lance Knightly do the renovation, may be a big mistake. There’s something about the man, Harri really doesn’t like. She needs to keep an eye on him. Snow is gently falling and preparations are going well – until Harri’s stepbrother blows up the cooker; water leaks through the roof and blizzards arrive before the Camlan-Browns. Will Art get through the snow by Christmas Eve, and will Lance finish work on The Hall in time? Harri’s perfectly capable of dealing with a crisis as well as any man, but it seems Christmas may not turn out quite as she expected.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2016
232 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Emily Harvale
77 books220 followersEmily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 21, 2016
Deck The Halls shows off Emily Harvale's writing in a completely new direction from her previous few books. This one is written in the first person and has one central character's focus, and as a result I felt as though I really got to know Harriet, and through Harriet the rest of her family.
Harriet has come back from 2 years in Australia to spend Christmas at The Hall, her family home. She is coming a week ahead of her boyfriend who she hopes is on the verge of proposing and will be meeting his family too over the Christmas period for the first time.
When she arrives back she discovers things have changed in her absence, and the whole Hall needs a overhaul and a lot of titivating to make it look Christmassy, but they don't have a huge budget. Enter Lance who seems to be best friends with most of the family despite Harriet never having heard of him,
Lance is gorgeous, and has connections with everyone, and seems to be able to get everything needed from a friend or two who have things laying about unwanted, or at the best possible price. However Harri just doesn't know whether she can trust him properly.
Between them and the rest of Harri's rather large family the start the task of decking the Hall for Christmas, and in doing so, we get to discover all sorts of things, including what Harri is feeling,
I loved all of her various family members, from Merrion her half sister who drives like a maniac, to the four year old twins, who are responsible for quite a few comic scenes, one including a tray a paint. Then there is Reece another of her half brothers, who is a teenager with a fondness for Chemistry experiments and has a habit of blowing things up.
Harri is a huge fan of Christmas, and I loved seeing all the family traditions they have at the Hall, including lots of fun and games, not that their guests were as keen. The question running through my head for most of the book was whether Harri's relationship with Art would last through their time apart, given he is the only character I didn't really get a strong feeling for in any direction.
Deck the Halls was easy to read, not too long and flowed very well. If I had to pick any faults it would be that I still had some question marks about Lance after the story finished, but they weren't major, just would have liked to know more about him, but as Harriet barely knows much about him, I understand why as a reader I don't either.
I've been a long time fan of Emily Harvale's books, and this has to one of my favourites of hers, I really fell for the Hall and also felt very invested in the family too. There was definitely a festive feel to it, as well as a family feel and I just really enjoyed the whole book from start to finish.
Thank you so much Emily Harvale for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Harriet has come back from 2 years in Australia to spend Christmas at The Hall, her family home. She is coming a week ahead of her boyfriend who she hopes is on the verge of proposing and will be meeting his family too over the Christmas period for the first time.
When she arrives back she discovers things have changed in her absence, and the whole Hall needs a overhaul and a lot of titivating to make it look Christmassy, but they don't have a huge budget. Enter Lance who seems to be best friends with most of the family despite Harriet never having heard of him,
Lance is gorgeous, and has connections with everyone, and seems to be able to get everything needed from a friend or two who have things laying about unwanted, or at the best possible price. However Harri just doesn't know whether she can trust him properly.
Between them and the rest of Harri's rather large family the start the task of decking the Hall for Christmas, and in doing so, we get to discover all sorts of things, including what Harri is feeling,
I loved all of her various family members, from Merrion her half sister who drives like a maniac, to the four year old twins, who are responsible for quite a few comic scenes, one including a tray a paint. Then there is Reece another of her half brothers, who is a teenager with a fondness for Chemistry experiments and has a habit of blowing things up.
Harri is a huge fan of Christmas, and I loved seeing all the family traditions they have at the Hall, including lots of fun and games, not that their guests were as keen. The question running through my head for most of the book was whether Harri's relationship with Art would last through their time apart, given he is the only character I didn't really get a strong feeling for in any direction.
Deck the Halls was easy to read, not too long and flowed very well. If I had to pick any faults it would be that I still had some question marks about Lance after the story finished, but they weren't major, just would have liked to know more about him, but as Harriet barely knows much about him, I understand why as a reader I don't either.
I've been a long time fan of Emily Harvale's books, and this has to one of my favourites of hers, I really fell for the Hall and also felt very invested in the family too. There was definitely a festive feel to it, as well as a family feel and I just really enjoyed the whole book from start to finish.
Thank you so much Emily Harvale for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
December 16, 2017
Another festive book for the festive season. I loved the quality of the cover and pages - heavy, glossy and screamed quality! Shame that the story didn't completely fulfil the promise. Don't get me wrong, it was OK, but didn't light me on fire like other books I have read. It had so much promise at the beginning, with the crumbling homestead and promise of romance, but the end was very rushed, and if there hadn't have been so much focus on the hall renovations, more could have been made of the visiting family - only a couple of short chapters dedicated to what could have been a funny element. Also, what happened to the party? It seemed to fade out of the story completely (unless I missed a chapter!). The final scenes with Lance were also a little simplistic for my linking too.
As it is, it was OK. If there had been another 100 pages or so it could have been much better. But what do I know? I'm no author, and kudos to Emily for having a successful career.
As it is, it was OK. If there had been another 100 pages or so it could have been much better. But what do I know? I'm no author, and kudos to Emily for having a successful career.
November 21, 2016
Loved it!!!!
A lovely cosy Christmas romance! I loved it! No spoilers-don't expect twists and turns just a good solid 'feelgood' festive tale. I had to keep reading and finished within the day, very annoying!!! More please Emily!
A lovely cosy Christmas romance! I loved it! No spoilers-don't expect twists and turns just a good solid 'feelgood' festive tale. I had to keep reading and finished within the day, very annoying!!! More please Emily!
February 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not a massive fan of first-person, present tense, but I felt like it worked here and I read it very quickly. I liked Harri, and Lance was gorgeous. I will definitely read more of this author's work.
March 5, 2020
Harri has been in Australia for the past two years with her boyfriend Art, and is returning to her home and family at The Hall for Christmas. No one does Christmas as good as Harri. For her, every bit of her home is built to be decorated for Christmas, and her family is waiting to share their traditions with her. She has invited Art's family to her Christmas, and considers it to be the Christmas when Art will ask her hand to her father.
She returns to find that the place has been crumbling in her absence, and her Aunt Violet has changed into a more amiable person. Everyone is counting on Lance, someone who was supposed to have been hired to help her get The Hall ready for Christmas.
Over the next few days, snow, a new roof, lights and decoration, two boisterous kids, a discerning dog, future in laws from hell, all go into changing Harri's mind.
She returns to find that the place has been crumbling in her absence, and her Aunt Violet has changed into a more amiable person. Everyone is counting on Lance, someone who was supposed to have been hired to help her get The Hall ready for Christmas.
Over the next few days, snow, a new roof, lights and decoration, two boisterous kids, a discerning dog, future in laws from hell, all go into changing Harri's mind.
December 27, 2024
This is book 1 of a 2 book series.
I always enjoy Emily Harvale books as know that I am always in for a treat, as they are funny, enjoyable and well written.
I enjoyed the character of Harriet, I could relate to her in so many ways, although not in terms of travel, as you’d never get me travelling on a plane for long haul or living away from UK. But in terms of her feelings and other characteristics we were similar.
Also enjoyed getting to know the other characters too, all of whom were unique in their own way. I can totally see why Harriet fell for Lance.
Anyway this was a lovely story with lots of Christmas festive moments too.
I always enjoy Emily Harvale books as know that I am always in for a treat, as they are funny, enjoyable and well written.
I enjoyed the character of Harriet, I could relate to her in so many ways, although not in terms of travel, as you’d never get me travelling on a plane for long haul or living away from UK. But in terms of her feelings and other characteristics we were similar.
Also enjoyed getting to know the other characters too, all of whom were unique in their own way. I can totally see why Harriet fell for Lance.
Anyway this was a lovely story with lots of Christmas festive moments too.
December 2, 2016
I am a big fan of Emily's books and I always recommend them. This is a bit different to Emily's previous novels as in this one she only writes from one characters perspective. It was brilliant as I could focus more on Harriet herself. I wish I could of been there it all sounded magical, the hall, the two young twins and also Lance, he sounded very nice. I felt as though I was a part of their Christmas celebrations. A wonderful Christmas story.
September 8, 2021
Art and his family are not very nice people and thankfully, Harri realizes in time that she doesn't want to be with Art
Thankfully Harri wakes up & realizes that she doesn't want to be with Art at all.And thankfully, Lance realizes that he wants to be with Harri. And she with him.
Thankfully Harri wakes up & realizes that she doesn't want to be with Art at all.And thankfully, Lance realizes that he wants to be with Harri. And she with him.
December 20, 2017
I love a feel good book!
This is a perfect book to get cozy with, have a cup of hot chocolate and get to know some great characters for Christmas. It kept me laughing and rooting for Harri til the end.
This is a perfect book to get cozy with, have a cup of hot chocolate and get to know some great characters for Christmas. It kept me laughing and rooting for Harri til the end.
May 24, 2021
Wonderful
Another fabulous book from Emily, couldn't put it down once I started it. Loved all the characters and the way she manages to make you feel part of the story, only wish there was another story to continue in the life of Harri and Lance. Keep up the good work Emily
Another fabulous book from Emily, couldn't put it down once I started it. Loved all the characters and the way she manages to make you feel part of the story, only wish there was another story to continue in the life of Harri and Lance. Keep up the good work Emily
February 13, 2017
Lighthearted
Easy read. Lighthearted and mild. Obvious from the start really but didnt spoil the story. Nice read on a cold winters night
Easy read. Lighthearted and mild. Obvious from the start really but didnt spoil the story. Nice read on a cold winters night
January 3, 2018
Good read!!
I really like to read fast paced love stories! They remind me of what my wife and I went through!
I really like to read fast paced love stories! They remind me of what my wife and I went through!
December 21, 2018
Good festive read, I really identified with the characters and read whole book within a couple of days. Not usually a fan of romance books but really enjoyed this as a feel good Christmas read.
May 31, 2019
Cracking good read
I really enjoyed this book and the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read. Can't wait for the next one.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters are really well written and enjoyable to read. Can't wait for the next one.
July 14, 2020
Awesome book xx
Fantastic as I knew it would be. Off to read book two thank you Emily for yet another amazing read xx
Fantastic as I knew it would be. Off to read book two thank you Emily for yet another amazing read xx
December 31, 2016
A nice light hearted story.
This is a pleasent romantic comedy. Full of charm and gentle wit. A cheerful relatively fast moving story. A relaxing on-demanding read.
This is a pleasent romantic comedy. Full of charm and gentle wit. A cheerful relatively fast moving story. A relaxing on-demanding read.
March 5, 2023
I feel good Xmas romance.
December 23, 2016
Great short read. Romantic and a comedy and at Christmas time. One of my favorite kind of books. I had a hard time getting into this book but once I got past the intro, I was pretty hooked. Harriet or Harri as most of her family call her is coming home for christmas after being gone for 2 years to Australia to pursue her career. Her family lives in 'The Hall' which in it's day was a grand place to live but now it needs some TLC to say the least and she has convinced her boyfriend and his family to join she and her family for Christmas. So she gets home and realizes that The Hall and her family's finances are not what they used to be so she sets out to fix what needs to be repaired and decorate etc before her bf's family arrive.
November 27, 2016
Absolutely loved this book. I wanted to spend Christmas at the Halls family home with all the traditions they have. Christmas just isn't like this anymore and it was lovely to be part of their celebrations.
December 15, 2018
This book was incredible. Wonderful lyrical descriptions of the old manor house where the main character's family lives, a romance that is the epitome of scrumptiousness and a plethora of heartwarming scenes (because Harri's family is AWESOME). I loved every minute.
December 21, 2016
Deck the halls
Well a terrific read, really cheered me up. Well done to the author , getting ready for Christmas is stressful, so this read calmed me right down. Loved it.
Well a terrific read, really cheered me up. Well done to the author , getting ready for Christmas is stressful, so this read calmed me right down. Loved it.
January 3, 2017
Nice piece of slushy romance
Easy read. Just enough to take mind elsewhere instead of housework. Looking to read more by this author. Nice story
Easy read. Just enough to take mind elsewhere instead of housework. Looking to read more by this author. Nice story
January 20, 2017
Enjoyable!
A good quick read with a happy ending!
Left me wondering about unanswered questions. Who is Lance and his younger sister? Hoping for a second book!!
A good quick read with a happy ending!
Left me wondering about unanswered questions. Who is Lance and his younger sister? Hoping for a second book!!
December 15, 2020
Loved this Book!!!!!😍
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews