The Hygge Holiday

by Rosie Blake

It's autumn in Yulethorpe and everyone is gloomy. It's cold, drizzly and the skies are permagrey. The last shop on the high street - an adorable little toy shop - has just shut its doors. Everything is going wrong for Yulethorpe this autumn. Until Clara Kristensen arrives.

Clara is on holiday but she can see the potential in the pretty town, so she rolls up her sleeves and sets to work. Things are looking up until Joe comes to Yulethorpe to find out exactly what is going on with his mother's shop. Joe is Very Busy and Important in the City and very sure that Clara is up to no good. Surely no one would work this hard just for the fun of it?

Can a man who answers emails at 3 a. m. learn to appreciate the slower, happier, hygge things in life - naps, candles, good friends and maybe even falling in love?

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

229 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Rosie is a writer, vlogger and amateur Mum. She loves to chat and write about love, sex, dating and relationships. She has written features for Cosmopolitan, The Lady, The Sunday People, Reveal and Best Magazine. She has appeared on ITV, Sky and Channel 4.

Her first romantic comedy HOW TO GET A (LOVE) LIFE was published in 2014. Atlantic Books published HOW TO STUFF UP CHRISTMAS in 2015 and HOW TO FIND YOUR (FIRST) HUSBAND in 2016. Her latest book THE HYGGE HOLIDAY is out in September 2017 with Sphere, an imprint of Little Brown. Rosie is represented by Clare Wallace at the Darley Anderson Agency.

Rosie wishes to continue writing romantic comedies, persuade Julia Roberts to be her best friend and discover the world’s greatest Black Forest Gateaux recipe.

Reviews

[Kalyn Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a warm read and made me super interested to learn about hygge. It's the perfect transition book from autumn time to holiday season and the main character Clara is nothing but loveable. I also laughed out loud more than once and am officially adding Joe to my list of book-boy-crushes.
A book as comforting and sweet as hot chocolate on a frosty cold day.

[Sahar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why does this book have a high rating? I managed to haul myself half-way through before finally giving up, what a boring piece of literature.

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com

When Danish Clara arrived in the little village of Yulethorpe she never expected to be staying, nor running a toy shop, but that’s exactly what she ends up doing after the toy shop owner, Louise, ups and leaves for Spain and Clara offers to house/shop and animal sit for her.

The village has seen a decline in visitors and a lot of the shops are now empty, but Clara has a vision to make the toy shop wonderful again, and to bring in more customers and tourists to the area using the Danish way of life – Hygge.

When stressed out Joe, Louise’s son, finds out that his mum has left and there is a stranger looking after the shop, he believes that Clara is only after his mother’s money and takes time away from his busy London office (not his job though as he’s glued to his phone), to see what is going on.

The two don’t exactly see eye to eye, but Clara decides to take on another mission, help Joe learn to relax the hygge way. Will she be successful on both accounts?

First off, I must say that I love the cover. Not very often that I mention the cover in my reviews, but it is so inviting I couldn’t resist reading ‘The Hygge Holiday’.

Clara is a sweet young woman who is carrying a lot of guilt with her, thus making her want to help others out, and always see’s the best in people. Joe is a workaholic. He lives, breathes and sleeps (or not), his city job, dealing with billions of pounds contracts. He does have a soft, but he is forever pushing it deep inside, him not wanting to show it.

The story has a lovely array of secondary characters too, including, Gavin and Craig from the village pub, Clara’s new tired friend, mum Lauren, and even battleaxe Roz – the character you’ll love to hate.

However, there was one character that had me laughing though out, Lady CaCa, Louise’s parrot. Imagine a parrot that comes out with movie quotes all the time, especially ones at inappropriate moments.

This is a warm, inviting book that I was so hooked to I ended up finishing it in the early hours of the morning, not realising how long I had been reading for. It will make you feel all warm and cosy. It is a book that from the beginning you have an idea where the author is going to take you, but the journey to get there is just wonderful.

[Plamena Anova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ако търсите наръчник за Хюга, тази книга не е за вас. Ако обаче търсите топъл, романтичен, щастлив роман, който да ви отведе далеч от грижите и да ви потопи в една по-различна обстановка, можете веднага да се изгубите измежду страниците на тази книга.
За да се насладите максимално на четивото, не трябва да сте прекалено критични. Просто се отправете на пътешествие из провинциална Англия с Клара, отдайте се на всеки аромат, на всеки красив пейзаж, забавете малко темпото, оставете телефона някъде далеч и се наслаждавайте на мига. Пукнатини в сюжета има, но заради цялостното въздействие на романа, щастливо ги игнорирах. Нуждаех се от подобна книга, за да събуди читателския ми апетит след зимната сесия. Благодарна съм на Хермес, че ми дадоха възможност да си я спечеля в една игра, защото иначе едва ли щях да посегна към нея.

[Myada Elmasry · Rating 4 out of 5]

رواية دافئة لليالي البرد الطويلة 🥰

رواية بسيطة جدًا وأغلب أحداثها متوقعة لكن فيها دفء وراحة مش طبيعية 🤍🤎

بتحكى عن كلارا اللي كانت بتهرب من نفسها وماضيها السئ اللي كان مليان بشغل طول الوقت وإهمال لأقرب الناس ليها..
حتسيب بلدها الدنمارك وتفضل تتنقل من مكان لمكان يمكن تلاقي مكان تحس انه بيتها وفعلا حتلاقي ده في مدينة صغيرة وبسيطة في انجلترا وتحاول تساعد الناس فيها علشان يعيشوا حياتهم بطريقة "هيغي" الدنماركية..

هيغي أسلوب حياة معناه باختصار شديد ان الإنسان يهدى كدا وياخد وقته في انه يستمتع بالحاجات البسيطة اللي الناس مبقتش تهتم بيها في عصر السرعة والانتحار بالشغل طول الوقت..
وان يبقى في وقت تقضية مع عيلتك والناس الي حواليك في جو هادي ولطيف بعيدا عن التوتر.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a warm hug of a book, this book is pure hygge, and I absolutely love it as a result.

Ok, so until even part way through I wasn't completely sure what Hygge was, I just knew it was something that seemed to appear all over twitter at this time of year for the past few years, but couldn't quite work it out.

Well if you are like me you will find this book not only a great story with plenty of humour, but it will also teach you all you need to know about Hygge, and a few Danish swear words too!

Lady Caca as if often the case with fictional parrots, utterly hilarious. This is a bird that has a habit of calling out various phrases from TVs and Films, often and incredibly relevant moments almost as though she knows whats going on.

Clara arrives in Yulethorpe (which can I point out is a fabulous name for a village in a wintery book), not intending to stay in town long. She is wandering from place to place, just clearly not settled. After a great nights entertainment in the pub, she takes a chance, end ends up as a house sitter and also in charge o the local toyshop.

It is how Clara transforms that toy shop which amazed me, she had some brilliantly creative ideas, and the window display is memorable. I loved the descriptions of this toy shop, but not only that but she transforms other spaces in the village too, and makes some good new friends.

Then there is Joe, who is the complete opposite of Hygge, he works far too many hours in a day and is really suspicious of Clara's motivations towards his mother's shop. He goes to Youlthorpe to confront Clara and work out what was going on, and finds slowly his life starts to change.

This is a fantastic book of people trying to find their own happiness, always searching for something just out of reach, there are a few romances, some adorable children, and just a warm cosy feeling indeed. In fact the feeling I got from the book was one of Hygge!

Thank you so much to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[هَنَادِيِ أَبُوسَيفْ HMA · Rating 4 out of 5]

رواية مُنعشة ..!

[Nina Draganova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Даваме ли си сметка , защо напоследък ни заливат точно такива книги - описващи уюта или както го наричат датчаните "хюга".
Поне за мен е ясно, че точно това липсва на повечето хора.
Забързани в напрегнатото ежедневие, забравихме за тези толкова ценни неща.
Заобиколени сме от напълно истерясал свят.
Дали обаче само книгите ще ни върнат усещането за уют и топлина ?
Съмнявам се.
Трябва всеки от нас да положи усилия и да има желание.
Когато човек се чувства щастлив, той със сигурност може да повдигне планини.
Очевидно и Роузи Блейк го е разбрала и ни го праща в този толкова хюга роман.

[Ioana Lily Balas · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just really badly written... A sickly sweet Christmas romance with a predictable plot and one dimensional characters just doesn't do it for me. Romance could be delivered in a magical, entrancing way, but this story has none of that. Clara's sole identity is being Danish, with half her sentences being a comparison between life in Denmark and the UK. Who talks like that? And who would find this endearing? It was really irritating to read through and then her huge secret was that she used to be a trader in London.

This narrowness really bothered me because she wasn't given any sort of personality, just a softie whose only purpose is to decorate things with ambient lighting. The usual trope of changing the workaholic man was present as well and guess what, the man didn't have anything else going for him either.

Other reviews say this was 'feel good', well, I don't feel any better for reading this and I sincerely fail to see the appeal.

[Romie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such a cosy read, perfect to read a few days before christmas! now all I want to do is take a bath with candles everywhere!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the past I used to dread winter but thanks to this book it has changed the way I think. I am now going to embrace it with warm blankets, soft cushions, scented candles and hot chocolate. Of course, the story is just as heart-warming as you might imagine as it reaffirms what is important in life. If you read nothing else this winter, then make sure that this book is at the top of your list - I absolutely loved it. It will suck you in, wrap you up and leave you with a happy feeling of contentment, exactly like a good book should.

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a Rosie Blake novel. This one felt quite different from her previous novel, but then I think that the subject matter made it feel just a lot cosier and it was still really really enjoyable. I actually started this book before going to sleep and then didn't put it down until I had finish it. I didn't realise that I was reading it until the wee hours of the morning because I was just so engrossed and absorbed in the story, costing up with the characters and enjoying a little bit of me time away from everything else. I know people often talk about reading a book in one sitting and it therefore being an easy read but I know I will suffer the next day because of staying up reading but I don't care because I had such a good time wrapped up in this story!

Clara was such an interesting character to have as the protagonist of this novel. Unlike a lot of other main characters, this story isn't really about her as a person and we really don't learn an awful lot about her personality in this book. But we do learn about the effect that she has on people and places and the way that she choses to live her life and to conduct herself around others. I found this a very refreshing way of reading and I think that this is one of the reasons the book kept up at such a pace.

Because this book is set in a small village, there are very few other characters, but the characters to do me are just that, real characters. From Louisa and Roz, both big brash women with a bitter rival.ry, to harassed mum Lauren and Gavin who runs the pub and is just trying to do the right thing. We also get to know Joe who is a complete contrast to Clara in his London city lifestyle. I did worry about Joe and really wanted to see him happy, another thing that keep me turning the pages.

This book truly is warm and cosy. I knew nothing about Hygge going into this book but now that I know about it, I want to read more. I also want to go out and buy lots of cosy cushions and throws and candles and make rice pudding and fondue, but thats by the by. You really don't have to know anything about Hygge to read this book because you will feel its essence as you go along. You also don't have to have read any of Rosie's other books to read this one because it is a standalone, although I would love to have a sequel-please?! So whether you are already a Rosie Blake fan, like me, or this is the first time you are picking up one of her novels, you won't be disappointed. This is just a lovely read and will leave you warm and cosy, and wanting to buy candles and throws!

[Rania Essam · Rating 5 out of 5]

من ألطف وأجمل الروايات التى قرأتها لهذه السنة رحلة ممتعة ودافئة تمنيت الا تنتهي رحلة الي قرية يولثروب الجميلة كم احببت الاجواء التي عشتها في تلك القرية شكل الحقول والقمم الثلجية التي تحتضنها منظر الشروق والغروب الرائع منزل لويزا اللطيف ومتجر الألعاب الجميل كلارا بشخصيتها الرقيقة واللطيفة جو الوسيم ذو الشخصية المضاده لكلارا ولورين الصديقة الجميلة غابن صاحب الطف حانة وليدي كاكا ذات الجمل الغريبة الممتعة ورودي القط الكسول الذي ظل نائماََ طوال أحداث الرواية. تفاصيل منزل لويزا بعد إضافة لمسة كلارا اليه الشموع الجميلة التي تملئ اجراءه ودفء الاريكة والاغطية في الجو المثلج الجميل وأكواب الشيكولاتة الساخنة شعرت عند انتهاء الرواية بأن رحلتي قد انتهت في تلك القرية وسأودع أصدقائي اللذين تعرفت عليهم واحببتهم كم سأفتقد تلك القرية وذلك المكان وهؤلاء الاصداقاء الرائعين اللُطاف ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

انتهيت من تلك الرواية شديدة اللُطف بتاريخ ٢٥/ ٦ /٢٠٢٢ 🌿♥️

[Zaza · Rating 4 out of 5]

J'étais passée à côté de ce livre lors de sa première sortie, alors sa réédition m'a donné l'occasion de rectifier le tir, et comme je suis contente de l'avoir fait !

J'ai vraiment été conquise par ce roman de Rosie Blake, par ces pages imprégnées de douceur, de chaleur, de bienveillance et de réconfort, à l'image de l'art de vivre Hygge prôné par Clara, l'héroïne.

Clara ... Voilà une jeune femme pas banale, déracinée, discrète, gentille et désintéressée. C'est presque sur la pointe des pieds qu'elle va redonner vie à la petite ville moribonde de Yulethorpe, avec ses vitrines enchantées et ce cocon de douceur qu'elle tisse autour d'elle.
J'ai vraiment été sensible à sa manière de voir les choses, ce 'carpe diem' version danoise qui nous amène à nous recentrer sur notre bien-être, les petits bonheurs de la vie, ces mille et unes petites choses si anodines en apparence, mais qu'on ne prend plus le temps d'admirer ou d'en profiter. Et je dois dire que par les temps qui courent, on a plus que jamais besoin de ce genre de réconfort : celui que m'a apporté ce livre m'a probablement fait le même effet que celui que Clara procure à son entourage.

Une bien belle histoire qui rayonne de bienveillance, de cocooning et de gentillesse (mais attention, cela ne veut pas dire non plus qu'on est dans un truc niais, new-age ou cucul la praline !), avec en outre de jolis moments d'émotions, et des tranches de franche rigolade à chaque sortie de la mythique Lady KaKa, alias la reine de la réplique qui tue, bien souvent issue d'un programme de téléréalité.

Un vrai moment de lecture douce et enchantée, que je vous recommande chaudement !

[Alsanea · Rating 5 out of 5]

رواية بسيطة جميلة بترجمة رائعة من المركز العربي الثقافي صَنَعَتْ لي السعادة و تركت ابتسامة أثناء وبعد الانتهاء من قراءتها. اسعدتني كثيراً بدايةً من غلافها الجميل ذو الألوان الهادئة البديعة والرسمات الجميلة إلى ملاحظة الكاتبة واهتمامها بمعرفة رأينا بكتابها ومتابعتها لكل ما يكتب عنها والأخذ بعين الأعتبار رأينا في كتاباتها في اخر صفحتين. تخبرنا هذه الرواية أن السعادة بسيطة وفي متناول يدينا، السعادة تكمن في الاستمتاع بما حولنا بعيداً عن التكنولجيا وملهيات الحياة الحديثة، بقرب عائلتنا وأحبابنا وأصدقائنا، بالمزيد من الأهتمام والرعاية والانتباه والمحبه وخلق الأجواء المناسبة، ليست بالمال بكل تأكيد، لذا كن بسيطاً تَسْعَد ᴗ̈ .
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23-12-2020

[Cathie (ClassyLibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needed a brain cleanse book after the last three heavy books and this was perfect.
Light, sweet, filled with candles, cocoa, predictability and just all the cozy vibes.
Highly recommend if you enjoy beach reads but set in winter.
Perfect for a rainy cold day.

[Austra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh

[Kaya Dimitrova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Изпаднах в една поредица, в която четях само лежерни и разпускащи четива. Едно от тях беше "Хюга ваканция", която напълно съответсваща със заглавието си, беше една уютна книга, в която да се потопиш за ден. Известната за датчаните хюга се пренася в малкото английско градче Юлеторп благодарение на датчанката Луиза. Луиза бързо печели сърцето на част от жителите на града, а освен това привлича и нови клиенти на магазинчето за детски играчки, застрашено от фалит. Синът на собственичката обаче - лондончанина Джо, отдаден изцяло на работата си, далеч не е толкова очарован от Луиза и нейната хюга... Предполагам се досещате, че първоначалната антипания между двамата, се превръща в първи любовни искри. Радвам се, че прочетох книгата - беше наистина симпатична, но няма да лъжа - не се влюбих в нея, затова и съм малко по-критична в звездичките, които й оставям.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute cosy novel! 🍫 ☕️

Clara is the main character who enters this small town village and takes over and improves a little toy store.

Joe, well I did not like him. He’s full of paranoia and was constantly rude and suspicious of Clara’s intentions. To some extent I can understand, but overall his entire attitude was not needed. Clara was only making things more cosy to make Joe relax. But she did not like the lack of control she had over him either. Both characters have their advantages and disadvantages which was written well and was put together. The other side characters such as Gavin and Lauren were very colourful as well.

Overall it was a very cosy read (whatever time of year you read this).

Review: https://clife.blog/2022/09/14/book-re...

[Bsmah]

٣٧٧ صفحه
رحلة هيغي

قرأت مره ان "الكتاب اللي يجي غلافه حلو مره راح يكون اكثر كتاب يخيب ظنك" وهذا اللي حصل معاي فعلاً..
اسلوب حياه دنماركي اسمه هيغي واللي للاسف ماعرف ليه ترجم بهذه الكلمه لان بالانجليزي هو hugee من هوريه و اللي يقولونها لما يشعرون بالفرح
بنت دنماركيه بالصدفه وهي في حانه تسمع وحده بتترك متجرها و تسافر و اهل القريه ينصحونها انه لا تسوين كذا تقوم تعرض عليها تمسك متحر الالعاب في غيابها مقابل انها تسكن بشقتها وتهتم بحيواناتها لما ترجع يعني و توافق هذيك وتعطيها مفاتيح المتجر والشقه و تبدا البنت تنفذ افكار و تجذب الزباين للمحل بالذات الاطفال اللي في القريه
القريه كانت على وشك انها تصير فاضيه و نص المتاجر قفلت
ولد صاحبة المتجر اللي يشتغل بلندن عرف بالسالفه وجاء يتحقق من نوايا كلارا
و ينبهر كيف ان اهل القريه يحبون كلارا و يتكلمون عن اسلوب الحياه اللي يستخدمونه الدنماركيين اللي هو الهوغي و يشوف كيف انها مره ايجابيه و متفاءله و تستمتع بالحياه مهما كانت بسيطه
يقرر يسكن بالشقه مع كلارا و ستمية الف فصل مواقف محرجه تصير بينهم كأني اقرا رواية منتديات فقيره جدا كل هدفها وقوع شخصين في غرام بعض
مع كل هذه المواقف (السخيفه) بنظري
يتأثر بوجودها ويبدأ يستخدم اسلوب هوغي بحايته فالاخير يشتري المتجر من امه و الشقه و يستقيل من وظيفته و يطلب كلارا تعيش معه :)
بصراحه روايه طويله على غير سنع و فصولها كثيره بدون اي هدف يذكر

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big Rosie blake fan and together with the Hygge title, this book was very intriguing from the start.

I have two Hygge books at home and I have looked at them, but I have not read the whole book. I really loved this book, because it properly introduced me to this lifestyle. I really like the idea behind this book and Rosie Blake did a fabulous job putting this all into one story.

Clara is a very interesting characters and it was great to see what she was able to change. She is Danish (obviously) and on holiday. She sees potential in the little town of Yulethrope and is determined to get to work.

There are also other great characters like Louise, Roz or Joe. Joe is the opposite of Hygge. So of course this get different for him. All the characters are brilliant and a great mixture.

This book is warm-hearted, cosy, sweet and just portrays this journey of people finding happiness. Rosie Blake’s writing is on point, very smooth and clever. It’s full of humour too, some romance of course, so it definitely has all you can ask for in a book.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

العمل ممتع و يعطي شحنة من الطاقة الإيجابية

[littleprettybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

17/20

Pour réellement apprécier ce roman, il faut s’y plonger, à l’abri des bruits et du monde autour de soi. J’ai été transportée dans cette ambiance hygge et cosy à souhait qui donne envie de savourer les petits bonheurs de la vie.

Ma chronique : https://littleprettybooks.com/2020/12...

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys, you don't have to fear the upcoming winter if you have Rosie Blake's new novel at hand! Already the opening scene was abso - bloody - hilarious and it set the mood for the rest of the story. It was my first "hygge" book, to be honest and I won't tell you what I thought hygge is, it turned out to be something different to what I thought, but still I love the idea of hygge, especially now, when it's so quickly dark and uncomfortable and cold, and now I am a hygge specialist, and I also know a few Danish swear words. Result!

Clara was an absolutely brilliant character and I loved how quickly and without hesitation she jumped at the chance of house - sitting. Running away from her secrets, she was going from one place to another, never staying for long but something in Yulethorpe has touched upon her heart. She was also so incredibly creative and what she's done with the toy shop was absolutely brilliant - it was also described in such a vivid, colourful way that I didn't have a problem to picture it in my mind, and really, guys, I would love to have such a shop in my town, and I know what I'm saying as I have a five - year - old daughter. What was also so great with Clara was the fact that she's not only transformed the place, she's also made some brilliant friends in the village, also transforming them at the same time. Clara is carrying not only a secret, but resulting from this secret tons of guilt, and this is probably why she wants to help other people, no matter what. And she has such an effect on all people that she meets, I'd love to have such a positive person around me.
Enter Joe, who probably knows as much about hygge as I've known before reading the book. Suspicious, not trusting, but ha, he doesn't know Clara and her plan yet - and you see, it was Clara again, who without a sound, patiently, worked on Joe. Did she manage to transform Joe? Did Joe need transformation? READ THE BOOK and you'll find the answers.
There are also all those brilliant and funny background characters: Gavin, Craig, Louise, Lauren, and even Roz. All of them full of life and personal opinions but in the end always (almost) sticking together and supporting each other (not all of them, of course not all of them, but we do need bad guys as well). There is not other option as to love them or love to hate them, they just grow on you and don't leave you alone (sounds creepy, I'm aware, what I mean is that you can't stop thinking about them because they are so vivid and close to life and so, so funny).

Rosie Blake, in such a subtle, gentle way points out what is really important in our lives - that it's not money or job or giving people warnings at work but that it's kindness and not expecting anything in return for it. That it is sometimes so much better to watch a sunrise and to offer something deep from your heart - and it was gorgeous.

This was a cosy, sweet book of new beginnings, second chances, finding your own place and happiness, written in this brilliant Rosie - style, with one of the best one - liners in the history, unforgettable characters, swearing parrots and a few romances. Actually, I was sure I'm going to get it all, because it's Rosie Blake, right? A story full of hope, that immediately draws you in and makes you feel warmer and better. "The Hygge Holiday" was like a warm blanket, like a hug and I adored it, basta, and in my eyes it fully deserves those big, fat five stars. This was a definition of a perfect, comforting, unforgettable read, and please hurry up Rosie with writing another book! And PS - the cover of "The Hygge Holiday". The cover! It's gorgeous!

And now to make a scented, candle lit hot bath. And plump some cushions on my sofa.

[Деница Райкова]

Роузи Блейк - "Хюга ваканция", изд. "Хермес" 2018, прев. Паулина Мичева

Има ей такива едни книги, дето знаят точно кога да дойдат. Понякога, след не особено весели преживявания, ти се иска да прочетеш нещо топло, уютно и малко.. провинциално, в най-добрия смисъл на думата. С полъх на английска провинция и на онези селца, в които всички се познават.
И тогава идва време за "Хюга ваканция".
Вероятно не е нужно да обяснявам какво е хюга, в последно време се появиха книги по този въпрос, но все пак - така се нарича датската "философия на уюта". Това, което много от нас все още възприемат като "самоугаждане" или "глезене". А дори така да е - нима всеки от нас не заслужава поне от време на време да прави нещо за себе си? Или пък дори - ако наистина е "отворен" за идеите на хюга - да успее някак да направи така, че да "вплете" тези идеи в ежедневието си. Защото тази "философия" всъщност не е чак толкова философска - когато стигнеш до същността, разбираш, че това е просто умението "да забавяш ход", "да си поемаш дъх" - постигайки го, като правиш нещо дребно, но приятно. И накрая пак постигаш исканото, но без целия безумен стрес.
Това е обаче само едната страна на историята. Другата - или по-скоро другите - не са толкова жизнерадостни или весели. Защото зад "фасадата" на живописното английско селце се крият местни магазинчета, които едно по едно затварят врати. Хора, които вече не могат да се изхранват с това, с което поколения наред са се издържали семействата им.
А още по-надълбоко са личните истории. Историите на Роуз и Гавин, на Джо, Луиза и Клара. Истории, в които има загуба, скрита и премълчана болка, вина. Осъзнаване, че забързаният живот е само опит за бягство от болката... и невъзможност да забавиш ход, защото тогава ще започнеш твърде много да се замисляш.
Наистина, на пръв поглед "Хюга ваканция" може да изглежда като наситена с клиширано драматични моменти история. От тези, за които, четейки, си казваш: "Добре де, хайде, всички знаем, че всичко накрая ще се оправи, само че нещата трябва задължително да се оплетат до безобразие преди това". Това усещане обаче лично при мен изчезна някъде към 50-та страница и макар да предполагах каква ще бъде развръзката, почти до самия край не бях наясно точно как ще се стигне до нея - защото сякаш никой от героите, от които пряко зависеше нещо, не беше склонен да направи каквото се очакваше от него. Най-хубавите неща се случват буквално на последните три страници и затова, когато стигнеш до тях, просто се засмиваш невярващо - не точно заради това, което се е случило /защото въпреки всичко е било ясно, че ще стане/, а заради начина, по който се стига до осъществяването му.
В "Хюга ваканция" има от всичко по малко - и много приятна история, и точното количество драма, и малко забавна загадъчност /ама не, разбира се, горе изобщо, ама изобщо няма втора стая/, и любовна история /която всъщност за мен беше по-скоро "бонус" и не ме подразни, както обикновено ме дразнят подобни истории. С риск да повторя донякъде това, което написах в началото - "Хюга ваканция" е наистина "хюга" - чудесна, сгряваща, прегръщаща история. Истинска наслада, която ви препоръчвам.

[Steph · Rating 1 out of 5]

The parrot is not as funny as the author thinks it is and every time the bird opens its’ beak it ruins the scene. This is an odd way to begin a book review but honestly I hated that fucking parrot and the cliché movie catchphrases it spouts off.

I was going to give this book at least 2 stars because I enjoyed the scenery descriptions but the more I think about the parrot the more pissed off I get. This isn’t even a book about parrots!

This book is supposed a romance but you wouldn’t know it because there’s zero chemistry between Clara & Joe (the human characters aka POV characters). They have no physical contact throughout the book, they don’t even kiss until the very end.

Hell, they don’t even flirt in the book, a majority of their scenes are of them being awkward strangers around each other. Yet suddenly at the very end, they are a couple who are going to be living in the same flat running & a toy shop together.

Yeah, no. The more I write this review the more I realize the pretty descriptions of cozy rooms do not make up for the cardboard characters & bizarre attempts at humour.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book and to start with I was unsure but once I read on I got into it and it was brilliant so funny and festive and full of romance and laughter and learning about happiness. Well worth reading. Clara arrives in the village which is cold and gloomy and the last shop in the high street has shut its doors. She can see the potential and she asks the owner if she can run it while she goes to Spain as she wants to make a home of it. Jo arrives to find what is going on with his mothers shop but he's still busy with his job in the city. Can he amount his busyness enjoy the happy slow pace and maybe even find love. Well worth reading.

[Bladelor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara, danoise d'origine, a quitté son pays pour voyager. Lors d'une étape dans un petit village anglais, elle décide d'y séjourner quelques temps et de redonner vie à un magasin de jouets moribond qui menace de fermer.
Bien qu'étant une romance de Noël, cette histoire est avant tout un récit sur la magie de Noël et la douceur de vivre. Finalement, la relation amoureuse y est presque secondaire. Sur ma liste est un hymne à l'esprit "hygge", un roman-doudou dans lequel il fait bon se plonger à l'approche des fêtes.
J'ai passé un joli moment en compagnie de Clara, dans ce village isolé avec ces habitants un brin déjanté. Une petite communauté que j'ai quittée à regrets.
Une belle histoire.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is absolutely precious and adorable and sweet and will leave you feeling cozy with a big smile on your face. It was perfect for me to read in January in Alaska. It made me want to put on my coziest socks and wrap myself in my warmest blanket and light some candles! My only small gripe is that the book ended too abruptly… But other than that it was perfect!

[theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars and all the hygge 😊💕💕