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Americans Abroad #2
Holme for the Holidays
An American musician with a broken heart meets a local farmer with a hidden past on a holiday house swap in Yorkshire. A charming romantic comedy that will fill your heart with holiday cheer
A country cottage is the last place Paige expected to spend the holidays, but a year after her girlfriend dumped her, her life is in shambles. A last minute house swap sends her from California to Yorkshire to put her life back on track. She doesn't believe in forever anymore, but when she meets a raven haired beauty in the local pub, she seizes the chance for a night of fun.
On the brink of fame and fortune, Fiona suffered an unthinkable loss, and a year later she's given up on singing, and just about everything else. When the brother she relies on too much skips town “for her own good” and loans his cottage to a stranger for the holidays, her life is turned upside down. She knows she can't make a new relationship work, but when she meets a purple haired American at the local pub, she figures it wouldn't hurt to blow off some steam.
They never meant to see each other again, yet from the very first morning when the vicar comes to call and Paige gets mowed down by a runaway llama, they just can't seem to escape their lives becoming increasingly, and hilariously, entwined. And when a series of calamities threatens Christmas in Holme village, the two must work together to save the day, and maybe find true love along the way.
A year ago, their lives fell apart. Can a bit of Christmas magic help them build a new life together?
A country cottage is the last place Paige expected to spend the holidays, but a year after her girlfriend dumped her, her life is in shambles. A last minute house swap sends her from California to Yorkshire to put her life back on track. She doesn't believe in forever anymore, but when she meets a raven haired beauty in the local pub, she seizes the chance for a night of fun.
On the brink of fame and fortune, Fiona suffered an unthinkable loss, and a year later she's given up on singing, and just about everything else. When the brother she relies on too much skips town “for her own good” and loans his cottage to a stranger for the holidays, her life is turned upside down. She knows she can't make a new relationship work, but when she meets a purple haired American at the local pub, she figures it wouldn't hurt to blow off some steam.
They never meant to see each other again, yet from the very first morning when the vicar comes to call and Paige gets mowed down by a runaway llama, they just can't seem to escape their lives becoming increasingly, and hilariously, entwined. And when a series of calamities threatens Christmas in Holme village, the two must work together to save the day, and maybe find true love along the way.
A year ago, their lives fell apart. Can a bit of Christmas magic help them build a new life together?
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 23, 2016
131 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Miranda MacLeod
40 books464 followersOriginally from southern California, Miranda now lives in New England and writes heartfelt romances and romantic comedies featuring witty and charmingly flawed women that you'll want to marry. Or just grab a coffee with, if that's more your thing. Before becoming a writer, she spent way too many years in graduate school, worked in professional theater and film, and held temp jobs in just about every office building in downtown Boston. To find out about her upcoming releases, be sure to sign up for her mailing list or follow her on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 13, 2018
This is a simple and charming love story set in the US, England, and Australia. It's Christmassy in its theme. The author was capable of plotting out a decent story. But I couldn't mirror the high ratings that others have given.
The meeting between the two main characters is a happenstance. So far, so good. But we don't get to know much about them. Fiona remained a mysterious and inaccessible character. Ditto for Paige.
I don't have anything brilliant to report. The book simply lacked the magic of the prequel, Waltzing on the Danube. I loved the author's endeavor to graft a realistic stage but the unfolding of her story was limited by her inspiration. Still I liked it well enough, and that is reflected in my score.
The meeting between the two main characters is a happenstance. So far, so good. But we don't get to know much about them. Fiona remained a mysterious and inaccessible character. Ditto for Paige.
I don't have anything brilliant to report. The book simply lacked the magic of the prequel, Waltzing on the Danube. I loved the author's endeavor to graft a realistic stage but the unfolding of her story was limited by her inspiration. Still I liked it well enough, and that is reflected in my score.
April 13, 2021
What an enjoyable holiday romance!
I like MacLeod’s style of writing because of the light-heartedness of it all. And while this one lacked the humour that can be found in some of her other books, it still has the vibes of a holiday romance despite having something heavy like death in the backstory. And that is why I appreciate the storytelling here.
Interestingly, grief wasn't very much the focus but it was more the guilt that came with the death - Fiona's guilt of not having been the best girlfriend to Alice before she died. This is the guilt that forces her to inherit a farm she didn't want, to halt her professional singing career she so loved and to swear off dating even after meeting the love of her life. But I like Fiona, because if anything, she is honest with her feelings.
I didn’t like Paige quite as much. Paige is a wuss and I will continue to call her that for letting herself be strung along by her manipulative ex for so long. And the fact that she needed to leave the country entirely by swapping houses to avoid gravitating back to her just felt dumb.
But I like this one-night-stand to lovers trope. The journey was fun. And I enjoyed listening to Stephanie Murphy try out different accents too. (Fiona is English and Paige is American). Oh, and I must say I love the idea of a house swap in theory. It's a real thing (omg!) and the world continues to surprise me everyday.
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like MacLeod’s style of writing because of the light-heartedness of it all. And while this one lacked the humour that can be found in some of her other books, it still has the vibes of a holiday romance despite having something heavy like death in the backstory. And that is why I appreciate the storytelling here.
Interestingly, grief wasn't very much the focus but it was more the guilt that came with the death - Fiona's guilt of not having been the best girlfriend to Alice before she died. This is the guilt that forces her to inherit a farm she didn't want, to halt her professional singing career she so loved and to swear off dating even after meeting the love of her life. But I like Fiona, because if anything, she is honest with her feelings.
I didn’t like Paige quite as much. Paige is a wuss and I will continue to call her that for letting herself be strung along by her manipulative ex for so long. And the fact that she needed to leave the country entirely by swapping houses to avoid gravitating back to her just felt dumb.
But I like this one-night-stand to lovers trope. The journey was fun. And I enjoyed listening to Stephanie Murphy try out different accents too. (Fiona is English and Paige is American). Oh, and I must say I love the idea of a house swap in theory. It's a real thing (omg!) and the world continues to surprise me everyday.
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2018
This book is part of the "Americans Abroad" series but it's a standalone read.
Fun character driven f/f romance that takes place in the small UK village of Holme between November and January.
Paige has been strung along by her manipulative ex for her entire adult life and is still emotionally enmeshed with her. Fiona is still healing after the death of her girlfriend. Both need a kickstart to move on to a healthier place and find each other helps them to do so.
Though self-punishment, guilt, grief, and low self-esteem play a role in the story, the read is also peppered with humor and we get an engaging and positive romance with believable characters. The book started to feel a little long but, at the same time, I enjoyed the investment that was put into our leads and their individual arcs. The book is dialogue heavy which I prefer and Paige and Fiona are likable and easy to root for.
I was waiting for tired tropes to hit, namely the shoe dropping or a forced fight to occur but luckily we were spared. The couple does have a spat but, by a miracle, the author chose to have the characters believably communicate and patch things up right away. Major kudos for that.
Enjoyable read.
Fun character driven f/f romance that takes place in the small UK village of Holme between November and January.
Paige has been strung along by her manipulative ex for her entire adult life and is still emotionally enmeshed with her. Fiona is still healing after the death of her girlfriend. Both need a kickstart to move on to a healthier place and find each other helps them to do so.
Though self-punishment, guilt, grief, and low self-esteem play a role in the story, the read is also peppered with humor and we get an engaging and positive romance with believable characters. The book started to feel a little long but, at the same time, I enjoyed the investment that was put into our leads and their individual arcs. The book is dialogue heavy which I prefer and Paige and Fiona are likable and easy to root for.
I was waiting for tired tropes to hit, namely the shoe dropping or a forced fight to occur but luckily we were spared. The couple does have a spat but, by a miracle, the author chose to have the characters believably communicate and patch things up right away. Major kudos for that.
Enjoyable read.
December 27, 2017
4 STARS - my final (?) Holiday read for 2017.
A nice Christmas story of two hurting women who heal each other.
Paige is a classically trained pianist in California her career is stalled and she is reduced to playing the organ at an Elvis themed bridal chapel. She broke up with her longtime girlfriend and has yet recovered or completely cut ties. Her BFF convinces Paige that she needs to spend time far away - that is how she ends up swapping for a cottage in Yorkshire for a couple of months. There she meets Fiona, a farmer who is also recovering from a great loss. Together they heal.
Huh. My description sounds like it is just angsty drama. It isn’t. How can you, with a llama who is a sheepdog and an accident prone protagonist. Though I don’t know if falling out a window in only a blanket counts as an accident.
This will make it on my Christmas re-read list for sure.
A nice Christmas story of two hurting women who heal each other.
Paige is a classically trained pianist in California her career is stalled and she is reduced to playing the organ at an Elvis themed bridal chapel. She broke up with her longtime girlfriend and has yet recovered or completely cut ties. Her BFF convinces Paige that she needs to spend time far away - that is how she ends up swapping for a cottage in Yorkshire for a couple of months. There she meets Fiona, a farmer who is also recovering from a great loss. Together they heal.
Huh. My description sounds like it is just angsty drama. It isn’t. How can you, with a llama who is a sheepdog and an accident prone protagonist. Though I don’t know if falling out a window in only a blanket counts as an accident.
This will make it on my Christmas re-read list for sure.
October 11, 2019
Roughly 2½ months left and 2019 is over!
Did you just panic a little reading that title? Me too. Needless to say I've been in the mood to read all things Christmas related and this book did a great job making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Granted, you'll need to suspend your disbelief when reading this because some parts of the plot were a little over the top. Example you ask? If I just took a transatlantic flight and haven't slept in who knows how many hours, you can bet your ass the only thing I will be doing involving a bed is actually sleeping. Paige apparently had other frisky ideas.
Despite the immediate horizontal mamboing that happened, I was pleased to see the main characters not immediately fall victim to insta-love. There were a few bumps along the way to their happily ever after and aside from one moment when I felt the amount of angst was cranked too high, too fast, I was pretty happy with the development of their relationship. The story even had an epilogue that I could fully get behind instead of the usual overly cheesy endings.
My favorite part of this book and what had me feeling really nostalgic was when Paige and Fiona were discussing what is considered Christmas dinner. I'm from a country that was a former British colony so when Paige started talking about candied yams and pumpkin pie, my eyes glazed over a little. Also what's Christmas without a Christmas pudding? Seriously, you could wake me up in the middle of the night for that.
So why no 5 stars? There was something missing and I can't seem to figure out what that is. Sure, it was a nice story but I had no trouble putting the book down or taking a break every now and then. Oh well, this gets a 3,75* rating overall.
Did you just panic a little reading that title? Me too. Needless to say I've been in the mood to read all things Christmas related and this book did a great job making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Granted, you'll need to suspend your disbelief when reading this because some parts of the plot were a little over the top. Example you ask? If I just took a transatlantic flight and haven't slept in who knows how many hours, you can bet your ass the only thing I will be doing involving a bed is actually sleeping. Paige apparently had other frisky ideas.
Despite the immediate horizontal mamboing that happened, I was pleased to see the main characters not immediately fall victim to insta-love. There were a few bumps along the way to their happily ever after and aside from one moment when I felt the amount of angst was cranked too high, too fast, I was pretty happy with the development of their relationship. The story even had an epilogue that I could fully get behind instead of the usual overly cheesy endings.
My favorite part of this book and what had me feeling really nostalgic was when Paige and Fiona were discussing what is considered Christmas dinner. I'm from a country that was a former British colony so when Paige started talking about candied yams and pumpkin pie, my eyes glazed over a little. Also what's Christmas without a Christmas pudding? Seriously, you could wake me up in the middle of the night for that.
So why no 5 stars? There was something missing and I can't seem to figure out what that is. Sure, it was a nice story but I had no trouble putting the book down or taking a break every now and then. Oh well, this gets a 3,75* rating overall.
December 22, 2023
MacLeod always writes books I enjoy. This was a fun story with lots of banter about American vs British customs. Great setting in the Yorkshire countryside.
December 18, 2017
Brilliant!
In an instant everything in her life turns upside down. Now she has pushed away everyone and she hates Christmas. It only add to her guilt she has carried around for a long time. Fiona must learn to confront the painful past in order to let love in. Things turn around and the connection between them is too strong to ignore. A brilliant story, tender, heartwarming and with some funny scenes. I enjoyed the writing style, how the story developed, the charismatic characters, how the two countries differ in culture, the amazing two animals and of course the end. I definitely recommend it!
In an instant everything in her life turns upside down. Now she has pushed away everyone and she hates Christmas. It only add to her guilt she has carried around for a long time. Fiona must learn to confront the painful past in order to let love in. Things turn around and the connection between them is too strong to ignore. A brilliant story, tender, heartwarming and with some funny scenes. I enjoyed the writing style, how the story developed, the charismatic characters, how the two countries differ in culture, the amazing two animals and of course the end. I definitely recommend it!
January 22, 2018
“Holme For The Holidays (Americans Abroad #2)” is the second book I’ve listened to this week narrated by Stephanie Murphy, and she gave a great performance with this sweet story. It’s also the second book I’ve listened to recently that features a vicar in a small english village! Plus, there’s a lovable dog named Madeline, a llama named Dolly (get it?) and lots of very funny events!
Despite liking the narrator, I must warn you that the book suffers from terribly distracting poor audio quality throughout the recording. Audible and authors need to do a much better job reviewing a narrator’s submission before releasing it if they don’t want books returned.
The book opens with a couple of common lesfic themes: MC Paige is abruptly abandoned by her girlfriend, and MC Fiona’s partner dies suddenly. Fast forward a year, and Paige finds herself in Holmes, having house swapped with Fiona’s brother for a chance to get away and rebuild a sense of self-worth. Instalust ensues at The Black Fleece Inn, and what was supposed to be an esteem rebuilding one-night-stand for both of them grows into more over the next many weeks.
There are lots of very funny moments in the book, and it was very enjoyable watching their romance grow. Paige, in many ways, is very similar to Fiona’s deceased partner, and Fiona is determined to work harder to be a better partner in this new chance for a relationship. Paige is concerned that Fiona may be similar to her own former gf Veronica. Veronica dispels that notion herself!
The themes of miscommunication and second chances are handled deftly, and “Holme For The Holidays” delivers plenty of sweetness with a holiday theme. The village of Holme is an actual place, btw, and on the author’s blog she includes photos of the village and the actual inn on which the fictional “Black Fleece” is based. Between Holmes and Axedale (from Jenny Frame’s books), I really really want to visit a small english village!!!
I guessed at a matter of villainy just before it was exposed, but the book surprised me by not ending as I figured it would. I don’t want to give it away, but Miranda MacLeod avoided the temptation to wrap up their relationship in an easy bow and ribbon, and included a final chapter that really made sense for the characters, acknowledging that they had grown as individuals; it made their HEA all the more believable. A very strong 4* for “Holme For The Holidays”, and if not for the annoying technical flaws with the audio, I’d happily re-listen to it and provide a 5* rating, but I’m subtracting a star for the audio quality despite a great narrative voice.
Despite liking the narrator, I must warn you that the book suffers from terribly distracting poor audio quality throughout the recording. Audible and authors need to do a much better job reviewing a narrator’s submission before releasing it if they don’t want books returned.
The book opens with a couple of common lesfic themes: MC Paige is abruptly abandoned by her girlfriend, and MC Fiona’s partner dies suddenly. Fast forward a year, and Paige finds herself in Holmes, having house swapped with Fiona’s brother for a chance to get away and rebuild a sense of self-worth. Instalust ensues at The Black Fleece Inn, and what was supposed to be an esteem rebuilding one-night-stand for both of them grows into more over the next many weeks.
There are lots of very funny moments in the book, and it was very enjoyable watching their romance grow. Paige, in many ways, is very similar to Fiona’s deceased partner, and Fiona is determined to work harder to be a better partner in this new chance for a relationship. Paige is concerned that Fiona may be similar to her own former gf Veronica. Veronica dispels that notion herself!
The themes of miscommunication and second chances are handled deftly, and “Holme For The Holidays” delivers plenty of sweetness with a holiday theme. The village of Holme is an actual place, btw, and on the author’s blog she includes photos of the village and the actual inn on which the fictional “Black Fleece” is based. Between Holmes and Axedale (from Jenny Frame’s books), I really really want to visit a small english village!!!
I guessed at a matter of villainy just before it was exposed, but the book surprised me by not ending as I figured it would. I don’t want to give it away, but Miranda MacLeod avoided the temptation to wrap up their relationship in an easy bow and ribbon, and included a final chapter that really made sense for the characters, acknowledging that they had grown as individuals; it made their HEA all the more believable. A very strong 4* for “Holme For The Holidays”, and if not for the annoying technical flaws with the audio, I’d happily re-listen to it and provide a 5* rating, but I’m subtracting a star for the audio quality despite a great narrative voice.
April 19, 2017
Two broken people come together under very unusual circumstances and mend each other. Well, I certainly recognise this theme as not an unusual one. The unusual thing here is the way the story unravels. And I must say that I enjoy the way this author is able to let her characters come to life, to let the reader fall in love with their quirks and weaknesses instead of praising their "gorgeous bodies". If you enjoy a beautiful love story and some Christmas spirit - this is the read for you.
January 5, 2018
Very nice romantic comedy. It was very funny, it had me laughing out loud many times, and the relationship between the two main characters was very charming.
Great Christmas read :)
Great Christmas read :)
November 30, 2020
Kindle Unlimited. Although these are set in a 'series' they are actually stand alone. The only link is that they feature an American lesbian finding love abroad.
For me the initial premise of Paige 'house swapping' with someone in Yorkshire was incredibly thin and something you shouldn't think too much about, because it makes less and less sense the more you think on it. I do wish the author could have made the premise a bit more feasible, but anywho.
Both protagonists are hurting from previous relationships. Paige had been a spineless lapdog for a girlfriend who never put her first, and whom she decided to always conform to. Infact she still keeps running after her, even though they've been broken up for a year! Her best friend decides getting some distance will surely help her. (I'd recommend therapy, but that's just me.)
Fiona on the other hand is grieving her spouse's unexpected death a year ago and struggling with the running of what was her spouses farm and pub. She feels a lot of guilt for having put herself and her career in singing first, and neglecting her partner. But she hasn't a clue how to move forward and has been relying too much on her brother to run things, so he decides to up and leave her 'for her own good' to make her take some responsibility, thus setting off the house swap portion of our story.
One thing I didn't like was the brothers attitude to his sister quote 'being in a funk' and suggesting she start dating again. IT'S JUST BEEN A YEAR? WTF? I totally get she's not coping well, and needed some sort of kick in the pants to have her take some responsibility - but is upping and leaving someone the way to do it? Again my recommendation of therapy over whatever this was, was crying out. lol. As was my desire for the premise to make more sense than it did! But I digress, just swallow and go along for the ride AM!
The two are fun together, both sweet and vulnerable and very attracted to eachother. Infact they literally go to bed together the first night they meet. Then decide to just try and be friends when they realize the living arrangements. Both also admit to feeling an attachment to the other, despite not wanting to have feels for something temporary, and after all the hurts they've already been through and are still reeling from. But What they have keeps blooming, moving into genuine friendship and affection, taking care of each other, kisses and more love-making. It's all very lovely. So you do root for them to have that HEA.
There is some drama from outside influences and also a tiny speck of miscommunication, but it's all settled very quickly and easily, which I prefered. There's a nice epilogue a year later and I liked the way it was handled.
For me the initial premise of Paige 'house swapping' with someone in Yorkshire was incredibly thin and something you shouldn't think too much about, because it makes less and less sense the more you think on it. I do wish the author could have made the premise a bit more feasible, but anywho.
Both protagonists are hurting from previous relationships. Paige had been a spineless lapdog for a girlfriend who never put her first, and whom she decided to always conform to. Infact she still keeps running after her, even though they've been broken up for a year! Her best friend decides getting some distance will surely help her. (I'd recommend therapy, but that's just me.)
Fiona on the other hand is grieving her spouse's unexpected death a year ago and struggling with the running of what was her spouses farm and pub. She feels a lot of guilt for having put herself and her career in singing first, and neglecting her partner. But she hasn't a clue how to move forward and has been relying too much on her brother to run things, so he decides to up and leave her 'for her own good' to make her take some responsibility, thus setting off the house swap portion of our story.
One thing I didn't like was the brothers attitude to his sister quote 'being in a funk' and suggesting she start dating again. IT'S JUST BEEN A YEAR? WTF? I totally get she's not coping well, and needed some sort of kick in the pants to have her take some responsibility - but is upping and leaving someone the way to do it? Again my recommendation of therapy over whatever this was, was crying out. lol. As was my desire for the premise to make more sense than it did! But I digress, just swallow and go along for the ride AM!
The two are fun together, both sweet and vulnerable and very attracted to eachother. Infact they literally go to bed together the first night they meet. Then decide to just try and be friends when they realize the living arrangements. Both also admit to feeling an attachment to the other, despite not wanting to have feels for something temporary, and after all the hurts they've already been through and are still reeling from. But What they have keeps blooming, moving into genuine friendship and affection, taking care of each other, kisses and more love-making. It's all very lovely. So you do root for them to have that HEA.
There is some drama from outside influences and also a tiny speck of miscommunication, but it's all settled very quickly and easily, which I prefered. There's a nice epilogue a year later and I liked the way it was handled.
December 25, 2020
She wished she knew the secret to honoring what she’d lost and rejoicing in what she’d found in equal measure.
A pretty solid romantic comedy with a good dash of angst. This one didn't bowl me over in any particular way, but it still hit all the correct emotional beats of a good romance, and there were no big glaring faults that come to mind immediately. Several things about it just made me smile. I guess that a particular forte of MacLeod's. The last book I read by her also had a really good dash of humour to it. And it was a nice trope-y formula: an American and a Brit, one who recently lost her girlfriend, and another who just disentangled herself from her terrible girlfriend, meet and form a connection over Christmas in England.
This mostly takes place in a small town, which I always really like to read. Paige and Fiona both have their demons to wrestle with, things about their former relationships that they have to tackle and confront if they want to make this one work. The novel covers grief and guilt and emotional abuse and emotional independence. The author handles it all competently enough, without ever really sacrificing the overall light-hearted humorous feel of the novel. Both heroines come from musical backgrounds, and that provides a point of commonality for them, and forms a basis for part of the plot.
As you can tell from the rating, I didn't absolutely adore this one, but I still had a nice time with it. The story had good bones, but I think I would have needed a little more meat in order to connect with the characters more. Quite good overall.
abandon-ship-books
December 8, 2023Nothing says holiday romance like sex with a random stranger... no wait, no it doesn't.
DNF
DNF
February 11, 2022
Another enjoyable read by this author. It was funny and the characters were memorable.
Look forward to what's next in this series. By the way each of the books in the series are standalone.
Look forward to what's next in this series. By the way each of the books in the series are standalone.
December 16, 2023
Holme for the Holidays by Miranda Macleod
Trigger Warnings: homophobia, past death of a parent, cancer/terminal illness, past death of a partner, alcohol, cursing, sex, injury, gaslighting, toxic ex, colorism, homophobia
Representation: Lesbian, Person of Color
Holme for the Holidays is a Lesbian romantic comedy that will fill your heart with holiday cheer. An American musician with a broken heart meets a local farmer with a hidden past on a holiday house swap in Yorkshire.
A country cottage is the last place Paige expected to spend the holidays, but a year after her girlfriend dumped her, her life is in shambles. A last minute house swap sends her from California to Yorkshire to put her life back on track. She doesn't believe in forever anymore, but when she meets a raven haired beauty in the local pub, she seizes the chance for a night of fun.
On the brink of fame and fortune, Fiona suffered an unthinkable loss, and a year later she's given up on singing, and just about everything else. When the brother she relies on too much skips town “for her own good” and loans his cottage to a stranger for the holidays, her life is turned upside down. She knows she can't make a new relationship work, but when she meets a purple haired American at the local pub, she figures it wouldn't hurt to blow off some steam.
They never meant to see each other again, yet from the very first morning when the vicar comes to call and Paige gets mowed down by a runaway llama, they just can't seem to escape their lives becoming increasingly, and hilariously, entwined. And when a series of calamities threatens Christmas in Holme village, the two must work together to save the day, and maybe find true love along the way.
A year ago, their lives fell apart. Can a bit of Christmas magic help them build a new life together?
This is a simple and charming love story with a very Christmas-sy theme. The author plots a decent story, but the character development lacked a bit. While this story lacked in humor, it still provides a holiday romance despite having a heavy backstory. The author’s inclusion of the guilt that comes with death is handled very well and allows the grief to be less of the focus. Though self-punishment, guilt, grief, and low self-esteem play a role in the story, the read is also peppered with humor and we get an engaging and positive romance with believable characters. The book sometimes felt a little long but I enjoyed the investment into the dialogue and both Paige and Fiona are likable and easy to root for! Overall, this is another great Christmas romance to read!
Trigger Warnings: homophobia, past death of a parent, cancer/terminal illness, past death of a partner, alcohol, cursing, sex, injury, gaslighting, toxic ex, colorism, homophobia
Representation: Lesbian, Person of Color
Holme for the Holidays is a Lesbian romantic comedy that will fill your heart with holiday cheer. An American musician with a broken heart meets a local farmer with a hidden past on a holiday house swap in Yorkshire.
A country cottage is the last place Paige expected to spend the holidays, but a year after her girlfriend dumped her, her life is in shambles. A last minute house swap sends her from California to Yorkshire to put her life back on track. She doesn't believe in forever anymore, but when she meets a raven haired beauty in the local pub, she seizes the chance for a night of fun.
On the brink of fame and fortune, Fiona suffered an unthinkable loss, and a year later she's given up on singing, and just about everything else. When the brother she relies on too much skips town “for her own good” and loans his cottage to a stranger for the holidays, her life is turned upside down. She knows she can't make a new relationship work, but when she meets a purple haired American at the local pub, she figures it wouldn't hurt to blow off some steam.
They never meant to see each other again, yet from the very first morning when the vicar comes to call and Paige gets mowed down by a runaway llama, they just can't seem to escape their lives becoming increasingly, and hilariously, entwined. And when a series of calamities threatens Christmas in Holme village, the two must work together to save the day, and maybe find true love along the way.
A year ago, their lives fell apart. Can a bit of Christmas magic help them build a new life together?
This is a simple and charming love story with a very Christmas-sy theme. The author plots a decent story, but the character development lacked a bit. While this story lacked in humor, it still provides a holiday romance despite having a heavy backstory. The author’s inclusion of the guilt that comes with death is handled very well and allows the grief to be less of the focus. Though self-punishment, guilt, grief, and low self-esteem play a role in the story, the read is also peppered with humor and we get an engaging and positive romance with believable characters. The book sometimes felt a little long but I enjoyed the investment into the dialogue and both Paige and Fiona are likable and easy to root for! Overall, this is another great Christmas romance to read!
December 14, 2019
I've listened to this audiobook as part of LezReviewBooks 12 Lesbian Audiobooks of Christmas Challenge
Paige is an American musician with a broken heart who decides to swap her home in California for an extended stay in Yorkshire. There she meets Fiona, an intriguing farmer, and owner of a pub. They engage in a one night stand thinking they won’t see each other again without realising that they are next-door neighbours. As they get to know each other, it gets increasingly harder to deny their powerful attraction. Will they be able to have a happily ever after?
This is book 2 of Miranda Macleod’s ‘Americans abroad’ series featuring American women finding love abroad. They are all romantic comedies with sweet stories humorous situations and some soul-searching. This particular story takes place in Yorkshire, England a few weeks before Christmas. The author exploits the differences between America and Britain in traditions and language but also finds common ground between the main characters. Even though this story deals with some serious issues like bereavement and life choices, the general tone of the novel is light, hopeful and full of Christmas spirit.
The audiobook is narrated by Stephanie Murphy, who narrates the rest of the series. I found that her voice and pace were a perfect match for the light tone of the story. However, the voices of the different characters weren’t distinguishable enough in pitch and accent. It’s not a big issue as it is easy enough to follow the dialogues without getting lost on who says what but I personally prefer them more different. Despite that, I enjoyed the overall result.
Available on Audible Escape. Duration: 7 hrs and 34 mins
Overall, a good installment of the lesbian romance series, sweet and hopeful with a satisfactory narration. 4 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
Paige is an American musician with a broken heart who decides to swap her home in California for an extended stay in Yorkshire. There she meets Fiona, an intriguing farmer, and owner of a pub. They engage in a one night stand thinking they won’t see each other again without realising that they are next-door neighbours. As they get to know each other, it gets increasingly harder to deny their powerful attraction. Will they be able to have a happily ever after?
This is book 2 of Miranda Macleod’s ‘Americans abroad’ series featuring American women finding love abroad. They are all romantic comedies with sweet stories humorous situations and some soul-searching. This particular story takes place in Yorkshire, England a few weeks before Christmas. The author exploits the differences between America and Britain in traditions and language but also finds common ground between the main characters. Even though this story deals with some serious issues like bereavement and life choices, the general tone of the novel is light, hopeful and full of Christmas spirit.
The audiobook is narrated by Stephanie Murphy, who narrates the rest of the series. I found that her voice and pace were a perfect match for the light tone of the story. However, the voices of the different characters weren’t distinguishable enough in pitch and accent. It’s not a big issue as it is easy enough to follow the dialogues without getting lost on who says what but I personally prefer them more different. Despite that, I enjoyed the overall result.
Available on Audible Escape. Duration: 7 hrs and 34 mins
Overall, a good installment of the lesbian romance series, sweet and hopeful with a satisfactory narration. 4 stars.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
December 21, 2025
Holme for the Holidays
Yea, I cried in the beginning. It's like "The Holiday," but make it sapphic.
There's a toxic ex, a guard Llama named Dolly, and a cute dog named Maxine. All tucked in a small farm town in Yorkshire. Seriously, all the makings of an English Christmas romance. Loved it! 🫶🏽
Yea, I cried in the beginning. It's like "The Holiday," but make it sapphic.
There's a toxic ex, a guard Llama named Dolly, and a cute dog named Maxine. All tucked in a small farm town in Yorkshire. Seriously, all the makings of an English Christmas romance. Loved it! 🫶🏽
January 7, 2017
A charming read for the holidays!
August 9, 2019
I really liked this story. Loved the setting, characters and of course the happy ending
December 11, 2017
OK, this is about the biggest dollop of pure squee I've gobbled up in a long time. It also has some good thoughts in it, so it's not pure fairy floss. The book opens in a San Francisco apartment, right before Thanksgiving, and introduces us to the rather manipulative Veronica (a violinist) who is breaking up with her long-time girlfriend Paige (a pianist) beside the sink where the 27-pound turkey is defrosting. (Gee, thanks Veronica; I'm glad the book is about Paige, not you.)
Meanwhile, in the Sydney Opera House (that's in Australia), talented soprano Fiona is just winning a major life-changing vocal competition when she learns that her girlfriend back in Yorkshire is seriously ill. There ya go: two neat young people who don't know one another, each on the cusp of personal tragedy... What could go right?
I read this pretty much in one long sitting on a lazy Sunday afternoon/evening beneath twinkly multi-colored Xmas lights above the mantel... It was exactly what I was looking for at the time. (Saw it Sunday morning on Bookbub for 99 cents, read the first paragraph and sort of didn't stop reading until I'd finished it mid-evening.)
It's super romantic and squishy and has musicians in it, so it hit a whole handful of my emo-buttons at once. I spent most of the time half in tears, so yeah... My rule of thumb is pretty much five stars if the author makes me cry.
Even though this carries a tiny logo in the front-matter that claims "Apple Blossom Press, Boston MA" that company has no web presence that I can find, so it seems to be a self-pub title. The writing and editing are both excellent. (OK, I spotted less than one handful of little typos, which I kept track of; so if someone needs them I can fork them over.)
Meanwhile, in the Sydney Opera House (that's in Australia), talented soprano Fiona is just winning a major life-changing vocal competition when she learns that her girlfriend back in Yorkshire is seriously ill. There ya go: two neat young people who don't know one another, each on the cusp of personal tragedy... What could go right?
I read this pretty much in one long sitting on a lazy Sunday afternoon/evening beneath twinkly multi-colored Xmas lights above the mantel... It was exactly what I was looking for at the time. (Saw it Sunday morning on Bookbub for 99 cents, read the first paragraph and sort of didn't stop reading until I'd finished it mid-evening.)
It's super romantic and squishy and has musicians in it, so it hit a whole handful of my emo-buttons at once. I spent most of the time half in tears, so yeah... My rule of thumb is pretty much five stars if the author makes me cry.
Even though this carries a tiny logo in the front-matter that claims "Apple Blossom Press, Boston MA" that company has no web presence that I can find, so it seems to be a self-pub title. The writing and editing are both excellent. (OK, I spotted less than one handful of little typos, which I kept track of; so if someone needs them I can fork them over.)
January 4, 2019
I meant to read this over the holiday but it got lost in the shuffle, so I blew through it in a day. It was a nice story, nothing ground breaking, very reminiscent of the movie "The Holiday" but the lesbian version. I didn't really get "the feels" from it, but it was an easy, light read with not a lot of drama. I put it firmly between "It was ok" and "I liked it."
September 15, 2017
Fluffy vacation book. More enjoyable than the first in the unconnected series, Waltzing on the Danube. I liked that it was set around Thanksgiving and Christmases. I'm a sucker for those holidays though! Also there was more character depth to this one than Waltzing.
December 28, 2020
2.5 rounded up. I think I am generally an outlier as far as this one goes. I think I've had it on my kindle for a year but it kept getting lost in all the other titles. It is all too easy to lose track on a kindle when books are added on a weekly/daily basis. Anyhoo...
The Start.
Paige acts like a doormat to her less than stellar GF. That said, Paige seems somewhat delusional about the relationship and makes arrangements that may/or may not include the GF's wishes. They split up.
Fiona is a singer - unspecified details etc etc. And her GF is diagnosed as having cancer whilst she is performing half a world away. Then dies.
So the first 10% is a world of misery all around. This is not a problem, but it didn't seem to add that much to the rest of the story.
I couldn't engage with the characters at first, and whilst I felt some resonance with Fiona, there was not enough time to get close to her before we fast forward into the future to get into the rather angsty romance.
For me, none of it gelled together, although some scenes were super.
The Start.
Paige acts like a doormat to her less than stellar GF. That said, Paige seems somewhat delusional about the relationship and makes arrangements that may/or may not include the GF's wishes. They split up.
Fiona is a singer - unspecified details etc etc. And her GF is diagnosed as having cancer whilst she is performing half a world away. Then dies.
So the first 10% is a world of misery all around. This is not a problem, but it didn't seem to add that much to the rest of the story.
I couldn't engage with the characters at first, and whilst I felt some resonance with Fiona, there was not enough time to get close to her before we fast forward into the future to get into the rather angsty romance.
For me, none of it gelled together, although some scenes were super.
May 21, 2023
Holme for the Holidays
This Christmas story was fun. Miranda Macleod had me laughing out loud several times throughout the book. Both MCs are healing, but find solstice with each other. The chemistry is strong. There was little angst. I look forward to the next in series.
This Christmas story was fun. Miranda Macleod had me laughing out loud several times throughout the book. Both MCs are healing, but find solstice with each other. The chemistry is strong. There was little angst. I look forward to the next in series.
August 11, 2018
This was much better than #1. I enjoyed the setting and the characters. Sure some of the whirlwind solutions to long-term problems were a tad unrealistic, but it's a holiday rom-com.
December 18, 2020
A cozy and sweet read!
Reminiscent of the movie, The Holiday, this sapphic holiday romance is sweet and makes a winter vacation in the cold English countryside sound like a cozy idea. Add in the fuzzy antics of a llama/canine rivalry and you’ve got this cozy holiday read!
Reminiscent of the movie, The Holiday, this sapphic holiday romance is sweet and makes a winter vacation in the cold English countryside sound like a cozy idea. Add in the fuzzy antics of a llama/canine rivalry and you’ve got this cozy holiday read!
books-i-ll-most-likely-never-finish
December 29, 2018DNF at 17%. Don’t really like either if the main characters, so not really motivated to continue. Even the Yorkshire setting can’t get me to stick with it.
January 9, 2017
Definitely worth the read!!
It's been a while since I've read a book that made me laugh out loud, so if you are in the mood for a romantic, feel good story with a dash of humor, buy a copy and get reading!
It's been a while since I've read a book that made me laugh out loud, so if you are in the mood for a romantic, feel good story with a dash of humor, buy a copy and get reading!
March 4, 2021
It were right grand.
I've been to Holmefirth, next to Holme, a few times, but never got that lucky in a pub. I'll have to cross the Penines a few more times and keep my fingers crossed. A great Christmas story.
I've been to Holmefirth, next to Holme, a few times, but never got that lucky in a pub. I'll have to cross the Penines a few more times and keep my fingers crossed. A great Christmas story.
December 18, 2024
Holme for the Holidays takes its time to find its charm. Readers first have to wade through a rather heavy start, with Paige recovering from a messy breakup and Fiona grappling with the devastating loss of her partner—one made even more tragic by Fiona breaking the last promise she made to them. These early chapters are emotional and set the stage for the traditional holiday house-swap trope, though this story focuses solely on the happenings in Yorkshire.
Once the plot kicks into gear, the humor and budding romance begin to shine, transforming the narrative into a cozy, if occasionally chaotic, holiday tale. Paige and Fiona’s initial meeting at a pub and the subsequent series of mishaps—including a runaway llama—inject levity into the story, and the quirky village setting adds a dash of small-town charm.
That said, the journey to happily-ever-after isn’t all warm fuzzies. The characters face racism, homophobia, and even an episode of gaslighting, which might be challenging for some readers. While these moments lend weight and realism to the story, they also contrast sharply with the otherwise lighthearted tone, making it feel uneven at times.
My biggest gripe is the rushed ending. After all the emotional buildup, the story skips forward a year, leaving readers to piece together how Paige and Fiona have been navigating their relationship day-to-day. While there’s a brief explanation, it feels like we’ve missed out on the deeper emotional work that makes their happily-ever-after believable. This kind of rushed resolution is a common issue in books, but it stood out here given the heavier themes introduced early on.
Still, Holme for the Holidays has its moments of holiday magic, and the central romance is sweet enough to keep fans of sapphic rom-coms engaged. Just be prepared for a bumpy start and take care if the more serious themes might hit close to home.
Once the plot kicks into gear, the humor and budding romance begin to shine, transforming the narrative into a cozy, if occasionally chaotic, holiday tale. Paige and Fiona’s initial meeting at a pub and the subsequent series of mishaps—including a runaway llama—inject levity into the story, and the quirky village setting adds a dash of small-town charm.
That said, the journey to happily-ever-after isn’t all warm fuzzies. The characters face racism, homophobia, and even an episode of gaslighting, which might be challenging for some readers. While these moments lend weight and realism to the story, they also contrast sharply with the otherwise lighthearted tone, making it feel uneven at times.
My biggest gripe is the rushed ending. After all the emotional buildup, the story skips forward a year, leaving readers to piece together how Paige and Fiona have been navigating their relationship day-to-day. While there’s a brief explanation, it feels like we’ve missed out on the deeper emotional work that makes their happily-ever-after believable. This kind of rushed resolution is a common issue in books, but it stood out here given the heavier themes introduced early on.
Still, Holme for the Holidays has its moments of holiday magic, and the central romance is sweet enough to keep fans of sapphic rom-coms engaged. Just be prepared for a bumpy start and take care if the more serious themes might hit close to home.
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