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Around the World With My Ex
It’s the trip of a lifetime – with just one catch!
Aspiring travel writer Mia Walker dreams of covering dream destinations for a living. So when she’s offered the chance to write a romantic travel piece, taking in turquoise oceans, tropical beaches, and a fairy-tale Scottish wedding, she knows it’s the opportunity she’s been waiting for.
It’s the trip of a lifetime… but it comes with a catch. The photographer who’ll be travelling with her is Hunter Scott, who Mia last saw five years ago – when she ended their engagement!
Mia knows she’d be mad to say no – even if it does mean traveling the world with the one man she never wanted to see again! But, whether it’s the stunning locations or the wedding on the horizon, Mia soon finds herself wishing she hadn’t cancelled her own engagement after all…
Previously published as The Christmas Holiday
Aspiring travel writer Mia Walker dreams of covering dream destinations for a living. So when she’s offered the chance to write a romantic travel piece, taking in turquoise oceans, tropical beaches, and a fairy-tale Scottish wedding, she knows it’s the opportunity she’s been waiting for.
It’s the trip of a lifetime… but it comes with a catch. The photographer who’ll be travelling with her is Hunter Scott, who Mia last saw five years ago – when she ended their engagement!
Mia knows she’d be mad to say no – even if it does mean traveling the world with the one man she never wanted to see again! But, whether it’s the stunning locations or the wedding on the horizon, Mia soon finds herself wishing she hadn’t cancelled her own engagement after all…
Previously published as The Christmas Holiday
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2017
481 people are currently reading
800 people want to read
About the author
Maxine Morrey
38 books308 followersMaxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. Coming in first, she won a handful of book tokens – perfect for a bookworm!
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 14, 2017
When Mia Walker is called in and offered what is basically a travel writer's dream job of taking part in an around the world trip to document a couple that will wed at the end of the trip she is more than excited. What Mia didn't count on though was the photographer that has been hired to accompany the group on the trip is none other than her ex-fiancee Hunter Scott. Mia hasn't seen Hunter for five years since the end of their engagement but still plans to make the most of the incredible opportunity.
When Hunter finds that Mia has been requested for the trip he does everything he can to convince the couple to use someone else for the job but they are set on Mia. If Mia wasn't already worried about spending time with Hunter his resistance certainly didn't help matters but for the next two months they will have to learn to work together and make the most of the opportunity.
The Christmas Holiday by Maxine Morrey was one that while I thought I would absolutely love this contemporary romance it was another of those books that I went back and forth on while reading the story. My dilemma started with the relationship itself between Mia and Hunter, there shared history is something that I love to have added into a story to not make a romance feel rushed or insta-lovey plus they had a couple months coming up to give plenty of time together. But on the flip side of that the angst between them started off cutesy and even funny but in my opinion their clashing lasted a bit too long in the book and would have preferred getting to the make up a bit sooner.
Also, another debated on thing in here was the use of the trip around the world as the setting for the story. This immediately appealed to me as I love the idea of traveling to just about anywhere and don't get the opportunity to do so very often so virtually traveling along with the characters is always at the top of my list of fun reads. However again there was a downside to this as I wish the author had incorporated more of the locations into the story perhaps replacing a bit of the back and forth to balance things out.
But with both issues it is all a matter of personal taste and I would certainly read something by Maxine Morrey again as the writing style was fine and I did enjoy the story to some degree. In the end I decided to give this one 3.5 stars overall and would still recommend checking it out if you think it sounds like one you'd enjoy.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
When Hunter finds that Mia has been requested for the trip he does everything he can to convince the couple to use someone else for the job but they are set on Mia. If Mia wasn't already worried about spending time with Hunter his resistance certainly didn't help matters but for the next two months they will have to learn to work together and make the most of the opportunity.
The Christmas Holiday by Maxine Morrey was one that while I thought I would absolutely love this contemporary romance it was another of those books that I went back and forth on while reading the story. My dilemma started with the relationship itself between Mia and Hunter, there shared history is something that I love to have added into a story to not make a romance feel rushed or insta-lovey plus they had a couple months coming up to give plenty of time together. But on the flip side of that the angst between them started off cutesy and even funny but in my opinion their clashing lasted a bit too long in the book and would have preferred getting to the make up a bit sooner.
Also, another debated on thing in here was the use of the trip around the world as the setting for the story. This immediately appealed to me as I love the idea of traveling to just about anywhere and don't get the opportunity to do so very often so virtually traveling along with the characters is always at the top of my list of fun reads. However again there was a downside to this as I wish the author had incorporated more of the locations into the story perhaps replacing a bit of the back and forth to balance things out.
But with both issues it is all a matter of personal taste and I would certainly read something by Maxine Morrey again as the writing style was fine and I did enjoy the story to some degree. In the end I decided to give this one 3.5 stars overall and would still recommend checking it out if you think it sounds like one you'd enjoy.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
September 22, 2017
This is a delightful second chance journey to love where readers are treated to join Liv and Sandy on their pre-wedding holiday around the world for a couple of months accompanied by their friend, photographer Hunter Scott, and a journalist - and Hunter’s ex - Mia Walker. Mia is working on the weddings section of the newspaper, hoping she’ll get considered for a job as a travel journalist soon. When her boss offers her the opportunity to spend two months travelling the world with his daughter and her husband-to-be, chronicling events for them and writing articles on places they visit, Mia jumps at the chance. That’s when she discovers the photographer accompanying them will be Hunter. It is almost five years ago since their engagement ended and Hunter has made a name for himself and can choose which jobs to take on and he also makes it very clear he’d rather a different journalist joined the journey! After such an inauspicious start, will there be any chance of rekindling their romance or is it now almost five years too late?
This is a lighthearted, fun read with a slow rekindling of romance after much reticence, angst and turmoil. There are secrets to be revealed, the past to be revisited and some fantastic locations around the world to be explored - as well as the romance. It is a well paced second chance romance, a very enjoyable page turner to get you ready for more festive reads to come! Most of the events in the story are pre-Christmas and it has certainly ensured I’ll be looking out for more from this author’s soon to be released second Christmas book for this year (The Best Little Christmas Shop - due to be published on November 3rd, 2017)!
This is a lighthearted, fun read with a slow rekindling of romance after much reticence, angst and turmoil. There are secrets to be revealed, the past to be revisited and some fantastic locations around the world to be explored - as well as the romance. It is a well paced second chance romance, a very enjoyable page turner to get you ready for more festive reads to come! Most of the events in the story are pre-Christmas and it has certainly ensured I’ll be looking out for more from this author’s soon to be released second Christmas book for this year (The Best Little Christmas Shop - due to be published on November 3rd, 2017)!
September 17, 2017
Want to travel around the world for two months in the run up to a Christmas Wedding? Want to take your own top notch photographer and journalist with you, to document the trip? Or better still do you want to be a fly on the wall of this trip, from the comfort of your own home, travelling virtually on this trip with Liv, Sandy, Mia and Hunter? Well thats exactly what will happen when you read the Christmas Holiday.
It is an enjoyable story of travel, romance, new experiences, and two exes that perhaps shouldn't be working together. It is clear no matter what Hunter and Mia say that there is still a spark of something between then, but its also clear that 5 years can make a difference to a person.
I absolutely loved all the travel elements, especially taking in India and Malaysia. In all the places visited they four have some fantastic experiences, from kayaking alongside manatees, to the Taj Mahal to some beautiful snowy scenes, not to mention the rains in Malaysia.
Its a mix of fun, plus also just what is Hunter keeping hidden from Mia? I loved Olivia and Sandy, especially how kind and down to earth they seem despite being ridiculously rich. They are simply wonderful people and I enjoyed reading about them.
I'd say this book has more of a focus on the holiday than Christmas, which is fine as its still early in the year to be reading heavy Christmas books, and I enjoy holidays. The writing is engaging and I was swept away by parts of the story, and didn't want to stop reading it at any point.
This is a light and fun book to read, and its already whetted my appetite for Maxine Morrey's second Christmas book for the year.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
It is an enjoyable story of travel, romance, new experiences, and two exes that perhaps shouldn't be working together. It is clear no matter what Hunter and Mia say that there is still a spark of something between then, but its also clear that 5 years can make a difference to a person.
I absolutely loved all the travel elements, especially taking in India and Malaysia. In all the places visited they four have some fantastic experiences, from kayaking alongside manatees, to the Taj Mahal to some beautiful snowy scenes, not to mention the rains in Malaysia.
Its a mix of fun, plus also just what is Hunter keeping hidden from Mia? I loved Olivia and Sandy, especially how kind and down to earth they seem despite being ridiculously rich. They are simply wonderful people and I enjoyed reading about them.
I'd say this book has more of a focus on the holiday than Christmas, which is fine as its still early in the year to be reading heavy Christmas books, and I enjoy holidays. The writing is engaging and I was swept away by parts of the story, and didn't want to stop reading it at any point.
This is a light and fun book to read, and its already whetted my appetite for Maxine Morrey's second Christmas book for the year.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
September 22, 2017
Oh my, The Christmas Holiday is so heart warming and beautiful. Its a fantastic romantic comedy.
The characters are really easy to love and you feel like you have known them years. I had a huge smile on my face when Mia is given the opportunity of her dreams as a travel writer, she is delighted but she learns that the photographer accompanying her on the trip is her ex fiance Hunter. It is really clear that there still is a spark between them and they have plenty of chemistry together, so it is really interesting to see what happens between them if something does happen.
I absolutely loved the holiday itself and hearing of all the places that they visit and the activities that they take part in. Its such an amazing opportunity that they have been given and it made me so jealous.
The perfect book to curl up with at night.
Last year I started reading Maxine's previous books and I really enjoyed them. I love her style of writing, it is exciting and you really feel part of the stories. The christmas holiday was every bit like I imagined it to be and I am so excited for future releases by Maxine Morrey.
The characters are really easy to love and you feel like you have known them years. I had a huge smile on my face when Mia is given the opportunity of her dreams as a travel writer, she is delighted but she learns that the photographer accompanying her on the trip is her ex fiance Hunter. It is really clear that there still is a spark between them and they have plenty of chemistry together, so it is really interesting to see what happens between them if something does happen.
I absolutely loved the holiday itself and hearing of all the places that they visit and the activities that they take part in. Its such an amazing opportunity that they have been given and it made me so jealous.
The perfect book to curl up with at night.
Last year I started reading Maxine's previous books and I really enjoyed them. I love her style of writing, it is exciting and you really feel part of the stories. The christmas holiday was every bit like I imagined it to be and I am so excited for future releases by Maxine Morrey.
October 26, 2017
Sometimes a book is just such a lovely surprise, more then what you’d expected. I love when that happens! This was my experience with The Christmas Holiday by Maxine Morrey.
After years of paying her journalist dues Mia Walker finally gets her big break when her boss asks her to accompany his daughter and fiancé on a pre-wedding trip. Along with documenting the trip for the couple she will get the chance to finally write some travel pieces, her ultimate goal. There’s just one glitch. The renown photographer chosen for the assignment is her ex-fiancé. Hunter Scott has actively tried to have her removed from the assignment, thinks she’s in over her head, and still holds a grudge for her breaking things off. I was absolutely transported as Mia travels to India and experiences the culture for the first time. Hunter sees things again though her eyes. Ms Morrey doesn’t sacrifice the romance while bringing real depth and substance to these characters, and expertly using the location as a character itself. I do wish as they traveled more of the locations were highlighted more prominently. As the wedding approaches back in festive holiday London Mia and Hunter are torn between a complicated history and moving forward in the present. I really enjoyed this and recommend for those that crave winter themed holiday stories and lovers of romance.
I received an advanced reader copy (eGalley) from HQ Digital through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions.
After years of paying her journalist dues Mia Walker finally gets her big break when her boss asks her to accompany his daughter and fiancé on a pre-wedding trip. Along with documenting the trip for the couple she will get the chance to finally write some travel pieces, her ultimate goal. There’s just one glitch. The renown photographer chosen for the assignment is her ex-fiancé. Hunter Scott has actively tried to have her removed from the assignment, thinks she’s in over her head, and still holds a grudge for her breaking things off. I was absolutely transported as Mia travels to India and experiences the culture for the first time. Hunter sees things again though her eyes. Ms Morrey doesn’t sacrifice the romance while bringing real depth and substance to these characters, and expertly using the location as a character itself. I do wish as they traveled more of the locations were highlighted more prominently. As the wedding approaches back in festive holiday London Mia and Hunter are torn between a complicated history and moving forward in the present. I really enjoyed this and recommend for those that crave winter themed holiday stories and lovers of romance.
I received an advanced reader copy (eGalley) from HQ Digital through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions.
October 3, 2017
I had heard of this author many a time but never read any of her books and I will be reading more as I loved every second of reading it. Full of holidays and emotions along with romance so full of drama and so heartwarming to read. A real winter treat to curl up and read this book highly recommend it to anyone. Mia is a journalist and she really wants her break with writing as winter comes along and when she's given the chance when she is asked to travel and write about a romantic tail that will end in a huge wedding in London. She takes the offer up but learns she will be travelling with her ex who is a photographer but she knows it's to big to turn down so takes it up. How does she cope being with her ex who clearly still loves her but does the Christmas magic take hold and can she work things out with the one man she has always hated. She loves writing while out and about and meeting new people as well. Well worth reading.
September 28, 2023
A travel writer on a trip around the world
Mia is a journalist who has yearned for many years to obtain a job as a travel writer. She has been working as a lifestyle editor for a London publication for the past 5 years, writing articles about weddings and funerals. When her boss gives her an opportunity to travel around the world with his daughter and her fiance, writing a colorful piece about their adventures together in exotic locales, she sees this opportunity as the big break she has been longing for. Unfortunately, her ex-fiance, Hunter, who, in the 5 years they have been apart, has become a phenomenally successful photographer, has been hired for the same gig, because he is best friends with the bride's fiance.
The popular romance trope of a reunion between former lovers is not one of my favorites. Mainly because it is difficult for me to accept that the prime directive of the romance genre, that the protagonists must be soulmates, has been believably demonstrated, when they have abandoned each other for a long period of time, and amply consoled themselves with other lovers during their separation. However, readers who are fond of that trope might like this story, especially if they also enjoy extensive page space in the novel dedicated to descriptions of tourist sites in different exotic locales. Unfortunately, I found myself skimming most of this novel, because neither aspect of this novel held my attention.
Mia is a journalist who has yearned for many years to obtain a job as a travel writer. She has been working as a lifestyle editor for a London publication for the past 5 years, writing articles about weddings and funerals. When her boss gives her an opportunity to travel around the world with his daughter and her fiance, writing a colorful piece about their adventures together in exotic locales, she sees this opportunity as the big break she has been longing for. Unfortunately, her ex-fiance, Hunter, who, in the 5 years they have been apart, has become a phenomenally successful photographer, has been hired for the same gig, because he is best friends with the bride's fiance.
The popular romance trope of a reunion between former lovers is not one of my favorites. Mainly because it is difficult for me to accept that the prime directive of the romance genre, that the protagonists must be soulmates, has been believably demonstrated, when they have abandoned each other for a long period of time, and amply consoled themselves with other lovers during their separation. However, readers who are fond of that trope might like this story, especially if they also enjoy extensive page space in the novel dedicated to descriptions of tourist sites in different exotic locales. Unfortunately, I found myself skimming most of this novel, because neither aspect of this novel held my attention.
September 23, 2017
Mia totally ruined the book for me. She was so annoying. She would always keep on arguing and be defensive about everything.
The whole book went like that. I gave up the last 40 pages or so, couldn't tolerate more of her.
Since the book doesn't delve much into her past, I couldn't really understand her reasons for why she broke her engagement and since we only got her POV I didn't really know how Hunter felt.
I think Hunter deserved better.
The whole book went like that. I gave up the last 40 pages or so, couldn't tolerate more of her.
Since the book doesn't delve much into her past, I couldn't really understand her reasons for why she broke her engagement and since we only got her POV I didn't really know how Hunter felt.
I think Hunter deserved better.
September 6, 2017
Do you believe in second chances?
Oh my! What a sweet read this was. It really did pull at my heart-strings, making me cry at times. This is the first book by Maxine Morrey that I have read and I can honestly say it did not disappoint me.
In this story Mia Walker is a London journalist writing the wedding section of a magazine, gets called into her boss's office to write a piece or his daughter's upcoming wedding. If she does this piece she could become the next travel section author, a dream job she has been waiting for. The only catch is the photographer they picked is none other than Hunter Scott, National Geographic's own and her ex-fiance'.
Hunter is less than thrilled to be working with Mia and tries to get her thrown off the assignment to no avail. Mia just hangs in there, proving that she can do the job at any costs. The tensions run high and many arguments fly between the two, causing it to become difficult to handle. Can Mia hang in there and complete the task? Or will she give up her dream job to get away from Hunter and his anger?
This book was such and emotional read for me. I cried several times. The story between Mia and Hunter is so intense. The feelings they have bottled up come out so forcefully and all at once things come crashing down between them. It is a situation of people saying things in the heat of the moment and sometimes instantly wishing they could take it back, just to take away the hurt you see in the other person's eye. Hunter really puts that hurt in Mia's eyes a lot during the story.
Mia is such a stubborn individual. She hasn't exactly had an easy life and that has caused her to be one that looks out for herself. She really has a heart of gold and cares deeply for those around her. She really does try hard, but she has a hard time letting people do for her.
Hunter is scarred in many ways. He has been through and seen some things that have hurt him. He is so angry and against love. He has never truly healed from the pain Mia has caused him all those years ago. He never really let go of that anger and he really let that influence his actions against Mia.
The other characters in the book Liv and Sandeeg are so sweet and adorable. You can feel their love for one another in the way the author describes them and the things they do for one another. They are also very sweet and caring individuals and you can not help but fall in love instantly with them.
If you are looking for a sweet romantic read that reaches your heart. Then this is the book for you. You will be hooked from the beginning and feel as if you are in the story feeling all they feel. A Hallmark movie in the making. This is a cozy romantic read. Perfect for curling up in your favorite chair, with a glass of wine. I highly recommend, not only this book but the author as well. I guarantee you won't regret it.
*ARC provided by Neverland Book Tours, Netgalley and Maxine Morrey.
Oh my! What a sweet read this was. It really did pull at my heart-strings, making me cry at times. This is the first book by Maxine Morrey that I have read and I can honestly say it did not disappoint me.
In this story Mia Walker is a London journalist writing the wedding section of a magazine, gets called into her boss's office to write a piece or his daughter's upcoming wedding. If she does this piece she could become the next travel section author, a dream job she has been waiting for. The only catch is the photographer they picked is none other than Hunter Scott, National Geographic's own and her ex-fiance'.
Hunter is less than thrilled to be working with Mia and tries to get her thrown off the assignment to no avail. Mia just hangs in there, proving that she can do the job at any costs. The tensions run high and many arguments fly between the two, causing it to become difficult to handle. Can Mia hang in there and complete the task? Or will she give up her dream job to get away from Hunter and his anger?
This book was such and emotional read for me. I cried several times. The story between Mia and Hunter is so intense. The feelings they have bottled up come out so forcefully and all at once things come crashing down between them. It is a situation of people saying things in the heat of the moment and sometimes instantly wishing they could take it back, just to take away the hurt you see in the other person's eye. Hunter really puts that hurt in Mia's eyes a lot during the story.
Mia is such a stubborn individual. She hasn't exactly had an easy life and that has caused her to be one that looks out for herself. She really has a heart of gold and cares deeply for those around her. She really does try hard, but she has a hard time letting people do for her.
Hunter is scarred in many ways. He has been through and seen some things that have hurt him. He is so angry and against love. He has never truly healed from the pain Mia has caused him all those years ago. He never really let go of that anger and he really let that influence his actions against Mia.
The other characters in the book Liv and Sandeeg are so sweet and adorable. You can feel their love for one another in the way the author describes them and the things they do for one another. They are also very sweet and caring individuals and you can not help but fall in love instantly with them.
If you are looking for a sweet romantic read that reaches your heart. Then this is the book for you. You will be hooked from the beginning and feel as if you are in the story feeling all they feel. A Hallmark movie in the making. This is a cozy romantic read. Perfect for curling up in your favorite chair, with a glass of wine. I highly recommend, not only this book but the author as well. I guarantee you won't regret it.
*ARC provided by Neverland Book Tours, Netgalley and Maxine Morrey.
September 22, 2017
The Christmas Holiday is the first novel I’ve read by Maxine Morrey, and I’ve been missing out! Fabulously luxurious, sparkling rom-com with possibly the funniest scene I have ever come across, and never will I see or read about kayaking again without giggling!
This is a well-written and tremendously enjoyable novel. If you like travel in your books, then you’re in for a bumper treat in this one as the well-drawn and lively characters travel to a good few destinations and the writing is very descriptive. There are plenty of ups and downs both personally and relationship wise and with a gorgeous Christmas wedding to look forward to we are guaranteed of at least one happy outcome. But two? Well, that may just be a step too far.
This is a perfect book for the festive season, both to read and to give and I recommend it – happily!
I received an arc in exchange for my honest, original and unbiased review.
This is a well-written and tremendously enjoyable novel. If you like travel in your books, then you’re in for a bumper treat in this one as the well-drawn and lively characters travel to a good few destinations and the writing is very descriptive. There are plenty of ups and downs both personally and relationship wise and with a gorgeous Christmas wedding to look forward to we are guaranteed of at least one happy outcome. But two? Well, that may just be a step too far.
This is a perfect book for the festive season, both to read and to give and I recommend it – happily!
I received an arc in exchange for my honest, original and unbiased review.
February 26, 2021
Blog Review: https://trishadoeseverythingbutstudy2...
I liked it, but not as much as I had expected.
One of the main problems I had with this book was one of had with the book I'd read just before this, Notorious. The problem was that it was trying to be too many things it was not, or should not have been. Every character does not need to have a traumatic past or a traumatic experience to make them character.
I would honestly love a bit more of this incorporated in today's romances, giving people normal pasts, normal childhoods, normal parents. Not to say that people who do not have these are abnormal, but with characters, especially in rom-coms, which are things I read when I want to improve my mood, or to take a break from life, to take a break from books which require more brainpower; I dont want or need there to be anything more than what's necessary. And that includes traumatic pasts and experiences.
That is not to say that character with traumatic pasts are not interesting or intriguing or valid, but more to say that such characters are better suited to a genre other than rom-coms maybe, or if they are in rom-coms, we need not have all our major characters with issues.
Moving on from all of that, I loved the tourist aspect of this, but I wish it had been more explored. I loved the India part of their tour, but the Floridean and Malaysian and Scottish-island part of the holiday was just so glossed over. I wanted to know more about them too. I am an Indian so it was interesting to see India from an outsiders point of view, but I would have liked to see more of the other tourist destinations as well.
Yet another issue I had with this was the denial and the angst. I love angst, but there's a limit to the amount you can include onto a book without it seeming repetitive and filler and boring and unrealistic. This book could have been shorter and I would have still loved it equally as much, if not more.
Maybe another aspect of why I didn't love this was that I just don't like second chance romances as much as I like the out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-love-interest trope. I just don't like that as much.
On the whole I liked it a lot, and I will be continuing to read other books by Maxine Morrey. I recommend it to anyone who likes second chance romance, books with traveling and touristing (god knows I needed this after the awful year that this has been), denial, denial, and more denial, angst, angst, angst; characters with traumatic pasts that are appreciated but extra and wants to see a bit about touristing in India, because I can confirm as an Indian, that it was pretty well portrayed.
I liked it, but not as much as I had expected.
One of the main problems I had with this book was one of had with the book I'd read just before this, Notorious. The problem was that it was trying to be too many things it was not, or should not have been. Every character does not need to have a traumatic past or a traumatic experience to make them character.
I would honestly love a bit more of this incorporated in today's romances, giving people normal pasts, normal childhoods, normal parents. Not to say that people who do not have these are abnormal, but with characters, especially in rom-coms, which are things I read when I want to improve my mood, or to take a break from life, to take a break from books which require more brainpower; I dont want or need there to be anything more than what's necessary. And that includes traumatic pasts and experiences.
That is not to say that character with traumatic pasts are not interesting or intriguing or valid, but more to say that such characters are better suited to a genre other than rom-coms maybe, or if they are in rom-coms, we need not have all our major characters with issues.
Moving on from all of that, I loved the tourist aspect of this, but I wish it had been more explored. I loved the India part of their tour, but the Floridean and Malaysian and Scottish-island part of the holiday was just so glossed over. I wanted to know more about them too. I am an Indian so it was interesting to see India from an outsiders point of view, but I would have liked to see more of the other tourist destinations as well.
Yet another issue I had with this was the denial and the angst. I love angst, but there's a limit to the amount you can include onto a book without it seeming repetitive and filler and boring and unrealistic. This book could have been shorter and I would have still loved it equally as much, if not more.
Maybe another aspect of why I didn't love this was that I just don't like second chance romances as much as I like the out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-love-interest trope. I just don't like that as much.
On the whole I liked it a lot, and I will be continuing to read other books by Maxine Morrey. I recommend it to anyone who likes second chance romance, books with traveling and touristing (god knows I needed this after the awful year that this has been), denial, denial, and more denial, angst, angst, angst; characters with traumatic pasts that are appreciated but extra and wants to see a bit about touristing in India, because I can confirm as an Indian, that it was pretty well portrayed.
November 10, 2017
Mia has one big dream, becoming a travel writer. She works as a journalist and is good at what she does, but she hasn't got much travel experience yet. When her boss asks her to accompany his daughter Olivia and her husband-to-be Sandeep on their pre-wedding trip it's the chance of a lifetime. However, there's a catch. A photographer will be joining them, Hunter, and Mia knows him. Hunter and Mia have a history and she hoped she'd never see the man again. Will she be able to remain professional and make the most of the trip and the opportunity she's been given?
Being under the spell of stunning locations, the magic of Christmas and the beauty of true love thaws Mia's heart and she and Hunter slowly manage to find a way to work together. Their journey brings back a lot of memories of the past. Will Mia be able to deal with them and does her more mature self still think she made the right choices back then?
The Christmas Holiday is a fun romantic story. I loved the idea of a pre-wedding holiday, making time to fall in love even more and be completely relaxed once it's time to get married. While Olivia and Sandeep are having the time of their lives Mia and Hunter are struggling with unresolved issues. There's plenty of tension between them and spending weeks together after not seeing each other for many years is difficult, but there's also so much potential and I couldn't wait to see where that would lead. Maxine Morrey explores their feelings with the exact right amount of depth and also gives her story a huge feelgood factor that put a big smile on my face.
The Christmas Holiday is a story filled with true love, gorgeous locations, once in a lifetime experiences, sparks and challenges. It's cheerful as well as festive and the writing flows easily. I love how Maxine Morrey combines Christmas with many different kinds of dreams. There are dream destinations, dream relationships, dream friendships and a dream career. It's a subject that suits a Christmas story very well. I really liked The Christmas Holiday, it's charming, sweet, original and incredibly entertaining.
Being under the spell of stunning locations, the magic of Christmas and the beauty of true love thaws Mia's heart and she and Hunter slowly manage to find a way to work together. Their journey brings back a lot of memories of the past. Will Mia be able to deal with them and does her more mature self still think she made the right choices back then?
The Christmas Holiday is a fun romantic story. I loved the idea of a pre-wedding holiday, making time to fall in love even more and be completely relaxed once it's time to get married. While Olivia and Sandeep are having the time of their lives Mia and Hunter are struggling with unresolved issues. There's plenty of tension between them and spending weeks together after not seeing each other for many years is difficult, but there's also so much potential and I couldn't wait to see where that would lead. Maxine Morrey explores their feelings with the exact right amount of depth and also gives her story a huge feelgood factor that put a big smile on my face.
The Christmas Holiday is a story filled with true love, gorgeous locations, once in a lifetime experiences, sparks and challenges. It's cheerful as well as festive and the writing flows easily. I love how Maxine Morrey combines Christmas with many different kinds of dreams. There are dream destinations, dream relationships, dream friendships and a dream career. It's a subject that suits a Christmas story very well. I really liked The Christmas Holiday, it's charming, sweet, original and incredibly entertaining.
December 29, 2017
First things first. This book has nothing to do with Christmas. Yes, it is Christmastime for the last quarter or fifth of the book, but it has nothing to do with the actual story. If you're going to call it a Christmas story in the title, there should be more Christmas in it.
Okay. Now that that's out of the way. I liked this story. Second chance romances are always difficult, because there has to be some reason that they didn't get together the first time, and then they have to overcome it. And here, Morrey does a good job of showing the problems they had as a couple, and why they split up, but while they finally manage to talk through the issues over which they broke up, and realize that they are something that they can overcome together, I would have preferred that the story continued long enough for the documentation of the changes to be in the story. This definitely reads as an HFN rather than a HEA. It's an incomplete character development arc for both of them. Maybe a sequel?
So, 3.5, rounding down because of previous noted issues.
Okay. Now that that's out of the way. I liked this story. Second chance romances are always difficult, because there has to be some reason that they didn't get together the first time, and then they have to overcome it. And here, Morrey does a good job of showing the problems they had as a couple, and why they split up, but while they finally manage to talk through the issues over which they broke up, and realize that they are something that they can overcome together, I would have preferred that the story continued long enough for the documentation of the changes to be in the story. This definitely reads as an HFN rather than a HEA. It's an incomplete character development arc for both of them. Maybe a sequel?
So, 3.5, rounding down because of previous noted issues.
September 22, 2017
Eager to prove herself as a journalist Mia jumps at the chance to document her boss' daughter's romantic pre-wedding itinerary which involves adventures to India, America and then back to London for the festive finale. What an experience! However, no sooner as she's agreed the accompanying photographer turns out to be Hunter Scott, a man with an intimidating reputation and Mia's ex. With so many cultural delights and adventures this book transports you to dream locations from the comfort of your sofa and unveils secrets, regrets and plenty of chemistry.
I really do love Maxine's writing, it has a beautiful way of telling the story, full of emotion. This book is pure escapism; enjoyable, not "in your face Christmassy", and captured you by the heartstrings as you unravel the mysteries and backgrounds of Hunter and Mia.
Thank you Netgalley & HQ for this advanced copy to review honestly.
I really do love Maxine's writing, it has a beautiful way of telling the story, full of emotion. This book is pure escapism; enjoyable, not "in your face Christmassy", and captured you by the heartstrings as you unravel the mysteries and backgrounds of Hunter and Mia.
Thank you Netgalley & HQ for this advanced copy to review honestly.
September 6, 2017
I've been longing to read another novel from Maxine Morry for what seems like forever after I loved her debut novel, Winter's Fairytale.
Due to circumstances last year not allowing me to read as much I didn't get around to reading The Christmas Project although it is high on my list of books to catch up with this year. So imagine my delight when it was announced that Maxine is publishing two festive stories this year - you'll have to wait a little while longer for The Best Little Christmas Shop as today's review is all about The Christmas Holiday - but just click on any of the titles I've just mentioned and you can grab a copy for yourself!
Have you ever read a novel and thought 'Yes - this book just gets me'?
A book that you really want to read but at the same time your consciously trying to slow down your reading speed as you are aware it's nearing the end?
A book where your mind is constantly on the characters and what they will do next?
The Christmas Holiday was that book for me, and although it is a festive read, its not overloaded with Santa's and stockings, mulled wine or mince pies, but rather filled with luxurious hotels and private jets.
Mia Walker has just been offered by her boss Jeremy what could be the break her journalism career needs - travelling the world with his Daughter Olivia and her soon to be husband Sandeep - and documenting the build up to their Christmas wedding. Olivia has requested Mia on the trip as she adores Mia's writing style and has been following her write ups of weddings for ages. With a dream of being a travel writer this gives Mia hope of moving forward.
That is until she is introduced to the photographer for the holiday, Hunter Scott.
Ahh Hunter... if you don't fall for Hunter in this book then I'm disappointed in you, Ha!!
Anyway... Hunter and Mia have history, in fact they were previously engaged up until Mia broke it off and they've not seen each other since. Hunter makes no exceptions in stating his feelings that he would rather someone else be on the trip but Mia is set to prove him wrong.
From the moment the pair are re-connected, I knew I would love this book. It is clear that Maxine spent a lot of time getting their dialogue just right and for me, the balance of quick jibes at each other here or there along with sincere and caring moments mixed with tension and heat made it pretty perfect.
As Mia and Hunter travel and document Liv and Sandy's lives, they seem to be pulled closer together but with Mia still thinking that the reasons she gave for breaking them up to be true, and Hunter having secrets of his own, we are left wondering if they should just clear the air and be friends.
Liv and Sandy are utterly in love and I think if they were the main characters it could probably be a little too much but as they weren't it worked well and we see a different side to Hunter when in their company to what with do with just him and Mia.
Mia and Olivia on the other hand grow close and it was nice to read of a friendship forming as well as romance.
I think what I loved about this book what the fact that Mia and Hunter weren't a couple falling in love, they already were in love but for what ever reasons lost their way and it was refreshing to read of a couple in this situation.
The Christmas Holiday was full of moments where I chuckled out loud - rain storm, dress, thong... I say no more!
It also had moments where I felt myself welling up and wanting to give the characters a hug through the book. The locations on The Christmas Holiday were stunning and the book had the right balance of detail in each location as well as moving the story forward without getting a bit stale mate.
Overall, The Christmas Holiday is a wonderful book that I didn't want to leave - full of romance and emotion, its the perfect love story to curl up with!
Due to circumstances last year not allowing me to read as much I didn't get around to reading The Christmas Project although it is high on my list of books to catch up with this year. So imagine my delight when it was announced that Maxine is publishing two festive stories this year - you'll have to wait a little while longer for The Best Little Christmas Shop as today's review is all about The Christmas Holiday - but just click on any of the titles I've just mentioned and you can grab a copy for yourself!
Have you ever read a novel and thought 'Yes - this book just gets me'?
A book that you really want to read but at the same time your consciously trying to slow down your reading speed as you are aware it's nearing the end?
A book where your mind is constantly on the characters and what they will do next?
The Christmas Holiday was that book for me, and although it is a festive read, its not overloaded with Santa's and stockings, mulled wine or mince pies, but rather filled with luxurious hotels and private jets.
Mia Walker has just been offered by her boss Jeremy what could be the break her journalism career needs - travelling the world with his Daughter Olivia and her soon to be husband Sandeep - and documenting the build up to their Christmas wedding. Olivia has requested Mia on the trip as she adores Mia's writing style and has been following her write ups of weddings for ages. With a dream of being a travel writer this gives Mia hope of moving forward.
That is until she is introduced to the photographer for the holiday, Hunter Scott.
Ahh Hunter... if you don't fall for Hunter in this book then I'm disappointed in you, Ha!!
Anyway... Hunter and Mia have history, in fact they were previously engaged up until Mia broke it off and they've not seen each other since. Hunter makes no exceptions in stating his feelings that he would rather someone else be on the trip but Mia is set to prove him wrong.
From the moment the pair are re-connected, I knew I would love this book. It is clear that Maxine spent a lot of time getting their dialogue just right and for me, the balance of quick jibes at each other here or there along with sincere and caring moments mixed with tension and heat made it pretty perfect.
As Mia and Hunter travel and document Liv and Sandy's lives, they seem to be pulled closer together but with Mia still thinking that the reasons she gave for breaking them up to be true, and Hunter having secrets of his own, we are left wondering if they should just clear the air and be friends.
Liv and Sandy are utterly in love and I think if they were the main characters it could probably be a little too much but as they weren't it worked well and we see a different side to Hunter when in their company to what with do with just him and Mia.
Mia and Olivia on the other hand grow close and it was nice to read of a friendship forming as well as romance.
I think what I loved about this book what the fact that Mia and Hunter weren't a couple falling in love, they already were in love but for what ever reasons lost their way and it was refreshing to read of a couple in this situation.
The Christmas Holiday was full of moments where I chuckled out loud - rain storm, dress, thong... I say no more!
It also had moments where I felt myself welling up and wanting to give the characters a hug through the book. The locations on The Christmas Holiday were stunning and the book had the right balance of detail in each location as well as moving the story forward without getting a bit stale mate.
Overall, The Christmas Holiday is a wonderful book that I didn't want to leave - full of romance and emotion, its the perfect love story to curl up with!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2017
I was looking for something light to read and I’m always partial to a romance with sparring romantic interests. It’s for this reason that ‘The Christmas Holiday’ caught my eye.
Mia is a feature wedding reporter who has always dreamed of being a travel writer. So when her boss offers her the chance to follow his daughter and fiancé on a pre wedding world adventure and documenting it all, she jumps at the chance. Unbeknown to her, the photographer they have chosen to come on the trip is her ex fiancé Hunter Scott, who just happens to be a good friend of the bride and groom to be.
I must admit that I wasn’t really taken with Mia. From the moment she met Hunter again I felt Mia was rude and defensive and I thought this was over the top, especially as Mia was the one to end the relationship five years ago. Yet Hunter took that all in his stride. I was hoping that we would get more of a feel of the places that the group travelled to but I never felt immersed in the settings. I was also very interested in why the relationship between Mia and Hunter faltered all those years ago but the explanation was a long time coming and not very detailed. I may have been more sympathetic to Mia if this had gone into more detail and earlier in the story.
All in all, a predictable read but that is totally what I was expecting and why I picked it up. I can see it appealing to many people but it didn’t have enough depth for me to love it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
Mia is a feature wedding reporter who has always dreamed of being a travel writer. So when her boss offers her the chance to follow his daughter and fiancé on a pre wedding world adventure and documenting it all, she jumps at the chance. Unbeknown to her, the photographer they have chosen to come on the trip is her ex fiancé Hunter Scott, who just happens to be a good friend of the bride and groom to be.
I must admit that I wasn’t really taken with Mia. From the moment she met Hunter again I felt Mia was rude and defensive and I thought this was over the top, especially as Mia was the one to end the relationship five years ago. Yet Hunter took that all in his stride. I was hoping that we would get more of a feel of the places that the group travelled to but I never felt immersed in the settings. I was also very interested in why the relationship between Mia and Hunter faltered all those years ago but the explanation was a long time coming and not very detailed. I may have been more sympathetic to Mia if this had gone into more detail and earlier in the story.
All in all, a predictable read but that is totally what I was expecting and why I picked it up. I can see it appealing to many people but it didn’t have enough depth for me to love it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
September 16, 2017
When Mia Walker's boss asks her to document the dream pre-wedding tour of his daughter Olivia and her fiance Sandeep she jumps at the chance. Hopefully this will be her opportunity to move away from her current post writing the 'hatches, matches and dispatches' pages of his newspaper and become the travel writer she has longed to be. The only fly in the ointment is that Mia's former fiance, Hunter, will be joining them on the trip to photograph it and he is keen to encourage a choice of anyone other than Mia for the writing post. They will have to get through two months of globe trotting before returning to London for a lavish Christmas wedding so Mia must grab the opportunity with both hands and get along with Hunter if the tour is to be a success.
The travel in this book is wonderful. The four jet around the world experiencing the sights and sounds of India, the USA, Malaysia and Scotland. They take part in extreme sports, shop, relax and eat in some of the most wonderful locations. A classic case of how the other half lives! All four of the main characters are wonderful and, while we may not get to know Olivia and Sandeep as much as Mia and Hunter, they are incredibly likable and warm characters.
Hunter is a romantic hero to swoon over. Impossible not to fall in love with. The way he and Mia butt heads speaks of secrets that they haven't shared with each other and it's clear that they are two people who need to talk to each other more rather than assuming they know what the other means. Mia herself is lovely. She's very driven, motivated by a damaging childhood with a father who treated her mother awfully.. She's funny, clumsy and very endearing.
You know from the outset where this book is going but the way in which it gets there is so lovely to read. The period of time it is set over and the exotic locations kept me turning the pages and I finished the book in one sitting. Christmas does feature, especially in the backdrop to Olivia and Sandeep's magical wedding, but it isn't a Christmas novel per se. It's simply a wonderfully romantic and engaging book which I didn't; want to finish. I will definitely be seeking out more books by Maxine Morrey.
The travel in this book is wonderful. The four jet around the world experiencing the sights and sounds of India, the USA, Malaysia and Scotland. They take part in extreme sports, shop, relax and eat in some of the most wonderful locations. A classic case of how the other half lives! All four of the main characters are wonderful and, while we may not get to know Olivia and Sandeep as much as Mia and Hunter, they are incredibly likable and warm characters.
Hunter is a romantic hero to swoon over. Impossible not to fall in love with. The way he and Mia butt heads speaks of secrets that they haven't shared with each other and it's clear that they are two people who need to talk to each other more rather than assuming they know what the other means. Mia herself is lovely. She's very driven, motivated by a damaging childhood with a father who treated her mother awfully.. She's funny, clumsy and very endearing.
You know from the outset where this book is going but the way in which it gets there is so lovely to read. The period of time it is set over and the exotic locations kept me turning the pages and I finished the book in one sitting. Christmas does feature, especially in the backdrop to Olivia and Sandeep's magical wedding, but it isn't a Christmas novel per se. It's simply a wonderfully romantic and engaging book which I didn't; want to finish. I will definitely be seeking out more books by Maxine Morrey.
February 12, 2022
Main characters Mia and Hunter are forced together on a long, romantic trip for professional reasons as journalist and photographer. Having once been engaged to each other five years ago, and not seen each other since, puts a novel spin on the enemies to lovers trope. Maxine Morrey once again writes authentic characters who experience real personal growth as they move toward their inevitable happy ending. She crafts these true to life characters with humor and compassion. The reader cannot help but come to care for each as a friend and root for their happiness.
September 25, 2017
Hunter and Mia broke up- but now they have to work together in what's always a pressure filled situation- travel. Liv and Sandy are on a round the world journey in advance of their wedding and Mia and Hunter have been hired to document it. What a concept! What a job! There's a lot of back and forth between Hunter and Mia (as can be expected) and you'll be able to guess what's going to happen but Morrey does a nice job with the story. Locations along the trip are not as important as the romance and that's my quibble. That said, it's a good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
September 3, 2020
This author seems to specialize in stories about people getting back together with ex-lovers/spouses. From what I've observed in real life this does not always end well. But in this happily-ever-after universe it always does, and there is fun along with it. Not my favorite book but a nice one for the post-Christmas letdown.
September 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this book!! I thought that it was a real page turner and have given the book a shiny 5 star rating!! For me this book was a real page turner - the characters were strong and worked really well together and I thought that the story was excellent, they are very likeable and so entertaining!! The attention to detail in the story was spot on, not too much so that you would be tempted to skip a page, just enough to make sure you want to read every work the author had written. I really liked the writing style and am definitely looking forward to more of the same! Loved it!! 5 stars from me!!
November 29, 2018
Actual Rating: 3.5/5 stars
August 29, 2020
Really cute story...review to come.
September 30, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Maxine Morrey has got to be one of my most favourite romantic comedy authors. Why? It’s quite simple really; this authors hilariously heart-warming writing style is enough to make me go weak at the knees. No joke. Having loved Morrey’s previous novel; ‘The Christmas Project’, I was beyond excited to read her latest offering; ‘The Christmas Holiday’. Of course I had high expectations, I’m not going to lie! After all, her previous novel did earn a coveted five stars…
Did ‘The Christmas Holiday’ match up to my expectations? Yes, yes and YES it did!
Have you ever split up with an ex and told yourself that the last thing you would ever want to do, is to be in the same room as them or worse still – having to work with them? -raises hand- To be honest, I’m quite sure that there will be a lot of readers answering ‘yes’ to that question. But let’s see what your answer is to this one: with the same ex in mind, have you ever come face to face with them and felt a large pang of regret for letting that person slide out of your life? Yes, yes, you can stop laughing now. It IS a fair question though! Even the main character in this story felt like laughing when her conscience decided to tell her not to dislike the man! But is that regret merely just…regret? Or is it just a mistake waiting to happen if followed through with?
Once again it didn’t take me long to lose myself in Maxine Morrey’s storyline, and the main characters life; including her rather impressive work ethic. It was pretty clear when the strapping man walked into Mia’s work, that she was going to have some sort of history with him. Thankfully the surprise element was still included in the storyline, as we weren’t told at the beginning just HOW much history both characters had. All we knew was that Mia knew Hunter Scott, and Hunter Scott knew Mia. In regards to her job, Mia knew that her boss had given her the opportunity of a lifetime and regardless of any personal history with the photographer, she wasn’t going to let the ex love of her life, ruin her chances with the job assignment. Regardless of how much Hunter Scott wasn’t going to let sleeping dogs lie. Snore.
If you ever need a book to natter about with your friends, I beg of you to buy this one and demand a coffee morning with your good pals, purely so you can chat about Hunter Scott’s peachy backside. Oh, and the storyline…of course. I absolutely adored every single word, every single page, and every single element of Maxine Morrey’s – The Christmas Holiday. Not only did my heart get warmed by the romantic themes throughout the story, I also got to experience various different cultures when the setting of the book changed destination several times. Obviously my experiences were third hand, but due to the authors vivid writing style, I felt like I was able to experience each individual destination with all of the characters involved. There aren’t many books which you can say that about, is there?
I said this last time, but I’m not afraid to say it again – Maxine Morrey has exceeded my expectations by writing such a moreish and touching novel about love, regrets, and working out how to make the right decision for the moment that you’re in. The entire novel was extremely relatable due to its realistic situations and relatable scenarios. If the novel itself didn’t contain those features, I really don’t think the storyline would have worked as well, as it could quite easily be dubbed as ‘predictable’. Personally, ‘The Christmas Holiday’ is in no way predictable. Yes it was clear that the main characters would have some sort of connection at the beginning, but aside from that any predictability became hope.
‘The Christmas Holiday’ is such a heart warming, huggable, and delectable treat which is full of everything you could ever want from a book. Hilarity, strong characters and believeable storylines; Maxine Morrey’s latest novel ticked all of my boxes, and left me feeling like I was floating on air after I had finished reading.
Maxine Morrey certainly is an author to watch…and not just to see when her next book will be coming out! Absolutely brilliant.
Thanks NeverlandBT.
Maxine Morrey has got to be one of my most favourite romantic comedy authors. Why? It’s quite simple really; this authors hilariously heart-warming writing style is enough to make me go weak at the knees. No joke. Having loved Morrey’s previous novel; ‘The Christmas Project’, I was beyond excited to read her latest offering; ‘The Christmas Holiday’. Of course I had high expectations, I’m not going to lie! After all, her previous novel did earn a coveted five stars…
Did ‘The Christmas Holiday’ match up to my expectations? Yes, yes and YES it did!
Have you ever split up with an ex and told yourself that the last thing you would ever want to do, is to be in the same room as them or worse still – having to work with them? -raises hand- To be honest, I’m quite sure that there will be a lot of readers answering ‘yes’ to that question. But let’s see what your answer is to this one: with the same ex in mind, have you ever come face to face with them and felt a large pang of regret for letting that person slide out of your life? Yes, yes, you can stop laughing now. It IS a fair question though! Even the main character in this story felt like laughing when her conscience decided to tell her not to dislike the man! But is that regret merely just…regret? Or is it just a mistake waiting to happen if followed through with?
Once again it didn’t take me long to lose myself in Maxine Morrey’s storyline, and the main characters life; including her rather impressive work ethic. It was pretty clear when the strapping man walked into Mia’s work, that she was going to have some sort of history with him. Thankfully the surprise element was still included in the storyline, as we weren’t told at the beginning just HOW much history both characters had. All we knew was that Mia knew Hunter Scott, and Hunter Scott knew Mia. In regards to her job, Mia knew that her boss had given her the opportunity of a lifetime and regardless of any personal history with the photographer, she wasn’t going to let the ex love of her life, ruin her chances with the job assignment. Regardless of how much Hunter Scott wasn’t going to let sleeping dogs lie. Snore.
If you ever need a book to natter about with your friends, I beg of you to buy this one and demand a coffee morning with your good pals, purely so you can chat about Hunter Scott’s peachy backside. Oh, and the storyline…of course. I absolutely adored every single word, every single page, and every single element of Maxine Morrey’s – The Christmas Holiday. Not only did my heart get warmed by the romantic themes throughout the story, I also got to experience various different cultures when the setting of the book changed destination several times. Obviously my experiences were third hand, but due to the authors vivid writing style, I felt like I was able to experience each individual destination with all of the characters involved. There aren’t many books which you can say that about, is there?
I said this last time, but I’m not afraid to say it again – Maxine Morrey has exceeded my expectations by writing such a moreish and touching novel about love, regrets, and working out how to make the right decision for the moment that you’re in. The entire novel was extremely relatable due to its realistic situations and relatable scenarios. If the novel itself didn’t contain those features, I really don’t think the storyline would have worked as well, as it could quite easily be dubbed as ‘predictable’. Personally, ‘The Christmas Holiday’ is in no way predictable. Yes it was clear that the main characters would have some sort of connection at the beginning, but aside from that any predictability became hope.
‘The Christmas Holiday’ is such a heart warming, huggable, and delectable treat which is full of everything you could ever want from a book. Hilarity, strong characters and believeable storylines; Maxine Morrey’s latest novel ticked all of my boxes, and left me feeling like I was floating on air after I had finished reading.
Maxine Morrey certainly is an author to watch…and not just to see when her next book will be coming out! Absolutely brilliant.
Thanks NeverlandBT.
May 8, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! An amazing second chance romance about Mia and Hunter!
I could sense that even after Mia breaking off their engagement, both her and Hunter still had some hidden feeling for one another!
I could sense that even after Mia breaking off their engagement, both her and Hunter still had some hidden feeling for one another!
December 21, 2017
Full Review On The Blog
www.carolineandrus.com/blog
Adorable second chance romance that takes around the holidays, but isn't focused on them. More of a travel romance, but that's okay.
Loved the characters (including the supporting characters).
Click the link above to read more of my thoughts and some of my favorite quotes.
www.carolineandrus.com/blog
Adorable second chance romance that takes around the holidays, but isn't focused on them. More of a travel romance, but that's okay.
Loved the characters (including the supporting characters).
Click the link above to read more of my thoughts and some of my favorite quotes.
February 24, 2021
Fall has begun and the Holidays are almost upon us! This was the first Christmas themed book of the season for me and it was a wonderful one to start with as it wasn’t overly in-your-face Christmas-y but it had a Christmas vibe since it takes place around the holidays. The Christmas Holiday is about a young woman that gets an assignment that may lead to her dream job with her company but there’s a catch; she’ll have to work alongside her ex-fiance that she hasn’t seen in years. Not only will it be difficult to work with him, but their lack of closure after the breakup certainly adds to the potential unpleasantness that awaits her.
I enjoyed reading along as Mia experiences the different places on the trip along with Hunter, Liv and Sandeep. The main theme of the novel was the idea that it’s important to have open and honest communication with your significant other. If something is bothering you, you should talk about it with the other person with clear and direct communication. You shouldn’t ignore things that bother you and let them get to the breaking point. If you assume that the other person wants things to be a certain way even if they haven’t explicitly communicated that to you, then you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of unhappiness.
The novel also included a theme of protecting and caring for others. Reflecting back on past traumas and mistakes can be difficult but oftentimes it is necessary to be able to move on with your life. One of the most important things in life is to spend it in the company of those you love because life is precious and sometimes we don’t realize quite how precious it is until we lose those that matter most. I loved the characters introduced in this novel and I was sad when the novel was over [had a quick book-hangover when it was over] because I wanted the adventure to continue! Maybe there will be a second one? Fingers crossed! Regardless if there will be another one, this was a fun adventure packed novel and I was thoroughly entertained the whole way through.
I enjoyed reading along as Mia experiences the different places on the trip along with Hunter, Liv and Sandeep. The main theme of the novel was the idea that it’s important to have open and honest communication with your significant other. If something is bothering you, you should talk about it with the other person with clear and direct communication. You shouldn’t ignore things that bother you and let them get to the breaking point. If you assume that the other person wants things to be a certain way even if they haven’t explicitly communicated that to you, then you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of unhappiness.
The novel also included a theme of protecting and caring for others. Reflecting back on past traumas and mistakes can be difficult but oftentimes it is necessary to be able to move on with your life. One of the most important things in life is to spend it in the company of those you love because life is precious and sometimes we don’t realize quite how precious it is until we lose those that matter most. I loved the characters introduced in this novel and I was sad when the novel was over [had a quick book-hangover when it was over] because I wanted the adventure to continue! Maybe there will be a second one? Fingers crossed! Regardless if there will be another one, this was a fun adventure packed novel and I was thoroughly entertained the whole way through.
October 21, 2017
A lovely story with some fabulous destinations and a great cast of characters. The tension was real and the situations amusing. I enjoyed this story and didn't want to end. The later destinations felt a little rushed - particularly London - and I would have liked more description and build up for the final chapters. But that didn't detract from my enjoyment. 4* = an enjoyable read, that didn't feel Christmassy until the very end.
September 23, 2017
Mia Walker is over the moon when her manager asks her to go on a round the world trip with his daughter and her fiancé. To document their holiday and heir wedding plans and to document everything in the lead up to the wedding that will happen at the end of the tip.
Mia is absolutely over the moon. She originally want to go into the travel writer department. But ended up working in a different department. So she is over the moon to get the opportunity. She knows that she will need to prove herself in this assignment. To keep the job of her dreams.
The only snag in the other wise dream job. Is that when Mia meets the photographer it is none other then her ex fiancé Hunter. Which makes things a tad awkward to say the very least.
When Hunter realised that the travel writer is Mia. He tries to sabatage her by asking he couple to change their minds and find someone else to do the job. But the couple had specifically asked for Mia and so they are having none of it. Hunter resistance makes Mia all the more determined to prove the point that she is the best person for the job.
Although I did enjoy this book. I did find it rather predictable and I knew what was going to happen at the end of the book before it did. I mean that's not always a bad thing. But j do like the stories that leave me gasping as thy have great twist and turns in it.
That said I did enjoy this book and I hope that it does well.
Mia is absolutely over the moon. She originally want to go into the travel writer department. But ended up working in a different department. So she is over the moon to get the opportunity. She knows that she will need to prove herself in this assignment. To keep the job of her dreams.
The only snag in the other wise dream job. Is that when Mia meets the photographer it is none other then her ex fiancé Hunter. Which makes things a tad awkward to say the very least.
When Hunter realised that the travel writer is Mia. He tries to sabatage her by asking he couple to change their minds and find someone else to do the job. But the couple had specifically asked for Mia and so they are having none of it. Hunter resistance makes Mia all the more determined to prove the point that she is the best person for the job.
Although I did enjoy this book. I did find it rather predictable and I knew what was going to happen at the end of the book before it did. I mean that's not always a bad thing. But j do like the stories that leave me gasping as thy have great twist and turns in it.
That said I did enjoy this book and I hope that it does well.
October 27, 2017
I wasn’t sure at first how much I was going to like this book I liked Mia, but some of her bickering with Hunter seemed to go on far too long and seemed a little juvenile on occasion. But then Morrey seemed to settle in to the story more, and I really enjoyed the romance. This is not steamy at all, for those of you who want to know. There are kisses, but everything else is off the page.
I enjoyed the interactions between Liv and Sandy a lot, and between those two and our unhappy couple, Hunter and Mia. This book was a slow build and the solutions and sorting out the problems didn’t come quickly. It felt very real because of that, and yet I didn’t get bored for that slower pacing. I will say that at first I thought that the whole problem between them could have been solved long ago with a conversation, but as things developed, it became clear that a conversation wouldn’t have really done enough. Both needed to grow up some, and both needed to learn some life lessons of their own.
I definitely liked this book and I recommend it if you’re looking for a relationship read, with the emphasis on relationship. 4/5 stars.
I enjoyed the interactions between Liv and Sandy a lot, and between those two and our unhappy couple, Hunter and Mia. This book was a slow build and the solutions and sorting out the problems didn’t come quickly. It felt very real because of that, and yet I didn’t get bored for that slower pacing. I will say that at first I thought that the whole problem between them could have been solved long ago with a conversation, but as things developed, it became clear that a conversation wouldn’t have really done enough. Both needed to grow up some, and both needed to learn some life lessons of their own.
I definitely liked this book and I recommend it if you’re looking for a relationship read, with the emphasis on relationship. 4/5 stars.
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