I'll Be Home for Christmas

Little French Café #3

by Karen Clarke

Last Christmas, Nina gave away her heart – only to have it broken. But this year, at her family’s cosy café, could she find a second chance at love with someone special under the mistletoe?

Nina Bailey loves Christmas. Except this year she doesn’t. Because it turns out that her husband-to-be has been cheating on her – and her beautiful wedding ceremony in the snow is cancelled.

She’s not really in the mood to be jolly, sing carols, or go anywhere near gingerbread men – in fact, what Nina wants is to avoid the whole thing. So she’s come to stay at her Aunt Dolly’s cosy café to nurse her broken heart.

Nina is determined to get through Christmas with no tinsel, no fuss – and definitely no flirting. So when she arrives and meets infuriatingly handsome Ryan Sadler, with his gorgeous forest-green eyes, she is not best pleased. And when Nina overhears him making fun of her, she is furious. (There might have been an incident with a koala onesie and a spilled bottle of milk, but that really wasn’t her fault!) So despite the spark between them, and the fact that he can whip up a fabulous dinner faster than she can say Michelin star, romance and Christmas are off the menu this year.

Unfortunately, Aunt Dolly hasn’t quite got the message, going to great lengths to provide a proper British Christmas for her beloved niece: a true home away from home. With sparkling lights adorning every wall and a tree to equal the Rockefeller Center’s and, yes, mistletoe above every doorway, can Nina resist the magic of Christmas – and stick to her no-romance rule?

This heartwarming romantic comedy will have you reaching for eggnog, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread cookies! The perfect festive book to read curled up in front of the fire, for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Holly Martin and Debbie Johnson.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Audiobook, Fiction, Chick Lit, Contemporary

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2019

About the author

I live in Buckinghamshire with my husband and three grown-up children where I write psychological thrillers for HQDigital/HarperCollins and romantic comedy novels published by Bookouture.

Over the years I've been a secretary/bookkeeper, a wedding photographer, a pub manager, I've worked in a supermarket, a newsagent's and as a librarian - all good for story ideas.

I now write full-time and when I'm not writing, I read a lot, enjoy walking - which is good for plot-wrangling and ideas - photography, watching Netflix, baking and eating cakes. And then more walking to work off the cakes.

Reviews

[Natalia R · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a bad breakup, Nina travels to the picturesque French village of Chamillon to spend time at her family's cafe and to focus on her new career as a travel blogger. Romance is the last thing on her mind, but that doesn't stop her aunt Dolly from trying to set her up with her cousin Charlie's best friend Ryan, who is also going through a tough breakup. But will Dolly's matchmaking tricks actually work, given that Nina and Ryan don't like each other very much?
I'll Be Home for Christmas is a charming, heartwarming Christmas story, full of humor, romance, and heartfelt family relationships. Karen Clarke is a fantastic writer. I could easily picture the gorgeous winter setting, and could almost smell the delicious pastries at the cafe. Nina was a witty and relatable main character. Her flirty and awkward interactions with Ryan made me laugh out loud a couple of times. They were perfect for each other and I loved their slow-burn romance. Nina's strong bond with her family just added to the warm and fuzzy feeling of the story. I can't wait to read the other books in the series and spend more time with Nina's wonderful family. This is the perfect Christmas romance and I highly recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Karen Clarke is the third book in the contemporary romance Little French Café series. Each book of the series brings readers back to the cafe in Chamillon with a new set of lead characters finding their own love story. These books can be read and understood as a standalone or out of order if choosing to do so.

Nina Bailey is nursing a broken heart this holiday season after she had to call off her wedding when she found her soon to be husband was cheating on her. Looking to get away and clear her head Nina heads to her Aunt Dolly’s to stay with her aunt and cousin and avoid all wedding reminders and men.

Little did Nina know when she packed her bags and headed for Chamillon that she wouldn’t be the only guest visiting this Christmas. Ryan Sadler had also asked for a place to stay this holiday after his own engagement had come to an abrupt end. Somehow with these two broken hearts under one roof Aunt Dolly can’t help but play matchmaker during the festive season.

I’ll Be Home for Christmas is another quickie holiday feel good romance filled with all the magic and joy of Christmas. I would warn for those not into insta-love that this again is a story that moves at a fast pace with no history to the couple. However, for those that do enjoy a meet cute story and a quick paced romance this one is sure to be a holiday winner with likable characters and setting.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Jovana (NovelOnMyMind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Summer at the Little French Café left me with meh feelings about it, I decided to try out another book from the Little French Café series, hoping to improve my experience. I chose this one mostly because it was Christmas-themed, and I love reading Christmas romances during summer.

This book - I kind of felt the same as about the first one. It was similar in vibes and quality. I even think it was a bit better, but I just wasn't invested.

I'm sure everyone who enjoyed this series so far will love this one as well. I have nothing particularly bad to say about it, it just wasn't for me.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of I'll Be Home for Christmas by Karen Clarke in exchange for an honest review.

[Tahera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute and quick read. As an audiobook I breezed through it in one sitting. I didn't realise until I read a few reviews on NetGalley that this was part of a book series 'The Little French Cafe' so I guess this book works well as a standalone too. Lucy Bromilow has a clear, lovely, soothing voice and her narration was what I liked best about this audiobook. Overall, an easy book to listen to if you are in a mood for something light and sweet.

My thanks to NetGalley, the audiobook publisher Saga Egmont and the author Karen Clarke for the audio Arc of the book.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are transported back to the small village of Chamillon in France just in time for the festive season. Chamillon is just as enticing in winter time as it is in summer and as with the authors other books, I could easily envision it all in my head.

We get to meet some new characters as well as catch up with ones of old that have been in the previous books but it easily reads as a stand alone if you haven’t read them.

Nina is quite a feisty character who doesn’t seem to have quite found her niche in a career or in her love life for that matter. I couldn’t blame her for wanting to get away from it all for a while and what better distraction that a different country and a handsome man to help take your mind off things?

As the story features characters in some of the authors previous novels, you get a warm and familiar feeling with them. It was like being reunited with good friends. There are a couple of threads within the novel to do with Nina and also her gran which I really enjoyed also.

I’ll Be Home For Christmas is a charming story that will make you feel all warm and cosy inside. Who doesn’t love a bit of romance to cheer up your day? I know I do and I love seeing the two main characters relationship develop over the course of the story. It’s like your standing on the side line cheering them on. A perfectly festive, feel good read.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely gentle festive romance, and another great addition to the Little French Cafe series.

This is a new standalone story, focusing on Nina, who is Charles (from the previous books) cousin, and Ryan, Charles' best friend, who both happen to be in France this Christmas.

Despite both of them having broken engagements, and a whole lot of baggage, it doesn't stop Aunt Dolly to engage a series of not particularly subtle matchmaking efforts between the pair.

Nina really isn't sure what she wants from her life, and seeing her thoughts on how she might be a travel blogger were amusing, especially given she isn't that keen on flying, and by the sounds of it she was struggling to take in focus photos!! However it soon becomes apparent to everyone apart from her what she should be doing as a job!

Whereas Ryan is struggling for inspiration for his new novel, and his first encounter with Nina was amusing and continually referenced throughout.

I enjoyed seeing whether Ryan and Nina would ever stop fighting the inevitable, and there are some really amusing part to the story too. This was a really enjoyable addition to the series, I loved being back with familiar faces, and generally was good fun to see France in the snow.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, another cosy read which made want to forget my thrillers and stay within the warmth of Christmas and love.

And this time we have Nina, our feisty heroine, jilted by a louse of a fiancé, stuck in the crossroads of life and love, where everyone knew what she wanted more than her. Escape to the pleasant locale of Chamillon in France into the arms of Aunt Dolly, her life soon changed. And entered Ryan our hero, in search of inspiration for his novel. Their first meeting was a hilarious meet-cute. And then sparks flew...

Karen Clarke has started a new series with this book, wherein the characters were bold and sparkly. They were real and funny. They showed emotions and brought out mine. Her writing flowed effortlessly like a gentle breeze, slowly enveloping me and reminding me to never give up hope.

The description of locale and the quirky Aunt Dolly with her matchmaking skills had me longing to delete Nina and plop myself right in the middle of things, in her stead. But alas, I had to make do with my imagination.

The two characters grew in strength as the pages flew, their love finding the depths. Charming characters, beautiful landscape, snow and hot chocolate, pastry and love, humor and romance. What more could I ever want in a Christmas book?!! A fun read in October, indeed.

[Luanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy Christmas read.

Nina and Ryan, both newly out of complicated romances, decide to spend Christmas with Charlie at a cafe in Chamillon. They have been expertly set up to fall for each other by Dolly Nina's aunt. But will they be able to get past their initial prejudices and find true love?

This novel was slow to begin with, yet ended on a high note. I would love to see the northern lights myself, so the ending was very gratifying. All the characters were charming and entertaining. This mystery plot though, it didnt have a strong emotional connection with me. Maybe if something more substantial had come out of it, the payoff would be better.

This was a good read.

Thank to Netgalley for sending me this book, all opinions are my own.

Luanna

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ive always loved Karen's books and this is the third in this series and such a heartwarming read full of romance and perfect to curl up and enjoy reading. Of course plenty about the festive time of year. Great read and highly recommend any one to read it.
Nina has had her heart broken and could she find the chance to find love or not. She's not looking forward to Christmas this year she just wants to get through it with out any fuss. Her husband to be has cheated on her and her wedding has to be cancelled. Problem is Ryan turns up will romance start or not.
Great read.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read another book by Karen Clarke but unfortunately this story didn't do it for me... I just wasn't drawn to the characters and to their stories. I found myself bored throughout most of the book. I am sure some readers will love this book but unfortunately this one was not for me. I love Karen Clarke book usually so I am still hopefull that her next one will be for me! I am giving this book a 3 stars out of 5 because I liked the romance in this book and the settings.

[Vonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect little feel good read for the holidays. It was a quick read, light, breezy romance. Characters were charmingly delightful

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Name of Book: I’ll Be Home For Christmas
Series: Little French Café #3
Author: Karen Clarke
Audiobook Narrator: Lucy Bromilow
Publisher: Saga Egmont Audio
Genre: Chick Lit
Pub Date: September 1 2022
My Rating: 3 Stars

I’ll Be Home for Christmas is Book #3 in the Little French Café series.
I read Summer at the Little French Café which was a light enjoyable summer read.

Each book in this series takes readers to a cafe in Chamillon, France.
There are a few recurring characters but some new leads are in in each new novel, so the story can easily be read as a standalone.
This story focuses on Nina, who is Charles cousin, and Ryan, Charles' best friend, who both happen to be in France this Christmas ~ (Charles has been in the previous books).

I love Christmas stories and was so sure this was going to be a great read on a very hot 98 degree August day!! However, I wasn’t a big fan of Nina. Although this wasn’t one of my fav reads, I am already looking forward to Book #4!

Want to thank NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for this audio eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 1, 2022.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Saga Egmont Audio and Netgalley for this audio.

I never read christmass theme before December but could not not apply for this story. You can broke your heart after hear what happened but then you can dream and feel again with this new characters. That do not start right but turn to be perfect. I listen to this as a standalone and have no complains. Perfect winter holidays romance

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a bad patch for Nina: calling off her wedding to a cheating fiancé and then losing her beloved grandmother shortly after – everything is conspiring to make her idea of escaping Christmas and going to her aunt Dolly’s house for the season the best idea she’s had in ages. The French don’t go ‘overboard’ with Christmas, and she’s expecting a quiet time away from carols, tinsel, forced jollity and a chance to start her life off in a new direction with a travel blog. It’s just that Nina hates to fly, doesn’t really travel, and Aunt Dolly and her cousin Charlie are ‘All In” with a very British Christmas that includes holiday sweaters, music and a blow-up Santa. It all contrasts nicely with the unusual weather and snow – not a common site in the little village.

Things are even more complicated with Charlie’s best friend Ryan being in the mix – there to recover and regroup after his own engagement exploded spectacularly during his groom’s weekend – and his need to be away and out of contact with his ex. OH – and he’s got a deadline for his second novel which isn’t going well, and neither he nor Nina are expecting company in the little flat above the café. With a wonderfully funny introduction involving a koala onesie and spilled milk, Nina’s need to ‘tidy’ rooms and rearrange them to show them at their best, plenty of ‘matchmaking’ from Aunt Dolly, a disastrous miscommunication between Nina and Ryan, and the surprise appearance of both his ex and letters written by her grandmother that open a whole Pandora’s box of questions – the story is funny, sad, poignant and shows Dolly at her matchmaking best – pushing the two together at every opportunity.

Chamillion presents itself as a lovely ‘French tinged’ village, with many of the ex-pat Brits fitting in nicely and making their own little home in the town. With plenty of returning characters from the Little French Café series, we see a book launch, the return of Charlie’s girlfriend Elle, Dolly in her new married life and Hamish the Scottie dog with his owner Gerard. Answers to the questions that both Dolly and Nina’s mother had about their own mother’s life and loves, Nina finding a new start for her own love life and career, and a lovely moment to see the Northern Lights in the epilogue, the story works as both a continuation of the series or as a stand-alone, as the romance and holiday feel combine to bring healing and happiness to characters and readers alike.

I received an eArc copy of the title via NetGalley from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Jade Priestley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations from all of the other reviews but was left awfully disappointed. I found the book hard to get in to and there were a lot of storylines that I found a bit pointless. To be honest, I skipped the majority of the pages and skimmed the parts that I felt helped the story. I thought it was going to be a cosy Christmas read but was left very disappointed. Wouldn’t recommend!

[Kei ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

POV: Single.
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Christmas.
Format: Audiobook ARC.

Nina Bailey loves Christmas. Except this year she doesn’t. Because it turns out that her husband-to-be has been cheating on her – and her beautiful wedding ceremony in the snow is cancelled. So she’s come to stay at her Aunt Dolly’s cozy café to nurse her broken heart. When Nina arrives and meets infuriatingly handsome Ryan Sadler, with his gorgeous forest-green eyes, she is not best pleased. Despite the spark between them, and the fact that he can whip up a fabulous dinner faster than she can say Michelin star, romance and Christmas are off the menu this year. With sparkling lights adorning every wall, a tree to equal the Rockefeller Center’s and mistletoe above every doorway, can Nina stick to her no-romance rule?

While I'll Be Home For Christmas is book three in The Little French Cafe series, I feel like I didn't miss anything from not reading the first two books. The series is set around the small cafe and brings a new lead for each story, so they could be okay to read out of order or as just a standalone. Nina is not entirely sure what to do with herself anymore, have a crisis of identity of sorts. Most of the normal things you can go through after a major breakup. We do find out a lot about Nina and she was quite likable. Ryan was felt a little different, we were given a lot but not enough. There isn't a large amount of romance as such, it really feels more like a holiday read with a touch of romance, like cinnamon on top of a hot chocolate. It was a quick and calm holiday feel good read perfect for fans of the Christmas season. This one is available now on Kindle and Paperback with the Audiobook hitting September 1st.

**Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.**

[Ashley Summerfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

All she wants for Christmas is to mend her broken heart...

Nina loves Christmas, or at least, she used to, before her fiancé cheated on her and she had to cancel their dream winter wedding. Now, she wants nothing to do with Christmas, no tree, no decorations- bah humbug with it all. Nina decides to lay low at her Aunt Dolly's for the holidays, and when she arrives, she is surprised to find that her Aunt has another guest, handsome and gruff Ryan. While Nina and Ryan clash at first, an attraction blooms between them- one that Nina is determined to ignore. But when Dolly decides to go all out for Christmas after all, will Nina and Ryan be able to resist the pull of the mistletoe?
I enjoyed this book a lot, and fell in love with the characters right away. I loved the little town that Dolly lived in, and it was fun to read about the locals and their various misadventures that offered quite a few laughs on top of Nina and Ryan's mishaps. The narrator voiced the characters perfectly, including their different accents. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a cozy, Christmas romance.

[Hannah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely and uplifting book that although it has Christmas in the title, isn’t overly seasonal and could definitely be read year round. There’s an abundance of hot chocolate and it’s set at Christmas but that’s about it.

I loved seeing the journeys off all the characters although I did find myself forgetting that we were in France - I think that’s the only downfall of audiobooks as you can drift out easily sometimes.

One thing it did make me want was a new onesie though, maybe not a koala one but I had a pretty snug bear one a couple of years ago and it’s definitely made me want to sit on the sofa snuggled up!

It also gave me a spot of motivation for tidying and sorting the house a little bit - we’ve got to be ready before we start putting the Christmas decs up after all ;)

[Danielle (lit_after_dark) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful story about finding what you want out of life while bumbling around after a few obstacles. Both of the characters sharing an instantly common bump in the road made you want them to connect, although there were cautions from the start. While Nina was discovering a new pathway in life, it was Ryan that helped guide her along. This was an adorable romance, as cuddly as a koala!

Through many turns in life, this had a bit of everything. Grief, betrayal, family drama and sickness. All along with some comfy Christmas feels, where although the season is warm and bright, life can still put a damper on – however, as long as you have each other, your family born into and/or made by you, you'll make it through!

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrated by Lucy Bromilow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Love Lucy's voice. She is very soothing

I'll Be Home for Christmas ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I'm really enjoying this series. These are the perfect books when you need something light, yet totally need to get absorbed into another world.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the Little French Café series and I have quickly become a big fan of Karen’s novels since starting this trilogy. She has the ability to set the scene so you feel like you are there, fill it with characters who are alive, quirky and feel like friends and also trap you in a story you don’t want to put down.

Dolly’s café on the Ile de Ré has already given us Nat and Jay and then Charlie and Elle, but can it work its magic once more? Dolly’s niece Nina is coming for Christmas and Dolly is determined it will be a Christmas like no other for the pretty little island off the Atlantic coast of France. She has gone over the top with decorations, introduced Christmas jumpers and mincepies to the locals, and despite Nina wanting to escape Christmas, is planning a full turkey and all the trimmings meal too. And, unusually for the island, this year there is also snow.

Having called off her wedding to her unfaithful fiancé, Nina is off men. She needs space and a clear head to plan her future and work out what her dream job could be. A break with her Aunt Dolly and cousin Charlie is just what she needs. What she doesn’t need is complicated Ryan, Charlie’s best mate, who is staying above the café too.

Things get off to an embarrassingly bad start when Nina meets Ryan (although it is hilarious for us). All Ryan wants is peace and quiet to write his next novel, not hassle from his ex-fiancée, or disruptions from Charlie’s cousin. However, Dolly wouldn’t be Dolly without a spot of well-meaning match-making, but I’m saying no more here, you’ll have to find out the rest for yourselves.

I will say that I am sad this is the last book in the trilogy as I have enjoyed them all and will miss catching up with the familiar characters in Dolly’s special little café on the Ile de Ré.

If you are looking for a bit of cosy comfort and romance to escape the mad run up to Christmas, you can’t go far wrong here.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Karen Clarke's books. They're feel-good, lighthearted and full of humour. I adore the novels set in France by this author, the location sounds so idyllic and the characters all seem so friendly. The cover initially drew me in, the village in the cover looks so cosy and festive and I love the twinkly lights and the ice skating rink - I couldn't wait to dive in!

I loved this novel. I love the fact that the characters mainly remain the same and I loved reading about my old favourites such as Dolly and Charlie. They seem like such a caring and fun pair and I enjoyed reading all about their match-making antics. My mouth was watering after reading more about Dolly's cafe and the delicious treats that she has on offer. I wish I had an aunt that could bake like Dolly!

As with the other novels by Karen Clarke, this one is easy to read and with every available opportunity I was picking up my Kindle dying to read more! As mentioned above, it's set in France - and what a cosy sounding village it is. It's full of community spirit and it was a joy to read about the other villagers shops, such as the florist and also the market with it's beautiful Christmas ornaments and charms.

There's also plenty of drama in this novel as well as lots of festive-feels (despite Nina not wanting to have anything to do with Christmas this year!), and it was lovely to read about Nina coming out of her shell with her relationship with Ryan. I'm very sad that this is the last in the series! But I know that Karen Clarke will pull it out of the bag with her next novel. They're utterly spellbinding and I adore them. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

The misunderstanding trope is a bore at the best of times, but this book took it and made it as bad as it possibly could. Not just ONE misunderstanding but SEVERAL misunderstandings continues throughout the entire book, with the final one only being solved AT THE 90% MARK.

The main character was incredibly annoying. I don't think I ever hated a character as much as I hated her. I couldn't understand how the male lead could possibly fall in love with her, let alone tolerate her. She makes snap judgments, does every cringey thing a human could possibly do when thinking they're alone, is snoopy and suspicious, and JUST BASICALLY NOT A PERSON I WOULD EVER WANT TO MEET IN REAL LIFE. And I get it, you don't have to like the character to like the book. But when I'm reading a character-driven contemporary romance, I do hope to like the heroine and hero to some degree and quite frankly, it's not so much my hating the heroine that spoiled the book for me, but really the fact that I couldn't understand how a human being could actually act the way she did. She baffled me and infuriated me and oh my gosh I wish I could be more eloquent and explain better but taking about two whole months to get through this book really makes me forget the little details.

So yeah... thought about DNFing it but I had another book by the author on my TBR so I plugged through for a whole month or two. Finished it, hated it even more by the ending. Sorry, not the book for me. (Needless to say, the book on my TBR has been exterminated. Thank you so much for effectively ending my Christmas TBR by putting me in a book slump in the middle of December.)

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book. It's the third book in the Little French Cafe series but all three books can be read as standalones.

This book follows Nina, who comes to visit her Aunt Dollie and her cousin Charlie. Dolly owns a little cafe in Chamillon, a lovely little French village. Nina wants to escape Christmas this year due to breaking off her engagement. I liked Nina. She's not afraid to stand up for herself but she often jumps to the wrong conclusions.

Also looking to escape is Charlie's best friend Ryan. Ryan also recently broke off an engagement and has come to Chamillon to try to write his second book. Ryan has severe writer's block. I instantly like Ryan. I thought he was funny and a bit of a cheeky chappie.

Aunt Dolly tries her best to matchmake these two despite their pasts. It's clear from the beginning that these two were made for each other but I enjoyed Dolly's matchmaking efforts. Aunt Dolly is a little devious at times but she does have the best intentions at heart.

This book has a slow build-up and is full of embarrassing moments followed by some really romantic scenes. This book is perfect for snuggling up under a blanket with a hot drink. It has a real festive feel to it.

[Keila (speedreadstagram) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an e-audio arc thanks to @netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Sadly this is not a book I enjoyed or would recommend.

Nina finds herself alone after learning her fiancé has cheated on her, so she escapes to her Aunt Dolly's café to nurse her broken heart. Ryan is visiting after his relationship goes sideways as well and attempts to get over his writers block. Nina and Ryan’s first interaction is not a nice one - Nina overhears Ryan making fun of her! How rude. Nina decides Ryan is a jerk and writes him off - but Aunt Dolly has other ideas. Dolly is bound and determined to get Ryan and Nina together - will she prevail? Or will her schemes end in disaster?

I really didn’t get into this book until the halfway mark. I kept feeling like this book muddled along with no real revelations or anything. The plot was building but so slowly it was frustrating and lackluster. I really enjoyed Dolly's character the most but the remaining characters I could take them or leave them - and I wanted to leave them. I was looking for a book that enveloped me in warmth and coziness and this did not deliver. This book did deliver in Christmas cheer but maybe a little too much. I felt like Christmas threw up over the pages of this book and it was too over the top. I’ll keep looking for a cozy winter read (smack dab in the middle of summer!).

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in France where normally we can bask in the sun, but this year the snow has found its way to treat the people to a white Christmas.

It’s not because it’s freezing outside that the atmosphere has changed. The communtiy is still warm and they still do anything to help each other out. And why not do a little bit of matchmaking as well, because love sure is one of the warmest feelings.

There is a saying : There’s no such thing as coincidence, but you can create coincidences in order to make your plan work.

Home is often synonym of a house, but the word is much more than that. You are home when you are with the people love and geography has got nothing to do with it.

A lovey, heartwarming story with lots of little jokes created by the author due to words getting lost in translation. 5 stars.

Thank you, Karen Clarke and Bookouture (via Netgalley)

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll Be Home for Christmas by Karen Clarke is a wonderful Christmas love story, I absolutely loved this book, And will be reading more books by this author. This book is hilarious and fun, I found myself laughing out loud several times. The characters and plot are well developed, and I could not put this book down. I would love to read more books with these characters. I strongly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved being transported back to the Ile de Re for Christmas. Karen Clarke magics up the essence of Christmas in this book without it being sugary or overdone. The romance between
Nina and Ryan is definitely one that is a slow burner and all the more delightful because of that. I loved the humour, the sense of place and the magical descriptions, especially at the end - simply beautiful.

[Anke Zweel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something to be learnt from every experience .....

I'll be Home for Christmas is my firsy Karen Clarke book. I'm glad i decided to read it.
This book had me craving coffee and pastries the whole time. It definitely made me laugh a couple of times and there was a few momenta where a curse word was spoken....

A must read for this silly season....

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were too many characters involved in this book for me personally, I really like the plot of the story and like that Karen Clarke didnt dwell on Nina's past and jumped right into her new beginning but I was really hoping for more time spent between Ryan and Nina than the other characters. I found myself wanting to flip through the pages where Ryan was involved in the story which was a shame.