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The Happiness #2
Het geschenk van Happiness
Het is kerst in Happiness! Het geschenk van Happiness is een heerlijke, warme feelgoodroman van Holly Martin.
Tijdens de feestdagen gaat Ruby op visite bij haar vriendin Willow in het dorpje Happiness. Kerst is altijd de favoriete tijd van het jaar, dus als Ruby de kans krijgt om daar een winkeltje te runnen dat het hele jaar kerstspullen verkoopt, hoeft ze niet lang na te denken. Ze valt al snel voor Happiness en de inwoners, en ze wordt niet alleen verliefd op het dorpje...
Het geschenk van Happiness is het hartverwarmende tweede deel van de Happiness-serie van Holly Martin.
Tijdens de feestdagen gaat Ruby op visite bij haar vriendin Willow in het dorpje Happiness. Kerst is altijd de favoriete tijd van het jaar, dus als Ruby de kans krijgt om daar een winkeltje te runnen dat het hele jaar kerstspullen verkoopt, hoeft ze niet lang na te denken. Ze valt al snel voor Happiness en de inwoners, en ze wordt niet alleen verliefd op het dorpje...
Het geschenk van Happiness is het hartverwarmende tweede deel van de Happiness-serie van Holly Martin.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2019
1123 people are currently reading
1284 people want to read
About the author
Holly Martin
57 books1,536 followersHolly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves.
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor
Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance. She is the bestselling author of 26 books selling over a million books worldwide. Holly's books have been translated into French, German, Italian, Dutch, Bulgarian, Estonian, Turkish and Russian.
Follow her on Twitter @HollyMAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
October 20, 2019
We first met the village of Happiness in ‘The Little Village of Happiness’ released in July this year.
It’s now December in the village and Christmas lover Ruby Marlowe has moved into the village to take up the offer of free rent and a shop for the year as long as she brings something to the village. Unfortunately, the shop she was supposed to open has sustained some water damaged so she is going to have to share a shop with the bloke she had a three night stand with, Jacob Harrington.
Ruby thought is off men as she doesn’t want to get her heart broken as she did twelve years ago, but there is something about Jacob that she can’t help feeling a pull towards.
Jacob, the brother of Andrew one of the main characters from book one, doesn’t want to settle down either or have a girlfriend, but Ruby is different, he understands how hurt she was in the past and he doesn’t want her to ever feel that pain again.
Can the two work side by side and keep their feelings to themselves or will they both take a chance on one another?
The Gift of Happiness is a delightful and enjoyable book that took me back to a village I would love to live in. The writing is perfect and Holly has such a way with words that she makes you feel like you are in the village looking at the slightly unusual Christmas lights!
The older generation folk of the town bring most of the laughs with their no-filter conversations, they would love nothing more than to see Jacob and Ruby as a couple and the don’t mind telling them.
Both Ruby and Jacob are very realistic characters, they each have their own past stories which makes them view love and romance in their particular ways and it is a shame that because of past hurts they don’t ever see themselves in love or growing a family, even when the perfect person is standing right beside them.
I have to say that this is one of the most charismatic and engaging books that I have ever read. I simply adored it and rushed through it. I didn’t want it to end. It is a book you can settle down with and know that you are in for a real treat.
It works well as a standalone as well as the sequel to the first book, so if you are looking for a Christmas read to put you in the festive spirit, this one will do just that.
It’s now December in the village and Christmas lover Ruby Marlowe has moved into the village to take up the offer of free rent and a shop for the year as long as she brings something to the village. Unfortunately, the shop she was supposed to open has sustained some water damaged so she is going to have to share a shop with the bloke she had a three night stand with, Jacob Harrington.
Ruby thought is off men as she doesn’t want to get her heart broken as she did twelve years ago, but there is something about Jacob that she can’t help feeling a pull towards.
Jacob, the brother of Andrew one of the main characters from book one, doesn’t want to settle down either or have a girlfriend, but Ruby is different, he understands how hurt she was in the past and he doesn’t want her to ever feel that pain again.
Can the two work side by side and keep their feelings to themselves or will they both take a chance on one another?
The Gift of Happiness is a delightful and enjoyable book that took me back to a village I would love to live in. The writing is perfect and Holly has such a way with words that she makes you feel like you are in the village looking at the slightly unusual Christmas lights!
The older generation folk of the town bring most of the laughs with their no-filter conversations, they would love nothing more than to see Jacob and Ruby as a couple and the don’t mind telling them.
Both Ruby and Jacob are very realistic characters, they each have their own past stories which makes them view love and romance in their particular ways and it is a shame that because of past hurts they don’t ever see themselves in love or growing a family, even when the perfect person is standing right beside them.
I have to say that this is one of the most charismatic and engaging books that I have ever read. I simply adored it and rushed through it. I didn’t want it to end. It is a book you can settle down with and know that you are in for a real treat.
It works well as a standalone as well as the sequel to the first book, so if you are looking for a Christmas read to put you in the festive spirit, this one will do just that.
December 3, 2019
4.5 stars
Back to the little village of Happiness and after a successful first visit back in the summer, I was ready to see what festive shenanigans Ruby, Jacob and the local residents would bring.
...shall we take Jesus for a walk around the village?”
“OK, but do you have a bag to hide him in?
After a run of several below average reads, The Gift of Happiness was just what I needed to pull me out of my funk, with humour, feeling and plenty of romance all courtesy of Jacob and Ruby as they bring Christmas cheer to Happiness and each other.
... maybe, just maybe, he could make her ever after a happy one.”
I don’t know if this is intended to be our last visit to the village, but you can count me in if Holly decides to take us back. Recommend? Of course I do.
Back to the little village of Happiness and after a successful first visit back in the summer, I was ready to see what festive shenanigans Ruby, Jacob and the local residents would bring.
...shall we take Jesus for a walk around the village?”“OK, but do you have a bag to hide him in?
After a run of several below average reads, The Gift of Happiness was just what I needed to pull me out of my funk, with humour, feeling and plenty of romance all courtesy of Jacob and Ruby as they bring Christmas cheer to Happiness and each other.
... maybe, just maybe, he could make her ever after a happy one.”
I don’t know if this is intended to be our last visit to the village, but you can count me in if Holly decides to take us back. Recommend? Of course I do.
October 21, 2019
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Ruby Marlowe has had her share of troubles. However, she has an amazing opportunity ahead of her. She has the chance to start a Christmas shop that will be open year-round. The town is called Happiness and Ruby can hardly believe that she will be able to do this. A huge bonus is the upcoming year will be free of rent.
There is a snag in Ruby's plans, however. While she is setting up, she will be sharing business space with Jacob Harrington. As there was some damage to Ruby's new site, she will be working alongside Jacob for a while. Why is this a problem? Ruby and Jacob had a no-strings fling when she was in town during the summer. The fact that Jacob is sexy as all get-out while making it perfectly clear what he wants from her definitely presents a challenge.
Ruby may be more than drawn to Jacob, but she has a very good reason for not wanting anything to do with him. As far as she is concerned, they can be friends and temporary workmates. This most certainly is a problem for Jacob. He really likes Ruby and hopes to get her to give him another chance.
I absolutely loved this story. It was incredibly sensitive and truly touching. On the one hand, Ruby's story broke my heart. I love that this romance could deal with something so heartbreaking, yet leaving readers with hope and joy. Jacob got to me because he wore his heart on his sleeve. And I just love a sensitive man.
The Gift of Happiness is the second book in this series by Holly Martin. This is a must-read and was yet another book I just could not put down. I loved it just as much as I did The Little Village of Happiness, which is Willow and Andrew's story. Andrew is Jacob's brother and it was a treat to see them back in this book. Ms. Martin writes wonderful stories that pull at the heart-strings. I am eager to read much more from her in the future.
Many thanks to Holly Martin for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
Ruby Marlowe has had her share of troubles. However, she has an amazing opportunity ahead of her. She has the chance to start a Christmas shop that will be open year-round. The town is called Happiness and Ruby can hardly believe that she will be able to do this. A huge bonus is the upcoming year will be free of rent.
There is a snag in Ruby's plans, however. While she is setting up, she will be sharing business space with Jacob Harrington. As there was some damage to Ruby's new site, she will be working alongside Jacob for a while. Why is this a problem? Ruby and Jacob had a no-strings fling when she was in town during the summer. The fact that Jacob is sexy as all get-out while making it perfectly clear what he wants from her definitely presents a challenge.
Ruby may be more than drawn to Jacob, but she has a very good reason for not wanting anything to do with him. As far as she is concerned, they can be friends and temporary workmates. This most certainly is a problem for Jacob. He really likes Ruby and hopes to get her to give him another chance.
I absolutely loved this story. It was incredibly sensitive and truly touching. On the one hand, Ruby's story broke my heart. I love that this romance could deal with something so heartbreaking, yet leaving readers with hope and joy. Jacob got to me because he wore his heart on his sleeve. And I just love a sensitive man.
The Gift of Happiness is the second book in this series by Holly Martin. This is a must-read and was yet another book I just could not put down. I loved it just as much as I did The Little Village of Happiness, which is Willow and Andrew's story. Andrew is Jacob's brother and it was a treat to see them back in this book. Ms. Martin writes wonderful stories that pull at the heart-strings. I am eager to read much more from her in the future.
Many thanks to Holly Martin for this ARC to review. This is my honest opinion.
October 27, 2019
This is the 2nd book of this series. It is set in The Village of Happiness and at Christmas time. Ruby Marlowe has moved to Happiness and with her the store she owns which is all Christmas. When she gets there she realizes she has to share the store with a sculptor. Only to find out it is a man she had a fling with last summer and thought she would never see again. The sculptor, Jacob, is a ladies man and has all the women wanting him. Even the older ladies flirt with him. There is 1 woman though who really wants him and is very nasty to Ruby.
The books starts out with Ruby playing a prank that actually ends up saving an animals life. Ruby fits right into this town and even gets everyone involved in events for Christmas. The times that she has to spend with Jacob brings them closer but she doesn't want to get involved with anyone and have her heart broken like it was years ago. She doesn't feel that it is worth having a relationship and falling in love but Jacob is out to prove her wrong.
I received this from Inkslinger for a review.
The books starts out with Ruby playing a prank that actually ends up saving an animals life. Ruby fits right into this town and even gets everyone involved in events for Christmas. The times that she has to spend with Jacob brings them closer but she doesn't want to get involved with anyone and have her heart broken like it was years ago. She doesn't feel that it is worth having a relationship and falling in love but Jacob is out to prove her wrong.
I received this from Inkslinger for a review.
April 12, 2024
Wat een heerlijk vervolg op het ook goed los te lezen Het dorpje Happiness! De schrijfstijl van Holly Martin is zo aangenaam dat de lezer haast het gevoel krijgt bij het verhaal aanwezig te zijn. Het verhaal zit vol gedetailleerde beschrijvingen, heerlijke zoetsappigheden en ook wat diepere onderwerpen komen aan bod. Op naar een volgend boek van Holly!
October 27, 2019
This was sooo boring. When I reached chapter 4 or 5 I thought, this also could have been the end anyway. All so smooth, both liked each other soo much right from the beginning ( yeah ok there was this "Oh my husband died" situation) and I considered, why even 22 chapters were necessary. This was definitely my last book from her, Holly Martin, read some Sarah Morgan, then you know, how the job was done properly.
Actually this book made me quite aggressive I just realized😂
Actually this book made me quite aggressive I just realized😂
January 27, 2021
Heerlijk om weer in Happiness te zijn. Ook dit deel las weer lekker weg en er zat een wending in die ik niet aan zag komen, dat maakt een boek altijd leuker. Daarnaast zijn Jacob en Ruby een leuke combi en vond ik het leuk om ook weer wat over Willow en Andrew en de andere personages te lezen.
November 13, 2020
Op 21 november vertel ik je er van alles over!
December 17, 2020
Wat een super lekker kerstverhaal! Ondanks dat het enorm voorspelbaar was heb ik enorm genoten van dit boek. De hoofdpersonen waren hele leuke mensen en dat maakte het lezen nog leuker.
November 21, 2019
I normally enjoy Holly’s books, but this one was super frustrating for me. It was SO REPETITIVE. Constant rehashing of the fact that Ruby was hurt in the past, and she doesn’t want to open her heart again. Seriously, every single page mentions it. I just got bored.
January 11, 2021
Net te laat voor Kerst maar een toffe feelgood om tijdens de wintermaanden te lezen. ‘Het geschenk van Happiness’ is het vervolg op ‘Het dorpje Happiness’ en focust ditmaal op het verhaal over Ruby en Jacob.
Het boek leest vlot en ik vond het wel aangenaam om even niet te hoeven nadenken en gewoon te genieten van dit schattige verhaal, ik had vaak het gevoel dat ik een romantische Kerstfilm zat te kijken (hoe raar dat misschien ook is om te zeggen over een boek).
Toch heb ik nu even genoeg feelgood gehad en schakel ik graag terug over op nog een aantal romans die in de boekenkast liggen te wachten. Boeken met een donker randje liggen me net iets meer.
Het boek leest vlot en ik vond het wel aangenaam om even niet te hoeven nadenken en gewoon te genieten van dit schattige verhaal, ik had vaak het gevoel dat ik een romantische Kerstfilm zat te kijken (hoe raar dat misschien ook is om te zeggen over een boek).
Toch heb ik nu even genoeg feelgood gehad en schakel ik graag terug over op nog een aantal romans die in de boekenkast liggen te wachten. Boeken met een donker randje liggen me net iets meer.
October 27, 2019
Yay! Another Christmas cracker from the fantastic Holly Martin!
This is the second book in the ‘The Little Village of Happiness’ series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone! Holly’s writing is brilliant, she always includes background snippets of characters to help involve you into the story whether you’re a newbie to the series or needing a reminder! I do however recommend reading The Little Village of Happiness as it’s brilliant too!
It’s so so good to be back in the village catching up with the characters.
This story features Ruby who decides a fresh start is needed and follows her best friend Willow to start a new life in the Village of Happiness. Sounds a perfect place doesn’t it... even more so to know that Ruby intends to open a Christmas shop in the village! Absolute heaven!
Ruby is a fun character to read, I loved that she never missed an opportunity to have fun and sometimes play little tricks on the village folk. The people in the village (bearing in mind the village has grown in numbers since the last book) the people in the village were a hoot! No filters at all and asked the most random embarrassing questions which were hilarious. Julia had to be my favourite! Knew everyone’s business before you knew yourself, brilliant character!
Although sad to read I also liked that Ruby showed two sides to herself throughout the story, a more vulnerable person rather than the joker all the time.
Life in the village is going to be a breath of fresh air but It’s not long before Ruby bumps into an old flame who is also living in the village. Sparks soon fly between the pair but Ruby after having her heart broken in the past keeps her barriers firmly up and holds back from giving her all.
With Christmas round the corner and the village looking more festive by the day will Ruby give into her heart, be brave and face her fears or will she forever be trapped by past emotions.
As always Holly’s books are a dream to read, fun characters, beautiful settings and some steamy romance but Holly also includes every day issues that happen to every day people bringing the book down to earth which I love.
There needs to be another book coming out from the Little Village of Happiness as I’m not quite ready to say goodbye yet!
Big thanks to Holly Martin for the ARC which I have reviewed honestly.
This is the second book in the ‘The Little Village of Happiness’ series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone! Holly’s writing is brilliant, she always includes background snippets of characters to help involve you into the story whether you’re a newbie to the series or needing a reminder! I do however recommend reading The Little Village of Happiness as it’s brilliant too!
It’s so so good to be back in the village catching up with the characters.
This story features Ruby who decides a fresh start is needed and follows her best friend Willow to start a new life in the Village of Happiness. Sounds a perfect place doesn’t it... even more so to know that Ruby intends to open a Christmas shop in the village! Absolute heaven!
Ruby is a fun character to read, I loved that she never missed an opportunity to have fun and sometimes play little tricks on the village folk. The people in the village (bearing in mind the village has grown in numbers since the last book) the people in the village were a hoot! No filters at all and asked the most random embarrassing questions which were hilarious. Julia had to be my favourite! Knew everyone’s business before you knew yourself, brilliant character!
Although sad to read I also liked that Ruby showed two sides to herself throughout the story, a more vulnerable person rather than the joker all the time.
Life in the village is going to be a breath of fresh air but It’s not long before Ruby bumps into an old flame who is also living in the village. Sparks soon fly between the pair but Ruby after having her heart broken in the past keeps her barriers firmly up and holds back from giving her all.
With Christmas round the corner and the village looking more festive by the day will Ruby give into her heart, be brave and face her fears or will she forever be trapped by past emotions.
As always Holly’s books are a dream to read, fun characters, beautiful settings and some steamy romance but Holly also includes every day issues that happen to every day people bringing the book down to earth which I love.
There needs to be another book coming out from the Little Village of Happiness as I’m not quite ready to say goodbye yet!
Big thanks to Holly Martin for the ARC which I have reviewed honestly.
November 3, 2019
I couldn’t wait to read this book as so enjoyed the first book and I wasn’t let down as this was just as good so well written and full of beautiful countryside plenty of romance and having to move forward from the past to be happy but there is heartbreak along the way. Perfect Christmas read as full of Christmas to and friendship and making sure everyone is happy.
Ruby is Ambers friend and she went to visit in the summer and loved it and was given a chance of having a Christmas shop to run all year round and she takes it up. She arrives but Christmas holds many unhappy memories for her and has she really let them go. When she arrives she sees Jacob straight away and she had no strings attached sex in the summer but knows she can’t fall for him as she doesn’t want to loose what she really loves like she has in the past. She tries to hold back with Jacob but can she really do this she tries to get her shop up and running and she also wants to have fun with everyone so they can enjoy Christmas and bring happiness to everyone. She has a charity event to raise funds and she learns that Jacob is facing his fears for her so can she really learn to move forward from her past and be happy with the man she loves it is to much for and does she realise but it’s to late for her.
A perfect read and worth far more than five stars fantastic book.
Ruby is Ambers friend and she went to visit in the summer and loved it and was given a chance of having a Christmas shop to run all year round and she takes it up. She arrives but Christmas holds many unhappy memories for her and has she really let them go. When she arrives she sees Jacob straight away and she had no strings attached sex in the summer but knows she can’t fall for him as she doesn’t want to loose what she really loves like she has in the past. She tries to hold back with Jacob but can she really do this she tries to get her shop up and running and she also wants to have fun with everyone so they can enjoy Christmas and bring happiness to everyone. She has a charity event to raise funds and she learns that Jacob is facing his fears for her so can she really learn to move forward from her past and be happy with the man she loves it is to much for and does she realise but it’s to late for her.
A perfect read and worth far more than five stars fantastic book.
September 26, 2019
What a wonderful life it is when you can curl up with the latest Holly Martin Christmas book. It's pure happiness!
And it was wonderful to be back in Happiness that fabulous village from the previous book.
And what a difference a few months make, it really does feel like a community there, especially with all the gossip about Ruby and Jacob.
Their chemistry is still sizzling even if there is a large amount of denial from both of them.
I loved all the festive events that Ruby in a few short days managed to organise, especially the Polar Bear Plunge.
And Ruby's shop, what better then a place selling Christmas all year around. It is just the sort of place I would love to visit.
All the familiar faces from the previous book are present and its great to catch up with them. But equally this book could easily be read as a standalone.
I love every tinsel filled moment of this slice of Christmas happiness.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And it was wonderful to be back in Happiness that fabulous village from the previous book.
And what a difference a few months make, it really does feel like a community there, especially with all the gossip about Ruby and Jacob.
Their chemistry is still sizzling even if there is a large amount of denial from both of them.
I loved all the festive events that Ruby in a few short days managed to organise, especially the Polar Bear Plunge.
And Ruby's shop, what better then a place selling Christmas all year around. It is just the sort of place I would love to visit.
All the familiar faces from the previous book are present and its great to catch up with them. But equally this book could easily be read as a standalone.
I love every tinsel filled moment of this slice of Christmas happiness.
Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 13, 2020
Finished reading: December 12th 2020
“You can't not fall in love because it's inconvenient. The heart doesn't work like that. It falls in love without permission.”
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
January 19, 2021
Sim eu sei, o Natal já acabou 😅, mas tendo em conta de que 2021 não quer ser nosso amigo precisava de uma leitura alegre e nada melhor do que um livro sobre o Natal.
E não podia ter escolhido melhor.
O livro conta a história da Ruby, uma mulher com um passado trágico que a impede de se entregar de novo ao amor, e que se muda para a Vila de Happiness onde encontra lá o seu "one night stand" Jacob.
E nós vamos acompanhando a história destes dois a medida que se vão apaixonando mas que não o querem admitir.
É a típica história de Natal que vemos nos filmes mas não deixa de ser bonito, fofo e mágico, digno de uma história romântica na melhor época do ano.
E quando damos por nós já são 4 da manhã e estamos a sorrir que nem parvas para um livro e só nos apetece entrar no livro e abraçar os dois.
Recomendo esta leitura se estiverem a precisar de um pouco de magia e alegria e acho uma vergonha este livro ainda não ter sido traduzido para português.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
E não podia ter escolhido melhor.
O livro conta a história da Ruby, uma mulher com um passado trágico que a impede de se entregar de novo ao amor, e que se muda para a Vila de Happiness onde encontra lá o seu "one night stand" Jacob.
E nós vamos acompanhando a história destes dois a medida que se vão apaixonando mas que não o querem admitir.
É a típica história de Natal que vemos nos filmes mas não deixa de ser bonito, fofo e mágico, digno de uma história romântica na melhor época do ano.
E quando damos por nós já são 4 da manhã e estamos a sorrir que nem parvas para um livro e só nos apetece entrar no livro e abraçar os dois.
Recomendo esta leitura se estiverem a precisar de um pouco de magia e alegria e acho uma vergonha este livro ainda não ter sido traduzido para português.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 11, 2020
Holly Martin has done it again. I read The Little Village of Happiness last year and immediately fell in love with Hollys writing. I wanted to become friends with her characters and live in their world. The Gift of Happiness was no different.
Looking for Christmas spirit? Ruby Marlowe is your girl. She’s back in Happiness and ready to open her bauble shop. Much to her surprise, shes next door to her summer fling, Jacob Harrington. After a major loss, Ruby swears off love and relationships. Jacob on the other hand is ready to prove her wrong and be the guy she needs in her life. Will Ruby be able to find love & happiness?
Not surprisingly, I loved this story. I loved the connection Ruby and Jacob shared, the friendships between them, Willow & Andrew, and of course all of the gossip from the village. If you’re looking for a sweet holiday romance, I highly suggest The Gift of Happiness.
Looking for Christmas spirit? Ruby Marlowe is your girl. She’s back in Happiness and ready to open her bauble shop. Much to her surprise, shes next door to her summer fling, Jacob Harrington. After a major loss, Ruby swears off love and relationships. Jacob on the other hand is ready to prove her wrong and be the guy she needs in her life. Will Ruby be able to find love & happiness?
Not surprisingly, I loved this story. I loved the connection Ruby and Jacob shared, the friendships between them, Willow & Andrew, and of course all of the gossip from the village. If you’re looking for a sweet holiday romance, I highly suggest The Gift of Happiness.
December 20, 2021
This was such a jolly, festive and adorable read! Yes, predictable and yes, a little soppy and slow, but also so cute! Perfect for this time of year, and it made me all giddy with feels. Merry Christmas!
March 25, 2021
I couldn't get into this one like I did Willow and Andrews story, but it was still a nice light read...
July 18, 2025
Voorspelbare ontspanning
December 10, 2025
Like a hallmark Christmas film
November 21, 2020
5/5 Ik houd van het dorpje Happiness en nog meer van kerstsfeer in Happiness. Fijne boeken om te lezen als je er even doorheen zit.
December 5, 2020
Wat een heerlijk boek voor deze tijd van het jaar. Je weet hoe het af gaat lopen maar toch moet je blijven doorlezen, want je moet het einde weten.
January 4, 2024
This book is so repetitive, almost every page mentions Ruby's past and the fact that she will never have a relationship again. Too bad, because part 1 was really nice.
December 19, 2025
ooh zo'n leuk kerstverhaal 🎄
November 24, 2019
I loved this book! It’s just as sweet as the one before it. There was a small part in the end that I did NOT see coming- and was delighted for it! I loved how everything came together in the end. I hope that someday I can live in a cute little town like Happiness.
August 26, 2021
Het verhaal is wat dun en bevat veel herhalingen en een, naar mijn mening, irritante fout in een van de eerste hoofdstukken. Nadat we achter de rugzakjes van de hoofdpersonen Ruby en Jacob zijn gekomen zijn er nog wat verwikkelingen maar het kersterige boek heeft absoluut een feelgood einde. Maar op de vraag of ik na het lezen van dit boek in het dorpje Happiness wil wonen is mijn antwoord toch echt nee.
October 20, 2019
A sparkling, thoughtful romantic tale which gave me tingles and made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Christmas stories are my favourite kind of stories.
The opening of the book sees Ruby, who we met in the previous book moving into Happiness. She had a few days of amazing sex with Jacob when she visited Willow in the summer but she is a lady who does not wish to settle down and is happy with no strings fun, or is she? As with all romance stories, this is just the start of Ruby’s journey. It’s Christmas time in Happiness, and the village is alive with all things festive and as always the gossips are out in full force as Ruby comes to town. Can she live in the village for the next year without falling into Jacobs arms, bed or heart?
For me, it’s always about the characters. If I fall in love with one or all the characters, then it’s going to be a yes from me. The Gift of Happiness is no different, I love the characters - but then again, in a Holly Martin story, I always do! Like with people in real life, there are characters you will grow to love and some that you instantly fall in love with. Willow in the first book was an instant for me, Ruby was a bit of a grower, but I think she was written that way. You have to follow her journey, understand and learn why she is the way she is. I accepted her character early on as we should with people, she is the way she is, and she doesn’t want to change for anyone and I like that but I didn’t love her, not right away anyway, but when you start to learn her story and see her interactions with Willow, the villagers and Jacob and it soon wasn’t long before I’d fallen for her characters charm too, just as Jacob did.
I love Christmas - the idea of carrying Christmas spirit/ magic all year round is something me and my mum have always done and I like to hope I’m passing that onto my kids! I always say we are Spirit of Christmas ambassadors. I love a Christmas story but a Christmas story about a lady I can relate to well that was perfection in a book. It’s not a secret that Holly is one of my favourite authors, it’s not often I pick her up her books and don’t instantly fall in love with everything about it. I love how she helps you connect with the characters and the story, but also with the places. Each time I discover a new place in Holly’s books, I want to go to and explore and find some of these treasures for myself. Happiness is almost a character itself. Overall, a book by Holly is probably going to be a hit in my house, a book by Holly about Christmas, well Christmas has arrived early in my house, and a little warning to my friends and family, you may all be receiving this book as a gift this year.
Overall, I love this book and if you want a festive, feel good read which will leave you feel all warm and fuzzy inside but also might make you jealous of all the beautiful, friendly and romantic feels - this is the book for you!
The opening of the book sees Ruby, who we met in the previous book moving into Happiness. She had a few days of amazing sex with Jacob when she visited Willow in the summer but she is a lady who does not wish to settle down and is happy with no strings fun, or is she? As with all romance stories, this is just the start of Ruby’s journey. It’s Christmas time in Happiness, and the village is alive with all things festive and as always the gossips are out in full force as Ruby comes to town. Can she live in the village for the next year without falling into Jacobs arms, bed or heart?
For me, it’s always about the characters. If I fall in love with one or all the characters, then it’s going to be a yes from me. The Gift of Happiness is no different, I love the characters - but then again, in a Holly Martin story, I always do! Like with people in real life, there are characters you will grow to love and some that you instantly fall in love with. Willow in the first book was an instant for me, Ruby was a bit of a grower, but I think she was written that way. You have to follow her journey, understand and learn why she is the way she is. I accepted her character early on as we should with people, she is the way she is, and she doesn’t want to change for anyone and I like that but I didn’t love her, not right away anyway, but when you start to learn her story and see her interactions with Willow, the villagers and Jacob and it soon wasn’t long before I’d fallen for her characters charm too, just as Jacob did.
I love Christmas - the idea of carrying Christmas spirit/ magic all year round is something me and my mum have always done and I like to hope I’m passing that onto my kids! I always say we are Spirit of Christmas ambassadors. I love a Christmas story but a Christmas story about a lady I can relate to well that was perfection in a book. It’s not a secret that Holly is one of my favourite authors, it’s not often I pick her up her books and don’t instantly fall in love with everything about it. I love how she helps you connect with the characters and the story, but also with the places. Each time I discover a new place in Holly’s books, I want to go to and explore and find some of these treasures for myself. Happiness is almost a character itself. Overall, a book by Holly is probably going to be a hit in my house, a book by Holly about Christmas, well Christmas has arrived early in my house, and a little warning to my friends and family, you may all be receiving this book as a gift this year.
Overall, I love this book and if you want a festive, feel good read which will leave you feel all warm and fuzzy inside but also might make you jealous of all the beautiful, friendly and romantic feels - this is the book for you!
October 21, 2019
In July I had the pleasure of reading The Little Village of Happiness. I loved it, but it was a book that needed to grow on me. I needed to find my own place in the village of Happiness. But by the last page, I was absolutely smitten with the town and its villagers. It is a bit of an understatement to say that I was very excited to return to the village and find out what everybody had been up to.
This time I was taken by the story from the first few lines and that was all because of the absolutely amazing main character Ruby Marlowe. We met Ruby in the first instalment of the series as Willows best friend, who pays her a quick visit and has an amazing three night stand with Andrews brother, Jacob. I knew I would like her as a protagonist, but I could not have expected to love her so much. Ruby is an absolute Christmas addict, who has sworn of men for the rest of her life. She is ready for a new start far away from everybody who knows her past and after seeing how happy Willow became in Happiness, she follows her best friend. Little does she know that she will be sharing a shop with Jacob and the sparks are still flying around.
The slow burning romance between Jacob and Ruby is one of the sweetest, but also hearth warming and hearth breaking romances I have ever read by Holly’s hand. Their story is a little more complicated than other romances I have read by her before. I found the struggle Ruby was going through very realistic and could absolutely understand her mood swings and mind-set. Holly has written such a sensitive and delicate romance with these characters.
Apart from that I loved to be back in Happiness. This time the village really jumped of the pages. It almost felt like I was walking in the street looking up at the slightly different Christmas lights that adorn Happiness. And it was so lovely to see all the villagers back. Especially the older generations brings that extra bit of humour to the story.
By now I have read numerous books written by Holly and every time she succeeds to amaze and surprise me. I love how every time she thinks of something new and quirky to give the story a little twist and bring a smile to my face.
The Gift of Happiness is not your typical sweet and fluffy Christmas novel. There is of course a whole lot of twinkling fairy lights, hot chocolate and kisses in the snow. But it deals with some real issues that give the story extra depth and make it a story to remember.
So close the windows, make yourself a nice mug of hot chocolate, grab a blanket and forget about the world outside. The village of Happiness and its inhabitants are expecting you! You won’t regret your visit!
Thank you Holly that I got to enjoy this wonderful story in advance!
This time I was taken by the story from the first few lines and that was all because of the absolutely amazing main character Ruby Marlowe. We met Ruby in the first instalment of the series as Willows best friend, who pays her a quick visit and has an amazing three night stand with Andrews brother, Jacob. I knew I would like her as a protagonist, but I could not have expected to love her so much. Ruby is an absolute Christmas addict, who has sworn of men for the rest of her life. She is ready for a new start far away from everybody who knows her past and after seeing how happy Willow became in Happiness, she follows her best friend. Little does she know that she will be sharing a shop with Jacob and the sparks are still flying around.
The slow burning romance between Jacob and Ruby is one of the sweetest, but also hearth warming and hearth breaking romances I have ever read by Holly’s hand. Their story is a little more complicated than other romances I have read by her before. I found the struggle Ruby was going through very realistic and could absolutely understand her mood swings and mind-set. Holly has written such a sensitive and delicate romance with these characters.
Apart from that I loved to be back in Happiness. This time the village really jumped of the pages. It almost felt like I was walking in the street looking up at the slightly different Christmas lights that adorn Happiness. And it was so lovely to see all the villagers back. Especially the older generations brings that extra bit of humour to the story.
By now I have read numerous books written by Holly and every time she succeeds to amaze and surprise me. I love how every time she thinks of something new and quirky to give the story a little twist and bring a smile to my face.
The Gift of Happiness is not your typical sweet and fluffy Christmas novel. There is of course a whole lot of twinkling fairy lights, hot chocolate and kisses in the snow. But it deals with some real issues that give the story extra depth and make it a story to remember.
So close the windows, make yourself a nice mug of hot chocolate, grab a blanket and forget about the world outside. The village of Happiness and its inhabitants are expecting you! You won’t regret your visit!
Thank you Holly that I got to enjoy this wonderful story in advance!
September 29, 2019
Holly Martin's novels are a joy to read. So heartwarming and like receiving a great big hug all through the power of a few words on paper.
This book was no exception.
Back in the village of Happiness, first introduced in an earlier novel this year. From that novel Andrew and Willow are settled, and Willow's friend Ruby decides to break away from her past and start again in Happiness.
She has only visited before but now Ruby wants to take up the opportunity to live and work there in return for a cottage and a shop. What better shop at this time of year than a Christmas shop. Ruby is all about Christmas.
However plans don't get off to the best start when her intended shop is damaged and she finds herself next door to artist Jacob Harrington. They have met before and had made a lasting impression on each other.
This time though Ruby just wants to be friends. Jacob can cope with that, he thinks?
But fate, her friend Willow and many of the other residents seem to have other ideas.
Thrown into Christmas planning almost upon arriving in the village, it seems that Ruby and Jacob are destined to be pushed together despite their pasts and their secrets.
This is full on Christmas from the moment Ruby arrives and spots the nativity scene, I could see what was going to happen and chuckled my way through the book at this offshoot of the main plotline.
The course of anyone's Christmas doesn't always run smoothly and it seems Ruby's is going to be the same. The book made me laugh, made me cry and made my heart sing with delight as I was immersed in the village of Happiness.
This is not your typical fluffy Christmas novel, it has some real issues and they are dealt with sensitivity and show how people need to move on, but perhaps have to do so at the right time and with the right support. Christmas somehow makes it all that more difficult and also special for everyone concerned.
Another great big hug of a book from Holly Martin and I think maybe there might be another visit to Happiness tucked away somewhere? I can live in hope.
A Five Sparkly Christmas Star read!
Thank you to the author who kindly provided me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I have received nothing in return and the only thing I give is the recommendation to read this book.
This book was no exception.
Back in the village of Happiness, first introduced in an earlier novel this year. From that novel Andrew and Willow are settled, and Willow's friend Ruby decides to break away from her past and start again in Happiness.
She has only visited before but now Ruby wants to take up the opportunity to live and work there in return for a cottage and a shop. What better shop at this time of year than a Christmas shop. Ruby is all about Christmas.
However plans don't get off to the best start when her intended shop is damaged and she finds herself next door to artist Jacob Harrington. They have met before and had made a lasting impression on each other.
This time though Ruby just wants to be friends. Jacob can cope with that, he thinks?
But fate, her friend Willow and many of the other residents seem to have other ideas.
Thrown into Christmas planning almost upon arriving in the village, it seems that Ruby and Jacob are destined to be pushed together despite their pasts and their secrets.
This is full on Christmas from the moment Ruby arrives and spots the nativity scene, I could see what was going to happen and chuckled my way through the book at this offshoot of the main plotline.
The course of anyone's Christmas doesn't always run smoothly and it seems Ruby's is going to be the same. The book made me laugh, made me cry and made my heart sing with delight as I was immersed in the village of Happiness.
This is not your typical fluffy Christmas novel, it has some real issues and they are dealt with sensitivity and show how people need to move on, but perhaps have to do so at the right time and with the right support. Christmas somehow makes it all that more difficult and also special for everyone concerned.
Another great big hug of a book from Holly Martin and I think maybe there might be another visit to Happiness tucked away somewhere? I can live in hope.
A Five Sparkly Christmas Star read!
Thank you to the author who kindly provided me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I have received nothing in return and the only thing I give is the recommendation to read this book.
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