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Miracle on Christmas Street
Feel-good, funny and festive, this book is guaranteed to melt your heart this Christmas! Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Jo Thomas and Milly Johnson***'Heartwarming, funny and deliciously festive!' Debbie Johnson, author of Maybe One Day'You'll simply fall in love with this scrumptious Christmas story' Sandy Barker, author of The Christmas SwapBehind every door is a festive wish...When Jess Green arrives at her new home on Christmas Street, she quickly realises that this will be a December to remember! After the disaster of last year, she was hoping to curl up and avoid the festivities - but her new neighbours have other ideas...Together, they're creating something a real-life advent calendar. As each house opens its door for wreath-making, gingerbread icing or carol singing, Jess finds herself swept up in the holiday cheer. Every house, that is, except for No. 24, home to the cantakerous Mr Winters. But when disaster strikes, can Jess pull off a festive miracle - and make her own Christmas wish come true?***Your favourite authors love Miracle on Christmas Street!'The Holiday meets Love Actually . . . the warm, fuzzy, feel-good Christmas tonic we all need this year' Helly Acton, author of The Shelf'Warm, wonderfully wise and brimming with Christmas magic' Cressida McLaughlin, author of The Cornish Cream Tea Christmas'A delightful Christmas read to curl up with' Bella Osborne, author of One Family Christmas'A sparkling, funny, festive treat!' Laura Kemp, author of Bring Me Sunshine'Oozes festive fun and charm! You'll definitely want this in your Christmas stocking' Fiona Harper, author of The Memory Collector'Brimming with warmth and sparkle...Miracle on Christmas Street is sure to leave you filled with the magic of the season' Maisey Yates
- GenresChristmas
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2020
44 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Annie O'Neil
289 books46 followersAnnie is a supertronic bibliophile who LOVES pickles. And writing. And musicals. And dogs. And people. And rainbows. And unicorns. She's a glass half full kind of gal. She also writes books under the name Sheila McClure (The Break-Up Agency) and Daisy Tate (A Bicycle Built for Sue and Happy Glampers).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 14, 2020
This was a very clever theme for a book, all the houses on Christmas Street becoming the numbers on an advent calendar and doing something social at their house for the rest of the neighbours in the street each evening during the month of December. Handy if you have 24 houses anyway!
The story itself is based on this but has a lot more going on. The main character, Jess, has moved to Christmas Street for a new start and a new job, after losing her job at a very exclusive school because of an incident. She's a bit down in the dumps and has spent ages wallowing at her parents house but is now starting off again on her own. I must admit I did find her quite irritating in parts (failure to return a friend's multiple texts/calls and stuffing a letter in a drawer because she didn't want to know what was in it/failure to take the 'sold' sign down on her house in case she changed her mind), she really needed to stop avoiding issues she didn't want to deal with.
But the advent calendar social gatherings force her to join in and she makes friends with her neighbours, especially with Drea who gives her no choice but to be her friend, just the sort of forceful personality she needed to drag her back into living her life again and stop feeling so sorry for herself.
There is also the old, grumpy Mr Winters at No.24 who everyone avoids, but somehow through circumstances Jess finds herself getting involved with, even though he doesn't want anything to do with her at first.
I really liked the group of characters, especially the forceful Drea and the flamboyant florists Kai & Rex, and definitely warmed to Mr Winters as the story went on. It was really lovely to see the neighbours pulling together to help each other out when disaster strikes. A really enjoyable book with a lovely Christmassy feel.
The story itself is based on this but has a lot more going on. The main character, Jess, has moved to Christmas Street for a new start and a new job, after losing her job at a very exclusive school because of an incident. She's a bit down in the dumps and has spent ages wallowing at her parents house but is now starting off again on her own. I must admit I did find her quite irritating in parts (failure to return a friend's multiple texts/calls and stuffing a letter in a drawer because she didn't want to know what was in it/failure to take the 'sold' sign down on her house in case she changed her mind), she really needed to stop avoiding issues she didn't want to deal with.
But the advent calendar social gatherings force her to join in and she makes friends with her neighbours, especially with Drea who gives her no choice but to be her friend, just the sort of forceful personality she needed to drag her back into living her life again and stop feeling so sorry for herself.
There is also the old, grumpy Mr Winters at No.24 who everyone avoids, but somehow through circumstances Jess finds herself getting involved with, even though he doesn't want anything to do with her at first.
I really liked the group of characters, especially the forceful Drea and the flamboyant florists Kai & Rex, and definitely warmed to Mr Winters as the story went on. It was really lovely to see the neighbours pulling together to help each other out when disaster strikes. A really enjoyable book with a lovely Christmassy feel.
January 6, 2023
*Advent Calendar Christmas*
Jess Green a school teacher lost her job at a private school through no fault of her own and her boyfriend.
She decides to have a fresh start. Her new home is in Christmas Street where they create a live advent calendar. Each house, each day has a turn to create something or an event but one home does not partake why?
Jess’s idea is to have a meal for one and hideaway but the community have other ideas. As each day goes on Jess warms to the community and finally feels part of something. She then makes it her mission to get the owner of number 24 involved can she break down his defences and find out the heartbreak behind the door…
A festive easy read but lacked a little of the cosiness I love in a Christmas book
Jess Green a school teacher lost her job at a private school through no fault of her own and her boyfriend.
She decides to have a fresh start. Her new home is in Christmas Street where they create a live advent calendar. Each house, each day has a turn to create something or an event but one home does not partake why?
Jess’s idea is to have a meal for one and hideaway but the community have other ideas. As each day goes on Jess warms to the community and finally feels part of something. She then makes it her mission to get the owner of number 24 involved can she break down his defences and find out the heartbreak behind the door…
A festive easy read but lacked a little of the cosiness I love in a Christmas book
November 2, 2020
It's enough to make you believe in Christmas magic.
From the first chapter complete with a snowball fight kicking off a living advent calendar and Jess moving day to Christmas street i was enchanted.
With each chapter being a new day, we get to know the residents of this lovely community and a different themed Christmas activity each day.
And for a few key residents we get to know them very well, and just how the Christmas season affects them. But it was the story of Mr Winters, the street's scrooge that really touched me, especially the reason why he he no longer speaks to his son, and has never met his grandson. Seeing how Jess tried to connect to him, when none of the other neighbours could see beneath his gruff exterior, was really heart warming.
Jess is trying to regroup after a year out of teaching, after the "cheese sandwich incident" which is hinted at many times, before we discover the full details and see just how poorly she has been treated in her old job.
There is just so much to love with this book, and in some respects you could probably read it in the month of December a chapter a day, to discover the happenings on Christmas Street and the real life advent calendar in real time, but I much prefer turning page after page, and just loving every second of this story.
I could easily imagine this a Hallmark Movie, and would love to see it on a screen, it has everything you could want in a Christmas book, and its very well written and just a joy to read.
Easily one of the most festive and enjoyable Christmas books that I have read this year, and I still can't believe that I've never read this author before, which is something I clearly need to fix in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orion for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
From the first chapter complete with a snowball fight kicking off a living advent calendar and Jess moving day to Christmas street i was enchanted.
With each chapter being a new day, we get to know the residents of this lovely community and a different themed Christmas activity each day.
And for a few key residents we get to know them very well, and just how the Christmas season affects them. But it was the story of Mr Winters, the street's scrooge that really touched me, especially the reason why he he no longer speaks to his son, and has never met his grandson. Seeing how Jess tried to connect to him, when none of the other neighbours could see beneath his gruff exterior, was really heart warming.
Jess is trying to regroup after a year out of teaching, after the "cheese sandwich incident" which is hinted at many times, before we discover the full details and see just how poorly she has been treated in her old job.
There is just so much to love with this book, and in some respects you could probably read it in the month of December a chapter a day, to discover the happenings on Christmas Street and the real life advent calendar in real time, but I much prefer turning page after page, and just loving every second of this story.
I could easily imagine this a Hallmark Movie, and would love to see it on a screen, it has everything you could want in a Christmas book, and its very well written and just a joy to read.
Easily one of the most festive and enjoyable Christmas books that I have read this year, and I still can't believe that I've never read this author before, which is something I clearly need to fix in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orion for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 8, 2020
Jess's life got turned upside down, and we all know that changes are so difficult for us all, good or bad! Jess was a teacher, but due to an 'incident', she was fired and has moved to change her pace. As you might guess, Jess isn't absolutely thrilled about Christmas this year as she just moved to her new place and it's December 1st.
But how could you remain the Grinch when the street your live in is a literal advent calendar? Her neighbors (well, with a grumpy exception) are Christmas lovers (yay) and each has is one number for the advent calendar. Each house has a Christmas duty on their day and they all socialise throughout the entire month. This idea not only bought me as a reader, but bought our main character as well. Brought her to life.
Jess was an extremely likable character. Just absolutely sweet, and I wanted to hug her every time I felt her struggle. I understand Jess.
The atmosphere this book creates is heart-warming and dynamic, lively and Christmassy. But it's the characters for me, especially Drea, that lure you in.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to get into the Christmas spirit, read about love, and friendships, about hardships in life, and overcoming them, moving on and simply enjoying life as it is. I truly hope we get to hear more from this author next Christmas!
But how could you remain the Grinch when the street your live in is a literal advent calendar? Her neighbors (well, with a grumpy exception) are Christmas lovers (yay) and each has is one number for the advent calendar. Each house has a Christmas duty on their day and they all socialise throughout the entire month. This idea not only bought me as a reader, but bought our main character as well. Brought her to life.
Jess was an extremely likable character. Just absolutely sweet, and I wanted to hug her every time I felt her struggle. I understand Jess.
The atmosphere this book creates is heart-warming and dynamic, lively and Christmassy. But it's the characters for me, especially Drea, that lure you in.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to get into the Christmas spirit, read about love, and friendships, about hardships in life, and overcoming them, moving on and simply enjoying life as it is. I truly hope we get to hear more from this author next Christmas!
December 5, 2020
Although I tend to read mostly dark crime fiction and thrillers, I do enjoy a change of genre now and again. At this time of year I'm a sucker for a cosy Hallmark movie and likewise, always find myself drawn to heartwarming festive reads, so Miracle on Christmas Street was exactly what I was in the mood for.
At the start of the book, Jess Green is caught up in the usual pre-Christmas madness as she battles another Black Friday shopper for a tacky wreath. Though quite a humorous scene - I loved the desperate hyperbole from both women trying to explain why they deserved the wreath - it soon becomes clear that the trappings of life as a top prep-school teacher are exactly that - and Jess needs more from her life.
A year later finds Jess waiting to start a new job in a primary school after the holidays and headed for her new home in the invitingly named Christmas Street. After a beginning which doesn't really show her at her best, I quickly warmed to Jess who is clearly a bit of a dreamer. She is also evidently suffering from a loss of confidence due to something happening at the prep-school which she mysteriously thinks of as 'the Cheese Sandwich Incident'. As she arrives in her new road, however, her moving-in plans are sent into disarray and as she is introduced to some of her new neighbours, she discovers the residents of Christmas Street have something special planned - and she is expected to contribute.
As the story progresses, we meet more of the neighbours along with Jess but there are some who make a particularly strong impression almost immediately. The first house in the street belongs to an Australian woman, Drea and she is the enthusiastic organiser BEHIND the living advent calendar taking place in Christmas Street. Every evening, each house will lay on a seasonal event on the day of the month which coincides with the number on their front door. Jess is number fourteen so has a little while to plan something but it's fair to say that she has a frustrating tendency to put off anything she is reluctant to face head on and also can't help but involve herself in other people's problems.
I'm aware that it would be easy to imagine Jess could be an annoying character but actually the opposite is true and there is a good reason why she has become so insecure. Despite having been badly let down, she has retained the ability to see the best in people and although her plans sometimes go a little awry or she accidentally reveals more than she intends to in her emails, she is actually rather endearing.
Rather fortuitously there are twenty-four houses in Christmas Street but the last house is owned by a cantankerous older man, Mr Winters. A mail mix-up means Jess learns something about his life that he has kept secret for many years, and even in the face of his apparent belligerence, she takes the time to try to figure out how she can help him join in with the street's festivities. His story is heartbreaking but he isn't the only resident who has experienced difficult times and although this is mostly a joyful read, there was a shared moment between two characters that brought a tear to my eye. Even Drea is more vulnerable than she first appears and Jess realises that she needs to create a sense of community for another reason beyond missing the open friendliness of life back in Australia.
I don't want to give too much away about the living advent calendar reveals, other than to say this is a book which evokes everything that makes Christmas such a wonderful time of year - baking, decorating, singing...I could almost smell the pine leaves and cinnamon and taste the hot chocolate! More than that, however, it's a delightful feel-good reminder that for most of us, it's being surrounded by friends or family and feeling part of a community that really matters. Sentimental, romantic and utterly charming, I finished Miracle on Christmas Street with a huge, soppy smile on my face - and with a craving for a large hot chocolate of my own!
At the start of the book, Jess Green is caught up in the usual pre-Christmas madness as she battles another Black Friday shopper for a tacky wreath. Though quite a humorous scene - I loved the desperate hyperbole from both women trying to explain why they deserved the wreath - it soon becomes clear that the trappings of life as a top prep-school teacher are exactly that - and Jess needs more from her life.
A year later finds Jess waiting to start a new job in a primary school after the holidays and headed for her new home in the invitingly named Christmas Street. After a beginning which doesn't really show her at her best, I quickly warmed to Jess who is clearly a bit of a dreamer. She is also evidently suffering from a loss of confidence due to something happening at the prep-school which she mysteriously thinks of as 'the Cheese Sandwich Incident'. As she arrives in her new road, however, her moving-in plans are sent into disarray and as she is introduced to some of her new neighbours, she discovers the residents of Christmas Street have something special planned - and she is expected to contribute.
As the story progresses, we meet more of the neighbours along with Jess but there are some who make a particularly strong impression almost immediately. The first house in the street belongs to an Australian woman, Drea and she is the enthusiastic organiser BEHIND the living advent calendar taking place in Christmas Street. Every evening, each house will lay on a seasonal event on the day of the month which coincides with the number on their front door. Jess is number fourteen so has a little while to plan something but it's fair to say that she has a frustrating tendency to put off anything she is reluctant to face head on and also can't help but involve herself in other people's problems.
I'm aware that it would be easy to imagine Jess could be an annoying character but actually the opposite is true and there is a good reason why she has become so insecure. Despite having been badly let down, she has retained the ability to see the best in people and although her plans sometimes go a little awry or she accidentally reveals more than she intends to in her emails, she is actually rather endearing.
Rather fortuitously there are twenty-four houses in Christmas Street but the last house is owned by a cantankerous older man, Mr Winters. A mail mix-up means Jess learns something about his life that he has kept secret for many years, and even in the face of his apparent belligerence, she takes the time to try to figure out how she can help him join in with the street's festivities. His story is heartbreaking but he isn't the only resident who has experienced difficult times and although this is mostly a joyful read, there was a shared moment between two characters that brought a tear to my eye. Even Drea is more vulnerable than she first appears and Jess realises that she needs to create a sense of community for another reason beyond missing the open friendliness of life back in Australia.
I don't want to give too much away about the living advent calendar reveals, other than to say this is a book which evokes everything that makes Christmas such a wonderful time of year - baking, decorating, singing...I could almost smell the pine leaves and cinnamon and taste the hot chocolate! More than that, however, it's a delightful feel-good reminder that for most of us, it's being surrounded by friends or family and feeling part of a community that really matters. Sentimental, romantic and utterly charming, I finished Miracle on Christmas Street with a huge, soppy smile on my face - and with a craving for a large hot chocolate of my own!
November 2, 2022
Lovely story with great mix of characters and a budding romance resolved fairly late in the book (with another one merely hinted at). Jess's personality develops heart-warmingly.
The edition that I read is a "Mass Market Paperback" 978 1 3987 0048 2, typeset in Lymington.
373 pages of story and one each of acknowledgments and credits. (How can we tell goodreads about an unlisted edition?)
Cover picture is inconsistent with text; e.g. several details of number 24. Not unusual for cover pictures!
Punctuation a bit inconsistent but above average for modern works I have read although many misplaced apostrophes and some "who" that should be"whom" and more than one definitely wrong comma ("a very, merry, Christmas to you") or omission of a comma ("... in particular Martha who ..." - clearly a non-defining relative clause starting)
Some unusual (maybe even novel) words such as holly-sprigged, assault-y, It'd, catastrophising, div (not in the Scrabble dictionary), comradery, squirmy (meaning uncomfortable rather than moving oddly), strangley (tending to strangle), goldfished (meaning stood with mouth open, not the Urban Dictionary meanings), shushed
North Americanisms: "off of"; kvetching. Same with "they arrived outside of Jess's house"?
Misused words or typos:
swotted for swatted
attending for attended
those kind of
peel for peal
they'd couldn't play
taking for talking
"comprised of" for "comprising" or "composed of"
p 37 "across the road Drea's" needs "from" inserted.
p 197 "By throwing herself at Mr Winters' mercy, ... he'd forgive her ..." - is that three errors in one sentence? Definitely one misrelated participle.
p 247 "arrival of Gemma in a ... saucy ... outfit. A couple of the Rob'n'Bobs wolf-whistled and were promptly shushed by ... the protective glare of Gemma's husband" - NO; he was one of the Rob'n'Bobs, explained on p 40.
p 274 "steamer trunk with a sticker on it for Timbuktoo" - unlikely in real world as Timbuktu is 18 km from port.
p 324 "and he was stranger" should insert "a".
Poor Jess may have paid for the time the removals men spent joining in the snow-fight, but the time saved by the neighbours' help could have negated that.
On her walk back from number 24 she would not have seen the florists' house close up as soon as the text implies.
The edition that I read is a "Mass Market Paperback" 978 1 3987 0048 2, typeset in Lymington.
373 pages of story and one each of acknowledgments and credits. (How can we tell goodreads about an unlisted edition?)
Cover picture is inconsistent with text; e.g. several details of number 24. Not unusual for cover pictures!
Punctuation a bit inconsistent but above average for modern works I have read although many misplaced apostrophes and some "who" that should be"whom" and more than one definitely wrong comma ("a very, merry, Christmas to you") or omission of a comma ("... in particular Martha who ..." - clearly a non-defining relative clause starting)
Some unusual (maybe even novel) words such as holly-sprigged, assault-y, It'd, catastrophising, div (not in the Scrabble dictionary), comradery, squirmy (meaning uncomfortable rather than moving oddly), strangley (tending to strangle), goldfished (meaning stood with mouth open, not the Urban Dictionary meanings), shushed
North Americanisms: "off of"; kvetching. Same with "they arrived outside of Jess's house"?
Misused words or typos:
swotted for swatted
attending for attended
those kind of
peel for peal
they'd couldn't play
taking for talking
"comprised of" for "comprising" or "composed of"
p 37 "across the road Drea's" needs "from" inserted.
p 197 "By throwing herself at Mr Winters' mercy, ... he'd forgive her ..." - is that three errors in one sentence? Definitely one misrelated participle.
p 247 "arrival of Gemma in a ... saucy ... outfit. A couple of the Rob'n'Bobs wolf-whistled and were promptly shushed by ... the protective glare of Gemma's husband" - NO; he was one of the Rob'n'Bobs, explained on p 40.
p 274 "steamer trunk with a sticker on it for Timbuktoo" - unlikely in real world as Timbuktu is 18 km from port.
p 324 "and he was stranger" should insert "a".
Poor Jess may have paid for the time the removals men spent joining in the snow-fight, but the time saved by the neighbours' help could have negated that.
On her walk back from number 24 she would not have seen the florists' house close up as soon as the text implies.
October 14, 2020
This is my first book by this author and my word wont be the last I really enjoyed it. An easy read full of friendships settling into a new life and families and making up its heartwarming and such a great read that will make you think.
Jess leaves her home and job in London after a disagreement and she has time to think and start again in a different area. She arrives at her new home on Christmas street and she soon learns life is going to be very different she is going to make new friends quickly as she moves in dec and soon learns that each house in the month of dec has an real life advent calendar and a house is open each day until Christmas and she’s expected to join in. She also gets a card through the door opens it and learns it’s not for her it’s for someone else on the road and she soon learns mr winters at number 24 isn’t joining in the festive spirit but can she work with him to see that he has got a family and can enjoy Christmas again will the magic work on everyone in the road or not.
Brilliant read.
Jess leaves her home and job in London after a disagreement and she has time to think and start again in a different area. She arrives at her new home on Christmas street and she soon learns life is going to be very different she is going to make new friends quickly as she moves in dec and soon learns that each house in the month of dec has an real life advent calendar and a house is open each day until Christmas and she’s expected to join in. She also gets a card through the door opens it and learns it’s not for her it’s for someone else on the road and she soon learns mr winters at number 24 isn’t joining in the festive spirit but can she work with him to see that he has got a family and can enjoy Christmas again will the magic work on everyone in the road or not.
Brilliant read.
November 30, 2020
A lovely, seasonal and sweet book. Its premise is that a street of 24 houses run a different activity each night during Advent, each run by a different house. When Jess moves in, she has 14 days to settle in and decide on her activity.
But Mr Winters, the Scrooge of the close, is supposed to organise the 24th and currently isn't even talking to his neighbours.... can his cold heart be melted? And can Jess finally settle down?
It was really nice, actually, to read a story where the romance wasn't the point... there is a romance, but it's not the focus, almost an incidental plot twist. The book is warm, Christmas focused and, if I lived in a smaller street I would be thinking carefully of how to run an advent experience in my street! Enjoy with a hot chocolate and plenty of mulled wine.
But Mr Winters, the Scrooge of the close, is supposed to organise the 24th and currently isn't even talking to his neighbours.... can his cold heart be melted? And can Jess finally settle down?
It was really nice, actually, to read a story where the romance wasn't the point... there is a romance, but it's not the focus, almost an incidental plot twist. The book is warm, Christmas focused and, if I lived in a smaller street I would be thinking carefully of how to run an advent experience in my street! Enjoy with a hot chocolate and plenty of mulled wine.
November 5, 2020
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me this copy
If you want to read a book that gives you all the Christmas feels, then this one is definitely it. When jess moves to Christmas street after leaving her life in London, she just wants to hide away. Christmas street has other plans though and on moving day (1st December) she finds a huge snow fight taking place! It turns out that Christmas street with its 24 houses is hosting a live advent calendar with each member of the community hosting a night. Although nobody holds up much hope that mean old Mr Winters in house 24 will do anything ....
This was like a big cosy mug of hot chocolate in a book. If your looking for that warm fuzzy Christmas feeling I would definitely pick this one up!
If you want to read a book that gives you all the Christmas feels, then this one is definitely it. When jess moves to Christmas street after leaving her life in London, she just wants to hide away. Christmas street has other plans though and on moving day (1st December) she finds a huge snow fight taking place! It turns out that Christmas street with its 24 houses is hosting a live advent calendar with each member of the community hosting a night. Although nobody holds up much hope that mean old Mr Winters in house 24 will do anything ....
This was like a big cosy mug of hot chocolate in a book. If your looking for that warm fuzzy Christmas feeling I would definitely pick this one up!
November 27, 2020
Jess has left her much loved job because of a cheese-sandwich related disaster and has moved to Boughton just before Christmas. As she moves into her new house on Christmas Street, she discovers that the street has a living advent calendar - where each of the 24 houses in the close hosts one evening event in the run up to Christmas day. Everyone joins in, apart from the grumpy old man at number 24.
This is a charming story, where you get to know the residents in the street at the same time as Jess does. It's women's fiction rather than romance, but there is a strong romantic thread in it. The ending was just lovely.
It's choc full of Christmassy things. I want one of Rex and Kai's wreaths. They sound wonderful.
This is a charming story, where you get to know the residents in the street at the same time as Jess does. It's women's fiction rather than romance, but there is a strong romantic thread in it. The ending was just lovely.
It's choc full of Christmassy things. I want one of Rex and Kai's wreaths. They sound wonderful.
November 13, 2020
I would just like to say a huge thank you to NetGalley for forwarding me a copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
From the very beginning of this book,it was like I had stepped inside a Hallmark Christmas movie - and I absolutely loved it!!
I loved every little bit of this story and found myself reading quicker and quicker, just so that I could find out what happens next. This was the first book that I had read by this author and it definitely won’t be my last.
This book brings the community of Christmas street together and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy and full of Christmas cheer!
From the very beginning of this book,it was like I had stepped inside a Hallmark Christmas movie - and I absolutely loved it!!
I loved every little bit of this story and found myself reading quicker and quicker, just so that I could find out what happens next. This was the first book that I had read by this author and it definitely won’t be my last.
This book brings the community of Christmas street together and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy and full of Christmas cheer!
November 28, 2020
This is a clever and lively Christmassy novel with its central premise of a living Advent calendar in the form of Christmas Street.
When she moves into no 14, Jess - which really seems to be the 'in' name for heroines this season! - is forced to start mingling with her neighbours because of the street's open house policy when she'd rather stick her head in the sand. She is a little prickly now and again but the magic of Christmas slowly gets to her, and in particular the magic of her new community.
It's a fun, feisty and quirky story people with some wonderfully eccentric characters.
Entertaining and original.
When she moves into no 14, Jess - which really seems to be the 'in' name for heroines this season! - is forced to start mingling with her neighbours because of the street's open house policy when she'd rather stick her head in the sand. She is a little prickly now and again but the magic of Christmas slowly gets to her, and in particular the magic of her new community.
It's a fun, feisty and quirky story people with some wonderfully eccentric characters.
Entertaining and original.
December 7, 2020
I think this is the closest thing to a Hallmark-style Christmas film in book form I've ever come across. I don't say that as a bad thing but your mileage may vary, so be aware! I loved the living advent concept, I loved Mr Winter, I loved the budding relationship over email (but then I do love You've Got Mail!), I loved 'Marti'. I absolutely adored the response to the disaster at the end. The only fly in the ointment was Drea. I understand what the author was going for with her and I mostly liked (or at least understood) her but sometimes she overshot, straying into downright obnoxious. Still, it was mostly lovely and delivered the Christmas feels, so I can't really complain!
November 26, 2020
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The love I felt for this book. It exceeded any expectations I had for it. After having the year from hell, Seeing Jess pick herself up and (reluctantly) starting afresh, how she was welcomed to Christmas Street, getting to know all the neighbours, her budding friendship with Mr Winters and finally seeing Drea get her happy ever after (my heart was so full at that stage), it was just the loveliest, heart warming Christmas read. This book would melt the coldest of hearts. Highly recommend it.
The love I felt for this book. It exceeded any expectations I had for it. After having the year from hell, Seeing Jess pick herself up and (reluctantly) starting afresh, how she was welcomed to Christmas Street, getting to know all the neighbours, her budding friendship with Mr Winters and finally seeing Drea get her happy ever after (my heart was so full at that stage), it was just the loveliest, heart warming Christmas read. This book would melt the coldest of hearts. Highly recommend it.
December 2, 2020
I have read a few Christmas books already this year, but unfortunately this one was a disappointment. The characters were difficult to like and relate to, the storyline was a bit lame and I found it very predictable and a bit too fluffy romance, but lacking in true Christmas spirit. Sorry not for me.
November 25, 2020
Christmas spirit
I loved Annie O’Neil’s latest (as usual)! This is a quick, clean, fun Christmas read about people pulling together, friendship, realizing you can step out of your comfort zone, & looking past appearances (including the crusty older neighbor).
I loved Annie O’Neil’s latest (as usual)! This is a quick, clean, fun Christmas read about people pulling together, friendship, realizing you can step out of your comfort zone, & looking past appearances (including the crusty older neighbor).
dnf
January 29, 2025DNF at 16%
I really wanted to enjoy this, but I'm just bored and not connecting with the story or the MC. I set it down several times and would only make it a page or two when picked back up. Zero motivation or interest in continuing.
I really wanted to enjoy this, but I'm just bored and not connecting with the story or the MC. I set it down several times and would only make it a page or two when picked back up. Zero motivation or interest in continuing.
November 23, 2020
Love this book.
Made me laugh and made me cry!!!! Wanted to get to the end of the book to see what happened, and didn't want the story to end. Fabulous!!!!!
Made me laugh and made me cry!!!! Wanted to get to the end of the book to see what happened, and didn't want the story to end. Fabulous!!!!!
November 29, 2020
No humbugs required.
Loved this tale of the advent which brought out the spirit of Christmas in this old Scrooge. Perfect antidote to a pretty awful year for a lot of people.
Loved this tale of the advent which brought out the spirit of Christmas in this old Scrooge. Perfect antidote to a pretty awful year for a lot of people.
June 8, 2022
Relaxing, fun holiday book with lots of twists and turns. Author Annie O' Neil, I think you should contact Hallmark or a channel like it where you live. This would make an adorable movie to watch.
December 25, 2021
⭐ 3,5 ⭐
Hatte viel Spaß beim Lesen! Da die einzelnen Kapitel jeweils den 1. - 25. Dezember darstellen, habe ich das Buch wie einen Adventskalender genutzt und versucht jeden Tag ein Kapitel zu lesen. Finde die Idee eines lebendigen Adventskalenders, wie sie im Buch umgesetzt wird, faszinierend und schön.
Die Geschichte hat mir ebenfalls einiges mit auf Weg gegeben, wie z.B. dass man selbst mit 30+ noch nicht wirklich Erwachsen ist und auch dann immer noch das Leben wieder von neuem starten könnte/muss und dass trotzdem alles gut wird und man seinen Weg finden wird.
Hatte viel Spaß beim Lesen! Da die einzelnen Kapitel jeweils den 1. - 25. Dezember darstellen, habe ich das Buch wie einen Adventskalender genutzt und versucht jeden Tag ein Kapitel zu lesen. Finde die Idee eines lebendigen Adventskalenders, wie sie im Buch umgesetzt wird, faszinierend und schön.
Die Geschichte hat mir ebenfalls einiges mit auf Weg gegeben, wie z.B. dass man selbst mit 30+ noch nicht wirklich Erwachsen ist und auch dann immer noch das Leben wieder von neuem starten könnte/muss und dass trotzdem alles gut wird und man seinen Weg finden wird.
December 13, 2022
Very Hallmark Christmas movie, and I loved all of it. The idea of a living advent calendar for the entire street was fun and each character had such a great personality (albeit even the cranky ones).
December 11, 2022
3.5 stars
A lovely Christmas story, full of friendships, kindness, love and fun. A feel good book, just perfect to get you in the mood. A time to think of others and give a little kindness x x
A lovely Christmas story, full of friendships, kindness, love and fun. A feel good book, just perfect to get you in the mood. A time to think of others and give a little kindness x x
November 11, 2020
This book is set in Christmas Street, a street that has 24 houses. The neighbours have joined together to make a real life Advent calendar.
Jess moves in on December the 1st when a snowball fight is taking place. Each resident has to do something Festive when it is their turn. I thought that it was a good concept and I wanted to know what each day would bring.
Jess is making a fresh start in life, after a bad year. We don't get to find out the full story though until much later in the book.
I enjoyed reading this book, it was very cosy and festive. It was nice to see the community spirit and friendships that developed throughout the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
Jess moves in on December the 1st when a snowball fight is taking place. Each resident has to do something Festive when it is their turn. I thought that it was a good concept and I wanted to know what each day would bring.
Jess is making a fresh start in life, after a bad year. We don't get to find out the full story though until much later in the book.
I enjoyed reading this book, it was very cosy and festive. It was nice to see the community spirit and friendships that developed throughout the book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
November 29, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas Advent theme of this story. A definite keeper for next holiday season!
November 23, 2022
Who wouldn’t love to live on Christmas Street and experience a live advent calendar!!
Loved it gave me all the warm and fuzzy cosy Christmas vibes that I look forward to for a Christmas read.
Great mix of characters, all with their own secrets and back stories all coming together for a magical time of year.
Highly recommend.
Loved it gave me all the warm and fuzzy cosy Christmas vibes that I look forward to for a Christmas read.
Great mix of characters, all with their own secrets and back stories all coming together for a magical time of year.
Highly recommend.
November 2, 2020
2.5 Stars
Going by the other reviews for this book (at time of writing review) I seem to be in the minority with Miracle on Christmas Street. I found it took me ages to get into it and while I liked some of the characters (Mr Winters - he was great) the two main characters Jess and Drea I just couldn't get on with. (Drea in particular was really nasty at times) It's a shame really as I normally love this type of book. Others have loved this book but sadly it's not for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Publishers for my ARC of this book.
Going by the other reviews for this book (at time of writing review) I seem to be in the minority with Miracle on Christmas Street. I found it took me ages to get into it and while I liked some of the characters (Mr Winters - he was great) the two main characters Jess and Drea I just couldn't get on with. (Drea in particular was really nasty at times) It's a shame really as I normally love this type of book. Others have loved this book but sadly it's not for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Publishers for my ARC of this book.
December 7, 2023
3.5, I thought this book was sweet. It was an easy read, and I loved the characters and the idea of the advent calendar. I just felt that a lot of things were too repetitive. Jess and the school, Drea and the son, etc. I know it was to wrap everything up at the end but just felt like it didn’t need all of that. But overall it was a good concept and great holiday read.
December 27, 2020
Festive cheer is needed more than ever this year and thankfully all the Christmas books that I have read in the run up to the season that everybody loves have delivered that much desired happiness in spades. There are always plenty of Christmas books published each year and fortunately all the reads I chose this year have been absolutely brilliant and packed full with all things Christmas and none more so than Miracle on Christmas Street by Annie O’Neill. It’s a fabulous read with such a lovely meaning and message behind it.
The entire concept of the residents of Christmas Street joining together to create a living Advent calendar was just pure genius even if one of the residents wasn’t that keen too join in. He is rather known for his lack of interaction and participating in social activities with his neighbours but still that didn’t deter the residents and newcomer Jess Green from putting on a fantastic display in the 24 days leading up to the most special day of the year.
Black Friday 367 days ago and Jess is trying to put on a brave front after her life has majorly imploded. The reasons for this don’t become specifically clear until much later in the book but you get the sense whatever it was has had the most devastating impact on her. Jess works as a primary school teacher and now an enforced absence from work, which then lead to her being sacked, has led to her needing to revaluate her life. She wants to cocoon away from everything. Teaching was her vocation and her life has been ruined. I could identify immediately with Jess as I am a primary school teacher myself and I knew whatever had gone down wasn’t good and it would take an awful lot for her to be able to move forward especially as she knows she certainly wasn’t the person in the wrong. A year later and Jess has decided to move away from London to get away from the memories of the life she expected she would live for quite some time.
The town of Boughton is to be her new home and a new job in a school has been secured but this doesn’t start until after Christmas. Jess finds herself moving to Christmas Street but she is so upset and torn apart by her recent experiences that she refuses to take down the sale agreed sign as she just has no faith that this move will prove successful. God love her she was so down on herself and full of woe, solitude and despair. In a way I couldn’t blame her for what she had been through, no-one would wish it on any teacher. It’s the ultimate nightmare and her confidence has been ripped from her and it would be very challenging to get any of it back in order to move forward. Christmas for Jess this year is just something to get through, rather than get excited for. She wants the chance to allow her wounds to begin to heal and for her to reset her life aspirations. But little does she bargain on meeting the whirlwind that is Drea who has created the Advent calendar.
The calendar was such a fun, embracing and unique concept. Who wouldn’t want a little Christmas surprise every day? Each resident opened their doors to a fun activity every day and my excitement to see what they would deliver just grew and grew. Yes it may have been pressure for some and Mr Winters just wasn’t getting into the mood but still I had a feeling there were reasons behind this. With Jess trying to knock down his barriers I knew she was helping herself at the same time even if she herself didn’t realise it. No doubt about it Mr Winters was the Scrooge of the story and aspects of A Christmas Carol with a modern day spin did spring to mind. I loved the way an old tale with an important message was giving an up to date twist. A real community feeling of coming together to create some joy and happiness was certainly growing on Christmas street with a carolling kazoo choir, a Christmas pinata, Christmas jenga, best dressed holiday pet show and Jess’ evening of painting a Christmas tree on her wall with all the numbers of the houses and a stencil representing each of them were just a few of the brilliant and creative ideas mentioned. Annie O’Neill had such fantastic ideas throughout this book that only added to the wonderful atmosphere and festive feelings created throughout the entire story. It really did make me feel better about things and certainly took my mind off outside troubles for the time I spent reading it.
I know we weren’t meant to like Mr Winters initially but everyone has a reason for acting the way they do and I loved the storyline of Jess when she just kept pushing and pushing wanting to get through to him and to make him happy again. But for me it was the character of Drea, I just couldn’t warm to. Yes, I loved her idea for the calendar but overall she just seemed to be too pushy. She was an organiser clearly and her intentions were more than good but at times she came across as being rather intimidating and in your face. I thought on occasions Jess was treading wearily around her for fear of doing or saying the wrong thing. Jess’ idea to bring happiness into Drea’s life was a good one and I hated that Drea took it up the wrong way. I didn’t detest her as a character but she certainly wasn’t my favourite.
As more and more doors are opened on Christmas Street, and events and projects for the calendar come to fruition, we see Jess start to go through a change and it’s a positive one. She has been ripped apart and her life shattered but coming to Christmas Street could just be the makings of her. Her little side project regarding Mr Winters began by mistakenly opening a card for him and what she reads inside inspired her to go that little bit further to try and change the man who seems so better and cut off from the world and everyone it. Through trying to heal Mr Winters Jess was doing the same for herself and I really loved this storyline. The rest of the residents may have given up on him but Jess was determined to do the right thing and by doing this she unwittingly was finding the happiness and contentment she needed in order to move forward in her own personal life. Happiness, kindness and confidence makes life better. Jess began to realise that moping around was not going to change her past. What was done was done and now she had the power to change her future. Her destiny was in her hands and I was rooting for her all the way.
Miracle on Christmas Street was a wonderful read and if that stunning cover doesn’t entice you to pick up this captivating and sparkling story that the concept of the calendar and the message of peace, hope joy and love certainly will. The only little issue I had came towards the end as I felt the ending was very rushed given all the brilliant storylines they had been set up throughout the book. But maybe that leaves room for a sequel. Set in the summer perhaps? I can only wish but I did love this story and the characters so I hope that wish comes true. Do make sure to read this fantastic Christmas book if you get an opportunity to do so.
The entire concept of the residents of Christmas Street joining together to create a living Advent calendar was just pure genius even if one of the residents wasn’t that keen too join in. He is rather known for his lack of interaction and participating in social activities with his neighbours but still that didn’t deter the residents and newcomer Jess Green from putting on a fantastic display in the 24 days leading up to the most special day of the year.
Black Friday 367 days ago and Jess is trying to put on a brave front after her life has majorly imploded. The reasons for this don’t become specifically clear until much later in the book but you get the sense whatever it was has had the most devastating impact on her. Jess works as a primary school teacher and now an enforced absence from work, which then lead to her being sacked, has led to her needing to revaluate her life. She wants to cocoon away from everything. Teaching was her vocation and her life has been ruined. I could identify immediately with Jess as I am a primary school teacher myself and I knew whatever had gone down wasn’t good and it would take an awful lot for her to be able to move forward especially as she knows she certainly wasn’t the person in the wrong. A year later and Jess has decided to move away from London to get away from the memories of the life she expected she would live for quite some time.
The town of Boughton is to be her new home and a new job in a school has been secured but this doesn’t start until after Christmas. Jess finds herself moving to Christmas Street but she is so upset and torn apart by her recent experiences that she refuses to take down the sale agreed sign as she just has no faith that this move will prove successful. God love her she was so down on herself and full of woe, solitude and despair. In a way I couldn’t blame her for what she had been through, no-one would wish it on any teacher. It’s the ultimate nightmare and her confidence has been ripped from her and it would be very challenging to get any of it back in order to move forward. Christmas for Jess this year is just something to get through, rather than get excited for. She wants the chance to allow her wounds to begin to heal and for her to reset her life aspirations. But little does she bargain on meeting the whirlwind that is Drea who has created the Advent calendar.
The calendar was such a fun, embracing and unique concept. Who wouldn’t want a little Christmas surprise every day? Each resident opened their doors to a fun activity every day and my excitement to see what they would deliver just grew and grew. Yes it may have been pressure for some and Mr Winters just wasn’t getting into the mood but still I had a feeling there were reasons behind this. With Jess trying to knock down his barriers I knew she was helping herself at the same time even if she herself didn’t realise it. No doubt about it Mr Winters was the Scrooge of the story and aspects of A Christmas Carol with a modern day spin did spring to mind. I loved the way an old tale with an important message was giving an up to date twist. A real community feeling of coming together to create some joy and happiness was certainly growing on Christmas street with a carolling kazoo choir, a Christmas pinata, Christmas jenga, best dressed holiday pet show and Jess’ evening of painting a Christmas tree on her wall with all the numbers of the houses and a stencil representing each of them were just a few of the brilliant and creative ideas mentioned. Annie O’Neill had such fantastic ideas throughout this book that only added to the wonderful atmosphere and festive feelings created throughout the entire story. It really did make me feel better about things and certainly took my mind off outside troubles for the time I spent reading it.
I know we weren’t meant to like Mr Winters initially but everyone has a reason for acting the way they do and I loved the storyline of Jess when she just kept pushing and pushing wanting to get through to him and to make him happy again. But for me it was the character of Drea, I just couldn’t warm to. Yes, I loved her idea for the calendar but overall she just seemed to be too pushy. She was an organiser clearly and her intentions were more than good but at times she came across as being rather intimidating and in your face. I thought on occasions Jess was treading wearily around her for fear of doing or saying the wrong thing. Jess’ idea to bring happiness into Drea’s life was a good one and I hated that Drea took it up the wrong way. I didn’t detest her as a character but she certainly wasn’t my favourite.
As more and more doors are opened on Christmas Street, and events and projects for the calendar come to fruition, we see Jess start to go through a change and it’s a positive one. She has been ripped apart and her life shattered but coming to Christmas Street could just be the makings of her. Her little side project regarding Mr Winters began by mistakenly opening a card for him and what she reads inside inspired her to go that little bit further to try and change the man who seems so better and cut off from the world and everyone it. Through trying to heal Mr Winters Jess was doing the same for herself and I really loved this storyline. The rest of the residents may have given up on him but Jess was determined to do the right thing and by doing this she unwittingly was finding the happiness and contentment she needed in order to move forward in her own personal life. Happiness, kindness and confidence makes life better. Jess began to realise that moping around was not going to change her past. What was done was done and now she had the power to change her future. Her destiny was in her hands and I was rooting for her all the way.
Miracle on Christmas Street was a wonderful read and if that stunning cover doesn’t entice you to pick up this captivating and sparkling story that the concept of the calendar and the message of peace, hope joy and love certainly will. The only little issue I had came towards the end as I felt the ending was very rushed given all the brilliant storylines they had been set up throughout the book. But maybe that leaves room for a sequel. Set in the summer perhaps? I can only wish but I did love this story and the characters so I hope that wish comes true. Do make sure to read this fantastic Christmas book if you get an opportunity to do so.
November 13, 2021
Jess välkomnas till sitt nya grannskap - med ett snöbollskrig.
Efter att ha blivit av med jobbet och pojkvännen har hon deppat hos sina föräldrar i ett år. Men när de bestämde sig för att åka till Marshallöarna med Tandläkare Utan Gränser hittade hon ett hus på Christmas Street där man bestämt sig för att ha en levande adventskalender. Och "lucka" nummer ett står Drea för: en snökanon, så att grannarna kan ha snöbollskrig...
De följande dagarna lär hon känna sina grannar genom adventskalendern - inklusive den gamle mannen i nr 24: grannskapets mr Scrooge. Men Jess är säker på att han inte är så hemsk innerst inne...
***
En helmysig feelgood som utspelar sig i juletid. Med trevliga bekantskaper (som alla har en inte alltför lycklig historia bakom sig), mince pies, Stilla Natt, julfilmer, mailkonversationer, missförstånd och både gammal och ny kärlek. 🤶
Efter att ha blivit av med jobbet och pojkvännen har hon deppat hos sina föräldrar i ett år. Men när de bestämde sig för att åka till Marshallöarna med Tandläkare Utan Gränser hittade hon ett hus på Christmas Street där man bestämt sig för att ha en levande adventskalender. Och "lucka" nummer ett står Drea för: en snökanon, så att grannarna kan ha snöbollskrig...
De följande dagarna lär hon känna sina grannar genom adventskalendern - inklusive den gamle mannen i nr 24: grannskapets mr Scrooge. Men Jess är säker på att han inte är så hemsk innerst inne...
***
En helmysig feelgood som utspelar sig i juletid. Med trevliga bekantskaper (som alla har en inte alltför lycklig historia bakom sig), mince pies, Stilla Natt, julfilmer, mailkonversationer, missförstånd och både gammal och ny kärlek. 🤶
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