Holly Ever After

by Anna Foxkirk

Tis the season to be jolly! But all Holly or Clyde want is some peace on Earth …
Burtonbridge School in the north of England might look and sound like a magical place to teach, but with Christmas fast approaching and work piling up, young Kiwi teacher Holly Hadaway is feeling out of place and out of her depth.
Clyde Hunter has dropped out of university to pursue his writing dreams. Being a member of the school 'grounds and building maintenance' team should be the sort of work that allows him headspace to think and be creative. But the festive season is proving testing, and one prickly teacher is about to puncture his solitary bubble when he's tasked to fix the lock on her stationery storeroom door.
Maybe stationery storeroom is too grandiose a word. It's more of a walk-in cupboard/closet. And when Holly and Clyde find themselves locked in together, it starts to feel uncomfortably tight.
This is the last thing they would ever wish for, but who knows, perhaps it'll be the perfect Christmas present …

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2020

About the author

Voted Favorite Debut Romance Author of 2020 by the Australian Romance Readers Association, Anna Foxkirk writes romance stories filled with love, laughter and happy ever after...

Anna loves foxtrotting with words and she's a fiction vixen (her 'cunning' means never getting caught without a book), but she's seldom bushy-tailed! Anna has an MA in Modern History from St Andrew’s University, Scotland, served as an officer in the military for seven years (including four operational military tours in war-torn Bosnia and living in Edinburgh Castle) and nowadays, when she's not writing or reading, she enjoys a quiet(ish!) life working as an English and humanities teacher.

Born in Fiji, Anna has spent most of her life trotting the globe. She loves sea-swimming (frequently) and line-dancing (badly). Her love of adventure, romance and humor blaze a trail through her stories.

You can find out more from her website: https://www.annafoxkirk.com/news

Or connect with Anna on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annafoxkirk/

Reviews

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super sweet, fun, and fast romantic novella, just right for when you have an hour to spare and want something to put you in a happy mood. I have to say, I think I fell for Clyde myself while he was locked in that supply closet with Holly.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most enjoyable and funny reading! Having lived in a foreign country I know how accents make a person, sometimes, a laughing stock, and having Scottish and Kiwi and British friends I know sometimes when we are all together it becomes difficult to understand and to stop laughing at our cultural differences. A Christmas and a love story totally out of the commonplace!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jayne Kingsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author's voice is such fun, her prose addictive. I love Clyde and Holly - both characters come to life in this fun Christmas novella. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super-fun and fast paced Christmas novella. I loved it and the best thing is there is more to come in this series next year.

[Davina Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an adorable novella, full of fun, and laugh out loud moments. What I particularly loved though is that the author doesn't forfeit character for laughs. Holly and Clyde are instantly likeable, and there are lovely little surprises all the way through that make this rom/com novel more than just a "light" Christmas read. It's sweet and endearing with even a touch of pathos, and the pace doesn't falter for a moment. Perfect for the season, and just the right length to squeeze in between Xmas shopping. Looking forward to more from Anna Foxkirk.

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly is feeling out of sorts as a New Zealander in an English school. Things are seeming to pile up as she steps into her “stationary” closet. She is sitting on the bean bags cutting paper to make a festive chain for the next day.
Clyde is assigned the job of fixing the lock on said door.
As he enters the closet he sees Holly and becomes flustered, kicks the door shut accidentally effectively locking the two of them into the closet.
Holly has a party to attend and Clyde a holiday meal with his parents and ex-girlfriend. When he heat turns down for the night things heat up between Holly and Clyde.
Has some adult language.
Cute Christmas shortie. Not really too much Christmas involved. This was a free download

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. 3.5 Stars. HOLLY EVER AFTER is a sweet, light-hearted, and quick reading Christmas novella (a couple hours) perfect for just before bed, or when needing to unwind after work.

The FMC/Holly Hadaway, is a young Australian woman in her first year teaching at a prep school in northern England during the last week before Christmas holiday. Clyde Hunter/MMC is a professor from Oxford temporarily taking a break from teaching by working for the grounds and building maintenance department at the prep school where Holly is employed. Clyde hopes his change of employment will free up time for his writing.

HOLLY EVER AFTER was very short, but romantic, funny and sweet. Fun and quick for readers who devour Christmas stories this time of the year.

READER CAUTIONS -
VIOLENCE - None at all. Rather, humor is present.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - No. Male character occasionally had passing thoughts which he successfully corralled.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used.

[Kate Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly and Clyde, two fish out of water, literally collide in a cupboard at work at a North Yorkshire school. What starts out as an irritating and inconvenient encounter turns into something quite else. Anna Foxkirk’s Christmas novella is full of heart and warmth and her two self deprecating characters and their hilarious linguistic gymnastics really made me smile. 'Holly Ever After' is a delight and a perfect debut in the ‘Passport to Love’ series.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, humorous read, which made me yearn to travel in order to capture the feels of this gorgeous location. Holly and Clyde are lovable characters with fantastic chemistry. Although Christmas is over, I’d still recommend this novella for perfect holiday escapism. I can imagine reading it in candlelight while sipping mulled wine. Romantic comedy is one of my favourite genres, so I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Bernadette Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished Holly Ever After and I loved it! I love the cover, it really drew me in and matched to the story so well. And i so loved Clyde and Holly and the whole play on a scottish and kiwi accent. Reading a xmas novella is a first for me but this has me sold. I wish i could come up with another word except for loved but... i loved it.

[Eloise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this short but sweet Christmas story! I definitely had some of laugh out loud moments. I quickly fell in love with Holly and Clyde's characters and could really feel the chemistry between them whilst reading the novella. Holly Ever After was such an easy and enjoyable read and I'm now feeling all excited for Christmas!

[Tanya Nellestein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Foxkirk has a beautiful way with words - and accents! Her descriptions transport the reader into the story and her quirky characters completely resonate, from their accents to their actions. I also loved that the inevitable angst was more realistically portrayed (I hate the long, drawn out misunderstandings). Can’t wait for more from this author

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun “Locked In” Holiday Romance

I hadn't read this author before, but she knows how to write deep characterization! You could feel Holly's frustration so easily with all that happened. Her otherness as a New Zealander teaching in a hoity-toity British prep-school is made so apparent. The children and staff make comments about her accent. She's definitely having a trying day as the story starts, and things don't improve. I found this to be an utterly delightful holiday romance where I kept flipping the pages to see what happened next. A pleasant, quick read.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Lauren | TransportedLFL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you have a place you can go when you need to scream or cry?

Holly's stationery storeroom (tiny closet off her classroom) is that place. And Clyde is the handyman who comes to fix the lock. But they end up locked inside together.

This is a sweet, short novella. The writing is beautiful. I quickly cared about the characters.

If you are looking for a quick Christmas read, this is a fun one. I read it in an evening without pause.

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Helena Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly and Clyde are very sweet and lovable characters, the story is very sweet, romantic and funny, it is also very well written and a very good read. I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina Layner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has Christmas written all over it. It was well written and easy to follow. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heidi Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast paced and high energy read where the pages practically turned themselves. The characters were likeable and the situation they found themselves stuck in unfolded in a super entertaining way. A unique and fun Christmas read!

[Ella Sweetland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and easy read to kickstart the holiday spirit, and a great intro to Anna’s upcoming series.
Can’t wait to read more!!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun lighthearted Christmas romp, complete with sexy poetic Scotsman (seriously the best type!) perfect for that space between Christmas and New Year! The writing is deliciously crafted and I particularly liked this description of character/personality: ‘Everything about him is too bloody quiet. Un-agitated. Self-contained. Stiller than concrete.’ I love finding tidbits of writing that speak volumes in few words.

[Kim Robyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful romantic comedy that makes you laugh from beginning to end. I recommend as a holiday read to boast your spirits. Once you start reading, you can't put it down.

[Helen Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly and Clyde form a connection while locked in a supply closet at school. Both are struggling with their positions in school because of the teasing they get for their accents. But Clyde soon realises Holly isn't as prickly as her name suggests. A sweet ending to a quick Christmas novella.

[Jillian Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read! Great pace and adorable characters. I loved the author’s wit. The storyline was engaging and fun! Just the book I needed. MORE PLEASE!!! Jill

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun lighthearted Christmas romp, complete with sexy poetic Scotsman (seriously the best type!) perfect for that space between Christmas and New Year! The writing is deliciously crafted and I particularly liked this description of character/personality: ‘Everything about him is too bloody quiet. Un-agitated. Self-contained. Stiller than concrete.’ I love finding tidbits of writing that speak volumes in few words.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly Ever After is a novella (just 74 pages) that is an introduction to the author's upcoming series. Holly feels like a Kiwi fish out of water as a relatively new teacher at a rustic Boarding School. She uses her classroom storage room as a safe place to vent her feelings. Unfortunately the door lock is broken... and she gets trapped with one of the groundsmen. Who happens to be extremely well-read and attractive (bonus!).

This is a cute holiday romance!

Thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rose Grabowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly Ever After features a New Zealand teacher and a Scottish groundman who work at a British school. They have the teasing they face about their accents in common. This novella leads into a series. They get to know each other when they are accidentally locked into a closet overnight. Although this happens in the Christmas season the holiday wasn't really a large part of the story. It is cute with endearing characters.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly Christmas!

Holly and Clyde. *swoon* The whole idea if being accidentally locked in a room with attraction lighting the atmosphere like a raging storm is one of the better ideas for a romance. Lol. I love the flirting each does but with an attempt not to be overtly obvious about it!!

[Anne - ReadingfortheWeekend · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable quick read that centers around a New Zealand teacher and a Scottish ground man who work at a British school. And even though they all speak English, their dialects and accents make for some funny moments!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read, especially for Christmas. Holly and Clyde first meet when they accidently get locked together in a store cupboard, which is truly hilarious and sets up for a fun story. Great for readers of chicklit, romantic comedy, and romance. Oh so fun!

[Shanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was…weird. I know it was a novella but it felt rushed and off. The 2 main characters are stuck in a closet. He says things that I think were meant to be flirty but just felt inappropriate considering their situation.
It was a quick Christmas time read.

[Megan Mayfair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A jolly, holly Christmas novella. A fun, light read perfect for the holidays.