The Perfect Christmas Gift

by Katie Ginger

Can neighbours become more than just good friends this Christmas?

Bella Moore is excitedly counting down the days to Christmas. That is until she arrives home one evening to find her boyfriend leaving her for another woman. Completely heartbroken, Bella is left wondering if Christmas can still be the same this year.

Next door, Bella’s neighbour Nick is facing his first Christmas as a single dad and doubting whether he can make it the magical time his son Freddie deserves.

Determined to fix both Christmas and their broken hearts, Bella comes up with an idea: a Christmas giving tree for the whole village, where the community can unite and secretly give each other the Christmas presents they truly need.

As Bella becomes chief elf, taking donations and delivering gifts with much-needed help from Nick and Freddie, the two neighbours grow closer and start seeing each other in a whole new light.

But when Nick’s estranged wife returns just before Christmas, is their budding romance over before it’s begun? Or will love be Nick and Bella’s perfect gift this Christmas?

A heart-warming hug in a novel – this is THE romcom you want to curl up with this Christmas! Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain and Sarah Morgan.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit, Holiday

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2021

About the author

Katie is a mystery and romance writer. Her debut novel The Little Theatre on the Seafront, published by HarperCollins, HQ Digital was nominated for the Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the Year Award and some of her books have been Amazon bestsellers. Her most recent series is the Swallowtail Bay series featuring a gloriously quaint seaside town and hunky heroes galore!

As well as writing romance, she also writes cozy mysteries under the pen name K E Coburn.

Sign-up to her mailing list to keep up to date with her bookish news and be the first to know the behind-the-scenes gossip!

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute Christmas read!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to the quaint village of Meadowbank, we follow Bella as she pursues her dream of giving more back to the community at Christmas. This is a lovely story, full of festive cheer and warming characters, making it a perfect read for December.

The opening chapter quickly establishes that Bella is a loving, generous and self-less character. As a local primary school teacher, Ginger accurately depicts the constant pressures of keeping the children on task, learning and promoting kindness. There were some funny moments during the book and I think the writer definitely captures the innocence of children, especially at this time of year. However, despite me warming to Bella, I was dismayed for her when she is unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend of five years. Trying to escape the house before she returns home from work, Bella catches Evan in the act: given a letter full of excuses and a house that looks like it has been burgled, Bella cannot believe how her life has quickly been turned upside down. Everything she thought she knew about her boyfriend has collapsed but, Bella is determined to not let this ruin her Christmas. This leads her inspirational idea of the village giving tree.

This is such a lovely, charitable idea. Members of the community can anonymously request items they are in need for at Christmas and people can purchase these gifts, for them to be handed out just before the big day. It’s a fantastic and inspiring way of promoting charity at Christmas, but without the pride that people experience when they cannot manage independently. This idea dominates the narrative and I think it summarises everything we all try to remember about Christmas: it’s not about the gifts, but the giving and love. Furthermore, I liked how realistic Ginger makes this situation as Bella encounters some requests that are oblivious to the charitable theme and try to take advantage. Whilst Bella does not allow this to dominate her enjoyment of the tree, I appreciated how the writer makes this just that more realistic in such a heart-warming story.

Sub-plots include Bella’s developing relationship with her neighbour, Nick, and his son, Freddie. Furthermore, when it becomes clear that Freddie is being bullied at school by a member of Bella’s class, Bella cannot help but be involved. The portrayal of Freddie’s bullying is saddening and again, rather realistic, but I think this reminds readers that not everything at Christmas is warm and rosy. Indeed, the fact that this bullying spreads between the fathers of the two boys makes this sub-plot have an additional, authentic element to the story. Ginger writes not just a Christmas narrative, but one that is true to life.

I enjoyed this Christmas offering and had a soft spot for Meadowbank in Ginger’s previous novel. This all sounded very idyllic and cosy with essential Christmas ingredients: decorations, snow, and plenty of hot chocolate!

With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

.
really enjoyed This book. I read It in one Day. A heartwarming book with sprinkles of Christmas cheer yes please. I loved the quirky but close knit Town. I loved the chemistry between parents and children. I loved the romance. I loved tjatnit showed us why we really celebrate Christmas.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read This e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

.

[Karen Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review
Revisiting Meadowbank is like a warm hug and I loved hearing about the old characters from The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse. The idea of a giving tree is an amazing idea for a storyline and is definately something I would love to do.

I loved Bella and Nick and I was rooting for a happy ever after for them both. Katie writes beautiful love stories that are tinged with sadness but showcase the real beauty of love and kindness.

There hasn't been a book of Katie's that I've read that I haven't enjoyed and I'm really excited for my next one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

[booksofallkinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.

Heartwarming and brimming with hope and kindness, THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT by Katie Ginger is simply lovely from cover to cover.

Bella Moore loves her job as a teacher, loves living in her small community, and loves her life. But when she comes home from work to find her boyfriend fleeing the house with a suitcase because he has fallen in love with someone else, it throws Bella's life into disarray. With the help of her close family and friends, Bella throws herself into the Christmas spirit and comes up with an excellent idea of a giving tree, and with the help of her next-door-neighbour Nick and his adorable son Freddie, things start to look up as the community comes together to help those who need it. And as Nick and Bella spend more time together, could another chance at love be possible? Or will their past arrive back in the village at the worst possible time?

Warm and inviting, I completely fell in love with Bella and her family who demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas with their kindness and compassion. The giving tree is a beautiful idea and the story shows how vital these ideas are for so many people in so many communities.

As with all great stories, there are ups and downs, obstacles and mishaps, laughter and tears, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching Bella mend her broken heart and throw herself into life again.

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT by Katie Ginger is a cracking festive read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a read! I am an absolute sucker for a festive read and this one is right up on my favourites of the year so far. Ooozing with romance, Christmas traditions and of course hot chocolate it is the perfect story to get you in the Christmas spirit.

When we initially meet heartbroken Bella you wonder how this story is going to become a heartwarming story as she is totally desolate. However Katie Ginger has weaved her wonderful magic again with vivid descriptions to make the story jump off the pages. I have literally picked this book back up again everytime I've sat down as I've loved reading about Bella, Nick and Freddie and was desperate to see how it would all come together as the story progressed.

A heartwarming love story that made me laugh and left me feeling emotional as I neared the last pages. I truly love Christmas and the family time and traditions are so important and this is woven into the very fabric of this story and the compassion and kindness on these pages are a wonderful reminder to always remember we don't know what someone else is dealing with.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my fifth novel by author Katie Ginger and it did not disappoint as I loved my return visit to Meadowbank. The Perfect Christmas Gift was a really lovely story and I especially liked the main characters, Bella and newly single Nick, father to Freddie, his son. The storyline really encompassed the true meaning of Christmas in a delightful way, without being too sickly sweet and saccharine. There was a good sense of community togetherness and I loved the Winter theme with its festive charm and watching for Nick and Bella's's relationship to bloom. I wanted to be right there alongside them, especially when it came to the Christmas markets, fairy lights and falling snow. The story's overall tone was snug and uplifting, bringing with it those Yuletide vibes.

This was a beautifully written, humorous story of love, friendship, community spirit, helping others and overcoming obstacles, though it also contained some darker themes such as bullying. Dashes of hopeful romance kept things fizzing and everything was wrapped up very nicely in the end. A wonderful read with strong Chrismassy notes, this is a book that I will certainly be recommending to friends and family.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HQ Digital via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is like a warm hug on a winter's day - heart warming if a bit predictable, but I loved it and read it in 2 sittings.


Bella and her long term boyfriend break up just before Christmas. Coincidentally there is a gorgeous single man (Nick) next door who has split up with his wife. Bella has a wonderful idea to involve the whole village giving gifts to those in need. When Nick and his son begin to help, things change between them.


The book may be even more comforting by the predicability, and I couldn't put it down.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent story overall, really enjoyed the villagers and setting. But to be honest it seemed too forced and fast with Belle and Nick breaking up with spouses/partners then immediately into each other. And with a child in the mix. The whole child bullying theme was a bit forced and weird too. I felt like everyone in the story was trying to force everyone else into romantic relationships. It’s ok to be single! Even in a romance novel.


My copy was provided by NetGalley for review

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read with great characters and the plot is very good with great characters and can everyone have a perfect happy Christmas in the end and be happy. Full of heartbreak and happiness with romance and plenty of Christmas spirit with friends.
Bella has come home from work and her partner is leaving her for another woman and she is heartbroken she’s a teacher at the local school and she suddenly has an idea after learning of some parents struggling of having a giving tree where people can buy gifts for people who really needs them and she will arrange it all and deliver the presents. She’s teaching a little boy Freddie who’s dad Nick is on his own after his wife left him and poor Freddie is having a hard time at school with another child and she tries to protect him and Nick tries to show there can be life after a love one leaves and tells her how she can move forward but the more they spend time together the closer they get. But then Nicks ex turns up so things will turn upside for her again who will Nick decide to be with and can he be happy and can Bella get all the gifts to the correct people and make everyone happy but will she be happy or not.
A perfect cosy read.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that will pull at your heartstrings and I absolutely loved it! Christmas is a time of joy and family but sometimes we tend to forget those who struggle at that time of year. This story is all about giving and it will make you want to go out and make someone's life a little easier.

Bella is a school teacher and she loves anything to do with Christmas except this year her world gets turned upside down. With the love of her family and friends, she manages to get through every day and is especially excited at an idea she has for her village....a giving tree! Not only that, her neighbour, Nick and his son Freddie soon become an important part of her life. Maybe there is hope...even after heartbreak!!

Well written and I so enjoyed all the characters, even the bullies (I so wanted to kick them in the shins! lol). I thank NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this book and I voluntarily wrote this review.

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a Christmas romance. This had all the ingredients for a wintry hug in a mug!
Great main characters, a wonderful community, lovely small town setting, beautiful Christmas trees and snow!
I loved all the smaller themes throughout, charity, helping others, bullying, the drama that is the school Christmas play.
Katie's writing is fantastic, she really gets you invested in her story.
I couldn't put it down, I stayed up far too late to finish it because I just couldn't say goodnight to Bella or Nick. Of course Freddie was such a sweetheart as well. I'd love Bella's parents to adopt me - Christmas fanatics, I'm here for that kind of love!
A great read.

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have read and enjoyed a few books from Katie Ginger and so I was delighted to be offered a place on this HQ Digital Blog Tour. I am grateful for the ARC copy and to be included.
Returning to the village of Meadowbank where we met Amelia and Adam last Spring, we now meet Junior school teacher Bella. As soon as I started reading about her, I found Bella to be truly lovely and the kind of teacher I would wish for all children. Once she was hit by her boyfriend’s bombshell, I was gutted for her and willing her to dust herself down and find a new focus.
When we first meet neighbour, Nick, I hoped that he would be one of the stars of the story. I was thrilled as their stories combined and, along with the adorable Freddie, they started to grow closer. That was until the shock return of Nick’s ex!
I loved the idea of the Giving Tree and have got involved in similar schemes which are aimed at children in my local community. Bella’s plan goes a lot further, and I found some of the requests to be either touching or heart-breaking. As the scheme takes shape, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the spirit of the coming season.
One of the joys of Katie Ginger’s writing is the beautiful way she constructs her characters. They are all thoroughly developed and completely believable. I always feel invested in the outcome of her stories. Of course, in any lovely story, there always seems to be a villain of the piece. I don’t include spoilers but watch out for a loathsome chap named Seymour!
I’m already looking forward to returning to Meadowbank and meeting some more of Katie’s gorgeous villagers.

[Jenn Webley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute tale of putting others first, being kind, caring and considerate and appreciating how people are all going through different types of adversity but that some may not be so open in letting anyone know.
This story has true heart; I couldn’t stop myself feeling all warm and fuzzy just at the kindness shown by (most of) the people of this gorgeous community. The story really gives a wonderful sense of that community spirit you get from small villages made up of fabulous characters.
I loved Bella’s character. What an utterly nice person who demonstrates patience and understanding to others, even when she is struggling herself. She builds great relationships with everyone around her and supports everyone – even when they haven’t been at all nice. Her family sound amazing, I would love to join in some of their Christmas traditions, they sounded so much fun!
Nick and Freddie are adorable, and I immediately knew what (or should I say who) would make everything better for them both. Freddie has got that “aaah” factor; the sweetest sounding 10-year-old imaginable and Nick sounds like a great guy to have around, albeit in need of a bit of TLC.
This story isn’t plain sailing, nor a typical romance in many ways. There is drama and moments that will leave you feeling annoyed, angry and even a teensy bit sad but that being said, a feel-good festive book this is and by the end your heart will be singing with Christmas joy. The children’s school pantomime sounds epic – for all the reasons you could probably imagine, but it did bring a lovely comedic element to the story.
Katie Ginger has fast become one of my go-to authors, her books jump straight to the top of my TBR mountain. The Perfect Christmas Gift is an absolute must read this festive season.

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella’s Christmas’s are always special, she loves the build up and the time she gets to spend with those she loves, her boyfriend, her family and her friends. Except this Christmas is going to be very different.

Bella returns home to find a suitcase and her boyfriends trying to leave without telling her. Bella is heartbroken and wonders how this Christmas can be at all special when she feels so desolate.

Bella’s next door neighbour is Nick, single father to Freddie a boy at the school where Bella teaches. He has not really got to grips with managing life as a single father but is determined to put his son first when he is subjected to bullying at school.

When Bella comes up with the wonderful idea of a giving tree, so everyone gets some Christmas joy throughout the village she starts to see a future. Her interactions with Nick become more frequent and she find him very much different to her ex boyfriend. Add into the mix, the festive season, the snow falling and the expectation of what is to come and it all seems plain sailing.

Until a ghost of the past returns and it looks like Bella is back to square one and facing a very different Christmas than the one she hoped for.

This is a wonderful tale, it embraces the joy of giving, of being with family (no matter how mad!) and of enjoying a white Christmas from the comfort of your own home. Added to that was the wonderful picture that the author created with a lot of the book set in a village school, where the children are such vibrant little characters that you can’t help but laugh and enjoy their innocence.

A book to warm your heart and not afraid to shy away from tackling some not so warming subjects. Handled with care, makes this a wonderful book to escape in this Christmas.

[Eeva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been in a festive books mood recently and probably this makes me rate this book higher than I normally would.
It's a decent story, but... yes, of course there is a but. I think it would be a better book if Bella wasn't such a Goodie Two Shoes. Like honestly, she was so good and so kind and so selfless that it'd make Pollyanna jealous. Seriously, her goodness was just too much. People do have emotions, they feel jealous, sad, angry, they snap at people, they glare, they feel annoyed. But not our Bella.
Her relationship with Luke is lukewarm (ha ha, pun intended) at best.
The only thing that saves this book are the secondary characters.

It's not a bad book. It just could have been so much better.
There are a lot on missed opportunities here and it just made me more annoyed that it should have. The writing isn't bad it's just not compelling either.
I might give this author a second chance, but definitely not now.





I received this boom from the Publisher in an exchange for an honest review

[Samantha Tonge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas is approaching and primary school teacher Bella can't wait to celebrate with her boyfriend, but he unexpectedly leaves her for another woman. Left heartbroken, she throws herself into setting up a Christmas giving tree, to help those in the community who are struggling most. She becomes closer to gorgeous Nick next door and a new future appears to be on the horizon... until his estranged wife turns up wanting to try again.
Will Bella get the magical Christmas she deserves?

This is a moving, very romantic read, about love, family and being kind to others. The sense of community between the pages provides a cosy, festive read, perfect for curling up with as winter temperatures drop. I especially enjoyed the primary school setting and the children's stories, and would recommend this read to anyone looking for heartwarming book that will have you rooting for its characters.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite Christmas reads so far. It is a warm, endearing story which totally embraces the festive season and makes you wish you could be in Meadowbank soaking it all up. I enjoyed the previous visit to Meadowbank in The Secrets of Meadow Farmhouse and appreciated the glimpse of Adam and Amelia. Bella is a lovely character who tries to look on the positive side of life despite her broken heart. Family, friendship and being kind to others come through loud and clear with bullying and selfishness shown up.
The romance is gentle but believable and you are invested in Bella and Nick's story. I also enjoyed all the 3parts of the story which featured Bella's school where she is an experienced and popular teacher. You get a real flavour of the excitement of the season and there is so much humour in the school play preparations, recognisable to anyone who has lived through them. With lashings of hot chocolate and festive treats, snowflakes and Christmas trees, the story is perfect for a cosy festive read.
In short: A Christmas treat of a book
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Bron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to HQ digital for having me along on the blog tour for this one, including providing a free ebook for me to read and review.

This was a very sweet and very festive Christmas story. It ticks a lot of boxes for things I love to see in my festive reads – a very Christmassy small town/village setting, sweet main characters and a fun range of secondary characters to support them, and a romance that builds in a way that is at least a bit believable. It does also include a less favourite trope of mine - the terrible ex who walks out/cheats at the start of the book. This wouldn't have bothered me as much if there wasn't quite so much pining for him throughout the story. The scenes with Bella and Nick were so sweet that I would have preferred to have had more of them together instead.
I did enjoy the characters and village setting so much that I am keen to check out some more of Katie Ginger's Christmas books.

Check out my full review here: https://bookishbron.com/2021/10/25/ch...

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Katie Ginger’s latest novel The Perfect Christmas Gift is a gorgeous Yuletide romance full of warmth, humour and plenty of heart.

Bella Moore is counting down the days until December 25th. She simply cannot wait to celebrate Christmas with her gorgeous boyfriend – until he drops a shocking bombshell that pulls the rug out from under her feet: he is leaving her for somebody else. Bella’s Christmas is ruined and she isn’t in the mood to celebrate – until she meets her new neighbour and his young son and comes up with the perfect solution to help fix the festive season and bring a smile to everyone’s face: a Christmas giving tree for the whole village where every one can secretly give each other the presents they truly need. Bella hopes that this event will provide her with some much-needed distraction, however, little does she realise that under the Christmas tree she is going to find everything she has been looking for for so long…

Bella’s neighbour Nick is struggling. This will be his first Christmas as a single dad and he wants to give his son Freddie the best holiday ever – even if it is looking more and more unlikely with each passing day. But just when Nick is about to give up all hope, his neighbour Bella walks into his life and turns it upside down. As they start spending more and more time together, Nick and Freddie begin helping Bella out with the village Christmas giving event and they start getting closer and closer. Will Nick and Bella end up kissing under the mistletoe? Or should they just stick to being good friends?

When Nick’s estranged wife waltzes back into his life, will her return spell the end of his burgeoning relationship with his beautiful neighbour? Or will a Christmas miracle give Nick and Bella everything they’ve always wanted?

A charming Christmas read that is absolutely adorable, Katie Ginger’s latest novel is an enchanting and heartfelt romantic tale readers are going to love. The Perfect Christmas Gift is a wonderful story sprinkled with romance, wit and magic that I couldn’t bear to put down. Katie Ginger never fails to create characters readers fall in love with, colorful communities full of loveable eccentrics and stories full of hope, sparkle and magic and in The Perfect Christmas Gift she has once again penned a feel-good page-turner that warms the heart and touches the soul.

Katie Ginger’s The Perfect Christmas Gift is an aptly-named Yuletide treat romantics everywhere will thoroughly enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anita Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet, holiday story. Bella is wonderful, she is sweet, caring, and selfless. Nick is such a good dad, kind, protective, and selfless. These two together is wonderful, their chemistry is hot. I love Freddie, he is such a sweet boy that has gone through alot but is still kind to others. I love the project that Bella starts and how it brings others together for the holiday. Yes there are some sad moments in this story and some moments that I wanted to scream but they are very little parts of this story. This is a really fun and joyous Christmas read.

[Sarah Kingsnorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Christmas Gift by Katie Ginger.

With thanks to #Netgalley and #HQdigital for an ARC of #The PerfectChristmasGift by #KatieGinger.

Put your tree up, grab a mince pie pie and a hot chocolate. Park yourself in a comfy chair with a fluffy blanket, and you are all set to enjoy this festive treat of a book.

Bella is excitedly counting down to Christmas. Until one day she comes home to find her boyfriend is leaving her.
Nextdoor, Nick is facing his first Christmas as a single dad to his son Freddie.
When Bella has an idea that will bring the whole village together, she and Nick unite to make Christmas special for everyone.
As their relationship looks like it could become something more than friends, ghosts from the past are ready to creep out of the woodwork.

This is such a lovely heart warming story with some great characters. Freddie’s story was particularly touching.

The story oozes community spirit, friendship, love and Christmas.
It’s a fast paced, quick read, but utterly adorable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Andrea (Hammock and Read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet- cute- oh goodness happy holiday read! Belle get's dumped before the holiday season which is her favorite but then she notices her neighbor Nick after a bit. You will fall in love with Belle and Nick's son Freddie after at school he has trouble with bullying from a mean kid. The town is super cute and you love her family. This has super slow burn and no steam. Perfect for a good cozy Christmas read!


5 snowflakes
1 steam

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this one

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect Christmas book full of good cheer and kindness. Bella’s a teacher and when her partner of 5 years Evan leaves her shortly before Christmas she decides to keep busy and has the brilliant idea of a ‘Giving Tree’ to help out villagers struggling over the festive season. Her neighbour Nick and son Freddie are coming to terms to this being their first Christmas on their own after Paige, Freddie’s mum left 6 months ago to travel the world. Bella and Nick are drawn to each other and just when things are starting to come together for them Paige returns. Can the Giving Tree give them their happy ever after. Some parts had me blinking back tears but ultimately a festive feel good read with a lovely Christmas message.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming Christmas story that really tugged at my emotions.
Bella comes home from a long day teaching school to find her boyfriend of 5 years rushing down the stairs with a suitcase. Bella confused because he didn't say he had a trip kept asking questions. Evan finally said he was leaving her that he met someone else. Heartbroken and not wanting the village to find out calls her sister, who in turn calls their mum...they come over to help Bella. In haste to get away Evan left the upstairs a mess.
In a little village it is hard to keep a secret and all the residents find out that Evan left Bella...
Bella tries to make the best of things and pours her heart into teaching and the Christmas season. Bella comes up with a wonderful idea when she finds out some of the residents are having hard times...a Giving tree. The town can fill in a form if they know of someone needing help this year and Bella makes tags for the tree and someone can pick the tag off the tree and buy that person a certain gift or food basket...
Bella's next door neighbour, Nick, is a single dad to Freddie...Freddie's mum left them to go to sunnier place...so he is struggling but finally getting a handle on the single dad life. Nick and Freddie start helping at the Christmas park and become close to Bella.
A great story with a few lessons for everyone to learn...not to mention school bullying. The book really tugged at my heartstrings and I really enjoyed reading it.
I loved the characters of the story they were really easy to like. The authors writing is smooth and it made me not want to put the book down.


Thank you to NetGalley and HQ publishers for allowing me to read an advanced digital copy of The Perfect Christmas Gift...all opinions of the book are my own

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella is a primary school teacher in a lovely little English village, she's just been cruelly dumped by her boyfriend of five years on the run up to Christmas. Instead of wallowing in heartbreak she realises that a lot of people are struggling, in one or another, and starts a giving tree. She grows close to "the boy next door" single parent Nick and his son Freddie. Is this just neighbourly friendship or something more?

I liked this book but found everybody soooo nice, the antagonist's parts were a bit lackluster.
However in saying that I do like Katie's style of writing it flows really well and you want to keep reading, it's definitely a "just one more chapter" book.

If it's a nice gentle, feel good Christmassy read you're looking for, look no further.

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC.

[Tashy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was offered an eARC of this book in exchange for a free review.

I know it’s only October but right now I’m craving everything Christmas, and this book lived up to that completely. With a wholesome, organic love story, great characters, and all the festive fun I’m ready to sit down with a glass of Baileys and stick my head in a Christmas tree.

One thing I loved about this story was how the spirit of Christmas was captured in the idea of a giving tree, about giving to others and the sense of a tight knit community doing anything to help each other.

It wasn’t all fun and laughter though, there were certain points of this book that I found hard to read, and at one point there were even tears in my eyes.

[Fiona Leitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Christmas Read!

What a beautiful book! A lovely setting, heartwarming plot and characters you really root for. A very satisfy seasonal read.

[Shirleyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really is a perfect cosy Christmas story. Set in a close knit village, where neighbours all look out for each other, we meet next door neighbours Nick & his son Freddie and Bella, a teacher at the local school. Both Bella & Nick are dealing with broken hearts & we follow their journeys toward happiness. Having spent many years within a school setting, I loved spending time back in the classroom and following the daily antics. This is a must read book.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely festive story with a theme of giving, Neighbours Bella, Nick and his son Freddie work through their heartbreak and loss to make Christmas memorable for everyone in the village. This is an emotional and uplifting story with relatable characters who draw the reader into their world. The village ethos is well-described, and there's an element of second chance romance for Bella and Nick.

The story isn't without conflicts, but friendship and trust overcome these. This is heartwarming and uplifting, the perfect festive read.

I received a copy of this book from HQ via NetGalley in return for an honest review.