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A Festive Surprise
She can’t abide Christmas. He’s not sure what it’s all about. Together they’re in for a festive surprise.
Ambitious software developer Holly may have a festive name but the connection ends there. She despises the holiday season and decides to flee to the remote island of Mull in a bid to escape from it.
Syrian refugee Farid has made a new home in Scotland but he’s lonely. Understanding Nessie and Irn Bru is one thing, but when glittery reindeer and tinsel hit the shelves, he’s completely bemused. Determined to understand a new culture, he asks his new neighbour to educate him on all things Christmas.
When Holly reluctantly agrees, he realises there’s more to her hatred of mince pies and mulled wine than meets the eye. Farid makes it his mission to inject some joy into Hollys’ life but falling for her is an unexpected gift that was never on his list.
As their attraction sparkles, can Christmas work its magic on Holly and Farid, or will their spark fizzle out with the end of December?
Ambitious software developer Holly may have a festive name but the connection ends there. She despises the holiday season and decides to flee to the remote island of Mull in a bid to escape from it.
Syrian refugee Farid has made a new home in Scotland but he’s lonely. Understanding Nessie and Irn Bru is one thing, but when glittery reindeer and tinsel hit the shelves, he’s completely bemused. Determined to understand a new culture, he asks his new neighbour to educate him on all things Christmas.
When Holly reluctantly agrees, he realises there’s more to her hatred of mince pies and mulled wine than meets the eye. Farid makes it his mission to inject some joy into Hollys’ life but falling for her is an unexpected gift that was never on his list.
As their attraction sparkles, can Christmas work its magic on Holly and Farid, or will their spark fizzle out with the end of December?
- GenresContemporaryChristmas
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2022
28 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Amatt
31 books51 followersMargaret is a Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years (possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light of day and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks. But after all those years of practise, Margaret released her first novel A Winter Haven in 2021. This is the first of a ten-book series set on the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 8, 2022
Margaret Amatt's books are an absolute delight, and A Festive Surprise is another absolute cracker. Holly hates Christmas and Farid doesn't have a clue what it's all about. They're stuck together on the beautiful island of Mull over December, and Farid wants to know all about the holiday. Whether it's carolling or sprouts, his enthusiasm to discover more about the traditions of his new home draws Holly in despite her wanting to have nothing to do with any part of Christmas.
I loved this book so much. Farid was a gorgeous, sweet, cinnamon roll of a hero, who I wished I could find under my Christmas tree with a bow around his neck. I loved his infectious joy and the way he threw himself into loving Holly, despite how wounded she was from a bad break up in the past. The story is beautifully written and so warm and engaging, I couldn't put it down.
If you love Christmas, Scotland and romance, then you need to read this book!
I loved this book so much. Farid was a gorgeous, sweet, cinnamon roll of a hero, who I wished I could find under my Christmas tree with a bow around his neck. I loved his infectious joy and the way he threw himself into loving Holly, despite how wounded she was from a bad break up in the past. The story is beautifully written and so warm and engaging, I couldn't put it down.
If you love Christmas, Scotland and romance, then you need to read this book!
October 18, 2022
I read this book on the off-chance, I loved the cover but it was about Christmas and I am not a Christmas person in October. However, I LOVED this book! I think this is another series I CAN so definitely get behind. It’s a series that you can jump into and it doesn’t matter if you don’t read them in order. I do, however, want to go back and read the other books after meeting the characters. I got a brief introduction to everyone and how they met and I just want to find out more! I am invested in this series and I can’t wait to read another one with these characters
Holly and Farid were just adorable. What I loved the most is that for a change we see a guy with such a sensitive side. He is what I see as a Prince Charming! His love and passion made my heart sing. I think I am getting soft in my dark heart! But this book made me smile, and for the last 6 chapters, I cried! (A lot)
This is a gorgeous story, and of course, we have a “conflict” as we watch the characters overcome their past hurt and current hurt as they open themselves up to what could be. I mean who doesn’t love that? I could gush about these two characters and this book all day. It was a gorgeous book, and despite being a Holly in October, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Christmas and their meaning of it. That was a thing of beauty.
The covers are gorgeous and I love that I have so many to catch up on and to fall in love all over again!
Holly and Farid were just adorable. What I loved the most is that for a change we see a guy with such a sensitive side. He is what I see as a Prince Charming! His love and passion made my heart sing. I think I am getting soft in my dark heart! But this book made me smile, and for the last 6 chapters, I cried! (A lot)
This is a gorgeous story, and of course, we have a “conflict” as we watch the characters overcome their past hurt and current hurt as they open themselves up to what could be. I mean who doesn’t love that? I could gush about these two characters and this book all day. It was a gorgeous book, and despite being a Holly in October, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Christmas and their meaning of it. That was a thing of beauty.
The covers are gorgeous and I love that I have so many to catch up on and to fall in love all over again!
October 12, 2022
Farid Al-Karim is a Syrian refugee living in Scotland. He had to flee Syria because of his political activities, snuck across several countries, and finally reached the UK. He speaks good English, and is an experienced computer programmer, but even after getting legal approval to stay, his Syrian qualifications aren't recognized in the UK. So he's in Scotland, where a business connection of his father's, Archie Crichton-Leith, can give him a job. Unfortunately it's as a lumberjack, but it's work, and Archie also gives him a cottage to live in. The island is small, and friendly, and if he doesn't love the work, he does like Archie and the people he's working with.
Holly Devaney is a programmer working remotely, taking on the projects she wants, and living wherever she wants, usually for a few months at a time. Once she wanted to marry and put down roots; now she wants no permanent abode and no long-term relationship. She's in Scotland, on the same island as Farid, because her university friend Georgia, who married Archie earlier in the year, has offered her a cottage to stay in for the month of December, doing her work in splendid isolation. It's the one right next to Farid's.
Farid and Holly are immediately taken with each other's looks, and with a bit more exposure, each other's personalities and characters. But they have some pretty obvious conflicts.
Farid is fascinated by Christmas. He's never really experienced it, except for one visit to the Christian quarter in Damascus to see the tree and the lights, and now he's settled in the UK, he wants to understand the Christmas customs--which, when you examine them each individually, don't really make sense. Most of them are not objectively connected to the birth of Jesus. He's finding it exciting and fun.
Holly hates Christmas. Deeply, passionately loathes it. We gradually learn about the event six years previously that made her swear off, Christmas, potential marriage partners, and any lasting, permanent abode. She waits a lot longer to tell Farid anything about it. She hasn't even told her parents the truth about it, because she doesn't want to expose her humiliation to parents who have always seemed judgmental, ever since she disappointed them by not being born a boy.
Farid is more open, not completely, but more so, about what caused him to flee Syria to become a refugee, and his parents to later relocate to Turkey.
They make a bargain, that she will teach Farid something about Christmas, and he'll teach her about home--the concept and meaning of home, not about his home he can never go back to. They have fun, they laugh, they argue, they get really, really involved.
Holly won't admit to herself that she's falling in love. She's been very clear to Farid that she's leaving at the end of December, and this is a short-term relationship. He doesn't tell her what he's feeling, at least not in English, because he knows she'd break it off and probably leave the island immediately.
It's a complicated developing relationship, helped along by the kindness, helping hands, and sharing of their own emotions and experiences by others on the island, to both Holly and Farid.
It's a lovely story, with really excellent characters.
Recommended.
I received an electronic galley of this book from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Holly Devaney is a programmer working remotely, taking on the projects she wants, and living wherever she wants, usually for a few months at a time. Once she wanted to marry and put down roots; now she wants no permanent abode and no long-term relationship. She's in Scotland, on the same island as Farid, because her university friend Georgia, who married Archie earlier in the year, has offered her a cottage to stay in for the month of December, doing her work in splendid isolation. It's the one right next to Farid's.
Farid and Holly are immediately taken with each other's looks, and with a bit more exposure, each other's personalities and characters. But they have some pretty obvious conflicts.
Farid is fascinated by Christmas. He's never really experienced it, except for one visit to the Christian quarter in Damascus to see the tree and the lights, and now he's settled in the UK, he wants to understand the Christmas customs--which, when you examine them each individually, don't really make sense. Most of them are not objectively connected to the birth of Jesus. He's finding it exciting and fun.
Holly hates Christmas. Deeply, passionately loathes it. We gradually learn about the event six years previously that made her swear off, Christmas, potential marriage partners, and any lasting, permanent abode. She waits a lot longer to tell Farid anything about it. She hasn't even told her parents the truth about it, because she doesn't want to expose her humiliation to parents who have always seemed judgmental, ever since she disappointed them by not being born a boy.
Farid is more open, not completely, but more so, about what caused him to flee Syria to become a refugee, and his parents to later relocate to Turkey.
They make a bargain, that she will teach Farid something about Christmas, and he'll teach her about home--the concept and meaning of home, not about his home he can never go back to. They have fun, they laugh, they argue, they get really, really involved.
Holly won't admit to herself that she's falling in love. She's been very clear to Farid that she's leaving at the end of December, and this is a short-term relationship. He doesn't tell her what he's feeling, at least not in English, because he knows she'd break it off and probably leave the island immediately.
It's a complicated developing relationship, helped along by the kindness, helping hands, and sharing of their own emotions and experiences by others on the island, to both Holly and Farid.
It's a lovely story, with really excellent characters.
Recommended.
I received an electronic galley of this book from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
October 17, 2022
What a lovely holiday story bringing two opposites together by the magic of Christmas.
Farid is a Syrian refugee trying to grasp the meaning of Christmas in Scotland when he meets the independent and outgoing Holly who hates the very thought of the holiday. Can they teach each other the true meaning of home and Christmas?
This is my first Margaret Amatt book and even though it is number 10 in a series, it reads well as a standalone. I admit I’m a sucker for holiday love stories and Amatt does an excellent job explaining the many variances of Christmas to someone who is new to the season. Watching the kind and lonely Farid embrace the many traditions of Christmas is so heartwarming as he slowly convinces Holly to share everything with him. Farid’s background is so tragic as he is tortured for his outspoken beliefs in his country, is pulled apart from his family, and tries to start over in a new country. His loneliness is overwhelming as he dreams about being with his family again and this reader hoped he could find his happiness. Is Holly the ideal woman for him? I didn’t think so at first. She seemed too abrasive and overwhelming with her sexual innuendos and one-track mind toward Farid. I thought Farid deserved more than someone who wanted in his pants. Holly’s hatred of anything Christmas is palpable and when the reader finds out why it is very sad, but a little extreme for one to change their life so drastically. As she said to Farid, it is small and insignificant compared to his life journey. Holly does come around eventually, I mean how can you say no to Farid who has a beautiful way with words and a heart of gold?
Again, it’s delightful experiencing the meaning of Christmas with the love of home, family, and friends. Who doesn’t enjoy caroling, decorating, and eating Christmas Cake? The characters are charming and the location is gorgeous.
Thank you to Ms. Amatt for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Farid is a Syrian refugee trying to grasp the meaning of Christmas in Scotland when he meets the independent and outgoing Holly who hates the very thought of the holiday. Can they teach each other the true meaning of home and Christmas?
This is my first Margaret Amatt book and even though it is number 10 in a series, it reads well as a standalone. I admit I’m a sucker for holiday love stories and Amatt does an excellent job explaining the many variances of Christmas to someone who is new to the season. Watching the kind and lonely Farid embrace the many traditions of Christmas is so heartwarming as he slowly convinces Holly to share everything with him. Farid’s background is so tragic as he is tortured for his outspoken beliefs in his country, is pulled apart from his family, and tries to start over in a new country. His loneliness is overwhelming as he dreams about being with his family again and this reader hoped he could find his happiness. Is Holly the ideal woman for him? I didn’t think so at first. She seemed too abrasive and overwhelming with her sexual innuendos and one-track mind toward Farid. I thought Farid deserved more than someone who wanted in his pants. Holly’s hatred of anything Christmas is palpable and when the reader finds out why it is very sad, but a little extreme for one to change their life so drastically. As she said to Farid, it is small and insignificant compared to his life journey. Holly does come around eventually, I mean how can you say no to Farid who has a beautiful way with words and a heart of gold?
Again, it’s delightful experiencing the meaning of Christmas with the love of home, family, and friends. Who doesn’t enjoy caroling, decorating, and eating Christmas Cake? The characters are charming and the location is gorgeous.
Thank you to Ms. Amatt for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
October 18, 2022
This is my first book by Margaret Amatt and the 10th book in the Scottish Island Escapes series, so you’ll believe me when I say you can read this as stand-alone as I hadn’t read any of the previous 9 books but I didn’t feel I was missing out on anything. The worst thing it’s done for me is made me need to go read the 9 previous books because I loved it so much, you don’t need to, but like me by the end you’ll want to.
Margaret’s writing I found to be gorgeous, it’s engaging, beautiful descriptions (I’m biased I do adore Scotland) her characters are so likeable and three dimensional. I found the joy , warmth and romance in this book to be infectious, I can’t see many reading this book and not feeling so happy and light when they’ve turned the last page.
Holly is a lovely lead , but I have to admit afraid stole the show for me, he’s an absolute legend, a wonderful man, sweet, considerate, family orientated and always concerned for others. The kind of guy I need in my life ! You really do get attached to him, somuch that I worried he was falling for Holly too fast. But you’ll have to read this yourself to find out the rest.
A Festive Surprise is a completely heart-melting romance set at Christmas backdrop adding even more magic and sparkle to the story as you watch the magic of Christmas (in Farid form mostly) try to win Holly over. It’s a wonderful romance and one I thoroughly recommend to all romance lovers.
Thanks to Margaret Amatt and Rachel’s Random Resources for a free copy in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own and freely given.
Margaret’s writing I found to be gorgeous, it’s engaging, beautiful descriptions (I’m biased I do adore Scotland) her characters are so likeable and three dimensional. I found the joy , warmth and romance in this book to be infectious, I can’t see many reading this book and not feeling so happy and light when they’ve turned the last page.
Holly is a lovely lead , but I have to admit afraid stole the show for me, he’s an absolute legend, a wonderful man, sweet, considerate, family orientated and always concerned for others. The kind of guy I need in my life ! You really do get attached to him, somuch that I worried he was falling for Holly too fast. But you’ll have to read this yourself to find out the rest.
A Festive Surprise is a completely heart-melting romance set at Christmas backdrop adding even more magic and sparkle to the story as you watch the magic of Christmas (in Farid form mostly) try to win Holly over. It’s a wonderful romance and one I thoroughly recommend to all romance lovers.
Thanks to Margaret Amatt and Rachel’s Random Resources for a free copy in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own and freely given.
October 8, 2022
What a bitter sweet moment, coming to the conclusion of such a captivating series! A Festive Surprise has a story plot like no other. Holly is a smart, albeit stubborn, developer terrified to put her heart on the line again. Only the gorgeous Farid, a refugee with a heart wrenching past, has the ability to make her appreciate the beauty amongst the pain. The combination of the grumpy, scrooge-like heroine with a kind and optimistic hero made this the perfect story to end a remarkable series!
Margaret Amatt's writing style is elegant, classy, and enthralling. Her books are full of warmth and love and always have me wanting more. I'm so sad this series is over but I'm so excited to see what Margaret has in store for the future!
Margaret Amatt's writing style is elegant, classy, and enthralling. Her books are full of warmth and love and always have me wanting more. I'm so sad this series is over but I'm so excited to see what Margaret has in store for the future!
October 9, 2022
I loved reading this book about Holly and Farid, Holly dislikes Christmas because of an embarrassing situation five years ago, Farid works hard to get her to like Christmas again. While on this mission Farid falls in love with Holly and she falls in love with Farid but it takes her a while to tealise.
October 17, 2022
I've never ready any of Amatt's books before, but after reading this I've swiftly added several to my TBR list.
This is definitely my new favourite festive read, it truly was magical and captured the true essence of Christmas.
Beautifully written and set on the gorgeous Isle of Mull in Scotland, with some adorable characters and everything festive feels.
Definitely a winner and deserving of five glittery gold stars!
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is definitely my new favourite festive read, it truly was magical and captured the true essence of Christmas.
Beautifully written and set on the gorgeous Isle of Mull in Scotland, with some adorable characters and everything festive feels.
Definitely a winner and deserving of five glittery gold stars!
Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 25, 2022
I love Christmas books and this was just gorgeous. Farid and Holly meet and are immediately attracted to each other! A will they or won’t they get together, I was cheering them on from the start and think there may have been some fairy dust sprinkled on this story. Magical!
November 7, 2022
A lovely Christmas read. Holly hates Christmas and everything about it after her break up with Gavin. Farid is a refugee trying to settle in Scotland. They become neighbours and soon a relationship begins. I loved the characters in this book and couldn’t put it down.
October 19, 2022
A Festive Surprise by Margaret Amatt
(Scottish Island Escapes Book 10)
It can be read as a stand-alone.
She can't abide Christmas. He's not sure what it's all about.
Ambitious software developer Holly may have a festive name, but the connection ends there. She despises the holiday season and decides to flee to the remote island of Mull in a bid to escape from it.
Syrian refugee Farid has made a new home in Scotland but is lonely. Determined to understand a new culture, he asks his new neighbour to educate him on all things Christmas.
When Holly reluctantly agrees, he realises there's more to her hatred of mince pies and mulled wine than meets the eye. So Farid makes it his mission to inject some joy into Hollys' life but falling for her is an unexpected gift that was never on his list.
A Festive Surprise is the 10th instalment of the Scottish Island Escapes series of books by Margaret Amatt.
Margaret has again written a captivating, engaging, gorgeous story.
The characters are lovely; Holly is a splendid protagonist, but Farid certainly holds his own; he is a terrific character.
A Festive Surprise is a heartwarming romance, one I am happy to recommend.
I want to thank the publishers, Leannan Press, author Margaret Amatt and Rachel's Random Resources, for a copy to read and review and for a place on tour.
(Scottish Island Escapes Book 10)
It can be read as a stand-alone.
She can't abide Christmas. He's not sure what it's all about.
Ambitious software developer Holly may have a festive name, but the connection ends there. She despises the holiday season and decides to flee to the remote island of Mull in a bid to escape from it.
Syrian refugee Farid has made a new home in Scotland but is lonely. Determined to understand a new culture, he asks his new neighbour to educate him on all things Christmas.
When Holly reluctantly agrees, he realises there's more to her hatred of mince pies and mulled wine than meets the eye. So Farid makes it his mission to inject some joy into Hollys' life but falling for her is an unexpected gift that was never on his list.
A Festive Surprise is the 10th instalment of the Scottish Island Escapes series of books by Margaret Amatt.
Margaret has again written a captivating, engaging, gorgeous story.
The characters are lovely; Holly is a splendid protagonist, but Farid certainly holds his own; he is a terrific character.
A Festive Surprise is a heartwarming romance, one I am happy to recommend.
I want to thank the publishers, Leannan Press, author Margaret Amatt and Rachel's Random Resources, for a copy to read and review and for a place on tour.
October 8, 2022
Another gorgeous read from Margaret Amatt. Amatt creates the most fabulous characters that are so endearing that by the time I finish each book I feel like I’ve lost my friends!
Without giving too much away, Farid is like no other 💖 Holly is strong, independent and utterly in denial about love- and Christmas! It was an absolute treat to watch her grow & change throughout the story.
Great to catch up with old faces along the way and I’ll never tire of the gorgeous Scottish scenery. This book is perfect Christmas gift ❤️🎄
Without giving too much away, Farid is like no other 💖 Holly is strong, independent and utterly in denial about love- and Christmas! It was an absolute treat to watch her grow & change throughout the story.
Great to catch up with old faces along the way and I’ll never tire of the gorgeous Scottish scenery. This book is perfect Christmas gift ❤️🎄
October 12, 2022
Christmas means different things to different people, and to some it means absolutely nothing at all. Holly verges on the “let’s get it over and done with” side, while Farid is bemused by the whole thing. So you’d think Christmas would be a non-event when Holly moves into the cabin next door to escape the madness of the festivities. Farid, however, really wants to fit in having made his home in Scotland, and everyone – but everyone else – is preparing to celebrate in style.
His curiosity forces Holly to take part in carol-singing, cake-making, and even present-buying – things she has not expected to do this year. In fact, she plans on working through the holidays ...but there is something charismatic and engaging about Farid’s curiosity than even she cannot ignore.
Farid is such a sweet guy, and Holly definitely bears the prickles of the plant after which she’s named at first. Seeing them come together is enchanting, but surely it can only be temporary?
I’ll admit to worrying about Farid falling head over heels in love with Holly, his chats with his family prove exactly how deep he has fallen, all while Holly is working on her next project. The uncertainty of their relationship status kept me reading on, willing a happy ending for Farid and a chance for Holly to reflect and start over with fewer misgivings about love.
A Festive Surprise tells of a heart-warming romance that, at first sight, seems short-lived. Yet the strength of their feelings suggests that this is no “holiday romance”, and the Christmas backdrop provides the necessary magic to enthral and captivate the reader while working its charm on Farid and Holly. The outcome is a surprise that neither expected, and possibly the greatest gift of all.
His curiosity forces Holly to take part in carol-singing, cake-making, and even present-buying – things she has not expected to do this year. In fact, she plans on working through the holidays ...but there is something charismatic and engaging about Farid’s curiosity than even she cannot ignore.
Farid is such a sweet guy, and Holly definitely bears the prickles of the plant after which she’s named at first. Seeing them come together is enchanting, but surely it can only be temporary?
I’ll admit to worrying about Farid falling head over heels in love with Holly, his chats with his family prove exactly how deep he has fallen, all while Holly is working on her next project. The uncertainty of their relationship status kept me reading on, willing a happy ending for Farid and a chance for Holly to reflect and start over with fewer misgivings about love.
A Festive Surprise tells of a heart-warming romance that, at first sight, seems short-lived. Yet the strength of their feelings suggests that this is no “holiday romance”, and the Christmas backdrop provides the necessary magic to enthral and captivate the reader while working its charm on Farid and Holly. The outcome is a surprise that neither expected, and possibly the greatest gift of all.
October 20, 2022
This is such a heartwarming story. Farid Al-Karim is a Syrian refugee who has fled to Scotland and has a job, through a business contact of his father as a lumberjack. He doesn’t love his job since he is a computer programmer but he does love Archie, his father’s business contact, the island of Mull and the other people living there.
Holly Devaney is also a programmer who is also on Mull thanks to her friend Georgia. Georgia is Archie’s wife and offered Holly a cottage to stay during December. Holly once wanted it all, to be married, have a family, and roots. Now she doesn’t want any of that.
Farid and Holly end up in cottages next door and why they immediately like the look of one another there is a bit of a problem. Farid is very fascinated by Christmas. Having grown up in Syria he doesn’t understand the holiday. Never really experienced it for himself. He wants to learn more about the traditions of the holiday.
He finds it all fun even the traditions that really have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Honestly it’s like learning about the holiday all over again through fresh eyes. So many things we all take for granted and get irritated by he is just discovering and seems so much more fun through him.
Then there is Holly who hates Christmas on a level that would make Scrooge and the Grinch impressed. She has her reasons and we learn about those which made me feel so much for her. She’s lost her way as many of us do and now the holiday is just another day for her.
So they make a deal. Holly will teach him all about Christmas and Farid will teach her all about the meaning of home. What is not to love about this story? Holly is determined for this to be a short term relationship even though she is falling in love with Farid. While he doesn’t tell her how much he is falling in love with her in English for the fear of her leaving him immediately. It’s a story about not only the spirit of Christmas but what home and family really means. How, sometimes you have to lose it all to find your place or person in the world.
I loved every single second of it!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Storied Conversation
Holly Devaney is also a programmer who is also on Mull thanks to her friend Georgia. Georgia is Archie’s wife and offered Holly a cottage to stay during December. Holly once wanted it all, to be married, have a family, and roots. Now she doesn’t want any of that.
Farid and Holly end up in cottages next door and why they immediately like the look of one another there is a bit of a problem. Farid is very fascinated by Christmas. Having grown up in Syria he doesn’t understand the holiday. Never really experienced it for himself. He wants to learn more about the traditions of the holiday.
He finds it all fun even the traditions that really have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Honestly it’s like learning about the holiday all over again through fresh eyes. So many things we all take for granted and get irritated by he is just discovering and seems so much more fun through him.
Then there is Holly who hates Christmas on a level that would make Scrooge and the Grinch impressed. She has her reasons and we learn about those which made me feel so much for her. She’s lost her way as many of us do and now the holiday is just another day for her.
So they make a deal. Holly will teach him all about Christmas and Farid will teach her all about the meaning of home. What is not to love about this story? Holly is determined for this to be a short term relationship even though she is falling in love with Farid. While he doesn’t tell her how much he is falling in love with her in English for the fear of her leaving him immediately. It’s a story about not only the spirit of Christmas but what home and family really means. How, sometimes you have to lose it all to find your place or person in the world.
I loved every single second of it!
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Storied Conversation
December 22, 2025
I loved the premise and enjoyed most of the book.
I liked the recognition of how well Scotland has welcomed Syrian refugees and that the hero Fraid was doing his level best to settle into a new job, new home and make new friends. He really was a sweetheart.
Ther were many possible barriers between Farid and Holly - culture, religion, values, experience. It turned out that Farid was a 26 year old virgin whilst Holly was most definitely Italy not. That difference in experience never presented any problems which struck me as very odd.
Farid was Syrian, not Christian - so presumably Moslem? and yet that aspect of him was mostly ignored. I thought this was very disingenuous of the author. I wanted to know more about Farid and not just be presented with this virtually perfect young man. Don’t get me wrong - I loved him and thought he deserved only the best.
Holly on the other hand? She’d turned into this Scrooge like, anti-Christmas, anti love and long term relationships because her ex dissed her proposal at Christmas 6 years ago? I could understand she felt humiliated etc etc but really, to cling on to that negativity just seemed over the top to me.
I hated her when she hurt Farid but thankfully she realised what an idiot she was.
Well written and a fabulous evocation of Scotland. 4.5 stars. Half a star off for not using the opportunity to show the common threads between Islam and Christianity. But so well down for dealing with asylum seekers and showing a compassionate perspective.
I liked the recognition of how well Scotland has welcomed Syrian refugees and that the hero Fraid was doing his level best to settle into a new job, new home and make new friends. He really was a sweetheart.
Ther were many possible barriers between Farid and Holly - culture, religion, values, experience. It turned out that Farid was a 26 year old virgin whilst Holly was most definitely Italy not. That difference in experience never presented any problems which struck me as very odd.
Farid was Syrian, not Christian - so presumably Moslem? and yet that aspect of him was mostly ignored. I thought this was very disingenuous of the author. I wanted to know more about Farid and not just be presented with this virtually perfect young man. Don’t get me wrong - I loved him and thought he deserved only the best.
Holly on the other hand? She’d turned into this Scrooge like, anti-Christmas, anti love and long term relationships because her ex dissed her proposal at Christmas 6 years ago? I could understand she felt humiliated etc etc but really, to cling on to that negativity just seemed over the top to me.
I hated her when she hurt Farid but thankfully she realised what an idiot she was.
Well written and a fabulous evocation of Scotland. 4.5 stars. Half a star off for not using the opportunity to show the common threads between Islam and Christianity. But so well down for dealing with asylum seekers and showing a compassionate perspective.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2022
I love a Christmas themed book and this was a little different as the main characters were definitely not full of the Christmas spirit. As Farid tries to make Holly fall in love with Christmas again he starts falling for her and how could she resist him?! This was the first book I'd read in this series but it worked really well as a standalone, I don't feel I missed anything from previous books.
The characters are so well written, Farid is just adorable and I so wanted a happy ending for him. I love reading a book where the characters are so great that I miss them when it's finished. I need to know what happens to them after!
A gorgeous, feelgood festive read!
The characters are so well written, Farid is just adorable and I so wanted a happy ending for him. I love reading a book where the characters are so great that I miss them when it's finished. I need to know what happens to them after!
A gorgeous, feelgood festive read!
October 25, 2022
Farid is a Syrian refugee making his home on the Isle of Mull. He gets a new neighbour in the shape of Holly, an ambitious business woman who has fled to Mull to hide from Christmas.
There is instant attraction between them but Holly makes it quite clear she is only staying till the end of December so any fling is short term.
As they get to know one another and Farid tries to help Holly rediscover the magic of Christmas, they find their attraction getting deeper but can't admit it to each other.
I adored Farid and his story, however, I couldn't quite warm to Holly. There were some great moments which Farid got Holly engaged in. A lovely book in which to end the series.
There is instant attraction between them but Holly makes it quite clear she is only staying till the end of December so any fling is short term.
As they get to know one another and Farid tries to help Holly rediscover the magic of Christmas, they find their attraction getting deeper but can't admit it to each other.
I adored Farid and his story, however, I couldn't quite warm to Holly. There were some great moments which Farid got Holly engaged in. A lovely book in which to end the series.
April 8, 2024
A different kind of love story
I wasn’t sure how this story line would work …. But it really did. I absolutely fell for Farid - everyone needs one! I really liked the back story he had and in turn his appreciation for life and love. I could have read more about his past but maybe it would take away from the rest of it all. Nice easy read …. In fact onto book 11 right now, I love the gentle variety of people in the author’s books, and most of all them being set on Mull, which is a place very dear to my heart and soul.
I wasn’t sure how this story line would work …. But it really did. I absolutely fell for Farid - everyone needs one! I really liked the back story he had and in turn his appreciation for life and love. I could have read more about his past but maybe it would take away from the rest of it all. Nice easy read …. In fact onto book 11 right now, I love the gentle variety of people in the author’s books, and most of all them being set on Mull, which is a place very dear to my heart and soul.
July 26, 2023
it was good , but it had it still much in the bedroom Through the story is great
November 23, 2023
I was eager to read this book, as not only am I a fan of the author’s work, but I’m also one half of a multicultural couple so could identify with a lot of the themes. Farid and Holly’s story is sweet, atmospheric and very believable when I consider my own experience in trying to explain Christmas to my husband! I loved Farid’s offerings of helping Holly to relearn what it is to feel ‘at home’ and that she was so open to learning about life through the lens of a different culture. This story is festive, fun and oh so romantic. Loved it!
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