It Happened on Christmas Eve

by Kirsty Greenwood

The top three reasons why I do not like Christmas are as follows:

1. It's super cheesy.
2. Everyone drinks boiled red wine that tastes like air freshener and pretends they enjoy it.
3. Last year the man I was in love with decided that Christmas Day was a perfectly decent time to reveal that he did not feel the same way about me.

So you can see why, on Christmas Eve, it's totally reasonable for me to just want to get home from work as soon as possible, close the curtains, eat my weight in noodles and watch horror movies until the whole thing is over.

My boss, Marcy, has other ideas. Her son Adam broke his leg ice-skating and now she needs me to accompany him on his last minute Christmas errands around Notting Hill where we live. It wouldn't be half as bad if Adam wasn't the most irritatingly confident, annoyingly enthusiastic Christmas-giddy man I've ever encountered. And, well, a whole lot sexier than I expected he'd be...

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Short Stories, Chick Lit, Novella, Fiction

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2022

About the author

Kirsty Greenwood is a top ten bestselling author of funny, fearless and fast-paced romantic comedies about extraordinary love.

When she's not writing books she composes musicals, cooks new recipes with varying success, walks the blustery hills where she lives, buys too much glittery eyeshadow, sings to her dog, kisses her husband and reads all of the books she can get her grabby hands on.

If you want to find out about Kirsty's new releases and discounted books you can sign up to the newsletter here: www.kirstygreenwood.com/newsletter

Kirsty Instagrams at @kirsty_greenwood and can be found on Facebook at KirstyGreenwoodBooks. Say hi! She loves a natter.

Reviews

[Irena BookDustMagic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't even realized it was almost 1 a.m. when I was reading the book. I lost the sense of time because the story was captivating.

The best part of the book was the writing, and the story itself was cute.

I didn't like main characters (one was too grumpy and sometimes rude, and the other took advantage of his position) but somehow the execution was great and I can say I enjoyed myself.

I'd definitely recommend this short story.

[Grecia Robles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Le hubiera dado una estrella más pero la protagonista era demasiado perra.

Por si se lo preguntan todavía ando con espíritu navideño.

[Fanny · Rating 3 out of 5]

It Happened On Christmas Eve fue una novela que me tomo por sorpresa. No imaginaba al leer la premisa que fuera a ser tan linda, y aunque en un principio su protagonista femenina me cayo bastante mal, con el paso de las hojas fui comprendiendo un poco porque actuaba de la forma en la que lo hacia.

Adam fue una de las mejores cosas de esta lectura, me encanto su personalidad y su alegria interminable, y sobretodo me agrado lo muy bien equilibrada que me resulto su relacion con Phoebe.

En fin, un relato bonito y ameno con un toque diferente al tener una protagonista que se sale un poco de lo comun.

2.75 Estrellas!

[Valeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I’m laughing because I feel happy"
🎄🎁🌹✨️🤍❤️‍🩹
Ella es tan grinch y él es muy Santa Claus= RELACIÓN ÉPICA

IT HAPPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE, es un librito navideño muy cozy❤️‍🩹
Si tuviera que decir algo sería, ASÍ ES COMO SE SIENTE UN LIBRO NAVIDEÑO.
Los protagonistas son muy diferentes y terminan pasando todo el 24 juntos.
Él es el hijo de su jefa.
Ella es la trabajadora favorita.

Es muy chistoso, porque ella termina recogiéndolo del aeropuerto *Él está en sillas de ruedas porque tuvo un accidente en la pierna* y eso hace que pasen tiempo juntos + porque él es muy sunshine y quiere hacer cosas navideñas que no puede solo en este momento.

Jajajajajja fue gracioso y amé que ambos tuvieran historia (Él solo se acordaba) jajjajaa
Los disfruté y más porque no tuvo smut, solo eran ellos disfrutando de la noche❤️‍🩹

[H-e-l-e-n-a · Rating 3 out of 5]

OMG... esta protagonista es una maldita 🤣🤣 pero aún así me hizo reír tanta amargura jajajaja
Adam era como demasiado alegre (ahora me siento grinch yo)

La historia estuvo linda y nada aburrida.
Claramente es un grumpy/sunshine trope pero a la inversa de lo que casi siempre encontramos.

Creo que leeré más de esta autora. 👌🏼

_____
‘Christmas is a commercial construct, designed to make idiots spend as much money as possible.’
_____
‘You want to name your Christmas tree? How high are you right now on a scale of one to Snoop Dog?’
_____
‘My favourite colour? What are we? Ten?’
_____
This is my actual nightmare. Choosing plastic balls for a plant that, little by little, dies in your home. What is even the point? Christmas is ridiculous!

[Karla ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bueno, historia navideña, corta, cómica, con una mujer que podría ser la hermana perdida del Grinch y con un protagonista lleno de vida, alegría y amante de la navidad.

[Esmay · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I never intended to be a grump. I don't think anyone does, do they? But life happens, shit happens and before you know it, it's easier to sneer than smile."

3 stars.

This is such a cute little read and just what I needed right now! The plot is not really broad and original, but it is nonetheless really enjoyable and that's the reason to read it. You know going in that
it's short so it won't be the next tolkien, but it is very cute nontheless.

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4 estrellitas

Me gustó mucho!! Una historia cortica de navidad

Ligera y entretenida. Aunque la prota era muy Grinch creo que tenía sus motivos, así que no la detesté.

Me encantaron Phoebe y Adam juntos!!

[Rosie Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent festive read - amusing as ever - two fabulous central characters and a proper AW YOU GUYS ending. Loved it. Perfect for Christmas.

[Kim Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable holiday short story. It has a little humor, a little angst, some Christmas cheer with a side of ’baa humbug’, and a happy ending. Highly recommended.

[Jupiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que historia tan más tierna, quede enamorada. Por cierto el tema que toca es de mis favoritos y como me dolió pero me gusto tanto como se dieron las cosas en navidad para los protagonistas.
Además me saco varias carcajadas, no me lo esperaba pero fueron excelentes momentos.

Con este libro quedo en las filas de la escritora, me gusto su estilo, narración y escritura. ✍️








🎄📚⭐️

What a tender story, I fell in love. By the way, the subject he touches is one of my favorites and how it hurt me but I liked it as much as things were given at Christmas for the protagonists.

I also laughed a lot, I didn't expect it but they were excellent moments.

With this book I stay in the ranks of the writer, I liked her style, narration and writing. ✍️

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, sweet read

It feels like forever since I last read a Kirsty Greenwood book so I was very happy when she announced a Christmas novella. I mean, I would've preferred a full length novel but this will tide me over for now. It's funny and sweet and just perfect for the holiday season. I loved and could totally relate to main character Phoebe so it was lovely to see her open up. Also loved Adam even though I'm not sure I really got to know him. He is however charming and flirty and basically swoon worthy. I adored the banter between them, sparks definitely fly.

My only complaint is that I wanted more.

[Zeina Aldarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe is a grumpy woman. Hates Christmas day since it was the day her heart got pretty broken 💔.
She's hoping for a promotion soon so when her boss asks her to help get her son from the airport coz he got a broken leg , she couldn't say no while she wants to please her boss even though all she wants to go back home and watch horror movies until Christmas ends. However, what she didn't expect that her encounter with Adam will turn into a day of adventure that maybe 🧐 🤔 will change Phoebe's feelings towards Christmas 🎄.

This was such a cute and funny novella. I liked it a lot and I'm slowly becoming a fan of Kirsty's books coz her writing is so special and amazing.

Xoxo😘

[Anke Zweel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Happened Christmas Eve is a short read with only 13 Chapters bit long enough to get you in the Christmas spirit.

It Happened Christmas Eve is exactly as the name states. 12 Chapters playing of over Christmas Eve when Phoebe falls in love with Adam, the day her cold hearys warms up.

In the end you will have a tear in your eye and be thankful for the love in your life.

5 out of 5 stars

[Marijana☕✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Žanr koji mahom zavisi od razvoja odnosa likova prosto nije za formu novele. Bilo je okej u pogledu božićne tematike, euforije i trenutnog stanja mog mozga koji u slobodno vreme može da primi samo nešto lagano.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute novella set on Christmas Eve.

When I saw that this holiday romance was set on Christmas Eve I decided to read it on Christmas Eve. This was such a fun light read.

Phoebe dislikes Christmas. She had a bad breakup the year before and now she is known at work as being extra grumpy. When her boss asks her to pick up her son Adam at the airport Phoebe can’t say no.

This is a charming funny story. Perfect to add to your holiday reads.

[Alice Turrini · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a good Christmas novella, easy and nice to read. I recommend to read it during the Christmas season!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know I needed this in my life, but I sure am glad I stumbled upon it! This is how you do a holiday novella!

[Cressida McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny and romantic and poignant. The perfect Christmas read.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5....cute, quick holiday read!

[Rocío · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lo empecé pensando que era una novela pero resulta que es una novella (no sean como yo y lean las sinopsis así no se llevan sorpresas como estas).

Es súper corto y se lee rapidísimo, me encanta que sea un grumpy/sunshine en donde la chica sea toda ortiva y el varón un amorcito.

Phoebe odia la navidad y todo lo que tenga que ver con ella, los villancicos, las decoraciones y la felicidad general que todo el mundo parece sentir menos ella. Es por esto que planea pasar la navidad encerrada viendo películas de terror, pero sus planes cambian cuando su jefa le pide que vaya a buscar a su hijo al aeropuerto porque está herido y no puede venir solo.

Estuvo interesante, me mantuvo entretenida y lo leí súper rápido. Al principio quedé ¿?¿? porque sentía todo un poco apresurado, pero cuando vi el número de páginas eso empezó a tener un poco más de sentido.

Igualmente me hubiese gustado que sea más largo.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Kirsty Greenwood’s books and was extremely excited when she announced the release of this Christmas novella!
It’s quite a short story, which is perfect for getting through quickly and is crammed full of Christmas goodness!
It all takes place in Notting Hill which is all decked out for Christmas. Phoebe has to pick-up her bosses injured son from the airport. She then has to help him with a list of Christmas errands before she can go home alone to watch horror films and eat noodles!!
With Adam’s help, Phoebe learns a lot about herself and begins to believe in some Christmas spirit.
This book was wonderful and definitely left me with all the Christmas feels - I loved it!

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas novella? To read during December? By one of my favourite authors? Yes please! This book is absolutely everything I could have wanted and more.

If you love your Christmas tales more A Christmas Carol than Hallmark Christmas movie you're going to love this book, and there are plenty of Hallmark moments in this book, don't get me wrong, but I love the fact that the premise behind this one is coming to Christmas eve being soooo anti-Christmas. I like it because not everyone loves Christmas/gets as excited about it as I do and that's OK. It's great to see it reflected in a book and Phoebe makes for a great protagonist because of that.

There is plenty of festive fun in this novel even though phoebe herself is very against the holiday, she has her reasons to be and that is absolutely fine, I love how strong minded she is and I love that she is determined in everything that she does. There are some fab Christmas movie quotes as well as just general awesome pop-culture references in this novella and I really think Phoebe and I would get along in real life!

We have to talk about the fact that this is a novella rather than a full length novel. I love the fact that it is so short because it is so hard to find time to actually sit down and read at this time of year and you really need books like this to come into your life that you can pick up and read just one or two chapters, they make you laugh, they make you feel a little warm and fuzzy and even just picking up a couple of chapters at a time mean that you can actually finish the book whilst it is still December.

So thank you Kirsty Greenwood from bringing us a novella that is funny and has a great main character, is a great length and therefore is the perfect read to pick up this December.

[Mrs J · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Happened One Christmas Eve by Kirsty Greenwood - 5 star

It Happened One Christmas Eve by Kirsty Greenwood is a light-hearted novella set in Notting Hill, London.

27 year old Phoebe hates Christmas especially as she split with her boyfriend the year before on Christmas Day.


At work, she is known as the office grump. The only person in the office she actually likes is her boss Marcy, and when Marcy asks Phoebe to collect her son from the airport just before Christmas, she begrudgingly accepts.


Adam then asks Phoebe to help him get some shopping in where of course she can't escape the city's festivities. I recommend that you read this short novella to see if Adam will be able to thaw out the ice maiden!

At about 90 mins reading time, this is perfect for a lazy afternoon on the lead up to Christmas. It's funny, romantic and incredibly festive. Do check out my review for Big Sexy Love by Kirsty which is one of my all time favourites.




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[Eunice Coorlas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute Novella by Kirsty Greenwood that takes place on one Christmas Eve. Having been dumped by her boyfriend last Christmas, Phoebe vines, all things to that holiday abhorrent. She intends to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, eating noodles and her pajamas and her own apartment. Phoebe‘s boss Marcy must spend Christmas Eve sorting out a problem for a client. She asks Phoebe to pick up her son Adam at the airport and make sure he arrives safely and his home. Having suffered a ski accident, Adam has a cast on his leg and needs assistance getting home. Spending time with Adam turns out to be not the unpleasant experience Phoebe anticipated. Arriving at the.HEA Is sweet.

And enjoyable, quick, and satisfying read.

[Rachael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don’t have the time or will to write out a proper review so let’s just do a breakdown list

- grumpy Bridget Jones character who hates Christmas
- Perpetually man child who’s weaponised incompetence is NOT endearing
- Fmc mentions her ex on nearly every single page
- The fmc genuinely gets the ick from the mmc at one point and is like “is he flirting? Ew”
- Everyone is so immature
- 57% in she spots her ex in the pub and she’s still horny for him. This is verbatim.
- The bickering was more like a siblings bickering than any way flirty.
- Her ex is just comically villainous that it hurts to read. Stereotypical ex.

[Atlanta Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet, funny, Christmas novella. Recommend if you're in the mood for something quick and cute.

I love reading books by British authors because I learn new slang, all the better heard in a British accent in my head. This book's never-before heard slang was squirty cream. I don't know about anyone else but my perverted little mind chuckled... In all seriousness, that is the perfect way to describe bottled/canned whipped cream; my husband agreed and from now on we will call it squirty cream. :)

[Verity W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and fast Christmas-themed romantic comedy short. Phoebe is a bit of a grinch about Christmas - after she broke up with her boyfriend last Christmas Day. In fact, she's not the most happy go lucky person in general. So when she has to spend Christmas Eve with her boss's son, she's not exactly overjoyed - especially when he turns out to be the most charismatic person in the world and a bit of a flirt. But is this going to turn out to be more fun than she expected?

[Tea Leaves and Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and sweet Christmas book that will definitely lift you from christmas lows to festive highs. It's not a particularly original plot and there were quite a few word errors for something that I had paid money for - but it definitely fills a gap whilst we wait for Kirsty Greenwood's next publication! I was expecting some of the humour and heart-string pulling that went on in Big Sexy Love but again - this was a Novella and only so much could be put into it.

[loveandstolenkisses · Rating 5 out of 5]

You always know you´re in for a good time with a Kirsty Greenwood book, and this book was just what I needed to get in the Christmas spirit.
I loved the busy Christmas Eve in Notting Hill setting, and the push and pull between Phoebe, the grinch that wants to avoid all things Christmas and go home, and Adam that must do all things Christmas pulling her along, making her see Christmas in a new light.
A short and Christmassy romance about a grinch and a holly jolly fella.