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One Lucky Christmas

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A delightful novel about a meddling mother, a marathon of bad dates, and taking a chance on love from the author of The Two-Week Promise.

Twenty-four-year-old writer and bookseller Kasey wishes her mother could accept her for who she is and would stop trying to run her life. Kasey has already gone on a string of blind dates—with everyone from an underwear model to a guy whose greatest talent was burping the alphabet. Now she’s on date #31, with a pastor’s son, expecting yet another failure.

But Tobias takes her by surprise. She likes his smile. She likes the fact that he orders fruit punch instead of coffee or soda. She likes it when he takes her to church and introduces her to his family. Unlike her mother, they accept her for who she is and welcome her with open arms.

As the holidays draw near, Kasey feels like she’s finally found her place in the world. But could one accidental discovery make it all melt away or will she find her happy ever after?

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2022

115 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Regina Brownell

7 books52 followers
Regina Brownell resides on Long Island, New York, between the city lights of Manhattan, and the beautiful beaches of the Hampton’s. When her oldest child was born, she became a stay-at-home mom. With the support of her husband, three children, and three fur-babies, Regina spends her time balancing mom-life with her love for writing.

Her published works include: The Two Week Promise, One Lucky Christmas and Capturing His Heart.

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5 stars
161 (52%)
4 stars
85 (27%)
3 stars
40 (13%)
2 stars
13 (4%)
1 star
7 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,653 reviews177 followers
November 3, 2022
If you are after a Christmas romance story, then Brownwell’s tale will fulfil that wish. For me, I thought the story was lacking and focussing too much on the romance, with little room for any sub-plots to be developed.

When the story opens, we meet Kasey about to bail on her thirtieth date organised by her mother. It transpires that Kasey is desperate to win her mother’s approval and has even allowed her to dictate her relationships if it means her mother will show her some affection. But date number thirty is too much for Kasey to stand and she calls on lovable character, Francesca, to save her from this disaster. But, the next date turns out to be lucky number 31 and Tobias hits all the right notes. Trying to leave behind her mistrust from previous relationships, Kasey feels like she has struck gold, even if her mother’s attitude does not change in the slightest.

Brownell’s description of Kasey’s relationship with Tobias reveals that he is also feeling incredibly insecure, worried about being hurt again. Both characters struggle to trust one another, leading to the inevitable delay in them letting their barriers down. I grew frustrated by the incredibly slow pace of their relationship, even down to a proper kiss, and wanted Brownell to move things forward quicker. There’s a lot of forehead kissing and I was just bored by how platonic they were progressing – surely they don’t want to be ‘friend-zoned’?

My frustrations with this relationship were not just about the pace. When Tobias and Kasey eventually move things forward, there’s a lot of ‘hissing’. Totally. Throughout the novel, it is like the writer felt this was a perfect verb to describe the pent-up emotions of the couple. Me? I thought there might be a snake lurking in the background and certainly did not associate it with romance and positivity. It makes me cringe, even now, just thinking about it.

The entire story felt dominated by Tobias and Kasey, ‘will they? won’t they?’. Will they ever grow to trust one another? Will Kasey stop being jealous of the ever-present ex? Urgh, too many questions. I felt the entrance of Tobias’s ex-girlfriend to be a bit cliched and something I have seen before. She is presented as like a cat who won’t remove her claws from her possession, sending Kasey spiralling into doubt about her relationship with Tobias. Come on, girl, surely you can see he really likes you?

Kasey’s family are despicable and I hated the way they treated her. Once again, we are presented with a protagonist who has been ostracised by her family and Kasey cannot do anything to please her mother or sister. It felt equally tiresome and spiteful and I did not like this part of the story at all. It made me feel really uncomfortable and also not very original: I think this idea of fragmented families seems to be a bit of a theme with writers at the moment.

Despite these criticisms, it is a sweet love story, if you can forgive the slow pace. There is nothing ground-breaking here and there are a few steamy scenes too. If you are a true romance fan, this is likely to prove incredibly satisfying, especially with the festive backdrop. Personally, I thought the story lacked depth and I wanted some more originality with the characters.

With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rita.
96 reviews5 followers
October 29, 2022
3,75*

[English text below] [texto em PT abaixo]

First of all, thank you so much to Regina Brownell for giving me this ARC in return for an honest review of her book!

Sinopsis: Kasey has a bit of a family nightmare that makes her insecure and seek approval from her overbearing mother, her princess sister, and her emotionally absent father. After going on dozens of dates set (more like forced) by her mother, she meets Tobias, a perfect guy in every way.
Tobias is equally love-smitten by Kasey and can't get enough of her but she realizes he also has some emotional baggage.
Are they able to put that aside and stick together, no matter what? Only time will tell.

The book is a fun read, wonderful for readers that love soulmates, love at first sight, and big romantic gestures.
The main characters' best friends are so loyal and fun in every way, a big plus in a book. It comes to shows you can choose your family.
I'm not big on miscommunication tropes but they are able to communicate meanwhile.
And the best thing is seeing Kasey being able to overcome her biggest struggles in life and come on top!

[PT]

Sinopse: A Kasey tem um pesadelo de família que a faz insegura e procurar a aprovação da sua mãe controladora, a sua irmã que é uma autêntica princesa e o pai que está emocionalmente ausente. Após ter ido em dezenas de encontros marcados (ou melhor, forçados) pela sua mãe, conhece Tobias, um homem perfeito de todas as formas.
O Tobias está igualmente embasbacado pela Kasey e não se farta dela mas ela apercebe-se que ele também tem bagagem emocional.
Conseguirão pôr isso de parte e continuar juntos, apesar de tudo? Só o tempo dirá.

O livro é uma leitura divertida, fantástica para leitores que adorei almas gémeas, amor à primeira vista e grandes gestos românticos.
Os melhores amigos das personagens principais são leais e divertidos, um grande ponto forte do livro. Vai mostrar que podemos escolher a nossa família.
Não adoro tropes de falta de comunicação mas entretanto conseguem comunicar.
E a melhor parte é ver a Kasey a ultrapassar os seus maiores obstáculos na vida e superar!
Profile Image for Jenn.
341 reviews53 followers
November 2, 2022
One Lucky Christmas
By: Regina Brownell
Release Date: 11/3/22

One Lucky Christmas is a comforting holiday treat for yourself or a friend, full of friendship, warmth, and love. The book sparkles with romance in its sweet plot and personable characters.

Twenty-four-year-old Kasey is an author who works at a bookstore. Although a recent series of blind dates can only be described as a failure, her best friend Francesca is always there for her. On an afternoon date in November, however, Kasey meets an elementary school teacher named Tobias. She is immediately taken by surprise, and I loved following the storyline.

I'm drawn to books that spotlight family and friend relationships, as well as career and romance. Brownwell's book features all that I enjoy in a light love story. It's one that's sure to bring you contentment on a cold evening in the season of Christmas.

Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the advance reader's copy. My review is my own.
Profile Image for Anne.
765 reviews
October 21, 2022
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for this eARC.

This is such a wonderful heartwarming story, and one I really, really enjoyed. I read it in under a day, it was that good. I loved the two main characters Kasey and Tobias who meet and fall for each other in the run up to christmas. Will true love go smoothly for them? Add in a meddling mum, fraught family relationships, an ex far to close to home and you have got the perfect Christmas read. I thought this was a beautifully written book and the author portrayed her main characters, their feelings and emotions perfectly. I was drawn into the story right from the start and this book held my interest all the way through. There are some lovely laugh out loud moments and I loved the ending. If you like romances, then you'll enjoy this and I would recommend it. Overall a great entertaining and enjoyable read. Just loved everything about this book, and can't fault it in any way at all.

5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Elizabeth Holland.
Author 12 books105 followers
December 7, 2022
A lovely Christmas romance to curl up with as the Christmas tree lights twinkle in the background. I loved Kasey and her relationship with Francesca and Sam. Whilst I did like Tobias, I found him rather frustrating! I enjoyed the premise of their relationship stemming from the thirty-one blind dates Kasey had been on - and the humour stemming from them!

A particularly enjoyed the family relationships explored in this romance. It was very well-written, and the emotions were on-point. It was nice to see a realistic portrayal of family inside a Christmas romance.
Profile Image for Kirstie Cooper.
603 reviews16 followers
October 19, 2022
Absolutely loved this book all the way through - literally couldn't fault it at all.
Right from the start I loved the characters, and very almost cried for the main character during the sad parts too.
I read another book from this author recently, and absolutely loved that too so definitely an author up there with my favourites, and will be looking for all future releases.
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
November 3, 2022
You know how you're reading a book and it's so good that you are racing through the pages, then suddenly you realize you are loving the world you're in so much you don't want it to end? That is this book for me. I love it so much. I want to see it on the screen because I feel like it could be another The Holiday but I'm also scared because what if they get it wrong on screen. *sigh*
I love Kasey, Francesca, Tobias and Sam. I related so much to Kasey, especially with her family issues. Which I really liked the way that came out. I felt the author got it as it should be. I don't want to spoil anything though. I adored the friendship between Kasey and Francesca. I felt like this book was almost as much about their relationship as it was about Kasey and Tobias. I love the way the author took broken, flawed characters, (you know people like us), and gave us a story about healing and holding, tenaciously, onto hope and faith even when you are plagued with self doubts so we can each have a lucky Christmas.
This is a bit on the spicy side of romance books. I know not everyone enjoys that. Personally, I like things left up to my imagination. I do think the author did a good job with the spicy writing. To me, she mostly struck a balance between spicy and imagination. I totally appreciated that she waited to establish feelings between Kasey and Tobias before adding in the spice. I enjoyed the build up and knowing they were in love made the spicy part okay with me.
Profile Image for Shelly Rogers.
336 reviews17 followers
September 8, 2023
Ok...so this book made me cry. And I'm here to tell you that is NOT an easy thing to do. But we'll get back around to that.

This story is about Kace and Liam. What I think I enjoyed the most about it is how real it is. Kace has a...we'll go with difficult family. Her mother fancies her sister and praises her for everything. Kace is left feeling like the black sheep. She and her sister are complete polar opposites. Kaci is single and an author. Her mom has this idea that Kace needs a husband and children. To please her mother, Kace agrees to an absurd about of dates. She is about to give up and tell her mother no more, but reluctantly goes on the one more. This time she meets Liam. He's charming and sweet and doesn't give her the creeps. Liam has a great relationship with his parents and siblings. Kace finds her self falling for all of them. But both Kace and Liam have had relationship issues in the past and those insecurities hang over them still.

The emotions these two go through together and individually will pull on your emotions. Especially at a certain scene I'm not going to spoil for you. You'll go through it with them, but you'll get an HEA in a BIG way at the end.

Highly recommend this book.
Happy Reading Ya'll
Profile Image for Liz T.
286 reviews6 followers
October 31, 2022
One Lucky Christmas is a really feel good Christmas read. Kasey is a published author of fantasy novels and a sales assistant at a bookshop. Sadly, Kasey broke up with her fiance a year ago and encouraged by her mother she has been on 30 dates looking for her perfect partner. Her best friend Francesca is the one constant in her life and her flatmate. Her boss at the book store, Sam has been attracted to Francesca for a long time. When Kasey's 31st date, arranged by her mother, ends up being the Pastor's son Tobias and Sam's best friend from college it looks like Kasey has met "the one." It may appear to be a perfect ending with Francesca also getting together with Sam but Tobias has had a difficult relationship with his previous girlfriend and Kasey has low self esteem as she has been constantly compared to her perfect sister. Piper. Will these two young people get together or will they find it difficult to trust again?
One Lucky Christmas has some lovely characters and as a reader I enjoyed the backdrop of the Christmas season and was willing this book to have a happy ending.
77 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2022
What a lovely Christmas read I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I have to say it put me in the Christmas spirit. The book centres around Kasey, works in a bookstore and is a writer with 2 books published and another one on the way, she had a bad breakup last Christmas with him cheating on her with her friend, her mum keeps trying to set her up with a new boyfriend.
Kasey has spent her life trying to get approval from her mum and sister Piper who is the perfect daughter married, two children and a good job. This is why Kasey agreed to go on so many blind dates set up by her mum, the book starts with Kasey trying to escape a bad date through a toilet window, before her friend Francesca saves her.
The book is brilliantly written, the way the characters are introduced to you, you feel like you know them, and I felt myself championing for them. I did love this book and read it over two days, I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,426 reviews141 followers
November 3, 2022
One lucky Christmas by Regina brownell..
Twenty-four-year-old writer and bookseller Kasey wishes her mother could accept her for who she is and would stop trying to run her life. Kasey has already gone on a string of blind dates—with everyone from an underwear model to a guy whose greatest talent was burping the alphabet. Now she’s on date #31, with a pastor’s son, expecting yet another failure. But Tobias takes her by surprise. She likes his smile. She likes the fact that he orders fruit punch instead of coffee or soda. She likes it when he takes her to church and introduces her to his family. Unlike her mother, they accept her for who she is and welcome her with open arms. As the holidays draw near, Kasey feels like she’s finally found her place in the world. But could one accidental discovery make it all melt away or will she find her happy ever after?
A lovely feelgood Christmas read. Loved it. 5*.
Profile Image for Rachel Corsini.
Author 1 book69 followers
December 21, 2022
Kasey Johnson is struggling with insecurities driven deep by her gaslighting mother. When set up on thirty horrible first dates she is DONE, but she caves and goes on date thirty one.

Kasey and Tobias' emotion turmoil mimic each other which makes for an emotional understanding but sometimes a a frustratingly shut out relationship. These two are constantly pushing and pulling away and you do want them to find their way through their internal struggles so they can be together.

Oddly, I found that I wanted to Kasey to find herself more than anything. That I wanted her to stand up for herself and be a confident woman by the end of the book.

You'll have to see if that works out. One Lucky Christmas is a sweet Hallmark holiday romance with just enough spice to make you eager for more.
Profile Image for Chessa Andersen.
Author 11 books17 followers
January 28, 2023
If I could yell or confront any character in a book, I would choose Kasey Johnson's judgy and pushy mom and snooty sister. While I admire Kasey's fierce loyalty to her family, she definitely doesn't deserve any of the crap her mom and sister put her through.

Because Kasey isn't getting any younger and not settled down like her older sister, her mom sets her up on a series of blind dates. Of course each date is a disaster until she meets Tobias, the son of the pastor at her mom's church. Kasey and Tobias both grapple with past issues therefore they struggle to trust each other despite their attraction.

Despite the cute and cozy cover, the book falls somewhere between naughty and nice, but leaning toward the nice. The issues are realistically heartbreaking, and the intimate scenes are steamy without being over the top and too descriptive.
Profile Image for Clair's Books.
370 reviews12 followers
November 1, 2022
⭐️ 3.75/5
📚 109/36
📍 🇺🇸
🗂 Romance
📖 Kasey’s Mum has never been proud of her. Her Sister, Piper, has the darling husband, fancy house and growing children. Kasey starts dating to please her Mum, and finally date no.31 seems the one. He’s super supportive but also has his insecurities - maybe it’s not happy every after?
👉 Regina Brownell’s ARC team
🌶🌶 Spicy scenes
❤️ The relationship between Kasey and her best friend Francesca
✅ My first Christmas book of the year
🥲 I did well up once
😂 I may have added some dinosaur nuggets to my shopping list whilst reading this
📆 1st November 2022
*Publication Date - 3rd November 2022

I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review from Regina Brownell, as part of their ARC team.
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,074 reviews66 followers
November 3, 2022
I enjoyed reading this holiday romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed her writing style that brought the story to life. I look forward to reading more in the future by her. This is a well written story about taking a chance at love and what happens when a two week promise is made. I found the characters to be relateable and how they pulled me into their story. They are engaging and had me coming back for more. They have great growth and chemistry throughout the story. I really enjoyed this holiday story that brought the spirit of the season. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Sandra Cook.
193 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2022
This book comes out November 3, 2022. The paperback is coming out October 20th, of 2022. This is a story of Kesey Anne Johnson, and a young woman seeking her mother approval for life. Kasey has a best friend Francesca that stand with her. Tabias Scott is her thirty-one dates her mother fixed her up with the pastor son, and the date goes well. This story is romantic, exciting, and fascinating. The mystery of two people finds love between them to work the complex heart of loving couple or being a couple out. This has emotional up and down for both. I enjoyed this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
303 reviews13 followers
October 16, 2022
Kasey has been bitten in her last relationship so her overpowering Mother sets her up on some blind dates, 31 of them! She is beginning to think that there is nobody out there for her when the next date brings Tobias into her life. A breath of fresh air but can he possibly be as good as he seems? The Christmas period really tests their relationship but can the bumpy road really be overcome…
A great Xmas read, thoroughly enjoyable.
Profile Image for Kat_h_Readsbooks.
27 reviews
October 22, 2022
One Lucky Christmas is a Christmas Hallmark Movie in a book.

This book made me laugh out loud and cry.

I fell in love with the characters from the beginning. watching Kacey grow in her different relationships is emotional and heart warming. I love her relationship with Tobias and how this helps them identify what they want.

Add the magic of Christmas on top. It's a true holiday read.

Honestly I couldn't put the book down.
69 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2022
A cute seasonal story about Kasey who’s overbearing mother has set her up on a series of blind dates, each one disastrous. Francesca, Kasey’s best friend, is always on hand to come to the rescue until date thirty one. Knock out music teacher Tobias is everything Kasey is looking for but can they both overcome their past relationship problems and learn to finally truly trust and love each other?

An easy, Christmas holiday read, with a few cheesy moments.
Profile Image for Jude Srivalsan.
267 reviews6 followers
October 31, 2022
This has to be my favourite Christmas read so far and even reduced me to shedding a tear. So many emotions as Kasey tries to shed the past and find love. An unappreciative mother is determined to set her up on dates and she has reached number 31! Whilst trying to compete with her sister, Piper, who is the perfect daughter, Kasey is only kept sane by her friend Francesca.
Brilliant characters and very well written, this book grabs you and turns you inside out!!
Profile Image for Hard Back Life.
251 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2022
Book Review.

This is a slow paced Christmas time romance. The two main characters have a lot of mistrust from previous relationships and it unfortunately bleeds into their budding romance. The two go back and forth for so long you wonder if they will get their happy ending. Despite all the drama that follows the two start having open and honest conversations and are able to salvage their romance and grow into stronger people for it.
Profile Image for Nikki Lamers.
Author 18 books188 followers
December 17, 2023
This book took me by surprise. It was the perfect amount of sweet and spicy. Their unexpected first date and their constant chemistry was fun to watch. It’s definitely a slow-burn, so have patience. But the snark and antics had me laughing. While Kasey’s family and her past had my heart hurting, Tobias’s family was amazing and his past definitely brought questions. Their best friends added so much to the story & I truly enjoyed those relationships too! I enjoyed the ups and downs of this story.
215 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2024
An enjoyable read

This story held my interest. The two couples who had such close friendships with each other were my favorites. It was easy to lose patience with Tobias's previous girlfriend as well as with Kasey's mother and sister. The ending was special indeed.Kasey's struggles with her family broke my heart. Thank goodness others saw her for the worthy woman she was who was gifted with so many talents and gifts.
Profile Image for Melody Loomis.
Author 5 books22 followers
January 31, 2026
Sweet Christmas romance

Such a sweet Christmas romance! Kasey and Tobias are perfect for each other. I love how they each took interest in what was special to the other. I also enjoyed the found family, where poor Kasey didn’t get support from her own mother and sister, but she found a sister and family in her friends and Tobias’s family. Definitely worth a read if you’re looking for a sweet holiday romance!
Profile Image for Jeni Wilson.
297 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2022
A cozy book or a naughty Hallmark movie, this book can't decide so it falls somewhere in the middle. The author did a good job with keeping the characters at the correct maturity level for their age and how they handle life issues. This was such a quick and light, fun read it really is good for breaking up the Holiday stress.
Profile Image for Jane Welchman.
95 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2022
Loved this book so much. Its definitely on my read again list. A snuggle up by the fire while the tree lights twinkle in the background type of read. Had me rooting for the main characters and crying with them too. Such an excellent well written romance book.
I was given an ARC of this book to review and this is my honest review. You must read this if you like a good romance.
Profile Image for Rebecca Charlesworth.
505 reviews
November 3, 2022
Who doesn’t love a cosy Christmas romance, it was a hit for me from the start as it featured two of my favourite things Christmas and a book shop. Kasey is a serial blind dater, well actually it more her mother pushing her in to the blind dates. After a not so merry Christmas the year before Kasey has just about given up on meeting Mr.Right. A lovely Christmassy, feel good read.
112 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2022
Repeat review of a great storyline

I really enjoyed reading this beautiful story about how love is just around the next date. This the second time I've had to write a review. Hopefully this goes through.
Profile Image for Rock Chick Fee.
147 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2022
If you like a feel good Christmas read then this is the book for you, lots of action from beginning to end. A good read indeed.
Profile Image for Roxanne.
16 reviews
November 16, 2022
believe

Don’t be quick to judge. Some of the characters in this book did just that. Keep turning pages to find out how it ends.
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