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Home (Abroad) for the Holidays #1
Christmas on Inishmore (Home
Emma never thought she’d flee from her success – especially not to Ireland.
As a tech founder, Emma Kells is used to being the only woman at the table. Her app brought her success, fame, and riches, but it also stole her social life. The success was unexpected, but so was a tech thief, claiming her invention actually belonged to him.
When Emma tries to defend her work, things take a turn for the worse when she makes a mess in the media and jeopardizes her future dreams. Her team suggests that lying low is the answer and what better place to do that than in Galway, Ireland? Only, Emma’s trip doesn’t exactly go as planned.
Instead she becomes stranded on the tiny island of Inishmore where the handsome pub owner offers her a bed. He reminds Emma of the comfort, laughter, and relaxation she has been putting aside for years, and now she’s wondering if her success was worth it.
When the real world comes calling, Emma has a choice to make. Will she return to her workaholic ways, or will she take a chance on an Irishman and love?
Dive into this forced proximity romantic comedy and fall in love with its witty Irish hero today. Featuring a cozy cottage (with only one bed, naturally!), a lovable dog, and a Christmas you won’t soon forget.
As a tech founder, Emma Kells is used to being the only woman at the table. Her app brought her success, fame, and riches, but it also stole her social life. The success was unexpected, but so was a tech thief, claiming her invention actually belonged to him.
When Emma tries to defend her work, things take a turn for the worse when she makes a mess in the media and jeopardizes her future dreams. Her team suggests that lying low is the answer and what better place to do that than in Galway, Ireland? Only, Emma’s trip doesn’t exactly go as planned.
Instead she becomes stranded on the tiny island of Inishmore where the handsome pub owner offers her a bed. He reminds Emma of the comfort, laughter, and relaxation she has been putting aside for years, and now she’s wondering if her success was worth it.
When the real world comes calling, Emma has a choice to make. Will she return to her workaholic ways, or will she take a chance on an Irishman and love?
Dive into this forced proximity romantic comedy and fall in love with its witty Irish hero today. Featuring a cozy cottage (with only one bed, naturally!), a lovable dog, and a Christmas you won’t soon forget.
358 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2022
213 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
K.C. McCormick Çiftçi
16 books34 followersKC McCormick Çiftçi is an English teacher turned romance writer. She is from Michigan, but spent the majority of her twenties living and working abroad, collecting the experiences that inform the stories she tells. She enjoys telling multicultural and international love stories through sweet romance, romantic comedy, and women’s fiction. She lives in Turkey with her husband and a herd of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 23, 2024
A nice and cozy romance book. I find the romance was a little rushed for my taste but still very good!
January 9, 2026
At first, it took me a little while to get into the storyline and to figure out in which direction the the story was leading to.
But once I was in, I was IN!
I really enjoy the dynamic between Emma and Connor. I LOVE how they communicate with each other in such a mature way. They handle misunderstandings with no to less drama <3
Connor is such a hilarious male lead!
(More male characters like him, please!)
The book in general is heartwarming, funny and gives off cozy vibes.
But once I was in, I was IN!
I really enjoy the dynamic between Emma and Connor. I LOVE how they communicate with each other in such a mature way. They handle misunderstandings with no to less drama <3
Connor is such a hilarious male lead!
(More male characters like him, please!)
The book in general is heartwarming, funny and gives off cozy vibes.
November 23, 2022
Slow Start, Nice Couple
This book had a somewhat muddled beginning. At first, I wasn’t quite sure what the book was going to be: about a hard-driving career woman stepping back, a simple travel tale, or a bona fide romance. The wishy-washy start diluted what could have been a stellar romance. Yes, I still liked the characters and enjoyed the romantic aspects… once the story got there. The hero and heroine didn’t meet until well into the book, which was disappointing. For me, a romance doesn’t start until the couple meets! As I got into the story, I understood better why the author chose to emphasize the heroine’s business and its woes, but I still think she spent too much time having the heroine play tourist in Ireland before she met the hero. I did like how the heroine spent time reflecting on her past actions and possible future course; I like introspective characters who are at a crossroads in their lives. The hero made sure she never took things too seriously, with his irreverent approach to life. He’s a nerdy beta male who runs an Irish pub… what’s not to like? I do have a few nits to pick with the author about the heroine’s reactions to her travels within Ireland. As someone who’s traveled a little, I didn’t find them to be normal responses to what was happening. All in all, though, once the romance got started, I found this a pleasant read and an enjoyable trip back to Ireland.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
This book had a somewhat muddled beginning. At first, I wasn’t quite sure what the book was going to be: about a hard-driving career woman stepping back, a simple travel tale, or a bona fide romance. The wishy-washy start diluted what could have been a stellar romance. Yes, I still liked the characters and enjoyed the romantic aspects… once the story got there. The hero and heroine didn’t meet until well into the book, which was disappointing. For me, a romance doesn’t start until the couple meets! As I got into the story, I understood better why the author chose to emphasize the heroine’s business and its woes, but I still think she spent too much time having the heroine play tourist in Ireland before she met the hero. I did like how the heroine spent time reflecting on her past actions and possible future course; I like introspective characters who are at a crossroads in their lives. The hero made sure she never took things too seriously, with his irreverent approach to life. He’s a nerdy beta male who runs an Irish pub… what’s not to like? I do have a few nits to pick with the author about the heroine’s reactions to her travels within Ireland. As someone who’s traveled a little, I didn’t find them to be normal responses to what was happening. All in all, though, once the romance got started, I found this a pleasant read and an enjoyable trip back to Ireland.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
December 26, 2022
I got this book for free (via giveaway) so I didn’t really want to say anything too rude about it. And good news: I can’t! The only problem is I can’t really say anything too good either. It just happened.
There was nothing compelling about Christmas on Inishmore: it all felt very clean and logically, matter of fact stated. It just didn’t feel like there was enough emotion in it, which is ironic, considering it is a love story about a woman who learns to follow her heart. A lot of the book just felt like a beginners guide to Ireland - like a game tutorial. And I think it mostly came down to the dialogue, or the characters, or a mix. They just didn’t feel real, too cookie-cutter and, somehow, all perfect communicators who had seemingly choreographed conversations.
I do, however, think a lot of my problem comes down to me not being a fan of insta love, something that this book is abundant in.
Still, I love Ireland and Christmas and it really is not a bad book. Definitely a holiday recommendation.
There was nothing compelling about Christmas on Inishmore: it all felt very clean and logically, matter of fact stated. It just didn’t feel like there was enough emotion in it, which is ironic, considering it is a love story about a woman who learns to follow her heart. A lot of the book just felt like a beginners guide to Ireland - like a game tutorial. And I think it mostly came down to the dialogue, or the characters, or a mix. They just didn’t feel real, too cookie-cutter and, somehow, all perfect communicators who had seemingly choreographed conversations.
I do, however, think a lot of my problem comes down to me not being a fan of insta love, something that this book is abundant in.
Still, I love Ireland and Christmas and it really is not a bad book. Definitely a holiday recommendation.
December 2, 2022
What will I do now?
Emma had these thoughts about her life, "...Some days,..." She "...wondered if working in the cutting edge field of social media app development was really making the world a better place... "
After all, as "frequently... the youngest founder in the room, as well as the rare female founder in an industry that is largely male-dominated... ". She was used to not being taken seriously.
At the conference she stated "... Who knows what inventions, apps, and businesses are going to be born out of the collective brainpower..." in the room she was addressing.
What exactly did she say that made things go wrong? What will she do now? Can this situation be resolved?
Add lovely venture on a remote island in Ireland adds pure joy to this story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emma had these thoughts about her life, "...Some days,..." She "...wondered if working in the cutting edge field of social media app development was really making the world a better place... "
After all, as "frequently... the youngest founder in the room, as well as the rare female founder in an industry that is largely male-dominated... ". She was used to not being taken seriously.
At the conference she stated "... Who knows what inventions, apps, and businesses are going to be born out of the collective brainpower..." in the room she was addressing.
What exactly did she say that made things go wrong? What will she do now? Can this situation be resolved?
Add lovely venture on a remote island in Ireland adds pure joy to this story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2022
This is a quick, sweet Christmas read. I enjoyed the premise very much and look forward to reading more from this author!
Emma is the founde of a social media app, SLICE. After a conference, a man began making claims that the app was his idea originally. To avoid a public relations incident, Emma decides to lie low and take a vacation to Ireland.
During an excursion to the island of Inishmore, Emma misses the boat back and Connor, pub owner, takes her in. To her surprise, Emma enjoys the more laid back pace of the island. However, when things continue to look bad at home, how much longer can she stay in Ireland?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emma is the founde of a social media app, SLICE. After a conference, a man began making claims that the app was his idea originally. To avoid a public relations incident, Emma decides to lie low and take a vacation to Ireland.
During an excursion to the island of Inishmore, Emma misses the boat back and Connor, pub owner, takes her in. To her surprise, Emma enjoys the more laid back pace of the island. However, when things continue to look bad at home, how much longer can she stay in Ireland?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
Travel to the Aran Islands with this Sweet Christmas Read
This book was a lot of fun when workaholic app developer Emma finds herself stranded at Connor's pub on a remote Aran Island while on holiday. The sparks fly, and I loved his dry Irish wit. As the story unfolds there is more to both of them as they get to know each other and break down walls. His family is lovely, and Lady, his dog just adds to his appeal. There is tons of heat and chemistry but beyond kisses it is all behind closed doors. This is the perfect "curl up with a cuppa by the fire" holiday read and the descriptions of Ireland and the Aran Islands made me want to book a trip immediately. Enjoy!
This book was a lot of fun when workaholic app developer Emma finds herself stranded at Connor's pub on a remote Aran Island while on holiday. The sparks fly, and I loved his dry Irish wit. As the story unfolds there is more to both of them as they get to know each other and break down walls. His family is lovely, and Lady, his dog just adds to his appeal. There is tons of heat and chemistry but beyond kisses it is all behind closed doors. This is the perfect "curl up with a cuppa by the fire" holiday read and the descriptions of Ireland and the Aran Islands made me want to book a trip immediately. Enjoy!
November 15, 2025
Romantic but Low Key
This is actually three and a half stars rounded up to four because I like the setting, the characters (for the most part), and the dog. My character problems have to do with Emma who seems to be a total basket case whether things are going well or badly. That would be fine if there was something revealed in her backstory to account for it. My other problem has to do with the whole SLICE scenario. It seems way too contrived to me. Would I read another book by this author? Most likely, yes.
This is actually three and a half stars rounded up to four because I like the setting, the characters (for the most part), and the dog. My character problems have to do with Emma who seems to be a total basket case whether things are going well or badly. That would be fine if there was something revealed in her backstory to account for it. My other problem has to do with the whole SLICE scenario. It seems way too contrived to me. Would I read another book by this author? Most likely, yes.
November 20, 2022
This is a fast-paced Christmas romance that wraps around you and takes you on an amazing adventure as Emma takes a vacation in Ireland and finds herself with the pub owner, Conner.
This sweet story brings the right amount of Christmas magic and hope leaving you with a smile on your face.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This sweet story brings the right amount of Christmas magic and hope leaving you with a smile on your face.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2022
This is a slow-paced romance that falls in the middle not good and not bad either but at the same time it won't be one you remember.
When the real world comes calling, Emma has a choice to make. Will she return to her workaholic ways, or will she take a chance on an Irishman and love?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When the real world comes calling, Emma has a choice to make. Will she return to her workaholic ways, or will she take a chance on an Irishman and love?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2023
This book has a different story line from most mysteries. But at the same time it is giving some good advice to over achievers. Work alcoholics whose whole lives revolve around their work. The characters are memorable. A women executive is stranded on a very small Scottish Island where her whole life takes a very confusing turn. Would recommend this book.
December 25, 2024
Emma Kells owns a successful tech company.
At a conference as a speaker, she states that she didn't know where the idea came from.
Setting her up for legal challenges upending her world and causing her to flee from the ridicule and
harassment.
This was a slow paced story that didn't hold my interest.
At a conference as a speaker, she states that she didn't know where the idea came from.
Setting her up for legal challenges upending her world and causing her to flee from the ridicule and
harassment.
This was a slow paced story that didn't hold my interest.
October 27, 2022
I did enjoy to read this fast paced, captivating, Christmas romance. A wonderful story with awesome characters, it sweeps you along and before you know it it's over and leaves you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2022
I found this to be a good read. I enjoyed that the book was set in Ireland, it was a nice change. Enjoyed the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2022
2.5 stars. Nice, easy read. Loved the setting in the Aran Islands (my namesake!!) and the What About Bob? reference.
That said, the author seems to do more “telling” than “showing” which got old pretty quickly. Would love if the characters were more 3-dimensional.
That said, the author seems to do more “telling” than “showing” which got old pretty quickly. Would love if the characters were more 3-dimensional.
December 6, 2023
Wonderful read
I enjoyed this book ,what a great story of love. You never know when love is looking for you and the surprise when it does is always a blessing. I recommend this book for a feel good read.
I enjoyed this book ,what a great story of love. You never know when love is looking for you and the surprise when it does is always a blessing. I recommend this book for a feel good read.
January 17, 2024
Loved Connor and Emma
Being part Irish, I gravitated to this story. The repartee between Connor and his family was so reminiscent of our family gatherings growing up. Thank you for this book..it really lightened my day.
Being part Irish, I gravitated to this story. The repartee between Connor and his family was so reminiscent of our family gatherings growing up. Thank you for this book..it really lightened my day.
December 23, 2024
4 Stars
Classic holiday romance where the American girl who’s never set foot outside the US gets teased to death (or love) by an Irish pub owner after getting stranded on a remote island.
Good fun, low effort.
Classic holiday romance where the American girl who’s never set foot outside the US gets teased to death (or love) by an Irish pub owner after getting stranded on a remote island.
Good fun, low effort.
December 31, 2024
I loved all the parts of this book where they were in Ireland, just the two of them, but hated all the parts in ny or talking about work. Also not a fan of her friend Claire. So I’m split on this book overall. 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
December 5, 2025
I only made it 19% in. I just couldn't. I don't think the author has ever met a real Irish person in her life. Being married to an Irish man, I found it painful to read the dialogue. I'm not one to give up on a book, but I just couldn't continue.
December 19, 2022
A very cute festive read!
January 14, 2023
The first giveaway I have ever won and for a pretty good book!
December 18, 2024
Enjoyable Christmas Romance.
December 28, 2024
Cute little romance. Took me a little to get in to, but it was a nice little vacation read.
December 28, 2024
Beautiful
Such a beautiful story, and Ireland is such a beautiful place too. I loved every second of reading this book..
Such a beautiful story, and Ireland is such a beautiful place too. I loved every second of reading this book..
January 1, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
This book was the perfect christmas romcom, i had so much fun reading it!!
This book was the perfect christmas romcom, i had so much fun reading it!!
Read
January 4, 2025DNF
January 19, 2025
A stressed American tech CEO retires for two weeks to Ireland and finds true love. He is the owner of the local pub.
Nice reading. Slow at times.
Nice reading. Slow at times.
February 12, 2025
Love Connor and Emma's story
June 24, 2025
I received this book via a storygraph giveaway! It was a nice little Christmas story about ireland, and it read like a typical Christmas movie. It wasn’t too crazy, but I didn’t mind the simpleness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews