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Ah, but Sam has a big dislike of Christmas which is not good because this village is really big on Christmas, plus the lights and other celebrations are numerous. But Sam continues to nix any plans of lights or decorations. But Blythe doesn’t let that stop her. I absolutely love Bella Osborne’s writing and look forward to each of her books. Her Christmas books give her an opportunity to really flex her comedy skills, and this was no exception. There are some genuine laugh-out-loud moments, and I had tears rolling at one point.
To summarize, The Perfect Christmas Village might have a perfect Christmas at the end but doesn’t manage to inspire the same level of feelings. It’s a decent read but not something I would add to my top seasonal reads. It’s never too early for a Christmas book! This latest read from one of my favourite authors was a true delight. We meet estate agent, Blythe, who is trying to beat her fellow colleagues to be estate agent of the month! When Sam comes to the agency, Blythe thinks she’s found him the perfect home…but neglects to tell him that the little village of Holly Cross is the most Christmassy place in the country! Not a problem you think, but Sam hates the festive session with a passion! Set in the idyllic village of Holly Cross with Estate Agent Blythe leading the story we are introduced to an array of colourful characters who all hold a special place within the village. As we learn of the community spirit to come together and celebrate the years celebrations along with the desire to create the best Christmas display yet newcomer Sam doesn't seem as taken with Christmas as the rest of the village and as such a battle of wills begins.
Recommendations
First of all ~ the cover is cute and I liked the small town community vibe. It is in full force with year round events the residents are expected to participate in. They all seem to get along and have great rapport for the most part, even if they're Christmas crazy. Norman is the local baker and his treats sounded quite delightful, especially a passion fruit curd eclair and I wish I could try one. Phyllis was a hoot and seemed like she'd be fun to be around. 5 year old Eden seemed very mature and well behaved for her age, which I liked. Blythe's mother and step father were pretty great too.
The story occurs over seven months, starting at the end of May and ending on Boxing Day (December 26th). While this gives enough time for the lead couple to get to know each other and fall in love, the results are mixed. From angelic children to sassy cats, Bella Osborne has squeezed them all in. It’s fair to say they fit perfectly and give the story the most wonderful feel of community.
TOP TEN MAUREEN O'HARA MOVIES
Blythe is a real estate agent and competing for the top spot and she needs one more sale to grab the title. So she kind of sells Sam a house in her neighborhood under false pretenses. Sam hates everything Christmas and he just bought a house across the street from the epicenter of the most Christina’s village in England. Now Blythe has to work hard to make things right with Sam, while trying to persuade him not to be the Grinch. The story comes with it’s own little mystery as to why Murray had a funeral in Manchester, when he had no family there. I liked this addition to the story as it added depth to the final chapters. I also loved reading about Turpin the ferral cat and his madcap attempts to sleep in weird comfy spaces inside the cottage despite the humans that actually live there. A heart warming cosy read, perfect for curling up with a hot chocolate and losing yourself in the spirit of Christmas. I only tend to choose a couple of Christmas books to read and review each year, as like Sam in this particular story, Christmas is not my favourite time of year, plus I often find the rom-com storylines a little too banal and 'cheesy'. Having spent almost thirty subsequent Christmas and New Year periods in Disney World, Florida, you might wonder why my non-committal attitude towards the season; which I can only really explain as the difference between the ready-made festivities laid on by Disney, versus the unimaginative British tradition of too many people crowded around too small a dining table, over-eating on what is usually, by the time it is all served up, a mildly lukewarm, full English roast dinner, followed by the fight for a semi-comfortable easy chair and an afternoon with the television on, playing to itself, while everyone talks over it. Call me 'Bah! Humbug' and I'll willing put my hands up to it!!
But everyone else was wonderful, and getting to know the villagers, and seeing all of their festive activities really made me start of feel a bit Christmassy. Christmas hating Sam moves to Holly Cross, thinking that he found the perfect house. But little does he know that Holly Cross turns into the most Christmassy village in the country.This is definitely a grumpy - sunshine sort of a book with Blythe being the sunshine and Sam being the Christmas hating new person in the village, despite moving to a place that is this year competing to to win the Most Perfect Christmas Village crown. We have a side little mystery about the former owner of Sam's cottage, Murray, who passed away. That was an interesting and surprising turn of events, which I didn't hate, but I wish we could have gotten to know him a little more. The Perfect Christmas Village is a vibrant holiday romance and a must-have for any bookworm's collection.
Murray had also almost befriended a stray and very feral cat called Turpin, which Blythe had carried on feeding after his death, so she and Sam agree that the arrangement should continue, although things blow hot and cold between the two of them every time they meet, as everything about the village seems set to wind Sam up, making him wish he had never set eyes on either the place or the over-eager estate agent he finds himself falling for. When Sam does finally open up to Blythe about the reasons for his complete aversion to Christmas, she decides that this is going to be the year all that changes and Sam becomes a fully paid up member of the season of goodwill. However, we all know what happens to those best laid and well intentioned plans, don't we? So when everything contrives against the village celebrations this year, even Sam finds himself willingly playing his part to make the event the best it can possibly be for everyone.M
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