martinej's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
nixbix_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to Avon Books UK & NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such an enjoyable read, and so easy to zip through. There were so many places where I laughed out loud, and it put a big smile on my face. The characters were interesting & the family drama was entertaining.
This was such an enjoyable read, and so easy to zip through. There were so many places where I laughed out loud, and it put a big smile on my face. The characters were interesting & the family drama was entertaining.
bs_little_library's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mpr2000's review against another edition
4.0
What a delightful read! Funny, romantic and Christmassy, I couldn’t ask for more!
I started reading this book for the cover and the title, for me Christmas it’s not the presents but being able to spend quality time with my family, and now that I live far from them it’s more important than before. So, I started reading this book to feel the warm and sweet emotions that I feel when I am surrounded for my loved ones, let me be honest, I wasn’t disappointed at all! There’s family secrets, love, romance and charming pets, I don’t think I will find a better family to spend the Christmas night if I can’t return home this year, I will re-read this book again!
I really don’t want to talk much about the plot, this Lottie’s family, that after her Nana passes away a couple of weeks ago, she decides to reunite all their family one last Christmas before their old manor house is sold. “Lucky” for her, all the members of her family will attend the Christmas holidays, making it a holiday to remember forever, for good or bad… She will have to face too the return of an old fame… but is she ready to heal her past wounds and start something new with him? Of course you’ll have to read the book to know all the answers!
This book made me remember that every family has their own problems, no one is perfect, but it really doesn’t matter their faults because you love them, they are family, and you’ll be on their side in the moments of need.
I really hope that we will see this family once Christmas more, even if it’s just a short story, to know how everything progressed! There were so many different stories in this book that I would love to see them again one more time!
This is a book I would recommend to read any time of the year, but specially on Christmas, on a comfy sofa with a hot chocolate, while watching how your family is trying to kill themselves, to remember that you are not alone!
I started reading this book for the cover and the title, for me Christmas it’s not the presents but being able to spend quality time with my family, and now that I live far from them it’s more important than before. So, I started reading this book to feel the warm and sweet emotions that I feel when I am surrounded for my loved ones, let me be honest, I wasn’t disappointed at all! There’s family secrets, love, romance and charming pets, I don’t think I will find a better family to spend the Christmas night if I can’t return home this year, I will re-read this book again!
I really don’t want to talk much about the plot, this Lottie’s family, that after her Nana passes away a couple of weeks ago, she decides to reunite all their family one last Christmas before their old manor house is sold. “Lucky” for her, all the members of her family will attend the Christmas holidays, making it a holiday to remember forever, for good or bad… She will have to face too the return of an old fame… but is she ready to heal her past wounds and start something new with him? Of course you’ll have to read the book to know all the answers!
This book made me remember that every family has their own problems, no one is perfect, but it really doesn’t matter their faults because you love them, they are family, and you’ll be on their side in the moments of need.
I really hope that we will see this family once Christmas more, even if it’s just a short story, to know how everything progressed! There were so many different stories in this book that I would love to see them again one more time!
This is a book I would recommend to read any time of the year, but specially on Christmas, on a comfy sofa with a hot chocolate, while watching how your family is trying to kill themselves, to remember that you are not alone!
salreads's review against another edition
4.0
Not my usual choice of genre but I felt in need of a light, uplifting read with a bit of romance and a lot of Christmas and this met all my requirements! Lottie is planning one last family Christmas in the home of Nana Rose who has recently died, but family gatherings never run smoothly - relationships are already under strain at the start of the book and the emergence of old family secrets threatens the peace. What surprised me most about this book is the sharply timed comedy - there are some real laugh out loud moments and some slapstick which I found hugely entertaining! There is so much to enjoy about this book - the family members we will all recognise - the reclusive teenager, the selective vegan, the over- amorous couple. I particularly liked the re-igniting romance between Lottie and Joe and the relationship between Emily and Zack. All the little details of Lottie’s preparations for the visit, juggling their conflicting requirements, trying to feed the growing numbers for extra meals as they acquire additional visitors and snow extends their visit, feel wonderfully and warmly familiar. This is a delightful, heart warming and very funny Christmas romance. With thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books U.K. for a digital copy of this book.
a_ab's review against another edition
2.0
I read this book to try out the new author.
It was way too long and full of holiday mishaps, which felt like empty pointless page filler. And exhausting to read about. It also felt like a 10-hour Hallmark channel holiday movie...
But there wasn't anything terrible or offensive about it (except for the whole failed proposals and miscommunication thing and the fact that most relationships in the book have a pretty grim forecast regardless of the happy endings on page), and it did sustain my interest enough (although barely) to get me to finish the book, and I don't regret having done so too much.
It all roughly sums up to about 1.5* and an unenthusiastic "meh".
It was way too long and full of holiday mishaps, which felt like empty pointless page filler. And exhausting to read about. It also felt like a 10-hour Hallmark channel holiday movie...
But there wasn't anything terrible or offensive about it (except for the whole failed proposals and miscommunication thing and the fact that most relationships in the book have a pretty grim forecast regardless of the happy endings on page), and it did sustain my interest enough (although barely) to get me to finish the book, and I don't regret having done so too much.
It all roughly sums up to about 1.5* and an unenthusiastic "meh".
annarella's review against another edition
4.0
A feel good and highly entertaining story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I had a lot of fun reading it and I liked the relatable characters and the plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I had a lot of fun reading it and I liked the relatable characters and the plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
tishamae's review against another edition
4.0
A dysfunctional family Christmas awaits the Collins family as they gather for a final family Christmas at the manor after the death of the grandmother.
Every family member is keeping a secret and the book reads like a rom com set at Christmas where you come home for Christmas to deal with your difficult family. The book is told from different perspectives and it can be jarring at times because it will suddenly switch from one paragraph to the next.
It is interesting though and I find the characters really relatable. It is a quick fun read and one that will get anyone into the holiday spirit.
**Received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity**
Every family member is keeping a secret and the book reads like a rom com set at Christmas where you come home for Christmas to deal with your difficult family. The book is told from different perspectives and it can be jarring at times because it will suddenly switch from one paragraph to the next.
It is interesting though and I find the characters really relatable. It is a quick fun read and one that will get anyone into the holiday spirit.
**Received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity**
themaxdog's review against another edition
3.0
Full review now up on the blog: https://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk/2021/12/book-review-one-family-christmas-bella-osborne.html
Whether we like it or not, Christmas is a time for family. Yet as Lottie quickly finds out in One Family Christmas, families can certainly be more than just a handful!
The majority of this charming story is set over just a few days during the Christmas period. This doesn't mean it's a short book; instead, the author really delves into what makes a family tick. Arguments, excitement, and drama galore are present throughout, with each day given the freedom to play out virtually from start to finish.
The family engage in all the classic, much-loved Christmas activities together. Decorating the house, putting up the tree, carol singing, present-giving, and enjoying plenty of festive food and drink! At its core, this is a beautiful story about a family enjoying one last Christmas together in their picture-perfect family home. In equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and unexpectedly emotional, the book effortlessly captures the true spirit of the season.
Of course, there's also plenty of romance to distract from the kitchen disasters and confrontational family members. Lottie's first love waltzes back into her life by surprise, but before long, it feels almost as though he never left. Some scars run deep though - will Lottie finally get her happily ever after this Christmas?
It's so easy to imagine yourself as one of the family, experiencing the highs and lows right alongside this quirky cast of characters. Despite the mess, the noise, and the quarrels, it sounds like the perfect way to spend a family Christmas!
One Family Christmas is a highly enjoyable read to curl up with this festive season.
Whether we like it or not, Christmas is a time for family. Yet as Lottie quickly finds out in One Family Christmas, families can certainly be more than just a handful!
The majority of this charming story is set over just a few days during the Christmas period. This doesn't mean it's a short book; instead, the author really delves into what makes a family tick. Arguments, excitement, and drama galore are present throughout, with each day given the freedom to play out virtually from start to finish.
The family engage in all the classic, much-loved Christmas activities together. Decorating the house, putting up the tree, carol singing, present-giving, and enjoying plenty of festive food and drink! At its core, this is a beautiful story about a family enjoying one last Christmas together in their picture-perfect family home. In equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and unexpectedly emotional, the book effortlessly captures the true spirit of the season.
Of course, there's also plenty of romance to distract from the kitchen disasters and confrontational family members. Lottie's first love waltzes back into her life by surprise, but before long, it feels almost as though he never left. Some scars run deep though - will Lottie finally get her happily ever after this Christmas?
It's so easy to imagine yourself as one of the family, experiencing the highs and lows right alongside this quirky cast of characters. Despite the mess, the noise, and the quarrels, it sounds like the perfect way to spend a family Christmas!
One Family Christmas is a highly enjoyable read to curl up with this festive season.
brewtifulfiction's review against another edition
5.0
If you are going to read anything Christmas themed this year then let it be this book.
Filled with love and laughter this is just perfect for the festive season.
Lottie and her family are celebrating one last family Christmas at her Nana's manor after her sad passing earlier that month.
Between bad cooking, wild pets, bickering family members oh and not forgetting long lost boyfriends, this is shaping up to be a Christmas that they will never forget.
I was in fits of laughter over the dynamics of this bunch, their conversations and the situations that they kept finding themselves in ... even better than an episode of Eastenders.
Highly entertaining from start to finish, a real feel good novel. Just what was needed during these not so happy times.
I dare you to read this and try not to smile!
Filled with love and laughter this is just perfect for the festive season.
Lottie and her family are celebrating one last family Christmas at her Nana's manor after her sad passing earlier that month.
Between bad cooking, wild pets, bickering family members oh and not forgetting long lost boyfriends, this is shaping up to be a Christmas that they will never forget.
I was in fits of laughter over the dynamics of this bunch, their conversations and the situations that they kept finding themselves in ... even better than an episode of Eastenders.
Highly entertaining from start to finish, a real feel good novel. Just what was needed during these not so happy times.
I dare you to read this and try not to smile!