mpr2000's review against another edition
4.0
Are you following your dreams or your parents’ dreams?
This is a question everyone asks to themselves at least once in their life, are you working in your job because you like it or because your parents pressure you to do it? Are you married with the person you love or the one that your parents like?
This is a love story, but at the same time it will question the reader if the choices they have made in all their life are influenced by other people or because they wanted to do it. And I think that this is a very important point in any adult person, to value and respect our life choices, even if we have to disappoint our families sometimes, it’s important that we respect enough ourselves to follow our dreams and passions.
This is the story of Ashleigh and Olivier, they were “friends” when they were young but it has been years since they have seen each other, now fate has made them meet again. He works in Paris while she works in Brighton; he follows his father steps, she follows her mother steps; but the main question is, are they following their dreams?
There are some sub-plots mixed on the romance between Ash and Olivier, friends and family will be part of the story too, making it more interesting and in my case wanting to know more about the secondary characters (maybe in another book?).
This is a book that will put a smile to any reader, sweet and realistic will make you dream of a better life and a sweet Christmas kiss. Ready?
This is a question everyone asks to themselves at least once in their life, are you working in your job because you like it or because your parents pressure you to do it? Are you married with the person you love or the one that your parents like?
This is a love story, but at the same time it will question the reader if the choices they have made in all their life are influenced by other people or because they wanted to do it. And I think that this is a very important point in any adult person, to value and respect our life choices, even if we have to disappoint our families sometimes, it’s important that we respect enough ourselves to follow our dreams and passions.
This is the story of Ashleigh and Olivier, they were “friends” when they were young but it has been years since they have seen each other, now fate has made them meet again. He works in Paris while she works in Brighton; he follows his father steps, she follows her mother steps; but the main question is, are they following their dreams?
There are some sub-plots mixed on the romance between Ash and Olivier, friends and family will be part of the story too, making it more interesting and in my case wanting to know more about the secondary characters (maybe in another book?).
This is a book that will put a smile to any reader, sweet and realistic will make you dream of a better life and a sweet Christmas kiss. Ready?
melycp's review against another edition
4.0
*I was given an advanced reading copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
One Kiss Before Kiss was a heartwarming read which was a classic ‘will they won’t they’ romance novel. I do not read romance novels often as I’m really not a fan of cheesy, cliche characters and plot lines. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
Firstly it is set in Brighton, where I have been living for the past three years, this made One Kiss Before Christmas that little bit more special for me. It was so nice reading about some of my favourite places in the city and being able to actually see them in my mind and having the ability to relate them to my own memories. Whenever somewhere like the pier or The Lanes was mentioned I had a huge smile on my face. More books set in Brighton, please!
Secondly, you can’t help but fall in love with Ash and Olivier and find their constant ‘will they won’t they’ bit charming. I genuinely thought that after a while I would get sick of this but I found that from the very beginning I was rooting for them. After fifteen years of both of them pining for the other, you can’t help but feel like a hopeless romantic yourself who wants to step into the book to tell them how they both feel and to get on with it already!
You also get to meet a lot of charming side characters, Romesh: Ash’s best friend who tries to play matchmaker between her and Olivier, Beth; Primary school friend of Ash who is getting married right before Christmas, and you, of course, cannot forget nan. A blunt retired nurse who has taken care of Ash since she was a child.
This was an extremely quick read for me, it has been less than 24 hours since I started the book. I found that I was so invested in Ash and Olivier and finding out whether they would get together that I did not want to put it down.
Although Christmas in the title of this book it isn’t a constant in your face theme. Yes, Christmas is mentioned quite often however it is not the main point of the book. I wouldn’t say I am feeling very Christmassy after finishing it, however, it is a very cosy read which is perfect for this time of year.
I would very much like to see a sequel to One Kiss Before Christmas!
One Kiss Before Kiss was a heartwarming read which was a classic ‘will they won’t they’ romance novel. I do not read romance novels often as I’m really not a fan of cheesy, cliche characters and plot lines. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
Firstly it is set in Brighton, where I have been living for the past three years, this made One Kiss Before Christmas that little bit more special for me. It was so nice reading about some of my favourite places in the city and being able to actually see them in my mind and having the ability to relate them to my own memories. Whenever somewhere like the pier or The Lanes was mentioned I had a huge smile on my face. More books set in Brighton, please!
Secondly, you can’t help but fall in love with Ash and Olivier and find their constant ‘will they won’t they’ bit charming. I genuinely thought that after a while I would get sick of this but I found that from the very beginning I was rooting for them. After fifteen years of both of them pining for the other, you can’t help but feel like a hopeless romantic yourself who wants to step into the book to tell them how they both feel and to get on with it already!
You also get to meet a lot of charming side characters, Romesh: Ash’s best friend who tries to play matchmaker between her and Olivier, Beth; Primary school friend of Ash who is getting married right before Christmas, and you, of course, cannot forget nan. A blunt retired nurse who has taken care of Ash since she was a child.
This was an extremely quick read for me, it has been less than 24 hours since I started the book. I found that I was so invested in Ash and Olivier and finding out whether they would get together that I did not want to put it down.
Although Christmas in the title of this book it isn’t a constant in your face theme. Yes, Christmas is mentioned quite often however it is not the main point of the book. I wouldn’t say I am feeling very Christmassy after finishing it, however, it is a very cosy read which is perfect for this time of year.
I would very much like to see a sequel to One Kiss Before Christmas!
kirstyreviewsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
One Kiss Before Christmas - Emma Jackson
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to Orion Books and Netgalley.
Ashleigh could use a little Christmas magic. She's still living in Brighton with her Nan - who could give the Grinch lessons in how to be miserable - her acting career has been reduced to playing one of Santa's elves, and not even the prospect of a friend's winter wedding can cheer her up...
That is until Olivier, the gorgeous French chef, reappears in her life. Or more accurately, next door.
This book alternates between Olivier and Ashleigh. Whilst it is set at Christmas, the Christmas theme is light so this book could be read at any time of year.
I found this to be a relaxing read to curl up with after a tough day at work. There are amusing moments throughout this story; usually because Ashleigh’s nan is speaking her mind.
I would like to see a sequel to this book.
Rating: 4/5
A feel-good Christmas novel, great for curling up with.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to Orion Books and Netgalley.
Ashleigh could use a little Christmas magic. She's still living in Brighton with her Nan - who could give the Grinch lessons in how to be miserable - her acting career has been reduced to playing one of Santa's elves, and not even the prospect of a friend's winter wedding can cheer her up...
That is until Olivier, the gorgeous French chef, reappears in her life. Or more accurately, next door.
This book alternates between Olivier and Ashleigh. Whilst it is set at Christmas, the Christmas theme is light so this book could be read at any time of year.
I found this to be a relaxing read to curl up with after a tough day at work. There are amusing moments throughout this story; usually because Ashleigh’s nan is speaking her mind.
I would like to see a sequel to this book.
Rating: 4/5
A feel-good Christmas novel, great for curling up with.
bookloverlorna's review against another edition
5.0
A simple (yet brilliant) read. This is the perfect book to get you in the Christmas spirit and proves that sometimes a story with a straight forward plot is all you need in a good book. I loved the location markers at the beginning of each chapter - I'm an easily confused reader but they were spot on to keep my mind focussed on the story. There was no faffing around with unnecessary characters or secondary plots (and they really weren't needed anyway). I read this from cover to cover in half a day and it's got me wanting to whip out some Christmas candles. If you're a fan of a Christmas romance then this is a must read.
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