Reviews

Christmas in Little Penhaven by Angela Britnell

elizareads666's review

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This was a wonderful Christmas romance book, full of mystery, doubt and a lot of characters, some loveable and some not. It was a lively winter readĀ 

leahsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

Rating 4.5 stars

For my full review, go to:

https://www.leahsbooksandcooks.com/post/christmas-in-little-penhaven

Throughout the book, we donā€™t just see these two, but a whole cast of charming characters ā€¦ and one bad egg. Hal seems to create positive changes in the community, improving the life of almost everyone that is fortunate enough to have met him. It definitely didnā€™t hurt that he likes two of the only Christmas movies that I love: Bad Santa and Elf!

While it is a romance, it has a genuine plot, just a hint of conflict, and it isnā€™t too steamy. Itā€™s a nice story about two people, but also about the bigger picture: having a positive impact on the lives of others, supporting other peopleā€™s goals, and improving relationships between others. If thereā€™s one thing I didnā€™t absolutely love, itā€™s that Hal seems too perfect. How can someone have literally no flaws or character traits? There has to be some kind of rule about that! But other than that, I really liked this book. I flew through the reading, and it was just about the right length.

gemjones210's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A feel good holiday romance book and an easy read too! To begin with I was slightly confused with the amount of characters but got my head around it all in the end!

lostwithoutabook's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

ellamayes31's review

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lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

staceydickens's review

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lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

jazzlovestoread's review

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lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

kim_s96's review

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One of the main characters had a particular background and the struggles that would come with their experience was completely ignored and unrealistically glossed over quickly purely for the purpose of speeding up the story/relationship. There was no chemistry between the two main characters, there was no growth into the relationship, there was no character development and the writing style was very simplistic which did nothing to promote any atmosphere or emotion throughout the story. There are a lot more romance stories that are well written and provide an enjoyable reading experience and unfortunately I do not feel that it is worth spending the time reading this one, which is especially a shame as I rarely DNF books.

booksuperpower's review

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4.0

Christmas in Little Penhaven by Angela Britnell is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.

Both Poignant and Festive- A real holiday treat!!

I Absolutely loved ā€œOne Summer in Little Penhavenā€, so of course, I was very excited to read this follow up Christmas novella!!

A shocking event has left Hal Muir feeling unsure of everything in his life. He sells his part of a lucrative and mega-popular gym, and to avoid constant hovering from his family, decides a change of scenery is in order.

Claiming heā€™s now an aspiring author, looking for a quiet place to concentrate on his writing, Hal calls on his cousin Sam, who lives in the small Cornish village of Little Penhaven with her husband, Caden, asking if he can come for a visit.

Upon arrival, Hal meets Jane Solomon, who really is an aspiring author. As he finds himself caught up in all the holiday preparations in the village, he learns of the sacrifices Jane has made for her family and begins to realize he must put his own demons to rest before he can move forward with his life in a meaningful way. For starters, he is going to have to tell Jane his most painful secrets.

Meanwhile, Jane is coping with an unwanted suitor and her troubled brother, while falling hopelessly in love with Hal, despite knowing his stay in Little Penhaven will soon come to an end.

The beauty of the story is in seeing two people from completely different backgrounds, with virtually nothing in common, help each other come to terms with their personal problems, and bring out parts of themselves they had buried underneath their burdens.

Britnellā€™s stories have real depth, as the characters grapple with genuine problems, while growing into stronger and better people as the story progresses. The holiday atmosphere and British traditions, adds that special touch to this wonderful romance. I must now give into my extreme curiosity and try a mincemeat pie!!

Overall, this a touching novella, packed with emotion and holiday passion!

leahsbooks's review

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4.0

Rating 4.5 stars

For my full review, go to:

https://www.leahsbooksandcooks.com/post/christmas-in-little-penhaven

Throughout the book, we donā€™t just see these two, but a whole cast of charming characters ā€¦ and one bad egg. Hal seems to create positive changes in the community, improving the life of almost everyone that is fortunate enough to have met him. It definitely didnā€™t hurt that he likes two of the only Christmas movies that I love: Bad Santa and Elf!

While it is a romance, it has a genuine plot, just a hint of conflict, and it isnā€™t too steamy. Itā€™s a nice story about two people, but also about the bigger picture: having a positive impact on the lives of others, supporting other peopleā€™s goals, and improving relationships between others. If thereā€™s one thing I didnā€™t absolutely love, itā€™s that Hal seems too perfect. How can someone have literally no flaws or character traits? There has to be some kind of rule about that! But other than that, I really liked this book. I flew through the reading, and it was just about the right length.