Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Night Before Christmas

by Scarlett Bailey (Goodreads Author)

3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 · rating details · 343 ratings · 52 reviews

All Lydia's ever wanted is a perfect Christmas...

So when her oldest friends invite her to spend the holidays with them, it seems like a dream come true. She's been promised log fires, roasted chestnuts, her own weight in mince pies - all in a setting that looks like something out of a Christmas card.

But her winter wonderland is ruined when she finds herself snowed in with...more

Paperback, 400 pages

Published February 12th 2011 by Ebury Press (Fiction)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Night Before Christmas by Scarlett Bailey

It Started With A Kiss... by Miranda Dickinson

Twelve Days of Christmas by Trisha Ashley

Christmas Chick Lit

1st out of 66 books — 85 voters

Belstarr The Lost Toymaker by David Jacks

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas

Something From Tiffany’s by Melissa Hill

Christmas is for Bad Girls by M.M. Ardagna

Love Christmas 2010-2011-2012

5th out of 46 books — 37 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,019)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jan 03, 2013 Rachell Nichole rated it 5 of 5 stars

When Lydia finds the perfect engagement ring in her boyfriend's sock drawer, she's amazed that she's not immediately thrilled. She has to face a truth she's been ignoring for some time - Stephen is easy, safe, and not the right man for her. But she doesn't tell him that right away. Instead, she cajoles him into spending the perfect Christmas with her best mates from Uni in a snowed-in Bed & Breakfast in Northern England. Little does she know that Jackson, her one true love who left her sudde...more

like · see review

Oct 26, 2012 Chanpreet rated it 4 of 5 stars

I initially picked this book earlier and couldn't get into it. So I put it down and picked it up again today and was immediately pulled in. I didn't know Scarlett Bailey is a pseudonym for Rowan Coleman until today, but it just goes to show how versatile her writing is. I enjoyed this book as much as any other she's published under her own name.

Anyhow, to get to back to the book, Lydia thinks this year will be the perfect Christmas. She's always had bad luck when it comes to them, but this year...more

like · see review

Mar 01, 2012 Lucinda rated it 5 of 5 stars

This novel was such a great read and i found myself hooked after only a few pages, which is a testimant to S Bailey's fantastic writing style. It was a beautiful love story that was heartwarming and emotive, as well as being really down-to-earth that any reader could easily relate to. The theme of love, friendship and relationships was key throughout the novel and something that is apparent in all our lives, that the author really explored well. Even if you are a fan of other completely differen...more

like · see review

Jan 12, 2012 Helen rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'd been looking forward to reading "The Night Before Christmas" since I read Scarlett Bailey's online advent calendar story, "Santa, Maybe" before Christmas and although this novel didn't have quite the same charm, it was still a good read.

When I began I wasn't sure whether I liked Lydia, the central character, very much, but I really did warm to her and I felt that I got to know her. At the same time, the story was told in a way which made all her decisions and realisations, whilst unlikely, s...more I'd been looking forward to reading "The Night Before Christmas" since I read Scarlett Bailey's online advent calendar story, "Santa, Maybe" before Christmas and although this novel didn't have quite the same charm, it was still a good read.

When I began I wasn't sure whether I liked Lydia, the central character, very much, but I really did warm to her and I felt that I got to know her. At the same time, the story was told in a way which made all her decisions and realisations, whilst unlikely, seem believable and there was never a time when I felt anything which happened was so far-fetched that I could not suspend disbelief.

I really liked the way Scarlett Bailey portrayed the friendship between the four women. Their relationship was warm and real and whilst they all loved one another dearly, this didn't stop them from getting on each other's nerves from time to time when the marked differences in their personalities came out. Along with this I felt that the inclusion of their male partners was very well-observed, in that it was easy to see how well they each knew one another and the women, from the way in which they behaved, and the way in which the dynamics altered when one or more of the characters was drunk was an interesting element.

Of course, as is usual in this sort of story, the eventual outcome wasn't difficult to guess, there were enough twists and turns to keep it interesting throughout and it never became predictable.

The backdrop of Christmas was a lovely idea. Like Lydia, the picture-book Christmas is always in the back of my mind too and the idea of spending it in a remote, rambling old house surrounded by snow is enticing, and it also serves as a neat way of limiting the action in terms of time and place, providing the slightly pressurised setting which is difficult to escape from when things don't go to plan, and a definite endpoint to the main storyline. I especially liked the parallels and contrasts with "An Affair to Remember" which matched the characters' personalities as they went along.

Overall I really enjoyed this book despite some irritating editorial oversights (wrong name used when someone is speaking, extra words in sentences, etc) and I look forward to seeing more by Scarlett Bailey.(less)

like · see review

Dec 14, 2011 Jessica (Jess Hearts Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Night Before Christmas is a book, that for me, had both its highs and lows overall making it an average read. This is less of a Christmas story and more of a chick-lit novel with a Christmas backdrop. What I mean by that is that despite this book being set during those few days leading up to Christmas it just didn’t really feel festive to me and didn’t have an underlining Christmas moral which I think is key if you’re going to write a book about Christmas. Instead the book definitely reads l...more The Night Before Christmas is a book, that for me, had both its highs and lows overall making it an average read. This is less of a Christmas story and more of a chick-lit novel with a Christmas backdrop. What I mean by that is that despite this book being set during those few days leading up to Christmas it just didn’t really feel festive to me and didn’t have an underlining Christmas moral which I think is key if you’re going to write a book about Christmas. Instead the book definitely reads like your usual chick-lit story focusing more on relationships and everyday situations than Christmas. Basically I guess what I’m trying to say is that Bailey could of taken advantage of the Christmas theme more than she chose to.

First off I’ll get my dislikes out of the way. Lydia and her friends aren’t exactly the most likeable characters I’ve come across. Lydia spends much of the book running from her current boyfriend, to her ex-boyfriend (not to mention who is also her best friends new man) to a hunky stranger. Her careless regard towards other people’s feelings and who she might be hurting in the process really grated on my nerves and to be honest I found her a bit selfish. Then there’s Joanna- who is currently girlfriend to Lydia’s ex- who’s really superficial and makes her own fair share of hurtful mistakes. Then there’s Alex possibly the world’s most unpleasant heavily pregnant woman ever. And Katy who to be frank is a bit of a doormat but probably the most genuine of her friends. There wasn’t really a female character that I could really get behind and connect with. If anything I felt rather sorry for their poor chaps for being snowed in with them!

Another thing that irked me was the poor editing that went into this book. The Night Before Christmas is littered with spelling mistakes and missed out words that left sentences that made little to no sense. I know that mistakes happen and being a book blogger who reads uncorrected proof copies this isn’t something that usually fazes me but for a finished copy this was just plain embarrassing, worse even, than any proof I’ve ever read. Although this is of course no reflection on Scarlett Bailey or the story itself at the end of the day if the presentations half arsed it makes the book seem sloppy and just cringey in general to read.

Those problems aside I did like this book. Scarlett Bailey writes a hilarious account of a perfect Christmas gone wrong, something I think that most people can relate to! Her writing style is fresh, modern and funny with some truly laugh out loud moments.

I also really liked the men in this story particularly the lovely Will. Bailey writes romance and complex relationships with honesty and humour and I loved reading about Lydia’s past and steamy encounters with the men she’s snowed in with. Trying to figure out which man she was going to end up with being the real highlight of the book.

All in all despite some issues I had with The Night Before Christmas I still enjoyed it for the most part and think that it would make a nice, fun, girly read for Christmas but maybe not so much if you’re looking for a book with a little more substance and festive cheer.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 20, 2011 Kirsty (Book - Love - Bug) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Firstly, the cover is absolutely gorgeous, and invites you in. The title is also perfect; there are quite a few “Christmas” books around this year that are only partially based on Christmas, but this is totally and utterly Christmassy! This book starts with a prologue on 4th December. The rest of the book is set from 21st – 31st December with a final chapter set on 24th December next year. Being centred totally around the Christmas period, this book is the ultimate Christmas read.

This is Scarle...more

like · see review

Dec 19, 2011 Anjana rated it 3 of 5 stars

All she wanted was a perfect Christmas...

This is the story of a woman trying to find her happy ending. Lydia hasn't had the best luck when it comes to relationships, something always seemed to go wrong until she met Stephen. Stephen seemed nice enough, stable and secure. Before she realized what was happening, she'd been dating Stephen for two years and had moved in with him & settled into a comfortable life.

Now it's December and with Christmas around the corner Lydia has convinced Stephen...more All she wanted was a perfect Christmas...

This is the story of a woman trying to find her happy ending. Lydia hasn't had the best luck when it comes to relationships, something always seemed to go wrong until she met Stephen. Stephen seemed nice enough, stable and secure. Before she realized what was happening, she'd been dating Stephen for two years and had moved in with him & settled into a comfortable life.

Now it's December and with Christmas around the corner Lydia has convinced Stephen into spending it together at her friend's new Getaway Hotel/B&B but she had no idea that when she got there, she'd be snowed in and stuck with her boyfriend, ex-boyfriend and the hot handyman. Now she's got to figure out who and what she wants and quickly because Stephen's about to propose. Obviously, all hell breaks loose.

Lydia's a vivacious and funny character and she had me laughing at various occasions while reading this book. However, I didn't like any of the other characters much. I disliked Stephen from the minute he appeared, Jack was alright till his idiotic excuse for bailing on Lydia & Will, well I didn't know much about him to even form a real opinion. He seemed a little conceited to me, really. Lydia's friends were alright though most of the time they just got on my nerves, like Joanna for example. She wanted to be Samantha from Sex & The City and a clingy girlfriend at the same time and it just didn't work for me. Alex & Kate were alright but again, Jim was just annoying.

Despite my problems with the novel, I think Scarlett Bailey's a talented Chick Lit writer. Lydia is a fun, witty character so I'm sure Bailey could create more like Lydia. 'The Night Before Christmas', though lacking in Christmas festivities, was a magical read! The novel takes place in a - thanks to Scarlett's vivid descriptions - beautiful setting and while the book didn't focus on Christmas much, it did have a holiday feel to it!

I enjoyed reading 'The Night Before Christmas'. Sure, it may not be one of the best Chick Lit I've read but it's a good debut novel nonetheless. Besides, I'm a sucker for happy endings =)
magic

(less)

like · see review

Dec 12, 2011 Book-shelf Shelf rated it 5 of 5 stars

For a new novelist I think Scarlett has hit the nail on the head, she writes from the heart and adds lots of humour to the mix. Lydia has the age-old problem of a handful of men and none of them suitable, or at least not at the moment. Bless her all she wants is the perfect Christmas but that is just not possible, but then who knows what a perfect Christmas is.

One thing I was glad that this was very much set in the xmas time exactly, so many only have Christmas as the side line. Here it is very...more

like · see review

Mar 22, 2012 Nathalie rated it 4 of 5 stars

I did feel a bit weird if I'm honest, reading this Christmassy book in March.. but actually it didn't matter in the end as I got drawn into the story fairly quickly and sped through it!
The story is actually only taking place around 5 or so days I think at Christmas time, and I think this fast pace contributed to my quick reading of the book. I found it very easy to read, and the fairly small character cast meant it was easy to follow.
I am very much looking forward to Scarlett Bailey's next off...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 08, 2011 Rea Sinfield rated it 5 of 5 stars

We have had quite a few entries for our Best Christmas 2011 Book, many of the authors I have previously read before but we have got a new author who has entered and she has entered with a bang! I am sure you all see the package which arrived on my doorstep containing the book. It truely felt like Christmas opening the package to find the book which was placed in little snowballs and snowflake confetti with a miniature Baileys and a box of chocolates. Surely this is any woman’s perfect Christmas...more We have had quite a few entries for our Best Christmas 2011 Book, many of the authors I have previously read before but we have got a new author who has entered and she has entered with a bang! I am sure you all see the package which arrived on my doorstep containing the book. It truely felt like Christmas opening the package to find the book which was placed in little snowballs and snowflake confetti with a miniature Baileys and a box of chocolates. Surely this is any woman’s perfect Christmas present sending you weak at the knee’s! One thing I know you will want to know though Is the book as good as the package?

Plot
All Lydia’s ever wanted is a perfect Christmas…
So when her oldest friends invite her to spend the holidays with them, it seems like the answer to her dreams. She’s been promised log fires, roasted chestnuts, her own weight in mince pies; all in a setting that looks like something out of a Christmas card.
However, her winter wonderland is about to be ruined by the ghosts of boyfriends past, present and potential future. She’s snowed in with her current boyfriend, her old flame and a hunky stranger. Well, three (wise) men is traditional at this time of year...

My Opinion
I snuggled up to read The Night Before Christmas by Scarlett Bailey, with my Baileys coffee and my box of chocolates and I got lost in the book!

Putting the package aside and focusing now on the book I have to say the cover does give a festive feel and the title of the book couldn’t have been more perfect. One thing I have noticed with many Christmas books is just because they have a festive cover doesn’t always mean the story has the same festive feel to it but I am happy to say that this was not the case with this book.

The story is set over the week of Christmas and Scarlett Bailey sets the scene for us with a group of friends celebrating Christmas together in a remote setting and being snowed in already giving us that cosy feeling. This is a traditional realistic Christmas feel to this book rather than the magical Christmas feeling.

There is a real mix of characters in The Night Before Christmas and I have to say it must be the first book I have read where I have liked each and every one of them. Sure they all have their bad moments where we can hear the pantomime boo in the background but because all of the characters are developed so well we just have the attitude that well everyone makes mistakes and HEY its Christmas so we can forgive and forget!
Lydia who is our main character is very down to earth giving that girl next door feel and although she seems to have men dropping at her feet we still feel sorry for her situation. The mix of male characters is very generous in this book so ladies there is a man for each of us hidden in this book. For me this has everything a book needs for a full 5 star rating.

The pace of this book flows nicely with the storyline getting off to a fast pace. For me The Night Before Christmas is a real contender in our Competition despite this being Scarlett Bailey’s debut book. For any men reading this review you are on to a winner if you wrap this up for your partner this Christmas!
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 25, 2011 Swati rated it 5 of 5 stars

What Lydia Grant ever wanted is a perfect Christmas and hopefully this year she is going to get one. Lydia is more than exited when she and her boyfriend Stephen are invited for Christmas by her friend Katy in her newly opened hotel in Heron Pike’s, a perfect setting just out of the Christmas card. A Christmas with her best friends Alex, Katy, Joanna and their men seems like the brilliant idea until her best friend Joanna turns in with her new man Jackson, who happens to be Lydia’s ex-boyfriend....more

like · see review

Dec 15, 2011 Fiona rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!!!! Set in a wonderful Christmas scene and exploring Lydia's relationships with her closest friends and their partner's . Lydia just wants the perfect Christmas and when she sets off with her boyfriend to stay at a friends house she gets the shock of her life when an ex appears as her friends +1. The book had me in stitches laughing at those events I think we all have faced at some time, broken heating in sub zero temps, turkeys too big to fit in the oven etc. And then of cours...more

like · see review

Dec 29, 2011 Hannah (Jaedia) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: folk who enjoy a fun Christmas chick lit

Shelves: adult, caught-my-eye, chick-lit, christmas, fiction

I won't be reviewing this one on the blog but I will say a few words. The Night Before Christmas is an absolutely lovely read, especially nice if you like Christmas chick lit. It has the same format as any chick lit really.. but that's what I love about these stories! They're comforting and leave you feeling warm and happy, and The Night Before Christmas is no different. There were a heck of a lot of mistakes but that's not Scarlett's fault and you can ignore them it's just a bit odd, is all. Th...more

like · see review

Jan 05, 2012 Malin rated it 3 of 5 stars

It was an easy read.
A nice way to pass time.

Don't get me wrong, because I liked the book. It was sweet and funny. But it was also predictable. And that's okay sometimes. Because sometimes you're just after an easy read to curl up with. And a Christmas filled easy read is even better.

What really annoyed me was the error in the sentences. Words had switched places, and words seemed to have been forgotten when they typed the book. Was it a first edition that no one read before it got published? The...more

like · see review

Oct 30, 2011 Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-2011, for-review

I’m not a huge fan of Christmas books. It’s probably sacrilegious to say that, but there’s only so many Christmas themed books that can be released before they end up repetitive. Not that the Chick Lit natives care – every time October rolls around there’s another batch of willing authors ready to set a book during that good ol’ festive time. However, I do like to read one or two Christmas books and Scarlett Bailey’s is one I’ve been waiting a while for. It arrived in a lovely pink box (and a LO...more I’m not a huge fan of Christmas books. It’s probably sacrilegious to say that, but there’s only so many Christmas themed books that can be released before they end up repetitive. Not that the Chick Lit natives care – every time October rolls around there’s another batch of willing authors ready to set a book during that good ol’ festive time. However, I do like to read one or two Christmas books and Scarlett Bailey’s is one I’ve been waiting a while for. It arrived in a lovely pink box (and a LOT of Styrofoam!) with some chocolates and its cover, black with purple/pink highlights appealed immediately. It’s such a beautiful cover – black is so underused and it pops nicely and will look so unique against other Xmas-themed books. I dived in right away, because I couldn’t wait to read it.

The Night Before Christmas is your typical festive affair, with Lydia finding herself stranded in the Lake District with her best friends Joanna, Katy and Alex and their significant others along with her partner, Stephen. What lifts it from the pack of what will be a massive bunch of Christmas novels is the writing. It’s incredibly well written and I liked that the book encompassed just four days in total. I’ve never known four days to whizz by so fast and have so much happen! Having so many people in one house is always going to be frantic and chuck in one of Lydia’s exes (a rather significant one), Alex’s pregnancy and Katy’s crappy kitchen and it’s like one big melting pot waiting to explode. The book moves quite quickly despite the fact it only manages to be four days long.

A big part of the book is Lydia’s love triangle. No, wait, it’s four parts. I have no idea what that is. A square? Lydia’s love square, that’s it. She’s with her boyfriend Stephen – who’s about to propose – but when one of her exes walks back into her life and she also finds herself attracted to Will a handyman and I had no idea where it was going to end. It is a bit farfetched that Lydia would be so blindingly attractive to all three men and that her moral compass would be decidedly dodgy but I felt Bailey handled it well enough for it not to be a mega issue. Lydia does make some questionable judgement calls, some bad, but for the most part, she makes the right decisions so I was happy and I didn’t have to get on my soapbox or feel as though the book was annoying me.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. Lydia’s the main character and she’s great, she carries the book nicely but all of her friends are equally as great and I loved meeting them all. Lydia, Joanna, Alex and Katy are very diverse as people but as friends they’re always there for each other and I felt Bailey portrayed their friendship brilliantly. As for the males in the novel, I was very taken in with handyman Will. I liked that he had no airs and graces and that he was totally comfortable in his own skin. Stephen never really lit my fire, the way he was portrayed it was if he was always too busy to spend any time with Lydia and whenever he and Lydia did spend time together, it seemed very platonic from my point of view. I didn’t think much of Jackson either, he could have swung either way – but he swung the wrong way for me (and I mean that entirely as it’s written). They were a great cast of characters that I’d quite happily be snowed-in with.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Night Before Christmas. It kept me reading all day with ease and Bailey’s an excellent storyteller. There were a few minor editing errors (some “peaks” instead of “peeks” and some words in the wrong place) but not too many as to get my all wound up (as I am wont to do). It’s an excellent book to be curling up if/when it snows (or even if it’s not snowing, you can always close the curtains, turn on the fire and pretend. I did, ‘cos I live in sunny Tenerife). I can’t wait for Scarlett Bailey’s next novel, this one was just hugely enjoyable and the cover is divine. I’d definitely recommend the book, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, a sure fire hit for any book I’ll have you know.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 26, 2013 Lorenzio Phillibuster Fireworks rated it 4 of 5 stars

What more can you need at Christmas than some delightful English countryside with snow covered fields with roaring fires? A great catch up with your best and oldest friends? A persistent rumour about a ghost that haunts the bed and breakfast you’re sleeping in? How about a handsome stranger who’s just what you need?

Christmas to me has always been about watching the snow fall through the windows while you sit by the fire, or under a nice snuggly blanket and a cat, sipping hot chocolate and well,...more

like · see review

Oct 23, 2012 Abbey Liddle rated it 5 of 5 stars

All Lydia's ever wanted is a perfect Christmas...

So when her oldest friends invite her to spend the holidays with them, it seems like a dream come true. She's been promised log fires, roasted chestnuts, her own weight in mince pies - all in a setting that looks like something out of a Christmas card.

But her winter wonderland is ruined when she finds herself snowed in with her current boyfriend, her old flame and a hunky stranger. Well, three (wise) men is traditional at this time of year...

- - -...more

like · see review

Dec 26, 2011 Stephanie (Stepping out of the Page) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, christmas-books, adult-fiction, read-in-2011, title-appeal, chick-lit, realistic-fiction, cover-appeal

As soon as I saw the beautiful cover, teamed up with the very festive title, I just had to pick up this book! As you can all probably tell by now, I love a good, seasonal read, but I'm usually a little disappointed when novels are simply based around Christmas with a few references of snow are chucked in, but this one was very festive indeed.
This story is told over the period of Christmas and revolves around the friendships and relationships of our protagonist, Lydia. Lydia spends her Christmas...more As soon as I saw the beautiful cover, teamed up with the very festive title, I just had to pick up this book! As you can all probably tell by now, I love a good, seasonal read, but I'm usually a little disappointed when novels are simply based around Christmas with a few references of snow are chucked in, but this one was very festive indeed.
This story is told over the period of Christmas and revolves around the friendships and relationships of our protagonist, Lydia. Lydia spends her Christmas with her best friends, her ex-boyfriend, an old flame and a handsome handyman. I thought that Bailey had a good idea of all of these relationships and the characters all connected very well. The bonds between them felt solid, even though there were several characters. I think it would've been even better if Bailey had perhaps cut one or two characters out to leave room for more progression of the others, but she still did a very good job. Lydia's friends, Alex, Joanna and Kathy all had very strong personalities and were fun to read about - they were all very diverse but worked fantastically as a group of friends. There was a lot of humour in this book and it did have me laughing a few times, which is always a positive point! The children in the novel provided great entertainment and their joviality was fun to read about. As for Lydia's romances, I thought that her and Jackson's relationship was the most interesting and I would've liked to have seen her and Jackson interact more when they met again. Stephen didn't interest me at all, unfortunately, but Will was presented as a perfect, down to earth guy who had a lot going for him.
The ending was predictable, but it was a good one. The book wasn't extremely compelling and I did feel it drag at points - perhaps because I knew where it was going - but it was still a pleasure to read. Bailey did a great job writing this debut novel and although it wasn't completely amazing, I can see definite potential for more compelling reads by her. This was an enjoyable Christmas read and I think that Bailey is one to watch.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 04, 2013 Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned

It's definitely worth reading. It made me laugh my butt off the whole way time. They truly have the worst, best Christmas ever.

It takes finding an engagement ring in her boyfriend's sock drawer for Lydia to begin questioning their relationship and everything she thought she wanted.

They go to spend what's supposed to be the "perfect" Christmas with friends at a B&B in the country and hilarity ensues. From things breaking down in the (not quite) remodeled house, being snowed in, her ex-love...more

like · see review

May 26, 2012 Hayley rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit

There are a ridiculous amount of typos in this book, not to mention all the grammatical mistakes. It also drags on a bit, with a lot of pointless dialogue. (Which explains why Trisha Ashley praised the book, because she knows all about novels with too much dialogue.) It reads as though it has never been edited or proof-read.

The men in the book annoy me, they're all girly and tend to sulk a lot. And I don't think the author knows how men really talk, they are NOT that chatty or eloquent.

I also th...more

like · see review

Dec 08, 2012 Claire rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book up until 3 quarters of the way through where it became quite predictable and just like any other chick lit book.

It could have been set in any situation,it just so happened to use Christmas as a back drop.

There were also many spelling and typing errors in the book which became annoying as all it needed was someone to proof read it.

But I would reccommend it as some light hearted romantic reading to get you in the Christmas spirit.

like · see review

Nov 28, 2011 Aileen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book from the pretty cover to the end. Although I
was worried I wouldn’t be able to follow it as there are a lot of
Characters. It was very easy to read and follow, a perfect Christmas
read for a dark cold night, I would definitely recommend and will look
out for more books by this Author in the future.

like · see review

Nov 26, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: library

After a slightly bumpy beginning, I found myself turning the pages furiously to find out which of the three men Lydia would end up with. Predictable, but incredibly sweet, and the relationship between the four girlfriends was just lovely.

like · see review

Mar 10, 2012 Cilla rated it 2 of 5 stars

Actually, I'm giving it two and a half stars. It's not bad, just not very good either. And the worst thing is, it could've been so much better. The main character is interesting but I don't think the story is really good.

like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Tina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit

I think this is more of a 2 1/2 stars for me. The story of a London city girl stuck in a snowstorm in Northern England at Christmas with her current boyfriend, an unexpected ex- boyfriend and a new man she is attracted to. The whole story takes places within a few days. She eventually finds "true love." I didn't feel any real warmth or connection to any of the characters. Seemed to lack that special Christmas "magic."

like · see review

Dec 18, 2012 Natalie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved it. I don't care if there were a few mistakes in it (spelling and some sentences missing a word), I enjoyed it anyway. I think it might just be the kindle ebook, I've had this happen before, I'm sure the actual book's fine.

I loved the characters, the setting, the story.. everything! A definite recommendation for a good Christmas read. Go give this book a try!

5 stars from me, really enjoyed it.

like · see review

Apr 23, 2012 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sooooo many great things to say about this book. It was one of the first chick lit books I've read and it practically got me hooked on the genre!
I don't like when reviews give away too much so mine don't. But this book was really good and now it has been passed round my mum and sisters who loved it too.
This book has what EVERY Christmassy Chick lit book needs: good characters, good storyline with lots of twists and turns and a heart-warming ending. It just made me soo sad to finish it and I am...more

like · see review

Jan 09, 2012 Gabrielle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good premise, if a little contrived, really enjoyed the female friendships, but thought it was about 100 pages too long--kept skipping chunks. Overall enjoyable and I'd try her next release.

like · see review

Dec 17, 2011 Megan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Enjoyable easy chick lit to get into the Christmas spirit and with a delightful range of characters. However, the book does contain a lot of noticeable and slightly irritating errors.

like · see review

Dec 21, 2011 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Super predictable Christmas fluff but I did enjoy it. Sometimes I need a break from all the murder mysteries I read, y'know?

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 33 34 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (3)

Genres

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

27 users

Holiday > Christmas

23 users

Holiday

10 users

Romance

6 users

Contemporary

2 users

Adult

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Scarlett Bailey

A lover of Christmas, romance and old movies Scarlett wrote her first Christmas romance 'The Night Before Christmas' in 2011. Her second novel 'Married by Christmas' and a digital novella 'Santa Maybe' are out now.

More about Scarlett Bailey...

Books by Scarlett Bailey

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Night Before ...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from The Night Before Chris...

“It had by no means been the first time in her life that a man had finished with her, but it was the first time ever that he'd moved house and left the country to do it.” — 1 person liked it

“David, do you think if I had just evacuated several litres of amniotic fluid under the table I wouldn't mention it?” — 1 person liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: The Night Before Christmas
avg rating	preview: The Night Before Christmas Goodreads rating: 3.86 (343 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12284953-the-night-before-christmas?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1329737006l/12284953.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12284953-the-night-before-christmas?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Night Before Christmas by Scarlett Bailey[/url]

The Night Before Christmas

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website