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A Holly Jolly Christmas
Is it too late for a second chance at Christmas?
Holly hasn’t been home for two years. Ever since her brother died, Mistleberry is a haunting ground full of history she’s tried to escape. Her family are grieving, her ex won’t stop calling, and bumping into Vicky Castleton puts the cherry on the crumbling Christmas cake.
Because Holly’s first love and biggest regret looks better than ever.
Holly tries to heal the holes in her heart as her family—and persistent best friend—keep pushing her to confront her past. But the more time she spends with her old flame, the more she’s hit with the undeniable her heart has never let go of Vicky. Time’s running out, and years of hiding away and shielding herself have left her with the can she conquer her ghosts this Christmas, and risk it all for love?
A Holly Jolly Christmas is the small town, second-chance romance guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings. So grab a blanket and cosy up with this sapphic romance stuffed full of the festive feels. Available in paperback, eBook, and Kindle Unlimited.
Holly hasn’t been home for two years. Ever since her brother died, Mistleberry is a haunting ground full of history she’s tried to escape. Her family are grieving, her ex won’t stop calling, and bumping into Vicky Castleton puts the cherry on the crumbling Christmas cake.
Because Holly’s first love and biggest regret looks better than ever.
Holly tries to heal the holes in her heart as her family—and persistent best friend—keep pushing her to confront her past. But the more time she spends with her old flame, the more she’s hit with the undeniable her heart has never let go of Vicky. Time’s running out, and years of hiding away and shielding herself have left her with the can she conquer her ghosts this Christmas, and risk it all for love?
A Holly Jolly Christmas is the small town, second-chance romance guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings. So grab a blanket and cosy up with this sapphic romance stuffed full of the festive feels. Available in paperback, eBook, and Kindle Unlimited.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
165 people are currently reading
1676 people want to read
About the author
Emily Wright
6 books254 followersEmily Wright is a dog-loving, book-sniffing, ukulele-playing author who lives in Barnsley in the UK. When she isn’t attached to her computer writing, she loves the outdoors, especially the crash of the ocean, the smell of pine, and starry night skies that make her feel absolutely obsolete. When not drinking tea and eating an unthinkable amount of Bourbons, she spends the rest of her time chasing her two naughty Cocker Spaniels around the house to stop them from eating anything and everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
November 7, 2023
This Christmas novel actually put a smile on this old curmudgeon’s face. Wright recognizes that not everyone’s Christmas is filled with happiness and joy. Holly is visiting home for the holidays after a two year absence. Memories of the loss of her big brother flood her daily. He was her best friend. Coming home is her way of trying to get past the crippling grief that has become a huge part of her life.
This second chance romance is much more than I expected. While having all the things we expect to see, small town celebrations, quirky characters and a Christmas tree kerfuffle, the novel also brings the realism of a consuming grief. Wright is an exceptional writer who keeps the spirit of the holiday alive and well while balancing Holly’s journey through her grief. I laughed, I cried and I left with a true feeling of Christmas that I had not felt in more years than I can remember. Bless you Emily Wright and a Merry Christmas to all.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This second chance romance is much more than I expected. While having all the things we expect to see, small town celebrations, quirky characters and a Christmas tree kerfuffle, the novel also brings the realism of a consuming grief. Wright is an exceptional writer who keeps the spirit of the holiday alive and well while balancing Holly’s journey through her grief. I laughed, I cried and I left with a true feeling of Christmas that I had not felt in more years than I can remember. Bless you Emily Wright and a Merry Christmas to all.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 15, 2023
Not sure this is anything special as far as romance novels go (I don't read that many, though that seems to be changing rapidly...), but I thought it hit the spot. Silly and heartfelt. Delivers exactly what it promises. And look how cute that cover is!
Also I keep forgetting that adult romances feature adult sex. Catches me off guard every time!
(On a different note, did I punctuate that parenthesis correctly? It looks ridiculous, but I can't think of how else you'd do it other than ellipses inside and comma out!)
Also I keep forgetting that adult romances feature adult sex. Catches me off guard every time!
(On a different note, did I punctuate that parenthesis correctly? It looks ridiculous, but I can't think of how else you'd do it other than ellipses inside and comma out!)
October 29, 2023
4.5⭐
I declare the season of Holiday books opened!
This book was deeper and heavier than a simple holiday rom-com, tackling the topic of grief. Holly is still deep in grief with the loss of her brother that was also her best friend. With Vicky, the three of them were inseparable, so when she lost Cameron, her memories of him were also linked to Vicky. Holly totally shut down from her. She is still struggling a lot through the book, and the acceptance and understanding she is given is really touching.
Seeing her doing better in her grief, smiling again and finding her way back to Vicky was really warming. Of course, you will also find sweet moments, a good old fashion snow storm forcing the characters into proximity; it's also funny at times, with meddling and endearing side characters. One or two plots are there to keep you on your toes.
Overall it's a very emotional and sweet holiday romance that you should definitely read if you want to dive in the holiday season.
I declare the season of Holiday books opened!
This book was deeper and heavier than a simple holiday rom-com, tackling the topic of grief. Holly is still deep in grief with the loss of her brother that was also her best friend. With Vicky, the three of them were inseparable, so when she lost Cameron, her memories of him were also linked to Vicky. Holly totally shut down from her. She is still struggling a lot through the book, and the acceptance and understanding she is given is really touching.
Seeing her doing better in her grief, smiling again and finding her way back to Vicky was really warming. Of course, you will also find sweet moments, a good old fashion snow storm forcing the characters into proximity; it's also funny at times, with meddling and endearing side characters. One or two plots are there to keep you on your toes.
Overall it's a very emotional and sweet holiday romance that you should definitely read if you want to dive in the holiday season.
December 20, 2025
This was a lovely holiday sapphic romance. The writing was good. The characters were sweet. It had a nice holiday vibe. There was no angst or 3AB. The only point of conflict was grief over the loss of a brother. Everything HEAs literally at the stroke of Midnight on New Year’s Eve.
If you are in the mood for a lovely holiday sapphic romance, this is that. Holiday Cheers.
Quick Addition: I need to point out my usual point-of-contention with romance publishers. Yes, there is a dog in the story. The dog has zero impact on the plot. The dog ends up on the cover anyways. There was also a cat in the story. Why the hell doesn’t the cat end up on the cover?! The cat had more of role in the plot than the dog… #petpeeve #justiceforcatsoncovers
If you are in the mood for a lovely holiday sapphic romance, this is that. Holiday Cheers.
Quick Addition: I need to point out my usual point-of-contention with romance publishers. Yes, there is a dog in the story. The dog has zero impact on the plot. The dog ends up on the cover anyways. There was also a cat in the story. Why the hell doesn’t the cat end up on the cover?! The cat had more of role in the plot than the dog… #petpeeve #justiceforcatsoncovers
November 14, 2025
Ze ontmoeten elkaar 2 jaar nadat ze hebben gekust en de vonk slaat weer over. En het is kerst.
Niemendalletje met behoorlijk wat clichés, maar niet onaardig. Meer valt er ook niet over te zeggen.
Niemendalletje met behoorlijk wat clichés, maar niet onaardig. Meer valt er ook niet over te zeggen.
October 16, 2023
Loved the opening paragraph. The humour, the observation and the English!
For me, a good Christmas novel should put a smile on your face but also move you. Not in an overdose of sweetness but something that touches your emotions. I'm not even 10% in but I've laughed and cried and settled in for the romance to begin. Great start!
Nearly half way through and the lol's continue as do the emotions. The scene at Mr Simons house was so well judged. There were a few surprises with things going differently than I expected in some scenes and I liked the fact there weren't any caricature baddies. Beautifully written emotional and sweet.
A perfect Christmas novel.
For me, a good Christmas novel should put a smile on your face but also move you. Not in an overdose of sweetness but something that touches your emotions. I'm not even 10% in but I've laughed and cried and settled in for the romance to begin. Great start!
Nearly half way through and the lol's continue as do the emotions. The scene at Mr Simons house was so well judged. There were a few surprises with things going differently than I expected in some scenes and I liked the fact there weren't any caricature baddies. Beautifully written emotional and sweet.
A perfect Christmas novel.
November 29, 2024
Emily Wright’s writing is just so comforting and cozy. This sweet holiday story deals with grief, family, and second chances with the one that you pushed away. The community described in this book makes me want to move to Mistleberry. The dad jokes and physical comedy are quintessential Emily Wright. She writes awkward and clumsy so well, throw in Christmas and it’s just delightful.
It’s not just Christmas fluff, there’s heart and character growth. She set up the situation to be a slow burn and it was accomplished in this story. Knowing her other work, I just wished there was more spice. But I’m a ho (ho, ho, ho).
It’s not just Christmas fluff, there’s heart and character growth. She set up the situation to be a slow burn and it was accomplished in this story. Knowing her other work, I just wished there was more spice. But I’m a ho (ho, ho, ho).
September 25, 2025
Loved this story: brilliant characters, both main and the complete cast, including the automated bird scarer! The sort of book I’ll reread. Loved it!
November 7, 2023
A cute and at times heavy holiday romance that is right in time to get you geared up for the holiday season. (And included my person least favorite Christmas song, and for the same reason as the love interest). It took me a bit to get invested into the relationship, but it was still a fun and chuckle worthy read!
I received this as an ARC and I am choosing leave the review.
I received this as an ARC and I am choosing leave the review.
January 16, 2025
The book really moved me. And I can tell you, I suffered so much and felt the turmoil. It's a great Christmas romance with depth, lots of humor and longing.
Holly returns to her hometown two years after the tragic death of her brother. Christmas is just around the corner, but she actually wants to run away... run away from the great grief of losing her brother and, above all, from her former best friend: Vicky. The girl she kissed for the first time all those years ago, and out of fear she broke Vicky's heart. But when she meets Vicky again, Holly realizes that running away doesn't really get you anywhere.
The book really surprised me in places and one thing in particular I didn't see coming. It's written from Holly's point of view, so it's unclear for a long time what Vicky is actually thinking and feeling. This made the love story all the more exciting. The book is not a superficial love story, oh no, it has great potential to break your heart at one point. So get your handkerchiefs ready! But even with all the longing, I had to laugh in many places. The two have great chemistry and a lot of humor. I really enjoyed the book!
Holly returns to her hometown two years after the tragic death of her brother. Christmas is just around the corner, but she actually wants to run away... run away from the great grief of losing her brother and, above all, from her former best friend: Vicky. The girl she kissed for the first time all those years ago, and out of fear she broke Vicky's heart. But when she meets Vicky again, Holly realizes that running away doesn't really get you anywhere.
The book really surprised me in places and one thing in particular I didn't see coming. It's written from Holly's point of view, so it's unclear for a long time what Vicky is actually thinking and feeling. This made the love story all the more exciting. The book is not a superficial love story, oh no, it has great potential to break your heart at one point. So get your handkerchiefs ready! But even with all the longing, I had to laugh in many places. The two have great chemistry and a lot of humor. I really enjoyed the book!
December 10, 2024
Ugh, my darn heart was ripped to shreds again by what I thought would simply be a cute holiday rom com— and it was so much deeper than that. Genuinely enjoyed this holiday read, and all the feels :’)
December 24, 2024
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this. It even made me cry at one part. It’s a cute return home for the holidays sapphic romance. Dealing with grief. Slow burn. Friends to lovers. Romcom and mishaps. And one good spicy scene to seal the deal! Definitely recommend giving it a read. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
I really enjoyed this. It even made me cry at one part. It’s a cute return home for the holidays sapphic romance. Dealing with grief. Slow burn. Friends to lovers. Romcom and mishaps. And one good spicy scene to seal the deal! Definitely recommend giving it a read. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
December 3, 2025
I’m not going to go as far as to say this book enraged me but it was dancing on that line. One could say it was on thin ice for me (get it, cause it’s Christmasy and winter? anyways)
I am never a fan of tropes where one of them is in a relationship, no matter what it may be. I don’t care if y’all are soulmates, confessing your undying love for someone while you know they’re in relationship generally isn’t cool. That being said I think it was handled to best way that it could’ve been and it was mostly revealed not in an attempt to win her but just to explain their messy past and the mess they both had found themselves in. Still not cool in my book personally.
I’m glad this book was short cause it made me mad. The fact that Vicky didn’t tell her that she had a girlfriend until after they kissed, the fact that they didn’t get together until THE LAST CHAPTER, etc etc. Am I shaking with rage? No. Was I annoyed? No question.
What I will give the book credit for is the way it handles grief, especially around the holidays. If we focused on that and cut out the romance bits, my thoughts on the book would be very different. Holly’s emotional arc surrounding grieving her brother was beautiful and an important one to remember around the holidays. Everywhere there are people experiencing their first holiday without a family member or loved one, and including that in a holiday romance, a genre known for it’s lightheartedness, was a valuable story to tell. I just wish the whole romance arc hadn’t made me mad. I’ve read another book by this author where grief was also a theme for a part of it, and that was handled well too, so props to the author for that.
Also I feel bad for Tanya, the girlfriend, a little bit. Was there an underlying implication that she was a bit controlling? Absolutely and that’s not ok ever. I am not condoning announcing to your girlfriend’s friends and loved ones that you’ll be moving in together 3 months into the relationship while your partner clearly had not made up her mind about it. They were not compatible and in the end they (apparently) both knew that. That being said, if I proposed to my girlfriend on New Year’s Eve and then she rejected me and went to London to confess her undying love to her childhood best friend who she had chemistry with the whole time she was visiting and who was her also first love and then they started the New Year by fucking on the night I had proposed, I’d be pretty bummed about that to say the least. 10 seconds of silence for Tanya.
TLDR: A bad time was had. On the scale of Christmas spirit from Grinch to Santa I would say this definitely pushed me more towards Grinch but not all the way. I refuse to let this taint my love for this author though because one of her other books, Take Her On is like a top 3 sapphic romance for me. I’ve read it 5 times this year (not even joking). I trust in this author’s writing, this book unfortunately just did not do it for me.
⭐️(1.5 stars rounded down)
🌶️(1 explicit scene)
I am never a fan of tropes where one of them is in a relationship, no matter what it may be. I don’t care if y’all are soulmates, confessing your undying love for someone while you know they’re in relationship generally isn’t cool. That being said I think it was handled to best way that it could’ve been and it was mostly revealed not in an attempt to win her but just to explain their messy past and the mess they both had found themselves in. Still not cool in my book personally.
I’m glad this book was short cause it made me mad. The fact that Vicky didn’t tell her that she had a girlfriend until after they kissed, the fact that they didn’t get together until THE LAST CHAPTER, etc etc. Am I shaking with rage? No. Was I annoyed? No question.
What I will give the book credit for is the way it handles grief, especially around the holidays. If we focused on that and cut out the romance bits, my thoughts on the book would be very different. Holly’s emotional arc surrounding grieving her brother was beautiful and an important one to remember around the holidays. Everywhere there are people experiencing their first holiday without a family member or loved one, and including that in a holiday romance, a genre known for it’s lightheartedness, was a valuable story to tell. I just wish the whole romance arc hadn’t made me mad. I’ve read another book by this author where grief was also a theme for a part of it, and that was handled well too, so props to the author for that.
Also I feel bad for Tanya, the girlfriend, a little bit. Was there an underlying implication that she was a bit controlling? Absolutely and that’s not ok ever. I am not condoning announcing to your girlfriend’s friends and loved ones that you’ll be moving in together 3 months into the relationship while your partner clearly had not made up her mind about it. They were not compatible and in the end they (apparently) both knew that. That being said, if I proposed to my girlfriend on New Year’s Eve and then she rejected me and went to London to confess her undying love to her childhood best friend who she had chemistry with the whole time she was visiting and who was her also first love and then they started the New Year by fucking on the night I had proposed, I’d be pretty bummed about that to say the least. 10 seconds of silence for Tanya.
TLDR: A bad time was had. On the scale of Christmas spirit from Grinch to Santa I would say this definitely pushed me more towards Grinch but not all the way. I refuse to let this taint my love for this author though because one of her other books, Take Her On is like a top 3 sapphic romance for me. I’ve read it 5 times this year (not even joking). I trust in this author’s writing, this book unfortunately just did not do it for me.
⭐️(1.5 stars rounded down)
🌶️(1 explicit scene)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2024
3.7 ⭐️ This wasn’t my fave by Emily Wright (That Secret Something is hard to top) but it’s still a cosy read with some good humour and a tiny dash of spice.
The romance in this was cute but there was one part I wasn’t as keen on. It’s a bit messy at times and hectic so a good read if you like a bit of drama.
I think Emily does a great job of exploring emotions around a recent death in the family and this was both a heartwarming and comforting read.
There is a very brief dash of spice.
Rep// sapphic MCs, central romance is sapphic/wlw.
Set in: UK
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want spoilers.
TW// on page sex (oral), death of a family member in past (sibling), themes of grief, vague cheating.
The romance in this was cute but there was one part I wasn’t as keen on. It’s a bit messy at times and hectic so a good read if you like a bit of drama.
I think Emily does a great job of exploring emotions around a recent death in the family and this was both a heartwarming and comforting read.
There is a very brief dash of spice.
Rep// sapphic MCs, central romance is sapphic/wlw.
Set in: UK
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want spoilers.
TW// on page sex (oral), death of a family member in past (sibling), themes of grief, vague cheating.
November 22, 2024
Get ready for Christmas chaos!
This was a sweet and emotional holiday story! There was a lot of discussion and responses regarding grief. Well done, heavy at times and sweet and numerous at others. Along for ride was a slow burn second chance romance. Get to know Holly this holiday season! You won’t regret it.
This was a sweet and emotional holiday story! There was a lot of discussion and responses regarding grief. Well done, heavy at times and sweet and numerous at others. Along for ride was a slow burn second chance romance. Get to know Holly this holiday season! You won’t regret it.
December 20, 2024
I read this so fast because of how much I fell in love with it! The longing that Holly and Vicky have throughout the book is beautiful and relatable. I wish there was a little bit more spice somewhere in between but honestly, it’s not totally needed. This is a beautiful Christmas story about love and family, while dealing with grief at the same time. I like that this is a great change of pace as opposed to those cheesy scenes you get from other romances or Hallmark movies. I really loved this one!!
December 23, 2024
Exactly what I want in a holiday romance! Fair warning this is very slow burn (no action till 90%) so prepare yourself.
December 17, 2025
this book put me through an emotional rollercoaster I was not prepared for
December 23, 2025
This was such a cute and fast read. It was the Christmas story I was looking for. The only negative aspect for me is that it was a long slow burn and we don’t get to see them as girlfriends that much. However, the process to get there was worth it.
December 30, 2023
An adorable rural town, a wholesome right-knit community, childhood friends to lovers, a dog AND horses? Sign me UP! 🙌🏽 I couldn’t wait to read this when I stumbled across @emilywrightwriter’s page + it was the perfect, endearing festive read to finish off those lazy days between Christmas and new year with!
More than just quirky characterisation and Christmas festivities, this plot centred around the loss of Cameron, and those who loved him learning to cope with their grief of losing him. This aspect was written flawlessly— the pain the characters felt was raw + felt authentic, and the supportive nature of Holly’s family and those in the village was heart warming to read.
This really was an emotional rollercoaster— a sweet and emotional romance, with chaotic humour that made me laugh out loud at points + a slow burn will they/won’t they🫶🏽
________________________
𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒚 @𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 ☃️🧣❄️
More than just quirky characterisation and Christmas festivities, this plot centred around the loss of Cameron, and those who loved him learning to cope with their grief of losing him. This aspect was written flawlessly— the pain the characters felt was raw + felt authentic, and the supportive nature of Holly’s family and those in the village was heart warming to read.
This really was an emotional rollercoaster— a sweet and emotional romance, with chaotic humour that made me laugh out loud at points + a slow burn will they/won’t they🫶🏽
________________________
𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒚 @𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 ☃️🧣❄️
November 28, 2023
I loved the opening of this book! 🐦 it really set the comic tone for the book. I really enjoyed the chaotic humor, second chance sapphic romance and the way the book dealt with grief.
I did feel like this slow burn was too long, so it lagged a bit in the middle for me which is why I’m giving this
3.5 ⭐️
I did feel like this slow burn was too long, so it lagged a bit in the middle for me which is why I’m giving this
3.5 ⭐️
December 18, 2024
i read this book in under… 12 hours i think. it was so easy to read, it dealt with grief and specifically grief at christmas is such a realistic and heartwarming way. loved the characters. loved the slow burn. all in all a wonderful feel good christmas book.
October 16, 2023
I thought this book was great, who doesn’t love a sapphic Christmas story?! I really enjoyed all of the characters and the banter. I really appreciated the depiction of grief and how people handle it differently. It made it easier to relate to Holly and to appreciate and sympathize with her.
December 9, 2023
i was expecting a cute little christmas rom com but this was a delightfully angsty read that i couldn’t put down
December 19, 2023
Wonderful holiday read featuring a Sapphic romance. The way the MC handled her grief over her brother's death really resonated with me. Also love the way therapy was positively portrayed!
December 27, 2023
Terribly corny but this is simply not my style of book anyways (just wanted to give it a shot)
February 3, 2024
Ouch. My heart. What a great read. The characters were realistic and likeable. The love story was painful and sweet. Awesome Christmas romance. I've added all her other books to my wish list.
March 8, 2024
I loved everything about this book!. Emily Write has fast become one of my favourite writers .
March 16, 2024
Loved this book.
November 27, 2024
Goodness
I looked at the cover and thought "maybe this'll be a nice fluffy read since I can't sleep." It was fluffy sure, but I spent a lot of time crying. There's a lot of grief in here lol some wonderful one liners in here too.
I looked at the cover and thought "maybe this'll be a nice fluffy read since I can't sleep." It was fluffy sure, but I spent a lot of time crying. There's a lot of grief in here lol some wonderful one liners in here too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews