Mistletoe and Magic

by Helene Sula

Mulled wine, mince pies and a Yorkshire adventure…

Eva Coleman has lost her glow. She's missed a well-deserved promotion at work and been left heartbroken at what she thought was a proposal dinner. Who the hell said this was 'the most wonderful time of the year'?

Unable to face her family, Eva decides she needs a solo break to rediscover her passions and live life by her own rules. So, she swaps her Nashville hometown for a festive UK getaway.

Stumbling into an antiquarian bookshop, she discovers a book that might just bring her spark back and give her the adventure she's been seeking…

Eva knows what it's like to be left unheard, but can she be the person to finally tell this forgotten story, or is a grumpy Yorkshireman going to stand in her way?

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Romance, Chick Lit, Audiobook

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2025

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, a book comes along that feels like it was written just for you — and Mistletoe and Magic is exactly that kind of story. Helene Sula weaves a tale that is both enchanting and deeply touching, filled with heart, hope, and the kind of gentle magic that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.

From the very beginning, the story sparkles with warmth and festive charm, but what truly makes it special is how effortlessly it captures the beauty of human connection, love, and second chances. The writing feels like a soft snowfall — calm, graceful, and quietly powerful.

Mistletoe and Magic isn’t just a holiday read; it’s a story that wraps around you like a cosy blanket and reminds you why we fall in love with reading in the first place. Truly magical in every sense.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story, I just found the dialogue clunky in places. The amount of times they mention Margaret Wells being upset at the 4th of July seemed very silly and not something anyone in the UK would say.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and predictable, with some really good one liners and descriptions thrown in. Was pleasantly surprised by the content, especially because it wasn’t overly gushy. It was a very sweet story shedding light on one woman’s past, and her impressive impact on those who needed hope and happiness; her story wasn’t just a tragic love story.

There were a few editing errors/grammar that snagged my attention.

Overall 3.5 ⭐️

[Martine Tieleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voelde als een Hallmark Christmas movie, maar dan in boekvorm.

[Carrie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect cure for anything that ails you. It’s a holiday pick me up wrapped in a UK adventure that you’ll start to plan as soon as you’re done reading. Loved it and can’t wait for Helene’s next book!

[Bella Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3hrs17 and I read it all. The magic of York really came alive in this story and it’s not your typical romance. It’s full of heart but the romance is almost secondary to the plot. It’s about falling in love with yourself, choosing your own path and finding lost stories and trails.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It was like a breath of fresh air, especially after reading a bunch of dystopian science fiction this year. This book is somewhat like a Hallmark Christmas movie (meaning the plot is a little bit formulaic,) but more thoughtful and nuanced. (Plus, I love a Hallmark Christmas movie!)
The prose is well-written, and I loved all the “notes” throughout. I highlighted a bunch of little moments in the text that I thought were totally on-point. I thought the ending was rushed, but no large complaints.
Travel to York was a hope for 2026; now I am going to make it happen!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great Christmas story! I follow Helene's adventures on Instagram (and you should too) so when she said she wrote a book, I had to read it. I love a good "starting over after my life goes to crap" story and this one checks all the boxes. I will pretty much read anything set in Europe because I'm dying to go there, and since she and her husband and dog lived there for several years, everything was very authentic.

I very much needed an uplifting holiday story full of hope and a little romantic tension after a rough year. Bravo, Helene! Please keep writing.

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

sweet holiday book that was even more special to read while on a river cruise to some magical Christmas markets with the author.

[Karina Bax-Putter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wat een heerlijk boek om in deze tijd van het jaar te lezen! Je wordt in het verhaal gezogen en leeft mee met Eva:-)

[Krista Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect story for the season. So much to connect with in this heartfelt story and enough mystery to keep interest piqued throughout the story. Helene captivates with regaling tales, and intricately woven details that bring this tale to life.

Each character shares similar fears of rejection, hurt, pain and loss but it’s in their ability to step beyond the pan and creat beauty from the rubble that makes this a refreshing and exciting tale.

[Katya V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in one night - on my first night of winter vacation. It was the perfect way to escape the 9-5 grind and ease into holiday festivities. Can’t wait to watch the movie when this inevitably gets picked up.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story line and I loved the setting in York, England but the plot was just boring and I wasn’t a fan of the male love interest who was whiny 🤷🏼‍♀️. I wanted something festive but this wasn’t it…

[Alison Zavadil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Magic by Helene Sula (the Queen of Christmas Markets), has arrived just in time to get you in the mood for the holidays! The combination of a journey of self discovery, a mystery, romance, and an idyllic English town at Christmas made this book a very magical read. A fiction book that also contains aspects of the author herself, her husband and beloved dog (if you know, you know). It contains both heartfelt moments along with witty banter. Eva's journey shows us that if you are willing to move outside your comfort zone, and take a risk for what you really believe in then you can be rewarded beyond your dreams. A great book for anyone looking for a quick read full of heart!

[Jaime Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic hallmark love story, and I enjoyed all of it!

[Rebecca Guido · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read this book religiously every Christmas!!

This book is what I didn’t know I was searching for!! I had been actively seeking out a good festive story, that had lots of meat on the bone. This story found me & it was so worth the wait! I can’t describe how fulfilling this story was, but let it be known, that this author has a fan for life. I will eagerly await any future story she wants to tell. The only minus was, that there were some editing gaffs, in the last third of the book, which I found distracting, other than that, it was utter perfection!

[Taylor Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, heartfelt Christmas story without too much cheese

[April Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet magic

Mistletoe and Magic is a sweet, gentle story that made for an enjoyable light read. I really liked following Eva as she stepped out into the world to rediscover herself—her journey felt heartfelt and hopeful. One of my favourite parts of the book was learning about Margaret Wells. Her quiet acts of kindness, combined with the thread of her lost love, added a lovely touch of depth and poignancy to the story.

Overall, this was a charming and pleasantly uplifting read. While it didn’t fully knock my socks off, it delivered a warm, comforting holiday story perfect for a cosy afternoon.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely Chrismas read! It's such a fun book filled with adventure and mystery and I really loved the main character and the settings of the book. Everything fills so christmassy and beautiful and cozy. I had fun following the main character into her adventures in England! I am giving this book a 4 stars out of 5!!!

[mila_readss · Rating 5 out of 5]

˖°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ . 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 ˖°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ .
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Holiday romance
𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: 290 pages

• Self-discovery
• Grumpy x sunshine
• Uncovering a mystery
• Hopeful and inspiring
• Found family
• Set in York

"𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠."

This beautifully captured the essence of love, heartbreak, community, the festive season, the hidden beauty of England, and just LIFE in all its troubled glory!

I don't think I've ever highlighted as many quotes as I have here (I fear it might be the entire book) 😂 They're all so lovely. The writing has genuinely captured the magical wonders of York. I feel like I need to visit again soon!

The story itself was fascinating, and I'm really impressed with how it was crafted perfectly. It wasn't rushed but well-paced. Margaret's story truly tugged at my heartstrings; at first, it seemed like love was lost, but then we realise it really wasn't lost at all. Love doesn't have to exist only between two people but can also be shown through the kindness you extend to others and how you treat them.

The ending wasn't an ending but merely a beginning for our characters. I appreciated how they gradually got to know each other. It wasn't over a long period, but it felt like they had known each other for ages. I'd call it patient love.

This is truly a captivating novel, perfect for curling up with a warm drink and just escaping. It's so full of hope and raw emotion. 🥹💝

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Magic is a festive escape wrapped in Yorkshire mist and second chances. Helene Sula delivers a story that’s equal parts cozy and quietly empowering, following Eva Coleman as she swaps heartbreak in Nashville for a wintry adventure across the Atlantic.

From the moment Eva stumbles into a charming antiquarian bookshop, the novel begins to shimmer with possibility. There’s a touch of magic, a dash of romance, and a grumpy Yorkshireman who might just be the key to unlocking a forgotten story—and perhaps Eva’s own. Sula’s writing is light and inviting, with just enough emotional depth to make the journey feel meaningful.

What makes this story sing is its gentle reminder that sometimes the best gifts aren’t wrapped in ribbon—they’re found in unexpected friendships, quiet courage, and the rediscovery of one’s spark. It’s perfect for readers who love a bit of wanderlust with their mince pies.

With thanks to Helene Sula, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Elizabeth O'Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Completely obsessed with this magical holiday romance

I absolutely loved Mistletoe and Magic and was fully obsessed from the first page. Helene Sula created the perfect blend of cozy holiday vibes, romance, and a touch of magic that made this book impossible to put down. It felt warm, whimsical, and completely immersive.

The characters were charming and easy to fall in love with, and the story wrapped me up in that dreamy, festive atmosphere I crave in a holiday read. Every moment felt intentional, comforting, and full of heart.

This is one of those books that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a cup of something warm, and just live inside the story a little longer. Pure holiday magic — I adored it.

[Mimi Mindful · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you need to read a seasonal feel good book. It’s like watching the same Christmas movie every year. You know how it ends, it’s romantic with some set-backs but it fits the mood and makes you happy. That’s what this one did for me. It was an easy read on my way to Portugal.
Instead of a promotion at work and a proposal from her boyfriend, Eva gets none of the two. On a whim, she decides needs a break and travels from her Nashville hometown to Yorkshire where she is sent on a magical journey of discovery not only of the town of York but also of herself.
I have followed the author on instagram for a while now and her book is like her life: authentic, fun and human. I really enjoyed it. It’s a perfect gift for under the Christmas tree!

[Reader Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Mistletoe and Magic” is a very appealing holiday romance offering: warm, festive atmosphere, an emotionally engaging heroine seeking renewal, and a charming travel-twist in the UK setting. If you enjoy cosy Christmas-season reads with a touch of self-discovery and romance, this is the book for you.

The adventure Eva embarks on when she feels her world is falling apart and the strength she shows in taking herself off to find herself and new adventures.
Eva finds herself and helps others find hope and love throughout the adventure and sparks fly with a little bit of romance along the way.

A wholesome, historical adventure with a splash of romance.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been ages since I read a book rather than listened to an audiobook. I’m glad I did, though, because I found myself immersed in York with Eva. I can picture the Inn perfectly and the pubs and streets. I feel like I need to go there now and wish there was an adventure to follow as I’d be all in. I woke at 4:30 today and when I couldn’t fall back asleep, I knew it was a gift of quiet time to finish this lovely story. Now, I want to watch Harry Potter or something similar to take me back to streets and pubs and adventures that can only be had as we take in new places. Thanks for the wonderful story, Helene!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a feel-good holiday read with Hallmark vibes, look no further! I liked that this wasn’t just another cheesy Christmas romance, but heavily focused on the inspiring life story of a character long since passed. It gave the story some real depth. I liked that the romance was an afterthought. I preordered this book and was looking forward to reading it over the holidays - it certainly didn’t disappoint! I felt the Christmas magic in every page!

There were a few grammar and plot errors, including the fact that Florence knew about the heritage trail and the gathering at the inn and mentioned that it would be in the newspaper before Charlie even came up with the idea.

[Stacey Adamo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mistletoe and Magic ended up being a nice holiday read but not one that totally swept me away. The setting was definitely charming and probably my favorite part of the whole story. Overall, the character development seemed to be pretty surface-level so I never felt truly connected to any of the characters. The romance had potential but I felt the chemistry between the two main characters fell flat.

If you are looking for a light, seasonal read, this one works even though it might not be very memorable.

[John Clegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Christmas romcom. It’s a Hallmark movie on the page. The author has lived in the uk and while that was evident in some of the writing, in other ways it really wasn’t. The depiction of York as a small town really annoyed me as it’s one of the big cathedral cities in the uk. It’s also very much on the American tourist map. I listened to the audio book and the Yorkshire accents were very cringeworthy. I loved the book and went through it quickly, but it is written by an American for an American audience. Just take that as a lender through which you experience it.

[N*L*G · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Mistletoe and Magic✨ by Helene Sula is a cozy, heartwarming read wrapped in the perfect holiday atmosphere. Set against the charming backdrop of York, the story feels like a warm winter stroll through twinkling streets and many small festive moments. Without being overly cheesy, it beautifully captures the courage it takes of finding yourself, all while embracing the magic of the season. Sweet, reflective, and really comforting, this book feels like a gentle reminder that sometimes the holidays lead you exactly where you’re meant to be. ✨🎄

[Edie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, this is a quick and easy read. You’ll find comfort and charm in it’s predictably. My favorite part was the acknowledgments sharing her love and appreciation for everyone that supported her. I think it’s awesome she has a wonderful partner to share her life with that supports her dreams. Wishing her many more future opportunities to create her dreams.