What do you think?
The French Christmas Market
- GenresChristmas
288 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2026
About the author
Gillian Harvey
33 books358 followersI'm a British author and freelance writer, currently living in Norfolk, England with my husband and 5 children. I write contemporary, uplifting and emotive fiction, often set in France where I lived for 14 years.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 13, 2026
The French Christmas Market by Gillian Harvey was a book that just took my breath away, I knew thus book was going to be an excellent and addictive read especially as this author Gillian Harvey writes from her heart and writes in such away, you feel you are there with the main character Nicola who has just moved to a tiny quiet village. Her husband Steven was meant to move with her but sadly couldn’t join her for the first few months, his job got in the way. Now he has to work at Christmas too, and this move has become harder and loner as Nicola is facing the Christmas season alone, and this season is so special to Nicola.
Nicola's house feels more remote than she remembered, now the cold snowy weather is upon her and it is making going out a challenge. Plus the old neighbour she’d hoped to befriend seems to be doing everything he can to avoid her friendly ‘Bonjours’.
Then, one day things begin to look up when she takes on an art student named Lucien who introduces her to life beneath the village’s sleepy façade. He introduced her to the local Christmas market and Nicola is given a ceramic angel and told to make a wish… . . . . . . . . . But, Nicola doesn't believe in magic, but she makes a wish!
WoW, things in Nicola's life begin to change all around her, and she starts to wonder whether wishes really can come true?
I found this book so special to me especially as I live in France and alone especially as I said it was a breath of fresh air to me, Plus I live near the area the main character Nicola lives in. . . . . . . .It was a joy to read.
I hope I find this ceramic angel so I can make a wish as well
I highly recommend this book. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
Nicola's house feels more remote than she remembered, now the cold snowy weather is upon her and it is making going out a challenge. Plus the old neighbour she’d hoped to befriend seems to be doing everything he can to avoid her friendly ‘Bonjours’.
Then, one day things begin to look up when she takes on an art student named Lucien who introduces her to life beneath the village’s sleepy façade. He introduced her to the local Christmas market and Nicola is given a ceramic angel and told to make a wish… . . . . . . . . . But, Nicola doesn't believe in magic, but she makes a wish!
WoW, things in Nicola's life begin to change all around her, and she starts to wonder whether wishes really can come true?
I found this book so special to me especially as I live in France and alone especially as I said it was a breath of fresh air to me, Plus I live near the area the main character Nicola lives in. . . . . . . .It was a joy to read.
I hope I find this ceramic angel so I can make a wish as well
I highly recommend this book. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ read.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another great story from Gillian Harvey! I loved her descriptions of places, which evoked the sights & sounds of French villages in the cold & snow of late autumn & winter, taking me far away from London in the middle of a heatwave!
It’s an engrossing story, which I read in a single late night sitting. I loved reading how Nicola changed her life around, as she navigated her way through settling in a new country, loneliness & managing her disappointment when husband Steven’s job as a paediatric nurse meant he was unable to join her for their first Christmas in their new home. Nicola is a strong & resourceful character, & I liked the way she turned things around after this disappointment. Lucien, her first art student, was a lovely character with a mysterious back story about his family that he took a while to share with her. I loved the Christmas markets & I was there with Nicola, browsing the stalls selling crafts & local produce. I especially liked the symbolism of the ceramic angel she bought & the generous way in which she shared that with others.
It’s a lovely heartwarming story of love & second chances, although not without some painful & honest moments when Nicola had to deal with her disappointment over Christmas which was an important & festive time in her family. There’s hope & optimism in the way Nicola was determined to make the most of the opportunities of her new life in France, & how each little step forward led to another. It’s a great Christmas read, perfect for sitting by the fire on a cold winter’s afternoon.
Thanks to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for an arc of this book, which I have reviewed voluntarily; all opinions are my own.
It’s an engrossing story, which I read in a single late night sitting. I loved reading how Nicola changed her life around, as she navigated her way through settling in a new country, loneliness & managing her disappointment when husband Steven’s job as a paediatric nurse meant he was unable to join her for their first Christmas in their new home. Nicola is a strong & resourceful character, & I liked the way she turned things around after this disappointment. Lucien, her first art student, was a lovely character with a mysterious back story about his family that he took a while to share with her. I loved the Christmas markets & I was there with Nicola, browsing the stalls selling crafts & local produce. I especially liked the symbolism of the ceramic angel she bought & the generous way in which she shared that with others.
It’s a lovely heartwarming story of love & second chances, although not without some painful & honest moments when Nicola had to deal with her disappointment over Christmas which was an important & festive time in her family. There’s hope & optimism in the way Nicola was determined to make the most of the opportunities of her new life in France, & how each little step forward led to another. It’s a great Christmas read, perfect for sitting by the fire on a cold winter’s afternoon.
Thanks to Netgalley & Boldwood Books for an arc of this book, which I have reviewed voluntarily; all opinions are my own.
September 6, 2026
#bookreview AD PR Product
Thank you to @boldwoodbooks for the opportunity to read a digital proof of the recently published The French Christmas Market by @gillplusfive , I’ve read and enjoyed a few of Gill’s previous books and loved the sound of this book.
Although it is only early September, I found myself buying some mince pies for the Kingston men this week, partly influenced by this book! I love how the story evolved as Nicola started to settle into life in France whilst trying to work out how she could spend Christmas with her loved ones.
Could being alone be the best way to force her to meet new friends?
Also loved the reminder about different the UK and French celebrations are. A lovely festive book and my new favourite book from Gillian.
Synopsis: Nicola’s move to France is not going to plan. Her husband Steven’s job meant he couldn’t join her for the first few months. Now he has to work at Christmas too, and she’s facing the season alone.
She’s finding life in the tiny French village harder than expected. The house feels more remote than she remembered, and the cold weather makes going out a challenge. Plus the neighbour she’d hoped to befriend seems to be doing everything he can to avoid her friendly ‘bonjours’.
Things begin to look up when she takes on an art student named Lucien who introduces her to life beneath the village’s sleepy façade. Then – at the local Christmas market – she’s given a ceramic angel and told to make a wish…
Nicola doesn’t believe in magic. But as things in her life begin to change, she starts to wonder whether wishes really can come true? #gillianharvey #boldwoodbooks #thefrenchchristmasmarket #bookstagram
Thank you to @boldwoodbooks for the opportunity to read a digital proof of the recently published The French Christmas Market by @gillplusfive , I’ve read and enjoyed a few of Gill’s previous books and loved the sound of this book.
Although it is only early September, I found myself buying some mince pies for the Kingston men this week, partly influenced by this book! I love how the story evolved as Nicola started to settle into life in France whilst trying to work out how she could spend Christmas with her loved ones.
Could being alone be the best way to force her to meet new friends?
Also loved the reminder about different the UK and French celebrations are. A lovely festive book and my new favourite book from Gillian.
Synopsis: Nicola’s move to France is not going to plan. Her husband Steven’s job meant he couldn’t join her for the first few months. Now he has to work at Christmas too, and she’s facing the season alone.
She’s finding life in the tiny French village harder than expected. The house feels more remote than she remembered, and the cold weather makes going out a challenge. Plus the neighbour she’d hoped to befriend seems to be doing everything he can to avoid her friendly ‘bonjours’.
Things begin to look up when she takes on an art student named Lucien who introduces her to life beneath the village’s sleepy façade. Then – at the local Christmas market – she’s given a ceramic angel and told to make a wish…
Nicola doesn’t believe in magic. But as things in her life begin to change, she starts to wonder whether wishes really can come true? #gillianharvey #boldwoodbooks #thefrenchchristmasmarket #bookstagram
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Christmas in France, with snow, Père Noël and a handsome French man visiting regularly... sounds wonderful, doesn't it?
Not as cut and dried as that.
The MC, Nicola, has moved to France after a change in her employment circumstances, and she and her husband, Steven, plan to celebrate their first Christmas together; however, his job as a paediatric nurse means he can't join her as planned.
Ready to face the festive season alone, with no one she loves around her, Nicola sets about trying to sort her new life out.
She has to navigate a new country, new culture, and traditions different from her own, as well as a cranky elderly neighbour who seems to be her only one!
Lucien is her first art student, and I wondered whether he would become a distraction, but I loved how his connection with Nicola panned out.
A little discovery when clearing out some rooms in her new house ties in nicely at the end, too.
Nicola is a family-loving soul, and reading about how she navigates a very family-centric time with the possibility of being alone tugged at the heartstrings.
I always say this when reading Gillian Harvey's books, but she does make the idea of upping sticks and moving to rural France a real treat! Yes, there are inevitably teething problems, but the communities she builds for the characters, and the whole ambience, make me want to do it!
Not as cut and dried as that.
The MC, Nicola, has moved to France after a change in her employment circumstances, and she and her husband, Steven, plan to celebrate their first Christmas together; however, his job as a paediatric nurse means he can't join her as planned.
Ready to face the festive season alone, with no one she loves around her, Nicola sets about trying to sort her new life out.
She has to navigate a new country, new culture, and traditions different from her own, as well as a cranky elderly neighbour who seems to be her only one!
Lucien is her first art student, and I wondered whether he would become a distraction, but I loved how his connection with Nicola panned out.
A little discovery when clearing out some rooms in her new house ties in nicely at the end, too.
Nicola is a family-loving soul, and reading about how she navigates a very family-centric time with the possibility of being alone tugged at the heartstrings.
I always say this when reading Gillian Harvey's books, but she does make the idea of upping sticks and moving to rural France a real treat! Yes, there are inevitably teething problems, but the communities she builds for the characters, and the whole ambience, make me want to do it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The French Christmas Market has something for everyone on your holiday gift list. Hand knitted hats, ornaments, hand carved items and possibly a beautiful angel who brings good luck to all who wish upon it. Nicola adventurously moved to France from England to restart her artistic career, while basking in the beautiful French countryside. Her husband would be joining her in the new year but right now, the loneliness had set in. Fortunately for Nicola, she would soon make new friends who graciously welcomed her to their quaint village and would always be there for her. Lucien, her talented art student, had sad eyes and she hoped that painting again would bring a little joy back into his life. Her elderly neighbor, Monsieur Remi, seemed all alone in the world, and Nicola hoped their paths crossed long enough for them to become friends. We all need someone we can count on, especially during the holiday season. Nicola’s days were soon filled with art lessons, holiday festivities and planning for her future. Miracles, especially at Christmas are glorious, heartwarming and divine! This holiday season Nicola will witness the goodness of others, a life that was saved, and a little boy whose future was now full of laughter, happiness and sunny days. Her decision to move to France was the best one she had ever made. Santa Claus came early this year for Nicola, giving her everything she could have dreamed of and so much more!
September 4, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the digital ARC.
I will read anything that Gillian Harvey writes! I love that most of her books are set in France, where she lived for many years - there's a lot of authenticity in her descriptions of life in rural France.
In TFCM, Nicola finds herself renovating a house to become an artist's retreat. Unfortunately, her husband is stuck in England for the next few months so Nicola is managing culture shock all alone. Her place feels more remote than she imagined, especially in winter and especially at Christmas. Facing the prospect of a holiday season alone, Nicola sets about making it as festive as possible and, along the way makes friends and encounters a little magic. There is some mild intrigue regarding her husband and how he's unable to be reached many times when Nicola calls which I actually thought wasn't necessary in the whole scheme of things. There's a lot going on already! This is a lovely story of community, friendship, love and trusting the process! Devoured in one sitting!
I will read anything that Gillian Harvey writes! I love that most of her books are set in France, where she lived for many years - there's a lot of authenticity in her descriptions of life in rural France.
In TFCM, Nicola finds herself renovating a house to become an artist's retreat. Unfortunately, her husband is stuck in England for the next few months so Nicola is managing culture shock all alone. Her place feels more remote than she imagined, especially in winter and especially at Christmas. Facing the prospect of a holiday season alone, Nicola sets about making it as festive as possible and, along the way makes friends and encounters a little magic. There is some mild intrigue regarding her husband and how he's unable to be reached many times when Nicola calls which I actually thought wasn't necessary in the whole scheme of things. There's a lot going on already! This is a lovely story of community, friendship, love and trusting the process! Devoured in one sitting!
September 27, 2026
Everything French, and Noël too!
The French Christmas Market was a completely enjoyable trip to the west central region of France. Very fun to read about an area I haven’t traveled to yet. I’ve read all of Gillian Harvey’s novels set in France because it’s my favorite destination and like her characters, living there is a fantasy for me. In this book, I felt a slowness in the build up to the conflict, which was a bit contrived. There was no new romance within this plot. There were powerful remembrances, shadows of losses to come, doubts about current relationships. But the best new things were all about warm and wonderful friendships forming in curious and unexpected ways. Once you decide that enough story for you, it’s really a great read. All good people at the French Christmas Market.
The French Christmas Market was a completely enjoyable trip to the west central region of France. Very fun to read about an area I haven’t traveled to yet. I’ve read all of Gillian Harvey’s novels set in France because it’s my favorite destination and like her characters, living there is a fantasy for me. In this book, I felt a slowness in the build up to the conflict, which was a bit contrived. There was no new romance within this plot. There were powerful remembrances, shadows of losses to come, doubts about current relationships. But the best new things were all about warm and wonderful friendships forming in curious and unexpected ways. Once you decide that enough story for you, it’s really a great read. All good people at the French Christmas Market.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First time I have read this author and I really enjoyed this story. Nicola and her husband bought a cottage in France. She wanted to spend more time with her art. She had to wait on Steven as he is a nurse and couldn't come until after the new year. She can't go home for Christmas as Steven has her passport. Her new art student Lucien becomes her first friend and she soon makes more.They visit the French Christmas Markets together. She wants to invite her family for Christmas and she does. The say yes but on the way they have an accident so she ends up spending Christmas with Lucien and his family. Read to see if her family makes it after all. A VERY GOOD READ,
September 21, 2026
Yes a big yes for this book!!! It was such a lovely and cozy read! If you are looking for a book with strong Christmas vibes, this is the one for you! I was so happy with that fact as it is quite hard to find a Christmas chicklit boon which is very Christmas’s from start to finish and here is the case! If you love Christmas and all that comes with it, you will love this book! and the story is so lovely and beautiful. It’s all about new beginnings, making friends far away from you, how to trust your partner when you are in a long distance relationships, family relationship,there is also bit of suspense, and a touch of Christmas magic!!! What a lovely story!!! This is an excellent read!!!
September 6, 2026
I enjoyed the evocative descriptions of rural France in the wintertime; the Christmas Markets are particularly well described, and you can visualise and almost smell the culinary delights. It's a story about having the courage to try something new and embracing the culture of a new country. The friendship theme is strong and believable, and the family dynamic is also authentic. It's not a romance, but a heartwarming story filled with love, human frailties, and faith. It's an engaging festive read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
October 3, 2026
When I finished reading The French Christmas Market I really wish I had kept this book to read during the Christmas season. It had the perfect mix of French country town setting in the lead up to Christmas, new found friendships, family issues that need to be resolved and an ending where it all comes together as Christmas stories should.
A perfect festive season read for anyone wanting to get into the merry vibes!
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc for review.
A perfect festive season read for anyone wanting to get into the merry vibes!
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc for review.
October 8, 2026
A little Christmas story
An okay story about a woman who goes to France for the Christmas holidays. As she waits for her husband’s arrival she befriends neighbors and plans for the holidays. It becomes uncertain whether her husband will be able to join her due to his work responsibilities. While she waits she throws herself into holiday preparations.
An okay story about a woman who goes to France for the Christmas holidays. As she waits for her husband’s arrival she befriends neighbors and plans for the holidays. It becomes uncertain whether her husband will be able to join her due to his work responsibilities. While she waits she throws herself into holiday preparations.
October 3, 2026
Four Stars From Me.
What a treat! I have started my Christmas reading early this year and this one fit the bill to a T. Not too soppy, good, likeable characters, a bit of bad luck, and a heap of goodwill and good luck thrown in, which nicely rounded out the story.
What a treat! I have started my Christmas reading early this year and this one fit the bill to a T. Not too soppy, good, likeable characters, a bit of bad luck, and a heap of goodwill and good luck thrown in, which nicely rounded out the story.
September 5, 2026
Another sweet, emotional novel from Gillian Harvey. I really enjoyed this one and I think I will get even more out of it once I read the related books.
Did Not Finish
September 14, 2026Excessivamente dramático.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews