Izzy's Christmas Star

Izzy Series #1

by Berni Stevens

In this yuletide romance by the author of One Magical Christmas, Santa brightens a young woman's holiday season with a handsome rock star.

Student and Zumba instructor Izzy Grant leads a pretty normal life, but in the days leading up to Christmas an unusual encounter with a friendly Santa paves the way for the most wonderful and star-studded Christmas she's ever experienced.

Because at almost exactly the same time, Izzy also meets Seth Roberts--as in the Seth Roberts, bona fide rock star and lead singer of Scarlet Gryphon. As their connection grows, Izzy's Christmas countdown becomes a glittering whirlwind of after-show parties and classy restaurants--and does she have her mystery Santa to thank?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary Romance

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2019

About the author

By day I design book covers for some of the biggest publishers in the UK . . . but once the sun sets I write paranormal romance and horror.

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Revenge is Sweet –the sequel to Dance Until Dawn – was published as an eBook on 12 July 2016. I am very excited to bring you more of Will's and Ellie's story.

Find out what Ellie discovers in an upstairs room of Will's house. Something that makes her question the relationship with the man she loves. And who dares break Will's rules in an effort to expose his cherished and secret community to the humans?

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I'm currently writing the third book in the series, which features a werewolf in love with a beautiful rock singer. How can he tell her his darkest secret?
And what could possibly go wrong?

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Santas were everywhere in the lead up to Christmas and student Izzy Grant was slightly bemused. As she entered her favourite coffee shop she saw it was unusually busy, but when she spied a free chair where only one person sat, she asked if he minded if she sat down. And that started Izzy’s association with Seth Roberts, lead singer of Scarlet Gryphon – only Izzy didn’t know that as the only music she listened to was with her Zumba class.

For Seth, it was refreshing to have an attractive young woman not knowing who he was. He was captivated by Izzy’s fresh outlook but when they parted, neither had the other’s phone number. It was then that a special Santa stepped up to Izzy and chatted with her. She instantly liked the old fellow, but with the icy wind keeping her company she quickly headed for home. Was this to be a special Christmas for Izzy? The few days Seth had off from touring over Christmas somehow looked brighter to him. Was this the result of the encounter with the mysterious but decidedly friendly Santa?

Izzy’s Christmas Star by Berni Stevens is an absolutely delightful Christmas story that made me laugh out loud at times. Filled with a great cast of characters which kept the story flowing beautifully, it was a pleasure to relax for a few hours of reading entertainment. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Choc Lit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this!!! I have a real soft spot for ‘Girl-next-door-meets-sexy-rock-star’ romances, I have been reading this kind of Chick-Lit for as long as I can remember and I really adore this one. I love the story, I really, really adore the characters and I love the feel of magic that floats around you like a sparkly mist as you read. It is a charming, fun, delightfully heartwarming and a real joy to read, it makes you smile with every page. This is everything I want from a Christmas story, I want romance, I want complex and charming rock stars, I want heart-warming, I want an everyday relatable heroine, I want Christmas fun, I want glittery feel-good stories that have an essence of Christmas magic and this has it all.
Easily my favourite Christmas book this year, in fact, this is easily a firm contender for best Christmas book I’ve read – believe me I have read a fair few. I honestly cannot say enough great things about this, it is perfect to curl up with on these cold nights and lose yourself in for a few hours – only problem them once you have devoured it in one, as I did, you will be heartbroken it has finished, I desperately wanted more, I would love to see more of the Scarlet Gryphon gang.
Izzy Grant; Zumba instructor and English Lit student, she really is the girl next door, she is sweet and loyal, a young woman who many could see themselves in and a woman who you would love to be friends with, she is just an everyday stressed out young woman trying to juggle life. As Christmas draws closer and closer she starts to see more and more Santa’s on the high street, more seems to appear every day but it is an odd encounter with one silvery eyed Santa in particular that more or less changes the course of her Christmas with his cryptic and spookily correct assessments and comments.
She meets a sexy as hell, if a bit lonely looking guy in a coffee shop, a chance meeting that changes everything and turns her once everyday life around, as this chap isn’t just your regular coffee shop dweller, he is internationally acclaimed, rock star and lead singer of Scarlet Gryphon, the biggest rock band around; Seth Roberts – a fact that Izzy doesn’t realise, she just is overawed by the fact that this handsome man has a nice smile, beautiful twinkly eyes and unfortunately witnessed her spilling her dinner down her front – it’s ok Izzy, we have all been there – she never thought she would see him again.
Seth is instantly fascinated by the slightly clumsy, and very beautiful read head, she is a breath of fresh air for him, she becomes a balm for his damaged and already well-trodden on heart and soul. Seth, unfortunately, has become cynical and jaded, he loves his job, he is passionate about the band, about the music and about sharing his music with the world with tours, but he hates the darker side of being in the public life, such as every woman he comes across all faun on him either wanting something from him or wanting to enhance their own status by being with him. He has just left one deadly relationship and has no thoughts about becoming entangled with another camera lens obsessive starlet. Which is why he is so attracted to Izzy, she is so different to anyone within his sphere. He loves that she doesn’t want anything from him – in fact, he finds that fact she had never heard of him or his band very refreshing. She doesn’t play games she is just herself, she has a wary if feisty innocence about her that speaks to far more then words ever could.
I really, really have fallen head over heels for Seth, he isn’t just a crooning rock star who looks great in and out of his shirt and has the most amazing blue eyes, he is a proper gentleman too, he real charisma plus he has actual manners, he is passionate but wary, he has a bit of a lone wolf aura about him which I found as sexy as hell…I just love this guy!
They both meet this mysterious all-knowing and seeing; Santa, who seems to know far more than he should help guide them with his cryptic clues. I love the addition of Santa practically playing at matchmaker for our couple, it adds to the whole magic of the story and compliments the blossoming love story between Seth and Izzy.
Overall, I think I have already professed my love of this book enough, but hey this is my review and I’m going to do it again, I do love this book! It is such a pleasurable, delightful and charming little story that really if you love Christmas, if you love rock stars and if you love romance then this should be on your Christmas List – or miss out the letter for Santa and buy it yourself!
Now, I just need to find my own Christmas rock-star

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars and magic was what made this story special.

Izzy was clueless about rock bands and pop stars. So her meet cute with Seth the lead singer of one such band was cute and quite normal with no selfies with the star. They met continually, their connection grew. Romance bloomed with Santa’s blessings. Did Santa and his helpers have a hand in this romance?

My first book by author Berni Stevens, I was filled with a warm cheer reading this story. Izzy was the one who touched my heart with her innocent. There was something so beautiful about her. Maybe it was magic. It was no wonder Seth was drawn to her.

I loved this author’s writing, as it filled me with happiness. Who wouldn’t like a love story which was helped by Santa. The book had humor and characters which filled me with the Christmas spirit.

Overall, a beautiful read which kept the flow of magic and love alive.

[Gerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy's Christmas Star is a story which features a zumba instructor, a rock star and as, you can see from the front cover, a lot of Santas! Izzy is a student who leads some zumba classes to supplement her student loan. Seth is the lead singer of successful rock band Scarlet Gryphon. When the two meet, and Izzy has no clue who he is, they are attracted to each other and start dating. It's not all straightforward though with two very different lifestyles and Seth's needy ex all contriving to make the road to happy-ever-after rather bumpy!

I really liked Izzy. I'd have probably have been like her too and not recognised the famous singer! I liked her cautious attitude to getting to know Seth and finding out whether he was genuine or just after another conquest. Seth was a great character too and really made me think about some of the pressures of fame. It can't be much fun to have a camera stuck in your face every time you pop out for a coffee or have the press speculating about your love life whenever you meet up with someone. For all that, Seth seemed a grounded person and I liked his concern for other people. Santa add just that hint of Christmas magic with the twinkle in his eye and his uncanny ability to seem to know what was going to happen before it actually did. He also had lots of wise advice to offer which really helped our couple.

Plenty snow adds to the magical Christmas atmosphere - how I would love a white Christmas like the one described. I was pleased to read in the author's note at the end of the book that she hopes to revisit the characters as I'd love to know what happens next. December can be a hectic time but with this being a novella, if you fancy a bit of feel-good festive romance, this could be the perfect book to squeeze into your Christmas reading list.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy's Christmas Star, Berni Stevens

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance

Well, this was a fun read, one of my favourite genres, the rock star trope and of course choc-lit always deliver for me so I was looking forward to this.

Its an easy read, nothing too dramatic, a simple story. I really liked the characters, and the Santas added a quirky touch, but the lack of real drama made it a four star for me, not the magic five.
I was reading through, hooked onto what would happen next and about the three-quarter mark I was waiting for something to go wrong, as it usually does. Sadly for me its one of those reads where it doesn't, it just charts the track of a sweet romance.
Izzy is a sweet character, felt like someone I could know and like. Seth too was past the rock star bit, and finds Izzy refreshing, not the shallow type he's so used to. I loved the Christmas gifts too and the little touches like the impromptu Christmas concert. I love books set around this time of year, there's something special and its easier to believe in a little supernatural help from Santa ;-)
There was the potential for some fireworks with an ex that won't let go, but rather than any huge whizz-bangs its more of a wet sparkler effect. That could have developed into some real dramatics, and I was hoping, but doesn't :-(
Still, that's me, I do love some drama and heartbreak in my happy stories, though of course they need to end well or I feel cheated ;-) It has the perfect happy ending.

Stars: Four, a read I enjoyed,perfect to curl up by the fire and read on a wintry day. I'd need a bit of extra drama and heartbreak for a five, but four is well deserved.

ARC supplied by publisher

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

I’ll be straight up frank from the start here – I have loved everything that Berni Stevens has written. I like her style, her way with words, and her characters linger in my mind long after the final page is closed. So, it probably comes as no surprise that I adored IZZY’S CHRISTMAS STAR. This is a lovely, sweet romance with low drama, lots of entertaining moments and Santas just about everywhere. Add in some Christmas magic, a rock star and a young woman who has no clue about his fame – then, yeah, I was hooked from the first page.

There are times when I simply want a love story. No great angst, no over the top drama just two people managing to find the perfect for them someone in this huge world of ours. That would be Izzy’s and Seth’s story. Yes, there were a couple of small bumps in the road to their happy ending but for the most part, IZZY’S CHRISTMAS STAR is simply a magical Christmas romance with likable characters, interesting situations, and perhaps a Santa(s) who knows far more than your average street-Santa should. (maybe that’s a bit of that Christmas magic at work)

I had fun, it’s that simple. And maybe one day we’ll get to return to this world for another adventure. (fingers crossed) If you love a fun romance, enjoy the process of watching a couple fall in love in spite of some differences in lifestyle then you’ll want to pick up Izzy’s and Seth’s story… right now. You’ll fall in Christmas love, and isn’t that the whole point?

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Choc Lit / Ruby Fiction. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

[Isabelle D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely Christmas story features a star of the singing variety, a Zumba instructor so unfamiliar with rock music she doesn't recognise him when they meet in funnily embarrassing circumstances, and (as the cover suggests) quite a lot of Santas - but most importantly a very intriguing one who seems to know much more than anyone should about Izzy, Seth and what's not even a relationship yet. I really enjoyed it and would be very happy to get more for Christmas 2020 (see the author's Thank You note).

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[MeCalle Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story

I loved the romance and the characters. Nice and clean with a nagging ex. Good book and well done!!!On to the next book.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel, it is a nice story for Christmas time. I found it was well written and easy to read, keeping my interest. I liked the characters in the story, Izzi was relatable and I liked her from the beginning. I also liked Seth and those two together were a good fit. I did think however that it was a bit odd that he was a famous rock star, but he was able to walk about like a regular person and it did not seem to affect his life.

I also liked the character of Santa, it was a sweet addition and a nice touch that the ‘real’ Santa was there giving them guidance for Christmas. Gracie was an unlikeable character and Seth always running to her was a bit annoying but also shows his kind side so you can’t really dislike him for that.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and think it is a great festive story for this time of year!

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy is a student teaching a zumba class to help pay her way when she meets Seth in a cafe round the corner from where she works, the sparks fly but she had no idea who he is until she meets him again on a night out with her best friend and she tells her he is an international rock star! They meet up again but will anything come of it when they lead such different lifestyles and his very needy ex keeps turning up all the time...... or will Santa help pave the way for true love?

A lovely warm book full of Christmas cheer perfect for curling up in front of a fire to get you in the mood for Christmas, great characters and I especially loved the interventions of Santa

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy and Seth have just met. She's a university student earning her living by being a Zumba teacher. He's a famous rock star and, as rock stars have bad reputations, Izzy doubts that he'll be looking for a permanent relationship,
The time is just before Christmas when jolly Santas begin to appear around town. One particular Santa keeps offering helpful advice for their relationship, he appears to know more than any stranger can possibly know. Clearly this is the magic of Christmas at work.

A sweet Christmas novel.

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice, gentle ‘old style’ romance – by which I mean there is no explicit sexual description – the hero and heroine don’t immediately throw off their clothes and jump into bed, instead taking time to get to know each other, for a very pleasant change. Their relationship is helped along by the assistance of Santa, who appears at opportune moments, and despite the differences in their worlds, Izzi and Seth do manage to get around some obstacles (mainly his ‘ex’) to achieve a satisfactory conclusion to the story.

A good read to get us in the Christmas Spirit.

[Reconciliation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with Christmas magic, sparkle, and a very helpful Santa, all in time for the festive season which means joy, peace and goodwill. This a beautifully written and a pleasure to read, easy, comforting, and one of those reads that restores whatever faith you have left in Christmas and the magical time it is. After reading it I was left feeling sometimes good things do happen to the every day person.

If it’s a happy, easy, warm, magical read you are looking for I can highly recommend this book will leave you with all these feelings.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an easy read book but you really get to know the main characters, Issy, Seth and Santa. The unlikely trio are linked together in the couple of months before Christmas. The development of their romance is truly magical, bringing a mature student, a rock star and a Santa together to make dreams come true. A magical story which leaves you ready for your own Christmas, and who knows who you might be sharing it with, but, whatever is in store for you, believe in the magic.

[Yvonne Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Izzy is a down to earth genuine person juggling a degree and part time job as a Zumba dancer. How could she possibly fit in with a rock star’s glamorous lifestyle. But Seth is not your typical rock star. He’s fed up with phonies and being used by wannabe stars. Perhaps a little of Santa’ Christmas magic might help! A perfect Christmas read. I totally recommend it.

[Isobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are feeling stressed and ground down by Christmas preparations and wonder why you bother - read this and you will feel better. Last year I read Berni Stevens' first rom-com and hoped she would write another. Well, my Christmas wish came true and she has written another magical Christmas story.

[Donna Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book from start to end. A magical Christmas love story of Seth the rock singer & Izzy the student/Zumba instructor nudged together by a mysterious Santa. Hard to put down & very well written. Definitely made me feel warm & happy.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas romance.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Christmas escapism, a really sweet rock star romance.