A Not So Quiet Christmas

by Suzie Tullett

She thinks she wants to spend Christmas alone. But she’s about to learn that two can make things really merry . . .   Antonia prefers a quiet Christmas. She’s happy to spend it on her own watching movies in her pyjamas.   Antonia’s friend Jules, on the other hand, loves a big Christmas celebration and plans on travelling to the Yorkshire Dales for a festive break. But when Jules breaks her leg, she persuades Antonia to take her place on the trip. After arriving, Antonia meets the handsome Oliver and as Christmas approaches, the attraction between Oliver and Antonia grows.   She could choose to return to the bustling city and spend it alone. Or she could unwrap the gift of romance and have a not so quiet Christmas . . .   “Brilliant read . . . Wow, what can I say? . . . A real page turner and totally addictive. I loved it!” —Goodreads reviewer, five stars   “Simply gorgeous.” —Amazon reviewer, five stars   “Perfect Christmas read.” —Amazon reviewer, five stars

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Chick Lit, British Literature, Rom Com

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2021

About the author

I'm a full time writer, lucky enough to live between the UK and France. And when I'm not tapping away on the computer creating my own literary masterpiece, I usually have my head in someone else's.

Reviews

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote:

I realised the only place available meant sharing a table with an elderly bearded gentleman. A chap who wore a scowl so serious it could have turned my wine sour.

My Review:

This was a gentle, relaxing, humorous, and sweet holiday read. As a favor for her only friend, a socially awkward woman arrives in a tiny village full of oddly quirky yet likable and endearing residents and surprises herself when she finds she is enjoying her stay. The engaging storylines were a delight, easy to follow, amusingly entertaining, and realistically drawn. I adored all the characters and enjoyed the main character’s gradual transition and sweet romance. This is one of those rare books from my reading listing that could be recommended to my elderly mother’s church lady book club without reservation.

And score! I also noted two new additions to my Brit Words and Phrases list with pootled -which Mr. Google informed me was British informal meaning to move in a leisurely manner, and Sunday name – which is also British informal for the full version of a first name or Christian name.

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ An Uplifting Rom Com, with oodles of Christmas Sparkle!


A Not So Quiet Christmas is exactly what the title suggests. A Feel-good, Uplifting festival read, full of mishaps, a dash of mayhem, Plenty of giggles, Romance and Fun!

Antonia isn't a big fan of Christmas, so she plans on having the quietest one possible as she's not really in the mood to celebrate and prefers nothing more than a night in alone.

However life is about to throw her a curve ball, when her best friend Jules, asks her to step in and help sort out her Aunts cottage, after she recently passed away. Jules would do it herself but she's recuperating after an accident.

Antonia doesn't mind helping out as it means she still gets to have her alone time in the Yorkshire Dales.
But she's yet to meet the quirky bunch of locals, who are anything but Quiet and before she knows it, Christmas might not be as lonely or as quiet as she hoped!

I really enjoyed this story, the ambiance was perfect, I loved the lead up to Christmas and seeing Antonia's attitude change as she became part of the community, the humour had me giggling, there was romance, drama, Heartfelt Moments and oodles of Christmas Sparkle 🎄  I also love the cover of this book it's so pretty and eye catching, the perfect Christmas Romance 



Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.




You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/1...

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst this book certainly oozes with Christmas spirit, I thought the plot itself was a bit bland and lack-lustre. I loved the romantic, wintery setting of the Yorkshire countryside and thought Tullett went to town with a festive read.

Antonia is a warm character and a lovely friend to Jules. Agreeing to come to her aunt’s cottage and help sort it out on Jules’s behalf, Antonia quickly finds herself falling into a range of mishaps, much to the amusement of the locals. From getting stuck up a mountain, to nearly confronting a local burglar, this doesn’t seem to be the quiet, low-key Christmas that Antonia was hoping to get away with! Despite regularly checking in with her friend, Antonia grows to realise that, for Jules’s sake (who is a massive Christmas fan), she should probably host a celebration that her friend would be proud of. Of course, even this doesn’t go completely to plan.

This was a surprisingly short read and I think developing the plot would have made for a more interesting novel. Learning that Antonia is sorting through the cottage, I wanted this to be more of a feature. I think there was opportunity for lots of reminiscing and I was fascinated by the brief glimpses of the possessions that have been collected over the decades. True, the scene where Antonia is rummaging through a wardrobe was great fun and I would have preferred more like this to feature in the story.

I really enjoyed reading all the different Christmas facts that are scattered throughout the novel I genuinely hope they are true! It added to the entertainment of the story and made the supporting characters more likeable too: it really proved what a lovely community that Antonia found herself in.

Overall, this book certainly ticks all the boxes for a Christmas read. I liked that the plot flowed so rapidly and, because it is quite a short novel, think this would become a perfect Christmas Eve read. There is a lot of love and happiness in the story and Tullett has hit the right note with creating a festive story that celebrates all the lovely things about this time of year. However, I do wish there had been a bit more plot development because it felt like Antonia was jumping from one disaster to the next.

With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Tebbutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another excellent book by Suzie. A real page turner and totally addictive. I loved it!

Really loveable characters and a follow up to meet them again and see where their lives are going would be great.

I would most definitely recommend this.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of his book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.

As soon as I began reading this book I instantly became addicted to it, it was so good.
All he characters were wonderful, i really warmed to them all but especially to the gorgeous dog - Frank - he was adorable!!
The author’s style of writing was very descriptive and I almost felt as though I was with Antonia in the Yorkshire Dales.
A Not So Quiet Christmas was a wonderful, emotional, Christmassy, heartwarming read that showed us the true spirit of Christmas…

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this authors books and they are always beautiful reads and perfect escapism this book was so much more than just a Christmas read and was a lovely story about love and friendship and how coming together to do things for others can also bring a lot of happiness and unexpected surprises along the way. This was also a story about how being given the chance to get out of your comfort zone and trying something new can reap rewards. Jules has had an accident and can no longer go to the yorkshire dales as planned so offers Antonia the chance to go instead which she isn’t keen on at first but once she gets there things are a lot better than they seem in the shape of the other people she meets including the fabulous Oliver.

This was a perfect feel good read and would love a sequel to find out where Antonia and Oliver’s journey takes them next.

[Anna Shenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d planned to read A Not So Quiet Christmas in December, but I couldn’t resist dipping into it when it arrived on my kindle in October. This pretty enticing cover and title was begging me to read now, and it won me over. My first read by Suzie Tullett, I was so looking forward to introducing myself to a new author. The premise of the story also drew me in. I find it quite exciting when a character is faced with a challenge and Suzie sure has a wonderful way of enticing you in. Antonia is a kind warming character and takes on the task of sorting out her aunt’s cottage for her friend Jules. Her hopes for a quiet Christmas are soon dashed as she faces unforeseen obstacles and lives in hope of resolving them. Although I loved all the well fleshed out characters, I particularly fell in love with Frank, the dog, In mind’s eye, I see him cocooned in front of a fire as well as being covered with wet cold snowflakes. The author has a delightful way with words and paints so many wonderful descriptive scenes. Not only does Suzie take me through the awesome snowy scenery of the Yorkshire Dales I also had the pleasure of joining in the fun of decorating a family Christmas tree with the surprise of Aunt’s unknown decorations, which bought a warm emotional feel to my heart. I just adored the way the story flows naturally, written in first person in a fairly fast paced easy to read way. Although a little predictable in places it doesn’t spoil the story which is brimming with the morals and emotions of friendship, family, love, and a true spirit of Christmas. Looks like I will have to choose another read, for Christmas now

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love holiday romances and when I read this about the MC, Antonia, in the synopsis, “watching Hallmark holiday movies in her pyjamas, eating what she wants, when she wants.” I felt like her and I would be besties in real life. 😆 I was expecting a cute, feel good, holiday romance - but this was so much more. Cute, yes, however, this also made me laugh out loud, and furiously blink away tears so that I could keep reading. I loved watching Antonia slowly discover that maybe there’s more to life than she always thought, and getting to know the fun cast of characters in Little Leatherington.

If you’re looking for a heartwarming Christmas read, then get yourself a copy of this. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you @rachelsrandomresources for including me on this tour

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzie Tullett has a way with words, pullling the reader into the location with ease. I loved the Yorkshire Dales setting and the quirky locals. Seeing it from a townie's eye is also refreshing and some of Antonia's gaffs are really amusing. The attraction between Antonia and Oliver just sizzles, melting the snowy backdrop and the readers' hearts. Great story, fabulous setting and characters so realistic, you feel you should be friends.

[Lidia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming book about a woman that despite isolating herself from people, aside her best friend, Jules and her husband Henry, she learns to open up to people, help them and even realize what Christmas is really about and how she can enjoy the little beautiful moments that the life brings to you along the road.

I had some issues with some things but the book is very interesting and portrays friendship, family and love in a very deep but also simple way.

Totally recommend the book to all of you!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A quirky heroine spends the holidays in a tiny Yorkshire town. There are hints of A Christmas Carol as she goes from wanting to spend Christmas alone to bringing many of the town's more eccentric characters together for Christmas lunch.

[Sarahlovesbooks76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Antonia loves a quiet Christmas, so when her friend Jules suggests she spends the holiday period looking after her aunt's cottage in the countryside, she agrees. However, things don't always go to plan - Jules is determined that Antonia will celebrate a proper Christmas, and thinks local letting agent Oliver is the perfect person to persuade Antonia. Will Antonia get the quiet Christmas she wants or will Oliver and the other locals tempt her into a big celebration?

A perfectly pleasant holiday read, with likeable characters (including the animals!) Perhaps a bit predictable but that doesn't take away from the fun story. It certainly didn't affect my enjoyment of the book, overall a quick wintery read.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful little holiday romance. It made me smile and it read quickly.

[Judith Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like reading a Christmas movie.

[Joan]

This was like candyfloss - looks very tempting, holds the promise of a real treat, but once you take a bite, there's nothing there.

There were too many unfinished moments, too many characters who could have been interesting, but in reality it was all far too unsubstantial to keep me interested and I ended up skimming to the end.

I'm not rating - the idea was sound and the actual prose was lovely. I just wanted a plot and some tension and something a bit more filling than candyfloss.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story about Antonia's journey into the wilds of the Yorkshire Dales at Xmas, in the place of her friend who has broken her leg. Some lovely little moments and a general feel good novel.

[RomanceByTheBook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get ready to be delighted by this fun and adorable Christmas book!

Yes, yes, yes, I know what you will say, not another Christmas book set in the UK! Ronny, don’t you read anything else! I have a tiny confession: I have no willpower when it comes to these books; usually, I don’t get to read too many of them because they often don’t get printed here in Canada. But because I bought myself a lovely e-reader this year, I now can read all the British romances I want, and that is what I have been doing. Life is great… my house is a mess, and nothing else gets done, but life is great.

Now on to my review of A Not So Quite Christmas. This book is just so much fun to read. It had me giggling and smiling the whole way through. It is that perfect fun Christmas read that you can sit down and enjoy on a snowy afternoon, sitting by your Christmas tree, eating treats and drinking mulled wine.

This novel doesn’t break out of that traditional Christmas romance mold. As a reader, you know how this book will progress and end, but I kind of like that I knew what to expect from it. There is a sense of comfort knowing that a book will have a happy ending. It allowed me just to read and enjoy the characters and the story without having to worry about how it will all end. Suzie did a fabulous job at bringing the magic and fun of Christmas alive. The characters are so endearing and quirky that you find yourself falling in love with them. The secondary characters in this book add a lot of depth to this story, and as a reader, I felt just as invested in their side stories as I did in the main plot. Suzie did a fantastic job creating this Christmas small town country feel that oozes that Christmas spirit. It’s a place that I would love to spend my Christmas holidays at.

I loved Antonia as the main female lead. Antonia is a loner; she has one friend, is quite happy not being noticed, and is not a huge fan of Christmas. She doesn’t get why people go all out for this festive holiday. I have to say it was hilarious watching this city girl adjust to country life. The situations that she often got herself into had me laughing. The scene with the cow burglar was priceless. It was wonderful watching Antonia start to open up to people in this small town. Those friendships she began to create were heartfelt and filled with so much joy. I loved those moments of quiet reflection where Antonia realized that living life alone might be safer but not necessarily better.

Click on the link to read our full review on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/2021/12/...

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Suzie’s work for a while now. I haven’t read everything that she has written but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘A Not So Quiet Christmas’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of read I have come to expect from Suzie- a fun, light hearted, romantic comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Not So Quiet Christmas’ but more about that in a bit.
The cover of ‘A Not So Quiet Christmas’ was enough to grab my attention and the synopsis drew me in. As soon as I started reading I knew that I was in for a treat and then some. I started chuckling away to myself from fairly early on in the story and I don’t think I stopped chuckling away until after I finished reading the book. Reading ‘A Not So Quiet Christmas’ became seriously addictive. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would become so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters, that I would still be sat there reading several chapters and an hour later. This was a book that got under my skin in the sense that it was constantly on my mind. If I wasn’t reading the book, I was thinking about it and if I had to put the book down for any reason then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Not So Quiet Christmas’ and I had to say goodbye to Antonia, Oliver and the rest of the gang. I found ‘A Not So Quiet Christmas’ to be a delight to read and it certainly cheered me up.
‘A Not So Quiet Christmas’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing else from Suzie Tullett. Suzie has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact, reading one of Suzie’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book. I hope that makes sense. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a steady pace throughout. Suzie clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in her work as she describes her characters so realistically that they seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which Suzie makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action. That’s how I felt anyway.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘A Not So Quiet Christmas’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Suzie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Jeni Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is actually 2.5 stars but that's not an option so 2 it is. I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did because the synopsis made it seem more funny and entertaining than it was. It was actually hard for me to keep picking this book up and going to the end but my reading heart kept hoping for more humor. This actually read like a really bad Hallmark movie (and I love Hallmark holiday movies). I felt Antonia was just a cynical bore that never seemed to warm up no matter how many nice things they had her do, and the whole is she or isn't she a people person got annoying. Oh well, I'm sure others really enjoyed it, just not me.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Christmas right around the corner this is a nice read to get you in the spirits! The writing style was really nice! Rich enough that you could get a good picture of the Yorkshire countryside in the winter! The characters are warm & loving! And yes the animals too! I really liked the little christmas facts that were in the book I sure haven't heard of some of them! It was a quick read but still a wonderful story about love, friendship & of course the spirit of christmas!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antonia’s at a bit of a loose end after the spectacular failure of her dog-walking business – but she only needs to get Christmas out of the way (she’s really not a fan) and then she can get started with her new project. So when her best (and only) friend Jules finds herself immobile after an accident and unable to travel to Yorkshire to sort things out after the death of her aunt, she really can’t refuse to go on her behalf. After all, it might not be too bad – she likes a Christmas on her own, even if it’s the depths of winter and Little Leatherington is in the middle of nowhere.

And when she arrives, the locals aren’t particularly friendly at first – but that’s ok too, because she’s really not a people person. But Oliver, the letting agent, is friendly and helpful and particularly easy on the eye – and although she’s certainly not looking for romance (another personal disaster area), it’s good to have someone to turn to when any problems arise.

But as she settles in for her stay, the locals don’t keep their distance for long – she finds herself in a community filled with wonderfully eccentric characters. And after a few early dramas, she finds she’s really not going to be able to avoid Christmas. First a tree is delivered, and its decorations found in the loft (helped by friendly Jason, who’s a constant fount of interesting facts about Christmas around the world, and lovely child Seb who plainly enjoys her company). And then she finds herself agreeing to host a Christmas celebration for all the village’s lonely people – as well as beginning to discover that she might be more of a people person than she thought she was, and that Oliver might just be rather more than someone to call on in a crisis.

Although I thought the story might just have been a little bit slow to get going, it really does become quite gloriously Christmassy – everything you could possibly want from a festive read, with plenty to warm your heart and bring a tear to your eye. I wasn’t so keen on Antonia at first (and I must admit I never really warmed to her friend Jules, interfering at a distance), but I grew to love her through her early trials and tribulations and particularly when she began to become part of the life of the village.

The characters of Little Leatherington are just wonderful – young Seb and his mum with their poignant back story, the initially curmudgeonly Ted, damaged and loveable Jason and his distinctly less lovable brother Barrowboy. And there are some fantastic minor characters too – like the woman in the corner shop who’s immersed in her book, and the chap in the cap always lingering outside (I loved that small storyline!). And I haven’t even mentioned Frank, have I? He’s Jules’ dog, staying with Antonia on her break, and he really is one of the most characterful dogs I’ve come across (well, when you find him awake and willing to move from his spot by the fire!).

The humour is fairly gentle, though always present – and it certainly does step up a bit for the early dramas. But I particularly liked the more emotional side of things – Christmas itself brought a real tear to my eye (but never without a smile on my face), and I found the developing romance beautifully handled and entirely convincing. And I really did enjoy Antonia’s own journey, towards the real possibility of a happy and unexpected ending. This was a book that ticked every box as a Christmas read – and it was one I’d most certainly recommend.

[Erin Al-Mehairi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve found myself more this holiday season coming round to adding happy, joyful books to my reading rather than just my usual dark horror, mysteries, suspense or historical fiction. The world the last two years has been so bleak enough on its own, I’ve been sitting watching feel good movies and seeking out hopeful books as an escape.

Nothing beats the quaint village feel and humor of Brit writers either. I had read a book by Suzie many years ago and loved it, as well as following her updates, I always enjoy her endless positivity, so I had no problem purchasing this as one of my holiday reads this year. I’m glad I did!

Whereas yes, the plot is simple and straightforward, it’s the characters we love and get to know. They felt like family once I was done reading it and I’ll want to know what they’re up to (so a sequel would be great!). She arranged a cast of characters her London city girl meets when she has to go to the countryside that is just perfect. Speaking of her protagonist, she’s quite awkward and funny and quirky and I loved watching her come around to her next stage of life and letting people into her circle. Watching her finally have a “home” and people to care for was touching. She showcased her huge heart which was endearing (but yet, the character didn’t even know that about herself, which was also sweet). And her problem solving skills were on point as well! She makes the best of every mishap or situation.

It’s a very light-hearted read culminating in Christmas Day festivities. On top of there being a sweet little boy and his single mom, a farmer and his mentally challenged brother who gives us a wealth of international Christmas facts (speaking of which, this was written so well), and a cantankerous old man, there is also a slow paced, beautiful, light romance that runs behind everything else. I liked how it was a female led blossoming and the man polite, kind, and loving.

I feel like I was able to view this village and countryside, maybe even step inside it, from her descriptions! The humor of country life had me in stitches. I’d love to visit here and take in the tavern, shops, even the mountain!

Also, as she dawns in her possible career choice of “reclamation specialist,” I found it perfect for her and what a fun entrepreneurial idea she gave her leading lady. I’d like to see how that plays out if she stays on living the rural life. Also, I had no idea it was illegal to take someone’s curb trash in England! Ha! Here, people drive by and pick up your items all the time.

Anyway, the whole book worked for me from the characters to the setting to the humor. I read it before bed or on weekend mornings or when I couldn’t sleep well. Someone else would read this in a night or two, it’s a quick read, but I have limited time. I didn’t mind savoring it that way and I’m glad I chose it as one of my reads to usher in the Christmas season.

Thanks, Suzie, for writing a book that made me smile and feel hopefully about the world and communities!

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the Christmas she wished for, but is that really that bad?
 
Antonia is not a people – person. She had one best friend, and now with Christmas lurking around the corner, the only way she wats to spend it, is alone, watching Hallmark movies and just do what she wants to do.
That is in big contrast with how her best friend Jules wants to celebrate the holiday. Jules want a big celebration and has also planned on spending it in Little Leatherington, in the house her aunt left her.
But breaking a leg, means that Jules need to find a solution. And what better solution than making Antonia go to the place and sort it all out as a start before renting the cute little cottage out? 
But Little Leatherington is not London, and Antonia quickly finds herself surrounded by weird locals, awkward situations and finds it hard to acclimatize.
However, property agent Oliver with his good looks and kind character, helps Antonia out the best he can. And while the attraction grows, Christmas is getting closer too and due circumstances maybe this Christmas will be the total opposite she had initially planned…
 
I didn’t truly know what to expect when I started to read this story. But after finishing this story, I realized that even if I had not so very high expectations, I honestly enjoyed reading very bit of it, having a constant smile on my face.
 
I found Antonia very recognizable. She doesn’t like to make a big thing of Christmas and just want to indulge in whatever she likes. She isn’t very sociable, and has one great friend instead of a bunch ‘shallow’ ones.
Even if she was very recognizable, I found her also a bit of a sad character. Beside Jules, she doesn’t have many people around her. And the picture she has of her funeral after a certain event, broke my heart a little bit. Because that was a depressing thought.
 
So I was very curious what she would make of Little Leatherington, a village where everyone knows everyone and having a distant approach isn’t really appreciated.
Once she arrived, I had the best of time. Like I said before, Little Leatherington is the total opposite of London, and quickly Antonia realizes that keeping her distance is an impossible mission.
 
I found it heart – warming seeing how Antonia finds herself changing to a warmer, involved woman. Of course, the situations she finds herself in, were hilarious (an imitating cow as a burglar, needing rescue after a tour of discovering the place…) 
But the thing I loved the most about this story, is how Antonia makes a real impact to other people. Not only there is grumpy ted that is finally finding himself laughing, but also Jason finds someone who doesn’t judge him when he tells another useless bit of information. 
And little Seb, struggling with his parents’ divorce and staying with his mother Lizzie, oh that little boy just won me totally over. Even when he has a sugar rush, my heart kept melting. And then I’m not saying anything about his meeting with Santa!
 
This was not a love story in the “woman falls in love with a man” kind, but this was more a story about discovering what truly works for you, so maybe it’s more a story about a story about falling in love with what you could be and falling in love with a whole community. What we know and what we are used to doesn’t mean that it’s the way it should stay. Antonia realizes that a real community that sticks together can make a huge impact on someone’s life. 
And that having a Christmas out of your comfort zone could be the right push to see a whole different kind of opportunities.
 
If you want to read about the real Christmas Spirit and fall in love and have a huge smile on your face, I truly recommend this book! This author was a real discovery for me and I cannot wait to read more!

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

It reminded me a bit of the movie The Holiday, but in all the right ways. I loved Antonia for her dedication to her friend, her ability to make things better for others even if only in her small way, and her frankness of self. It's not often a character is simply themselves, and while maybe embarrassed at times, still mostly accepting of themselves, and comfortable enough to present that truth to the world. I appreciated how much Jules gave of herself as well. She may have been someone we got to know from afar, or at least at a distance from Antonia in the physical sense, but her heart was there one hundred percent. Oliver was one of many notable figures of the town, helpful and with a heart of gold, he was definitely harboring a tender for our gal Antonia, and while neither seemed eager to act on it first, it doesn't make it any less sweet when the moment finally comes. Then there's Oliver's granddad, the new mother and son in town, the brother's who couldn't be more different yet the same at heart...and so many others you'll feel blessed to make the acquaintance of.

So this holiday season, get in touch with your inner Christmas spirit and prepare for a holiday louder in decibels than in the past, but heartwarming just the same. You'll fall in love with the town (so quaint!), where everyone knows your name (definitely before you know theirs!), and the latest embarrassing situation you have gotten yourself into (gotta love the cow burglar!), perhaps before you're even out of it (hanging from a rockface, 'nuff said!)! Whether you're a holiday homebody or a party thrower extraordinaire, you'll find your comfort zone in their holiday celebrations. Who knows? You may get a few ideas for your next get together! Who says life can't imitate art?


**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Not So Quiet Christmas by Suzie Tullett

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Antonia prefers a quiet Christmas. She's happy to spend it on her own, watching Hallmark holiday movies in her pyjamas, eating what she wants, when she wants.

Antonia's friend Jules, on the other hand, loves a big Christmas celebration and plans on travelling to the Yorkshire Dales for a festive break. But when Jules breaks her leg, she persuades Antonia to make the trip on her behalf. Arriving at the little cottage, Antonia meets the handsome property agent Oliver. But she can't escape the weird locals--or avoid embarrassing situations like mistaking a cow for a burglar.

This is an up-lifiting romantic comedy, dripping in festive spirit. It is a feel-good read, filled with mayhem and many parts that will make you giggle. I read this book in one sitting as I didn't want to put it down - it helps that it was a quick read.

This book is perfect for cosying up with, a nice pleasant escape from reality. A very enjoyable read.

Rating: 4/5

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Not So Quiet Christmas by Suzie Tullett
Antonia is 34 years old and after her friend Jules breaks her leg, she is persuaded to spend Christmas in Jules’s aunt’s cottage in Little Leatherington, taking her mate’s dog Frank along with her. She loves London and busy cities and hates the quiet life of the countryside, so what could go wrong? Seeing it as a bit of a chore, Antonia begins her stay but isn’t expecting anything very pleasant to come out of it. But as she arrives at 3 Bluebell Row for the first time, she meets the letting agent Oliver Chase and her interest is piqued… Was she going to get the quiet Christmas break she hoped for?
This book is funny, I laughed out loud several times and smiled a lot. Antonia gets herself into several situations and you can’t help but feel sorry for her. She meets different villagers, each one a real character. You follow her story with interest and delight.
The book is well-written with realistic characters and you are rooting for Antonia throughout. Frank the dog is lovely too, I enjoyed him being in there.
It’s festive too, as you’d expect, but the whole novel is a treat. I really enjoyed my time spent in its pages.
9 out of 10

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a light hearted and endearing romcom set in the tiny rural village of Little Leatherington. A place with lots of potential for future stories! Antonia, who sees herself as a city girl. has agreed to housesit for her much more extrovert friend, Jules. Once there, she finds herself in some hilarious situations despite her desire for a quiet and solitary time! There are plenty of quirky characters to meet and you soon discover that despite what she might think, Antonia has a real way with people.
In struggling to avoid the trappings of Christmas, Antonia comes to realise that the true point of the season does not lie there. It is a lovely, warm message and so in keeping with the season. With romance and laughter, you are hooked into this uplifting tale and rooting for Antonia to realise where her best chance of happiness lies.
In short: A story to capture the season
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

 I want Christmas in Little Leatherington.

This is a beautiful heart-warming Christmas story. But it’s also a story of family friendship and love.

It took me back to when I was a little girl and the Christmases that I shared with my family.

Antonia isn’t a fan of Christmas at all. She’s not necessarily all “bah humbug” but it’s just not for her.

That is  until she takes a trip to Little Leatherington. One of those out of the way idyllic villages a lot of us would love to escape to.

I was completely drawn into the story, I loved all of the characters and each of them had a part to play in creating the best Christmas not only for it’s residents themselves but also for Antonia.

 

As a huge fan of Christmas films I would love to see this turned into a film. It would definitely be a favourite.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet holiday romance story that will warm your spirit and your heart. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed and cant wait to see what is next for her. This is a well written story about two people who have meet by chance and a friendship grows into something neither one expects. They are great characters that made me laugh in spots and warmed my heart in others. They are simple characters that make the story into what it is. Their chemistry and growth throughout the story was great. It's Christmas time and a time a year that you get what you want, right? Will these two get what they want or will it be a quiet holiday for them? I enjoyed this story and how I was pulled into the story from the beginning. It brought the holiday spirit that made me feel warm. I highly recommend this book.

[Carole Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

great Christmas book

This was such an enjoyable read. I really liked the characters and found the writing engaging and immersive — it grabbed my attention from the very first page and held it right through to the end. The story is filled with lovely, endearing moments and has an uplifting, feel-good atmosphere that made it an absolute pleasure to read.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I first picked it up, but by the time I finished, I realised just how much I’d enjoyed every bit of it. It’s one of those stories that leaves you with a constant smile on your face.

If you’re looking for a book that captures the real spirit of Christmas, makes you fall in love with the characters, and leaves you beaming, I wholeheartedly recommend this one. This author was a wonderful discovery for me, and I can’t wait to explore more of their work!