“Martha Waters takes Love Actually and turns the holiday movie on its head in this delightful, hilarious rom-com.”
—Entertainment Weekly
Christmas Is All Around
A Novel
Description
A former child star learns that holiday magic can come from a change in perspective—or location—in this “delightful, hilarious” (Entertainment Weekly) rom-com.
Charlotte hates the holidays. As a former child actress, she starred in a modern classic of a holiday movie, and its fans won’t let her move on. When an article reveals that she had nixed plans for a reboot, she flees to London to spend the five-week countdown to the holidays with her sister.
But the ghosts of Christmas past follow her there when she is recognized by a fan while viewing the extraordinary holiday decorations at Eden Priory, a filming location for the movie. Desperate to escape, she accepts a ride back to London from Graham, the son of the owners. Their family business—and the funds to keep their historic house running—relies on holiday cheer, and Graham knows a visit from a holiday star would bring in more visitors.
Now an illustrator, Charlotte accepts a commission to paint iconic holiday movie scenes in London and its environs for Eden Priory, with Graham offering to escort her. But as Charlotte’s chaotic family holiday goes awry, she begins spending more time scouting locations with Graham in “this sweet holiday treat wouldn’t feel out of place on the Hallmark channel” (Publishers Weekly).
Reviews
“As Waters (To Woo and to Wed, 2024) merrily pivots from her marvelous Regency historicals to an exquisitely crafted contemporary holiday romance, her winning way with quippy dialogue, clever characterization, and smartly crafted love stories remains a thing of joy and wonder.” —Booklist (starred review)
“[E]ndearing… Waters keeps things lighthearted, quirky, and, above all Christmassy. This sweet holiday treat wouldn’t feel out of place on the Hallmark channel.” —Publishers Weekly
“Christmas Is All Around is a festive riot of marvelously eccentric characters, witty banter and swoony romance. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and all things Bridget Jones. I loved this book!”
—Jenny Bayliss, author of The Twelve Dates of Christmas
