Member Reviews
The setting, the drama, the romance, and the characters all combine to make DREAMING OF CHRISTMAS by T.A. Williams the perfect read to curl up on the sofa with and completely relax.
Zoe is struggling to get over a breakup with her long-term boyfriend but when an old college friend gets in touch and offers her a trip of a lifetime, she would be a fool to refuse. Even if it does means spending time with her ex. Anyway, she will be too busy with her other old friends in a place that will take her breath away to worry about Grant and his new girlfriend. Well, that's the plan anyway. But as we all know, life rarely goes to plan ...
I completely fell in love with the Alps as the writer makes the setting burst alive in front of your eyes and it was pure escapism for me every time I read a page. The characters are interesting, flawed, and compelling in their own ways and there are a couple of small surprises along the way which I didn't expect, but you will have to read it to find out for yourself! There is beauty, friendship, drama, and pure magic in the air in DREAMING OF CHRISTMAS by T.A. Williams and I highly recommend it to all contemporary fiction fans.
A lovely festive setting, an interesting group of people and an unlikely romance make this an enchanting Christmas story. Glamour, reunion, troubled relationships and romance simmering under the surface bring this modern-day fairytale to life, and it will have you turning the pages lost in its ambience.
Billy is definitely romantic hero material and Zoe can't believe how he's changed in ten years, but he's married and so she has to look elsewhere for her prince charming. Zoe is faced with numerous dilemmas, as she deals with her former flatmates' problems, but can she sort out her own life and make it a truly memorable festive time?
This is an easy to read, well written festive romantic comedy, set in the picturesque Austrian Alps, complete with a perfect fairytale ending.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This was another gorgeous read from author T.A. Williams who once again takes his readers to an idyllic setting and makes you want your own snowy Austrian Christmas.
With every book that the author has written you can sense the depth of research he has undertaken with the locations of his novels. The details of the setting was superb and you can almost feel the wintry chill and the tantalising aromas from the many traditional feasts and foodie delights that the characters enjoyed.
Zoe Lumsley has had a difficult year emotionally leading up to this Christmas with the aftermath of a break-up of her 10 year relationship with Grant, whom she met whilst at university. When an unexpected invite arrives in the post to a reunion of all the students that lived in the same student house Zoe is very hesitant with the RSVP as she knows that Grant would have had the same invite. However, this reunion is somewhat special, it's a week in a luxury hotel in Austria and their host and fellow graduate is the shy, introvert geek Billy. With the encouragement of her friend Zoe makes the trip and awaits her first encounter with Grant since the break-up.
This was a lovely festive story of catching-up with friends from 10 years ago and an awful lot of changes have happened with the addition of husbands, wives, children and an adorable black Labrador puppy. Yay, we have our regular furry friend that the author T.A. Williams loves to include in his stories. These additions changed the dynamic and personalities of the group. For Zoe and all of the others they could immediately see a change in their host Billy who was now the owner of a successful international computer business and had accrued an almost allusive celebrity status with the addition of riches beyond our wildest dreams. But Zoe could still see glimpses of the shy young man from university.
A story that will make you feel all festive and warm with it's cosy romance. A story that will delight you with the stunning setting that will take your breath away.
Amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end.
Well written which kept me captivated throughout.
I will definitely be reading other books by this author
This had been a sweet Christmas read; full of friendship, snow and love, the perfect read for any warm hearty story!
This is the story of Zoe, it's been almost a year since her boyfriend broke her heart and left her for another woman, she thinks that she has got over him when she receives an interesting invitation to spend Christmas with her old friends, including her ex... So the main question will be, has she really got over him or love between them will flourish again? I have to say that her ex doesn't have my sympathy since the first page, he broke up with her because he was already seeing another woman... So I don't think in this case love is enough to repair the relation, trust is not something easy to repair, is something really difficult to ignore... so I would always say no to infidelity, but is Zoe who will have to decide!
The story not only turns around Zoe's love life, but all the characters she is sharing the amazing week in Austria, everything is planned and payed, but all of them had their own problems and secrets that we will discover as we enter to the story and start loving this nice group of friends.
This had been a quick read, it has not been difficult being transported to the beautiful hotel they stay in Austria and enjoy some warm wine, I wouldn't spend all day skying like Zoe, but it was a joyful read, heartwarming and sweet. It makes the reader believe that even in the worst cases, happiness is near you if you are ready for it!
Opening, Dreaming of Christmas and reading the first page will transport you into the enchanting world of Zoe and to the Alps glistening in snow. And without a doubt, this is another "DELIGHTFUL" book that TA Williams.
As Zoe returns to her flat after a few days at home with her parents she receives a phone call. On the phone is Juliet, a friend from her university days. During her final year at University Zoe shares a house with Juliet and a few other students. They both became close friends when the Juliet left her long term partner on Christmas Eve.
Billy, one of their student house mates, whom is now a millionaire and has paid for a luxury reunion in an Austrian hotel over the forthcoming Christmas. Zoe is a little unsettled about going, her ex has also been invited.
Since graduating Zoe has followed a career as a journalist with a celebrity magazine. Her job is not ideal and is currently making her incredibly unhappy. With the opportunity of a much needed break she's determined to enjoy herself.
A Christmassy tale of friends catching up in the Alps, reflecting on their lives and considering future changes. As the snow starts to fall, adventures on the ski slopes begin, food that you wish would jump out from the pages to eat and cosy nights by the fires. As the friends gather and catch up on the past ten years, all is not as it seems with some masking their true unhappiness. But will Zoe make the right decision...... no spoilers here.
As with all of TA Williams books I have read Dreaming of St Christmas, is written in such a way that you are automatically transported to the Alps, your stomach rumbling at the food and Cosy nights by the fire.
I enjoyed every second of my winter vacation in the Alps following Zoe's story. A first class read, and the perfect start to our Christmas reading list. Yet again, an exceptional book, from a very talented author.
Thank you to T A Williams and Ellie at Canelo for our advanced review copy and invite to join the book tour.
Living in uncertain times, as we do, I find myself more often looking to uncomplicated things, and things that comfort the mind – in T. A. Williams’ Dreaming of… novels, I’ve found an uncomplicated happy place!
Dreaming of Christmas is the latest in T. A. Williams’ popular series featuring young women, unlucky in love, and searching for something more in their lives. In this case, it’s Zoe who finds herself a year on from being dumped at Christmas time and invited to spend some time skiing with her former Uni housemates.
Each of the characters have their own problems and knotty relationship difficulties, but a week away at Christmas may just be the thing they all need to revive them. Having not seen each other for 10 years, they have all changed in subtle ways, but rest assured that all ends well for the group of friends.
I’ve read several of T. A. Williams’ books now and they are all of a high standard and when I say they are easy to read, I mean it in the best sense. Zoe is a likeable girl, who has been unlucky in her personal life, but who is also doing a job that she’s really too qualified – a highly relatable character.
Ultimately, the novel is so likeable because wouldn’t we all like to be invited to a luxury hotel, all expenses paid, and then – just maybe – end up falling in love?
A lovely story that reminds you about all that is good. Reasonably predictable as to feelings but only suspicions as to the outcome this was really enjoyable and I couldn't put it down specifically for the last 20 minutes to make sure the ending was going to be happy....
Once again the author has excelled. One thing for sure, there is always an excellent sense of place in TA Williams's books and this one is no exception. I loved the descriptions of Austria, especially the snow - so evocative I had to snuggle the cat to keep warm. The food and drink really add to the ambience too.
The story kept me turning the pages as each of the ex-flatmates reveals a little more about their life. lots of hidden secrets, subterfuge and some great characters. I really couldn't see how this book could end well. Without spoiling it I'll say that it ended as I had hoped but in a way that I hadn't expected. This is such a lovely book to curl up with and even the cat appreciated it. Send gluhwein next time.
Amusing, engaging, and delightfully entertaining!
In this latest novel, Dreaming of Christmas, Williams sweeps us away to a wintery paradise where the snow is falling, the accommodations are luxurious, the food is scrumptious, the skiing is magnificent, and love might actually be in the air.
The prose is atmospheric and well turned. The characters are unique, troubled, friendly, and multi-layered. And the story is a compelling tale full of exciting adventures, heartfelt moments, self-discovery, friendship, relationship woes, happiness, romance, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer!
Overall, Dreaming of Christmas is another charming, beautifully descriptive tale by Williams that’s the perfect choice for any chilly afternoon spent in front of the fire with a steaming mug of hot chocolate!
I just finished this book, it was the first Christmas book of the year that I read but WHAT A BOOK!!! I loved it from the first to the last line. First of all, the story was really well told with lots of twists and you get immediately in the story. While reading it I honestly thought I was watching a movie. I thought that from time to time that the descriptions were a bit too long but it completely described a Christmassy environment. All the different characters have all their own personality and you feel several different emotions while learning about their daily life. I absolutely loved following Zoë's story. To sum up this book is the perfect Christmas reading by the fire with a hot chocolate. You cannot have a bad time with this book! I look forward to read other books from this author.
A charming festive read... I really enjoyed the story. It was a quick easy read and one that would certainly help get you in the festive mood. I will be looking out for other books by this author in the future.
Another great book by T A Williams. Dreaming of Christmas was an enjoyable read, perfect for snuggling up to read and get into the Christmas spirit. Have a read you will not be disappointed.
Loved it! TA Williams rarely disappoints. I love that I am always transported somewhere new and the descriptions of the setting as well as the food make the reading experience feel like a vacation. His characters are always intriguing and charming, and the romance is lovely as well.
Dreaming of Christmas: The perfect feel-good festive romance for this Christmas! by T.A. Williams is a wonderful love-story with beautiful locations and a dreaming happy end. Grant, Zoe's boyfriend decides of leaving her alone after many years spent together; the girl is devastated because she knew him from a life and all she would have thought but surely not to being abandoned for another girl close to Christmas. Shocked for this unexpected and unpleasant Christmas's gift, Zoe tries all his best for not
thinking the following months. She works as a reporter for a celebrity magazine. In the past she worked for a biggest and
prestigious reality but she was fired when the newsmagazine restructured the place. In general she writes about celebrities. When she was young she spent years with a group of friends and now one of them, William but everyone call him Bill, invites all the group to joining him in an exclusive Austrian hotel and resort. Billy made wagons of money thanks to new technologies and became a real celebrity.
The editor of the magazine asks to Zoe to try to interview him. Billy opens his heart to Zoe, telling her a lot of personal facts during the vacation...
Happy end, this one is beauty book speaking of new beginnings after some sadness.
The cover is magical.
This one if the first book I read about mr Williams and I found it beautiful.
I thank NetGalley for this eBook.
Such a sweet Christmas getaway second chance romance. Loved it!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
Last Christmas Zoe was in tears at Grant's announcement. Will this year be any different?
It's always such a pleasure to immerse myself in a T.A. Williams book and Dreaming of Christmas is no exception - apart from one thing. Reading it made me ravenously hungry! T.A. Williams has produced such an effective feast for the senses that the descriptions of food made me crave everything he described. The setting is just perfect for a gloriously indulgent Christmas read and although I've never had any inclination to ski, I felt really envious of Zoe when she took to the slopes in such beautiful scenery.
I was initially slightly concerned that the cast of characters would be too wide to to have that level of connection I usually feel with them in a T.A. Williams book, but the clever concept of a student reunion (albeit in very different circumstances) meant that I soon felt I knew them all really well and I loved the idea that none of them was being true to their real identity and feelings so that the resolution of the narrative was very satisfying. Zoe in particular felt like a friend I'd like to have and it wouldn't have been a T.A. Williams book without Archie!
The plot works so well that I actually felt quite tense on occasion as I read. I wasn't sure what choices Zoe might make in her personal and professional like or what the consequences might be so that I had to keep reading to find out. I'm not saying more as that would just spoil the read for others but there are a few surprises along the way!
Reading Dreaming of Christmas felt a bit like coming home for the festive season and being with people I cared about. It's a lovely book to curl up with on a winter's afternoon.
A tale of friendship, love and my favourite thing of all . . . Christmas
What's not to love.
A simple tale that is a pleasure to read.
You'll be left with a smile on your face.
If you are looking for a feel good story for the festive season, then this is definitely a good choice!
A great holiday read! The detailed description of the place, the atmosphere and all the lovely food made me feel like I was there with our heroine! The ending was very predictable, but we want a happy ending in a Christmas romance!
After a bad few months, Zoe receives an invite for a week away over Christmas with her old uni friends. Zoe and grant are exes, Zoe was cruelly left by Grant at Christmas time. A week of skiing and meeting up with old friends Zoe decides she is going to take Billy up on the all expenses paid trip.
Can Zoe put the love she lost behind her? Can the friends overcome challenges and find happiness along the way.
Brilliant read from start to finish. Absolutely loved it. I couldn’t put it down!