I was really looking forward to reading this book after reading An Impossible Thing Called Love by her.

This book sees Isobel and Tom meet quite accidentally at a bus stop, they hit it off immediately but fail to get each others details. When they meet again they both know it is fate but Isobel only has seven days before she leaves the country.

It’s Christmas and Tom and Isobel spend the week together, going shopping, ice skating and generally enjoying the Christmas season. What I love is how the author portrays the Christmas scenes, the sights of the lights and trees, decorations everywhere. The description of the food, it really works on every sense and I found myself clearly seeing the picture she was painting.

Will Tom and Isobel get what they want for Christmas?

My thanks to the Publishers via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. I gave this a 4 stars or 8/10.

This is a quick read at less than 200 pages. It's the perfect read for grabbing and sitting by a nice warm fire with a glass of something or a nice milky coffee or hot chocolate. It will get you in the mood for Christmas.

When a chance meeting between two people from two different continents, creates that instant attraction that causes sparks to fly initially, but fate has other plans for you. Then you bump into them again and you realise that you must take the opportunity to get to know them as perhaps your destiny is going to be intertwined with them.

Isobel and Tom are those two people and as they only have a week to develop that relationship, join them on this journey set at the most special time of year for most of us.

Why not grab a copy of this story for yourself and immerse yourself in their lives as they get to know one another.

I enjoyed this seasonal read. It's the first story that I've read by this Author and whilst it's set over a week in time, it was a well paced romance that in no way seemed rushed. Life can be like that, you can meet someone and feel an instant attraction to them.

The pace of the story is dictated by the structure of the countdown to Christmas and this really helps the story roll along. You get the feeling of London in December beautifully as Isobel and Tom visit different places and get to experience the festivities. You feel that Isobel and Tom's relationship develops gradually but in fact in real time, it is a whirlwind! As a novella, this is a short interlude but it is a satisfying romcom.

If you want a book which will get you in the festive mood, this one will fill the spot. It fairly sparkles with Christmas joy in the form of hot chocolate, ice skating and festive markets. I found both Isobel and Tom to be thoroughly likeable characters who you are willing all along to get together. For a light read which will leave you with that feelgood feeling, check this out!

In short: London in December sparkles with life. Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

As a Christmas lover, a London lover, and a romance lover, this book was like a Christmas gift to me. I loved it! Isobel is a travel writer, vacationing in London for a Christmas experience. She has a bad meet-cute involving a handsome guy and falling together into the streets of London. A chance encounter leads to Isobel meeting this man, Tom, again. They agree to spend the week remaining of Isobel's vacation enjoying the Christmas sights together. A lot of complications get thrown into the story. Isobel lives in Australia. Tom is an actor based in London. Isobel is a writer, while Tom has been burned by writers before. All in all, it was a very lovely story, set to the backdrop of Christmas in a beautiful city. I loved it!

4.25 festive ★★★★✩

This book is for you if… you need something small and cute to hit off the festive/wintery season. Short and enchanting, this book, although predictive for some, offers many moments to laugh out loud and snuggle deeper into the blankets.

⤐ Overall.
In all seriousnesses, this book was just what I needed to get into the mood to eat the first Lebkuchen of the season. I suddenly had this urge to hop on the next train to rural Europe to roam the alleys of hidden and rustic winter markets while sipping on a glass of Glühwein and munching on some yummy treats. I have nothing bad to say about this piece of happiness. For some, the plot of One Week 'Til Christmas might be predictable. I, too, guessed the course of the plot early on, however it didn't manage to make this a less enjoyable experience. I'm even bold enough to say it's exactly this predictability that makes for the cosiest reads.

Although this short standalone lives up to many stereotypes, it is refreshingly different in its details. I think what I most loved about this book is the male MC. In his softness and shy yet kind demeanour, he offers a welcomed change to the stereotypical male love interest. (Not that I don't love me some cocky boys, but you get the idea.) Tom is fun to be around and very respectful, but still has some mischief in him to make it a joy to watch the two of them have a wonderful time.

⤐ What’s happening.
‘Amateur. There is always room for dessert.’

If this isn't a statement that sucks you in, nothing is. Isobel and Tom did not expect to fall on top of each other in front of a bus, much less did they expect fate to bring them together a second time, presenting them with the meet cute of a lifetime and everything that goes with it.

Con:
⇢ disgusting boss doesn't give up
⇢ guilty feelings because families are missing them
⇢ time together limited
Pro:
⇢ finally opportunity to stand up to horrible boss
⇢ experience romance like never before
⇢ time together is overwhelmingly beautiful

_____________________
Writing quality + easy of reading = 4*

pace = 5*

plot/story in general = 4*

plot development = 4*

characters = 4*

enjoyability = 5*

insightfulness = 3*

This was such a cute story! I love Christmas and they basically had the best week ever! I do think the conflict and resolution at the end happened really fast, but it was still a great story!

Being a hardcore fan who gobbles up all her beautiful rom coms, I surely deserve a Christmas present from Belinda Missen. And . . . voila . . . here it is . . . a magical Christmas romance set in the wintry London. It's beautiful, funny, romantic and so, what can I say, Christmaseque!
Beginning with an accident, fate has thrust Isobel into the arms of a popular actor and they have seven days to check whether the chemistry between them is for the long run or not. As you can expect this is a bumpy ride, considering the fact that they are from two sides of the world -- Australia and England. How can it work? Surely we need a Santa with his magic powder.
While reading I was more invested in the way Missen constructs a Christmas side of London than the romance bit. Every page seems to provide a visual travelogue and for someone who has never been to London, this was a total treat. Ice-skating, mulled wine, Christmas market . . . well, festivities are in the air. This is a story that will wrap and encase you completely in a real but magical world and just like the sweet dreams in the mornings, you will never want it to end. Highly recommended!

I was looking for a happy smile inducing romance and honestly this was 100% it!! I’ve never read this author before but I’m 100% finding every book I can of hers and devouring them.

If you’ve ever had the dream of going to London and meeting the British man of your dreams then run run run to buy this book! Tom was a dreamboat and Isobel was just the perfect modern day heroine that I could totally relate to.

One week is a cute light-hearted read for the holidays. I like meet-cute type novels and this one was just that. It isn't the best holiday romance novel I have ever read, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

This is a very festive read and read it you must. Based in London this makes for a rather sweet romance. I know you will love this novella. I just wish it hadn't had to end, I wanted more. I recommend you read and enjoy this as much as I have done.

What happens when a gorgeous looking man bumps into travel journalist Isobel Bennett? 

Isobel wants more credibility in her job, but when her editor springs a last-minute assignment on her, she's not happy about interviewing an up and coming actor with little or no preparation. Her surprise? it's the man who collided with her the previous day. Neither can ignore the chemistry between them. Their attraction to each other getting more complicated even more so because she's on a deadline! 

Swept up by their romance, the protagonists are lovely. They compliment each others strength and weaknesses, especially Ben, his generosity and selfless attitude in what he believes in is palpable. 

I had a smile on my face for the duration of time it took me to read this novel. Isabel and Ben's story got under my skin as I became invested in their whirlwind romance. It's quick to read but the author manages to cram plenty between the pages. This is my first Belinda Missen novel and what impressed me the most about this lovely Christmassy novel is how smoothly the narrative flows. Effortlessly, I became absorbed in the plot, frantically turned the pages as fast as could read. With a magical London backdrop, this is one of my favourite holiday novels this year. 

What next? I'm definitely going to read more of Ms Missen's books. 

***arc received courtesy of HQ Digital via NetGalley***

💕 'One Week 'til Christmas' had me reminiscing about a Christmas spent back in London in 2002 (or was it 2003?) I had almost forgotten how wonderful it was to be outside skating (badly) and sipping eggnog. London at Christmas is such a magical place to be and Belinda Missen has captured all the feels in this sweet story.
I have to admit, being of a certain age, some of the references were a bit lost on me, (I Googled, a lot!) but on the whole, this didn't distract from the story too much. I also loved the international differences between the two main characters and the way they interacted with each other.
The themes within the book are especially warming. I absolutely loved the actor/theatre connection, which brings something very charming to the story.
This book has me looking forward to Christmas. All the lovely movies on tv, the trips to the theatre to watch Pantomime or Ballet, spending time with friends and family and enjoying the celebration of the season. This story has it all.

Thanks to NetGalley and HQDigital for a copy in return for an honest review.

This was exactly what I wanted in a holiday book! It was sweet and lovely and I loved the characters.

Isabelle arrived in London from Australia to visit her friend for a weeks holiday just before Christmas. Issy on her way to the bus stop was accidentally knocked into a puddle, by a handsome Tom who had been on his phone. Whilst he was on top of her in the puddle they noticed an instant chemistry. Will they ever meet again?

The characters all have their own stories which allow for interesting sub plots. Throughout the story you never know how things are going to end until each of their agendas collide. Allowing for twists and turns throughout their relationships.

However it was slow in parts but you were still drawn into the story line.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this digital ARC.
Isobel is a travel writer on vacation in London when a handsome man literally runs into her and knocks her over. They part ways without getting each other's names. She does a favor for her boss to interview a rising star Tom Bracken, only to discover he's the man from the day before who mowed her over! They quickly hit it off but she only has a week left until she flies home. They decide to make the most of it and enjoy her first Christmas in London.
Well if this wasn't the cutest romcom I've read in a while. The whole thing reads like a movie you watch on a rainy day in December with the fire going while enjoying a cup of hot tea (or cocoa). It was sweet and cute and funny with characters that you enjoy reading about. Isobel and Tom's meet cute was perfect and their chemistry is off the charts adorable. I loved these two together and separately. Their banter is so simple and yet, it works so well. They hit it off instantly and the reader is whisked off on this delightful adventure where the two of them get to know each other and grow closer. It's probably the most PG (maybe PG-13) romcom I've read in a while but it worked with the tone of this story. The Christmas-y places they go throughout London are so well described that it makes you want to go as well. The author definitely had a clear vision of what she wanted and knows her genre. It's a shorter read so it will leave you wanting more. It's low on the angsty front, which is perfect for those looking for something light. This book is delightful from beginning to end.

If, like me, you enjoy fanfiction as well as original fiction, you're going to recognise a lot of things about this story, because it's basically a Famous Actor/Mary-Sue OC (original character) Meet-Cute. Tom is a Famous Englishman who could be Tom Hiddleston (definitely my first pick for the role) or maybe Benedict Cumberbatch or Kit Harington or Richard Madden, and Isobel, the story's first person narrator, is very much a blank slate for the reader to project themselves onto. There's almost no physical description of her at all - I think 'tawny hair' is mentioned once and that's it. So honestly if you've ever wished someone to write a story featuring yourself and your favourite hot British actor, this is as close as you're going to get. It's fluffy, delightful, and stuffed more full of Christmas spirit than a brandy plum pudding.

And yet. Buried in amongst the wish fulfillment of being romanced by a star and the twee charm of a London Christmas, there's some powerful messages we could all take to heart. Yes, Isobel is living what for many of us would be a dream job as a travel writer, but she's honest about the less than glamorous aspects of her job. She has friends in every corner of the globe but dreams of greater purpose, of being able to pick her own assignments, and in the course of the story makes a decision to take a chance and chase her dream. Her romance with Tom is something of a fairy tale… but there are powerful messages there too, about compromises and family, about how sometimes you have to put yourself first or live forever with might-have-beens.

Does this read absolutely like a script for a British-set Hallmark Christmas movie? Absolutely. Did I love every fluffy, fan-fiction-y wish-fulfilling page? Darn right I did, and so will you. Five stars.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

My Rating:

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

I’m just like Halley’s Comet… Only I show up more often and I’m not as bright.

Most of my articles are written in pyjamas while I snack on a bag of jelly snakes and bemoan the fact I’m out of wine and too lazy to walk the block and a half necessary to procure another bottle,’ I added. ‘I’m surprised I don’t own seven cats and have bird’s-nest hair.

‘… my mother dressed my older sister and me in identical outfits. I remember once, my hair was braided so tightly I suspect it was also my first foray into cosmetic surgery.’ It was also the same year my sister ripped the head off my new Barbie doll, about three minutes after I’d unwrapped the box. She liked it more than the one she’d received. She wanted it. I didn’t give it up without a fight. Hence, Decapitation Barbie became a thing. We superglued her head back on, but she was a little stiff after that.

I felt my throat close and my words wobble around like a drunk on a trampoline.

Considering how bloody sardonic and deadpan you are most of the time, it becomes really noticeable when all he has to do is orbit somewhere in your direction and you light up like a Griswold Christmas.

My Review:

A handsome man had Isobel in a puddle on first sight, no not like that, an actual puddle with water. Tom had accidentally knocked her into the gutter but he was gloriously handsome, and she was so stunned she couldn’t even complain about being wet or within inches of being run over by a bus. Wow, talk about making a brain searing first impression. This was a slow burn and sweet four-star romance with top-shelf five-star humor as well as an off the beaten path London travel log. I am itching to dust off my passport for the butter grog alone, I Googled it. The pleasantly entertaining storylines were light, easy to follow, and featured a sweet romance peppered with clever levity, interesting characters, witty banter, career angst, and a taste of family drama. I adore Belinda Missen and covet her quick wit and comedic wordplay.

One Week ’Til Christmas is the perfect feel-good holiday read. I’m not a huge fan of instalove, but this was so cute, it made me all mushy inside. Tom and Isobel have a realistic first encounter and when they run into each other again, they quickly take to each other and go out to enjoy the Christmas festivities. The best part of this novel was easily the two main characters.

Isobel is a travelling journalist who strives to be independent and start her own blog. I really resonated with Isobel’s hesitation to make the leap with her career, as well as her struggle with how to balance work and life with family commitments. Isobel being from Melbourne was also the perfect way to get into all of the typical holiday festivities. 

Tom is a famous actor, but his fame wasn’t portrayed obnoxiously with paparazzi and the Hollywood lifestyle. He was down-to-earth, charming, and very easy going. My favourite thing about Tom and Isobel was their cheesy banter. I also really liked how they weren’t always doing something festive and extravagant. Shopping for gifts and wrapping at home with takeout was so relatable and very cozy. Both characters were lovely and actually very likeable.

If you're a fan of fun characters and Christmas in London, this is the book for you. It's sweet, charming, and definitely encompasses the holiday spirit.

I’m going to sound like an old grump now, but I got a bit bored of this book around the halfway mark. I like rom-coms usually, but I felt that this book peaked very early. I loved the two main characters and thought I would love the book....but it just fell short for me.
I am grateful for the advanced copy.

Two people. One chance meeting. Seven days to Christmas.


Fa la la la la fabulously festive, 179 pages of holiday bliss! This delightful story completely transported me to London the week before Christmas. Ice-skating, mulled wine, Santa Claus, Christmas caroling, and romance. Isabell and Tom have their meet cute when he literally falls into her lap. They have instant chemistry, but don’t exchange names. The next day Isabell finds herself in Tom’s office to interview him. This must be fate, the problem though is Isabell will be returning to Australia in less than a week. Not to mention Tom is a rising actor with a hate for journalists, and Isabell is? You guessed it... a journalist. So will Isabell and Tom be able to look past these obstacles and find their holiday HEA?

This book was just so sweet and so much fun to read. Both Isabell and Tom as well as all the secondary characters were just so darn likable, I love spending time with them. London was the perfect backdrop to this Christmas romance, I just loved the setting. I just finished another Christmas book set in London a few days ago and now I truly feel as though I’ve been there for Christmas (much cheaper than a plane ticket). This really is the perfect book to get you in that Christmas spirit, short and sweet with a lovely ending.

This book in emojis: ❄️ 🎄 📸 🎭 ⛸ 🎅🏻

*** Big thanks to HQ Digital for my copy of this book ***