This was a brilliant read and is being featured on my blog for my quick star reviews feature, which I have created on my blog so I can catch up with all the books I have read and therefore review.
See www.chellsandbooks.wordpress.com.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. This book is set in Norway. The characters are absolutely enjoyable. Fröy's character was great. I enjoyed how this book includes Norwegian folklore. This is a cosy quick paced romance. This ebook is in stores for A$11.99 (AUD).

Oh my goodness, this book was like a nice warm hug! I adored the storyline, the writing and of course, the characters - especially Frøy!!

I definitely plan to read more by this author! Huge thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for my gifted ecopy!

I was gifted a copy of this book from @netgalley, One More Chapter, and Harper Collins UK in exchange for an honest review. This book is currently available. ⭐⭐⭐  Cute, cozy Christmas vibes from this one. Loved the setting and characters.

3.5 stars.
I didn't realise going into this that it was part of a series, so I was a bit worried about potentially missing out on some details, especially as the first book follows characters who featured in this one. However, I do feel for the most part that this book could be read separately, and I don't feel that it affected my reading experience. I love stories set in small towns, so the constant interactions with everyone in the community was nice to read, and seeing how Holly was embraced by everyone. I thought the dynamic between her and Tor grew very nicely, and how they bonded over their respective difficult situations that led them to the island. What they both went through was unlike the typical sad stories used in novels, but still relatable to many. My main grievance would have to be that the pacing at the end felt rushed, and I would've liked to see Holly at home more before the big ending. Still very enjoyable though!

A romance set in a beautiful location, packed with descriptions of food and drink, which certainly made a remote island in Norway seem very appealing.
The story focuses on Doctor Holly Greene, heading out to the island to spend Christmas with her brother. She is escaping something, but we don’t get told what. Having been rescued from a cliff-edge by the most adorable cat, Holly finds herself somewhat intrigued by its owner, Tor, an architect hiding his own pain and known by locals as the hermit.
From the outset we know they’ll get involved. There’s lots of scenes with Tor explaining local customs, and Holly agonising over having to wait to hear what has been decided about her job. For a romance it felt rather chaste, and I couldn’t help but feel everything was kept on a very superficial level.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my thoughts.

I didn’t realize before reading that this was the second book in a series. But this book completely stands on its own and while reading Summer Island probably helps you understand Jack better, you can get by without read it.

I rarely read holiday/Christmas books because they can get repetitive and quite cheesy. But Christmas Island was so cozy and unique that it was a really enjoyable read. I loved all the special touches that introduce Norwegian traditions and culture. I felt that some of the dialogue was a little wordy or unnecessary but some of it also helped explain some of the culture.
I really enjoyed how so many details were laid out and it really made me feel like I was in the center of this quaint Christmas Island. Despite so many details about the food and the scenery, I was slightly disappointed when some details about the plot were skipped over. The relationship between Tor and Holly jumped past key moments a little too quickly without the reader getting to experience them. And the ending wrapped up way too fast for me. I was left with a lot of questions about what would happen next. I would have appreciated an epilogue or something to answer some of those questions.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and it was something different for me. It was fun and cute and really got me in the holiday spirit.

Loved the setting and the glimpse into Norway especially around the time of the holidays, but while it reads great as a bit of a fictional travelogue for the place, the romance aspect fell totally flat for me and I just could not see it happening. Tor had some pull, but Holly was just so unlikeable, I couldn't get behind her let alone root for her to end up with Tor. But Frøy is absolutely adorable and I read the book for him! He needs his own book or series!

Christmas Island

by Natalie Normann

I am not moving to Norway. Ever. It’s too dark and too cold for me. I had a lot of reading fun coming to that conclusion, however, as I read Christmas Island, a romance that begins on a wet, cold, dark, rainy island in Norway. The snow and the need for many layers of heavy clothing would come later. The author, Natalie Normann, is highly qualified to be our atmospheric guide as she grew up in a shipping town on the west coast of Norway. When she writes about the many Christmas foods and traditions peculiar to Norway, she speaks from experience. Originally a Norwegian writer of historical romance, she has lived in Cardiff, Wales, since 2017, and Christmas Island is her second book written in English.

Holly Greene has an enforced four week leave of absence from her hospital job as a doctor resulting from a problem with a co-worker on the job. She is invited to Christmas on the island by her brother Jack as a way to help her survive this period. She meets Tor, mysterious and reclusive, who has rented a house on the island. The reasons both are there are revealed to the reader quite gradually. Holly lives in London and Tor in Oslo making a long-term relationship out of their holiday fling problematic to say the least. They are likable characters in need of healing. Will they find what they need in Norway? Within the island community? With each other?

Normann really helped me experience Norway. I felt like I was tasting the foods along with Holly. I understood her difficulties with the language. Once I raised my head from the pages almost expecting to see a wet snow drifting down. The backdrop she paints is important to the story and pervades the reader’s imagination.

I would like to extend my thanks to NetGalley and to HarperCollins UK (One More Chapter) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Romance

Notes: 1. #2 in the Very Hygge Holiday Series, but could clearly be read as a standalone.
2. There are too many American and British swear words and vulgarisms for my taste. When I embark on a Christmas read, I look forward to sweet and clean. Although there is a fling, there are no graphic details. Language is the only obstacle for me with this Christmas read.
3. Recipes for three sweet Christmas treats are included.


Publication: November 30, 2020—HarperCollins UK (One More Chapter)

Memorable Lines:

“Fresh air is the Norwegian cure for everything. If you’re unwell, get some fresh air; if you can’t sleep, get some fresh air; if you’re feeling sad, get some fresh air. I think it comes from living too close to the sea and the mountains,” Tor said.

At the hospital gossip and rumours were part of the daily routine, and mostly it was friendly and amusing…until it wasn’t. But she didn’t want to dwell on that today.

Holly opened her mouth to answer, then got completely flustered and knew she was blushing like a whole crop of tomatoes.

This was cozy and I loved the Norway island vibes. I loved the Norwegian traditions and foods that I got to learn about. And I wish I had a cat like Frøy, he was the best character in this book. And thats where the pros stop.

The cons now. I didn't feel the chemistry at all. The romance here was a fizz instead of a spark. Fade to black give me, closed door no thank you. Personal preference I know. So if you dont love steamy scenes then this book is for you. I kept reading this book because I guess I was just waiting for that dreamy Christmas drop I love in Christmas movies to happen and it didn't happen. I didn't like the ending and I thought the characters backstories for being on the island were very unrealistic.

I guess I am still waiting on the perfect Christmas book.

Thanks to @netgalley for the earc for my honest review.

Content warning: Miscarriage

Hmm, I don't want to say I didn't enjoy this book at all, because I did. Parts of it anyway. I found the first half of this book to be rather slow in places and the character development just wasn't IT.

However, the scenes that were set at the Christmas market gave me all the Christmassy feels and throughout these scenes I felt myself starting to like the characters that little bit more. Sadly, I did feel as though the romance aspect of the book was lacking a bit, maybe I was just expecting too much?

I did like reading about the Norwegian culture of Christmas time including the celebrations, the clothing and not to forget, the food they ate too! Overall I would say this is an average Christmas book that has it's fluffy moments.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperCollinsUK and Natalie Normann for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

This was the first book I have ever read by this author. I enjoyed reading it. I felt immersed in the story. Will be looking out to other books by this author in the future. Definitely recommend.

I absolutely adore Natalie Normann's writing. She has a unique style, including her turn of phrase and it really brings her characters and the story to life. The characters are richly drawn and their arcs are beautifully told. A must read.

A lovely cosy Christmas romance, Norwegian style.
This is a fabulous book for Christmas lovers, And impossible to read and not feel festive after.
Mouthwatering recipes are an added bonus!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was incredible, I read it some time ago and still remember it so clearly now.
It had the perfect snowy Christmas isolated setting, wonderful side character, a beautiful found family feeling, and an incredible grumpy sunshine plot.

Loved this cosy romance and will be looking out for more from this writer.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Finishing this book left me with the intense urge to run out and make all the Norwegian recipes, luckily it ends with a handful to try! I loved learning more about the culture of the people on this little island. Good character development, amazeballs setting, sweet slow burn romance. ZERO camp or cheese. Excellent weaving of Christmas elements into a well told love story.

I love discovering Christmas the Norwegian way! All the traditions and the delicious sounding food! I am not sure how I’d go with almost constant darkness but I loved how the people of the island embraced it and I loved their big hearts and the strong sense of community. I absolutely would love to be there and among these people not just during the festive season but anytime!

A fun romance that had me laughing as Holly got herself in the messiest of situations! Holly and Tor are just the cutest couple and although I am not a fan of beards, I could not help but fall in love with Tor! I mean who doesn’t love a man that loves his cat!

I am looking forward to going back and reading Summer Island now!

A cute, very hygge winter romance that feels as cozy as a knit sweater and warm blanket. For Hallmark movie lovers.

This is a super fun read. I really enjoyed this one!

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.