Recently divorced Holly is facing Christmas by herself. But not before putting on the best nativity her school has ever seen. When she meets Edward, the Dad of one of her new students, they become fast friends. But will Christmas bring them closer. Or will Edwards secret drive a wedge between them?

This was a delightful festive story.

I really enjoyed this lovely story. Nice and Christmassy with some really engaging characters whose stories I really got into

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily.
This is the first book I have read by this author. The descriptions of the village setting are very good, it sounds a lovely place to live! I liked the characters (apart from Cressida) and loved the build-up to the school Christmas play. The relationships between friends and families are predictable but this only emphasises the feel good factor of this pleasant tale. I would have preferred less use of words such as c**p, s**t and G*d as they appeared in this book but I realise that this is common in many modern books and is acceptable to most readers.
This is a very enjoyable read, particularly at Christmas -time.

Although The Little Christmas House is billed as a romance, I found the romance to be secondary, a small part of the story. What I loved about this story is the family bonding, dealing with changes in their lives and friendship. When Edward and his eight year old daughter Eliza, need a new start they move to the village of Hopely. They buy Christmas House, a rambling home that borders the woods and has not been updated or taken care of for years. They move in and have so much to do, but they are together and make the most of it. Holly Hanwell is Eliza's teacher. I loved Holly. The way she cared about her students, observed them and did everything she could to tap into their interests and strengths. She knew there was something in Eliza's past, but not what had happened to make her so quiet and withdrawn. When Holly meets up with Edward and he shares their past, she is adamant to help Eliza come out of her shell. Holly is dealing with her own issues and trying to start over as well. Can these two help each other have a new beginning this Christmas.

I loved all the characters in this story, except Eliza's mom, but that is all I am going to say about her. Auntie Pat or Mrs. D, Eliza's carer and housekeeper is a bit like Mary Poppins. I loved how she took care of both Eliza and Edward. Edward's mother had her moments when I wanted to slap her, but she redeems herself. With all Eliza has gone through in her short life, she is a pretty well adjusted child and she made me smile many times. The story is told from the POV of Eliza, Edward and Holly in alternating chapters. I enjoyed hearing the story from their perspectives. Overall, this was a delightful, uplifting Christmas story. A story of three souls starting life afresh looking for happiness and maybe even love at Christmas. It is a perfect book to read by the fire sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine.

Hit me right in the middle of single parenting, but made me feel understood and acknowledge. I've been right there, in the same spot that the main character was. Not fun, not easy, but not impossible. I have so much to write about but will try to wrap it up in a few words: Please, no matter your gender, just be you, just live, just accept and love who you are.

A new start, a new house and new adventures. This is a lovely book and a real curl up to read novel, I really enjoyed this and I am sure you will too.. I recommend reading this to find out what happens, twists and turns along the way. 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this e ARC

The Little Christmas House
By Tracy Rees
Bookouture, 22 October 2021

I’m usually not much for romance books, but I was pleasantly surprised by this cozy love story. Told from three different viewpoints, this book is a charming, hopeful, feel-good story, and is a perfect Christmas read.

Welcome to the quaint village of Hopley, where there is an old house at the edge of town called the Christmas House. The house is actually a character in this story, which is one of the things I loved about this book. In Hopley, Holly is still recovering from an unexpected, major life change; Edward and his young daughter Eliza are adjusting to their new life in Hopley and love their new home known locally as the Christmas House. And, not surprisingly, it’s almost Christmas.

Though Holly and Edward are facing different life challenges, they begin for form a friendship via Eliza and hot chocolate. Will their problems stand in the way of potential romance? Or can they both overcome their pasts and find hope for a future together?

I loved this little book and am looking forward to reading the other books set in Hopley village. Join Holly and Edward with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled cider. You’ll be glad you did.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a festive, sweet romance!
I’ve heard wonderful things about Tracy’s writing. It was great getting the opportunity to read this one thanks to #TeamBookouture.
Both recovering from heartbreak and hesitant to move on, Holly & Edward’s journey after meeting, proves to possibly be a fresh start for both. I love this book that left me warm and fuzzy with a Hallmark movie vibe. This is one that’s a sure way to get you ready for the season!

Thank you, Tracy Rees, Bookouture & NetGalley for my early copy to read & honestly review!

This is the perfect cozy Christmas book to get you in the mood for the holidays! I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It is very much like a Hallmark Movie kind of story. The story is told in the 3rd person from the perspective of all 3 main characters, including an 8-year-old girl's. While I loved the plotline and the story moved along well, I would have liked a little more substance to the backstory of the characters. I was also slightly disappointed in the ending - I was left wanting more, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I felt like it needed just a bit more to feel complete. Overall though, I'd recommend this as a quick, light read that's perfect for the holiday season.

This is the first time that I have read a book by Tracy Rees and I loved it. If you want a Christmas themed, heartwarming romance then this is the book for you.

It's nice to see the focus of the story being s single dad who manages to cope with the complexities of family life and the potential romance for him throughout. I hope that there will be a follow up book, if so I will be sure to buy it!

What a delicious book, just gorgeous with warm lovely characters and a great feel good story. I was completely caught up and didn't want it to end! Thank you.

“Two broken hearts. A beautiful old house. And a Christmas to remember…”



Okay! So here I am in heatwave September, reading my first Christmas book of the year, ready for its October Blog Tour, and loving it!

I am really not that much of a seasonal reader anyway, so even when I am not on a Blog Tour mission, you will often find me checking out books from my Kindle list which seem completely at odds with the time of year.

Yes, as well as that gloriously festive cover art, there are other obvious references alluding to the season. However they blend well into the overall storyline, not overpowering it to any great degree, making this a lovely feelgood read for any time of year. After all, there are Christmas shops open on the high street all year round, so why not Christmas books?

Author Tracy Rees, has a delightfully effortless way of storytelling, which is immersive and relaxing, textured and rich in atmosphere, compelling and obviously written from the heart. The charming location exudes a calming aura of peace and serenity, conducive to the healing, soothing balm, which Holly and Edward, both recent newcomers, are seeking as a new beginning to rebuild their fractured lives. That and copious amounts of hot chocolate, which seem to be another prerequisite for mending a broken heart these days.

Whilst the community collectively takes Holly, Edward and Edward’s young daughter Eliza, to their hearts, there is one special person who appears in each of their lives to add that extra special layer of welcoming kindness and understanding. Phyllis and Pamela, matriarchs of the delightful Hopley, know just what to say and do, but more importantly, when to say and do it. They are a steadying influence, a shoulder to cry on, a fountain of all wisdom in matters of the heart and are the first to extend the hand of friendship to their respective new visitors.

For Eliza, her father and his unquestioning love is all she really needs, until Holly, who is her new primary school teacher, bounds into her life and within a very short time, her heart. Eliza is a girl who has had to grow up more quickly than most other children of her age, so she confidently knows her own mind, although she always considers other people’s feelings before consciously making her decision, especially if that person is Edward, as she cherishes and values his happiness above all else. Eliza and Edward both take to Holly in an instant and the feeling is mutual, so it is little surprise at just how effective Eliza can be at manipulating and orchestrating a situation and she certainly has guile and maturity beyond her years when she puts her mind to the task.

Tracy does throw a couple of curved balls into the mix of this multi-layered storyline, including one or two people who seem hellbent on damaging the obvious attraction which is blossoming between Holly and Edward. However, a firm but fair Edward, manages to deflect opposition with consummate ease and always so very tactfully, without ruffling too many feathers. He really is a too good to be true, dream catch, if only Holly and he were to feel the same way about each other, with or without Eliza’s help.

The fusion between plenty of assured, observational and descriptive narrative, having been skilfully and seamlessly woven together with some excellent conversational dialogue, makes for a contemporary, easy to escape into storyline, which has great depth and range and offers a genuine sense of time and place.

The cast of lovingly drawn, engaging and well developed characters are reliable, authentic, easy to connect with and relate to, sharing some great dynamics, energy and synergy between them. It was so easy to imagine that I was listening to them telling their own story, as they have been given such a strong and animated voice, by an author who is clearly confident in the imagery her words can conjure up.

I read for a whole range of reasons, but among them are enjoyment, entertainment, escapism and emotion. This story soundly ticked all those boxes and more besides. It is the first book by author Tracy Rees I have read, however having now checked out her extensive portfolio of excellent titles and storylines, I definitely aim to be adding many more of them to my ‘wish list’ very soon!

First, I want to thank Tracy Rees, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I may give you this review.

The Little Christmas House by Tracy Rees is such an adorable book that had me grinning ear to ear! It was the perfect read to get into the Christmas spirit early.

The book fairies did an amazing job designing this cute book cover.

The one storyline that pulled on my heart strings was the love and the bond that Edward and his daughter Eliza shared. He had the cutest little nickname for her that you couldn’t help but giggle at when you heard it.

I commended Edward for being the best single parent he could be for Eliza. However, he was putting way too much pressure on everything to be perfect for her.

Eliza, hands down, was my favorite character. She was the sweetest little girl, had a great personality, huge heart of gold, etc.

A perfect winter read!

'Tis the season in Hopley village, the snow is falling, decorations are up, everyone is in a festive mood. Everyone that is except Holly Hanwell whose boyfriend has left her to have a baby with someone else.

Edward has recently purchased Christmas House for he and his eight-year-old daughter, Eliza. The home needs some TLC, but it is the perfect place for them to start over and call home.

Holly, as it turns out is Eliza's teacher at school and is planning the school Christmas play. When Holly runs into Eliza's single father, Edward in the village, they agree to enjoy some Hot Chocolate together. They discuss how Eliza is adjusting to school all the while a spark has been ignited between them.

For me it is all about the journey in Romance books. This book had a very heartwarming journey involving characters who will warm your heat and have you rooting for them. The story gripped me from the beginning, and I felt myself fully engaged in the story. Holly and Edward are both likeable people who have been dealt a rough hand but ultimately are able to move forward with their lives. Eliza was endearing and so sweet and quickly stole the show.

This is a cozy heartfelt romance that will appeal to most readers in this genre. There are no gratuitous scenes or harsh language. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well. The village is full of people who want to look out and help others. This really adds to the festive feel of the book.

I enjoyed how this book is told through the POV's of Holly, Edward and Eliza not only gave readers a glimpse into their feelings and emotions, but it also helped to move the book along at a nice pace. I enjoyed Rees’s writing and the journey the characters in this book took individually and together. This book was a delightful read.

This is my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

Heartwarming, Hopeful and Hard to put down!


Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. This is the first book I have read by Tracy. I loved the idea of a house called Christmas and the cover is so enchanting.

I loved that there were 3 POVs in this book. Holly, Edward and little Eliza. Seeing their differing feelings and views on the same situation was enlightening and quite funny at times.

Holly has had a rather crap year. I could tell from the prologue that Alex wasn’t the man for her. I was shocked and saddened when I heard the reason they had broken up but I did think Holly was better off without him. Holly is such an inspirational character. She shows us that when life falls apart you can put it back together. It might not be what it was before or even what you expected but you will make it work.

Edward is the perfect dad. He dotes on little Eliza and always puts her first. He’s also quite the dish. I can see why Holly fell for him. It must be so hard being a single parent but he manages to keep it all under control, with a little help of course.

Little Eliza. Oh, what a sweet little girl. She is so grown up and yet so childlike at times. I really loved reading her chapters and seeing things through her eyes. She has such a magical way of looking at the world.

Tracy has created this magical place with Christmas House. I absolutely loved the house and its grounds. I could see it being such a lovely home.

If you need a feel-good Christmas book then this one's for you!

This is such a adorable magical read, perfect for reading whilst cozying up on the sofa with a mulled wine! All of the characters are fantastic, I loved how we followed the story through different points of views.

The setting is perfect and I wish Holly had been my teacher at primary school! This is a book which gives not only romance, but the coming together a new family and the importance of loved ones.

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced readers copy via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. Also for including me in the #blogtour.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "The Little Christmas House" in exchange for my honest review.

Holly Hanwell - a primary school teacher, recently divorced after 10 years together with Alex - is the main character. Edward Sutton and his daughter Eliza are the other two main characters. Holly and Edward don't actually meet until chapter 17 which was the only part of the book that could have been better had they met sooner. Edward and Eliza were abandoned by his wife who chose her acting career over her family.

One of the positives of the book are the foxes which will bring a smile to every readers face.

4.5 Stars

An uplifting contemporary romance that is as feel-good and comforting as a mug of hot cocoa on a cold autumn day, readers are going to fall in love with Tracy Rees’ latest, The Little Christmas House.

Holly Hanwell is not exactly full of the joys of Christmas this winter. It is normally the most wonderful time of year, but with her boyfriend leaving her to have a baby with somebody else, Holly is understandably not in the mood to celebrate this Yuletide. While she usually has a busy social calendar and spends the last month of the year going from one activity to the other, this year, Holly is just going to shut the world away and have a quiet Christmas at home by herself. However, little does Holly realise that fate will have other ideas in store for her this December…

Edward has just bought Christmas House on the edge of the village of Hopley and he thinks that he has bitten off far more than he can actually chew. The renovations are immense and this project seems to get more and more unmanageable as the days go by. Edward wonders whether moving to Hopley and taking on Christmas House might have been a horrible idea, but things start looking up when he crosses paths with Holly. The two of them hit it off like a house on fire and it becomes perfectly clear that their tentative friendship could give way to something far deeper – if only they could find the courage to take a leap of faith and a chance on love.

Having had her heart broken once already, Holly is adamant that she will not fall in love with Edward – even if she simply cannot stop herself from thinking about him. As the two of them grow closer and closer, Holly wonders whether she should throw all caution to the wind and tell Edward how she really feels about him – when a shocking secret from his past threatens to derail any hope the two of them had of a future together.

Will Holly and Edward work through their problems? Will this be the first of many Christmases they spend together? Or are the two of them simply not meant to be?

Readers will have a massive grin on their face while reading Tracy Rees’ The Little Christmas House. Witty, emotional and so adorable, The Little Christmas House is a wonderfully feel-good romantic tale about starting over, second chances and the magic of the holiday season that I was completely and utterly enchanted by. Tracy Rees creates characters readers cannot help but care about and in Edward and Holly she has created a wonderful couple whose love story tugs at the heartstrings and makes readers laugh out loud.

Fun, festive and fabulous, The Little Christmas House is another winner by Tracy Rees.

An enjoyable read. A bit predictable with a single dad and the school teacher but the storyline was really enjoyable, the chapters swap from each of the 3 main characters perspective so we get to know how they are all feeling. A nice read on the lead up to Christmas.

This is the first Tracy Rees book that I have read and it didn't disappoint. One of those book that you can't put down. Full of festive warmth needed for chilly autumn afternoons.