This was an enjoyable story about a couple who break up on their car journey home for Christmas.
They've been together 14 years and the story follows them trying to deal with life separately after only knowing it with each other.
A nice quick read with some amusing characters.

Having read and not particularly enjoyed a previous novel by Joanna Bolouri I was very pleasantly surprised by this one. The book was an enjoyable read and although titled driving home for christmas it didnt have an overly festive feel.
The novel is split between the two characters as they reach a peak moment in their relationship and begin to question the future. I was invested in both of the main characters and was rooting for their happy ending. The story flowed at a good pace and the short chapters between characters kept me going and wanting to find out a little bit more each time.

When I saw a new offering by Joanna Bolouri I was so excited. I have read all of her books and absolutely loved them. Driving home for Christmas was bumped to the top of my reading list and read over two days.

Firstly, I found this book quite different from the authors previous work. Less F bombs (which I’ve always found found added great emphasis to dialogue, but I know the author has received stick for in other reviews *rolls eyes*), less sex and less side splitting humour. However, this book is packed with love. Whether it was Kate and Ed’s obvious love for each other, or Kates love for her family.

I found myself dabbing away tears during parts of the book. Not that they were particularly sad, just lovely heartwarming moments.

I liked both Kate and Ed and sympathised with both predicaments in the story. This is the result of skilled writing.

Highly recommended 5⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 📚

I really enjoyed this book, I was hooked from the start the characters were well written and likeable, you could really relate with the struggles, curl up and enjoy this book

This was a really easy, heartwarming book about love, life and the importance of family.

Kate and Ed have been together since high school but an argument in a car journey to see their families over Christmas puts a road block on their relationship. They both want different things and it has taken its toll on them.

Both Ed and Kate were such loveable characters and even though they go through a rocky patch the book is well written and the two points of view are fulfilling and keep the story flowing. I liked the family elements of the book and although it was somewhat predictable it was enjoyable and I finished it in two sittings.

If you want something festive and light hearted I would recommend it!

A funny and heartwarming Christmas book. Had me chuckling from the first page! This book jumps around timelines a fair bit, which normally I don’t like, but it was very easy to follow in this book. A lovely story of a couple losing their way in the relationship, putting on a brave face for the parents at Christmas and then remembering all the good things about each other.

I really enjoyed this book!

It was a quick and easy read and I finished it in one sitting. Christmas novels are my favourite and this one didn't disappoint - it ticks all the boxes for the perfect festive read.

All the characters were likeable and had their own different quirks and originalities which really brought them to life for me. The storyline hooked me from the first page - it moves at the perfect pace and I loved the structure (the different days of Christmas/New year and the different stops on their 'Christmas tour' of their families ). I enjoyed the in-depth exploration of Kate & Ed's relationship set against the backdrop of Christmas which is already a hard time for family tensions/arguments.

The only slight criticism would be the consistent use of flashbacks which I generally don't like in a book. However, this is more a personal opinion than a criticism of the writer, and Bolouri did manage to make this work within the context.

Three Christmases. two broken hearts. Journey from hell. The drive home marks the beginning of the vacation for Kate and Ed, who have taken this trip every Christmas during their 10-year relationship. Usually, the season's hits blare from your car stereo and no doubt bring ludicrous expectations, but this year a chilly silence fills the car... A large-scale argument leads to the immediate failure of their relationship. But the show has to go on, so they decide to face their families one last time. Three Christmases to celebrate, old flames waiting under the mistletoe, and so much hope for their future together, nothing could be the best time of the year. , surely it will be an unforgettable Christmas for them.

Really enjoyable read, highly recommended

I love a good christmas book and this year I started extra early! This book is the perfect book to cosy up with on a cold winter night. The main characters are Kate & Ed and I couldnt help wanting to keep on reading on to know more of their heart warming story. I would highly receommend this book to all.

What a heartwarming yet emotional read!

I enjoyed the dual timeline, giving us a glimpse into the people that Kate and Ed were and who they grew up to be. They were both very likeable characters, and their families were equally good people. This makes for an endearing tale where I felt invested in these characters and their storylines.

There were sad moments but there were also humorous snippets which made me giggle.

I very much enjoyed this book.

Festive, funny, emotional and romantic,
I really enjoyed this book however I do feel like it ended pretty abruptly,

I’ve read and enjoyed a few books from this author and look forward to more

Absolutely loved this book for a bit of escapism. Some hilarious one liners and wit in this fantastic read. I would highly recommend this book.

A great easy Christmas read perfect for a bit of escapism - Kate and Ed were great main characters and it was fun following their journey.

Another delightful book by Joanna. This has been a refreshing and enjoyable read, which I found emotional in some parts.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. I was looking forward to reading this, having enjoyed Bolouri's other books and loving a festive read. This did not disappoint, the story and characters were engaging and I enjoyed the novel a lot.

Kate and Ed make the journey home together every year. When they have a massive argument in the car on the way, which leads to their breakup, they decide they need to put on a brave face for their families one last time.

With three separate family Christmases to attend will they be able to keep up the pretence?

I loved every word of this heartwarming love story.

Driving Home for Christmas is Joanna Bolouri’s latest Christmassy read. The story follows main characters Kate and Ed. The pair are childhood sweethearts whose relationship has started to drift and it all comes to a head right as they set off to their home town for Christmas. What ensues is an uncomfortable Christmas with lots of memories and secrecy.

Throughout the story both characters narrate giving you a glimpse into how each of them feel about themselves and the other. It’s clear that there’s still a whole lot of love there if it’s just being masked by a smidge of discontent.

While the story has more serious undertones with its relationship in trouble trope, the characters have some excellent one liners and a real sarcastic wit at times and I think this just makes Joanna’s characters really relatable. We’re treated to a great cast of supporting characters especially Tom and Gubba - Kate’s brother and Grandmother.

If you’re looking for similar reads check out Hello Stranger by Rachel Marks or Joanna’s other Christmassy read All I Want for Christmas.

If I didn't know Joanna Bolouri's books, I'd request this one basically because of its beautiful, beautiful cover - it's gorgeous! But as I know Bolouri's books, "Driving Home for Christmas" could have the worst cover in the world and I'd request and read it regardless, as I love her books. Though lately I think that the author has toned down a bit, don't you think? I don't mean it's bad or wrong, but I think I miss that foul tongue of hers and the naughtiness and sexiness. But whatever.

I really enjoyed getting to know Kate and Ed, though I was sometimes annoyed with Ed, he was not so compromise - prone and I had a feeling he only wants without giving anything back. Nevertheless, they were both likeable and relatable and I liked them very much, even though I also wanted to bang their heads together as well, because they didn't see what I have seen and it was so obviooooius they can't live without each other. Ugh. Really.

The writing style is light and easy to follow and even if the plot and the story is not very complicated and is a bit predictable, it doesn't spoil the reading experience - it's simply a lovely, funny love story. The second half was, in comparison to the first one, much quicker and the chapters were much shorter, though I had a feeling that up then the story started to feel a but superficial and I missed some depth to it. Nevertheless, it was comfortable, warm and uplifting read with Christmas spirit. 3,5 stars rounded to 4.

I'm loving all the Christmas books out this year and this one is no exception. The story of Christmas, heartbreak and a bit of romance. This is a quick, easy and enjoyable read. It has a warmth to it even though the story is about a couple having a few problems.

This is also a book that took you on the journey through Christmas with this couple, their ups and downs and also to the conclusion which I will not give away.

An entertaining read, a book to read when you want to escape a little and it is a quick read which I always like especially between longer, more intense reads.

A good book, a good read and entertaining. Love the Christmas theme as well.

DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
BY
JOANNA BOLOURI.

Ed and Kate have been together since they were teenagers. Ed is a music teacher and Kate is a divorce lawyer. They live together in London and every Christmas they make the journey home to see their families. It’s a festive whirlwind of family gatherings before they head back home to London.
Th year is different. This year, after a blazing row en-route, Ed and Kate decide to take a break from their relationship. They just have to get through Christmas first without arousing any suspicion in their nearest and dearest.
As Ed and Kate take some time apart, they both take a good long look at themselves and at each other. Are they really ready to walk away or can they save their relationship?

This book is quite simply a beautiful love story.
Ed and Kate are both likeable and relatable characters. Along with their family and friends, they make a charming and colourful cast for this warm hearted story.

As always Joanna Bolouri writes with great sensitivity and care.
This story doesn’t contain the brutally honest humour that is found in most of JB’s books, but its funnies come in a more subtle and touching way.

This is so much more than a Christmas story. It’s about family and friendships. Love, romance and realising what you have before it’s too late.

This book will take your heart and squish it with all it’s loveliness.
A real festive delight.

With thanks to Netgalley and Quercus for a digital arc of this title.