Of course, Molly is seated on a long flight next to Andrew, her friend's boyfriend -- the same boyfriend that her friend just told her she's cheated on and was planning to break up with after the holidays. Fast forward a decade and we see the friendship that has unfolded between Molly and Andrew, both still living in Chicago and flying home together to Ireland for Christmas. Year 10 brings its own challenges as a snow storm grounds them and they go on a wild adventure trying to get home for Christmas still, then surviving Christmas with their families.
Through flashbacks of important moments from each year of their traditional flights home giving context to some of their current travel antics, their full story is shared through honest moments, laugh out loud moments, sweet moments, and family characters that make you want to put on a comfy sweater and decorate for Christmas.

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I received and read an ARC of this title on #Netgalley and have already recommended it to others.

This is a sweet little romcom. The characters are funny and the report feels genuinely affectionate, from their friendship affection to relationship affection. It is very clear how much Andrew's family and his relationship is what drives the story as there's not much aside from a general familial affection shown with Molly's family. Her parents aren't even given names but the conversations they have are also genuine, loving, and beautifully written. I had a hard time putting this one down.

Molly and Andrew live in Chicago and are trying to get back to Ireland for Christmas. They meet every year for 10 years and get on the same flight. Eve is stressing as all the flights from Chicago are cancelled due to snow. They eventually get to Ireland but through a long process. Book jumps back and forward from the first year up to the present

loved all this book is and was. Really enjoyed this story and will read more of Catherine Walsh books. This was a good boo. Go and read it.

For anyone who loves a good Hallmark/Lifetime/Netflix Christmas movie this book is for you. The world that Catherine Walsh creates around around Molly and Andrew is captivating and instantly puts a smile on your face as you see the journey they go on to get home for Christmas.

I fully recommend that you put on a great Christmas playlist (Coming Home by Scott Helman, Baby It Ain’t Christmas Without You by Kris Allen, and Someday At Christmas by The Jackson 5 may have been on repeat), grab some Hot Chocolate and Sugar Cookies and just fall in love with this book. Add it to your yearly Christmas traditions right there with watching watching Christmas classics because it’s that enjoyable and fits right in with everything jolly and fun.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGallery for proving advanced copy for my honest review.

I have never been one who gravitates towards romance books but every now and then I feel like reading something lighthearted and comforting, which was my hope when going into Holiday Romance. This book felt like being wrapped up in a warm hug...on the coldest day of the year! The storyline was nothing short of delightful, and I was rooting for Molly and Andrew practically from the first chapter. If I can liken this book to anything, it was reminiscent of a really good Christmas movie, where the central romance makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, the setting is snowy and magical, the adventure is unexpected but such fun, and all the characters are so lovably Irish that I was smiling practically the whole way through.

If you're looking for a Christmas-themed friends-to-lovers centred around trying to get home for the holidays, this book is absolutely for you. Thank you so much to NetGalley for giving me an advanced copy of Holiday Romance - I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the lookout for more of Catherine Walsh's work.

I was hesitant to start this book being that it's still summer, but it was absolutely what I needed to read. Light, comforting, funny, and all around a joy to read. I loved being on Molly and Andrew's 10 year journey and seeing their romance build on the foundation of a true friendship. I definitely recommend making a cup of cocoa and sitting down to read this. I guarantee it will make you smile.

While it did feel a little weird to be reading a Christmas themed novel in the middle of the summer, I absolutely adored this adorable holiday themed romance! I am very much a sucker for the ‘’friends to lovers’’ trope, so I wasn’t exactly surprised when I ate this one up.

I loved the little flashbacks where we would see Molly and Andrew grow closer over the years, going from acquaintances to best friends (and even more ;). Also.. can we just talk about how mature and healthy these two are??!! There was minimal drama and the problems that they faced, they solved by just talking it out, instead of bottling it up.

If you’re looking for a cute Christmas themed read this winter, don’t hesitate to pick this one up!

Let’s backtrack to Christmas Eve nine years ago where shock horror, Molly Kinsella find herself accompanied on her flight home from Chicago to Dublin by her friend Hayley’s soon to be dumped boyfriend Andrew Fitzpatrick. In fact, the bye-bye text comes just before departure from O’Hare. Way to dampen the Christmas spirit Hayley. Not that Molly is big into Christmas anyway though she’s not quite The Grinch. She and her sister do have one Christmas tradition though it might not fit with yours and mine!!! Andrew and his family embrace the festivities with enthusiasm, matching pyjamas, sweaters and all.

It’s December 21, present day, also Chicago and Molly is thinking of quitting her law job as she’s miserable. Blow me down if Andrew isn’t on the same flight, maybe he’ll cheer her up? However, the weather isn’t great the flight gets delayed and delayed and ultimately it’s cancelled. Andrew is gutted, he loves his Christmases in Cork but fret not as plans are afoot to get them both home. Yes, it’s a bit circuitous, okay, it’s a lot circuitous and involves several modes of transport but what an adventure for them both! Oh, I should perhaps mention thanks to a guy at O’Hare with a sprig of mistletoe they exchange their first kiss……. The story is told in the present day and via a countdown narrative of the intervening flights over the last nine years.

Do you know what, I’d probably fall for Andrew too, he’s a lovely guy with that dimple and all. Molly can weep for Ireland but she’s terrific and a girl after my own heart in the food department! The chemistry between them is tangible, the dialogue is smart and makes me smile. I don’t laugh out loud much but there’s oodles and oodles of charm with plenty of really good characters. The settings are fantastic for example Paris to London (mulled wine in Portobello Road, yes please) and Christmas in Ireland which I can confirm has yet to be beaten in this English household.

It’s lovely and sweet but not saccharine with the array of characters keeping feet firmly on ground it couldn’t be too sugar rushy! You feel the Christmas spirit so it’s a perfect seasonal read even down to frost and a bit of snow. It’s a heartwarming story, very well written and satisfyingly enjoyable. It’s more ROM than COM for me with a little added steam but I have no hesitation in recommending this. I’ll definitely want to read more by Catherine Walsh.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

She’s meant to be catching flights, not catching feelings…

Molly and Andrew are trying to get home to Ireland for Christmas when a freak snowstorm grounds their flight. Once a year over the last ten years, they sit together on a plane and catch up as if they had seen each other only hours before. Two very different people with two very different takes on Christmas but Molly is determined to get Andrew home this year to see his family no matter what she has to do to make it happen. And maybe the universe has a bigger plan for them…

Catherine has done it again! I adored The Rebound last year and was so excited to see she is releasing a new book- a Christmas feel-good story which is just perfection.

It has all the right elements for a fun, easy read- friends to lovers, a little bit of spice, a whole lot of tension and some really romantic gestures courtesy of the male MC.

The jumps from past flights and airport shenanigans to the present day worked so well in this book to show the friendship between Andrew and Molly (and I think we are all shouting at Molly for not realising sooner that Andrew was clearly in love with her for a loooonnnng time!).

Loved the two main characters Molly and Andrew. The banter between the two of them is just so perfectly written and Catherine delivers on the Irish wit, sense of humour and sarcasm in this story just like in her last book. I liked how Andrew’s decision to stop drinking was handled in the story, particularly as we Irish are characterised across the world as these mad drinkers (I don’t drink which amazes a lot of people when they find out I’m Irish).

Not only did I love the protagonists, but so many of the other characters were perfect additions to the story. Hannah, Andrew’s sassy little sister; Zoe- Molly’s sister, ready to give birth to her child without a partner and so feisty to boot! So many strong female characters in this story that you wish you could befriend! The Irish mammies are well represented in this book too- shout out to Andrew’s mam who is literally the quintessential Irish mammy trying to do everything on her own at Christmas and keep the peace in the family.

And when you’re reading the book, just think about the scene in Home Alone when the Macallister family run frantically through the airport to catch their flight (with the iconic song jingling. That’s what I visualised when reading Andrew and Molly’s frantic rush to catch their flights! There always has to be tears and drama at the airport at Christmas which Catherine captures perfectly!

This book has literally got me so excited for Christmas and I can’t wait to reread it coming up to the festive season. 5 stars all the way!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc. Holiday Romance will be out on 4th of October- get yourself a copy!

Love and romance...family and friends...home and away from home...likable characters...loved...twins...parents...friends...so many things/people to deal with...careers...quit or stay...coincidence? Must happen???? Traveling at Christmas? Grinch? This is a fun romance...fun to read...fun to determine what will happen next. The protagonist is a quirky character who seems real...this is fiction, but I know it could be nonfiction...it could happen...it probably has happened...it might happen...this author has written a cannot put down romance that is a light, quick read. Cozy up and enjoy the holidays with these characters...This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher for the electronic copy.

Just like the title this is a perfect “Holiday Romance”. Molly and Andrew have spent ten flights together over the span of ten years to get home for Christmas in Ireland each year becoming friends over the years. On the tenth flight everything there is a storm and Molly does everything possible to get Andrew home for Christmas. This is a wonderful friends to lovers book! Such a sweet, funny, fun and fast paced read. The characters even the side characters are likeable and well developed. This is my first Catherine Walsh book and I’m so excited to go back and read other books. Definitely add the Holiday Romance to your Tbr it’s a wonderful Christmas read or anytime feel good read!
Than you Netgalley and Bookouture for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

In the midst of this vicious, everlasting heat wave Catherine Walsh opened a tiny little door to the great lands of escapism and I’ve never been more grateful. Holiday Romance is her third book and by now she’s established her reputation of an auto-buy romance author for me.

I love the way she describes the characters and the surroundings without going overboard and gives you room for your imagination. Her characters, main or side characters alike, compliment each other so well, as if they are puzzle pieces finally finding their match. I wouldn’t mind reading about certain side characters…I’m looking at you Christian and Zoe ;)

And I know I repeat myself, but nobody does dry, hilarious, peed-in-my-pants-a-little humour like Catherine Walsh. She captures the Irish essence, bottles it up and uses it as her ink and I’m here for it.

Holiday Romance is a book that makes you feel warm and cosy, but that will also invite you to reflect on your own holiday traditions and the value of family and friends.

If you haven’t read the previous books by Catherine Walsh, then treat yourself to some early christmas present and go get them now. You will not regret it, pinky promise.

Ok I loved this book!!! I’ve read Catherine Walsh’s previous books and loved them, so I was very excited to read this - it did not disappoint. Such a cute, fun and fast paced read, it made me smile so much! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Would i recommend this book: Absolutely
Will I reread this book: Definitely, especially during Christmas season

I absolutely adored this book and was so happy I got to read it as an ARC.

This book is a perfect story about how two people became friends and then realise they have been in love with it each other for a while. It is a quiet friends to lovers story with not much fanfare which makes it an absolute delight to read.

One big reason why it is a story with minimum drama is because Molly and Andrew are very good at talking honestly with each other. When there's an uncertainty somewhere it never takes long before they communicate and there where several scenes where I was a little tense because in other Romance books they would have dragged the uncertainty out or let the characters linger with their issues but not in this book. In a way this book is the opposite of a misscommunication trope for me and I was very here for it.

I am usually not a big fan of flash backs, especially when they come in bits and pieces but in this book I didn't mind at all. I think this is mostly due to the fact that the author never left you hanging on a cliffhanger before changing timelines in either timeline, which was very good for not stirring my anxiety and another reason I would classify this book as a calm read (which I adore).

I also like that it didn't just fall into every cliche there is. I really enjoyed that Andrew and Molly stay in Chicago for examples because it just makes sense even though my romantic little heart was a bit sad they don't get to see their families more often.

Other things I liked:
- their really funny banter
- both of their family dynamics especially when Molly realized her family really enjoys having her there
- the being single because I want to rep with Zoe
- that there was the cancelled flight at the beginning of the book but they still make it back to Ireland and don't strand somewhere
- that the flashbacks give you a timeline because my forgetful brain can never remember stuff
- that it wasn't a college romance where she steals her friends boyfriend as I thought in the prologue because my brain is very forgetful even though I clearly read the blurb when I requested this ARC
- the sweet story with him taking her picture
- Ireland

Thank you so much for letting me read this ARC, I will definitely buy this as a paperback as well and dive into other works from Catherine Walsh.

This was a cute book! With a unique concept. I don’t think the chemistry was top tier but I love the friends to lovers trope. Overall, enjoyable if you’re in the mood for a Christmas-y romance without a lot of steam.

I am a huge fan of Catherine Walsh! She writes love stories that keep you hooked and engaged the whole time. As well as leading men who will make you swoon, Andrew is no exception! The way his and Molly’s friendship history is told throughout the book has you rooting for them from the start. My only complaint would be that the ending felt rushed but that may be because I wanted even more of the story of Molly and Andrew! Overall this is a great romance book and is PERFECT for the upcoming holiday season!!

I've never read this author before but i'm so glad I come across her. I love her writing style and her humour.

I literally didn't put this book down once. I read until 4:30am. I guess i seen a bit of me and my husband in it. His family don't do Christmas and mine do.

I would definitely recommend this book, and this author. I'm heading over to amazon right now to see what else I can read by her

well what can i say but we all need an andrew in our lives!!
i loved the charm of this story which once i started i couldn’t stop reading,
a proper classic love story that makes you smile lots!
a christmas book that is not only for christmas!

Great book. I've recommended to friends already.

Not often a book makes you laugh out loud, and impossible to put down. I read it in two sittings, the first in which my husband told me to shut up and go to sleep as I hadn't realised it was well after 1am!

Likeable characters from the get go and you really get invested in Mollys feelings straight away. Would give 10 stars if I could.

When I started this book there were 27 ratings for it…and 24 of them were 5 ⭐️!

Why? Because it’s ADORBS!

Yes, it’s the kind of Rom-Com, that has me thinking of words like ADORBS, when I rarely even use the word adorable to describe anything other than kittens!

For the last ten years, Molly and Andrew have been traveling home for the holidays, from Chicago to Dublin, where each was born.

The first time was by accident-Andrew was dating Molly’s college roommate Hayley, at the time-so they ended up sitting next to each other for the seven hour and 15 minute flight.

Turns out-Molly and Andrew’s friendship would far outlast his relationship or her friendship with Hayley, so the two friends decided to make it a tradition to book the same flight back to Ireland, and use the time to catch up on each other’s lives and loves.

We follow the growth of their friendship by getting a glimpse into each flight they share over the years, moving between PAST and PRESENT but spending the majority of the time in the current holiday season.

Molly THINKS she isn’t the sentimental type, and that she doesn’t care much about Christmas, but in reality she often bursts into tears when moved-or when she is stressed and can’t drown her sorrows in cheese fries.

Andrew LOVES the holidays and even buys an “ugly” Christmas sweater each year, The man smells like that “sandalwood/pine/take you into the woods and kiss you” soap AND he has a dimple.

Swoon!

BUT this Christmas there is a snowstorm to end all snowstorms, and the monitors in the airport on Christmas Eve show all flights scheduled to cross the Atlantic are : CANCELLED!!!

Andrew is CRUSHED!

So Molly does what ANY friend with NO romantic feelings for their traveling companion would do -she comes up with a Planes, Trains and Automobiles plan to get him home!! (ok, this time it’s Planes, Trains, and Ferries but you get the point)

That will give them plenty of time to figure out just what they DO or DON’T mean to one another!

This “friends to lovers” ROM COM truly DID have it all!

Likable leads, sexual tension, and EXTREMELY playful and witty banter. There is one “open door” scene for some spice which may put them on Santa’s naughty list. Or is that the “NICE list”?

PICK this one up and put it in the Christmas stockings of all of your romance loving friends.
PICK this one up if you are sitting in an airport experiencing a flight delay at any time of year.
PICK this one up if you love holiday romance.
PICK this one up in spite of it being a holiday romance, if you don’t!

In other words, if you love reading a ROM-COM, even only occasionally-PICK this one up!

AVAILABLE October 4th, 2022.

Thank You to Bookouture for the gifted copy. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!