Lindsey Kelk is a British "chicklit" OG and this book was no different. Very warm and fuzzy, I truly enjoyed the Groundhug day spin. Gwen 's story however was not just a romcom but a really nicely told family drama too. While never getting too heavy or preachy, the writing still managed to be heartfelt and deep where it needed to be. Gwen's family was a hoot especially Manny and Myfanwy. Even the kids were not annoying "book kids" :).
Dev as a romantic interest was not bad, but this was truly the Gwen show. And I enjoyed it a lot.

A huge thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC.

Gwen isn’t having the best of luck lately and she just can’t wait to get home for the holidays to hear everyone's opinions. Her heart is crushed and her job is in shambles. She loves her family, for the most part, but the constant squabbling may be the last straw.

Dev is back in town, Gwen’s childhood love that got away, but Dev is already sworn to another. Grownup Dev is a doctor, a successful man on track to settle down for good. He is also Gwen’s bright spot in all the chaos, still funny and childlike in the best ways possible.

If one Christmas day wasn’t chaotic enough, how would multiple be? When Gwen wakes up and it’s Christmas morning yet again, she isn’t sure what to think. Perhaps it’s a sign, her life is a mess so maybe this is her chance to mend her broken heart and get back on track.

This book is majority family-drama-comedy based with a dash of romance thrown in. There are some fantastic comedic moments such as yeeting the Christmas pudding into the sun and how atrocious certain family members can be (looking at you Oliver). Also, Manny in general is amazing and adds so much to this novel. Overall a great read, not what I expected, so I was pleasantly surprised!

A cute holiday family story with some romance. Imagine the movie Groundhog Day, but the character keeps reliving Christmas over and over.

Gwen, along with her cousin Manny, head home for Christmas. She is just hoping to survive it without having to talk about her life. Her life is a bit of a hot mess - her boyfriend cheated with his receptionist and decided it's love and kicked Gwen out of their home; she's on a leave from her job after "attacking" a handsy, inappropriate client; and she and her sister always end up fighting.

When Christmas dinner takes a turn, Gwen finds herself continuing to wake up on Christmas morning and relive the day again and again. She thinks if she can grant the wish of every family member, she can end the loop.

This was a cute holiday read with a little romance but also a lot of growth, self-love and discovery.
Each time Gwen lives Christmas day, she learns more about herself and her family and seems to work out issues a little more each time.

Romance is more of a side plot to self-love, but that storyline with her neighbor/childhood friend Dev was adorable.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for my ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did! While Gwen was the star of the show and I enjoyed learning everything about her, her cousin Manny was my absolute favorite character. I loved seeing the two interact, giving me all the family feels. I laughed out loud so many times.

Despite how dysfunctional they were, I really felt like I was there spending my Christmas with them. I came to love them as if they were my own family and I loved seeing each of them grow as strong, complex characters. I loved the banter, the Christmas gift Gwen’s dad gifted her (iykyk), and the cozy family feel.

The only thing that really felt off to me was the romance or lack of it. I didn’t feel a spark between Gwen and Dev, and I felt more time was spent on saying Gwen had feelings for him rather than showing it and giving meaning to it. The romance could have been completely cut from the book and I would have enjoyed it all the same.

I really enjoyed seeing Gwen work her way through living the same day over and over again and her personal growth throughout the book. Even the growth of her sister was phenomenal. I also appreciate the LGBT+ rep, mentions of sexism, and how the author truly embraces the theme of self discovers and reconnecting with family.

❄️ Christmas themed
❄️ Dysfunctional family
❄️ Time loop
❄️ Childhood friends to strangers to lovers

*Thank you to @netgalley and @harpercollins for the digit arc in exchange for an honest review!

This book was so good, I finished it in one sitting. I was excited to snag an ARC from NetGalley. It was a festive read that dives into the MC's varying relationships with her family back in her hometown of Baslow on Christmas. I love the banter and one liners that had me laughing out loud on several occasions. It delved into the reality of how Christmas can really be and how one can hide what we truly want for the holidays, and more importantly, our family.

There is some romance when Gwen runs into her old neighbor and childhood crush Dev on multiple, hilarious occasions. The storyline was so good that the book wasn't weighing on a romance, but it was a pleasant surprise. I also loved how it showed that by being honest and willing to have hard conversations with each of her family members, Gwen was able to turn a holiday and the trajectory of the family dynamic into a more positive direction.

Was a good book to start the holiday season and will definitely be reading more from this author! 5/5 stars!

This was a really fun, heartwarming Christmas story. It did take me a bit to get into it, but it got more interesting as things went along. I enjoyed the pacing- it seemed like just the right number of days she was redoing and it didn’t feel like there was any lull like some stories have. I really enjoyed the romance part of the book. The chemistry between Gwen and Dev was very cute. This wasn’t any kind of groundbreaking story and it was pretty predictable, but in a good way- the way you like a holiday story to be.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me access to this eARC for my honest opinion!

🎄To be honest, I’m usually a bit skeptical about seasonal reads but I loved this little Christmas rom-com! Even though I wouldnt really categorize it as such.

🎄The only “negative” which isn’t even truly a negative, is that this was much less a romance and more of just a family drama + re-discovering of oneself with a little bit of love mixed in. I personally didn’t mind at all. I loved the crazy family dynamics much more than anything else!

🎄 The secondary characters were top notch. Each family member brought something unique to the story, and to the origin and development of the FMC.

Groundhog day, but make it Christmas! Gwen is living Christmas Day over and over again due to someone’s wish on a sixpence. Making it her goal to not only make it to Boxing Day, but also make her family’s wishes come true she continues to relive Christmas Day on a continuous loop. I adored this holiday romance. The family drama and complicated issues that arise make it a beautiful down to earth book. You have the ability to relate to the characters and emphasize. I do love when a book uses current references, but not an overwhelming amount to seem “cool.” I was constantly laughing, sighing, and squealing. Yes, I squealed. No over exaggeration. Though it was a holiday romance, romance was more of a subplot with the main focus on family and how every person has their own issues they are dealing with, even if it is not public knowledge. While certain aspects may not be realistic, a good majority was, and you could tell Gwen was trying to make the best out of a rocky situation. This was such a delightful read and perfect for the holiday season. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy!

Lindsey Kelk’s latest romantic comedy, The Christmas Wish, is as joy-filled as a snowy holiday spent with family and friends, dancing around the Christmas tree with hot toddies in hand. Delightful in every way, this Holiday-spirited tome is just what one needs to get oneself in the holiday spirit. Lots of twists and turns will keep the reader interested until the very end—and down-to-earth and lovable characters are an added bonus. Gwen and Manny are the fictional duo we all need in right now. With the stress of the holidays upon us, this book is just what is needed for a little holiday R and R.

I got this book as a NetGalley advanced copy. It started out a little slow for me, and then when I realized it was a Ground Hog Day, I thought "oh no!" (I just finished a thriller that used this trope.). But Lindsey Kelk is so damn funny and parts of this book had me laughing out loud. There are so many British references that I'm dying for some Quality Street. Her heroine falls down the stairs and splits her dress and slips in sheep shit but is more relatable and not as pathetic as Bridget Jones.

Gwen is heading home to have Christmas with her family after a recent breakup and an incident at her office that she hasn’t told her family about yet. The only problem is, thanks to someone’s wish on the sixpence, every time she wakes up, it’s Christmas Day all over again and she has to go through telling them everything again, as well as lots of other family drama until she figures out what will break the Groundhog Day type time loop. It does help her to see herself and her family in a new way though. The only bright spot is the cute neighbor that she had a crush on since she was a teenager is now back home for the holidays as well and is hot and hopefully single, but she can never get past their re introducing themselves because then the day starts all over again.
This is fun and funny and yet it deals with some real issues and complicated family drama very well. Gwen also really grew as a character and I adored the pop culture references!
This is a story about learning to see yourself and be seen by others as well as taking chances all while giving some great holiday feel good vibes. Slip on some fuzzy socks and grab a cup of cocoa and enjoy this one.
Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

Fresh from a breakup and problems at work, Gwen and her cousin head home for Christmas. Gwen doesn't want to disappoint her father by letting him know she is unhappy (and in trouble) at work. Her sister and her do not really have a relationship anymore, her sister's husband is a horror, her cousin is a party boy, her grandmother is outspoken and her mom just wants everyone to be happy.

The problem is Gwen only sees her family superficially until she ends up stuck reliving Christmas day. As she tries to figure out how to break the loop, she takes a deeper look at her family and realizes they each need her help and she reconnects with Dev - her childhood crush and next door neighbor.

Can she help them even if she is the only one that can remember the day before?

This book has a sweet meaning behind it, but I cam in expecting a romance book where it barely had romance. If you want to read a book about the meaning behind Christmas this is the book for you! I just wish the romance was the main focus of the story.

| about |

Newly single lawyer Gwen Baker is hoping that a family Christmas—countryside, a mountain of food and festive films—will salve the sting of her career hanging by a thread and her heart being trampled on. Because everyone else has their life sorted: even Dev, her boy-next-door crush, is now a tall, dark and handsome stranger with a fiancée. She can’t help wishing her future was clearer.
Then Gwen wakes up to discover it’s Christmas day all over again. Like Groundhog Day but with eggnog. And family arguments. On repeat.
As she figures out how to escape her own particular Christmas hell, Dev is the one bright spot. He might be all grown-up but underneath he’s just as kind and funny as she remembers.
Maybe, just maybe, her heart can be mended after all.
But how do you fall in love with someone who can’t remember you from one day to the next?

| thoughts |

I laughed in several parts of this story, some gasps and some tears! It was such a good book but the ending was meh. If there is a sequel I can see and would change my tune a bit about the end. If not it just isn’t the ending I feel like it deserved for what a good book it was. It was like running out of steam. Nonetheless definitely a good fast read. Second chance, childhood friends to lovers Christmas story.

I am not a big fan of stories that involve time loops, so I was a bit hesitant, but Emily Henry vouched for this book, and she didn't lie; The Christmas Wish was a fantastic holiday read.

The Christmas Wish features Gwen, who is headed home for Christmas while feeling lost and a bit of mess. Her boyfriend left her for his receptionist, the job - in which she Is miserable - has placed her on leave, and she's dreading spending the holidays with her family while pretending everything is alright.

After a disastrous Christmas night, she wakes up to find that it's Christmas Day again, and again, and again. She does what one does in these types of situations - suspends disbelief - and determines that the only way out of this time loops is to fix some sort of wrong.

Gwen decides to start with each member of her family and soon finds out that despite all appearances, they too have their own reasons to be unhappy. After spending one-on-one time with each of them, she starts to realize that maintaining relationships with family members requires give and take.

Along her quest to get past Christmas Day she keeps encountering her handsome neighbor, Dev. Gwen had a massive crush on Dev when they were childhood friends, but they drifted apart as adults. She always believed her crush was one-sided, a case of unrequited love, until she finds out it was definitely not. Suddenly, Gwen is more determined than ever to get back to the present.

The romance aspect was admittedly on the lighter side and the premise was both ridiculous and something that has been done countless times before, but it worked perfectly within this story, and I loved the growth all of the characters experienced throughout The Christmas Wish. Overall, this was perfect read to officially start the holiday season.

This book is hysterical!! What a fun way to relive Christmas to find out what wish needs to be made!! In this delightful twist on Groundhog Day, this book will have you laughing and waiting for the next hilarious event.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you NetGalley, Lindsey Kelly and HarperCollins Publisher for hearing my honest review. Looking forward to reading more with you
#partner

The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk is a Groundhog’s Day meets Christmas spectacular when the main character, Gwen, is living Christmas Day over & over after her life went from seemingly ideal to utter chaos. The main character’s rock bottom includes a cheating ex, sheep dung, a situation that’s forced her to take a leave of absence from her job & accidental fireworks ignition that sets off a house explosion. What starts as absolute horror may just turn into Gwen discovering what truly matters & life’s greatest blessing & the adventure along the way is an absolute delight of a holiday book.

This book is hilarious & made me laugh out loud. There’s situations, moments & just pure ridiculousness that capture someone going through a rocky time so perfectly that all you can do is just laugh & go along for such a trying-for-them, but enjoyable-for-you ride. It’s outrageous & entertaining with her dry humor & wit. I was hoping for a bit more on the romance sub plot, but I still enjoyed how it all came together. & I did really appreciate Gwen’s personal growth & the life lessons.
I am fascinated by the groundhogs day trope & having to relive the same day over & over. This story being on Christmas made it even more special for me. Even though Gwen& in turn, her family, are reliving the same day over & over, this book somehow doesn’t feel repetitive, which is an impressive & entertaining treat.
If anyone is looking to get into the holiday spirit, The Christmas Wish is the perfect book to start the festivities!

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Harper 360 for this arc, which J voluntarily read & reviewed! All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy, unfortunately this book was not for me and I did not finish it. I had a hard time getting into the story and it wasn’t what I was hoping it would be for a holiday read.

I've figured out if I'm reading a romcom that I want the spicy level to be minimal. More comedy and please for the love of girls' night, I don't want it to take itself seriously. Lindsey Kelk manages this perfectly!

I have to admit now, since it was a multi-reference thing in this book, that I have never actually watched Groundhog Day. But I did watch the 90s TV movie "Christmas Every Day" so I'm well aware of the concept. Yes, this was not a "new" storyline; it has been done many times before. With that being said, I laughed actually OUT LOUD so many times while reading this. It was my bathroom read-a-page-in-the-stall book for a while and I'm sure I have coworkers that look at me funny now. Some of the ways her day restarted absolutely KILLED me. hehe IYKYK

I absolutely loved how this wasn't just a "find love" romcom. This was a broken woman finding herself while reconnecting with her family and maybe finding a little love along the way. Unlike the Hallmark Christmas movies, it didn't feel "too" perfect. The Bakers felt like a real family with real problems and real neighbors. Also be prepared for 90s/00s references sprinkled everywhere! Gwen is about my age and made the same type of ones I make regularly and I loved all of them.

If you like any romcoms I highly suggest picking this one up!

I thank Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishers for an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. This book was a mix of "Groundhog's Day" and "National Lampoon Christmas Vacation". Gwen is dreading Christmas with her family after getting dumped and losing her job. She wants to make it through the holidays and move on. She didn't realize that she would be reliving Christmas over and over again. She also keeps running into her long-time friend Dev and sparks keep flying. Will setting things straight with her family help her wake up on Boxing Day instead?