If you’re looking for a holiday read that’s cozy, charming, and packed with festive fun, The Perfect Christmas Village by Bella Osborne might be just the ticket. The story follows Sam, a grinchy city guy who buys a house in Holly Cross—a village so obsessed with Christmas it could outshine the North Pole. Of course, Sam has no idea what he’s signed up for, thanks to Blythe, the spirited real estate agent who’s willing to stretch the truth to save the town’s chance at winning Britain’s Most Perfect Christmas Village. Add a Sexy Santa Dinner (yes, really!) and you’ve got a recipe for holiday chaos.

This book leans heavily on miscommunication, but that’s part of the Hallmark-ish charm. Blythe’s creative solution to Sam’s aversion to Christmas lights is as hilarious as it is heartwarming. Holly Cross itself feels like stepping into a snow globe, with its cozy cottages and festive traditions. The characters are delightful, if sometimes a bit frustrating, but their antics make for an entertaining ride.

I’m giving The Perfect Christmas Village 3.5 stars out of 5! It’s a fun, feel-good read with plenty of holiday spirit, even if the misunderstandings occasionally feel over the top. If you love festive small towns, laugh-out-loud moments, and a touch of romance, this one will leave you dreaming of spending a holiday season in Holly Cross.

I should have never requested an ARC of this after reading the description. I am not a fan of willful deceit of other characters, at least not in romcoms.

Even though I did not like this, I am still giving it 3 ⭐️ because the overall writing was good.

Special thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for an arc of this novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It wasn't your typical Christmas read and that may be why I liked it as I don't normally gravitate toward Christmas books. This one had a little bit of romance and a little bit of mystery, but a fun town that loved Christmas and a new resident that hated it. Reading about the trials of trying to make him understand that he had to decorate was fun. He needed to turn from a Christmas grouch into someone who embraced Christmas. All in all, a fun read

A cute cover and a really cute theme and idea but just didn't connect with me.

I really liked the idea of this town that goes all out for Christmas, but I struggled to connect with Blythe. I thought the work competition felt dated and silly (and uncomfortable). There were a few cute moments but I struggled to find the humor.

I wish I'd liked this one more.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

It’s the 21st of December and this is the first Christmassy book I’ve read this year - disappointed with myself. This was a cute little story full of community spirit, I did find that sometimes the dates didn’t tally with the chapters, but it didn’t spoil anything. Just a nice easy read.

If you love a heartwarming Christmas story, The Perfect Christmas Village is a book for you! 🎄

Bella infused her endearing characters, festive cheer and Christmas magic into my soul. She brings Holly Cross to life like I was standing right there in the middle of the village. As always, Bella weaves entertaining humour throughout the story. I love this about her books!

"She braked hard and her shoes made a wet fart sound. Not quite the statement she wanted to make."

If there's one thing Sam loathes, it's Christmas!
Holly Cross is the most Christmassy Village in the country and Blythe, local real estate agent is just one sale away from being real estate agent of the month. So when city boy Sam comes to Holly Cross looking for the perfect home in the perfect location, Blythe spins the truth to make that sale target and convince Sam to buy the house.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I was able to find the audio version through my local library. This was a very cute Christmas romcom. I have read a few books from this author and I have enjoyed all of them! If you are looking for a feel good Christmas novel you will like this one. All the characters are cute and I love the plot. Highly recommend.

EXCERPT: The office was empty and the street outside was quiet as most people had rushed home to enjoy another glorious summer's evening. But Blythe wasn't joining them. She was stubborn and wasn't going to give up just yet. She checked her phone for the umpteenth time: still no reply from the young couple. The only other vague possibility was Mr Ashton. The client she'd had on her books for almost five months and who had never actually visited any of the properties she had suggested. She was going to give him one last try.
Blythe went through the property portfolio and packaged up the best homes that ticked Mr Ashton's numerous 'must have' boxes and she pressed send on the email. She made herself a coffee, figuring this would give him enough elapsed time before she called him.
She dialled Sam Ashton's number and with each ring her optimism lost another life like a hero dying in a computer game.
'Don't go to voicemail,' she whispered, in the hope the God of property sales was looking kindly on her.
'Sam Ashton.'
Blythe threw up her free hand in delight before focusing hard.
'Hi, Mr Ashton. It's Blythe Littlewood from Happy Homes estate agents. I'm sorry it's late, but -'
He spoke over her. 'Sorry, I'm in the middle of some -'
'That's fine. I don't need your time now but I do need it tomorrow,' she butted in. Keen not to lose her opportunity, she spoke as fast as she could. 'I've just sent you a fabulous selection of our top properties, which all meet your exacting criteria. You're going to be spoiled for choice. So have a look tonight and we'll talk offers tomorrow. I'll come into the office specially.'

ABOUT ' THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE: When Christmas-hating Sam moves to Holly Cross, he thinks he's found the perfect home, until he discovers that, each year, Holly Cross transforms into the most Christmassy village in the whole country...

Blythe is just one sale away from being Real Estate Agent of the Month, so she twists the truth to sell a home to city boy Sam, who is looking for the perfect house in the perfect location. Little does he know he's just bought a cottage in the middle of the most Christmassy village in the country. And if there's one thing Sam loathes, it's Christmas.

Sam's arrival puts Holly Cross's chance to win the title of Britain's Most Perfect Christmas Village now in jeopardy, and the villagers are soon up in arms. Meanwhile, Sam is in his own personal hell surrounded by fairy lights and everyone is looking to Blythe to fix things.

But as the festive season looms, maybe there's more than just Christmas in Holly Cross for Sam to fall in love with...

MY THOUGHTS: I usually enjoy Bella Osborne's books, but The Perfect Christmas Village left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.

I really didn't like the main character, Blythe. While she might see herself as an honest estate agent with scruples and a conscience, that's not how she comes across at all. She railroads Sam into buying a house in Christmas-mad Hollycross - the decorations on the houses have to be coordinated - even though he has told her he detests Christmas without revealing to him that Hollycross is known far and wide as the Christmas Village and that participation is mandatory. She could see no further than winning some award that she has won for goodness knows how many years in a row, but the competition for which is currently being led by another agent. Grow up Blythe!

This story is full of the competitive spirit with none of the joy or spirit of Christmas in evidence. Blythe continually lies to and manipulates Sam without any real thought for his feelings. And it is not just Sam Blythe lies to and belittles - she does it to almost everyone and still comes out on top.

There are a couple of other threads running through the book - a mystery about the previous owner of the cottage Sam purchases and the paternity of Vicky's child. I can't say I enjoyed either of these.

My favorite character was Turpin the feral cat, although he didn't get it right either, attacking Sam rather than Blythe.

Sorry, but I didn't enjoy this at all.

⭐⭐

#ThePerfectChristmasVillage #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: I've been jotting down my stories for as far back as I can remember... well that's not exactly true. I remember writing a story when I was about nine and I was in Mrs Hurran's class. The story was about a thief who stole the crown jewels but then didn't know what to do with them. It went on for pages and pages, in my spiders dance handwriting, so my teacher typed it up and pinned it to the classroom wall. It was a proud day!

Somehow life took over, I got a sensible job and the writing remained a hobby which other people puzzled over and which I adored. Over the years there have been dalliances into poetry, short stories and five unfinished novels. But I decided that 2013 would be the year that was going to change. I joined the Romantic Novelists Association New Writer Scheme which gave me a deadline to chase - a full-length novel had to be completed and submitted for review by 31st August. I beat the deadline by a month!

In my spare time I love to read, cook with my daughter, plan holidays and rehabilitate rescue hedgehogs.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Aria & Aries for providing a digital ARC of The Perfect Christmas Village by Bella Osborne for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

I combined reading and listening to The Perfect Christmas Village by Bella Osborne. The audiobook was well narrated by Helen Phillips.

The Perfect Christmas Village was published October 20, 2023.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this book. Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen circumstances I was unable to download and review this book on time. That said, I have since purchased this book and have read it, there fore would still love to complete this review.

This was the perfect little book to give you all those Christmas feels. Blythe and Sam had just the right amount of chemistry to make the story believable and kept you wanting to read on and finish their story

Sweet book, a little slow to start but a good embodiment of Christmas spirit!
I have enjoyed several books by this author.

I had high hopes for this book having read multiple books by this author and also being a huge Xmas book fan. I am pleased to say that this did not disappoint.

It was funny, heart warming, festive and romantic. A joy to read. Really enjoyed it, thank you.

"The Perfect Christmas Village" by Bella Osborne is a heart-warming holiday tale that captures the magic of Christmas in a charming English village.

When Christmas-hating Sam unexpectedly finds himself living in the picturesque village of Holly Cross, he is less than thrilled. Little does he know, Holly Cross is famous for being the most Christmassy village in the country, and Sam's arrival threatens to disrupt the town's chances of winning the coveted title.

Osborne's storytelling is delightful, blending humour, romance, and holiday cheer in equal measure. As Sam navigates his newfound surroundings, he discovers that there is more to Holly Cross than he initially thought, and perhaps even Christmas has its charms.

The characters are endearing and relatable, each with their own quirks and desires. From Blythe, the determined real estate agent, to the villagers who rally together to save their beloved Christmas traditions, readers will find themselves drawn into the heart-warming community of Holly Cross.

"The Perfect Christmas Village" is a festive treat that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy inside. With its enchanting setting, lovable characters, and uplifting message, this novel is the perfect read to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you're a fan of feel-good romances or simply love the magic of Christmas, this book is sure to leave you smiling.

The whole premise of a village preparing for a huge Christmas display, involving much of the houses, lends itself to the story so well. Centred on the community, you feel the coming together of the village as they look out for each other and work together to make everything perfect. Everyone is invested except for Sam, who has recently moved into the village. You have to wait to find out why he is so opposed to Christmas.

Blythe has been desperate to prove herself as a successful business woman and you realise that her father is at the root of her insecurity. In her step-father and father, you are presented with two different approaches to fatherhood and the value of a loving, accepting family. There is plenty of humour in the story. Turpin, the almost feral cat, provides plenty of laughs as does the various house hunters and house sellers who Blythe has to try to accommodate. There are also some touching moments, especially when you realise why the Christmas competition is so important to the village. This is a delightful festive read, in all, full of feelgood moments, humour and romance.

In short: Countdown to Christmas

This book was actually really good however I think the only thing that let it down was how rushed it felt. I actually wish this book had been longer to develop all the stories going on properly or cut the friends story which really didn't make a big impact on the overall story and her plot really happened off screen (as they say).

Good book, bit rushed but full of potential.

I have read a few Bella Osbourne Books and love her writing style, Who doesn't want a perfect Christmas village for crimbo? Great story with love and community spirit. A recommended read.

A quick festive read. This made for a great palate cleanser but didn’t knock my socks off. It marked all of the boxes for a festive read but lacked the magic to bring it to the next level.

A fun Christmas read. Blythe, a hard-working estate agent, is looking for recognition at work. Trying to boost her sales figures, she is economical with the truth when selling a picture-postcard cottage to Sam. The cottage, complete with resident cat, is in a village keen to win the national title of 'Perfect Christmas Village' with Sam's cottage on the green central to the villager's plans. Sam, who hates Christmas, refused to join in... and Blythe is left to sort out the mess! 'The Perfect Christmas Village' is a lovely holiday escapist read.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy. I really enjoyed this and will be getting copies for my shop.

A perfect festive read full of cozy charm and well rounded characters. Grab a. Hot chocolate and a blanket and snuggle in for this winter treat.

The Perfect Christmas Village by Bella Osborne is an absolutely feel-good festive treat to curl up with this Christmas. This book will transport you to a world where love and holiday cheer are all around.

Meet Sam. He hates Christmas and has just moved to Holly Cross. He thinks he's found the perfect home, until he discovers that Holly Cross transforms into the most Christmassy village in the whole country. Every year.

Meet Blythe. She is one sale away from being Real Estate Agent of the Month. She twists the truth to sell a home to city boy who is looking for the perfect house in the perfect location.

Holly Cross's chance to win the title of Britain's Most Perfect Christmas Village is now in jeopardy, and the villagers are soon up in arms. As the festive season looms, maybe there's more than just Christmas in Holly Cross for Sam to fall in love with… will this Christmas cynic have his frozen heart melted by festive magic?

Osborne weaves a heartwarming tale of love, community, and holiday magic. The charming setting, quirky characters, and delightful storyline make it a perfect read for the holiday season. If you're looking for a book that captures the spirit of Christmas, this one is a delightful choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.