The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field - Lilac Mills

A small village setting with really enjoyable characters. Harriet is really feeling the pinch this Christmas after her husband walks out - lack of spending money being a topic which I feel is quite relevant to a lot of people recently and this book gave me all the feels after suggesting only buying pre-loved items. I thought this was a really nice touch. Overall this was a heart warming read and what's not to love about a Lilac Mills book (especially a Christmas Lilac Mills book!)

Thanks so much Netgalley and Canelo for the e-arc in return for my honest thoughts and opinions.

The story of Owen and Harriet. He challenges her not to buy anything new in the run up to Christmas, saving money and saving the planet. A book that gives you lots to think about.

I like books by this author and this one comes with different emotions and is a good read. 4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Christmas Book of the year and I’m so excited to read it and it just so happens today is a cold and rainy day so it seemed very apt.

It’s Harriet’s second Christmas on her own with just her children and she’s absolutely dreading it, even more so because she gets no support from her ex she’s really struggling with money and has to do her food shopping on a shoestring plus with the rising costs of her children’s activities she’s really at a loss.

Owen is a Blogger documenting his van life and his sustainability journey he’s supposed to be staying in Foxmore for one night , he soon meets Harriet and challengers her to only buy Second hand for three months after hearing about her money troubles.

I absolutely adored the message throughout the book about buying sustainably if you can and only buying things you need and if you do buy anything make sure it’s secondhand, this really helps if you’re on a budget just liked Harriet, it’s really inspired me to buy secondhand even more than what I do now.

Sparks soon begin to fly between Harriet and Owen the longer her stayed in Foxmore and the more Harriet stick to the challenge, it’s such a feel good book and it’s just want I needed to read.

All my Cosy Autumn/Christmas readers will love this.

A beautiful feel good story that brings a lovely mix of heartache, happiness, drama, love and the will they won't they suspense.

Highly recommend!

I’ll read anything with the word Christmas in the title, but this one left me feeling flat.

The story follows Harriett a single mum who is challenged to buy only second-hand items through the festive period. To be honest, the idea that this single mother, with little income, wasn’t already buying second-hand was very odd to me, and not at all believable. Almost everyone I know is already buying second-hand or thrifted items, no one can afford to be financially wasteful in today’s economy, married or not.

I really couldn’t get into this story. The environmentalist, Owen, who challenged Harriett, then proceeds to report on her, without her knowledge, to his online followers. So many blurred lines in this book.

It just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

Thank you so much for this advanced copy! I enjoyed being transported to a cozy town with a love story. The story itself was totally relatable as I’ve always enjoyed hunting for second hand items! Harriet seemed to grow in her relationship not only with her kids but with herself. Her confidence shows at the end when she is willing to stick up for her daughter. I loved the Owen got the missing family and he was the perfect piece to them. Overall a cute story!

I delved straight into this, shortly after finishing the first book in the Foxmore Village series, so happy to be back in this charming Welsh village. I do believe it can easily though be read as a standalone as the heart of this story are brand new characters, although we do see a small bit of Rowena from the previous book, it's more just because she lives in the same village.

I loved getting to know Harriet and Owen in this latest story, and their first meeting leads to Owen (who is new in town), challenging Harriet that she won't be able to even last a week without buying something new. Harriet raises the stakes and says she can make it until Christmas without buying anything brand new - preloved is fine.

The fact she has two children including Sara who is 11 and just gone into secondary school, and rather likes asking for new things, especially when there is a birthday party coming up for Darlene, in a rather impressive venue - makes things all the more interesting for Harriet.

This will certainly make you think about whether you should always buy things new, and in terms of Christmas presents, well I loved seeing how the challenge unfolded.

Oh and Owen is a freelancer environmental writer, lives in a van, and may or may not have decided to write a series of blog posts about this challenge for his followers, without mentioning it to Harriet first!

Once again this has a strong message to do with how everyone can do their bit to make the world a better place, and its clear these are themes that are dear to the author's heart.

I couldn't get enough of this book, I loved all the characters, I am loving the village and especially some of the more memorable personalities in the village.

Although there is a Christmas Fayre, this isn't what I'd call a particularly festive read and can easily be read at any time of the year, and should be as the message is valid all year around.

I really hope this isn't the last we will see of Foxmore as I want more!

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This was just so cute. I loved the story. The romance was sweet and the setting was just perfect. Owen was such a cinnamon roll. Harriet was an awesome mama. I cannot wait to read more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in the Foxmore series of books. It can be read as a standalone novel.
This is a nice book, with a strong eco conscious theme. As someone who buys a lot of second hand products I did appreciate this theme.
The book is not as festive as I expected it to be, but it is still a good book to read on a cold day.
Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC.

Second book in this series but can be read as a stand-alone. More unusual rom-com book as it deals with environmental issues. I am all for buying second hand so loved that part. Not really a Christmas book as it only appears at the end of the story. Might not be enough for someone looking to immerse themselves in Christmas. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

Step into the enchanting world of "The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field" by Lilac Mills, a heartwarming tale that captures the true essence of the festive season. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque village of Foxmore, this novel brings forth a delightful blend of holiday cheer and heartwarming romance that will warm your soul like a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter's night.

Harriet Parry, a single mother facing her second Christmas alone, embodies the resilience and determination that many can relate to. Struggling to make ends meet after her husband's departure, Harriet's journey takes a surprising turn when she encounters Owen Loxton, an eco-conscious blogger with a passion for saving the planet. As they navigate the challenges of Harriet's newfound commitment to buying second-hand and reducing waste, a touching tale of self-discovery and growth unfolds.

Mills masterfully weaves together themes of family, community, and sustainability, creating a story that resonates deeply with readers. The characters, from the endearing children to the quirky villagers, come to life with charm and authenticity. While the central romance simmers gently in the background, the true magic lies in the friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the joy of a simpler, more meaningful Christmas celebration.

This is the second entry in the Foxmore Village series and continues with the prominent environmental theme found in the first book. Single mom Harriet is finding it difficult to manage financially and takes up a challenge issued by newcomer Owen to only buy second-hand items until Christmas. Harriet is unaware that Owen is writing a blog about the challenge in an effort to encourage others to do the same. It doesn’t take long for attraction to flare between Harriet and Owen, and for trouble at home to make Harriet wonder if she can finish the challenge.

This book is actually book number two from the ‘Foxmore Village’series but can very easily be read as a stand alone too.

The Christmas Fayre On Holly Field is a wonderful festive romance that is heartwarming, cosy and emotional.

I found myself speeding through this book as it was such an easy story to read and i just couldn’t stop turning the pages so that i could find out what was happening next.

Overall this was a wonderful story cantering around buying second hand, reusing and recycling and was definitely a story that made my heart smile……

This is a light-hearted but emotional and perfect seasonal read. With interesting characters and a good storyline. Although it also has some good laugh out loud moments too.

I love reading books with a Christmas theme. When I see a title of a book with the word Christmas it in, I will grab it to read.
The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field was on my list to read. I so wanted to jump in and be surrounded with Christmas and a storyline to match.
Harriet was divorced with two children and very little help from her ex.
Wanting to make the holiday what she sees in her mind is going to be hard. Then steps in Owen a blogger who suggests she not buy new things for her children but secondhand items.
The book was interesting but left me wanting more.
Thank you NetGalley, Lilac Mills and Canelo for the copy of The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field. This is my personal review.

The only redeeming thing about this book is that it has plenty of Christmas details but that is also its biggest downfall. Every trope ever used appears in this novel, much to its detriment

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Harriet is a single mom and soon it’ll be the second Christmas for her in that role.

Owen, is a blogger and without meaning to hears her conversation with a friend about how she’s find it hard to buy what her children need on what she earns.

He gives her a challenge, to only buy secondhand or used items until Christmas, which Harriet accepts. But she doesn’t know what Owen does, also the fact that he will be writing blogs about what she buys under a different name.

What will Harriet’s reaction be when she learns the truth?

I recommend this book.

This is an unusual rom-com as it talks about contemporary issues and how we can save and help the environment by buying second had.
There's romance, there's a festive atmosphere but there's also food for thought and a well plotted story
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Harriet is a divorced single mum to 2 children whose ex pays the minimum he has to in child support so she is always worried about money.
Owen lives in a camper van and is a writer / blogger who is an environmentalist
Harriet is working at her friends cafe is discussing her predicament with money or the lack of it and her children needing new clothes, Christmas presents etc. Owen over heard the conversation and suggests only buying second hand rather than new but doesn’t believe Harriet will do it.
Not one to give up on a challenge Harriet accepts but wonders how she is going to persuade her daughter who is 11 and just started senior school that it’s a good idea
A good easy read which does actually highlight that you don’t have to always buy new