The latest addition to Lilac Mills' heartwarming series, "The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field," offers readers another trip to the picturesque village of Foxmore. This book captures the festive season's essence, nestled amidst the charming snow-draped cottages and twinkling fairy lights, and has a dash of twee that might make even the most cynical soul crack a smile.
Upon cracking open the book, I admit my expectations were slightly reserved. The previous instalment left me feeling a tad overwhelmed by its zeal to promote eco-consciousness. Fear not, dear readers, as Mills has found a more delicate balance this time around. The theme of environmental consciousness hums gently in the background, offering an underlying resonance rather than an outright sermon.
What particularly struck a chord with me was the intriguing exploration of selling second-hand items and the crusade against the stigma often attached to them. The author deftly weaves this narrative thread into the tapestry of Foxmore’s world. This is what I do for a business. I sell second-hand toys or toys that have had packaging damage and returned to the retailer. So instead of all these toys going to landfill, I spruce them up and sell them for a fraction of the price, saving people money. Mills’ subtle approach to this topic makes it an enlightening subplot without feeling forced.
As I tread through the pages, I couldn't help but notice a certain predictability that loomed over the plot. It was as though I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that the proverbial spanner would eventually be hurled into the works concerning Owen's blog. A touch of surprise, perhaps, could have added a pinch of zest to the storyline.
However, despite this minor hiccup, "The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field" achieves what it sets out to do: offer a delightful and undemanding read that serves as a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the real world. The enchanting setting, the cosy camaraderie of the villagers, and the touch of romance blend together to create a comforting brew of seasonal cheer.
In conclusion, Lilac Mills' latest instalment doesn't break new ground but provides a warm and festive retreat for readers seeking an escape into a charming village world. The subtle handling of environmental themes and the intriguing nod to second-hand sales were highlights for me, resonating with my own business endeavours. If you're searching for a light and soothing read to accompany your cup of tea this holiday season, "The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field" might just be the ticket.

I received this ARC from Netgalley for honest feedback.

Are you looking for a cozy Christmas read? If so, keep looking. Is this a terrible book? No. Is it great? No. That's why I rounded up to 3 stars, as it was really a 2.5 for me.
The main message of this book is an excellent lesson of helping the environment. I'm fully on board with that. However, the book tend to repeat itself over and over with the characters dialogue. I was also hoping to get those snow-filled happy feelings while reading this, but they just never came.

You haven't truly lived until you peed in a van which I haven't so it is a good thing I have this fab romcom by Lilac Mills to compensate ;-) Even the dog made me laugh... and that coming from a crazy cat lay =^.^=

The eco-friendly theme is much appreciated, and the idea of repurposing and recycling can be quite an interesting way to challenge ourselves in a good way.

Last but not least, don't think this book is exclusively to be read around Christmas.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

Loved this! It was great to back in Foxmore and I really enjoyed Harriet’s challenge, more people should do it. A great cause and the stigma of pre loved should be removed, we are a consumer society that throw away a lot of perfectly good things and buy way more than we need. Seeing the love story of Harriet and Owen play out was lovely and I really enjoyed his growing relationship with the kids, and I was also really fascinated by his van and how he’s lived the van life for 20 years. A wonderful Christmas read.

👩‍👧‍👦Cozy, heartwarming: a mom doing her best finds some eco inspiration!

4-4.5🌟 stars
This sweet, realistic look at a single mom with limited means trying to make a good life for her two children had romance, a nice modern "save the planet one small step at a time" theme, and a cogent look at peer pressure and bullying for one of the children. The small town Wales setting, some outspoken and memorable secondary characters and the sweet, slow burn way eco blogger Owen integrates himself into MC Harriet's life made this a cozy read with just a touch of angst that really struck a chord for me. And I will find it hard to forget the whimsy and humor added by Harriet's son Bobby's fascination with baths and his new friend Owen's camper van toilet!😁.

I'm all for the reuse, recycle and buy second hand way to save pennies while helping the environment that takes center stage as Harriet accepts a challenge to cut purchases to what she really needs and then seek out second-hand, "previously loved", items. But I was a bit surprised that no one in the story mentions Greta Thunberg, the Swedish teen eco warrior who gained hoards of sympathetic followers worldwide in the 2010's. I guess those Welsh mountains insulated them from her activities and message or the message never got passed down to the younger cohorts of students?! To me, should would have been a perfect role model to get young Sarah on board rather than lamenting not having everything brand spanking new.😕

Although not strictly a Christmas story, the final happy notes are struck on Christmas Day and the lead up to Christmas, particularly the present-finding on a tight budget aspects, are a key part of the plot.

I've not yet read a Lilac Mills novel that disappointed. Recommended.

Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Harriet is a newly divorced mother of two finding it difficult to cope financially with little help from her ex with money and rarely seeing the kids, when Harriet meets Owen a blogger and environmentalist in the café she works he challenges her to not buy anything new for a month up to Christmas.
Then sparks begin to fly between them, can she survive the challenge?
A very relatable story with the struggle after divorce, both were likeable characters but the thoughts they had for each other was a bit too icky for me.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and I give my opinion freely.
Posted to Goodreads

This was a good read. I started off by thinking it might be a bit too woke for me but I soon got into the story, largely due to the range of lovely characters and the slow burning romance.

The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field is the story of recovery after divorce for a single mother and her two children by Lilac Mills. Quite honestly it begins with the struggles especially financial that this family is enduring due to the last of compassion and care shown by the ex-husband. It seems he has moved on, giving his children only what is required by law certainly not what his children would need from him, not only financially but also emotionally. Sadly this has more than a ring of truth to it.

As Harriett continues to do all that she can she meets a blogger, Owen, they become friends. A big environmentalist he challenges her, and she accepts. He writes of her journey in his blog but never tells her he is doing so. The problem this adds to her already overwhelming life of survival is almost too much. Overall this is a wonderful story of remaking your life when it has been given lemons. Harriett is overworked, over worried and overwhelmed much of it. Thousands of people can identify with this woman. However, Christmas can be a time of healing if not magical. Enjoy The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field, I would love to attend just one such as this.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

ohh everyone loves a challenge....

the aim is not to buy anything brand new to buy second hand to help the environment

have to admit i thought i would like this book but alas i struggled with it, its lack of pace and plus thought it was going to be more christmassy....my bad...

This was such a lovely read, I’ll certainly be picking up more Lilac Mills books now.

Based around the idea of buying everything pre-loved where possible, for saving money and the planet, it was a plot I think we could all be influenced by. The characters complemented the story perfectly and I felt like I had a real vision in my mind to the setting.

Although this is a Christmas book it didn’t centre around Christmas much so this could be enjoyed at any time of year.

Adorable feel-good holiday read to curl up by the fireplace with a warm drink!

Harriet is going into her second Christmas as a single mom, since her husband walked out. Owen, an environmentalist and blogger overhears her complaining about her financial situation and challenges her to buy only used / second-hand things until Christmas.

Harriet doesn't know it yet, but Owen is blogging about her journey (anonymously) on his blog. How will she react when she finds out?

Okay, Harriet and Owen were cute, but the kids were cuter! As a single mom with two kids, I've been in those shoes before. (Well, no Owen, but the money part! 😂) This was warm and fuzzy, happy vibes. Festive holiday with some great reminders that 'things' aren't the reason for the season, people are!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

What an enjoyable, lovely story, with Christmas festivities thrown in too. Not your typical festive novel, focused solely on Christmas, but the few months before and the preparation rather than just Christmas itself.
The author had me in the opening sentences, remarking about seeing the Christmas chocolates already in the shops, which I had also seen earlier that day - in July! This gave me a giggle.
I loved the environmental side to this story, but not the usual everyone must save the earth type of thing, actual real life small changes everyone can make that will in time make major differences.
I liked how Owen was a real advocate for this, yet Harriet and others in the story hadn’t really thought of their impact, therefore not making a story that is preaching change but gently encouraging you. I must say our family does what it can, but could definitely do more and after reading this I did feel the urge to go and browse the many local charity shops, which my young son loved!

All in all a beautiful tale of friendships, love and moving on, with an important message woven through.
I would recommend clearing your schedule as you will want to stay immersed in this until the end.

I will definitely be searching out this author again.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is a book that reminds one of the greatest season's meaning and reason. The book follows Harriet who is a single mother due to the fact that her husband left her. In a season where she should be shopping for her child she is struggling financially. In this hard season she is challenged by a blogger called Owen to live frugally till Christmas . The challenge opens her to possibilities and reminds the reader that we all can struggle financially but we can make the best of any situation. I loved that it was a different plot from the usual Christmas stories and quite relatable.

OK. This wasn't for me... at all. Which is sad, because I really wanted to love it. Xmas romanc is my favorite treat all year round, BUT... not this one. At first, I was glad to meet Harriett, a nearly 40 years old mother of 2 kids, struggling to make ends meet. So relatable, right? Alas. The second the love-interest arrived, it all went wrong. He stares at her ass, listen to her private conversation and gives unwanted advice about what she should do with her kids. I hated him right away. The whole "challenge" thing is so artificial I couldn't believe it for one second and I I kept rolling my eyes at the characters who kept explaining what they were feeling because the reader is probably too dumb to understand. 10% in I already knew how it would go wrong and how it would end, and sadly I was right. It was like the movie 27 dresses but settled in the Welsh country, which clearly made the stakes definitely lower. At one point I was more interested by the daughter (whom I also hated, btw). And the whole ecology message that was being hammered again and again was tiresome. I felt like it was very redundant. Accusing mass-consuming is a bit simple, even if I understand that this is a romcom and not a thesis about ecology, it could have been agreeable to have hints of more profound views about mass-production and stop accusing the consumer. I also felt that most of the characters were very judgemental which also annoyed me. Maybe I was too close to Harriet, as a 40ish mother of 2 who knew some difficult moments, and I just couldn't buy the "Oh I'm struggling but I don't buy second-hand". Please. Not to me. ^^'
So, if you're like me, maybe try some other title from this author.

Lilac Mills seems to be a name that keeps slipping into my TBR lists and this Christmas make sure you add The Christmas Fayre on Holly Field.

Harriet, like any single mother, is struggling thanks to her husband who walked out. But when she meets Owen, she finds herself turned upside down as he betrays her by telling her story to the world. Will Harriet find out and how will she deal with it. Find out in this brand new book from Lilac.

This is a lovely love story set in Wales. It was a book that made you think. You learn a lot about yummy vegan food . Harriet meets Owen and he sets her a challenge not to buy new for 3 months. You get the ups and downs and love. Harriet has 2 ace children and you follow them. There are some great twists. It is a great read and you think about your own shopping habits .

A book who talks about a situation some of us has been . We don't always have enough money to buy new things so we go to second hand shops . Our heroine Harriet is a single mother of two young children with little help of her ex husband . When she is compaininig to her boss about her money problems Owen a blogger and environmentalist listen their conversation he suggest to only buy second-hand until Christmas . When she accepts she finds that is very easy to save money that way . Meanwhile he blogs about her journey without her know about it . Spenting time together they realise that they might have met their person .
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own .

Having loved the first book in this series
The corner shop on foxmore green I was really looking forward to reading the next instalment and am pleased to have also found a new author this year with this series. This could also be easily read as a standalone

This instalment focuses on the characters of Harriet and Owen and also covers
Issues that a lot of people will find relatable such as consumerism and stressful financial situations and of navigating life and Christmas as a single parent.

This was so much more
Then just a festive romance and had a fabulous community feel and a real camaraderie amongst the villagers and strong friendships between the characters.

I am hoping there is going to be more books in this series.

For folks in need of a Christmas miracle, this story brings a unique perspective from a young, single mom and a environmentalist who meet up. It's a sweet story of hope, but also addresses some deeper issues, such as mass consumerism, that can leave a bad taste for the holidays. The story is peppered with ideas for reusing, recycling, and other environmentally-friendly and financially-conservative ways to celebrate the season in style!

Thank you NetGalley for the cutest Christmas story that warmed my heart. Harriet is a single parent with no help from her ex husband who walked out on her. She is looking for a miracle. This was the sweetest rom com with a little help from the Christmas spirit.