If you’re looking for a charming, laugh-out-loud rom-com that’s perfect for the holidays, Christmas Is All Around is an absolute must-read! This delightful story follows Charlotte, a former child star whose connection to a holiday classic has trapped her in a never-ending loop of nostalgia—and she's not a fan. When she flees to London for some much-needed distance, she finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of holiday magic, rekindling old memories, and maybe, just maybe, a spark of romance.

The character development is wonderful, especially Charlotte’s journey from holiday-hater to someone who begins to see the magic in the season—and in life—again. The setting of Christmas is All Around is practically a character in itself, with its beautiful holiday decorations and historical charm providing the perfect backdrop for this feel-good story.

Graham, the son of the Priory’s owners, is the perfect swoon-worthy counterpart to Charlotte’s fiery personality. Their chemistry is palpable, and watching their relationship unfold against the enchanting London Christmas scenes is a joy. Their banter and growing connection felt so real and heartwarming.

The pacing is perfect, and the storyline is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. If you love stories that are as cozy as a cup of hot cocoa with a dash of holiday cheer, then this book will absolutely capture your heart. It’s a festive, magical tale about the power of perspective, finding joy in unexpected places, and, of course, love.

This book was a total holiday treat! Don’t miss out on this gem—it’s sure to put you in the best festive mood!

This was a Hallmark movie in book form. It had me giggling and kicking my feet and swooning.

The only thing that would have made this better is if it was dual POV.

Unfortunately, Christmas Is All Around was a miss for me. Charlotte was hard for me to care about because she was so unlikable. Graham was not much better. I couldn't but into their relationship. I will not be reviewing this book on my social media.

This was exactly the fun romcom I needed for the Christmas season. Christmas can be a dull and emotional time due to the cold, lack of sun, will to live. You know how it is .. LOL
But Martha wrote a fantastic story to bring you out of the funk!

I felt like this was enjoyable enough for a holiday read, but it just didn't hit the way I wanted it to and I kind of felt like it was missing something.

I wanted so badly to like Charlotte, but she was kind of insufferable to the point where it was hard to sympathize with her sometimes. I'm all for a more grumpy FMC, but she seemed to hate literally everything and complained just for the sake of complaining. And to be honest, if I'm looking for a fun holiday read to get in the Christmas spirit, it's not very fun to be in someone's head when she hates pretty much everything about the holidays and makes sure to tell you over and over again. And her attitude never really improves either, so it doesn't feel like watching a grumpy character grow into someone more loveable.

The romance was kind of cute, but it always loses points for me when there's an unnecessary third-act breakup.

Christmas Is All Around is a cute Christmas read but not my favorite from this season by far. Charlotte is SO determined to hate Christmas, and she kind of aggravated me. She was SO fixated on how much she hated that one role she played in that Christmas movie!! Graham was actually a very endearing character, and I liked him a lot.

This is a cute Hallmark-y escape, just not my favorite holiday book I read this year.

This was 100% a burst of delight and cheer, perfect for a the kind of person who is outwardly cynical about Christmas commercialization but inwardly loves the coziness of the season. Waters brings all the charm of her historicals into the contemporary, infused with a lovely sense of place in the setting of London and the area surrounding.

I am a fan of the author’s historical romances, so I was excited when I saw she was releasing a contemporary holiday romance.

Charlotte is a bit grumpy, especially about Christmas, her parents, and her iconic childhood movie role. But she loves her sister and is a successful artist.

Graham is also a bit grumpy. But he loves Christmas, and his family, and feels burdened by the responsibility he feels to his family’s legacy and his late father’s wishes.

Together, they ease each other’s grumpiness and develop a friendship while also exploring a relationship together. I would like to call it a slow burn, as they don’t dive right in, but the entire story takes place over 6 weeks, so it’s still pretty quick.

The supporting characters are fun on both sides. I love Charlotte’s sister and brother-in-law (and even the terror of her infant niece). Graham’s sisters, ok really just one of his sisters, is a little bit meddlesome. But ultimately they are all supportive, even Charlotte’s parents.

The ending is a little open, but leaves room for imagination, which I like. (And maybe a sequel down the road?)

All in all, this was a fun read!

Disclaimer: I received an eARC for review consideration through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My sincerest apologies on the delay in review.

This was on my Christmas TBR, and it was PERFECT. It's cute, sweet and Hallmark-y. The winter vibes were good. I will say I think I would have enjoyed this book more if it had been duel POV. The male main character is a surprising treat to the vacation and a delightful addition to balancing out Charlotte. Their banter is awesome and their growing romance is sweet, swoony, and steamy.

This book will defiantly be featured on my christmas instagram MUST READ this winter,

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! I just couldn't get in the mood for this one, but I do love this author!

I've really enjoyed Martha Waters' historical romances, so I was so happy to love her contemporary holiday romance. The characters were well developed, the side characters were wonderful, and the chemistry between the two main characters was great. I think any holiday romance reader would enjoy this book, but if you're a Love, Actually fan, you'll probably like it even more.

I love Martha Waters books, and Christmas Is All Around is a fun, heartwarming treat of a book! Christmas Is All Around is cleverly written, full of witty dialogue, descriptions and situations. I just adored it! I love the background of London and the holidays, it was so wonderfully descriptive I could picture it as I read! The dialogue is snappy, fun and clever, in poignant in just the right spots. I love Charlotte's black cat-ness, and she and Graham had great chemistry together.
I highly recommend for anyone who loves Hallmark movies, as well as anyone who loves holiday romance! This is a great first rom com from Martha Waters and I just loved it. You are in for a real treat with this funny book.

Charlotte adores Christmas movies… or, well, she used to—until she became famous for one. Now, as a former child star, she’s over the whole thing, dodging holiday-obsessed fans left and right. When an article outs her lack of enthusiasm for a reboot of her most famous Christmas film, she escapes to London to lay low with her sister. Enter Graham, the very charming, very skeptical son of the family who owns Eden Priory, a historic estate that—oh yeah—happens to be where her movie was filmed. Graham’s parents are counting on holiday tourism to keep the estate afloat, and suddenly, Charlotte’s arrival isn’t just a coincidence—it’s a Christmas miracle.

Cue a festive enemies-to-lovers whirlwind featuring iconic holiday movie moments recreated all over London, plenty of sharp banter, and just enough romance to make your heart melt like a snowman in the sun. Charlotte and Graham’s chemistry has that perfect mix of snark and slow-burn charm, and watching them reluctantly fall for both each other and the magic of the season? Chef’s kiss. It does lean into classic Hallmark-esque tropes, so nothing here is breaking new ground, but the London setting, fun premise, and genuinely great character growth make it feel fresh and engaging.

I’m giving “Christmas Is All Around” 3.5 out of 5 stars! It’s witty, charming, and packed with holiday rom-com energy, perfect for anyone who loves grumpy-meets-sunshine, a festive London backdrop, and a romance that sneaks up on two people who swore they weren’t catching feelings. If you’re looking for a cozy Christmas escape with a side of snark and heart, this one deserves a spot on your holiday TBR.

Well, this is a book. I started it a few months ago, before the book was out, and I put it down quickly because I was not engaged. However, I’ve recently seen some positive review so I thought I’d give it another try.

I like this book better this time around I did start from the beginning all over again. I don’t really know what to say about this book. It was very average. I don’t think I like Christmas themed books as somebody who does not celebrate Christmas, but I’m glad I got this book off of my to be read shelf.

I have enjoyed everything Martha waters has written. They’re just solid reads and this was no exception. A great holiday read to cozy up with

Christmas is All Around was a very warm, cozy, Hallmark style modern holiday romance with a good zip of snark and a slightly prickly female MC and complicated male MC--really a fun, entertaining, charming romance. This is the story of a child star who grows up to hate Christmas and the Christmas film that made her famous and a man who has put his life on hold to try to salvage his family's financial situation and ancestral home. The two main characters are engaging. Lots of banter, a well-rounded cast of secondary characters, loved the UK settings, and the homage to Love, Actually.

Well written and funny, a good read for a cozy weekend.

A solid light-hearted Christmas romance that gives major Hallmark movie vibes! Quick, cute & easy to read. Highly recommend adding to your holiday TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley & Atria Books for this ARC!

Loved this holiday romance! It was like a hallmark movie I could create in my mind, with my own dream cast.

Cozy, cheesy and sweet! The perfect ingredients for a holiday romance. I liked the character and thought the story was cute. Granted holiday reads aren’t my favorite but I did enjoy it.

*Christmas Is All Around* by Martha Waters offers a cozy, feel-good holiday romance that's perfect for fans of lighthearted festive reads. The story follows two characters navigating the ups and downs of the holiday season, with plenty of charm, humor, and Christmas cheer. Waters does a great job of setting a festive atmosphere, and the seasonal backdrop adds warmth to the story.

However, while the book has its sweet moments, the plot feels predictable and the characters, though likable, lack the depth to make the romance truly engaging. Some parts of the narrative felt a bit formulaic, and I found myself hoping for more emotional development or surprises along the way.

Overall, *Christmas Is All Around* is an enjoyable, easy read for the holiday season, but it doesn’t offer much beyond the typical holiday rom-com tropes. It’s perfect for readers seeking a light, comforting escape but may not satisfy those looking for something more unique or thought-provoking.