Such a lovely book. I love this author’s writing style and I feel almost part of the story with her descriptions of people and places. I was willing Shelley and Michael together at the end, and fingers crossed that happens somewhere in the future!
Definitely a perfect festive read to cosy up with on a cold winter’s evening

An enjoyable book about love and friendship. Shelley, Lena and Pearl have been friends for a long time and are all struggling with different aspects of their lives in the run up to Christmas. Pearl suggests a pre-Christmas visit to an old friend who owns a b and b in Scotland.
Whilst away, they realize things about their lives, as fo those they left behind.
A fun, festive read.

A fabulous cheery, heartwarming novel that had me laughing out loud. Loved the characters and the banter. A festive read with a difference.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, written with great humour and a lovely style. Three female friends decide that they need a break and that a trip to a b&b in Scotland would be the very thing. Once there things take a different turn and they friends find themselves running the b&b and finding out more about themselves and their lives back home than they bargained for.

Plenty of laughs and a great book with some good romance and witty comments on life in general, which readers will be able to identify with. Not that I’m sure most of us would offer to run a b&b that close to Christmas miles away from home!

Highly recommended as a festive fun read. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

'Tis the Damn Season by Fiona Gibson is a look at family stresses during the holiday season and the support to be found in friends, old and new.
I have to admit, given the title and the cover, I expected this book to be more entertaining and less like a soap opera. There are plenty of tense instances, some absolutely unlikeable characters, and others that are difficult to find much sympathy for. The switching back and forth between not only the three main characters, but to their significant others as well. It makes for a somewhat confusing read. There are a few amusing moments, but not as many as I'd hoped.
Of course, the book is technically well-written, but for me it just missed the mark. I have enjoyed other books by Gibson, and hopefully will again.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #TistheDamnSeason.

This delightful story follows three friends who escape to Scotland for a much-needed pre-Christmas getaway, only to find themselves snowed in at a remote B&B. Each friend seeks a break from being taken for granted by their families, and when the weather forces them to stay longer, they end up managing the B&B and its guests during Christmas. Despite the unexpected turn of events, everything works out in the end, with new relationships blossoming and others naturally ending. I loved the characters and the cozy, heartwarming storyline—perfect for a holiday read!

Any book named after a Taylor Swift song will immediately get my attention, and this book made me feel so cozy and comforted as a holiday read!

I absolutely loved this book. The characters were great and the storyline was fun and interesting. Who doesn’t get stressed in the weeks leading up ti Christmas. Enjoyed how the story progressed.

This humorous and heartwarming novel follows three women overwhelmed by Christmas preparations, who escape to a Scottish B&B for a break. Facing unexpected challenges, they bond, navigate family dynamics, and ultimately find happiness. Meanwhile, their families at home struggle to manage Christmas without them, leading to satisfying resolutions. The story is funny, insightful, and has a perfect happy ending, ideal for fans of women's fiction.

Utterly amazing. I truly enjoy Fiona's books and this did not disappoint.
Please keep writing!
And I really recommend this book.

I really enjoyed this book. And will definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Anything that has Christmas vibes (and a Taylor swift reference in the title) and you’ll find me!

Thank you!

The best part of this novel is the characters within - well written, well rounded and believable. The storyline is solid and well thought out, with good pacing and plotting. Highly recommended.

What a brilliant book. Sums up exactly how I feel about the season and how it falls to the female in the household most of the time.
Getting away for a few days gives you perspective and time to see the whole picture instead of caught up in the details that everyone expects with unexpected consequences..
If you get chance this festive season, curl up in a chair and make time for you in this reaffirming story.

Shelley, Lena and Pearl, fifty-something friends, escape their families for a few days before Christmas as the season threatens to swamp them. Staying at a B&B in the Scottish Highlands, they are able to relax (sort of) and view their lives from a distance. This is eminently readable.

Shelley, Pearl and Lena have been friends for more than 20 years. They all live in London. Now, shortly before Christmas, they decide to go on a mini-break to a BnB in Scotland. And it seems like all their lives may change in the course of a few days.
I loved this book. I liked all the main characters and especially that they are a bit older than your usual book heroines. From the start I felt for the three friends and hoped that their lives would sort themselves out. The story was believable and the setting in the Highlands made me want to go visit there - but maybe not in winter ;-)
Really a lovely book.

I’d love to see this as a movie! The story follows three lifelong best friends who, feeling unappreciated, decide to take a much-needed girls' trip right before Christmas. Of course, weather-related chaos ensues, turning their mini vacation into an unexpected journey of self-discovery. Each friend is forced to confront the deeper reasons behind their decision to escape. This book is a delightful mix of humor, heartbreak, and festive cheer.

I wanted to love this book so much, but I wasn't a big fan. :( I loved the beginning when Shelley and her friends were fed up with their families not helping for Christmas and deciding they need to get away... 5 days before Christmas. After that you lost me, they went from not wanting to prepare everything on their own to helping run their friend's air bnb. Maybe I just didn't connect with the characters, but was bummed about this one.

Meet shelly, pearl & lena they are all middle age & have had enough!
Shelly has had enough of her husband & kids thinking she should do absolutely everything, pearls son has moved his girlfriend into their home & she's taking over & on top of that she's found that her boyfriend is not what he seems, & lenas fiance parents who live in a mansion have decided they are coming to spend Xmas in lenas pokey flat so they can scrutinise her. So cue a last minute holiday to a secluded b&b in the Highlands!
Michael runs the b&b & the 3 women find out that he has an opportunity in London so they persuade him to go & they will run his b&b for him & this is where we meet the guests Niall, who is coming alone to do a magazine article & the Sampsons, mum, dad & 5 year old theo who are a family you definitely wouldn't forget in a hurry! Of course running the b&b doesn't go smoothly & then to top it all off the 3 women & the guests get snowed in on Xmas eve so none of them can get home for Xmas & have to spend it together, however, this isn't such a bad thing as it gives the women time to reflect & reevaluate their lives at home & make some life changing decisions.
I've read a few books by this author & this one was just as good, it was funny, thought provoking & a breath of fresh air as it wasn't all mulled wine & silent night! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a Xmas novel or wants to try one 😊

An absolutely fantastic festive read from Fiona, I have always loved all her books and this one is no exception!
A totally realistic and extremely relatable read for so many middle aged women juggling homes, work, children, husbands, menopause and then you add in the annual festive organisation, present shopping and wrapping, food shopping, cooking, relatives, tree buying and decorating and you wonder why we are stressed, harassed and totally not full of Christmas cheer!
Well this year it’s different for three friends who book a last minute break to Scotland just before Christmas, leaving their loved ones to continue the never ending Christmas preparations!
What ensues is totally different to what was anticipated being left to run a B and B, getting snowed in and entertaining paying guests, but during this time they bond, reflect on their lives and make life changing decisions buoyed by the wonderful friendship group they have!
A really enjoyable feel good read filled with plenty of laughter, perfect for getting into the festive spirit!
Would highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for this early read

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Shelley and her friends decide to go on a quick holiday before Christmas. There is not enough hours in the day to get everything done. I enjoyed this book.