Book Review: A Christmas in Prague by Helga Jensen

Rating: 2.5 Stars

When I picked up A Christmas in Prague by Helga Jensen, I was immediately drawn in by the stunning cover art. It has an enchanting winter vibe that just screams holiday spirit. The premise also intrigued me: after the passing of her beloved Aunt Grace, Olivia is tasked with delivering a message to Grace's long-lost love, Marek, in Prague. This journey seems not only to honor her aunt’s last wish but also to give Olivia a chance to reclaim her life after a tough divorce.

Let’s start with the positives, shall we? The writing is genuinely well-crafted and flows nicely throughout the story. The pacing kept me engaged, and I appreciated how the festive setting of Prague came alive on the pages. I could practically feel the chill in the air as Olivia navigated through the beautiful Christmas markets, soaking in the sights and sounds of the season. Moreover, I found myself really enjoying the characters of Tomas and Albert; they added a warm charm to the narrative that made me smile.

However, I have to admit that Olivia, the protagonist, was a bit of a stumbling block for me. Despite her journey being central to the story, I found her character quite frustrating. She often came off as rude and obnoxious, which made it hard for me to root for her. I mean, whose workplace gives someone two years off just because their husband left them? That felt unrealistic and honestly a bit pathetic. I understand that she's going through a difficult time, but I wished she had shown more resilience.

In conclusion, while A Christmas in Prague has a beautiful setting and well-developed supporting characters, Olivia’s character left much to be desired for me. It’s clear that many readers have loved this book, and I may just be in the minority here. But hey, you can’t love every book, right? All in all, I’d give it three stars for its delightful writing and festive atmosphere, even if it didn’t completely resonate with me.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

"A Christmas in Prague" by Helga Jensen is a heartwarming holiday romance that beautifully captures the magic of the festive season. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Prague, the story follows the protagonist as she navigates love, family, and the spirit of Christmas.

Jensen's writing vividly brings the city to life, with its stunning architecture and vibrant holiday traditions enhancing the romantic atmosphere. The characters are relatable and well-developed, each contributing to the overarching themes of hope and renewal. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, and their journey toward understanding and acceptance feels authentic and engaging.

The plot weaves together elements of adventure and emotional growth, making it more than just a typical holiday romance. Jensen skillfully balances lighthearted moments with deeper reflections on what it means to be together during the holidays.

Overall, "A Christmas in Prague" is a charming read perfect for anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit. It's a delightful reminder of the joys of love and the magic that can be found in unexpected places.

What a lovely festive read in Prague. This book is a real gem, brimming with a mission, Christmas cheer and romance. I enjoyed it immensely.

Why haven't I read this author before is what I was asking myself all the way through this book!? I was frankly appalled at myself. As a book lover and especially books of this ilk it didn't sit well that I had somehow bypassed such a talent.
When it started its the prologue and things weren't as the blurb suggested I was all the more invested in our main character. Because as I had indeed read the blurb I new how very much,in these next few pages her life was about to change so much! And not for the better. And from even that first few moments into the book i was invested and it got me caring for what was to happen.
The books was brilliant. So heartwarming. It was never mushy but felt like all the characters were cherished by the author, and so written really well.
The characters were loveable. And the scene setting perfect. I do love a book that is set out in this way. With a quest,intrigue,romance and often a bit of destination hopping mixed in.
This is up there with one of my favourite of the year.

Such a fun read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

In this heartwarming holiday tale, Olivia is tasked with a bittersweet mission—to fulfil her late Aunt Grace’s final wish by travelling to Prague and delivering a message to her aunt’s long-lost love, Marek. Still reeling from the heartbreak of her husband leaving, Olivia is hesitant to embark on such a journey. But as she explores the enchanting, snow-covered streets of Prague with the help of Marek’s charming nephew, Tomas, she begins to rediscover the magic of Christmas and the possibility of love. With a beautiful setting, festive charm, and a touching story of second chances, this book is perfect for the holiday season.

I enjoyed this book so much. The characters were so well written that I could connect with them all. The location was described perfectly, and I could feel myself there.
Olivia’s Aunt Grace passed away and the last thing she did was leave a letter asking Olivia to go to Prague and give a message to a man she once loved. Olivia truly did not want to do this but felt she had to do this for her Aunt Grace.
This one request from would forever change Olivia’s life. The situations and people she meets on this journey were kind and I could feel the connecting.
This is a heartwarming, tender, joy filled along with some bumps in the road romance that will have me thinking about them all long after reading this book.
A Christmas in Prague by Helga Jensen is a book that many will enjoy. I recommend this book very highly.
Thank you NetGalley, Helga Jensen and Hera for this copy of this book. This is my personal review.

This novel is an endearing love story set in Prague at Christmas. Since her divorce, Olivia has become a recluse. When her Aunt Grace requests after her death that she seek out her secret long-term lover, Marek, in Prague, she is reluctant. You can taste her depression, loneliness, and desire to keep herself to herself. It's so well portrayed and poignantly written. I adored the robin - very touching in its symbolism.

Grudgingly, she bows to the solicitor's pressure. Unexpectedly, she finds herself launched into the fairytale world of Prague. Its history, festive atmosphere, markets, and wondrous beauty in the snow tempted me to book a Christmas break. The imagery of Prague took my breath away.

Marek's brother has retained the heartbreaking love letters between Grace and Marek. Enter the handsome, romantic Tomas, eager to please her with surprises. Will she succumb to his charms and take a second chance at love?

Thank you to NetGalley and Hera.

A Christmas in Prague is an enjoyable Christmas story that shows you that sometimes things turn out just right. Olivia’s character was a little hard to believe in the beginning, broken heart and all, but I loved seeing her come out of her shell. Olivia travels to Prague to honor Grace’s last wish and her world is turned upside down. The wintery and festive descriptions of the city are beautiful and set the stage for a sweet tale. Tomas is a friendly native who is just as vested in Grace’s story as it brings some closure to his uncle, Marek. I do wish we could have known her aunt Grace but loved getting to know her more in her letters to Marek. As Grace and Marek’s love story comes spilling out, Olivia and Tomas are given a chance to create their own love story. There are trials and obstacles, but thankfully they don’t drag on and you can just enjoy the love story unfolding. A sweet Christmas story that embraces the magic of the season and second chances.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

The storyline is lacking but the book still hits all of the Christmas details and tropes that make it an enjoyable read for the season.

A fairly decent and sweet read but bumpy along the way. Olivia was quite dense and helpless for someone her age. Relying on the postman and just basically ignoring everyone and then she goes into social butterfly mode which was a bit odd. Because of this the story just didn’t read as believable. But overall not a bad read. The ending seemed forced and rushed a bit.

Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo and the Author for this copy of A Christmas in Prague.
What a wonderful feel good Christmas read. The characters are very lovable and the setting in Prague can just transport you to that beautiful city, when reading you can feel you are almost there. A beautifully written love story that you will enjoy from beginning to end. Or I should better say two love stories. Grace & Marek and Olivia & Tomas, you will really enjoy their stories.

A lovely festive book and Helga transports us to Prague for the setting. This is a truly magical book and I could imagine myself there whilst reading.

Olivia has been through a hard time recently, her husband left her nearly two years ago on Christmas Eve and her much loved Aunt Grace has recently died. Olivia has become a bit of a recluse, not wanting to leave her remote water mill house even to go into town for shopping etc., so the terms of her aunt's will come at just the right time, as to inherit she has to go to Prague to pass on a message to her aunt's long lost love, Marek.

Of course she doesn't want to do this initially, but after a lot of persuasion from her aunt's solicitor (and friend) she eventually feels she has to do it, not least because her funds are also running low because she's not leaving the house and so not working.

Once in Prague she meets Marek's brother (Albert) and his nephew (Tomas), and slowly gets to know them, after a bit of a rocky start, and together they discover Grace and Marek's romantic history through old unopened letters that Albert has saved. During all this and Olivia's stay, which turns out to be longer than anticipated, she especially gets closer to Tomas who shows her around Prague, which does sound delightful.

There was a lovely Christmassy feeling throughout the book, with some interesting characters, and slowly Olivia regained her confidence and started to come back out of her shell. Very enjoyable read.

Original, festive and life affirming. The plot made me smile and I loved the unusual setting and the characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This was my first book from this author .Thank you netgalley for the early copy .Honestly wanted to read this since I was going to visit Prague.I could visualize the scenes .What a cute little read .I can’t wait to read more by this author .

A Christmas in Prague is a beautiful story that has made me want to visit Prague to see all the sights that are in the book. It's about moving on and living your best life! The festivities are glorious and the characters utterly Devine. I ended the book with tears streaming from my eyes and a huge smile on my face.

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

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book by Helga Jensen.

From the time Olivia’s husband left her for someone else on Christmas Eve, she’s been on her own in the big house and hasn’t been outside the house. Not happy to be around others, scared of hearing what they will say about her or in case she sees her ex husband with his new family.

The only contact she has is with the postman,

The only person she was close to was her Aunt Grace, and since she’s died, Olivia’s life is stuck, and she can’t begin to live the life she once did.

The postman delivers a letter to her from the solicitor of her Aunt Grace's and after a while, she decides she should reply to what was said in it.

Her Aunt stated in her Will that Olivia is to go to Prague and find someone called Marek, the person her Aunt loved and give him a message. Only once this is done will she receive her inheritance. So Olivia knows, if she doesn’t go, she won’t get it.

I loved this story, how Olivia begins to find herself again and enjoy the season she once loved.

The descriptions of Prague at Christmas were just fabulous and made me wish I was there seeing them for myself.

I highly recommend this book.

When Olivia's beloved Aunt Grace passes away, she must deliver a message to her aunt's lost love, Marek, in Prague before inheriting her estate. Reluctantly traveling to Prague at Christmas, Olivia struggles to find Marek, only to discover he passed away years earlier. However, she meets Marek's nephew, Tomas, and begins to heal from her painful divorce, regaining her confidence through the warmth of his family and their shared history. As Olivia and Tomas grow closer, they face a choice: let love slip away like her aunt did, or embrace their chance at happiness. This heartfelt story, filled with enchanting descriptions of Prague, offers a touching blend of romance, self-discovery, and the magic of second chances.

This book kind of started on a sad note with a family death. But then the holiday magic of traveling and having a real holiday started. I loved that Olivia got to have a fun time in prague as well as with her second chance romance. I truly didnt want this to end I love a good holiday romcom.