This isn’t what I expected. The tone feels Gothic to me—the quirkiness has sinister overtones. The book doesn’t strike me as humorous at all—it’s dark and a little depressing. DNF.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

A sweet and heartwarming story with a little romance, humor, and great characters. I enjoyed going on the journey of self discovery with Cassie. The setting is wonderful. The ending was perfect and exactly what I was hoping for.

This primarily doesn't take place in Ireland...

Just sayin'...Cassie ends up not in Ireland, She used the money her grandmother left her and gets more and less than she bargained for. Less, in that she's not in Ireland. More, in the sense that she has two dishy dudes to choose from (why choose?). A lord of the manor, Charles.
Ryan is the Irish handy-person. Hallmark-esque.
Recommend.

A Very Irish Christmas
Author: Debbie Johnson
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Release Date: October 30, 2024
Pages: 308
4.75 Stars 🌟 🌟 🌟🌟.75
Scoville Spice Scale: ½🌶

I cried at the end. Happy tears. That's how much this books moved me…to tears, laughing out loud, I was mesmerized by this book. There is a reason why it has an undertitle of "An utterly perfect Christmas romantic comedy".

We meet Cassie at her lowest. And through a brave choice to take money her beloved Grandmother left, she travels to a charming Irish village, in England. After a series of crazy events including a dog named "eejit", Cassie ends up in a bit of a love triangle. And both of the men are honestly great men. I loved both Charles and Ryan. Seeing Cassie follow her heart and set up a life for herself is fulfilling. I read this book in the car comin back from a "daycation" with my husband and I was laughing at passages and would tell him the gist of it. He'd laugh also. So this is a book you can share with your Significant Otters 😉 or a great book for December Book Club.

Read this book if you like:

❄️ Upstairs/Downstairs type situations (or rather up the hill, down in the village)
🎄 Daring rescues
🎅 It takes a village
❄️ Love Triangle 🔺️
🎄Everyone coming together to make it happen
🎅 A Christmas Cow

Thank you to #NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading A Very Irish Christmas by Debbie Johnson. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

It was a cute, sweet, light-hearted, very Christmassy story about a lonely American woman, who finds courage to spend Christmas far away from her toxic family, in a charming English slash Irish village. There is even a clever stray dog. Sounds like the beginning of a Hallmark movie? You're absolutely right. And as majority Hallmark movies, the book is entertaining, feel-good, though predictable and forgettable. Perhaps I would have liked the story better, if not for the love triangle trope, I personally dislike it very much. Instead of a well-developed relationship between the heroine and her love interest, we got two half-baked, weak relationships between the heroine and her suitors, and it's a pity.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC of this book.

I blazed through A very Irish Christmas in a morning while preparing for Thanksgiving dinner.

While it was a dreary, rainy day this book put me firmly in the holiday spirit. While it had many components of a typical Christmas book it had so much more.

Cassie was jilted at the altar by her long time love. She has not been able to move on and let go for three years. Her best friend June convinces her to go on holiday for Christmas. She ends up in the charming English town of
Campton St George and Whismy Cottage. Unfortunately, Whimsy Cottage is far from its name and her introduction to the place is less than impressive and she's ready to flee back to New York.

She decides to stay and soon that ex is the last thing on her mind and instead of wanting to flee she's dreading her return date. Will Charlie who is clear on his interest or Ryan who is a closed book make her change her future or will she return home the same person she was?

I absolutely loved AVIC and hope we get more books from this lovely world.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed.**

It felt very weird for me as a strongly seasonal/ mood reader to read a Christmas book during the height of spooky season. 😅 However, as soon as I saw this one on Net Galley, I knew I'd have to make an exception, and I am so glad that I did!

I've never read anything by Debbie Johnson before, but from the first few pages of this, I instantly loved the writing, the characters, and the story. Nanna Nora is sadly deceased already when the book opens, but she remains a glowing, sassy and ever present character throughout this book in Cassie's memories and thoughts. Best friend June was another character that I liked instantaneously, as was teenaged Georgie; both were spunky and just what Cassie needed to be pushed back out there in life. Cassie's journey, both the actual trip and the emotional journey through her heartbreak and healing, were a joy to read. I wanted to live in Whimsy Cottage and be friends with everyone in the village. (I might swap out the stray dog for a stray cat, but that's neither here nor there 😹) I'm not extremely fond of a love triangle trope where both suitors are great characters because I feel sad for whoever is going to ultimately be left in the cold. I was happy about who won out overall in this one because there was more chemistry there, but I still really liked the other character as well.

This book is one of the best festive romcoms I've read. Perfect setting, wonderful characters, heartwarming plot and full of Irish charm and wit! Cassie quite literally lived this redhead's dream come true. I will definitely be reading more from Debbie Johnson.

As a huge fan of Debbie johnson I was so excited to read her latest book and as always with her writing, it didn't disapoint. A funny, festive feelgood story that is hard to put down. Highly recommend reading this book. Thanks netgalley for an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this quick easy Christmas story that was sort of Irish. It was set in England, but everyone was Irish. I’m not sure why the book is called A Very Irish Christmas! I honestly didn’t know how this book would end which made me appreciate the story. I was hoping for a steamier love story, but that’s okay. Overall, this book was okay!

I don’t wanna give a synopsis for this book because I definitely think that it’s best left to just jump right into and be surprised. I found when I read the synopsis for the book. It definitely spoiled a lot for me. I think this was very well done! Some parts were a little awkward but I really liked it! It was definitely a very cute read. The only reason why I didn’t love it was I felt that the romance was lacking, if anything just because the book was a short read. I wish that the characters were a little bit more developed. Everything felt super fast pace so you weren’t able to sit with the characters very long. However, if you’re looking for a very hallmark fun Christmas book, this is definitely it.

A Very Irish Christmas is a gem of a holiday read! It's quick, sweet, and had me smiling at many parts. I loved Cassie’s dad when he dropped her off at the airport. Eejit sounds so adorable. I couldn’t decide if I loved Ryan or Charles more; the writer really leaves you in suspense about Cassie’s love story for more than half the book, which keeps things exciting. It’s a perfect feel-good read for curling up on a cold night with a mug of something warm. If you’re looking for laughs, love, and a healthy dose of Irish charm, this one’s a must!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A cozy, holiday read filled with lots of charm and themes of healing and following your heart. I felt for Cassie as her situation unfolds in the beginning of the book. She has been through a lot and loved the idea her friend suggests of taking some of her inheritance from her beloved Nana Nora to get away for a bit and get some space and distance from her problems.

I was a little surprised when she ended up in England what with the title of the book and kept waiting for it to somehow happen but she does in fact end up in England in a small, quaint town in the Cotswolds. The town itself is filled with lots of Irish folks and culture and is known as Little Ireland but I will admit to being let down that the author didn't actually set the book in Ireland itself. The town is adorable and it made me have a little wanderlust myself thinking of snuggling up in front of the fireplace in Whimsy Cottage (once it was all fixed up of course) or going to hang out with Eileen at her bakery next door and enjoying her delicious baked goods. There is something about a small town where everyone knows each other and helps out when they can that screams out Hallmark movie to me so this felt like it had that kind of vibe but in the best way.

The romance also had me scratching my head a little. We are introduced to the hunky Irish handyman, Ryan at the beginning and immediately I clocked him as the one she would fall for in the end. As the story progressed I found myself more and more wondering why she wouldn't end up with Charles. The author seemed to focus more on their relationship and built more connection to his family and I kept thinking maybe I was wrong and in the end she would be with him. It almost seemed harsh to have her in this love triangle with these two men considering their past with each other. Charles once again would be feeling left behind by someone choosing Ryan and I felt bad for him when I saw that happening.

I appreciated the whole Cassie getting her groove back part of the story and was happy to see her find happiness and belonging in the end. I really appreciate an epilogue and this one doesn't disappoint.

Overall, it was a fun read filled with lots of holiday spirit, romance, friendship and community that I think anyone can enjoy!

I received an advanced digital reader copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

This is a brilliant and unique story which kept me totally hooked. Having previously read and enjoyed the 'Comfort Food Café ' series by Debbie Johnson, I was very intrigued to read A Very Irish Christmas!
While I have to admit that the story is not quite what I expected - it's set in England for the most part - it is nonetheless a fabulous festive read, filled with warm and charismatic characters. Cassie comes across as genuinely likeable and I was totally rooting for her to get her spark back and have a happy ending, preferably with one of the charming gentlemen who are vying for her attention. There are plenty of side stories and diversions along the road to happiness and I would love to read a sequel featuring some of the other characters. Enjoy!
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the review copy.

This was my first read by this author and won't be my last. A super sweet holiday story about the power of love and how a village can really come together to make something beautiful. Most of the story does NOT take place in Ireland...technically...but the Irish characters make the story. While touted as a romantic comedy (and yes there are some amazingly funny parts), there is more depth in this story...loss and pain...than I expected at first and in the end...it was exactly what I needed. Hallmark should come looking for this one.

4⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of A Very Irish Christmas.

Cassie was left at the altar three years ago and ever since then she has felt like her life had stalled. Her Nana Nora passed away six months ago and left her some money and her best friend June tells her she should use the money and travel so she decides to go to a quaint English village. There she meets wonderful people and has two very different men vying for her-Charles is a Lord with a lovely manor and Ryan the sweet handyman. Cassie finds herself and decides to follow her Nana’s advice and follow her heart.

This was such an enjoyable read. It was so easy to connect with Cassie’s character. This book has humor, love, loss, joy, and Christmas!

I loved this! I couldn’t put it down. I loved the whole ‘Irishness’ of it. The small town community, the history and the ‘being more Irish’ for the tourists.

Cassie’s backstory was heartfelt, and the love for her nana Norma was immense. She took a brave step to help heal her heart. I loved her encounter with Ejit and that instant spark with Ryan as he held her hand to protect her. Ryan’s story took a bit longer to uncover and my heart broke when he finally told Cassie what had happened.

However, there was also a third thrown in, Charles. I really enjoyed Cassie’s time at the Manor House and all the family she met there, there was an attraction with Charles and for a while I was unsure who I wanted her to end up with. Learning Charles’ backstory was also heartbreaking, and unlike Ryan he could run away for a fresh start as he had his daughter and mother to look after.

I loved Cassie’s enthusiasm for her job and her energy, you could really see her come alive when she saw the potential in Bancroft house and worked with Charles to promote it. She got the entire village involved and really became connected to everything.

Full of love and Christmas magic, this truly was an amazing read.

4.5 ⭐️
This was the cutest, cosiest, small town Christmas book that felt like a Hallmark movie 🎄

It wasn’t quite 5⭐️ because the romance didn’t quite hit for me (I wasn’t a fan of the main trope and it felt more like a small subplot).

However, I absolutely loved everything else. There were a lot of really emotional moments but they were blended perfectly with some lighthearted really funny moments. I loved all the characters and this small town!! 🥰

What a refreshing beachy read — even tho it’s nearly November. Fun, flirty, and an all around feel good read. What more could a reader ask for! I never thought about traveling to England before but now I’m thinking seriously about it. Ms Johnson made it seem so fun. Now I plan to find the author’s back list and see what else she’s written. Definitely two thumbs up from me.

Debbie Johnson's novel, "A Very Irish Christmas", is a heartwarming and charming Christmas story that explores new beginnings, forgiveness, and the search for true love. Cassie O'Hara is a character who grabs the reader from the first moment: a young, determined event planner from New York who has envisioned her whole life in a perfect world, carefully planned. She'd worked out every detail for her upcoming wedding - until her fiancé decided at the altar at the last minute that he didn't want to be with her.

The story begins two years after the break-up when Cassie feels it's time to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York. A trip to the Irish countryside - inspired by the legacy of her beloved grandmother - promises to be a wonderful place to start. The romantic and mystical atmosphere of the Irish countryside immediately captivates her, and as Christmas approaches, she looks forward to finding new life in this idyllic setting. However, she soon discovers that things don't always turn out the way she plans. When she arrives, instead of a cozy cottage, Christmas pie, and festive atmosphere, she is greeted by a cold and deserted house.

After meeting the local stray dog, from whom Ryan, a handsome Irishman, rescues her, she tells another eye-catching stranger in the pub about what happened. The elegant stranger, however, turns out to be the owner of the house, Charles, who offers Cassie to stay at his family's estate. In the beautiful and huge house, which the family barely makes use of due to its size, Cassie slowly gets to know the whole family, who, despite their noble title, are at the end of the day just an ordinary family with ordinary problems.

Cassie soon settles into the village community and uses her professional skills to help boost the marketing of Charles' estate. Meanwhile, she not only grows closer to the handsome gentleman but is also drawn to the mysterious Irish ladies' man, Ryan. The question remains whether Cassie is ready to open her heart again after her disappointment and allow herself to love again.

The only thing I could mention as a negative is that at this point in the story, it would have been interesting to see more of a gradual building of affection and sexual tension between them, for me this relationship felt a little lacking. However, this could be because my expectations are too high, given that I've been reading a lot of Lisa Renee Jones books lately, who is (in my opinion) a master of creating that certain tension in her books, regardless of genre.

Overall, "A Very Irish Christmas" is a lovely and heartwarming read that is a perfect choice for the holiday season, especially for those who believe in the possibility of new beginnings and the healing power of love. Cassie's story can be an encouragement to all those who have lost faith in love and a reminder that sometimes true happiness is found in the most unexpected places.