Santa Maybe

Toy Store owner Elodie Martin is not one to get into the festive spirit but nothing gets her fired up more than the chance to get one over on her nemesis, Callum Ashley the frosty, infuriatingly handsome owner of the local department store.
Christmas is the only time she can compete thanks to her grandad Jim, everyone's favourite Santa Claus. But when he has to unexpectedly hang up his red suit, Elodie is at risk of losing the business for good and has no choice but to rely on last minute replacement out of work actor Nick Winter.
Really enjoyable read totally recommend read in one sitting
Thank You NetGalley and Head Of Zeus
I just reviewed Santa Maybe by Mary Jayne Baker. #SantaMaybe #NetGalley

Omg, this was the Christmas book father of all Christmas books.

I absolutely loved this book. I love that it's based around tap businesses that both have Santa grottos. Elodie has to find a new one for Christmas coming because her famous pops has retired from it and Callum has to have the best of everything even beating Elodie's award-winning Santa by finding the best in town.
Elodie and Nick are my absolute favorites. Nick is trained up to be this year's Martins Santa. But both men soon set their eyes on Elodie. May the best man win.

The cutest Christmas book ever. I love that it was based on grotto Santas and the trope best friend to lover and enemy to lover.
4 stars.

This is such a wonderful Christmas book. You should really add it to your Christmas book list to read this year. Because it is filled with so much love, warmth and Christmas spirit. Wonderful.

Santa Maybe by Mary Jayne Baker is such a wonderful Christmas read, and I highly recommend that you read this book

Brilliant from the first page.

And so many themes going on as the story progresses.

From unrequited love and enemies to lovers, there is a little bit of something for every reader to enjoy.

Our main protagonist is Elodie Martin.

She is a woman that's known hardship. Losing her parents at a young age and being bought up by her grandparents. Her heart has hardened a little over the years and after losing her Nan only recently, even her Christmas spirit has started to dwindle.

The final nail in the coffin, when her Grandad decides to retire from being Santa Claus at their family run toy store.

And then Nick comes into her life.

With some big shoes (boots) to fill, could he be not only the magical replacement Santa needed to keep the business afloat, but also the reason to make Elodie believe in the enchantment of Christmas again?

I just loved this story.

OK, I admit, I knew what direction the story was heading in. But sometimes that's a good thing.

We all long for a happy ending right?

Barker has got it just right.

With a balance of drama and laughter and a quirky bunch of characters, Santa Maybe has all the feels held within its pages.

A charming tale that will be perfect for cosying up with during the winter season

I have never read a Christmas novel in August before. And I have never read a Mary Jayne Baker book I didn't love. This one was no exception. Baker's heroines are always a little quirky but tough and determined, and it may take a little time for them to figure out what and who they want, but they get there in the end. Elodie has had some sad knocks in life but she loves her granddad and the old toy shop the family has been running for years. But rivalry with the big department store in town and its cocky millionaire owner Callum, and her granddad's poor health meaning that he can no longer be the store's Santa, bring extra challenges this Christmas, including a bet that she won't back out of, even if it could ruin her. But hope arrives in the form of a friendly supermarket worker and out of work actor called Nick, the most unlikely of Santa substitutes, but one who is about to turn all their lives around. A fun book which I enjoyed reading, whatever the season.

Fabulous Christmas story that was funny and sweet. Nick Winter was adorable and I loved how he helped Elodie overcome her dislike of Christmas.
A fantastic love triangle that kept me guessing!
A real gift of a book!

Elodie's toy shop relies on its Christmas grotto to stay afloat - however, she's not a great fan of Christmas and unfortunately her grandad (best Santa in the business) is retiring for health reasons. Throw in an unexpected replacement who doesn't seem to tick any of the classic Santa boxes, and an ill-advised wager with her childhood nemesis, and this Christmas season looks like being a disaster. Maybe...

Slightly bizarre to be reading a festive-themed book in a heatwave, but I got over that very quickly; in fact I could hardly put it down. The author deals with a number of serious themes, but with her trademark deft touch, and it's a delight to watch Callum, Nick and Elodie develop as characters as the story progresses over the course of a year. Plus, random Christmas trivia and festive movie bingo; what's not to love? A keeper of a novel.

if i do love something, then that it is a really cute romance read based on christmas - and this one did not fail! it felt a little bit weird to read this during the summer but i am sure that if you find yourself cozing up with this book next to a really warm fireplace, you are going to love this as much as i did, if not more!

Absolutely adored this book! Read it in one sitting. This is my idea of a perfect Christmas read.

Christmas is my favourite time of the year and this novel has really got me excited for the festive season. Everything about this novel was cosy and Christmassy - the two toy stores competing against each other for the best Christmas grotto experience, the search for a new Santa and new love made the perfect Christmas storylines. I loved the characters and the writing style and was hooked from the first sentence.

I can imagine this book being made into a fabulous Christmas film.

The ideal novel to curl up with a hot chocolate on a Christmas night - I'll be putting this on my 'to read' list again for December!

Lovely Christmassy read, love how the day to day living entwines with the plot. The correct man gets the girl, but felt sorry for the other too.. must have for Christmas

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you so much Head of Zeus/Aria and NetGalley for this opportunity.

Well, I could say there’s a first time for everything. I read a Christmas novel in August. It felt kinda strange at first, but then I just tried to imagine myself on my comfy armchair with my From Blood and Ash blanket and a cup of hot chocolate.

This is my second book written by this author. "The 24 Hour Dating Agency" was one of my first reads on NetGalley, and, as I stated in my review, I loved the way the characters' imperfections were portrayed because I had the chance to relate to the characters.
But what about this one? Phenomenal since page one. I like how this writer can put lots of stuff in the caldron and still create and unique and successful novel. I remember I was worried about having three main characters in “The 24 Hour Dating Agency”, but the writer did a marvellous job since none overshadowed the others. The same thing happened here, you came across so many themes that every taste will be satisfied.

Can’t wait to read this story again during the Christmas season.

P.S. I think this book needs a screen adaptation 👀

Most heroines nowadays are sweetness and light, not Elodie Martin who runs the family shop, Martin's Toy Kingdom. She dislikes everyone except her grandfather, Pops, she even hates Christmas. She's easily annoyed and her remarks are frequently waspish. Too many female leads are portrayed as perfect. Elodie seemed a real person for a change. Her verbal barbs were often very funny.

This year, due to ill health, Pops can no longer be Santa Clause in their Christmas grotto and Elodie needs to find a substitute quickly. With the popularity of the local department store, the Toy Shop relies on the Grotto's profits or their business will likely fail.

My first Christmas novel this year and managed to read it in one day during the heatwave. Most of what I expected to happen, did happen, that's not a criticism. Santa Maybe was amusing and entertaining, a seasonal comfy read.

Thank you Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the ARC, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.

Loved, loved, loved this amazing book. Poignant, heartbreaking and yet joyful. A wonderful book… It is an absolute triumph!

Loved this christmassy read. Lovely story very enjoyable will be rereading come December

Many thanks for the arc

A five-star read that is worthy of any Santa list. This was so sweet and funny and had me so wrapped up that I sobbed buckets!! For the first third I was a little mmmm and undecided about who I wanted Elodie to end up with in the end, as I almost didn’t care but I think I was just in an odd place. Once I got to the halfway point this one picked me up and span me round and had me all aflutter. I have loved this authors stories in the past, and this one just had the usual presence and spark. As well as so much Santa I am well into the Christmas spirit now.

I’ve read books by this author before so knew what writing style to expect. This is a perfect Christmas read and I can’t wait to share it as part of my December festive posts.

This is the epitome of Christmas reads, it’s the novel version of the film where neighbours compete over Christmas lights. In this novel, two toy shops are competitions against one another for the best Christmas grotto. Of course, it’s a festive ‘enemies’ to romance.

A fun and enjoyable book, perfect to read while snuggled with a blanket.

This was a very cute Christmas romance. The witty banter between Elodie and Nick made me laugh out loud! I absolutely love Christmas, so I was able to connect with Nick and all his jolly, even if I don’t necessarily agree with his Christmas movie choices! Some relationships feel a little forced, and the book felt a little drawn out at times, BUT I really loved it, especially the ending. If you like an easy to read, heartwarming, make you smile romance, then this is a must read for you!

A fun Christmas story and a pleasure to read 4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalle and publisher for this ARC

This is a light, seasonal read, but for me it didn’t stand out above the many Christmas novels out there. The descriptions of the toy shop and Santa’s grottoes are lovely, and some of the conversations between Elodie and Nick are hilarious. However, some aspects of the plot seemed far fetched and I didn’t warm to Elodie.

Absolutely loved this Christmas love story by Mary Jayne Baker! I love reading about Elodie and Callums journey. Definitely a must read this holiday season!!

An imaginative story of a young woman, a young man, and an entitled man that learn through the wisdom of Santas and Christmas to find true love and a different reality. It is a cute story with great characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

I loved reading this book.

Elodie has t had much luck in her life, she loves her grandad as well as the toy shop which has been running for a long time by her family. But the big department store and the Owner Callum is their rival.

Her grandad isn’t well, and that means he can’t be the store’s Santa, this brings more problems for her this Christmas, she’s also made a bet which she can’t go back on, even if it isn’t good for her to do so.

But, there’s a ray of hope, Nick, who works in a supermarket,nothing like a Santa should be, but one who will help change their lives.

I recommend this book.

Is there anything better than a really good rom-com with a healthy dose of the festive season? Genuinely had me laughing out loud.

I don't like festive books that much but I do have one that I read every Xmas.... And now I have another to add to that list!

I loved this so much and honestly I'm really surprised at how much I loved it.

You think you will get a cheesy Xmas romance but it really surprised me. Think Miracle on 34th Street vibes, love triangles, grumpy sunshine and lots of other popular tropes thar just work so well in the book.

I loved Elodie. I felt her loneliness and her passion. I loved Callum immediately and I warmed to Nick as I kept reading.

I could see this as a movie, it really was so good!!!!

This is a quick, light, funny Christmasy read that will give you all the feels. The quick wit between the two main characters is something to behold and will make you laugh out loud. I thoroughly enjoyed and it made me feel all cosy.

A lovely christmassy read with a cast of quirky characters and a wonderful love triangle, one to read more than once

Lots going on in this festive romantic comedy. It has a traditional feel and explores many contemporary issues through its characters. Elodie's grandparents raised her after her parent's tragic death, and she isn't feeling the Christmas spirit in her failing toy shop. Her grandfather's illness has forced his retirement as Santa, threatening their grotto, the only successful part of their year. In competition with a bigger department run by her nemesis Callum, she looks like she may lose everything. Nick, an out-of-work actor, steps in to play Santa, but will he be the one to add a little festive magic to Elodie's life?

Gently paced, the author creates a believable setting with distinctive characters and realistic problems. There is a good mix of humour, poignancy, and romance, the perfect cosy style romance with a twist.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I really, really enjoyed Santa Maybe. It had a ‘You’ve Got Mail’ vibe to it and I loved that. I don’t think the book was actually inspired by the film, however, it did have the essence of it in there. An independent toy shop is struggling because of the department store just around the corner and the owners cannot stand each other. Very similar, but not quite the same.

Toy shops have to be one of the most festive places in the world and Martin’s Toy Kingdom sounded wonderful. Reading all of the descriptions made me nostalgic about festive toy shops when I was a kid and it was such a nice feeling.

Elodie, our main character, doesn’t enjoy Christmas and she absolutely despises Callum Ashley who owns the department store that’s putting her out of business. They’ve known each other since they were kids and their grandfathers were good friends. Only since they both came into possession of their respective companies did the rivalry start and other characters seem to think it’s because of reason outside of sales. Now personally I hate this type of trope. I love enemies to lovers, but here it was so obvious they’d never be right for each other.

As I don’t like giving spoilers I won’t say whether anything does happen between them and if if I did you wouldn’t believe me anyway because in strolls oh so charming Nick Winter. Nick auditions to be the new grotto Santa at Elodie’s shop and from the get-go I loved him.

The first half of this book was so fun and festive and I love the whole ‘will they, won't they?’ situation. Unfortunately, this book does involve the miscommunication trope as Elodie has a conversation with Nick about fancying Kurt Russel as Santa and she assumes that he’s outright gay instead of asking. Not sure if that’s outright miscommunication, but there are other moments that are. I can’t say though because of spoilers.

The second half of the book almost lost me for a while. I didn’t like the direction it was going in as it just did not make sense to me. Well, it made some sense but I wasn’t happy about it. Fortunately, everything turns around, as you would expect from a festive romance, and all is right again in the world.

Honestly, although the second half wasn’t as good I did still really enjoy Santa Maybe. It was super festive and uplifting and the idea of training grotto Santas was absolutely brilliant. I wonder if these schools actually exist.

If you’re looking for a super festive and speedy read then I’d definitely recommend Santa Maybe.

This is the perfect festive story that really kept me interested from start to finish. So much that I actually read it all in one sitting!

This is the story of Elodie who works at her family's Toy store and every year they have a Christmas grotto which is how the store stays afloat. Unfortunately, this year her grandad who is usually Santa has decided he is retiring and so we meet Nick the replacement who doesn't seem to be the greatest of Santas! Throw in rivalry with department store owner Callum and you've got a great story to unwrap!

Highly recommend for a bit of festive fun!

Fun festive rom com in book form, that made me smile and has me feeling Christmassy a tad early…oh who am I trying to kid, never too early for me! Main protagonist Elodie is a strong woman but with a definite vulnerable side and I really felt for her when she lost someone she dearly loved in the book. Enjoyable quick read, savour with a mug of hot chocolate & marshmallows.

Mary Jayne does it again. A cute, relaxing chick lit with all the romantic feels. Sprinkle in a little bit of Christmas and you have a cosy feel-good read!

I love Christmas! The best thing about the evenings drawing in for Winter is the large number of Christmassy books that land on my Kindle. Some from authors that I know and love, and others - like this one - from writers that I haven't read before. And honestly looking at her back catalogue I can't believe that I haven't read any of Baker's books before.

Elodie Martin runs the family toy store and like many retailers finds it really hard to get into the festive spirit. In fact, you could go so far as to call her a Grinch. This year is even harder than normal. Her beloved grandad is normally the resident Santa in their grotto but this year, following a stroke, he is having to pass the baton on to someone new. Jim was everyone's favourite Santa Claus so it is really tough for both Elodie and the business.

In desperation she posts a job advert on the bulletin board in the local supermarket and finds - the appropriately named - out of work actor Nick Winter. He's far too young for the role but Elodie doesn't have a choice as it is so last minute and has to hope that Jim can whip Nick into shape as a believable Father Christmas. It is really important that the grotto is a success as the profits from that keep the business going throughout the rest of the year, and Elodie has made a ridiculous wager with her arch rival Callum Ashley, owner of the local department store. Losing the bet could put her out of business.

Santa Maybe isn't just your average holiday romance. It is a really poignant journey through a life straddled with pain and loss but realising that the sadness doesn't have to take over. It is OK to be happy. I really enjoyed the storyline and was surprised by the depth of the emotional response that it evoked in me. The main cast of characters all feel like firm friends by the end of the book and I think that it is one that I'll re-read a bit nearer to the festive season. Plus you'll learn a load of Christmas trivia from Nick who loves Christmas so much!

Supplied by Net Galley, Head of Zeus and Aria Fiction in exchange for an honest review.

Jim Martin has been, for decades, the best Santa in town. Now he's retiring and Martin's Toy Kingdom needs a new Santa to compete with Ashley's Department Store. Year after year Martin's has the best Christmas grotto and Ashley's is the best store for the rest of the year. This year, Elodie Martin and Callum Ashley decide to make a bet on who will have the best grotto.

Elodie and Callum know each other since they were kids and never got along. Now, things might start to change between them.

The search for Martin's next Santa leads Elodie to Nicholas Winter, and Jim is convinced that, although he doesn't look the part, he'll be a great Santa. No one has more Christmas spirit and trivia knowledge than Nick, and he's a great actor. Being Santa has always been his dream role.

I felt like this story could be divided into two parts: one until Christmas is over and the other with the next year.
The story is interesting and I was invested in knowing what would happen. The first part felt a bit slow while reading it but it sped with the second part.

Overall it's a nice Christmas story. I was cheering for everyone to be happy all the way!
I loved Nick and his cheerful self, but he was bothering me always bringing himself down.
I liked Callum and the changes we saw in him but felt bad for Nick since he's so nice!
Elodie has a sad background and loves her family. She's confident and powerful when taking care of her store. I loved the change in her since she met Nick.

I’m a sucker for Christmas so when I saw this title I just had to go for it. I’m so thrilled Head of Zeus accepted my request because it turned out to be such a light and lovely read.

Elodie being a little bit Grinchy about Christmas, I wasn’t sure I would connect with her character but oh boy I was so wrong! The story got me wrapped up from the very first page. The witty banter was brilliant. Nick definitely earned a special place in my reader heart. And well, Callum. Does anyone where can I get myself one? Asking for a friend!

The store descriptions where amazing and they really made me feel as if I was there. 10/10 Christmas vibes!
There were a few things here and there that made the story feel a little bit forced or unnatural but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the book.

The love triangle isn’t my favorite trope but I really enjoyed it here. I even ended up feeling sorry for one of the 3 the characters involved.

I can’t wait to include this in my festive posts!

Thank you so much for the ARC NetGalley!