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Rose Quinn used to love Christmas but now everything has changed, she’s struggling and desperate to get out of Dublin for the holiday season and spend it alone. Except for her dog George, of course. She books and escape to Seaview Cottage in Donegal and sets off, her only plan to hunker down and walk the dog.

This is Charlie Sheerin‘s first Christmas alone and obviously he’s not looking forward to it. He sets off from Belfast accompanied by his dog Max and being the helpful chap he undoubtedly is, he tries to help a woman having car trouble. He arrives at the cottage he’s booked and whilst he’s being shown around another car arrives. Yes, you’ve guessed it, it’s Rose and I’ll bet you’ve also guessed, the cottage is double booked. Whoops. What to do?

If you enjoy the film The Holiday then you’ll probably enjoy this seasonal read from Emma Heatherington. This definitely gives you the festive vibes even before Christmas! It’s a touching feel good story which captures the late December magic, especially towards the end of the novel.

I love the setting in the Donegal area which is full of atmosphere and makes you want to visit as it seems so idyllic. The cottage is very tempting too! The two main characters, though polar opposite, are both very likeable and as for the dogs��..❤️❤️ We learn the burdensome loads both are carrying as the novel progresses and you warm to them even more. A shout out too for Rose’s Uncle Rusty who is so nice with a bit of a boo ya sucks to his wife Marion! This is a sweet story and although it definitely follows a predictable path but that’s what you hope for, so happy days.

However, it is a bit slow, especially at the start and so it takes me a while to get into it and the ending feels a bit rushed . One oddity is a character does a complete 180 personality change. Is it a sprinkling of Christmas Magic? Let’s go with a yes.

Overall, this is a lovely wintry escapist read, and obviously it snows.!! The lovely cover also entices you in.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK, Cornerstone for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.