by Zara Stoneley
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
A holiday she’ll remember forever…
It’s the most magical time of the year, and for travel agent Sarah it’s also the busiest! But this year one man threatens to ruin Christmas for Sarah’s customers – Mr Grinch, Will Armstrong.
The Shooting Star Mountain resort is a magical place, and Sarah has fond memories of Christmas here as a little girl – visits to Father Christmas, husky rides in the snow and hot chocolate by a roaring fire. But as the resorts new owner, Will refuses to play snowball or to deck the halls with anything remotely resembling tinsel!
With customers complaining their Christmas is ruined, Sarah decides it’s up to her to convince Scroogey Will just how magical Christmas can be….
But getting Will into the Christmas spirit is hopeless – he is Bah Humbug personified! But as Sarah gets to know him better, she realises that underneath all the gloom is a man struggling with a pain of his own.
With the big day approaching, Sarah realises that the magic and sparkle can wait. This year, she’s going to spend Christmas day with someone special her very own Mr Scrooge…
No One Cancels Christmas by Zara Stoneley offered humor and healing in a picturesque setting. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and meet our zany, complicated heroine Sarah as she takes on Mr. Grinch himself, Will Armstrong.
Sarah works at a travel agency owned by the woman who raised her. The agency prides itself on recommending magical destinations and they’ve sent many happy clients to Shooting Star Mountain Resort. However, since new owners acquired the resort complaints have come fluttering in and one client is threatening to sue.
Back and forth witty email exchanges between the new owner (Will) and Sarah begin. The man is beyond frustrating. I loved the emails and could feel an underlying chemistry building.
Fearing the agencies ruin, and annoyed at the frosty owner, Sarah books a stay. She plans to investigate matters and face down Will, aka, Mr. Grinch in person.
What follows is a touching, sweet and heartwarming tale. Sarah and Will face their own personal demons, save the holiday and perhaps find something more.
The story is very wordy, and we spend a lot of time in Sarah’s head. Sarah reminded me of the character, Bridget Jones. Her inner dialogue was hilarious, highlighted her own insecurities and allowed the reader to come to care for her. Will is dealing with some life altering issues and isn’t quit the Scrooge we initially thought.
Secrets, confrontations, healing and new chances are central themes in this feel-good story. Our heroine tries to recapture that magical feeling of Christmas.
The Canadian setting was beautiful from the snowy mountains to the cozy log cabins. I wanted to curl up by the fire, watch the snowfall and enjoy some hot cocoa.
From snogging to shagging the book is relatively clean and I would classify this as chick-lit or women’s fiction. We spend time with family, friends and witness wonderful character growth.
While No One Cancels Christmas wasn’t my favorite holiday read this season it was fun reading a British Christmas story.
No One Cancels Christmas by Zara Stoneley offered humor and healing in a picturesque setting. Grab a cup of hot cocoa as zany Sarah takes on Mr. Grinch himself. #holiday #Christmas #eBook Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
Bridget Jones is one of my favorites movies. This sounds like I would enjoy it. I don’t think I have read a British Christmas story before so that would be kind of cool to do. Great review!
Mary
Kimberly
It was fun. I hope you enjoy it!
Olivia Roach
This one kind of low-key gives me A Christmas Carol feels and I totally agree with the title – no one and nothing will ever be able to cancel Christmas for me! It sounds like we get really up close and personal with the main character as we spend so much time in her head.
Kimberly
Christmas always comes!
Daniela Ark
Sorry to hear it was too wordy and not a favorite, but glad to hear the settings was “hot cocoa.” and snuggling worthy 🙂 haha That “monologish” quality does sound like Bridget Jones!
Kimberly
I had fun, but lordy she had some thoughts
Carla
Nice review, it was the Canadian setting that drew me to this one, although I have not had time to read it yet.
Kimberly
The setting was fab!
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
This sounds like a pretty fun read, especially the British humor. I always get a kick out of watch British sitcoms like Are You Being Served and Keeping Up Appearances.
Kimberly
I do love British films, and shows. So yep, you should get a kick out of this.
sherry fundin
Snow and a cabin, sounds like it will have a happy ending to me. 🙂
Kimberly
All romances must have an HEA, or they aren’t classified as romance
Stefanie
The cover of this book is fun and I like the sound of its plot. I haven’t read a modern take on A Christmas Carol before. Adding it to my TBR.
Kimberly
I hope you enjoy it Stephanie!
lisa thomson
This sounds really cute! So long as it isn’t too cheesy, I’m in. I like cheese…don’t get me wrong, LOL. I like the sounds of Sarah being in her head a lot. This can add humor as we can all relate to being this way. Thanks, Kim for this review.
Kimberly
LOL I understand. And cheese is good in a Hallmark romance,
Angela Adams
“What follows is a touching, sweet and heartwarming tale” — the perfect Holiday read. Thanks for the post, and have a great weekend!
Kimberly
Happy to share. Have a lovely weekend Angela.
Lover Of Romance
This book sounds perfect to read while having a cup of hot cocoa to go along with it.
Kimberly
Yes. I had fun with it 🙂
Northwoman
Well it sounds kind of fun even if it wasn’t your favorite. I’ve veered off into mysteries and British romance and so forth to try to stem the billionaire romance trope which is my least favorite. HoHoHo! But most of what I have is romance – I just have to mix them up a bit. Anne – Books of My Heart
Kimberly
I hear you. I am reading horror.
Heidi
This sounds like it is simple and rather straightforward meaning it provides holiday cheer and romance with delving into the drama and angst. I like my holiday reads light and fun. I also like the sound of the Canadian setting.
Kimberly
It was different and the setting was gorgeous.
Teresa Mary Rose
I love the romance take on “Grinch” stories for Christmas… always fun! Great review!
Kimberly
Yes, it is a troupe I have fun with.
Barb (boxermommyreads)
I think I’d like this one because of the humor and the email exchanges. I always have fun with those kinds of books. Great review!
Kimberly
It was fun Barb, ?I hope you try it,
Jen
Oh, this sounds totally adorable and fun! I am finally getting into the Christmas spirit, and maybe this book will be my holiday read over vacation!! Thanks.
Kimberly
Books do help me get in the holiday mood 🙂
Debbie Haupt
It does sound fun Kim I’m glad you liked it. Sometimes I just don’t “get” British humor.
Kimberly
Oh I love British shows and movies and books, but this darling had the mental verbal diarrhea. If my head was that busy all day long I would explode.
Lorna
I didn’t even know there was such a thing as Grinch Romance? I like it! This sounds pretty good although I don’t like the sound of wordy. But I did love Bridget Jones. Sorry it wasn’t your favorite.
Kimberly
Yes, when one party is bah-humbug about Christmas and love.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I love when a setting puts you in the mood for the season. Makes me want to sit by the fire, hot tea or wine in hand while I read! Sounds like a fun hate to love romance! 🙂
Kimberly
Yes, as long as the fire was blazing, I would love to be there.
Bookworm Brandee
That Will and Sarah both face down their demons, fall for each other, AND save Christmas 😉 has me intrigued. Plus, I love a grumpy hero. 🙂 You’re really putting me in the Christmas spirit, Kimberly. 😀
Kimberly
Yes, which gave it kind of a women’s fiction vibe.
Ailyn Koay
oh i do love a good grinch romance, especially one where Santa gets the upper hand.
Kimberly
Yes, we all love a good Grinch.
Sophia Rose
Ah, this does sound like a fun Grinchy one. I think it is neat when a romance starts from letter exchanges even hostile ones. I’ll have to keep this one in mind for next years holiday list. 🙂
Kimberly
I am the same, Sophia. Happy weekend!