In a world saturated with holiday entertainment, it takes a special kind of storytelling to make yet another Christmas romance feel fresh and engaging. Martha Waters, known for her witty Regency romance series including To Have and to Hoax and To Love and to Loathe, ventures into contemporary territory with Christmas Is All Around – and proves that sometimes the best presents come in unexpected packages.
The Magic Behind the Story
At its heart, this novel is a clever meta-commentary on holiday films wrapped in a warm embrace of romance. The story follows Charlotte Lane, a former child actress whose sole film credit—the fictional Christmas classic Christmas, Truly—has haunted her for twenty years. When online backlash over her refusal to participate in a reboot sends her fleeing to London, she finds herself face-to-face with her past at Eden Priory, the historic house where pivotal scenes from the movie were filmed.
What Sets This Book Apart
Waters brings her trademark wit and sharp dialogue to contemporary romance, crafting a story that’s both a love letter to and a gentle critique of holiday movie tropes. The novel succeeds in:
- Subverting expectations while embracing genre conventions
- Creating complex family dynamics that feel authentic
- Balancing humor with genuine emotional depth
- Crafting a slow-burn romance that sizzles with tension
Character Development & Romance
Charlotte is a refreshingly complex protagonist whose resistance to Christmas isn’t a simple personality quirk to be “fixed” by love, but rather stems from deeper issues with family and identity. Her journey from defensive isolation to vulnerable connection feels earned and authentic.
Graham Calloway, our hero, brings his own compelling conflict to the table. His struggle between honoring his late father’s wishes and saving his family’s historic home provides rich emotional territory. The chemistry between Charlotte and Graham crackles from their first meeting—when he’s literally stripping out of a reindeer costume.
Strengths & Notable Elements
- Witty Dialogue: The banter between Charlotte and Graham sparkles with personality and humor
- Setting: Eden Priory comes alive as a character in its own right
- Supporting Cast: Particularly strong secondary characters, especially Charlotte’s sister Ava
- Pacing: The story moves briskly while allowing key emotional moments to breathe
Areas for Improvement
While the novel largely succeeds, there are some elements that could be stronger:
- The central conflict regarding Graham’s deception feels slightly manufactured
- Some holiday movie references border on heavy-handed
- A few supporting characters lean toward caricature
- The resolution comes together perhaps too neatly
Writing Style & Narrative Voice
Waters demonstrates considerable skill in translating her historical romance voice to contemporary setting. Her prose remains elegant while feeling modern and accessible. The first-person narration allows readers deep insight into Charlotte’s emotional journey while maintaining mystery around Graham’s motivations.
Standout Scenes
- The ornament-painting workshop sequence
- The sheep traffic jam in the countryside
- The emotional Christmas Eve confrontation
- The masquerade ball finale
Themes & Deeper Messages
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- The weight of childhood fame
- Family expectations vs. personal fulfillment
- The courage required for vulnerability
- Finding balance between tradition and progress
Perfect For Readers Who:
- Enjoy enemies-to-lovers dynamics
- Appreciate meta commentary on romance tropes
- Like their holiday stories with depth
- Enjoy British settings
- Want romance with strong family themes
Similar Books & Recommendations
If you enjoy Christmas Is All Around, consider:
- The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
- In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
- Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
- The Holiday by Emily Stone
Final Thoughts
Christmas Is All Around proves that holiday romance can be both comforting and clever, traditional and subversive. Waters has crafted a story that acknowledges the sometimes ridiculous nature of holiday entertainment while celebrating the very real emotions and connections that draw us to these stories again and again.
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its ability to balance cynicism with sincerity, creating a romance that feels both modern and timeless. While it may not convert die-hard holiday skeptics, it offers a refreshing perspective on finding love during the most wonderful (or overwhelming) time of the year.
Verdict
A charming holiday romance that offers more substance than the average seasonal fare, Christmas Is All Around proves that Martha Waters’ wit and warmth translate beautifully to contemporary settings. While not perfect, it’s a delightful addition to the holiday romance genre that will leave readers believing in the magic of Christmas—or at least in the magic of finding love when you least expect it.
A holiday romance for people who think they’re too cynical for holiday romances.
Author Background
Martha Waters established herself in historical romance with her Regency Vows series before venturing into contemporary romance with Christmas Is All Around. Her signature wit and complex character development remain evident in this new genre, suggesting exciting possibilities for future contemporary works.