Review of 'A Very Irish Christmas' by Debbie Johnson
Release date: October 30th, 2024
Publisher: Storm Publishing
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REVIEW
I have enjoyed all of Debbie Johnson’s Starshine Cove novels I have read. But A Very Irish Christmas is just magical—especially the ballroom dancing scene: complete with a fairy tale Prince Charming! This is a story about following your heart—even if it gets you into a bit of trouble at times. But in taking that advice, it will eventually lead you home to where you belong: with the right person in the right location. You may end up quite far from where you started, though, so be prepared for some surprises! But that is okay as what is meant to be—will be.
This is also a story about healing from emotional upsets and loss. Cassie O’Hara is an American from New York with an Irish nanna (Nora) who has unfortunately passed away within the year. They were very close and Cassie misses her terribly. But her grandmother’s words of advice and display of love are forever in her thoughts. She draws upon these things as she tries to move forward after her big romantic upset—when her fiancé left her at the altar. Stunned and wounded by this rejection, she has not been quite the same. It put a real dent in her confidence well and sucked the life out of her. She thinks maybe she just needs to get away for a break to reset and heal. Nanna Nora has left her some inheritance money to be used for a rainy day. And as her friend says, it is pouring rain in her life right now! So it’s a good time to take advantage of her grandmother’s gift.
When Cassie looks on line for a destination, she sees a special place that tugs at her heart. So, she decides to head to England to stay for a month in Whimsy Cottage (in a place the locals call Little Ireland). But when she arrives, the accommodation she has rented is anything but cosy or clean! And there is a very strange dog hanging around. Accompanied by an attractive Irish fellow full of secrets. When she makes a complaint about her ill-equipped cottage, she discovers the booking was a mistake as the cottage is up for renovation. The owner, an Englishman, apologises and invites her to stay at his impressive manor while the work is being done on the cottage. It is here she meets some very intriguing persons and the drama heightens. Lots of things happen to upset her ideas but also to realign them to what is important. She gets involved with the community and it latches on to her heart. Her journey also takes her to Ireland where her nanna is from and she learns more about this woman she loved so much. This knowledge gives her courage to begin to follow her heart and to make decisions that are good for her.
This novel is pure delight from start to finish with never a dull moment! It kept me glued to the pages. A well delivered cast of characters made it fun and festive. The settings are gorgeous and the Christmas festivities are appealing. Plus, the dialogue is dripping with delicious wit! Wonderful humour and Irish sayings fill this beautiful tale. There are dilemmas to be sorted and choices to be made. And sometimes it is hard to tell which direction things may go in. But once decisions are made, we know they are the right ones for the characters. A Very Irish Christmas is an absolute gem and a-must-read at any time of the year. It will give you a lift, a laugh and a welcoming warm hug—just as it did me. 5 sparkling stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.
