Rediscovering Holiday Magic: “It Happened One Christmas” by Chantel Guertin – A Festive Romance in Quebec : Book Review @chantelguertin @penguinrandomca @doubledayca #ameliasargisson

“It Happened One Christmas” by Chantel Guertin is a delightful holiday rom-com that combines a heartwarming Christmas setting with the unlikely romance between a determined big-city film director and the grumpy mayor of a quaint Quebec town.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Netgalley, Doubleday Canada and Libro.fm for the ARC and ALC respectively. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

A charming and rollicking holiday rom-com about a big-city film director who must convince the dreamy, yet grumpy, mayor of a small town to give her the permit to shoot her Christmas movie in his idyllic hometown. Perfect for fans of Hallmark holiday movies, and readers of Maggie Knox’s All I Want for Christmas and The Hating Game by Sally Thorne.

Will her Christmas wish come true?

Zoey Andrews lives and breathes Christmas. She loves everything about the season, and after years of directing countless holiday movies, she certainly knows her way around a festive tale. So, when she finally gets the chance to bring her own script to life, she isn’t about to let anything, or anyone, stand in her way–not even the stupidly sexy, utterly frustrating plaid-clad tree farmer Benoît Deschamps. Moonlighting as mayor of Chelsea–the cozy Quebec hamlet at the center of Zoey’s screenplay–Ben maddeningly refuses to grant her a film permit in his enchanting town.

With just four days left before Christmas, Zoey must change Ben’s mind, but not before an unscripted ice storm leaves them stranded in the middle of nowhere, with nothing except . . . each other.

Will Ben’s chilly resolve shatter Zoey’s Christmas movie wish? Or will Zoey be able to melt his stubbornness–and maybe even his heart?

My Thoughts:

“It Happened One Christmas” is a heartwarming and entertaining holiday romance with memorable characters, a charming setting, and a delightful blend of humour and romance. Chantel Guertin’s storytelling and the audiobook’s narration make this a perfect choice for fans of feel-good holiday tales and those who enjoy the magic of Christmas.

The novel weaves together a forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers romance, adding a touch of humour that keeps the readers engaged from start to finish. Zoey Andrews, the protagonist, is a character you can’t help but root for, especially with her unyielding determination to convince the stubborn mayor, Benoît Deschamps, to grant her a film permit in his idyllic hometown of Chelsea, Quebec.

One of the book’s standout features is the picturesque setting of Chelsea, Quebec. The author’s vivid descriptions create a warm and festive atmosphere that makes you feel a part of the community. Zoey’s connection to the town through cherished childhood memories adds a layer of sentimentality to the story.

The banter between Zoey and Ben is not only entertaining but also adds depth to their evolving relationship. Their dynamic is filled with sparks and tension, making their journey from adversaries to lovers all the more satisfying.

Character development is another strong suit of this novel. Both Zoey and Ben have interesting backstories that provide depth and complexity to their personalities. This makes their emotional growth throughout the story feel authentic and relatable.

The book also offers a cultural aspect by introducing readers to Christmas French-Canadian traditions. It’s a delightful way to learn about different holiday customs while enjoying a heartwarming story.

If you’re a fan of audiobooks, the narrator, Amelia Sargisson, does a fantastic job. Her enthusiastic and authentic performance, along with her ability to provide distinct voices for each character, adds another layer of enjoyment to the book. I highly recommend the audiobook format for those who appreciate this immersive experience.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Chantel Guertin:

Instamom

Gigi, Listening