Finding Love at the Christmas Market: Curl up with 2020’s most magical Christmas story

by Jo Thomas

'It's Christmas in a book!' Katie Fforde
'Sprinkled with Christmas magic!' Milly Johnson
'A scrumptious seasonal treat!' Heidi Swain

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Residential-home caterer Connie has had one online-dating disaster too many. Hurt in the past and with her son to consider, now she's feeling hesitant. Then one of Connie's residents sets her up on a date at a beautiful German Christmas market - with the promise she'll take a mini-bus full of pensioners along with her...

Amongst the twinkling lights and smell of warm gingerbread in the old market square, Connie heads off on her date with a checklist of potential partner must-haves. Baker Henrich ticks all the boxes, but when Connie meets Henrich's rival William, she starts to wonder if ticking boxes is the answer.

Will Connie's wish for love this Christmas come true, and if so - with who?

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Readers are feeling enchanted by Finding Love at the Christmas Market:

'This book was a hot chocolate on a cold day, warming and satisfying.'
'I could smell the gingerbread and spices, a real hug of a book.'
'A beautiful book about finding what matters most at Christmas . . . such a heart-warming story.'

If you loved Finding Love at the Christmas Market, pre-order Jo's newest Christmas novel, Countdown to Christmas, now!

• ISBN10: 0552176850
• ISBN13: 9780552176859
• Publish Date: 29 October 2020 (first published 24 September 2020)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd
• Imprint: Corgi Books
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 352
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/isbn/9780552176859

Reviews

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review."


This was my first experience with the author, and it was a good one. I would definitely read more of her work. Finding Love at the Christmas Market delivered a feel good and humorous Christmas story. It reminded so much of Hallmark Christmas movies.

In this warm-hearted story we meet Connie, who has been unsuccessful in finding love. She had given upon the whole idea after her last attempt left her penniless.  However, when one of her senior citizen customers set up an online dating profile for her, she believes she may have found the one.  So, to ensure Heinrich checks all her boxes, she sets out on a trip, along with her friends from the retirement home, to Germany. Then she meets Heinrich’s rival, William, who has her reconsidering her need for a list.

Connie displayed all the anxieties that came with meeting someone whom you have been corresponding with online for the first time. I found her annoying as her actions reeked of desperation and she behaved like a teenager. She didn’t behave like a forty something divorcee with a son was in college.

I instantly disliked Heinrich upon meeting him. Stuffy, boring, selfish and passionless.  Everything aspect of his life had to be planned, even the intimate moments.William is the polar opposite. However, he is facing financial and family issues and was not looking for a relationship, but fate had other plans.

I loved how the senior citizens brought humour to the story with their antics and witty remarks. I loved the relationship which existed between them and Connie. They were like one big family.

I enjoyed the setting and the vivid descriptions of the market and the variety of baked goods. I now have a desire to experience Christmas in Germany. The author made it all sounds so delightful.

Unfortunately, the romance did not live up to my expectations. It was ok, but I hoped for more development, which would have made it believable.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, Finding Love at the Christmas Market delivered a heart-warming Christmas story.  Fans of festive reads would enjoy this delightful story.