It Happened One Christmas is the latest release from best-selling author Chantel Guertin. Released on October 31, 2023, by Doubleday, It Happened One Christmas transports readers to a small town in Quebec. Zoey wants to film her movie in the perfect small town of Chelsea, but Ben is reluctant. Will the two be able to work out their differences before Christmas?
I want to thank Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of It Happened One Christmas. All opinions presented here are solely mine.
Synopsis from Goodreads
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?
Positives
- Hallmark movie vibes!
- Small-town romance set at Christmas.
Negatives
- Too many tropes to count! Pick a couple, and stick with that.
- Both main characters are egocentric.
My Opinions
It Happened One Christmas is an enjoyable rom-com, perfect for a snowy day in December!
That said, the story itself could have done with some editing. Why do I say that? Because it feels as though Guertin used every trope she could find. Small-town? Check! Forced proximity? Enemies to lovers? Double-check! Grumpy-sunshine relationship? Obviously! Glamourous ex appearing in the third act? Yup, that’s there too! I’m sure there are a few others that I’ve missed, but you get the idea.
Ben is stuck in his ways, but not for the reasons you may think. He’s trying hard to keep things as his father wanted them, even though he passed away. Zoey is chasing the memories of the one perfect childhood Christmas, not realizing she could make new memories to replace all her negative ones.
Overall, It Happened One Christmas is an enjoyable read. Though it’s not one I loved, it was still one that many people will.
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Great review! This concept seems like a popular one cos I’ve heard of at least three other holiday romances that have this premise this year. I’m a fan of trope-y romances but this does sound like a lot!