Today I’m excited to tell you about a new book that recently came out called ‘The Christmas Holiday’ and I’m sharing an exclusive interview with the author Maxine Morrey. There’s also a giveaway that you should enter [UK Only] Enjoy! <3
About the Book | The Christmas Holiday
Release Date: September 22, 2017
Book Blurb:
Fall in love this winter on a romantic trip around the world ending in a fairy-tale winter wedding!
As winter comes to London, journalist Mia Walker is desperately hoping for her big break as a travel writer, dreaming of exotic locations and sun-soaked beaches. When she’s invited to write a romantic travel piece that ends in a huge winter wedding in Scotland, she jumps at the chance. The only trouble is, the photographer is renowned adventure-junkie Hunter Scott, who Mia last saw five years ago when she ended their engagement.
It’s the opportunity of a lifetime, and Mia knows she’d be mad to say no – even if it does mean spending weeks traveling round the world with the one man she never wanted to see again! But as the wedding approaches, and the magic of Christmas begins to take hold, Mia can’t help looking out for mistletoe – and wishing she hadn’t cancelled her own engagement after all…
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon US | Amazon UK
My Review
Fall has begun and the Holidays are almost upon us! This was the first Christmas themed book of the season for me and it was a wonderful one to start with as it wasn’t overly in-your-face Christmas-y but it had a Christmas vibe since it takes place around the holidays. The Christmas Holiday is about a young woman that gets an assignment that may lead to her dream job with her company but there’s a catch; she’ll have to work alongside her ex-fiance that she hasn’t seen in years. Not only will it be difficult to work with him, but their lack of closure after the breakup certainly adds to the potential unpleasantness that awaits her.
I enjoyed reading along as Mia experiences the different places on the trip along with Hunter, Liv and Sandeep. The main theme of the novel was the idea that it’s important to have open and honest communication with your significant other. If something is bothering you, you should talk about it with the other person with clear and direct communication. You shouldn’t ignore things that bother you and let them get to the breaking point. If you assume that the other person wants things to be a certain way even if they haven’t explicitly communicated that to you, then you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of unhappiness.
The novel also included a theme of protecting and caring for others. Reflecting back on past traumas and mistakes can be difficult but oftentimes it is necessary to be able to move on with your life. One of the most important things in life is to spend it in the company of those you love because life is precious and sometimes we don’t realize quite how precious it is until we lose those that matter most. I loved the characters introduced in this novel and I was sad when the novel was over [had a quick book-hangover when it was over] because I wanted the adventure to continue! Maybe there will be a second one? Fingers crossed! Regardless if there will be another one, this was a fun adventure packed novel and I was thoroughly entertained the whole way through.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
Please note: I received a complimentary review copy as part of the blog tour. My review aboves reflects my 100% honest opinion and I was not paid for my review.
Author Interview – Maxine Morrey
What are the things you can’t live without in your wardrobe?
I’d probably have to say my pair of very well used cowboy-style boots. They’re years old now and were bought after a long time on crutches following a complicated ankle break. I needed something I could wear that I could still hide all the strapping under, and they fit the bill perfectly. They’re still so comfy and I tend to pair them with everything from jeans to summer dresses (especially with the way the weather’s been this summer!).
What are the things you can’t live without in your makeup bag?
I don’t always wear makeup – it really depends on my mood, time constraints and where I’m going. I think I’m still on the search for that perfect foundation but some days I do think a little bit of coverage can give a girl a boost. Add to that a flash of mascara and a red lip (Maybelline 547) and I’m a little more ready to face the world.
What would we find if we looked in your handbag right now?
Too much! I need to have a bit of a clear out – there seems to be an accumulation of old receipts and suchlike. Handbags are a bit of a balancing act, I find. Having found they get heavy, I switched to a smaller one which naturally limits what you can carry – but then you can’t get a book/kindle in, which obviously isn’t ideal. But generally, it’s the usual like a purse, lippy (obvs), mini hairbrush, asthma inhaler, nail file (I don’t even have long nails and still manage to smash them!), and hand sanitiser. And because I was fed up of the car keys disappearing into the depths, I now have a completely disproportionate keyring which means I can find them right away! Result!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Reading, obviously. I have so many books on my TBR pile. I’ll impose a moratorium and then see another book I like…It’s a challenge! Apart from that, I enjoy podcasts and sewing. We’ve recently had a change around and I’m now able to get little bits of sewing done at a time and close the door on the mess which has resulted in me getting more done which I’m thrilled about. I’m the world’s slowest sewer but I’ve recently managed a new make up bag and a top, so I’m quite pleased. I also enjoy tea and cake so when I’m not doing those things or housework (bleugh!), I try and get out for a walk or do something up the gym so that I can continue to enjoy them!
A few of your favorites…
Animal Elephant
Season Spring
Movie Eek – a few! But Love Actually and Dan In Real Life probably win
Author Jane Austen
Scent Eternity Moment – Calvin Klein
Color Blue
Food I eat most things! But having to pick just one, I’d probably go Italian.
Word Puddle
Book Persuasion – Jane Austen
Holiday Any holiday would be nice! But India and Italy are top choices
Dogs or cats? Dogs
Red or white wine? Champagne!
Coffee or tea? Tea – coffee gives me the shakes!
Apple or PC? PC
Thanks so much for having me on the blog, and thanks for some fun questions!
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About the Author | Maxine Morrey
Author bio: Maxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. Coming in first, she won a handful of book tokens – perfect for a bookworm!
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, aswell as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words, can be found tackling her To Be Read pile, sewing, listening to podcasts, and walking.
Giveaway Opportunity!
Click the link to enter for a chance to win: a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Christmas Holiday Weekend Blitz Giveaway [UK ONLY!]
1 Winner, Prize includes:
- Signed copy of The Christmas Project
- The Christmas Holiday notebook
- Galaxy chocolate bar
- Chocolate penguins and snowballs
- Elephant keyring
Shoutout to Jenny at Neverland Blog Tours for organizing the blog tour and providing the opportunity to read the book and connect with the author. I hope you enjoyed the interview as much as I did and I do hope you go out and get yourself a copy of the novel. <3
Social Media Short-Link: http://wp.me/p4F2Uk-mEx
So bummed this isn’t open to U.S. residents!