the setup…
Julia Devine is the manager of Sunny Street Cinema in London and the job perfectly suits her. She’s unconventional with her love of vintage clothes and classic films. She’s busy preparing the holiday movie line up and sitting through a showing when she sees her favorite star Hugo Turner leaving her aisle. But when he’s approached by a fan, he admits he’s his doppelgänger and is really Sam Hunter. When she later rescues him from another fan at a restaurant, they strike up a conversation that leads to a wonderful friendship. Julia is also dreading her upcoming trip home to Cumbria for the family Christmas lunch, even considering skipping it because of her awful stepsister Becca who is bragging about bringing her new pilot boyfriend. But Sam encourages her to use him…as her date, Hugo Turner!
the heart of the story…
Julia is a wonderful character who is quirky, talented, bright and resourceful. But she’s grown up with the awful Becca who is enabled by her stepfather and even Julia’s own mother Sylvia. The Christmas ruse has all of the expected fun and drama but her relationship with Sam is complicating matters as her feelings for him are beginning to grow and how is she to later explain her “breakup” with the famous Hugo?
the narration…
This is all about the storytelling and Tidd delivered a fine performance. I particularly loved her voice for the evil stepsister Becca.
the bottom line…
While this story isn’t the most original, the crafting of it and the characterizations were pretty special. I couldn’t help liking Julia and Sam who appreciated all her qualities and talents and had a wicked sense of humor. Their romance was a slow, lovely burn and the holiday setting gave it a lift. The Christmas charade brought lots of fun moments along with some serious themes related to family relationships. It’s a gem in this season of holiday stories.
Book Info
- Release Date: November 16, 2023
- Narrator: Rachael Tidd
- Audio Length: 3 hours, 49 minutes
- Publisher: Audible Original
Listen to a Sample!
Blue Mood Café 
Sounds like a fun listen Jo!
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Oh, Nicki, it was💜 Even better, it was free with my Audible membership.
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Nice one!
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This sounds like an entertaining read! Thanks for pointing out it’s free with audible. Wonderful review!
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Thank you, Jodie💜 I’m glad you could get it free, too.
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Great review. Heartwarming for the holidays. Fake dating is a favorite because it is often a kindness to another.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne💜 You hit the nail on the head.
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Sounds fun–and short! I’ll look for it!
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Hope you can listen to it💜
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It’s free right now, so I’ll be listening late next week!
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This sounds like a fun Christmas story. I have been enjoying these novellas that are free on Audible as well.
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Oh, Carla, it’s a good one💜
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It does sound like fun, without being extraordinary! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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And that’s the charm of it, Lashaan💜
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I love a holiday story thick with dysfunctional family themes. They are so relatable. Excellent review, Jo!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 That’s a great description!
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