BOOK REVIEW: The Christmas Holiday by Maxine Morrey

With Christmas just around the corner, it's the perfect time for a festive read or two (check out the SH Christmas selections here and here!) I fell for the cover of Maxine Morrey's new novel The Christmas Holiday as soon as I saw it, so it was instantly on my to-read list.

Journalist Mia Walker is stuck covering the weddings section, but she dreams of becoming a travel writer, jetting off to sunny locations around the world. However, every writer at her publication dreams of landing the coveted travel spot! But when her boss asks her to cover an assignment - a round-the-world trip to cover his daughter's lavish wedding - Mia jumps at the opportunity.

But there's a downside. The photographer is sent to accompany her on the trip is none other than super-successful adventurer Hunter Scott, who's also incredibly attractive. Oh, and he's also Mia's ex.

Even though Mia called off the engagement years previously, seeing Hunter again is no doubt going to be awkward. Especially as they're going to be working closely together on the wedding story. Soon Mia's questioning her previous decisions. Writing a good article may result in her winning the job of her dreams, so she'll have to stay professional, despite the mixture of feelings for Hunter. Can she put her feelings aside as she travels from country to country with her ex-boyfriend?

The Christmas Holiday is a light, fun, romantic read. It's different from a lot of current Christmas releases as it's less of a cosy fireside read and focuses on a round-the-world adventure, which I enjoyed. But there's definitely some Christmas magic.

Granted, it was a bit predictable, and I did find Mia quite hard to like at first, mainly due to the constant arguing with Hunter at the beginning. It just felt quite forced, and a little confusing as it wasn't specified why Mia had broken up with Hunter until later on in the novel. That said, it's still a fab read for Christmas, wherever you might be spending it!

As well as The Christmas Holiday, Maxine is also the author of The Christmas Project, Winter's Fairytale and The Best Little Christmas Shop, so do check out her other novels if you're looking for a romantic festive fix!

Rating: 4/5

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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