The Night Before Christmas

By Nicola Knight

What it’s about?

Felicity Brooks hates Christmas. But when she meets a man dressed as a giant penguin on Christmas Eve, could it spell a change of heart in this laugh-out-loud festive romance.

The ridiculous music. The excessive presents. The stupid Christmas jumpers. Felicity wants nothing more than to escape it all, and pounces on the chance to work shifts over the festive period, at an animal rescue centre. After all, it’s the only place that brings her true happiness.

But her evening is disturbed by a stranger, James, dressed as a penguin cradling a weak kitten. As Felicity and James work together to nurse the sick feline back to health, it gives them the perfect excuse to bond over their mutual dislike of all things festive. And soon sparks fly.

But their attraction is interrupted when Felicity’s ex-boyfriend, Adam, returns to declare his undying love.

And when Felicity is let down by both men she decides to return to her childhood home for some peace. While there, she uncovers an array of family secrets and even more about herself, which may just encourage her to make a choice between Adam and James.

Can the ex outwit the penguin and win Felicity’s heart this Christmas?

What I think:

This is such a fun Christmas read.

Felicity hates Christmas as it brings back memories of betrayal and lost love. Her father walked out one Christmas and years later she repeats the cycle by dumping her boyfriend during the festive season.

She’s definitely better off by herself, with her M&S treats and watching Die Hard and volunteering for the holiday shift at the animal rescue centre she works at.

When a gorgeous man dressed as a penguin turns up, with a new born and they end up on a Christmas rescue mission, sparks fly. But Felicity doesn’t do love or Christmas so she definitely plays her cards close to her chest.

If Felicity is going to make things work with James she is going to have to learn to trust him. Which isn’t as easy as it sounds as everyone in her life lets her down.

Ex-boyfriend, Adam, is awful and yet she still feels a connection with him. Every time she gave him a chance to talk I wanted to shake her! He nearly ruins everything for her with his selfish nonsense.

I loved her trip to Guernsey, where she confronts her past and uncovers some surprising secrets about her family. This added a real dimension to the book that made it a richer read than an average romcom.

Both Felicity and James go on a real journey as they get to know each other. There’s lots of fun and laughter but tears and really heartwarming moments. The cats definitely steal the show. I was so glad that they got a happy ending as well!

If you are looking for a fun, very readable festive read with lots of British humour and characters you will be instantly rooting for, then this is the book for you.

Thank you to Bloodhound Books for my gifted copy of The Night Before Christmas and to Love Books Tours for inviting me to be a part of this charming blog tour.