The Perfect Christmas Village

Book Review: The Perfect Christmas Village by Bella Osborne

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

I really need to stop being lured in by beautiful festive-looking covers. This was another meh read for me. Don't even get me started on the morals of someone lying and selling a house to someone in a village known for Christmas when they know he hates Christmas. That is a huge side-eye right from the start. Honestly, it just went downhill from there for me. The only thing charming about this one was the cover and the setting.

The Perfect Christmas Village by Bella Osborne tells the story of Sam, a Christmas-hating individual, who finds himself moving to Holly Cross, a village that transforms into the most Christmassy place in the country every year. Blythe, a real estate agent desperate to win the title of Real Estate Agent of the Month, twists the truth to sell Sam a cottage in the midst of this festive village. Sam's arrival not only jeopardizes Holly Cross's chance to win the title of Britain's Most Perfect Christmas Village but also puts him in his own personal hell surrounded by fairy lights. With everyone looking to Blythe to fix things, the festive season looms, giving Sam the opportunity to fall in love with more than just Christmas in Holly Cross.

While the premise of The Perfect Christmas Village may seem promising, it fails to deliver on its potential, leaving readers disappointed. The major concern with this book is the questionable morality of Blythe, who deceives Sam into buying a house in a place he despises. This act of manipulation and dishonesty sets a negative tone for the entire story, making it difficult to empathize with the characters or become invested in their journey.

Moreover, the plot lacks depth and fails to explore its potential conflicts adequately. The narrative revolves around the villagers' efforts to maintain their Christmas spirit while Sam tries to cope with his aversion to the holiday season. However, these conflicts are resolved too easily and lack any real tension or emotional impact. The story feels predictable and lacks the necessary character development to make it engaging.

The writing style is also underwhelming, failing to capture the magic and charm that one would expect from a holiday-themed book. The dialogue feels forced and lacks authenticity, making it difficult to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Additionally, the pacing is inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others feel rushed, leaving little room for the story to breathe and develop naturally.

Despite its flaws, The Perfect Christmas Village does present an idyllic setting that evokes the charm of a festive village. The descriptions of Holly Cross and its transformation during the holiday season are vivid and visually appealing. However, this alone is not enough to salvage the overall reading experience.

In conclusion, The Perfect Christmas Village by Bella Osborne falls short of delivering a captivating and heartwarming holiday tale. The morally dubious actions of the characters, coupled with a lackluster plot and underdeveloped writing, make it difficult to recommend this book. If you are seeking a truly enchanting holiday read, it would be best to look elsewhere.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️