I admit it. I have been in a post-election funk. But folks, I may have found a feel-better formula that doesn’t come in a bottle or a package. It’s Jon Nance’s novella, A Notting Hill Christmas: A funny, festive, romantic comedy novella

This isn’t an syrupy, saccharine, sentimental Christmas-is-so-lovely story where a perfect family gathers for a fabulous dinner, sings carols, and tells each other how wonderful they all are. Ben Canterbury, a 29-year-old bachelor, has invited his family to his small Notting Hill flat for Christmas dinner. He is an underachiever who manages a coffee shop, and he feels overshadowed by his successful older brother Jamie. He cringes at the prospect of Jamie’s insults and his mother’s well-meaning attempts to help. Add a sister-in-law, a young nephew, a stoic father, a grandfather with dementia, and…a couple of unexpected guests, and you have a recipe for Christmas craziness.

One of those guests is his roommate, Rufus, who is unable to get home to Wales because of a storm. Rufus is a “ladies’ man,” to put it politely. He fancies himself irresistible, and in Ben’s eyes, he probably is, because Ben sees himself as a loser who never gets the girl he fancies…

…Until his new neighbor knocks on his door. Mhairi McGregor knocks the socks off him and then some! She’s gorgeous, smart, and a nurse. She tells him that she’s been travelling for the past two years and has just moved in. The two of them flirt for much of the afternoon and evening until Rufus butts in and turns on the “charm.” Will Mhairi fall for it? Will she also be influenced by Jami’s stories of his younger brother’s bloopers and blunders? Or will she be kissing Ben under the mistletoe?

The other uninvited guest is his mother’s small dog, Mr. Waggles. Mr. Waggles takes an instant dis to Ben, although “dis” is much too mild a word. The cute little doggie turns ferocious and, well, it’s hilarious! Unfortunately, it’s not all happy.

There are so many good laughs in this book that it is a temporary cure for almost any bad mood. In my mind’s eye, I was imagining a young Hugh Grant and Rene Zellweger in the leading roles of this romantic comedy. It’s not all fa-la-la-la-la and ho-ho-ho, naturally. There are plenty of tense, unpleasant, and difficult moments because this family, most families, has its issues. But A Notting Hill Christmas is jolly good fun.

4 stars



fiction20 s Ana508 354


Originally posted on This Chick Reads

* Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *

Chick lit and rom com stage have been always dominated by women, but Jon Rance has found his way and cemented it as, in my opinion, one of the best male rom com and chick lit authors. He's proven that men are perfectly capable of delivering funny and romantic stories, stories that equally can appeal to both men and women. I have nothing but respect for these type of male authors, people who are not afraid to swim against the current and show all their talents in a women dominated genre.

Jon Rance is definitely one of my favourite male chick lit and rom com writers. I honestly can't believe he's not snatched a publishing deal by now, as he's a true gem! The way he creates his stories which ooze warmth and love for family, and his effortless humour, is just amazing and something which I rarely see despite having read so many chick lits.

'A Notting Hill Christmas' is the perfect humorous novella. Everything about it is just perfect, from the gorgeous cover, to the brilliantly written story and amazing, memorable characters. Ben Canterbury is one of the most awesome charecters I've ever read about, he's 29, single and living with his friend in a tiny flat in Notting Hill, he's the black sheep in the family always shadowed by his big brother's achievements. Shy, very familiar with sarcasm, he's the ultimate rom com hero. His older brother is the real star of the family, married, rich and successful, and as long as Ben can remember loved rubbing all of this in Ben's face. Their rivalry is simply hilarious! But it's time for Ben to stand up for himself, and show his family that he's not just working in a coffee shop (he's the manager of the coffee shop) and he too can organize a Christmas' family party. His family is wary of his suggestion, but they finally accept Ben's offer. Soon Ben realizes arranging this Christmas party in his tiny flat, with his crazy flatmate, and his non existing cooking skills, might not be just the easiest thing to pull off. While he's trying to charm his new neighbour, please his parents and save his genitals from his mum's new dog from hell, Ben experiences everything but Christmas magic. However, what Ben also realizes is he's got the balls (pun intended) to prove himself and everyone around him he's not the loser they think.

This was such a HILARIOUS read! I read it pretty late, and once I finished it (around 2 am) I had to wake up my husband to tell him all about it. Needless to say he was not amused by the wake up, but he did laugh out loud when I told him about the scenes with Ben and the dog. This is definitely not the type of book to read in public, because you won't stop laughing. And the thing is, I could actually feel Jon wasn't even trying to be funny, HE IS FUNNY! There's nothing better than effortless humour. I've read so many books where the authors were trying so desperately to make me laugh but it was futile. Well, Jon did it and did it in such a brilliant way I was laughing with tears in my eyes.

I adored Ben, absolutely adored him and if he was real not a fictional character, I'd probably be hanging out with him. Dropping sarcastic comments about politicians or reality stars. He'd be my best friend in the whole wide world! Seriously, imagine Ben as the male version of Bridget Jones - the smoking problem. I'm telling you, he's a star!

I absolutely adored this novella, which is definitely one of my favourite novella's I've ever read and a real rarity because I rarely (and by rarely I mean once in a couple of years) give a novella a 5* rating. The main problem is because they are rather short, most authors don't have the space to show their characters in their real light, or there's not enough time for me to properly feel the characters. But Jon doesn't have that problem. I bet even the shopping list he writes is funny and amusing.

A real gem and HIGHLY recommend it! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! 2015-releases chick-lit-womens-fiction christmas ...more9 s R-Cee*Jay181 6

A funny,awkward and feel-good story! Enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of chic-lit!chic-lit2 s Maryann Pasda DiEdwardo40 6

Personal

The personal style in this book is charming . I really the way the author uses specific scenes to tell us about how the narrator is experiencing Christmas . It makes me relate to my own memories of specific Christmas days too. Memory is really important to capture and Jon does that .1 Anthony105 13

I've been a massive fan of Jon Rance since reading This Thirtysomething Life several years ago. Whilst this isn't as good as some of this longer novels, Notting Hill Christmas retains the perfect combination of laugh out loud moments and heart warming soppiness we've come to expect. This is a fantastic quick read for the Christmas period when you just want or need something light. There's something so British about his stories too, I've often said if you want to know what it's to live in Britain then just pick up a Jon Rance novel!humour Katie158 12

Cute and funny!

This is the 2nd Christmas book by Jon Rance that I've read and I really enjoyed it!! Much better than the other one, with a lot of humor, holiday family dysfunction, and some cute romance in it too! If you're looking for a fun, quick, and funny holiday read - I definitely recommend this one! Tony Ciaravino5

Quick funny story about the not so favorite child, his determination to impress his family at Christmas, his crazy flat mate and an unexpected romance. Fast read but felt it needed a little more meat. Prajakta Pradhan190 10

Hilarious and fantastical

The story pans out in less than 24 hours. It's just hilarious and whimsical. Everyone has some apprehensions and fears. Grandad is funny..."I am attacked by Christmas!" Hilarious. Rufus is funny and bold and happy. A quick read and funny! Ellen Wilson28

Just an easy read, with laugh out loud moments and feel good spirit set at Christmas, what's not to love! cynthia6 3

was in the mood for a christmas read, it was cute and short Kristi110

So funny!

If you never read another book by this author, read A Notting Hill Christmas. You will be pleasantly surprised by the great humor and the genuine affection in this book. It's a novella so of course it's not book length per se, but the story itself is tightly woven, colorfully told, and just plain fun. Enjoy it! Judy3,237 21

This was a cute, quick novella about a guy who decides to have family Christmas at his flat in Notting Hill, even though he is the least successful of his family (monetarily at least). Lots of crazy mayhem ensues, but in the process he meets his new next door neighbor and falls for her, while figuring out that all is not running smoothly for the rest of his family either. novella novels-set-abroad romantic-comedy mindy37 1 follower

A lovely read!

Great humor, depth and nuance for a short novel.

All the things that make us crazy about family but remind us why we love them.

Beautifully framed within 22 hours on one of the most magical and stressful days of the year. Dani Lott7

Exceeded my expectations!

I did actually laugh out loud while reading this, which doesn't happen that often! A really enjoyable read, able characters and warm ending. Going to read more from this author. carol taylor15

Festive fun

Enjoyed this it made me laugh and I loved getting to know the characters well worth a read this is my family to a t Louise Welsh30

loved this book! funny, couldn't put it down! Isabella265 3

I read this novella in one go, it was impossible to put it down!
I his writing style, and the characters.
The perfect Christmas rom com.
Angela K Long2

Cute, quick holiday read

If you are in the mood for a Christmas-themed read with humor and romance, set in Hugh Grant rom-com territory, you should enjoy this novella. Estelle11 1 follower

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