In a world saturated with Hallmark movies and holiday rom-coms, it takes real skill to craft a Christmas romance that feels both fresh and familiar. Martha Waters, known for her witty Regency romance series, makes a triumphant contemporary debut with a story that simultaneously celebrates and gently pokes fun at the holiday romance genre.
The Story in Brief
Charlotte Lane wants nothing to do with Christmas. As the former child star of a beloved holiday film “Christmas, Truly,” she’s spent twenty years trying to distance herself from her brief acting career. When internet backlash over her refusal to participate in a reboot drives her to seek refuge with her sister in London, she finds herself entangled with Graham Calloway, whose family estate served as a filming location for the very movie she’s trying to escape.
A Critical Analysis
What Works Brilliantly
- Meta-Commentary: Waters cleverly weaves commentary about holiday romance tropes throughout the narrative while simultaneously incorporating those very elements into her story. This self-awareness adds depth to what could have been a predictable plot.
- Character Development: Charlotte’s journey from Christmas-hater to someone who can acknowledge the role the holiday played in shaping her life feels authentic rather than forced. Her growth doesn’t require a complete personality transformation, which is refreshing.
- Family Dynamics: The relationships between siblings (both Charlotte and Ava, and Graham and his sisters) are particularly well-drawn. Waters excels at depicting the complex mix of love, exasperation, and loyalty that defines sibling bonds.
Room for Improvement
- Pacing: The middle section occasionally drags, particularly during some of the holiday activity sequences. A tighter edit could have maintained momentum better.
- Secondary Characters: While Ava and the Calloway sisters are well-developed, some supporting characters, particularly Charlotte’s parents, feel slightly two-dimensional.
- Resolution: The ending, while satisfying, wraps up rather quickly given the long-distance relationship challenges the couple faces.
Writing Style & Craft
Waters brings her trademark wit from her historical romances to this contemporary setting. Her prose is sharp and observant, particularly in dialogue exchanges. The banter between Charlotte and Graham sparkles with authenticity and humor.
Example of Waters’ skill with dialogue:
“I’ve spent twenty years trying to escape Christmas, Truly,” she said. “I literally came here because I didn’t want anything to do with it… It would be nice to not have to think about something I did when I was nine years old for more than a week at a time, you know.”
Standout Elements
Setting
Eden Priory emerges as almost another character in the story. Waters expertly uses the historic house to explore themes of tradition, change, and finding balance between preserving the past and embracing the future.
Romance Development
The relationship between Charlotte and Graham evolves naturally through shared experiences and genuine connection rather than forced holiday magic. Their chemistry feels earned rather than prescribed by genre conventions.
Thematic Depth
Identity & Art
The novel thoughtfully explores how past successes can overshadow present achievements. Charlotte’s struggle to be recognized for her art rather than her childhood acting role resonates beyond the specific circumstances.
Family Legacy
Graham’s conflict over modernizing Eden Priory while honoring his father’s memory adds meaningful complexity to what could have been a simple romance plot.
Target Audience Appeal
This book will particularly resonate with:
- Readers who enjoy holiday romances but appreciate a fresh take
- Fans of contemporary romance with depth and humor
- Anyone who’s ever felt conflicted about holiday traditions
- Those who appreciate British settings and humor
Comparison to Other Works
Waters’ transition from historical to contemporary romance is remarkably smooth. Fans of her Regency Vows series will recognize her talent for witty dialogue and complex characters, while appreciating her ability to adapt these strengths to a modern setting.
The book sits comfortably alongside works like:
- Emily Henry’s “Book Lovers“
- Christina Lauren’s “In a Holidaze”
- Jenny Bayliss’s “The Twelve Dates of Christmas”
Final Verdict:
Strengths
- Clever premise
- Strong character development
- Authentic relationships
- Sharp dialogue
- Rich setting
Weaknesses
- Occasional pacing issues
- Some underdeveloped secondary characters
- Quick resolution to long-distance concerns
Recommendation
“Christmas Is All Around” offers a sophisticated take on the holiday romance genre. Waters delivers a story that manages to be both cynical about and ultimately accepting of Christmas magic – much like its protagonist. While not perfect, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable addition to the holiday romance canon that will satisfy both genre fans and skeptics alike.
Perfect For
- Romance readers seeking something beyond typical holiday fare
- Fans of British humor and settings
- Those who appreciate romance with family drama elements
- Readers who enjoy meta-commentary on genre tropes
Less Suitable For
- Those seeking traditional, uncomplicated holiday cheer
- Readers who prefer fast-paced plots
- Those who dislike British humor or setting
The Bottom Line
Martha Waters has crafted an intelligent, self-aware holiday romance that manages to be both skeptical and ultimately heartwarming. While acknowledging the sometimes-ridiculous nature of holiday romance tropes, she reminds us why we love them anyway. It’s a perfect read for anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at a Christmas movie… while secretly enjoying it.
