*I was given an ARC of Could It Be Magic in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Fay Keenan for my copy of the book.*

Synopsis:

Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree – tired and lacking in sparkle!

Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he’s given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick…

But when Thea steps into Nick’s world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?

As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick’s thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas… is Nick!

Review:

Could It Be Magic was a sweet festive romance where childhood friends connect again and find love at Christmas – a pretty standard plot for a festive romance. I’d say I enjoyed this book but it hasn’t been my favourite festive romance of the year so far.

There’s not really a lot going on in Could It Be Magic but that’s part of the appeal of festive romances, I suppose. Very little drama, a sweet childhood friends to lovers romance and a Christmas market – what’s not to love? Well, I wouldn’t say love. I didn’t “love” this book, but I did like it and I thought the childhood friends to lovers was lovely. I’m such a sucker for that trope. Probably because it makes the relationship more believable when they get together and they love each other so quickly (which is a common theme of festive romances). 

The connection between Thea and Nick was built in a realistic way and the little flashbacks and shared memories from when they were teens made their love more believable. I love it when the author shows you why they should be a couple rather than just making you like them because they say you should. Does that make sense?

The bit of drama that you do get in Could It Be Magic was a bit ridiculous. Third act breakups are one of the worst tropes in romance and also bringing the ex back to stir this up even more is terrible. I hate that so much. Thea’s ex doesn’t try to get between her and Nick but he does come back into her life as they’ve got together and while he isn’t trying to win her back, that whole situation felt a bit pointless. I now can’t even remember what happens with that storyline.

Thea has the most mature 13 and 10 year olds ever. To begin with she made Cora sound like a bit of a nightmare, but she was lovely and so empathetic. She was constantly making her mom a cup of tea when she was stressed or upset and she was the one that pushed her mom to go for things with Nick. Her 10-year-old son wasn’t involved as much but he seemed very mature too. They did still act like children though.

I loved the scenes that were quite literally just Thea and Nick working in the farm shop. It’s nice to reminisce on working in retail at Christmas (the nice parts, although let’s be honest, there aren’t many) when you no longer work in that industry. A Christmassy farm shop is my idea of heaven. I’m definitely going to try and get a few this festive season.

I’d recommend Could It Be Magic if you’re looking for a sweet romance set in a small town. There’s not too much drama so this is perfect for getting cosy under a blanket with your hot beverage of choice.

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