This instalment makes Havenbrook feel more three-dimensional than ever: from the arrivals hut to the arts centre plaza, every corner shows winter in a coastal town. The Frozen Harbour Festival structure gives the book a clear spine, while the romance threads through rehearsals, crises, and quiet planning for “next year.” A standout seasonal read for fans of small-town series. —Georgia F., early reader

Long after the last page, the image of Havenbrook’s harbour—storm-battered, still lit up—sticks in the mind. That determined glow matches the tone of the whole book: honest about hardship, but ultimately hopeful. Elle and Cooper don’t get perfection, but they do get a honest chance together, and a shared story around one very important cake. A lovely, lingering coastal Christmas romance. —Lucas D., editorial reviewer

Ultimately, this is a book about finding hope under the harsh lighting of austerity, audits and winter flu. The clinic still squeaks, the pier still ices over, and yet people keep showing up—with cakes, triage hacks, lanterns and stubborn love. The romance is one bright thread in that larger tapestry, making the whole feel richer. A memorable, humane festive story. —Georgia F., early reader

At its core, this is a book about letting go—of old narratives, outdated guilt, and the need to control every variable. Leah lets go of constant motion; Jax lets go of solitary responsibility; the town lets go of a polished but incomplete legend. The Christmas backdrop keeps everything wrapped in warmth, even through tough conversations. A reflective yet comforting holiday romance. —Tariq S., early reader

The Christmas Recipe is the sort of gentle, engaging holiday romance that’s easy to pass on to friends or family. Closed-door intimacy, non-graphic accident scenes and a focus on community make it widely readable, while the foodie and heritage angles keep it interesting. Elle and Cooper’s journey from wary strangers to partners in both work and life feels wholesome and satisfying. —Megan H., beta reader

The final harbour scenes—lanterns on the water, fairy lights strung across stalls, violin music rising into the cold air—feel fully earned by everything that comes before. The town hasn’t magically fixed itself; it’s just holding together for another winter. Liya and Zack, arm in arm, deciding to keep patching with everyone else, is a quietly perfect Christmas romance note to end on. —Lucas D., editorial reviewer

For readers new to Audrey Stone, this provides an excellent entry point into the Havenbrook world. It showcases her strengths: sharp dialogue, flawed but loveable leads, and a town that feels lived in. The Christmas setting enhances but doesn’t overwhelm the story, making it readable any winter. A great pick for those seeking a contemporary UK-set festive romance with substance. —Megan H., beta reader

With its sarcastic inner monologues, running jokes about influencer culture, and the constant threat of being soaked by sideways rain, this book feels sharply observed as well as sweet. The humour keeps heavier themes—burnout, family pressure, wartime scars—from feeling overwhelming. Readers who enjoy witty, dialogue-driven contemporary Christmas romance with a salty edge will have a great time in Havenbrook. —Georgia F., early reader

Zack’s journey from detached auditor to someone willingly shadowing night rounds, then choosing to stay, is one of the most rewarding arcs here. The romance grows directly out of that choice, as he and Liya decide to fight side by side rather than on opposite ends of a report. It’s a very satisfying twist on the outsider-in-a-small-town trope. —Megan H., early reader

The closing image of the harbour “lit up anyway” captures the entire mood: truthful, slightly battered, but determined to shine. No neat bow is tied on every problem, yet hope feels genuine. Leah and Jax step into the future as partners in both work and love. Readers looking for a healing, gently triumphant Christmas romance will finish with warm shoulders and a steady heart. —Lucas D., editorial reviewer

This instalment feels especially focused on the idea of staying put. Elle has built a life on moving from project to project; Cooper has stayed so long he risks getting stuck. Their romance nudges both toward a more balanced kind of rootedness. Set against high tides and flickering harbour lights, that choice to stay lands as the true Christmas miracle. A quietly powerful festive romance. —Naomi J., beta reader

For anyone whose brain is fried by December, this book offers a soothing yet engaging escape. The chapters are punchy, the dialogue sharp, and the emotional beats clear. There’s enough plot to keep attention—storms, audits, pilots—without exhausting readers. The low-heat romance and community warmth make it easy to recommend across ages. A gentle, clever Christmas comfort read. —Naomi J., beta reader

By the end, the book argues that tradition only truly matters if it can hold real truth. The final chapters bring together diary entries, rink kids, and a festival reimagined with honesty at its core, while still keeping the central love story front and centre. The closing kiss scenes feel like promises to keep trying, not guarantees of perfection. —Ella J., early reader

The Christmas Recipe hits that lovely balance of being comforting to read while still clever. Lighthouse bearings, archive tech, marine science and coastguard protocols weave through the cosy baking, ensuring the story never feels fluffy. Elle and Cooper’s emotional growth is as carefully layered as the cake they’re chasing. A fantastic option for readers who like their Christmas romance both warm and smart. —Fraser D., early reader

This story excels at showing how small acts matter: a spare inhaler, a cup of soup, a reference letter for a sixth-former, a generator fixed in time. Liya and Zack’s romance is built on those same small decisions to show up. It never feels grandiose, but by the end the cumulative effect is huge. Beautifully understated and very satisfying. —Fraser D., early reader