Best Christmas romance books

Reading lists

The best Christmas romance books to fall in love with this winter

Image showing three of the best books set in Spain: Retreat to the Spanish Sun, Sleeping Arrangements and Origin

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9 of the best books set in Spain

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11 of the best books set in France

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9 beach reads set in Italy

A Place in the Sun

A tender and captivating new novel about love, friendship and food from the bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain and Sarah Morgan! 
 
"A charming summer read" - 5-STAR reader review 
 
"An absolutely fabulous story, yet again Jo Thomas does not disappoint" - 5-STAR reader review 
 
"A delicious book to devour" - 5-STAR reader review 
 
"A beautiful story of love, family, friendship, community, good food and never giving up" - 5-STAR reader review 
 
"Will take your breath away" - 5-STAR reader review 
 
"Heartbreaking and heartwarming" - 5-STAR reader review 
 
It's never too late to find where you belong... 
 
Thea knew the holiday house her late husband Marco bought in Tuscany wasn't pristine. But when she relocates to Italy for the summer with her children, she's shocked by how much work Casa Luna needs. And she only has six weeks to fix it up ready to sell! Her only option is to ask the tight-knit Italian community for help. 
 
In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside handsome chef Giovanni and three very competitive nonnas. Gradually, Thea begins to open up to the people around her for the first time in a long while. But just as she's beginning to wonder whether this small Tuscan town could become a new place to call home, a surprise visitor turns everything on its head . . .

Full of warmth, humour, food and family.  This cannot fail to lift your spirits.

With warm, relatable characters this book about love, loss and true friendship is a must-read this summer

Jo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, including time at Radio 4's Woman's Hour and Radio 2's The Steve Wright Show. 
 
 
Jo's debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller and won both the RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the Festival of Romance Best eBook Award. Her book Escape to the French Farmhouse was a #1 bestselling eBook. Jo loves to explore new countries and discover the food produced there, both of which she thoroughly enjoys researching. Jo lives in Pembrokeshire with her husband and three children, where cooking and gathering around the kitchen table are a hugely important and fun part of their family life.

It's never too late to find where you belong... 
 
Thea knew the holiday house her late husband Marco bought in Tuscany wasn't pristine. But when she relocates to Italy for the summer with her children, she's shocked by how much work Casa Luna needs. And she only has six weeks to fix it up ready to sell! Her only option is to ask the tight-knit Italian community for help. 
 
In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside handsome chef Giovanni and three very competitive nonnas. Gradually, Thea begins to open up to the people around her for the first time in a long while. But just as she's beginning to wonder whether this small Tuscan town could become a new place to call home, a surprise visitor turns everything on its head . . .

A Recipe for Christmas

Unwind this festive season and let the queen of feel-good Christmas fiction whisk you off to the snowy mountainside, for a mouth-watering romance... 
 
'A warm hug of a book - I highly recommend' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'A Recipe for Christmas is a delight from start to finish' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'A lovely heartwarming read . . . ideal to get you in the mood for Christmas' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'Loved this book... I could smell the chocolate as I read the words' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'A great seasonal book, romance, chocolate and Christmas, best book I’ve read for ages' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
 
Take one woman longing for the perfect Christmas . . . 
 
All Clara has ever wanted is Christmas surrounded by loved ones, full of warmth and delicious food. So when her new boyfriend asks her to move to Switzerland, she can't help but say yes! After all, what could be more perfect than Christmas in the Alps? 
 
Add a dash of surpriseShe quickly signs up for a tempting chocolate-making class, but it turns out to be chocolate-making bootcamp! And her boyfriend isn't all he seemed either . . . 
 
And enjoy a magical festive treat! 
 
Despite it all, Clara begins to make friends - including the aloof yet intriguing Gabriel. With all of the ingredients at her fingertips, will she finally be able to whisk up her Christmas dream? 
 
___________________ 
 
 
Readers LOVE Jo Thomas: 
 
'It just wouldn't be Christmas without Jo's book in your stocking!' Jill Mansell 
'Chocolate and romance - who could ask for more?' Woman and Home 
'Delicious and delightful' Veronica Henry 
'As heartwarming as a crackling log fire' Phillipa Ashley 
'A charming chocolate filled story . . . A great treat for the festive season' Sixty Plus Surfers 
'A tasty Christmas romance' Peterborough Telegraph 
'Larger-than-life characters, myriad mishaps, sublime scenery, and one intense culinary challenge' Heat 
 
Jo Thomas, Top 20 eBook bestseller, Amazon, November 2024

It just wouldn't be Christmas without Jo's book in your stocking!

Chocolate and romance - who could ask for more?

Delicious and delightful - Jo sweeps you away to a better place with every book, which are always filled with warmth, love and a big spoonful of happiness

If you love a rugged hero, a heroine you can relate to, a warm romantic story and a bit of armchair travel, Countdown to Christmas is for you!

As heartwarming as a crackling log fire, as magical as a starry Canadian sky

Phillipa Ashley on Countdown to Christmas

A charming chocolate filled story . . . A great treat for the festive season. I would heartily recommend

Larger-than-life characters, myriad mishaps, sublime scenery, and one intense culinary challenge

Let the queen of feel-good Christmas fiction whisk you off to the snowy mountains this festive season... 
 
Take one woman longing for the perfect Christmas . . . 
 
All Clara has ever wanted is Christmas surrounded by loved ones, full of warmth and delicious food. So when her new boyfriend asks her to move to Switzerland, she can't help but say yes! After all, what could be more perfect than Christmas in the Alps? 
 
Add a dash of surprise 
 
She quickly signs up for a tempting chocolate-making class, but it turns out to be chocolate-making bootcamp! And her boyfriend isn't all he seemed either . . . 
 
And enjoy a magical festive treat! 
 
Despite it all, Clara begins to make friends - including the aloof yet intriguing Gabriel. With all of the ingredients at her fingertips, will she finally be able to whisk up her Christmas dream? 
 
 
'It just wouldn't be Christmas without Jo's book in your stocking!' Jill Mansell

Love In Provence

'Filled with fun and summer sunshine in the south of France!' Jill Mansell 
 
Escape to the beautiful lavender fields of Provence this summer 
 
Del moved to the south of France three years ago and hasn’t looked back. She’s found new friends, new purpose, and new love with gorgeous Fabien. 
 
But just as harvest on her little lavender farm is due to begin, Del gets some shocking news. With no time to dwell as she welcomes a new crew of lavender pickers, she unexpectedly waves goodbye to Fabien for the summer. 
 
Usually cooking – the thing she loves best – would help soothe her troubles, but Del doesn’t remember how . . . And then chef Zacharie comes to town, dropping another bombshell! 
 
Over one summer in Provence that’s full of surprises, friends old and new rally round. Can they complete the harvest and pull the community back together? And if Fabien returns, will Del finally get her happy-ever-after? 
 
'Joyful and life-affirming' Milly Johnson 
'A delicious escape to the sun’ Phillipa Ashley 
'Jo sweeps you away to a better place with every book' Veronica Henry 
 
 
Jo Thomas, Bookseller bestseller, August 2020

A delicious escape to the sun, seasoned with Jo's unique warmth and wisdom

Filled with fun and summer sunshine in the south of France!

This story is vintage Jo Thomas, making me feel as if I’m truly smelling the lavender and enjoying all that Provencal food! An absolute treat of a book

This has everything you want from an escapist read: romance, food and beautiful descriptions of the French countryside

A joyful and life-affirming story of love, friendship and community all wrapped up in a lavender bouquet. An uplifting delight

Packed with genuine love and friendship

A joyful and life-affirming story about second-chance love and finding your own happiness

Be prepared to be transported to another place with a totally absorbing, page-turning, summer escape!

Relax and allow the story of expat Del to seep into your senses and fill your nostrils with the heady sense of lavender and Provencal cuisine . . . delightful

Lovely to be back in Provence with friends old and new

Jo captures the soul of sunny Provence in this heady and heartwarming story

No summer reading list would be complete without the latest from the fabulous Jo Thomas . . . her glorious novels always transport you to somewhere beautiful

This is a delightful sequel to Thomas' bestseller, Escape to the French Farmhouse

Escape to the beautiful lavender fields of Provence this summer 
Del moved to the south of France three years ago and hasn’t looked back. She’s found new friends, new purpose, and new love with gorgeous Fabien. 
 
But just as harvest on her little lavender farm is due to begin, Del gets some shocking news. With no time to dwell as she welcomes a new crew of lavender pickers, she unexpectedly waves goodbye to Fabien for the summer. 
 
Usually cooking – the thing she loves best – would help soothe her troubles, but Del doesn’t remember how . . . And then chef Zacharie comes to town, dropping another bombshell! 
 
Over one summer in Provence that’s full of surprises, friends old and new rally round. Can they complete the harvest and pull the community back together? And if Fabien returns, will Del finally get her happy-ever-after?

A heart-warming short story collection from the bestselling author

A Recipe for Happiness and other stories

Curl up with this delicious collection of bite-sized treats from the queen of feel-good fiction! 
 
A Recipe for Happiness takes you through a year with No.1 bestselling author Jo Thomas and includes seven heartwarming short stories, tons of mouth-watering new recipes and some personal family memories for an insight into Jo's life and loves, along with an extract of her most recent novel. It's perfect for fans old and new! 
 
**Jo Thomas' new novel A RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS is available to order now!** 
 
Your favourite authors love Jo Thomas: 
 
'Bursting with flavour, adventure and romance' Ruth Jones 
 
'Delicious and delightful - Jo sweeps you away to a better place with every book, which are always filled with warmth, love and a big spoonful of happiness' Veronica Henry 
 
'Heart-warming, moving and romantic, with beautiful settings - what could be better?' Katie Fforde

Picking up a Jo Thomas book is a treat for the senses.

We love the way Jo's glorious novels always transport you to somewhere beautiful

Curl up with this delicious collection of bite-sized treats from the queen of feel-good fiction! A Recipe for Happiness takes you through a year with bestselling Jo Thomas and includes seven heartwarming short stories, tons of mouth-watering new recipes and some personal family memories for an insight into Jo's life and loves, along with an extract of her most recent novel. It's perfect for fans old and new! 
 
Your favourite authors love Jo Thomas: 
 
'Bursting with flavour, adventure and romance' Ruth Jones 
 
'Delicious and delightful - Jo sweeps you away to a better place with every book, which are always filled with warmth, love and a big spoonful of happiness' Veronica Henry 
 
'Heart-warming, moving and romantic, with beautiful settings - what could be better?' Katie Fforde

Countdown to Christmas

The queen of feel-good Christmas fiction returns with a snowy adventure to Canada!'If you love a rugged hero, a heroine you can relate to, a warm romantic story and a bit of armchair travel, Countdown to Christmas is for you!' Katie Fforde'It just wouldn't be Christmas without Jo's book in your stocking!' Jill Mansell 
----------------------------------- 
 
Chloe can't wait for Christmas . . . to be over! Her son Ruben is staying with his dad and Chloe is planning to ignore the holidays altogether. Her only festive touch is her son's advent calendar, to help count down the days till he's home again. 
 
But a surprise call changes everything. Chloe might be the unexpected owner of some land in Canada! Surely, it's a scam. Or could it be just the escape she needs right now? Ruben's latest note in the advent calendar tells her to 'say yes!' 
 
In a flash, Chloe's new countdown to Christmas involves a log cabin in the middle of a snowy forest, a community that's worried for its future, a gruff lumberjack who gives her butterflies and a lot of pancakes with maple syrup . . . 
 For a happy Christmas read full of romance and festive surprises, choose Jo Thomas.Readers love Jo's books:'Bursting with flavour, adventure and romance' Ruth Jones 
'Jo sweeps you away to a better place with every book, which are always filled with warmth, love and a big spoonful of happiness' Veronica Henry'Sparkling, romantic, magical - and delicious' Milly Johnson 
 
 Jo Thomas, Top 20 eBook bestseller, Amazon, November 2024

It was heartwarming – a lovely, cosy book that I could wrap myself up in and just enjoy

As heartwarming as a crackling log fire, as magical as a starry Canadian sky

Picking up a Jo Thomas book is a treat for the senses.

Heart-warming and delicious, it is a true feast for the senses

Full of holiday cheer, this delightful romance is just what you need in the countdown to Christmas

A delightful romance as sweet as maple syrup and as heartwarming as a big mug of hot chocolate. Enjoy!

A perfect read to get you in the mood for festivities

'If you love a rugged hero, a heroine you can relate to, a warm romantic story and a bit of armchair travel, Countdown to Christmas is for you!' Katie Fforde 
----------------------------------- 
 
Chloe can't wait for Christmas . . . to be over! Her son Ruben is staying with his dad and Chloe is planning to ignore the holidays all together. Her only festive touch is her son's advent calendar, to help count down the days till he's home again. 
 
But a surprise call changes everything. Chloe might be the unexpected owner of some land in Canada! Surely, it's a scam. Or could it be just the escape she needs right now? Ruben's latest note in the advent calendar tells her to 'say yes!' 
 
In a flash, Chloe's new countdown to Christmas involves a log cabin in the middle of a snowy forest, a community that's worried for its future, a gruff lumberjack who gives her butterflies and a lot of pancakes with maple syrup . . . 
 
For a happy Christmas read full of romance and festive surprises, choose Jo Thomas.

Summer at the Ice Cream Café

'Full of love and warmth, tears and laughter, another gorgeous book from Jo Thomas' Katie Fforde 
--- 
 
A dream home 
Beca Valentino is ready to escape the city. When she sees the perfect house for sale in her hometown, it seems like fate. Is this her chance to build the foster family she dreams of, on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast? 
 
A big mistake? 
Returning home isn't as easy as she thought, however. Her family's beloved ice cream café is gone - turned into a soulless wine bar by her hateful ex-boyfriend. Reconnecting with her oldest friend, fisherman Griff, isn't straightforward either. And when, instead of the children she expected to take in, two wary teenage boys appear on her doorstep, Beca fears she's made a terrible mistake. 
 
A recipe for change 
But an old family recipe book is just the inspiration she needs. Soon, with a little help from friends old and new, Beca is selling mouth-watering homemade gelato from a pop-up café on the beach. 
 
Then disaster strikes. Will the Valentino family legacy be lost forever? Or can Beca create a new recipe for happiness? 
 
 
Bookseller bestseller, August 2020

Full of love and warmth, tears and laughter, another gorgeous book from Jo Thomas

Another winner from Jo Thomas, gorgeously evocative, happy-making and full of love!

This story of friendship, family and community is guaranteed to lift your spirits.

A delicious and touching summery read in a beautiful setting that Jo's fans will simply adore

We love the way Jo's glorious novels always transport you to somewhere beautiful, and [Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe] is no exception . . . This touching novel, full of love and hope, is an uplifting summer read.

Picking up a Jo Thomas book is a treat for the senses. With sumptuous food and a romantic outcome, Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe is another winner to satisfy your appetite this summer.

An uplifting, summery comfort read that will tug on your heartstrings and leave you with a big smile

A feel-good story about finding your place in the community

This warm-hearted, uplifting story is filled with happiness, summer sun and ice cream. It's the perfect holiday read.

The perfect summer romance novel to give you butterflies, celebrating all things sunshine, the seaside and ice cream - yes please!

The perfect summer read to pack in your suitcase

This is the ultimate summer seaside getaway read

'Full of love and warmth, tears and laughter, another gorgeous book from Jo Thomas' Katie Fforde 
--- 
 
A dream home 
Beca Valentino is ready to escape the city. When she sees the perfect house for sale in her hometown, it seems like fate. Is this her chance to build the foster family she dreams of, on the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast? 
 
A big mistake? 
Returning home isn't as easy as she thought, however. Her family's beloved ice cream café is gone - turned into a soulless wine bar by her hateful ex-boyfriend. Reconnecting with her oldest friend, fisherman Griff, isn't straightforward either. And when, instead of the children she expected to take in, two wary teenage boys appear on her doorstep, Beca fears she's made a terrible mistake. 
 
A recipe for change 
But an old family recipe book is just the inspiration she needs. Soon, with a little help from friends old and new, Beca is selling mouth-watering homemade gelato from a pop-up café on the beach. 
 
Then disaster strikes. Will the Valentino family legacy be lost forever? Or can Beca create a new recipe for happiness?

Keeping a Christmas Promise

'The perfect cosy, Christmas read!' CATHY BRAMLEY 
'Sparkling, romantic, magical - and delicious' MILLY JOHNSON 
'The ultimate Icelandic adventure! Packed full of food, friendship and life-changing moments.' HEIDI SWAIN 
 
One Icelandic Christmas holiday. One snowstorm. An adventure they'll never forget! 
 
Twenty-five years ago, Freya and her three best friends created a bucket list. The future seemed bright and full of hope . . . But now they are travelling to Iceland in memory of the friend they've lost, determined to fulfil her dream of seeing the Northern Lights at Christmas. 
 
They didn't count on an avalanche leaving them stranded! Handsome local, Pétur, comes to the rescue, showing them how the community survives the hard winter. With Christmas approaching, Freya and her friends throw themselves into the festivities, decorating and cooking for the villagers using delicious local ingredients. 
 
But will they manage to see the Northern Lights? And can Freya's own dreams come true, this Christmas? 
 
People are falling in love with Keeping a Christmas Promise 
 
'Heart-warming, moving and romantic, with a beautiful setting - what could be better?' KATIE FFORDE 
'A gorgeous read, a delicious celebration of love and true friendship. This is another winner from Jo!' JILL MANSELL 
'Bursting with Icelandic flavour, adventure and romance' RUTH JONES

Heart warming, moving and romantic, with a beautiful setting - what could be better?

A deliciously festive treat bursting with Icelandic flavour, adventure and romance. Curl up, get cosy, and immerse yourself in this magical, Christmassy world.

A delicious celebration of love and true friendship. Another winner from Jo!

Sparkling, romantic, magical - and delicious.

The ultimate Icelandic adventure! Packed full of food, friendship and life-changing moments.

Keeping A Christmas Promise is not so much a book you read, but rather one you lose yourself in. It's not until it's finished that you realise Jo Thomas has helped you find something you didn't even know was missing from your life. 
 
Pure joy in book form.

Gorgeously escapist, uplifting and romantic, a delicious treat

A wonderful celebration of friendship and food, Jo takes you on a magical journey with a delicious warm hug on every page

Jo's stories are so moving and interesting and hopeful. They are also great fun to read

An uplifting tale of friendship and love. A real Christmas cracker!

A wonderful book, atmospheric, uplifting, heartwarming and one of [Jo's] best

A true Christmas classic you won't want to put down

One Icelandic Christmas holiday. One snowstorm. An adventure they'll never forget! 
 
Twenty-five years ago, Freya and her three best friends created a bucket list. The future seemed bright and full of hope . . . But now they are travelling to Iceland in memory of the friend they've lost, determined to fulfil her dream of seeing the Northern Lights at Christmas. 
 
They didn't count on an avalanche leaving them stranded! Handsome local, Pétur, comes to the rescue, showing them how the community survives the hard winter. With Christmas approaching, Freya and her friends throw themselves into the festivities, decorating and cooking for the villagers using delicious local ingredients. 
 
But will they manage to see the Northern Lights? And can Freya's own dreams come true, this Christmas?

Retreat to the Spanish Sun

'Warm and life-enhancing, I wanted to move to Spain with these wonderful characters' Katie Fforde 
 
'A fabulous read celebrating the good things in life - fun, friends, family and food' Jill Mansell 
 
From the bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse comes a deliciously feel-good new story... 
 
__________________________ 
 
Sometimes you just need to get away... 
 
Eliza has a full house! When her three children grew up and moved out, she downsized to a smaller property... but now they're all back. Every room in the house is taken and Eliza finds herself sharing her bed with her eldest daughter and her daughter's pug. Combined with the online course she's trying to finish, plus her job to fit in, there just isn't the peace and quiet that Eliza needs. 
 
So when an ad pops up on her laptop saying 'house-sitters wanted', Eliza can't resist the chance to escape. She ends up moving to a rural finca in southern Spain, looking after the owner's Iberico pigs, learning about secret gastronomic societies ... and finding a new zest for life and love along the way. 
 
___________________________ 
 
Readers have fallen in love with Retreat to the Spanish Sun 
 
'Perfect for a summer holiday read' 
'A lovely read from Jo Thomas, her books never fail to make me happy' 
'A lovely, warm and sunny read' 
'Fabulous location, delicious descriptions of food & drink & wonderful characters, an all round feel-good book' 
 
If you love Jo's books, her newest summer novel, Love in Provence, is available now! 
 
 
Number 1 Bookseller Bestseller, August 2020

A fabulous read celebrating the good things in life - fun, friends, family and food

Warm and life-enhancing, I wanted to move to Spain with these wonderful characters

A sun-drenched treat... A book that is full of zest, warmth and sunshine, like a jugful of the best sangria. I loved it!

No summer reading list would be complete without the latest from the fabulous Jo Thomas

A wonderfully escapist summer read

Whether you're trying to stay cool in a heatwave, lying on a beach abroad, or just dreaming of a summer adventure, you'll enjoy Retreat to the Spanish Sun for exactly what it is: a sweet and simple sun-baked adventure

Sometimes you just need to get away... 
 
 
'Warm and life-enhancing, I wanted to move to Spain with these wonderful characters' Katie Fforde 
 
'A fabulous read celebrating the good things in life - fun, friends, family and food' Jill Mansell 
 
From the bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse comes a deliciously feel-good new story... 
 
Eliza has a full house! When her three children grew up and moved out, she downsized to a smaller property... but now they're all back. Every room in the house is taken and Eliza finds herself sharing her bed with her eldest daughter and her daughter's pug. Combined with the online course she's trying to finish, plus her job to fit in, there just isn't the peace and quiet that Eliza needs. 
 
So when an ad pops up on her laptop saying 'house-sitters wanted', Eliza can't resist the chance to escape. She ends up moving to a rural finca in southern Spain, looking after the owner's Iberico pigs, learning about secret gastronomic societies... and finding a new zest for life and love along the way.

Relax and unwind with the perfect holiday romance

Celebrations at the Chateau

'So good I could almost taste it. Magnifique!' Milly Johnson 
'Fun, food, love and France, what more can anyone want?' Katie Fforde 
 
An enchanting French chateau and a handsome town mayor - the perfect recipe for romance... 
 
When their grandfather dies, Fliss and her sisters are astonished to inherit a French chateau! Travelling to Normandy to visit the beautiful if faded house, they excitedly make plans over delicious crepes and local cider in the town nearby. 
 
They soon discover the chateau needs major work and a huge tax bill is due . . . Unable to sell but strapped for cash, Fliss determines to spruce up the elegant old rooms and open a B&B. 
 
But Jacques, the handsome town mayor, is opposed to her plan. When it becomes clear that the only way to save the magnificent castle is to work together, Jacques and Fliss discover that they have more in common than they think... 
 
A romantic and uplifting read about turning your dreams into a reality from the author of Escape to the French Farmhouse. 
 
------------------------------- 
 
Readers LOVE Celebrations at the Chateau: 
 
'The perfect story for curling up under a blanket, with a mug of hot chocolate' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'A romantic and magical read . . . I couldn't put it down' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'A wonderful hug of a book. Feel-good fiction at its very best!' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088;

An absolute treat . . . fabulous setting, gorgeous food and wonderful characters

Another gem from Jo Thomas. Fun, food, love and France, what more can anyone want?

So good I could almost taste it. Magnifique!

If you want to get away from it all this festive season, this is just the novel to transport you

[A] joyous romcom ... This has everything you want from an escapist read: romance, food and beautiful descriptions of the French countryside

An utterly delightful Christmas read!

Feel-good fiction at its best... the perfect read'

'So good I could almost taste it. Magnifique!' Milly Johnson 
'Fun, food, love and France, what more can anyone want?' Katie Fforde 
 
An enchanting French chateau and a handsome town mayor - the perfect recipe for romance... 
 
When their grandfather dies, Fliss and her sisters are astonished to inherit a French chateau! Travelling to Normandy to visit the beautiful if faded house, they excitedly make plans over delicious crepes and local cider in the town nearby. 
 
They soon discover the chateau needs major work and a huge tax bill is due . . . Unable to sell but strapped for cash, Fliss determines to spruce up the elegant old rooms and open a B&B. 
 
But Jacques, the handsome town mayor, is opposed to her plan. When it becomes clear that the only way to save the magnificent castle is to work together, Jacques and Fliss discover that they have more in common than they think... 
 
A romantic and uplifting read about turning your dreams into a reality from the author of Escape to the French Farmhouse. 
 
------------------------------- 
 
Readers are falling in love with Celebrations at the Chateau: 
 
The perfect story for curling up under a blanket, with a mug of hot chocolate 
A romantic and magical read . . . I couldn't put it down 
A wonderful hug of a book. Feel-good fiction at its very best!

Chasing the Italian Dream

Transworld have brought fresh energy to Jo Thomas, a growing brand and bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse. This is her delightfully escapist new book.

From the bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse comes a deliciously feel-good story about making your dreams come true, set in sun-kissed southern Italy. 
 
'A tale full of wonderful characters, sunshine, food and romance. A winning recipe!' Katie Fforde 
 
-------------------------- 
 
A summer escape she'll never forget . . . 
 
Lucia has worked hard as a lawyer in Wales, aiming for a big promotion she hopes will shortly come her way. Finally taking a well-earned break at her grandparents' house in southern Italy, the sunshine, lemon trees and her nonna's mouth-watering cooking make her instantly feel at home. 
 
But she's shocked to learn that her grandfather is retiring from the beloved family pizzeria and will need to sell. Lucia can't bear the thought of the place changing hands - especially when she discovers her not-quite-ex-husband Giacomo wants to take it over! 
 
Then bad news from home forces Lucia to re-evaluate what she wants from life. Is this her chance to carry on the family tradition and finally follow her dreams? 
 
----------------------------- 
 
Readers have fallen sure with Chasing the Italian Dream 
'The perfect escape' 
'This book is like summer on a page' 
'I loved getting whisked away to Italy' 
 
If you love Jo's books, her newest summer novel, Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe, is out now!

A tale full of wonderful characters, sunshine, food and romance.  A winning recipe!

Full of sunshine, food and romance...the perfect summer holiday companion

If you've ever dreamt of moving to a quaint Italian village, this book is for you

An inspiring story of a woman following her dreams

Praise for Escape for the French Farmhouse

Hopeful and lovely, sunny and smashing - I loved this gorgeous book.

This is the burst of sunshine you're looking for! Evocative, warm, wonderful, transporting

From the bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse comes a deliciously feel-good story about making your dreams come true, set in sun-kissed southern Italy. 
 
'A tale full of wonderful characters, sunshine, food and romance. A winning recipe!' Katie Fforde 
 
-------------------------- 
 
A summer escape she'll never forget . . . 
 
Lucia has worked hard as a lawyer in Wales, aiming for a big promotion she hopes will shortly come her way. Finally taking a well-earned break at her grandparents' house in southern Italy, the sunshine, lemon trees and her nonna's mouth-watering cooking make her instantly feel at home. 
 
But she's shocked to learn that her grandfather is retiring from the beloved family pizzeria and will need to sell. Lucia can't bear the thought of the place changing hands - especially when she discovers her not-quite-ex-husband Giacomo wants to take it over! 
 
Then bad news from home forces Lucia to re-evaluate what she wants from life. Is this her chance to carry on the family tradition and finally follow her dreams? 
 
Perfect escapism from the author of Escape to the French Farmhouse and The Honey Farm on the Hill. 
 
----------------------------- 
 
Readers have fallen sure with Chasing the Italian Dream 
'The perfect escape' 
'This book is like summer on a page' 
'I loved getting whisked away to Italy' 
 
If you love Jo's books, her newest summer novel, Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe, is out now!

Finding Love at the Christmas Market

A deliciously romantic Christmas read from Jo Thomas. The second book in a major Transworld relaunch for this much-loved, award-winning author.

'It's Christmas in a book!' Katie Fforde 
'Sprinkled with Christmas magic!' Milly Johnson 
'A scrumptious seasonal treat!' Heidi Swain 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Residential-home caterer Connie has had one online-dating disaster too many. Hurt in the past and with her son to consider, now she's feeling hesitant. Then one of Connie's residents sets her up on a date at a beautiful German Christmas market - with the promise she'll take a mini-bus full of pensioners along with her... 
 
Amongst the twinkling lights and smell of warm gingerbread in the old market square, Connie heads off on her date with a checklist of potential partner must-haves. Baker Henrich ticks all the boxes, but when Connie meets Henrich's rival William, she starts to wonder if ticking boxes is the answer. 
 
Will Connie's wish for love this Christmas come true, and if so - with who? 
 
------------------------------- 
 
Readers are feeling enchanted by Finding Love at the Christmas Market: 
 
'This book was a hot chocolate on a cold day, warming and satisfying.' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'I could smell the gingerbread and spices, a real hug of a book.' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; 
'A beautiful book about finding what matters most at Christmas . . . such a heart-warming story.' &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088; &#11088;

With a wonderful cast of characters and an evocative setting, it just wouldn't be Christmas without Jo's book in your stocking!

An atmospheric tale full of festive merriment and romance

'It's Christmas in a book!' Katie Fforde 
'Sprinkled with Christmas magic!' Milly Johnson 
'A scrumptious seasonal treat!' Heidi Swain 
 
------------------------------ 
 
Residential-home caterer Connie has had one online-dating disaster too many. Hurt in the past and with her son to consider, now she's feeling hesitant. Then one of Connie's residents sets her up on a date at a beautiful German Christmas market - with the promise she'll take a mini-bus full of pensioners along with her... 
 
Amongst the twinkling lights and smell of warm gingerbread in the old market square, Connie heads off on her date with a checklist of potential partner must-haves. Baker Henrich ticks all the boxes, but when Connie meets Henrich's rival William, she starts to wonder if ticking boxes is the answer. 
 
Will Connie's wish for love this Christmas come true, and if so - with who? 
 
------------------------------- 
 
Readers are feeling enchanted by Finding Love at the Christmas Market: 
 
'This book was a hot chocolate on a cold day, warming and satisfying.' 
'I could smell the gingerbread and spices, a real hug of a book.' 
'A beautiful book about finding what matters most at Christmas . . . such a heart-warming story.'

Escape to the French Farmhouse

Perfect escapism from the author of LATE SUMMER IN THE VINEYARD and THE HONEY FARM ON THE HILL.

'You smell the lavender, you feel the sun on your face, this book is pure joy!' Katie Fforde 
 
'Uplifting and full of warmth, this novel is the next best thing to jetting off to France on a relaxing break away.' My Weekly 
 
Can Del find her recipe for happiness? 
 
Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they&rsquo;re packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier&hellip;a new life in France &ndash; without Ollie. 
 
Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? After discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness? 
 
A heart-warming tale about reclaiming your life, set amongst the lavender fields of Provence. Perfect escapism from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and The Honey Farm on the Hill. 
 
-------------------------------------------------- 
 
Readers are falling in love with Escape to the French Farmhouse 
&lsquo;It&rsquo;s simply amazing . . . has you hooked and makes you feel are in the sunshine in France.&rsquo; 
&lsquo;A refreshing, feel-good story, just perfect for sitting and reading in the sun.&rsquo; 
&lsquo;A love story at its best. You can smell the lavender.&rsquo;

You smell the lavender, you feel the sun on your face, this book is pure joy!

Hopeful and lovely, sunny and smashing – I loved this gorgeous book.

Milly Johnson, Sunday Times bestselling author

Jo Thomas at her best - filled with love, food and real heart. Always welcome, particularly in challenging times, reading a Jo Thomas novel is like going on the loveliest holiday in your head.

This is the burst of sunshine you’re looking for! Evocative, warm, wonderful, transporting you to beautiful Provence...I loved it!

A warm story of friendship and community. A joy and a true escape.

Uplifting and full of warmth, this novel is the next best thing to jetting off to France on a relaxing break away.

Jo Thomas

Touching, joyful, brimming with Christmas and community spirit

A truly heart-warming story … a gorgeous Christmas novel bursting with strength and warmth.

Brimming with romance, laughter and community spirit, this gorgeous festive tale is the perfect seasonal escape.

Jemima Jones is driving home to her family's magical hill-top farm for Christmas… 
 
And on arrival, she soon learns that her dad has been keeping a secret – all is not as it seems, and Hollybush Farm is struggling to make ends meet! Worried about losing the childhood home she loves, Jemima must pull on her winter wellies and get stuck in. 
 
Amid the chaos of chasing after escaping sheep and organising the Christmas tractor run, Jemima begins documenting her slice of farming life on social media. As she builds a supportive online following, she also forms an offline connection in the shape of charming, retired rugby player Llew, her very own Santa's helper. 
 
With a sprinkle of festive cheer and a dash of goodwill, might the community pull together to help save the farm in time for Christmas?

Jo Thomas

Praise for Christmas at Hollybush Farm

Touching, joyful, brimming with Christmas and community spirit

A truly heart-warming story … a gorgeous Christmas novel bursting with strength and warmth.

Brimming with romance, laughter and community spirit, this gorgeous festive tale is the perfect seasonal escape.

Touching, joyful, brimming with Christmas and community spirit

A truly heart-warming story … a gorgeous Christmas novel bursting with strength and warmth.

Brimming with romance, laughter and community spirit, this gorgeous festive tale is the perfect seasonal escape.

Touching, joyful, brimming with Christmas and community spirit

A truly heart-warming story … a gorgeous Christmas novel bursting with strength and warmth.

Brimming with romance, laughter and community spirit, this gorgeous festive tale is the perfect seasonal escape.

Books by Jo Thomas

Articles featuring Jo Thomas

The best Christmas romance books to fall in love with this winter

9 of the best books set in Spain

11 of the best books set in France

9 beach reads set in Italy

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Praise for Christmas at Hollybush Farm

Touching, joyful, brimming with Christmas and community spirit

A truly heart-warming story … a gorgeous Christmas novel bursting with strength and warmth.

Brimming with romance, laughter and community spirit, this gorgeous festive tale is the perfect seasonal escape.

Touching, joyful, brimming with Christmas and community spirit

A truly heart-warming story … a gorgeous Christmas novel bursting with strength and warmth.

Brimming with romance, laughter and community spirit, this gorgeous festive tale is the perfect seasonal escape.

Touching, joyful, brimming with Christmas and community spirit

A truly heart-warming story … a gorgeous Christmas novel bursting with strength and warmth.

Brimming with romance, laughter and community spirit, this gorgeous festive tale is the perfect seasonal escape.

Books by Jo Thomas

Sign up to the Jo Thomas newsletter

Articles featuring Jo Thomas

The best Christmas romance books to fall in love with this winter

9 of the best books set in Spain

11 of the best books set in France

9 beach reads set in Italy

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter