A Merry Irish Christmas by Clodagh Murphy


"You are the main character in the story of your life, but other people are the main character in their own lives.  And sometimes you can find healing just by playing a supporting role in someone else's experience."  Timothy Knox

A rom-com that fans of Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas will absolutely love!  Readers are introduced to Mary, a young woman living away from her home and family in Ireland.  She is in a relationship that she is trying to make work, even though he definitely still has feelings for his ex.  When they unexpectedly break up right before Christmas, Mary is stuck in New York without friends or family.  On a whim, she decides to buy a last minute plane ticket home and surprise her family.  The key word is surprise, as her loving family has the same idea and has arranged for a house swap with a handsome American tv star so they can spend Christmas with their beloved daughter.   Mary, walking into an empty house is doubly confused when a strange man enters the house.

Evan has no desire to be around anyone this Christmas season, as he is nursing his own break up with fellow co-star in his hit tv series.  What follows is a hilarious battle as Mary is determined to stay in her family home this holiday and also bring some much needed good cheer to Evan's holiday.  With a little help from Mary's match-making mother, these two will find the joy of Christmas and that family is more than just blood relatives.

Evan, a lonely young man, feels all alone as he was orphaned as a teenager.  He has since always avoided family gatherings, as not wanting to be the unwanted but pity guest.  Mary,  feels insecure, after her break-up and finds it hard to trust again.  Both of these individuals learn the important lesson of connecting with others in their journey.  Mary learns to see the sweet, giving side of Evan while he  learns the importance of friendship and family, and anyone can be part of your extended family.  Their path together will take readers on a fun filled journey, all while enjoying an Irish Christmas.  

Murphy's characters are well developed, and the plot is fun and quick paced, for those who want to cozy up for a quick Saturday afternoon read all while getting their romantic fix.   I also enjoyed the secondary characters, and found myself wondering about stories for each of them.  A perfect read for those who can not wait for Hallmark's countdown to Christmas.

Set in Ireland, this adorable rom-com will be sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.  I know I am ready to go out and do some Christmas shopping and find that perfect gift for family and friends.  I would recommend cozying up with some much loved Christmas cookies, and that perfect Christmas Candle (Sweater Weather from Bath and Body Works) would go along perfectly with this book.  This book will be available for purchase September 6, 2025.  A special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Boldwood books for the ARC to read and give an honest review.

Simba gives this book a solid three paws!  Happy reading!

 

 

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