ARC Review: Baby It’s Cold Outside by Emily Bell

Synopsis:

As Norah battles alone, yet again, through the bustling December crowds outside Fortnum & Mason, she hears the first notes of a busker’s song that transports her back to the most romantic week of her life. 

Laughing under an Italian sky, knowing they had to part, Andrew made her a promise:

If they are both single on Christmas Eve in 10 years’ time, they will meet under the clock on Grafton Street, Dublin.

Norah has no idea if Andrew will remember, but she has nothing to lose.

So that’s where she decides to go. To Dublin. To that clock. Hoping for a Christmas miracle with Andrew.

But it wouldn’t be Christmas without a few surprises….

Review:

Norah met Andrew in Italy 10 years ago, the timing wasn’t right to start a serious relationship and so they agreed to meet in Andrew’s home town of Ireland in 10 years time at 6 pm on Christmas Eve.  Baby It’s Cold Outside is a Christmas themed romance which is both heartwarming and up-lifting.  The settings are beautifully described and in particular Ireland conjures up vivid images of a magical Christmassy atmosphere and will definitely make you want to visit.  A compelling read you need to keep going to find out how it will end.  This is a friends-to-lovers romance with a dual timeline, both past and present.  I preferred the present timeline which I found much more engaging and preferred the relationship Norah had with Joe rather than Andrew.

There is a wonderful cast of characters, the lead characters are likeable and relatable and really well portrayed, as are Norah’s circle of friends and parents.  The narrative is detailed and you learn so much about the complexities of Norah’s character with the flashbacks to her past.  Joe is sweet, kind, gentle and it was lovely that he goes to Dublin to support his best friend should things go awry. The story sensitively explores the effects of a marital break up and grief felt at the passing of a loved one.

It’s fairly predictable we have a good idea from the onset who Norah will end up with but it’s a lot of fun getting there.  Each chapter heading is a song title and it was a lot of fun discovering both the artist and song.  This is a wonderful festive read, which is well written, well structured and will transport you to the beautiful settings of Verona, London and Dublin.

Publisher:  Penguin Michael Joseph
Publication Date (UK):  
02.09.21 (eBook)
14.10.21 (Paperback)
Format:  eARC/eBook
Page Count:  328
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Rating:  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Happy reading!

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