Review of 'Christmas, Actually' by Donna Ashcroft

Review of 'Christmas, Actually' by Donna Ashcroft

Release date: Sept 11, 2026

Publisher: Bookouture

REVIEW

Donna Ashcroft is the Queen of Christmas romance stories!  I think the very first book of hers I read was a beautiful Christmas story and I loved it so much it has become a tradition for me to read one or two of hers every year to capture the Christmas spirit! Besides great festive topics and important relationship elements, Donna always includes some lovely animals that add extra fun and drama to the story. This time it is adorable Figgy the dog and Bugs a former magician’s rabbit!

Christmas, Actually has a wonderful Mr and Mrs Christmas storyline and the setting is the Cotswolds fictional village of Hollythorpe (with a hint of Christmas decoration in the name!). The two main characters Liam and Martine (who play these roles) provide their perspectives on events and feelings. They each have major relationship problems with previous partners. Both have been betrayed but must recover from their wounds in order to move forward. Although healing and freedom will come with time, the past reappears with its challenges and temptations— forcing them to look at their habits and see the truth that is visible to others. They each have to sort through the wreckage of their past romantic relationships in order to rise from the ashes to live and love again.

Martine’s engagement to an attractive businessman has gone very wrong. Hudson betrays and lies to her about what he has done and this is a wake-up call that sends her in a new direction. He is a selfish, dominating person who only wants a ‘yes’ woman to attend to his needs and desires. He has little respect for Martine’s wishes and interests. This is a topic I have seen a fair bit lately in stories and each time it is heart breaking because this sort of thing happens in real life. This treatment causes women like Martine to feel inadequate. She is always trying to please Hudson and her mother (and loses herself in the process). So when she meets Liam after escaping to the Cotswolds to visit her godmother who does appreciate and accept her for who she is, her world slowly begins to change. But, of course, not without a number of hiccups.

Liam has been betrayed by his wife who now is his ex-wife since they got divorced. She left him and their son without warning, after she cheated on him with someone dear to him. It is obvious Liam is a caring father. With a bit of help from friends, he manages to look after his son and work. When he meets lovely Martine, his heart begins to spark again. Which surprises him but can he trust in a relationship again? Then his ex-wife arrives back into town with demands that set the cat among the pigeons! Has she changed or is she the same person as before?

Christmas, Actually is inspired by the movie Love Actually (as noted by the author in her letter to readers). It is a favourite flick of hers and she wanted the same ‘festive feel’ in her novel. Well, she certainly has achieved that! The movie Love, Actually follows a number of festive love stories and so does this novel as we see not only Martine and Liam but also Ezra and Eleanor, Doris and Joe, the Holly couple, and other challenging relationships like twins Danny and Sam fighting over girls, as well as Liam and Graham who are split by a betrayal. And Martine’s relationship with her mother is highlighted and needs some fixing, too. But one theme that rings through both novel and movie besides ‘love actually is all around’ is the importance of self-acceptance and to be with people who are happy with who you are. The most quoted phrase from the movie is ‘To me, you are perfect.’ And I see this over and over again in Christmas, Actually— particularly voiced by godmother Eleanor and Liam to Martine who has been put down a lot by her mother and her ex-fiance.

So both the novel and movie concentrate on the importance of relationships (and different kinds—even love for our pets!). And learning to love despite the pain and other challenges we may face. It is important to remember we are not alone as there are communities and/or family members who will be there to offer the support we need. We might have to look around and yes, sometimes even move. But love abounds in many unexpected places. And this novel shines with those opportunities to remind us and to be encouraged to be ourselves.

Christmas, Actually provides a strong message of hope, healing and confidence to be enjoyed any time of the year. And yes, Christmas miracles really do happen. And as Martine learns “…sometimes you get to follow your sad endings with a new start.” Get a copy of this festive feel-good beautiful story that is brimming with warmth, wonder and love. It is a true mistletoe kiss for the heart! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the review copy.