A former child star learns that holiday magic can come from a change in perspective in this charming and hilarious holiday rom-com.

Charlotte hates the holidays. As a former child actress, she starred in a modern classic of a holiday movie, and its fans won’t let her move on. When a piece revealing that her reluctance nixed plans for a reboot, she flees to London to spend the five-week countdown to the holidays with her sister.

But the ghosts of Christmas past follow her there when she ends up at Eden Priory, a filming location for the movie she has never visited. There, after being recognized by a fan while viewing the extraordinary holiday decorations, she’s accidently left behind, forcing her to accept a ride back to London from Graham, the son of the owners. Their family business—and the funds to keep their historic house running—relies on holiday cheer, and Graham knows a visit from a holiday star would bring in more visitors.

Now an illustrator, Charlotte accepts a commission illustrating iconic holiday movie scenes in London and its environs. Graham offers to help escort her, as long as she’ll commit to an art workshop at Eden Priory. But as Charlotte’s chaotic family holiday goes awry, she begins spending more time scouting locations with Graham. She may not love a Christmas romance…but what if she has one of her own?

About The Author

Photograph by Ryan Chamberlain

Martha Waters

Martha Waters is the author of Christmas Is All Around, and the Regency Vows series, which includes To Have and to Hoax, To Love and to Loathe, To Marry and to Meddle, To Swoon and to Spar, and To Woo and to Wed. She was born and raised in sunny South Florida and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives in London, and loves sundresses, gin cocktails, and traveling.

Why We Love It

“I love the holidays, but not necessarily holiday books (although I average about one a year!). But when challenged to think of which of my authors might write an original holiday romance, I immediately thought of Martha Waters—who shares my indifference. As we batted ideas around though, we, too, were pulled in by the magic of the season and this delightful story, full of references to our favorite holiday movies and a couple to root for. Perhaps like the Love Actually song from which this novel derives its title, we’ll have a surprise hit!”

—Kaitlin O., Executive Editor, on Christmas Is All Around

Product Details

Publisher: Atria Books (October 22, 2024)
Length: 304 pages
ISBN13: 9781668069523

Raves and Reviews

“As Waters (To Woo and to Wed, 2024) merrily pivots from her marvelous Regency historicals to an exquisitely crafted contemporary holiday romance, her winning way with quippy dialogue, clever characterization, and smartly crafted love stories remains a thing of joy and wonder.” —Booklist (starred review)

“[E]ndearing… Waters keeps things lighthearted, quirky, and, above all Christmassy. This sweet holiday treat wouldn’t feel out of place on the Hallmark channel.” —Publishers Weekly

“Christmas Is All Around is a festive riot of marvelously eccentric characters, witty banter and swoony romance. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and all things Bridget Jones. I loved this book!”
—Jenny Bayliss, author of The Twelve Dates of Christmas

"I want Martha Waters to write whatever she wants, but I also kinda want Martha Waters to only write cozy Christmas romances until the end of time because she does it SO WELL. From the moment of their felt reindeer costume striptease meet-cute, Graham and Charlotte's banter absolutely sparkled. Their story was also such a lovely meditation on figuring out what you want your life to look like, letting go of some of the past while still honoring it for how it's brought you to where you are. I already look forward to rereading this book every Christmas season!"
—Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of With Love, from Cold World

"Christmas Is All Around is everything I want in a Christmas romcom: woman from big city travels to another big city, does not change or sacrifice her occupation, has nothing nice to say about carolers, falls in love with bespectacled Englishman, saves Christmas. Charlotte and Graham's banter sparkles, the strong cast of secondary characters is such fun, the picturesque English settings are DIVINE, and the demonic baby is written-word birth control. Martha Waters, never stop writing books just for me."
—Sarah Hogle, author of You Deserve Each Other

“Simultaneously a hilarious send-up and a delightful homage to Christmas romances, Christmas Is All Around had me laughing, swooning, and rooting for Charlotte the whole book. Waters is the queen of historical romcoms, and here she proves she’s just as adept at crafting contemporary stories. An all-time favorite Christmas romance that shouldn’t be missed!”
—Alison Cochrun, author of Kiss Her Once for Me