Selected by Daily Express in 2025 as 'one of the best Christmas books to read this December'! Don't miss this festive, small-town rom-com from million copy bestseller Portia MacIntosh. 'Easily my favourite Christmas book of the season so far.' Reader review ????? 'A warm, witty, feel good, festive romance' Reader review ????? Ivy, the owner of a year-round festive store, loves Christmas. When her mother passed away, Ivy vowed to take over her mother’s store and keep the Christmas spirit alive in the idyllic seaside town of Marram Bay, and she’s been running the place single-handedly ever since. The only thing missing in Ivy's life is a dash of romance – something her twin sister, Holly, will not let her forget. As Christmas approaches, an enigmatic businessman moves to town, threatening to bulldoze her beloved shop to make way for a holiday complex. Ivy must fight to save the store. But could this intriguing newcomer be hiding a softer side, one that just might grant all her holiday wishes? Praise for Portia MacIntosh 'Smart, funny and always brilliantly entertaining, every book from Portia becomes my new favourite rom com.' Shari Low 'I laughed, I cried – I loved it.’ Holly Martin 'The queen of rom com!' Rebecca Raisin ‘This book made me laugh and kept me turning the pages.' Mandy Baggot 'A fun, fabulous 5-star rom com!' Sandy Barker 'Loved the book, it's everything you expect from the force that is Portia! A must read' Rachel Dove 'A heartwarming, fun story, perfect for several hours of pure escapism.' Jessica Redland This book was previously published as Love and Lies at the Village Christmas Shop.