What?’ I gaped at him. ‘So, because I’m over thirty and don’t have a man in my life, I must be gay?’ One of those rare books I can see myself revisiting time and again. I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more!’ Reader review Emily needs a husband…fast. It’s just a few days until Christmas and to finally put a stop to her nagging mother’s matchmaking plans, Emily has convinced her that she’s already married!

All that’s left is for Sam to say ‘I do’ – it’s the perfect plan! So why then, do her ‘pretend’ feelings for Sam seem far too real? One of those rare books I can see myself revisiting time and again. I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more.' - The Well Read Pirate Queen Emily needs a husband...fast. It’s just a few days until Christmas and to finally put a stop to her nagging mother’s matchmaking plans, Emily has convinced her that she’s already married!

📅 Twelve days

Funny and romantic, with a predictably good ending. A romance that makes you giggle!’ – Kitty Loves Books

All that's left is for Sam to say 'I do' - it's the perfect plan! So why then, do her 'pretend' feelings for Sam seem far too real? Fans of Jo Thomas, Catherine Walsh and Philippa Ashley will love this heartwarming read from Carla Burgess. Praise for Carla Burgess: Oh my gosh. I absolutely adored this book. This was just perfect. Yes ok in places it was sugary sweet overload but I just thought it was adorable. It had me laughing, and it made me happy and made me feel all warm and Christmassy. And when her excited mum announces that she’s coming to stay, Emily can think of only one man to play the part: gorgeous ex-soldier, Sam. It’s the best part of her day, handing him a coffee every morning – but then, Emily never expected to offer him her hand in marriage, too…Funny and romantic, with a predictably good ending. A romance that makes you giggle!' - Kitty Loves Books Why do I have to have a man in my life? Is that the only thing that should define me as a woman? I think not. I’m perfectly happy on my own.” Mum's a dismissive doll who marries for money and suddenly grows a strong opinion on the situation her daughter's in at various points of the story. But more than that, gay? Emily? Silly! Why didn't I give it more stars then? First, because it's just weird reading about 34 year old women, when I, myself, is only 18 :D It's all my fault though. I really enjoyed reading it, but it also a bit weird. Also it awesome how she could managed being alone until 34. In my country, at those age you are practically resigned to the spinster life. Anyways, there's also something about the writing that makes it really clear that this is a debut book. It's not a bad thing, I think it's amazing for a debut! But I just think it's a bit stunted and dialogue doesn't flow that well. A bit too fast and not that fleshed out too, since so many issues solved in the course of the holiday season...

Yes, she gave me this big lecture about how I should reassure you that it was okay and I would accept you no matter what. I told her that you knew that anyway.’ Mum popped a forkful of curry in her mouth, apparently pleased with her response. I gulped down some wine. Maybe I wouldn’t go to the sodding meal either. ‘So, you see, Sam, you have to be there.’ Why would I miss Sam being homeless? That was a horrible thing to miss. I should be happy that I didn’t see him sitting on the floor in all weathers every morning. Fans of Debbie Johnson, Holly Martin and Christie Barlow will love this heartwarming read from debut author, Carla Burgess.As more of the story unfolded I kept giggling because as readers, we were aware of the secret and her mum wasn't, so 'watching' Emily and her beau trying to match their stories was absolutely hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed the spontaneity of the storyline and all of the characters involved, well, bar one (but you'll find out for yourself which one I'm on about!). One of those rare books I can see myself revisiting time and again. I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more.’ – The Well Read Pirate Queen There's something about christmas books that just makes you feel warm and at home. This book is not an exception. It also has one of my favorite tropes, the fake-relationship, so this book is definitely is up my alley.