A surprise visit home, an unexpected houseguest, a Christmas she'll never forget... āļø
Mary hasnāt told her family that sheās coming home for Christmas. After breaking up with her boyfriend just before the holidays, she decides to surprise them and get a last-minute flight home. But when she arrives in Ireland after a long journey, she discovers her family have had the same idea, and gone to New York to surprise her.
To make matters infinitely worse, theyāve done a house swap with grumpy (but sexy) New Yorker Evan, who makes it clear he doesnāt want her, or her Christmas cheer, around.
Mary is determined to keep the festive spirit alive, so she proposes that she and Evan each get one day where the other has to do things their way. But can Evan put aside his grouchiness to embrace a proper, Irish Christmas? And how will Mary cope with a day of sulking and moody walks on the beach?
One thingās certain: as the temperature drops outside, things start to heat up inside the McBride house. Maybe itāll be a merry Christmas after all ...
A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy full of Irish charm and festive romance, perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane and Catherine Walsh.
Praise for Clodagh Murphy:
'Genuinely funny and beautifully written. Yet another banger from one of my favourite romcom authors!' Joanna Boulori
'A sweet Christmas romance, brimming with cosy charm' Hannah Ellis
āOh my gosh this has stolen my heart! I devoured this book in hours, I honestly couldn't put it down!ā āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø Reader Review
āThe perfect blend of festive charm and heartfelt romance.ā āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø Reader Review
āPure festive joy wrapped up in a bowāequal parts cozy Irish charm, sparkling banter, and heartwarming Hallmark vibes.ā āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø Reader Review
āThis story was very sweet and the perfect Christmas romance. It gave me The holiday vibes which is one of my favorite movies of all time.ā āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø Reader Review
āThe kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a hot drink and soak in the festive spirit.ā āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø Reader Review
āIf youāre looking for something light and a laugh, this is the one. Gave me all the Xmas feels.ā āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø Reader Review
āThis was like a warm hug, but in book form! I LOVED IT.ā āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø Reader Review
āBeautifully written, funny and warm, Murphy has done it againā Joanna Bolouri
āA wonderful story of romance, sisterhood and community with a really strong will they/wonāt they vibeā BookMadJo
āOnce again, I loved my trip to Halfpenny Lane and I adored this book. I cannot wait for another visitā Herding Cats
āSweet and funny, this second chance romance was a fun readā Reviews in Heels
āIf you havenāt started this series yet there is still time to book your trip to the theatre ā you donāt know what you are missingā Kirstyās Book Reviews
āThis is a lovely series and although it can be read as a standalone, reading the first in the series will add to the enjoymentā Books, Life and Everything
Clodagh Murphy is an Irish author of romantic comedy novels. Most of her books are set in her hometown of Dublin, but in 2025 she started a new series set on the beautiful, rugged coastline of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. She lives in Dublin with a sibling and a cat and writes in a cabin in the garden. Clodagh is published by the award-wnning publisher Boldwood Books.