Meet Me Under the Mistletoe: Book Review
I don’t read a ton of romance, so I won’t pretend to be an expert—but when the holiday season rolls around, I can’t resist a good festive love story. There’s just something about cozy settings, second chances, and a little seasonal magic that gets me every time. So when I came across the synopsis for Meet Me in the Mistletoe, the newest release from Jenni Bayliss, I knew I needed it on my TBR immediately. A holiday romance set in the English countryside with a bit of nostalgia and old friends? Say no more—I was sold!
This blog is reader-supported. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission from affiliate links used in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, visit my legal page.
Quick Look
- small-town UK setting
- bookstore owner MC
- second chance romance
- lifelong friendships
- complicated family dynamics
Published September 27, 2022
Thanks to the kind folks at Putnam Books for the advanced access!
Publisher's Synopsis
Elinor Noel—Nory for short—is quite content running her secondhand bookshop in London. Forever torn between her working-class upbringing and her classmates’ extravagant lifestyles at the posh private school she attended on scholarship, Nory has finally figured out how to keep both at equal distance. So when two of her oldest friends invite their whole gang to spend the time leading up to their wedding together at the castle near their old school, Nory must prepare herself for an emotionally complicated few days.
The reunion brings back fond memories, but also requires Nory to dodge an ill-advised former fling. When she falls quite literally into the arms of Isaac, the castle’s head gardener, who has nothing but contempt for the "snobby prep school kids," the attraction between them is undeniable. And as Nory spends more time with Isaac during the wedding festivities, she finds herself falling hard for the boy she used to consider an enemy. Nory and Isaac explore their common ground, but pressures mount on all sides, and Nory must decide what kind of life she wants to live and what sort of love is worth the risk...
My Review
Friends, this is the holiday romance of the year for me. Sweet, a little spicy, and full of cozy magic, Meet Me in the Mistletoe swept me off my feet. I loved every minute of it and think you will too. What really sets this book apart is the depth of its relationships—it's not just about romantic love, but also about friendship, family tension, and self-growth. Those layers add richness to the story and make the characters feel real and relatable.
Nory, our leading lady, is wonderfully complicated. She’s full of self-doubt, anxiety, and the kind of insecurities most of us wrestle with at one point or another. She hasn’t always made the best choices, and that vulnerability makes her incredibly human. Before the wedding invite pulls her back into the past, she’s finally hitting her stride—her business is thriving, and she’s starting to feel more at home in her own skin. But revisiting her old friend group means confronting wounds she thought were long behind her. Like many of us, she fears slipping back into an old version of herself.
Watching Nory navigate the emotional landmines of old friendships, past regrets, and a budding romance was a thing of beauty. The emotional tension and moments of self-reflection add authenticity to the story—something that’s often missing in more surface-level holiday reads. It felt heartfelt and sincere rather than fluffy, and I loved that. It reminded me a lot of One Day in December, which was my favorite holiday romance last year.
At the center of it all is the romance between Nory and Isaac—a slow-burn, second-chance connection that’s tender and oh-so-satisfying. Both characters are brainy, thoughtful, sensitive, and slightly unsure of themselves in the best possible way. They complement each other perfectly, making their love story feel earned and genuine. While the book doesn’t rely heavily on witty banter or over-the-top steam, there are sweet flirtations and a subtle sizzle that felt just right. If you’re used to high-heat romances, this one may feel tame—but for me, it struck the perfect balance.
If you love holiday romances with emotional depth, character growth, and a little seasonal sparkle, Meet Me in the Mistletoe is a must-read.
My Rating
Overall, this heartwarming holiday romance was everything I hoped it would be! I adored the characters, the cozy story, and the utterly charming setting. Because really—what’s more magical than Christmas in the countryside? Maybe only Christmas in a countryside castle! If you’re a fan of festive, feel-good reads with depth and heart, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe deserves a spot on your holiday reading list.
Before You Go
Be sure to sign up for my email newsletter, where I share updates about the latest reading wrap-ups and blog posts, must-see book deals, and behind-the-scenes updates! And for even more fun, head to BookTube, Bookstagram, or Bindery for all things bookish!
