Did my title for this review catch your attention? 😊 His Perfect Christmas Gift is set in a quaint little rural village where the snow is deep. So, the only Sex on the Beach happening is a cocktail that Felix makes for one of the locals. It’s just one of the ways that Ali Ryecart’s wonderful writing will make you smile before she brings a tear or two to your eyes. Only a few of the tears were sad though, as this is a super low angst story and my tears were more because certain parts of it really touched my heart.

Felix Hennessy is on the outs with his family and friends so he’s heading to a luxury hotel for the holidays. Detours and bad weather derail his plans and his car gets stuck in the snow near Applemead where he is taken in by the local pub’s owners and their son.

Gabriel York tried living in the city but he missed his home in Applemead too much. He enjoys working for his parents and his life in the village but he wishes he could find someone to share his life.

I felt so bad for Felix at times. By all appearances, he led a carefree life with all the luxuries that his family’s money can buy. But his self-esteem is low because his family has pretty much told him he’s useless and they don’t want him helping in the family business. In Applemead he not only finds friends and support that he never expected, he also learns that he can be a useful and respected person. He also finds love.

If you’re looking for a steamy story this won’t be the book for you. However, if you love a sweet and wonderful holiday themed book to read, I don’t think you can go wrong with this one.

Reviews for Ali Ryecart

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The excerpt below had me LOL-ing while reading. Used with permission of the author, Ali Ryecart. Felix has agreed to play Santa after the regular Santa becomes “ill.”

“It’s Father Christmas!” one little girl screeched, jumping up and down with excitement.

Felix strode towards the chair, under the arch of holly, heavy with its red berries, ivy and mistletoe that had been wound around an arched frame that was the grotto, and settled himself down. He counted thirty or so children, their faces shining with wonder. He leaned forward.

“Ho ho ho,” Felix bellowed, making his voice deeper and gruffer. “I’ve come all the way from the North Pole and there are gifts for all. But only if you’ve been good. Have you all been good girls and boys?”

“Yes!” The children all shouted at once.

“My big sister hasn’t,” a young boy, standing near the front of the crowd wearing a bright blue bobble hat and with a runny nose, piped up. He was rewarded for his accusation with a shove from the older girl standing next to him, but he took no notice. “And Mummy’s not been good, ‘cause Daddy says she’s a very, very naughty girl. That’s right, isn’t it Daddy?”

A muffled titter rippled through the crowd of young parents, as a large hand fell on the boy’s shoulder and yanked him backwards. Felix glanced at Gabriel, who seemed to have found something fascinating to look at under his nails.

“Ah,” Felix said, his big flowing beard hiding his wide smile. “Then I’m sure Daddy will punish Mummy for being a very, very naughty girl. Eh, Daddy?”

The tittering turned to choked laughter, and snorts. Felix’s grin grew wider. Playing Santa was proving to be more fun than he’d thought.