I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by BookSirens. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
To Fall in Love at Christmas by Robin Lee Hatcher Series: The British Are Coming #6
on July 8, 2026
Genres: Christmas & Advent, Fiction / Christian / Historical, Fiction / Christian / Romance / Historical
Pages: 350
Format: ARC
Source: BookSirens
Amazon|Barnes&Noble|Goodreads
A rule-bound heart. A joy-filled pastor. One Christmas that could change everything.
Alice MacPherson came to Idaho with nothing but her nursing skills, her Bible, and the heavy burden of a faith shaped by her father’s endless rules. Raised to believe beauty, celebration, and even Christmas traditions were distractions from true devotion, she expects nothing more from life than hard work and quiet duty.
Reverend Truman Blankenship has spent five years shepherding the people of Gibeon with steady faith and a joyful heart. Especially at Christmastime, he delights in filling the church and parsonage with greenery, laughter, and celebration—traditions that seem to puzzle the serious young nurse more than he cares to admit.
Thrown together in the homes of the sick, in the bustle of the town’s Christmas preparations, and in the laughter of children rehearsing a nativity play, Truman and Alice discover an unexpected attraction. But as Christmas draws near, Alice must confront the demands of her father and the fears and expectations that have shaped her life for far too long.
To Fall in Love at Christmas is a tender Christian historical romance filled with faith, hope, healing, and the joy of hearts transformed by love.
I’m not prepared to say goodbye again to the folks from The British Are Coming. I guess I didn’t realize that this book was coming soon when I thought I’d finished up the series earlier this year. I probably did know, but well, memory is fading faster than the water going out before a tsunami. But the timing of this book was perfect as it’s super hot right now and I thought I’d do a little Christmas in July this month to maybe feel the cool of snow that comes with Christmas. For all those reasons, and more, Robin Lee Hatcher hit all the right Christmas in July marks with a lot of snow, some super cold, some decent follow-up with some of the previous folks, and Truman. Poor Truman thinks he’s found love so many times just to be beaten out by someone else’s true love.
Let’s talk romance, as we know that’s my favorite topic and, well, the core theme of the book. If I’m being real, this completely vibes of instalove. And while that bothered me, there’s something bigger at play that makes the instalove feel less believable. I can typically forgive the insta vibe in a historical novel, as the life and times were different. Marriage was for life, and life, many times, required a partnership. You found compatibility, and you ran with it. Where my problem lies is with Alice’s trauma. Gravy, that girl has a lot of trauma from her father. I would love to see more about how she works through that, as God can heal, but it still requires personal work to maintain and overcome. She started the courting request by saying yes, but we will not suit, because trauma. It honestly felt too simple for her to go from the life and feels she had to say yes let’s get married tomorrow (OK, not really tomorrow but super quick). And while trauma doesn’t bother me in my stories, it gives a reason that is human, but it does bother me when it’s too easily wrapped up, and you don’t get to feel the resolution.
However, the hidden star here for me is Dilby Marks. First, that name, Dilby, what a name. But second, he’s got a story to tell; I just know it. I mean, he may not belong in this series unless there’s yet another lady from The Continent for him, but he has a story to tell. A rich history of love and loss, but he’s also got a come-to-Jesus moment to come, and I’m all in to read his story. Just my own opinion and a strong hint 😀 Overall, To Fall in Love at Christmas was a perfect July read. I got snow in a heatwave, some Jesus love and redemption, and Truman gets the girl . . . finally! But hint, hint, Dilby.
About Robin Lee Hatcher
Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies in print. She’s known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA®, the Carol, the Christy, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog named Boo.
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