The Christmas Star

An Audible Original

By: Kate Forster

Narrated by: Rachael Tidd

It's nearly Christmas, Julia Devine's favourite time of the year. She's just programmed a wonderful lead into the holidays at Sunny Street Cinema, which leaves her plenty of time to worry about going home to Cumbria for Christmas. Her mum and stepdad are fine, but the thought of spending another holiday with her awful stepsister Becca is enough to make a Scrooge out of anyone.

When Becca calls to let her know about the dreamy pilot she's bringing to Christmas lunch, Julia finally snaps and does something very silly. She tells Becca she's dating heartthrob movie star Hugo Turner.

Of course, Julia isn't dating Hugo Turner - she isn't dating anyone - but Becca will never let her live it down if she discovers Julia's lie. Enter Sam Hunter, ordinary guy on the street with a startling resemblance to a movie star. Without any holiday plans of his own, he's the perfect stand-in for the real Hugo. Sam has his own reasons for agreeing to be Julia's sham movie-star boyfriend. It's just for one weekend, right? But will this Christmas charade flourish into real Christmas magic?

©2023 Kate Forster (P)2023 Audible, Ltd

Delightful

A rather predictable but enjoyable little Christmas story. Interesting characters and the narrator helped show their personalities .

Sweet Christmas read!

What a delightful short Christmas listen! Funny and sweet, perfect little story for the holidays! Great narration too.

Fun story!

While watching a movie at the Restrospective movie theater she manages, Julia Devine meets a man who looks just like actor Hugo Turner. In fact, everyone keeps approaching Sam Hunter and asking for his autograph. Julia and Sam start talking and strike up a friendship, meeting for lunch when they're not busy, and discussing their favorite classic movies. One day Julia mentions that she dreads going home for Christmas. Her stepsister, Becca, is awful...always putting Julia down. Julia just wants to cancel her trip home. When Julia talks to her family and learns that Becca is bringing home her airline pilot boyfriend, Julia knows she'll have to hear about her lack of boyfriend the whole holiday. So, she lies, and tells them that she is dating movie star Hugo Turner. Sam, who is the perfect stand-in for Hugo, readily agrees to accompany her on the holiday visit.

Every December I choose some holiday books to get me in the mood for Christmas. Most of the time I'm disappointed. Not this year! This is just an adorable story that made me laugh out loud. Yes, the plot is predictable. Yes, it's a bit cheesy. Yes, Becca is a one-dimensional shrew. But the story still worked for me. I liked both Julia and Sam; and loved their romantic holiday story. This is an Audible Original narrated by Rachel Tidd. She does an excellent job! My rating: 4.5 Stars.

Love the story

Love it the story was very sweet and romantic. It was a great spin on all three of the couples.

Soooo entertaining!

Great laughs, just the right amount of angst and cringe, and oh so sweet!!!! Great characters with growth and hope for the season.