ONLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Stylist Magazine Best Xmas Romance Book 2025
Waterstones Best Books of 2023
Featured in The Guardian Children's
& Teens Best New Novels
The Bookseller One to Watch
Selected for the Children's Book Council Teacher Favorites and Librarian Favourites Awards
City girl Tia Solanké is dreading the festive period. She’s on a break with her boyfriend and the last thing she wants to do is spend Christmas away from London. Arriving at Saiyan Hedge Farm, Tia takes an instant disliking to it. She falls in horse manure, is chased by sheep and the Wi-Fi sucks. How is she meant to stalk her ex now and concoct a foolproof plan to win him back?
Country boy Quincy Parker and his family run the farm, and this year they’ve been selected to host the biggest event in the town's calendar – the Winter Ball. Preparations are underway, and Quincy is working around the clock to make it a success. The only problem is, he’s told everyone he has a date to the ball, when in reality that couldn’t be further from the truth.
At first, Tia and Quincy don’t see eye to eye, until they realise they both have something to gain by pretending to be a couple. But when a snowstorm threatens to cancel the Winter Ball, their fake relationship is put to the test. Will Tia and Quincy be able to keep up the pretence and save the day, or will real feelings get in the way?
German cover!
Publishers: Fischer
Pub: September 25th 2023
US cover!
Publishers: Soho Teen
Pub: October 8th 2024
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"A delectably festive YA romcom"
The Guardian
"This is the perfect read for those cosy evenings when it’s cold outside and you want to curl up under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate."
The Black Book Blog
“Compulsively readable, frothy and fun-filled, this is a highly recommended festive pick-me-up.”
Irish Examiner
“City girl versus country boy makes for some hilarious country fiascoes, which of course, lead to cute romantic moments and grand gestures . . . Grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy.”
Los Angeles Book Review
“This sweet romance intertwines the festive spirit with themes of self-discovery and young love.”
Audible
“A captivating Christmas romcom.”
Waterstones
“A sweet and fun opposites-attract novel that pairs perfectly with a blanket and a comforting mug of hot chocolate.”
Culturefly
“Quincy and Tia are easy to root for, and their warm and thoughtful families ground this light holiday romance . . . A quick and cozy story to curl up with when the weather gets cold.”
School Library Journal
“Bello employs an uplifting tone and combines romance tropes like fake dating with a classic country-boy-meets-city-girl plot to present a swoony romantic comedy that’s sure to delight in any season.”
Publishers Weekly
“Deliciously swoony . . . The book’s happy ending will be eminently satisfying to romance lovers.”
Booklist
“Charming . . . Will appeal to Hallmark fans . . . A sweet Christmas love story.”
Kirkus Reviews
"This book is the perfect escape"
BookClub In Schools
"The perfect light read"
United By Pop
"Once again, Abiola shows her work is destined to become a Netflix movie or mini-series and One for the Holidays is an unmissable treat for you this Christmas! Christmas and love certainly makes life better!"
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