Covent Garden in the Snow by Jules Wake is a lovely Christmas romance about make-up artist Tilly Hunter. On the surface Tilly is a girl who appears to have her life perfectly in order. She loves her job at the London Metropolitan Opera Company, and she and her handsome finance, Felix, are planning their wedding. In reality, she is on probation for messing up the computers at work, and her romance is more fizzle than sizzle.

Her ineptness at technology has her having to spend time with the IT director learning how to use computers to actually help her department. Marcus, at first appears to be a button-downed corporate type, but over the course of their acquaintance, Till learns that he is actually a really good guy and in fact, when she finds her boyfriend in the arms of another, he becomes her emotional support. When she is accused of selling secrets about the celebrities that she works with and is in danger of losing her job, Marcus is among the many of her friends that come to her support.

Although Covent Garden in the Snow is a little long-winded, it’s playful attitude, interesting setting, and sympathetic characters drew me in and I enjoyed this well written Christmas romance. ( )

“From the end of November onwards, stepping out into Covent Garden is magical and as soon as December first hits, it’s positively enchanting.” (Citation page 167)

Content
Mathilde „Tilly“ Hunter loves her work as a make-up artist at London Metropolitan Opera and she is very talented and really qualified for her job. But to get the career advancement she is hoping for, she needs to be familiar with modern technologies and computers und the new smart, attractive IT director Marcus Walker, who does not feel the vivid magic of the theatre world, has to train her. How could they work together successfully, when Tilly is just joking about her definitely missing computer-gen and for her the old card system is still perfect enough to manage the inventory? Then her life is near to shattering and she has to grow up, open her eyes to her problems and take things seriously.

Theme and Genre
This romantic Christmas novel is about family, friendship, love and life, and about beautiful London during Christmas time when Covent Garden, smelling of cinnamon and mulled wine, if full of lights and joy. An important theme is working with a leading opera company, opera, ballet, artists and the support team behind any performance on stage.

Characters
The characters are well described, loveable and understandable, and the development of artistic, sassy, but always caring Tilly makes her even more likeable.

Plot and writing
Tilly, the first-person narrator, tells the story. It takes place in London in the weeks before Christmas. The beautiful, festive atmosphere with snow slowly covering London, as well as the buzzling flair of theatre performances, are described in such a colorful and lively way that, while reading, the related pictures and feeling spring immediately to mind. The mixture between thoughtful and funny scenes guaranties pleasurable reading.

Conclusion
A funny, interesting and heartwarming Christmas story, the perfect read for a relaxed festive season. ( )