There’s nothing quite like a new Kristen Bailey Christmas novel and I was so excited to pick up We Three Kings.

Maggie is the boss of an IT department in London. She has a small team of coworkers – Frank and Jasper and Leo. Maggie is both protective and proud of her team. She shouts them a mini-Christmas party and after too many drinks she wakes up at Leo’s – nothing happened but now she really notices Leo – who is rather delicious. Leo is 27, down from the north of England, he’s good looking and friendly, thoughtful and pays attention to Maggie – whether it’s her favourite coffee or bringing her lunch, he’s all in. He’s not an alpha or a show pony, just one of the quiet ones.

Just before the Christmas breakup HR tells Maggie that the business is downsizing and she has to let one of her staff go, and could she let them know which one? Maggie spends the Christmas week with her three workmates and the plot centres around her getting to know them as friends, while also having to decide which one will be made redundant.

I love the subplots and tangled threads around Frank and Jasper and their families and love lives. During Christmas week Maggie is a plus-one to a wedding with Frank, stays at Jasper’s posh country house, and goes to the Lake District to have Christmas with Leo. Maggie meets all their people and sees all their complexities while she grapples with the knowledge that one of them is going to get the sack.

All these wonderful moments that make the most difficult and perfect week for Maggie. Between being a fake bridesmaid, thwarting a fox hunt, stealing a donkey, staring down a tiger mom, and having a trip to Emergency, there’s joy and hilarity, but it’s bittersweet.

Another thread is the author’s love of London – a walk through of Covent Garden, the London Underground, Christmas markets on the Thames – it’s all so vivid and festive. If visiting London is on your radar, this might convince you to visit!

It’s a slow burn – they try so hard to get together but there’s no on-page sex – that’s not for a lack of trying on Leo and Maggie’s part! It’s really about trust and emotional intimacy and Maggie really seeing Leo after all that time working together.

I don’t have any reservations with this charming romcom – it’s funny, and heartfelt and tender and so so delicious! I thought nothing would match last year‘s Five Gold Rings but We Three Kings is a gem! Recommended if you love funny, warm and messy romances.