Published By: Bookouture
Pages: 300
Released On: 08/10/2021
Everything was in place for Libby’s own wedding day – the ancient church with roses around the door, the frothy white wedding dress of her dreams… That is until her Mr Right, Rufus, turned out to be Mr Wrong and dumped her out of the blue. For her cousin.
Six months later, Libby is the chief bridesmaid for her best friend Willow in a Christmas Eve wedding at stately home Lovage Hall. Despite having to wear an enormous fuchsia dress, Libby knows she has to look her best, as the wedding is the first time she will see Rufus again…
As the guests sip champagne at the beautiful reception, and Libby does her best to avoid her ex, the snow outside falls faster and faster, making it impossible for the guests to leave. Snowed in at Lovage Hall, Libby is charmed by American Noah with his dark cropped hair and dimpled cheeks, and the two of them share their dreams and a very passionate kiss.
But when the morning comes, and the snow melts, a shocking revelation about Noah comes to light and Rufus reveals a devastating secret. Can Libby trust her heart to make the right decision for her own happy ending?
*****
Thanks to Bookouture for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is a slow burning, warming, uplifting romance. I think it’s suitable for all ages and has a bit of everything. It’s quite genteel, possibly suited more to younger adults than those looking for something a bit more adult.
Most of the action takes place over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, which could have made the story feel quite rushed, but it was timed perfectly.
The main character of Libby is kind and hard working and loving and loyal, but she is also quite wallowing and one-dimensional. I don’t mean that as a negative comment on the writing or characterisation, but more that she seems to have a one track mind. There are a few main characters – Libby, Noah, Rufus, Willow, Tomas – and they’re all well written and have their negatives and positives.
Libby’s best friend Willow’s wedding is the setting for 90% of this book, and whilst the idea of it sounds good, a Christmas Eve wedding just sounds like a recipe for disaster, regardless of how romantic snow can be. Having said that, I can’t think of any other book that chooses Christmas as a wedding setting, and I felt there was a lot of promise with that premise.
It’s not necessarily the top of my Christmas book list, but it is definitely an enjoyable and sweet light festive read.
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