Published By: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 416
Date Released: 29/10/2020
It’s nearly Christmas and it’s snowing, hard. Deep in the Yorkshire Moors nestles a tiny hamlet, with a pub at its heart. As the snow falls, the inn will become an unexpected haven for six people forced to seek shelter there…
Mary has been trying to get her boss Jack to notice her for four years, but he can only see the efficient PA she is at work. Will being holed up with him finally give her the chance she has been waiting for?
Bridge and Luke were meeting for five minutes to set their divorce in motion. But will getting trapped with each other reignite too many fond memories – and love?
Charlie and Robin were on their way to a luxury hotel in Scotland for a very special Christmas. But will the inn give them everything they were hoping to find – and much more besides?
A story of knowing when to hold on and when to let go, of pushing limits and acceptance, of friendship, love, laughter, mince pies and the magic of Christmas.
*****
*CONTAINS MILD PLOT SPOILERS*
I don’t have enough words in my repertoire to explain how much I loved this book. As I’ve said in a previous blog post, I have an entire shelf on my bookcase dedicated to Christmas-themed books, so I have a lot to compare to, even if I do normally plump for the “this is going to depress me but I’m still going to read it” type books.
I fell in love with the village of Figgy Hollow (a character in its own right).
I fell in love with each and every character:
Mary, who loses her dad in her early twenties (like I did) and who is desperately in love with a man who, at first glance, is not suited to her.
Bridge and Luke, a perfect pairing not suited to be a romantic couple.
Jack, hard-working, selfish and alone.
Charlie and Robin, a man wanting to make the most of his final days on Earth, and a man who can’t bear the idea of being left on this Earth alone.
I know all of these people, and I’ve been them all. Well, in some parts. I’ll admit I’ve never been half of a same-sex male marriage (difficult seeing as I’m female), but I suppose there’s still time.
This book warmed my heart so much that at times it was difficult to remember it was fictional. It was like reading about my friends, my family, and I just wanted everyone to live happily ever after. And I suppose they all did, in their own ways.
And if Milly Johnson ever wants to make a movie out of this book, I’ll happily play Bridge, or Mary…or Charlie for that matter.
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