Published By: Boldwood
Pages: 321
Released On: 29/08/2024
Globetrotting Libby Jacobs has lost her job but is looking forward to spending more time in her home village of Cranfield.
She dreams of turning her chocolate making hobby into something more permanent. There’s only one problem – Ethan Connolly.
Despite being soul mates growing up, Libby hasn’t been close to Ethan since their disastrous date at the school prom. But now he’s back and he has just what Libby needs… a large kitchen! But can they even bear to be in the same room together?
Ethan never stays in Cranfield too long as it reminds him of his parents’ terrible marriage. But when disaster strikes, he’s forced to stay and help realise his grandad’s dream of a Christmas train. Can the whole village help Ethan create a seasonal spectacular in time?
Can Libby confront her secrets and realise her dreams?
And can Ethan ever stop running from his past and trust his heart?
Perhaps the magic of winter on Railway Lane might just give Libby and Ethan a second chance after all…
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
My first festive book of the season!! In my view, it is never too early for Christmas reading, even if I am writing this in front of a fan because it’s too bloomin’ hot currently.
I love this series. I think they all, this one included, can be read as standalone books because they each follow a different set of characters. But because it’s the same series in the same location etc. you will get more out of it by reading it in order. You recognise the secondary characters as the protagonists from previous books and it’s really lovely to read their progression.
I really liked Libby, right rom the off she seemed like such a fabulous creation. She’s had her ups and downs and fees like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. At first I thought she was an older character but I believe she’s actually a similar age to me, which was an interesting parallel. The other characters are excellent too, and if you’ve read the other books, you’ll recognise them, and so it was good to catch up with them again. Ethan is the star male character this time and whilst he may seem aloof and distant, he is dreamy and I’d like an Ethan please.
What I love about Alison’s work is that, yes at the heart of it they’re uplifting, happily-ever-after romance stories and all the joy that brings. But she doesn’t shy away from the harder things in life such as job losses, lost loves, illnesses, affairs, death etc.
I wasn’t expecting it to be so moving. Sure there’s emotional stuff like illness and redundancy etc. but it wasn’t those bits I found moving. It was the joy and hope and promise of a brighter future, it was seeing the family together, past wrongs being righted, and of course, because it wouldn’t be me otherwise, the absolute magic of Christmas – even if it is July (at time of reading).
There is a chocolate substory line which I appreciated, even more so as I’m on a self-inflicted diet, and so I could life through her delicious descriptions of truffles and whatnot.
The only problem I have with it, is that I want to live in it. This small community with an old stream train and a lavender farm and an old schoolhouse. It all just sounds idyllic and I’d like to move in right away please.
I think this is my fifth or sixth of her books and I could say quite confidently that it is her best one yet. She’s really managed to capture what’s important about the holidays and community an family and friendship and love and joy and everything. It’s such an uplifting book and thoroughly enjoyable and I read it in a matter of hours.
Is it the last in the series? It might be, as I can’t think of any other characters who have a story to be told. But I really hope she doesn’t end it here because I love it. But if it is the last one, then I know she’ll bring something equally as fabulous out.
Books By Your Bedside 