Published By: Boldwood
Pages: 376
Released On: 06/08/2025
Mary never planned to stop running.
With a past she’s desperate to leave behind and a baby on the way, she’s found a new home, deep in the forest, hidden from the world. But when the time comes to go to the hospital, she has no idea that Beckett, the quiet, steady taxi driver who braves the blizzard to reach her, will change everything.
As Mary adjusts to life with her newborn, she finds herself drawn into a local close-knit community she never expected to be part of. Beckett is always there – dependable, patient and offering a friendship she doesn’t know how to accept but slowly comes to rely on.
In a place she thought she’d only ever be passing through, Mary finally learns what it truly means to belong. And as Christmas approaches, she begins to believe that maybe, just maybe, she doesn’t have to do this alone, and that this could be the start of something wonderful…
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
Whilst there are lots of background and secondary characters, this is really a three-person story – Mary, Beckett, and Beckett’s Grandad, and they never get boring. They’re so well written and feel very real with very real problems and I liked them all. The Grandad was my stand-out character, he was cantankerous but loveable.
It’s got great messages; about family being more than blood, the importance of friendship and community. It’s a tale of self discovery, about caring for others, about second chances. It looks at the power of lowering your defences and letting someone in.
It was a little slow to begin with. Not a huge issue for me but I know some readers might struggle with that, but keep going because it’s not long before you’re hooked. It’s so easy to read and if you’re anything like me, you’ll have it read within a day or two.
I think this is only the third of Beth’s books I’ve read, but she’s already become a name I look out for when I’m after the equivalent of a hug in a book.
I did really enjoy this book but I’m going to say what I’ve said for a few recent Christmas reads is that there needs to be more Christmas. Again, I’m a 24/7/365 Mrs Claus so I probably want more than most people. But I think if it has a Christmas title and a Christmas cover then I want it to be a Christmas book, as opposed to a story that could happen at any time but just so happens to be set during the winter. That’s my only complaint…no, not complaint, that suggests something is wrong with it, which it isn’t, it’s just my personal taste.
There are some difficult topics: death, grief, loss, loneliness, physical and mental illness, loss of friendships etc. but they’re so wrapped up in a positive way that it doesn’t feel too much or too morose and unrealistic.
Overall, not my favourite Christmas book, I’d have liked more festivity earlier on. But I liked all the characters, loved the messages behind the story, and really enjoyed the cosyness that Beth has managed to evoke.
Books By Your Bedside 