Published By: Penguin
Pages: 368
Released On: 09/10/2025
Jemima Jones is driving home to her family’s magical hill-top farm for Christmas…
And on arrival, she soon learns that her dad has been keeping a secret – all is not as it seems, and Hollybush Farm is struggling to make ends meet! Worried about losing the childhood home she loves, Jemima must pull on her winter wellies and get stuck in.
Amid the chaos of chasing after escaping sheep and organising the Christmas tractor run, Jemima begins documenting her slice of farming life on social media. As she builds a supportive online following, she also forms an offline connection in the shape of charming, retired rugby player Llew, her very own Santa’s helper.
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for my copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is not just any Christmas book. This is a Jo Thomas Christmas book. Which mean’s it’s bound to be wonderful.
I love this nostalgic view the story has. I know farming is not an easy job, and she hasn’t shied away from that. But she’s also kept that nostalgic feeling of a simpler time, of curling up in front of a fire, under blankets, with the rain or snow falling outside, and a hot bowl of something in your hands. If I ignore the harder aspects of that life, I’d say it almost felt romantic and I loved it. It sounds like a life I’d like; little cottage, roaring fire, thick blankets, soup on the stove, and more books than I could possible read.
I liked Jemima as a main character. She so wanted to help but she was conflicted, being torn in two. She’s very selfless and caring and others around her take advantage of that. She’s a very real, recognisable character.
I didn’t like her partner Matthew. He was well written and probably exactly what Jo intended, and his role was perfect. But he felt slimy and smarmy and selfish, almost like he felt he was too good for this little life, and I really didn’t like him at all.
I loved this sense of community Jo has created. Things have been rough, there’s not much money in farming and small communities anymore, but they try their best. And it’s gorgeous, like this community is an extension of the family.
I also loved the passion for local food and knowing where your food comes from, and about slow food and comforting food, but it’s not preachy.
I read this on a day where I’d baked Christmas cookies and I was listening to Christmas music, whilst it poured down outside, so it was perfect.
I read it in a day, it was so addictive.
Her book A Recipe For Christmas was probably my favourite of hers, and I’ve read a lot of them, and I would say this is pretty darn close to matching that. It’s so warm and cosy and comforting and everything you want from a festive read.
Books By Your Bedside 