Published By: BooksGoSocial
Pages: 206
Released On: 17/09/2026
Reading Age: 8-12 Years
Illustrated By: Andrew Smith
When the mysterious Frost Fair arrives in Six Pines, Laney and Ben are certain it means one thing: Kringle’s Emporium has returned. But beneath the fair’s sparkling lights, danger is stirring, and the magic of Christmas is under threat once more.
Joined by Ben’s mischievous sister Millie and Laney’s streetwise brother Sean, the friends uncover new enchanted objects within the emporium as they race to stop a powerful corporation determined to capture Christmas magic for itself. All the while, old enemies close in and school bullies threaten to pull them apart.
As Christmas draws closer and the Frost Fair’s influence spreads across Six Pines, the friends discover that the greatest magic of all may be the courage to stand together.
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I know I’m more than 3 times the reading age of this series but I really loved the first book – Kringle’s Emporium, and I am super excited to read the sequel.
Reading it in the July heatwave somehow made it even better (I am 100% a winter gremlin!)
It has lots of short quick chapters which makes an already short book just whizz through. It only took me an hour or so to read it but I’m aware I can read at a faster speed than the target audience.
As you get older, it can be difficult to retain that magical feeling that Christmas used to have, and this series has helped me to discover that. The sheer excitement and joy over the idea of Santa and the magic the season brings, is just beautiful.
There were a few illustrations that was really lovely and really complemented the story. They were in black and white on my e-arc but I wonder if they will have cover in the finished books, as I think the colour will really help the illustrations to stand out.
As an adult it can be hard to identify with child protagonists, and whilst I’m not saying I identify with a group of 12 year olds, they are wonderful characters to follow. They don’t have much depth to them, but I suppose young readers wouldn’t necessarily need that emotional depth to them as much and that’s fine; they’re fun and all the same, and reflect a childhood I’m sure we all struggle to remember.
I don’t remember the ins and outs of the first one very much as it’s been a wee while since I read it but this instantly felt like it had so much more to it. Yes it’s about Christmas and Santa and the festive magic etc. but there’s a lot about the children, school, bullying, and it is these difficult topics that make the happier moments shine.
It is a beautiful cover. It’s cosy and heartwarming and just a joyful festive treat.
Books By Your Bedside 