Right, where do I start?

I have just had the honour of reading the latest novel by Amazon #1 author, Sue Moorcroft, 'Christmas Wishes'. I'm a strong believer that there comes a time in every author's career where they bring out 'That' story. 'Christmas Wishes' is 'That' story. I've been left, in particular order - breathless, doubled-over in laughter, in tears, seething with anger. I don't think I've ever 'seethed with anger' at a character? Wait until you meet Albin!

This story has a detectibly simple premise (IMHO) - can Hannah ever trust another man? More to my opinion, can any man deserve her trust, let alone her love? Is Nico, her Swedish protagonist, that man?

Wonderfully written from start until finish and chock full of storylines you will find in few other romance authors lexicon. Food and alcohol disorders, substance abuse, you name it, it's pretty much here.

Set in equal parts in both Sweden and Sue's own, Middledip. Yes, Ratty does make an appearance! Happy, Ratty fans?

I refuse to say anymore about the story. It is simply too special to give any more than neccessary away.

Sue has written a novel that will live long and sit high on my Christmas reading lists each year. Where does she go from here? Onward and upward, I say!

My thanks to Avon and Netgalley for the reading copy.

Firstly, who could not instantly fall in love with this book, just by looking at the charming cover. It invites you in to the cosy house, where there may be a log fire burning to keep you warm from the snow outside. A book cover can often sell a book to me.

Now to the book. This was another captivating and engaging read by the Author. I've never been disappointed by her winter reads, but to me this was the best by far.

Enter Hannah, the protagonist. A real family girl; warm, caring, likeable and hardworking. The sort of friend you would love to have in your life. She's also fall of dreams, living in Stockholm and running her little shop, full of amazing gifts and treasures. The sort of shop I could spend ages in.

The Author's description of Stockholm, makes you feel that you have been there. From the sights and sounds of the shops and cafes with their chatter. From the delicious sounding food, that draws you in to the restaurants.

Then there's her Boyfriend Albin. I didn't like him. Obnoxious, and to me self centred. Hannah was too good for him. He's a partner in the shop but leaves Hannah to run it. Sadly though, Hannah ends up losing her much loved shop, thanks to Albin, and heads back to her old life in England.

Enter another loveable character, Nico, her Brother Rob's best friend from school, who Hannah knows well. Single Dad to Josie, hardworking, and with a complicated ex-wife, who brings a lot of drama with her! However, could there a spark between Hannah and Nico? I hoped so. You'll have to read it to find out!

For any of you that have not read any Sue Moorcroft books, firstly where have you been? For those that have, this is a wonderful return to the fictional village of Middledip, and a visit to some of the wonderful characters we have encountered previously. But don't worry if you haven't visited Middledip before, as this is a perfect standalone read too. I couldn't put this book down, and didn't want it to end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book

Trigger warning for this book: Deals with eating disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, and a small amount of child neglect.

I chose this book because I’ve enjoyed a number of Sue Moorcroft’s books, and I love Christmas stories. I wasn’t disappointed.

I read this after a couple of books that I hadn’t found so easy, and it was such a relief to sink into a story where the writing just flows, and I just want to carry on reading. This book is very well written, and full of lovely characters.

I really liked Nico, and I loved Josie and Maria, who make the most adorable double act. I loved the way he rearranged his whole life so he could look after the children. Hannah was great too, if a little naive at times. I liked the realness of the situations, and difficulties, without the story becoming emotionally upsetting (for me, at least).

The whole story had a a great wintry and Christmassy atmosphere, with all the snow and celebrations in Sweden, and then Christmas in Middledip.

If you’re looking for a romantic, heartwarming, and Christmassy read, look no further. I definitely recommend this story.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

This is the 1st Book that I have read by Sue and I really enjoyed this story , I loved all the characters in this book and loved the 2 different settings it was set in in Stockholm and Middledip in the Uk.

I read this book in an afternoon and couldn’t put it down as it was so good, if you are looking for a book to read I would recommend this book



With thanks to Netgalley & Avon books UK for the ARC of this book in exchange for this review

A perfect cosy Christmas read that gets you ready for the festive season. Set in the locations of Middledip in UK and Sweden in wintertime we are treated to local traditions.
Hannah lives with her nasty boyfriend Albin in Stockholm, he really is a horrible person from the start and I was relieved when Hannah realised that their relationship was not what it should be as the way he treats her was appalling. Its at this time when her brother Robs friend Nico flies to Sweden on business and calls in on Hannah at her shop and a spark is instantly lit. Nico comes with baggage as he lives a life of juggling a demanding job, childcare, eating disorder and an alcoholic ex, so a new romance is not going to be plain sailing.
I warmed to the children Josie and Marie in this story, their innocence and delight made for a lovely family feel.
My thanks to Net Galley for the ARC of Christmas Wishes.

Set in Sweden at Christmas time. An excellent book to put you in the Christmas mood (even in the middle of September). All the characters were well thought out and all worked well together. A good read for the cosy nights in!

First I have to give a big thank you to NetGalley and Avon books for the ARC of this one in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. In this sweet Christmas story, Hannah is crushed to find that her conniving boyfriend has ripped her upscale boutique out of her hands and ended their relationship in the process. Sad to return home, Hannah finds her spirits lifting when she sees her brother’s friend from high school has also returned to their little town. Full of real life problems and Christmas cheer, this book is another look at second chance romance. This book is available for pre-order now and comes out on October 29th.

There was a lot to unpack in this book that I hadn’t been anticipating. I think the summary on GoodReads and NetGalley is lacking. It felt like we didn’t get to the actual starting point of the summary until almost halfway through the novel. I think the first 150 pages had to be in the novel in order to setup all of the cute things that happen later on, but it was off putting when I was first reading the novel. I also struggle with something that happens in the beginning and it’s kind of a spoiler so here’s the note to not read the rest of this paragraph unless you want to be spoiled for something. In the set up for driving Nico to Middledip, he discovers that his ex-wife has been neglecting her youngest child who she had with another man. And I have a hard time reading stuff like that. That and animal neglect I just cannot do it. I understand why it’s there. It’s just that I don’t like it.

I did enjoy when we finally got into the romance and the cute Christmas-y things. That hit the spot exactly as I had expected the whole book to do. I loved seeing Hannah and Nico doing the usual Christmas things in Sweden. It put me into the holiday mood for sure. Too bad it’s the middle of September and I can’t go ice skating or build snowmen. I think it’s really a problem with managing expectations of readers who won’t appreciate the first half of the novel being mostly set up. I wish that some of that stuff had happened off the page, but it also was a lot of character building that I don’t think COULD have happened off page. It’s a hard line to walk.

The best part of the story for me was Nico being a really good dad who put everyone before himself, but still struggled. It was nice to see representation for the kind of mental health problems most people only ever associate with women. And it was nice to see him finally say that enough was enough when he got to the end of his rope.

I think this will be a quick and easy read for anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit. It’s also probably good for people who love watching Christmas movies on TV when they (finally) show up.

Yet again another great story by Sue Moorcroft.
It is easy to read with a good story line running all the way through.
You find yourself crossing your fingers for some charecters and shouting at others . ( Hubby thinks I'm loopy )
Definable a story I could read again .
4 broomsticks xxxx

I absolutely loved this gorgeous, heart-warming dose of festive, feel-good fiction! Set in Sweden and Middledip, this is the story of Hannah Anna Goodbody, and Nico, the man I’d love to marry! The book is teeming with beautiful description, and full of enchanting characters, not least Josie and Maria, who I want to adopt! Christmas cheer just pours out of thIs lovely story, and I’m longing for tinsel, mulled wine and snow! Sue Moorcroft does it again with a book that hit me right in the Christmas Feels! A trip to Middledip is always wonderful, and adding Sweden to the mix makes it even more magical! I can’t recommend this book highly enough and know that I will re-read it often. Bravo Sue!!

I adored this book. Sue’s latest offering certainly didn’t disappoint. I especially loved the descriptions of Sweden, I’ve always wanted to visit and the Christmassy paragraphs detailing the snow, Christmas lights and festive food were beautiful. The little village of Middledip in England was equally as appealing. The central characters, Nico and Hannah had such a fascinating relationship, their backgrounds were far from easy and there were so many ups and downs throughout the story that had me hooked. This book was just a complete joy to read and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for an uplifting story set at Christmas time.

Sue Moorcroft takes a cozy love story and elevates it to a whole new level with her amazing characterisation, her beautiful descriptive locations, and her twists and turns - we know the path of true love never runs smooth - even at Christmas!

Hannah is in a dead end relationship in Stockholm, when her brother's best friend Nico (originally from Stockholm but living in the UK walks in, sent by her brother to check up on her. He helps her re-arrange her window display and she is reminded why she had a crush on him as a child.

Hannah sees him again at her brother's wedding in the UK, and they have a moment, but it all dissapears leaving Hannah very confused. When Hannah returns to Stockholm, resolving to speak to her boyfriend about their relationship, she finds he gets in first and she not only loses her accommodation, but her beloved shop. When her Grandmother in the UK falls and breaks her arm Hannah sees it as a sign she should go home and look after her and she returns to Middledip in the UK.

Meanwhile Nico can't stop thinking about Hannah, even though he knows she has a boyfriend, and his life takes a turn for the ever more complicated.

Sue Moorcroft has ticked all the boxes for me. A feel good, funny, intriguing, Christmassy, love story, with amazing characters, told in a wonderful way. I finished this book after 2am as I couldn't put it down until it was finished!

Another great book by Sue Moorcroft. Tackling issues that some authors are afraid to mention such as addiction, eating disorders and depression but done in such a way its enjoyable whilst subtly making you think about those issues and raising awareness.
Its based half in the UK and half in Sweden and now Sweden is on my list of places to visit.
Can't wait for her next book

Ah I enjoyed Christmas Wishes.

We meet Hannah who is living in Stockholm, Nate her brothers childhood friend comes into her store after Rob has asked him to check up in her.

Hannah has a boyfriend and Nate has a daughter and step daughter in tow, they both meet back up at Rob's wedding.

Can friendship develop into love?

A feel good read with a topping of sparkles

There are so many things that I love about this book! Above all, is that the characters range in age from 2 to 90 years old. All the characters are intricately involved in the plot. They are not just in the background. I enjoy reading books that imitate life and in life people of various ages interact all the time.

The book plots are woven together in such a wonderful way, being intertwined yet hold strong independently also. The character development is done so well that I know these people and I cared about them.

The story took place in several different areas and they were described in excellent detail that I felt like I was there. Even though I am reading this in the summer, when the weather is pretty hot, I want to snuggle up in a warm blanket with some hot tea, since I am reading about snow flurries falling and making snowman.

There are several serious subject matters in this story. The author handles them with grace and love, and it is heartwarming to see the way that adults can deal with difficult situations.

I enjoyed this book so much! I am a huge fan of Sue Moorcroft and she created another gem with this story. I recommend this book and also her other Christmas and Summer books.

I want to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me the pleasure of reading the advanced reader copy. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the ARC.

I had never read a book by this author but love Christmas books so dived in. I loved the concept of it being set both in England and Sweden and especially that the leading male character was divorced, bringing up his daughter and dealing with his own personal issues. I have never read a romance that has packed so much stuff that is never normally mentioned in a romance book and that needs to be talked about. I commend Sue Moorcroft for highlighting that these things happen to men too. I liked the main characters and also had a soft spot for Nan Heather, a spring chicken at 90 with a wealth of experience and a boyfriend! I will be definitely
recommending this book to friends and may actually buy it to put into stockings. I will be looking for more Sue Moorcroft books. Thank you

This book was magical. It felt weird reading it in later summer but I know I will come back to it near Christmas.

This is a really loved festive read and would be perfect to sit down with the Christmas tree lights in the background.

It is lovely to read a story with a male character who is a genuine nice person and stays a nice person! I loved the end!

A wonderful cozy read, perfect for the Christmas season!!

Escape to Middledip and Stockholm with Hannah and Nico if you want a heartfelt tale of romance, friendships, and family. Christmas Wishes is a lovely book to get you into the holiday spirit. , Perfect for fans of Trisha and Ashley and Debbie Macomber.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for sharing this brilliant little treat!

Festive Escapism.....
A festive read from Sue Moorcroft. The author always succeeds in providing some guaranteed escapism and this is no exception. Is it simply fate that is keeping Hannah and Nico apart? Are they truly meant to be together? As the pair find themselves in Middledip for different reasons can they overcome the obstacles that seem to be in their path? A Christmas delight.

Christmas Wishes is a great book with wonderful chemistry between Hannah and Nico. I could really tell the struggle of each character, and felt for Hannah as she deals with losing her business, her boyfriend and having to return home.

The kids are great and charming in the story, and though I haven't read Sue Moorcroft's books before, this definitely has me wanting to read more.

I highly recommend for anyone wanting to discover different customs or a feel good book
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**Thanks Netgalley and Avon for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review