Under the Mistletoe - Sue Moorcroft

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily

When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

Sue Moorcroft is one of those authors that I just enjoy everything they write. This is an emotional story with some difficult issues handled in a very sensitive way. It is not a light read, but is a lovely and emotional holiday book. It was lovely to return to the village of Middledip.

In various different places I found myself falling into the trap of 'just one more chapter'. Whilst this is ultimately a Christmas book, it could easily be read at any time of year. The audiobook version is narrated by Olivia Mace and she has successfully managed to add to the atmosphere.

Rating 4/5

I loved this book a lot, although some of it I found uncomfortable to read, and it made me feel quite emotional. However, the traumatic subjects of the book which made me feel uncomfortable were there for a reason, and I know that this will help a lot of people who have experienced the same kind of trauma. So in that respect, the author has managed to put a lot of things in the book which may help people to heal, and this was brave of her. The book is not a fluffy, light-hearted, totally cosy read. It is quite in-depth emotionally, with some seasonal sprinkles and romance scattered throughout.

The story is about a woman called Laurel who comes back to Middledip to help her sister Rea and her niece Daisy. Rea has mental health problems and she finds it hard to leave the house. Daisy is being bullied at school and has been refusing to go to school.

Laurel meets her ex boyfriend Grady and they become close again. But she has to face up to something traumatic that happened to her when they were teenagers. This trauma takes up much of the book. She finds it hard to forgive her perpetrators, especially as one of them is Grady's brother Mac.

Nearer the end of the book is where the Christmas part of the story comes in and this is more delightful. Will Laurel, Grady, Rea and Daisy overcome their problems and traumas so that they can enjoy the Christmas season? You will have to read the book to find out! Great book!

The narrator of the book was fantastic.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am swooning… This is absolutely my new favorite Christmas-read.
It is a classic second-chance romance, with loads of romantic twists that keeps the readers on their toes; wishing – hoping – stomping – shouting “just do it”, “just give love a chance”.

What makes this story so special, is the side-story of the consequences of bullying and sexual assaults. And whether or not everything can or should be forgiven with a simple apology…

The audiobook-version was lovely, and I had no trouble settling in with a cozy cup of tea and the voice of narrator, Olivia Mace, in my headset and instantly feel the atmosphere of the story!

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator is great and really brings the story to life. Personally, I’d have preferred a little more romance, but it was engaging nonetheless and I was quickly drawn into the story. It has a cozy, Christmassy feel to it which is just perfect for the incoming Winter.

When life gives you lemons you do a lemonade. I was really sad and reall happy while listening to the book. When you come home and when you need a new begging and you wish for past days. Everyone is change or is still all the same? Yes anyway to try and get this book is nice, how can you not like a book with a cover like that.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collons Audio for this listening.

Narrator 5 stars
Great narrator. Beautiful and soothing voice

Story 3 stars

This was a good solid story. I little lite for me personally on the romance feels, but overall kept my interest and The characters were likeable