Another lovely book by this author and I loved the two main characters this time, Libby and Ethan. As always a good storyline told with warmth and humour so that you fall in love with the village and characters and want to live there. Perfect book for curling up in front of a fire with

It was so great to be back in Cranfield again and even more amazing to see the train actually running. I was so happy for Bob and Eddie on their maiden journey, so many years spent fixing it up finally paid off.

This was a book that really tugged at my heart. I loved the Libby and Ethan romance, including their secrets that they choose to keep just for them, more than that, I really loved the heart that went into some of the other characters. Phillip, Libby’s dad was a great character and I really felt for him, he felt embarrassed and stuck because of his stroke, and it was amazing to see him step out of his own shadow and flourish and bring so much to the community. I really enjoyed Eddie too, a great character that wants to reminisce his great love but also has to accept new limitations due to his health.

The descriptions were simply magical of the lights and the scenery and the train, I could really imagine that I was there and feel the frost biting at my nose. An amazing read, certainly not to be missed.

This charming romantic read is the fourth book in the Railway Lane series. Admittedly, I haven't read any of the previous books, but after this, I may be interested in reading the others.

The protagonist, Libby, was a lovely character. I identified with some elements of her personality, including her reserved nature, and her love of chocolate. In fact, Libby loved chocolate so much that she hoped to pursue a career as a chocolatier.

I liked the fact that we were given Ethan's perspective on the situation, and I found him a charming character. I also warmed to the village setting of Cranfield. The writing in general had a comforting, cosy vibe, and it seemed like the ideal read to warm your heart on a chilly evening.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

I’d been looking forward to this book since the moment I realised that it would be Libby and Ethan’s story. Having appeared in previous books as supporting characters, I was hopeful that they would have a chance for happiness. Even though Libby was too independent, and Ethan would never settle down in his hometown, we all know that plans can change in a heartbeat.
Libby has always led people to believe she was a high-maintenance, high-life girl who did not want to settle down. The truth differs, and she is happiest when she closes her hotel room door and curls up with a book about being a chocolatier. Her only concession to slowing down is her desire to take her hobby of making chocolate and create a business that would provide her with security for the future. If she were to implement her plans, she would need her Dad’s confidence to improve and to find a suitable kitchen.
Ethan has purchased the Old Schoolhouse but has done very little to convert it into a home. He doesn’t see any urgency as he works on significant contracts overseas and is not planning to live in Cranfield; he is simply investing in property.
Without paraphrasing the synopsis, the steam train, which has been an additional character since the first book, proves to be a catalyst in finally getting the two most stubborn characters to examine their feelings. Of course, there is plenty of opportunity for the previous characters to influence their decisions and also enjoy some amazing chocolate concoctions.
This series has a wonderful warmth that has characterised it. It continues along the length of Railway Lane, finally drawing a beautiful bow around this delightful community. The romance is gentle when it happens and delivered in such a gorgeous package that it would be impossible not to be caught up in the magic.
I’m sorry to leave Cranbridge, but I'm already looking forward to discovering where Alison Sherlock will take us next.

Such a shame, I found this story too predictable and boring. I guessed the ending very quickly in the story. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This was my first Christmas book and it was read on a very hot holiday in Turkey 🇹🇷
It was wonderful to be whisked away to a winter wonderland and to catch up with everyone on Railway Lane.
This time we are with Libby, whose world is turned upside down with a job loss. Living and caring for her dad, she decides to try to live her dream and become a chocolate truffle maker. To achieve this she has to seek help from her childhood crush, and against her wishes he steps up and back into her life once more.
It was entertaining to witness them reconnecting, and seeing Libby being supported by her friends and the community.
Fabulously festive, it certainly made me long for snow and chocolate in equal measure.

Thanks to netgalley and publishers for an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion in return. A thoroughly enjoyable festive feeling story with lovable characters, fabulous friendships and family dynamics. There are so many things I liked about this book but one of my favourite parts was the Halloween train journey. A really enjoyable read.

Being back in Cranfield feels like coming home. Seeing those familiar faces, reading the heartfelt words that Alison Sherlock is known for, and with this book set over the autumn and winter months in the beautiful village gave me all the feels.
The community around the railway is just a brilliant setting for these stories - kind and supportive, each of the characters rally round when needed.
I loved Libby’s story. The relationship between her and her dad so complicated, both had been hiding their grief and pain for too long. It was wonderful seeing her gain confidence again, and the chemistry between her and Ethan was just- wow!
A second chance at love seemed out of reach for them both but …

After losing her job as a flight attendant Libby returns to home village of Cranfield.where she shares a house with her father. Desperate to find a job to help support herself and her father the opportunity arises to make her hobby as a chocolatier into a paying occupation. The only problem is that she will have to ask Ethan, with whom she had been friends since school until he left her heartbroken at the prom, to use his large kitchen to make the chocolates in.
This book has all the ingredients for the type of book that I really enjoy, a small community, friends and obstacles that must be overcome with the occasional hint of humour, danger and, of course, romance. I liked Libby, Ethan was more difficult but as the story developed the reasons behind his distrust of love and romance are revealed. Throw in a stream train and there is plenty to enjoy in this book and definitely recommended for those who enjoy small town romances.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

The story is about Libby and Ethan. Both have also been in previous books.

During their school days, they were friends, always together. But since the prom date went horribly wrong, they’ve both focused on their careers, which were away from the village and only returning for small amounts of time.

But, Libby is now unemployed and whilst looking for another job, decides to try making chocolate, which she loved doing, and hopefully earn some money. In order to make a lot more to sell, means she needs a bigger space, and the only place that has a big kitchen is where Ethan lives.

They both begin to share the space Ethan is leaving soon so Libby doesn’t think it’ll be a problem. But, then Ethan’s grandad gets ill, meaning Ethan will be staying longer.

The village residents unite helping Ethan make his Grandads dream come true, to restore the Christmas train exactly as it was once.

I was happy to find out why Libby and Ethan have never got on since the prom. can Libby and Ethan forget the past and admit their feelings for one another.

It was lovely to see how the community come together, just like they have done in other stories of the village, changing it completely.

Will Libby and Ethan finally clear their differences?

I shall miss the villagers, characters old and young.

I highly recommend this book and the series.

This is the fourth, and final, book in the Railway Lane Series from Alison Sherlock. The books in this series are set in the small village of Cranfield and concern events in the lives of some of its inhabitants. The village was adversely affected by the closure of its station many years ago, but thanks mainly to the characters in these stories, new life is gradually being breathed into it. I have enjoyed watching its development in previous books and am looking forward to seeing what is to come in this new addition to the series.

This story focuses on Libby Jacobs and Ethan Connolly, both born and bred in Cranfield. In their youth they were inseparable, until a disastrous date on prom night, after which both followed careers which took them away from the village for most of the time. When Libby loses her job, she decides to try to make a living out of her chocolate making hobby. Scaling up the process means she needs a larger kitchen, and the only one available unfortunately belongs to Ethan, who is between contracts and unusually living in the village for a few months. Sharing the kitchen is not as difficult as the pair feared, but when Ethan’s grandad falls ill, it looks as though Ethan may have to stay longer than planned. In fact, the whole village is brought together in spectacular fashion when Ethan decides to make his grandad’s dream come true and resurrect the Christmas train which used to run from the station. In the midst of the preparations, can Libby and Ethan forget the past and admit their feelings for one another.

This was a wonderful final chapter in this series. Libby and Ethan have featured in all of the other parts, but in minor roles, and there has always been the mystery about why they disliked each other. I was pleased to find out what had happened in their past and was willing them to get together throughout this book. Once again, through Ethan’s determination to get the Christmas train up and running for his grandad, the reader sees the power of community, which is always evident in stories about Cranfield, and which has turned the village around as the series progressed. It has been heart warming to witness developments as new characters have been introduced to the area and the village has gradually woken up. I shall certainly miss all of the villagers who have become like friends as I read each successive book. I can heartily recommend this book and the whole series to anyone wishing to escape to this little village for a few hours.

This was a lovely read, quite predictable but lovely all the same. Very well written, lovely descriptions of places and people so you can get a real sense of who you’re reading about. I’m going to try and find some more of this author’s books to read now as I enjoyed her writing so much.

Oh my gosh I absolutely loved this book!!! I can not get over how adorable this is. It was just the sweetest thing. I loved this sweet story.

A very sweet story, emotional in places and intriguing in others.
The story starts with Libby as she makes her way back to her home town and all the emotions that comes with returning to somewhere you’ve been running from your whole life.
She soon realises that this is where she needs to be as she embarks on a journey of self discovery throughout the story, the help of her best friends shows her that reconnecting with a former love interest is the right thing to do.
I loved the emotion weaved throughout the story, the difficulties between Libby and her father, the way they reconnected towards the end was incredibly touching.
The main story aside from Libby and her former love was the restorations of an old steam train belonging to the village. I love steam trains and Christmas so this was a perfect book for me.

“Winter Magic on Railway Lane” transports readers to the picturesque village of Cranfield, where the magic of winter intertwines with love, family, and nostalgia. As the fourth installment in The Railway Lane Series, this heartwarming novel weaves a cozy tale that will leave you yearning for snowflakes and steam trains.

Plot and Initial Impressions
At first, the book feels heavy-handed, as the author imparts a wealth of information in a short span. However, patience reveals that this data dump serves a purpose—it’s part of a larger series canvas. As the story unfolds, we meet Libby Jacobs, a globe-trotting flight attendant who unexpectedly loses her job. Returning to Cranfield, she reconnects with her widowed father and encounters her first love, Ethan Connolly. The character development, especially that of Libby’s father, Phillip, adds depth to the narrative.

Setting
For steam railway enthusiasts, this book is a treat. The train details are meticulously crafted, evoking the nostalgia of bygone eras. The magic of winter on Railway Lane becomes a character in itself, creating a delightful backdrop for the unfolding romance.

Overall Impression
By the halfway point, you’ll find yourself invested enough to finish the book. While writing this review compelled you to persevere, the cozy atmosphere and relatable characters make it a worthwhile read. On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, I’d give “Winter Magic on Railway Lane” a solid 3 stars.

In summary, Alison Sherlock’s novel combines romance, family dynamics, and a touch of holiday spirit. If you’re seeking a feel-good read set against the backdrop of snow-kissed railways, this book is your ticket. 🌟🌲🚂

Libby Jacobs returns to her hometown of Cranfield after losing her job and dreams of turning her passion for chocolate into a business. Complicating matters is Ethan, her childhood soulmate, who’s back in town to help with a Christmas train project while dealing with his own past. As they reconnect, their old feelings resurface, but Ethan’s fear of love, shaped by his mother’s actions, holds him back. The story explores loss, illness, hope, and the magic of Christmas. Libby's journey, mixed with chocolate-making and small-town charm, creates an uplifting, heartwarming read full of promise.

Libby finds herself without a job and headed home.
Ethan has bought the old school house and turning it into a home. Once they were the best of friends.
This was a nice feel good story. It’s about second chances, not only in love but in life too.
Great series, check it out.

I received a free copy of, Winter Magic on Railway Lane, by Alison Sherlock, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book four in The Railway Lane Series. Libby has lost her job as a flight attended, and is in a bit of a rut looking for a new one. Her arch nemesis Ethan returns to their hometown, but maybe he can help her? This is a sweet story about igniting your passion in life again. I also like the cover, its very pretty.

I really enjoyed this book. In one word I would describe it as cozy. The book just gives you a sense of warmth and community. I tend to find romances very hit or miss and can confidently say this one was a hit for me, Sherlock creates characters that feel like real people yet are still interesting and keep you coming back for the novel. I would definitely recommend this novel!

A heartwarming tale that brings the cosy village of Cranfield to life for one last magical adventure. When Libby Jacobs returns home after losing her job, she dreams of turning her love for chocolate-making into a career. But to do so, she needs the help of Ethan Connolly, her estranged childhood soulmate. As they work together on a festive project to fulfil his late grandad’s dream of a Christmas train, old wounds resurface and sparks fly. This charming story of second chances, community, and holiday magic is a delightful read that captures the spirit of the season.