I really enjoyed this book. It was a fabulous festive read. It was lovely to be back with familiar characters and catch up with the village news.

ARC Book Review: *Winter Magic in Railway Lane* by Alison Sherlock

Alison Sherlock's *Winter Magic in Railway Lane* is a heartwarming and enchanting tale that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season, filled with love, second chances, and the magic of community.

Libby Jacobs, a globetrotter who has recently lost her job, returns to her charming home village of Cranfield, dreaming of turning her chocolate-making hobby into a full-time venture. However, there's one significant obstacle: Ethan Connolly, her childhood soulmate turned estranged friend, whose disastrous prom date has kept them apart for years.

Ethan, who avoids Cranfield due to painful family memories, is forced to stay and help fulfill his late grandfather's dream of creating a Christmas train. This project brings him and Libby back into each other's lives, reigniting old feelings and presenting new challenges. As they work together, their shared history and unresolved emotions create a compelling backdrop for their journey of rediscovery.

Sherlock’s portrayal of Cranfield and its residents is delightfully vivid, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere that is sure to warm readers' hearts. The detailed descriptions of Libby’s chocolate creations add a sweet touch to the narrative, making it an irresistible read for anyone who loves both romance and the holiday season.

The chemistry between Libby and Ethan is palpable, and their journey from estrangement to rekindling their bond is beautifully crafted. The novel deftly explores themes of forgiveness, confronting the past, and embracing the future. Ethan’s struggle with his family's legacy and Libby’s quest to follow her passion are relatable and engaging, adding depth to their characters.

*Winter Magic in Railway Lane* is not just a romance; it's a story about the power of community and the magic that can be found in togetherness. The residents of Cranfield come together to support Ethan's Christmas train project, highlighting the importance of community spirit and collective effort.

Sherlock’s writing is warm, inviting, and sprinkled with festive charm. Fans of Della Galton, Holly Martin, and Cathy Bramley will find this book to be a perfect addition to their holiday reading list.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the opportunity to read and review this delightful novel. *Winter Magic in Railway Lane* is a cozy, feel-good read that promises to fill your heart with warmth and your soul with the magic of the holiday season.

This is book #4 in the Railway Lane series. Whilst it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone book. I've loved this series, and it was wonderful to return back to the little village of Cranfield. This book focusses on Libby Jacobs, who we have briefly met in the previous books. She has just lost her job as an air-stewardess and has returned home to Cranfield with no idea what she will do now. We've seen in the previous stories that Libby is very good at making home-made chocolates, and she comes up with idea to start this up as a business. There is one catch in her plan though - she will need to ask her ex-love Ethan Connelly if she can use his kitchen. Unfortunately, there isn't any love lost between the two of them, but can they finally put their pasts behind them?

This was a lovely read, it was so nice to come back to Cranfield. It was slightly unseasonal for July, being set mainly at the end of the year, but by the end of the first few chapters I was so caught up in Libby's story that I'd forgotten I was reading it in the middle of summer! Libby is a lovely character and you couldn't help but feel for her when she was made redundant. We've met Ethan before in the previous book, and he again was a likeable character. I loved the banter between him and Libby, and enjoyed watching their relationship develop. It was obvious though that they both had some past issues to deal with and we see what happens with those as the book moves on.

Of course, the storyline wasn't all about Libby and Ethan. We also get to see whether the old restored steam train can run it's first passenger journey and the whole village comes together to help out. The village has such great community spirit and it sounds like such a wonderful place to be! As I read I could just imagine myself living there with them all! All of the other characters, as they have done in the previous books, add to the story and I loved meeting them all again.

This book was full of family and friendships, and the author has yet again captured perfectly what it means to have your nearest and dearests around you in your time of need. This book, along with the whole series, has been such a delight to read and has left me with memories of some lovely characters and an amazing backdrop with it's village charms, lavender fields and steam trains! The book is full of fun, laughter and love throughout and I would definitely recommend it!

Brilliant to catch up with the residents of Railway Lane unfortunately for the final time.
Libby has been made redundant from the airline she worked for. She’s at a loss of what to do, Kate thinks she should make and distribute her delicious home made chocolates but she needs a big kitchen to make them.
Enter Ethan Connolly who Libby has history with, can they work it out so Libby can secure a big order for her fledgling business.
Will miss the Railway Lane family.
Great book great series

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

It's funny reading a Christmas book in July but as the weather is more akin to November than July I went with it. Another in the Railway Lane series of books but could easily be read as a standalone. This is the story of Libby and Ethan and their love/hate relationship. Another (Christmas) cracker.

My first festive book of the season!! In my view, it is never too early for Christmas reading, even if I am writing this in front of a fan because it's too bloomin' hot currently.

I love this series. I think they all, this one included, can be read as standalone books because they each follow a different set of characters. But because it's the same series in the same location etc. you will get more out of it by reading it in order. You recognise the secondary characters as the protagonists from previous books and it's really lovely to read their progression.

I really liked Libby, right rom the off she seemed like such a fabulous creation. She's had her ups and downs and fees like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. At first I thought she was an older character but I believe she's actually a similar age to me, which was an interesting parallel. The other characters are excellent too, and if you've read the other books, you'll recognise them, and so it was good to catch up with them again. Ethan is the star male character this time and whilst he may seem aloof and distant, he is dreamy and I'd like an Ethan please.

What I love about Alison's work is that, yes at the heart of it they're uplifting, happily-ever-after romance stories and all the joy that brings. But she doesn't shy away from the harder things in life such as job losses, lost loves, illnesses, affairs, death etc.

I wasn't expecting it to be so moving. Sure there's emotional stuff like illness and redundancy etc. but it wasn't those bits I found moving. It was the joy and hope and promise of a brighter future, it was seeing the family together, past wrongs being righted, and of course, because it wouldn't be me otherwise, the absolute magic of Christmas - even if it is July (at time of reading).

There is a chocolate substory line which I appreciated, even more so as I'm on a self-inflicted diet, and so I could life through her delicious descriptions of truffles and whatnot.

The only problem I have with it, is that I want to live in it. This small community with an old stream train and a lavender farm and an old schoolhouse. It all just sounds idyllic and I'd like to move in right away please.

I think this is my fifth or sixth of her books and I could say quite confidently that it is her best one yet. She's really managed to capture what's important about the holidays and community an family and friendship and love and joy and everything. It's such an uplifting book and thoroughly enjoyable and I read it in a matter of hours.

Is it the last in the series? It might be, as I can't think of any other characters who have a story to be told. But I really hope she doesn't end it here because I love it. But if it is the last one, then I know she'll bring something equally as fabulous out.

Libby has just lost her job as a flight attendant and heads back to her dad's house in her home village of Cranfield. Libby doesn't know what to do with her life, her dad has been down in the dumps since his stroke and there's the big problem of Ethan her previous best friend.

Getting back into chocolate making, her passion which also happens to be something her mum used to do so Libby feels she needs to keep this a secret from her dad. Enter Ethan's perfect kitchen!

We learn about the past events between Libby and Ethan - can they work through it? Can Libby open up to her dad?

I adored this book - the small town setting is always great. Throw in chocolate making, some heartbreak and a steam train to get up and running and you have a lovely read. There's some disasters along the way - fires, health issues, past trauma but many sweet moments, some laugh out loud bits and a happy ending. I loved reading Libby and Ethan's story and although this is part of a series, it was also a great standalone.

Looking forward to heading back to read the others in this series.

This new book in the series is my favorite. I love how it focuses on Libby and Nathan's relationship. Described absolutely beautiful makes you feel you are there.

Fantastic to be back in Cranfield meeting old and new characters. There were sad and happy moments . Strokes are cruel. You need to have some chocolate close by. Libby the main character was a great . She was a good daughter. I loved the steam train. The Halloween bit did make you laugh and the fake snow. . You also had a great love element. Read it.

Winter Magic on Railway Lane is a great book. This book has it all. Great characters, great story, great location great cover.

A fun new book in this series. This time following Libby and Ethan. I enjoy this small village and the friendships and romance. A sweet read.

The best was left for the last . I just loved Libby & Ethan"s story . Libby has just lost her job as flight attentant and sme must see what she can do to get a new job . Her real passion is chocolate , since she was kid she was loving making everything with chocolate with her mother but now with her taking care her father who has suffered a stroke and is suffering srom depression she only makes her creation when he isn't at home . When her friend Katy suggest she could use the kitchen of Ethan's new house to create her truffles for a new job she earned she is not very happy . She and Ethan used to be best friends and she has a crush on him but then when it was their prom he just left her alone and from then they beraly interact . Now Ethan came back home to help his dad and grandpa with the first trip of the train . When the first run ends up in a disaster and his grandpa suffers a stroke Ethan extents his stay until they have a festive Christmas run . Being together their feelings are stronger and try not to be hurt . Ethan doesn't believe in love because of his mother and the way she treated his father and always remember what she told him about love . Will Libby able to make him see that they belong together and live happy together .
I loved their huge secret , it was a gem that made me hope for the happy end .
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .