Christmas Wishes
by Sue Moorcroft
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Pub Date 29 Oct 2020 | Archive Date 2 Nov 2020
Avon Books UK | Avon
Description
A sparkling Christmas read from the Sunday Times bestseller – perfect to snuggle up with this winter!
Hannah and Nico are meant to be together.
But fate is keeping them apart…
When Hannah bumps into her brother Rob’s best friend Nico in Stockholm, the two rekindle a fast friendship. But Hannah has a boyfriend – and Nico has two children to look after. When Hannah loses her beloved shop in Stockholm, though, she is forced to move back to the little village of Middledip – only to find Nico has just moved in too. Under the same snowy sky, can the childhood friends make a romance work – or are there too many obstacles standing in their way?
A heartwarming story of love, friendship, and Christmas magic, perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Jill Mansell.
Available Editions
EDITION | Ebook |
ISBN | 9780008393007 |
PRICE | £3.49 (GBP) |
PAGES | 400 |
Featured Reviews
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
.
**Thanks Netgalley and Avon for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
I love Sue Moorcroft’s seasonal books and this one lived up to my expectations.
Hannah is living in Sweden when she runs into an old childhood friend, Nico. There is just something about Nico that Hannah likes; however, she already has a boyfriend and Nico has major complications in his life. But when Hannah is dumped by her boyfriend and is forced to move back to Middledip to take care of her nan, she discovers Nico has also relocated to the village. Can a relationship develop between these two old friends or will Nico’s family responsibilities prove too difficult to overcome?
Another great book by this author. I look forward to the next one.
I've just finished Sue's Christmas Wishes and I loved it so much I didn't want it to end! It was heartbreaking to read about a struggling mum who asked her ex for help while she tried to sorted herself out and that ex finding love with a girl he knew as a teenager. Of course, it doesn't go as smoothly as that and all the little twists were brilliant.
Set between the familiar setting of Middledip and the less familiar of Stockholm, this is one really enjoyable story.
All the sections in Sweden really appealed to me, as we discover some of the traditions in Sweden of the festive season, and we are even treated to occasional phrases in Swedish, and their translations. It really added a wonderful foreign feeling to the book, and made me feel as though I was in Sweden.
And then there is the part of the book set in Middledip, Sue Moorcroft's regularly featuring village, so fans of hers were able to get glances of some familiar characters, while also getting to know the leads of this book.
We have Hannah, who has a ratbag of a boyfriend, and well I really enjoyed despising and hating Albin, as he really did screw Hannah over (and not in the fun sense). Hannah woman but I was really only interested in her, in relation to Nico, as Nico's story is far stronger.
In fact Nico's story is what drew me in, and had me unable to tear myself away from the book at times. He is having a tricky time with an ex-wife, and his children are adorable. In fact Maria and Josie are arguably the stars of the story and always able to bring a smile to my face.
This is a really fabulous Sue Moorcroft story, filled with her usual warmth, festive feeling in places, great sense of family, and great locations. I love this author so much and this was a sheer pleasure to read. I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas Wishes and was sorry to see it end.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
This book is the best description of Christmas.
Fabulous characters scenery and plot kept me highly motivated from beginning to end.
Can highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an original review.
Another lovely little story for the town of Middledip. I find myself wishing that I can move there and meet the characters every time I read one of Sue Moorcrofts books.
I was hooked from the beginning with this book. I absolutely loved all of the characters (apart from Albin). Nico has the largest heart of gold ever, taking in a child a child that he wasn’t the father too.
I won’t spoil the ending but I will say I am so so so happy with the way this book ended. This book made me ready for Christmas with snow, hot chocolates and family times. I would definitely recommend this book.
A briliant read.. I could not stop reading it. A perfect winter read. Loved how it moved between Sweden and the UK.. The bond between the little girls was lovely. Made you feel for working single parents and how important good childcare is and how employers have to give and take. An excellent book
A wonderful Christmassy read perfect to put you in the festive mood!
Hannah living in Stockholm with her boyfriend and running her own little shop meets up with her brothers friend Nico and instantly they feel a connection! The path of true love never runs smoothly though as Hannah needs to extricate herself from her current relationship and Nicos life is complicated by an alcoholic ex wife and juggling childcare whilst working!
Set in both the gorgeously described winter wonderland of Sweden and Hannah’s home village of middledip this book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, family dynamics,love and friendship to provide a perfect festive romance.
Thank you net galley for this early read.
Another exceptional book by the talented storyteller, Sue Moorcroft. You are immediately swept up in the Swedish Christmas spirit along with a return to the cosy village of Middledip where support can be found all year round from the close knit family and friends. However, a chance meeting with an old family friend (Nico) who has problems of his own and an unscrupulous boyfriend lead Hannah and Nico to question priorities. This feel-good story proves that it is never too late to take chances and make changes when life appears difficult. With positivity and a belief that wishes come true I will leave it to you to read and find out whether Hannah and Nico get their Happy Ever Afters.
This is a story not to be missed and I was disappointed when I finished it. A great Christmas story.
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 cosy read with a topping of sparkles.
A native of Middledip, Hannah is living her best life with her Swedish boyfriend and her shop in Stockholm. Her friend's brother Nico (who is Swedish) pops into the shop and the two of them get on famously, Nico even helps her to rearrange her store to show off her merchandise to its best.
Nico and Hannah meet again at Hannah's brother Rob's wedding in Middledip, sparks fly until Nico finds out that Hannah has a live-in boyfriend in Stockholm.
Nico has a high-powered job, splitting his time between London and Stockholm with the help of his live-in cousin Emelie and a nanny called Tilly. But when his ex-wife Loren starts drinking again he can no longer leave their daughter Josie with her and is forced to take over full caring responsibility for both Josie and Loren's daughter Maria. When his cousin moves out to live with her boyfriend, and TIlly proves unwilling to take on additional hours, or even vary her working hours, Nico is stuck between a rock and a hard place. His mother-in-law is obsessed with her husband's impending heart bypass and her daughter's rehab, she refuses to help with childcare as well. Nico's boss is unsympathetic and Nico decides his only option is to rent out his pricey London apartment and move to a small cottage in Middledip where he can live off the rent differential and care for two small children.
Meanwhile, Hannah's life in Stockholm has fallen apart and she too is forced to move back to Middledip to care for her grandmother who has broken her wrist.
Can these two childhood friends find love?
I love, love, love Sue Moorcroft's Middledip romances, I don't know why they speak to me more than her other romances but they do. Here we are again, with a smattering of Swedish style, as Christmas approaches complete with cute moppets and a Christmas fayre. This novel was no exception, heart-warming, funny, cute and as comforting as a cup of Heinz cream of tomato soup. Loved Nico, loved Hannah, loved Hannah's Nan, a perfect Christmas romance.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Another great read by Sue Moorcroft, her description of places and characters draw you into her books. The story starts in Sweden but then moves to England and the lovely village of Middledip where Hannah returns to look after her gran.
Meanwhile divorced dad Nico and his lovely daughter Josie need to make changes and decide to move to Middledip too. There are many twists and turns to keep you turning the pages and this is a book I would be happy to recommend to anyone.
This is the best Christmas book I've ever read. Sue's books just get better and better. Absolutely love Hannah, Nico and the adorable Josie and Maria. Gorgeous scenery. I now want to go to Sweden! Sue really knows how to craft a story with engaging characters and plots that keep you hooked with topical issues dealt with sensitively - in this case a single dad suffering eating issues when under stress. If you only read one book this Christmas, make it this one.
Hannah is enjoying her new shop in Stockholm, when a visitor turns up out of the blue! Life then changes beyond recognition when her boyfriend makes changes. Hannah then tries to get her life on track. Another great book by Sue Moorcroft with Middledip being the place to live in her books. Love Sue's style of writing. So much information interesting about Sweden after I'm sure, a lot of enjoyable research. A lovely Christmas read & a book I would highly recommend, along with the rest of her books too.
Another dip into life at Middledip, this time with a Swedish twist. Moorcroft has crafted an excellent Christmas read with the added depth and impeccable research she's famed for. Tackles an interesting array of themes with insight and perception.
What a treat! Perfect cozy little read-right up my alley! I was a huge fan and will definitely be reading more from this author!
As always, Sue Moorcroft has produced a great read. The story is full of twists and turns and is located between Sweden and England. A fantastic hero who is capable, kind and loving. No wonder our heroine fell for him. Would recommend this book as well worth reading.
Nico is a divorced father of an 8 year old Josie and step father to Maria. Hannah runs a shop in Sweden but its sort of owned by her boyfriend. Nico and Hannah meet up at Hannah’s brother’s wedding. Rob and Nico were childhood friends. Due to many circumstances both have a lot of issues to deal with in there lives. I enjoyed the book. You start to root for the characters and to get a backbone.. I loved the little girls. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books. This is my own opinion.
Thank you Netgalley fo allowing we to read this book. I enjoyed watching the romance develop between Hannah and Nate. I can't wait to read her next one.
I'm a sucker for anything Christmas related and yes I'm saying the C word in September.
Anything festive puts me in a good mood.
Xmas vibes plus a sweet romance, what could be better?
Sue Moorcroft has written a simple yet satisfying read.
My only real complaint was that Nico's daughter Josie sounded too grown up for her age, the dialogue felt less natural because of the words used.
Over all a feel good book perfect for the winter season.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Set in Sweden and Middledip this is a delightfully festive read - I enjoyed being in the characters lives for a short time and actually felt like I was a family member with them during the story!. I have a tiny complaint though... I want to know what happened next?!
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!
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.
I have not read anything by Sue Moorcroft before, and Christmas Wishes was a bit different than I expected. It caught me off guard with some of the language and topics included in the story, especially in regards to Hannah's boyfriend Albin. I could have done without all that.
Beyond those issues, Hannah and Nico's story had some really great moments. I really enjoyed Nico's character especially. The kindhearted father to not only Josie, his own daughter, but to Maria as well. His unstable ex-wife and his irritating former mother-in-law put him in an impossible situation, but I was so impressed with how he handled it all. Not many would have handled it in the same way.
I also liked seeing Hannah's character grow stronger throughout the book. Both Nico and Hannah were thrown some major curve balls, but overall I really liked seeing how their relationship developed over time and how everything came together.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you @netgalley for gifting me a digital copy of Christmas Wishes in exchange for an honest review.
#christmaswishes #NetGalley
Christma Wishes is another captivating, reflective, feel-good book by Sue Moorcroft.
Nate and Hannah's story is told between the country's of England and Stockholm.
I enjoyed reading the developing romance between them both and escaping to Middledip, meeting up with some familiar characters and Stockholm.
Want a heartfelt story of adventure, romance, friendships and family. Christmas Wishes is for you.
Hannah lives in Sweden when she runs into Nico, a teenage friend from her youth. Nico stirs in Hannah a feeling that makes her feel good; but, she already has a boyfriend, and Nico has a problematic alcoholic ex-wife, and their children needs to think about.
Hannah's relationship breaks down, and her nan needs caring for, she is in Middledip, Hannah leaves Sweden to be with her. On arrival, she discovers that Nico has also relocated to the village. Can a relationship develop between these two old friends?
I highly recommend this book.
I want to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and Sue Moorcroft for a pre-publication copy to review.
Warm festive feel book to get you right in the mood for Christmas. Beautifully written and a wonderful read.
Christmas Wishes by Sue Moorcroft is a lovely, heart-warming festive read. It follows the tale of Hannah and Nico. They’re meant to be together but fate is keeping them apart. When Hannah bumps into Nico in Stockholm they quickly rekindle their childhood friendship. There’s an attraction but Hannah has a boyfriend and Nico had two children. When Hannah has to move back to England to her parents small village, she finds Nico has also moved there. Could Christmas work it’s magic and inject some festive love be in the air?
I really enjoyed this book with its likeable and relatable characters. The story flows well from chapter to chapter and you have a real festive feel from it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books and the author for the chance to review.
If you are looking for a heartwarming read to get you through the chilly winter days then this is just the book for you. Set in both Sweden and East Anglia in the weeks leading up to Christmas, this has all the ingredients to keep the reader turning the pages. The heroine, Hannah, has both personal and professional challenges to face, the hunky hero is a tortured soul in recovery and there are a couple of cute children as well as a well drawn cast of secondary characters. This is feelgood Christmas romance writing at its best.
This is the Christmas book for warm cozy, a cup of hot chocolate and a lazy afternoon. Absolutely loved reading this book. A brilliant story of two lives and a brilliant character in Nico, a Single dad with complex ex issues. Nico is just lovely.
Hannah's situation with her boyfriend is not a happy one and from them start of the book I wanted a cozy get together for two lovely characters.
Hannah lives in Sweden and the descriptions of Stockholm are wonderful.
A must read for Christmas 2020, loved it!
#NetGalley #SueMoorcroft #ChristmasWishes
#christmasreads2020 #bookreview
There is nothing more romantic than a cozy Christmas story and this one is it. It was sweeter and more comforting than a Hallmark Christmas movie. Loved everything about it and the setting of Stokholm was perfect. I devoured this in 24 hours!!! It definitely put me in the holiday mood- something we need now more than ever!
What a very special book!! Hannah is living in Stockholm, with a family wedding coming up back in the UK. Her brother's best friend Nico drops in to see her, and their old friendship is warmly felt.
The story takes us from Islington in London to the country village of Hannah's family, to Sweden and Stockholm with Nico's family.
The amazing warmth and festive traditions from country English village to Sweden are wonderfully atmospheric.
After finishing the book I was inspired to make Swedish cakes, and only I could carry on in their world.
The characters and descriptions are really good, and will immerse you in a quite surprising and very real world.
Highly recommended for a fantastic Christmas read or present.
I so enjoyed this story and the setting of between Stockholm and Middledip was perfect! The perfect cosy Christmas story!
Another fantastic Christmas book by this author. I loved that we were transported to Icy cold Sweden during the festive season and back to the loveable town of Middledip and lots of previously loved characters from the town. It was nice to have a single dad character suffering an eating disorder. Sue is wonderful at her characterisation, creating relatable and unique characters each story.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a fabulous story, with characters that I found myself becoming attached with. Nico was so endearing, you couldn’t help but fall for his kind and gentle heart!
I loved the travelling between Stockholm and Middledip, seeing the different customs .
Hannah was inspiring too, and it was mesmerising watching her re connect with Nico.
Some very emotional themes, but written in such a thoughtful and honest way, it brought a very different dimension to the story that created a positive and uplifting end.
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Although it is autumn and early (for me) to read books about Xmas but saying that I really enjoyed this nice easy cosy read. Great storyline and nice characters.
I loved the growing relationship between Hannah and Nico. The children were adorable. The only thing I found hard were the unpronounceable place names in the Swedish scenes. I much preferred the sections of the book that took place in lovely familiar Middledip.
I love Sue Moorcroft books and this one was no exception. It did take me a couple of chapters to acclimatise to this one, but once I'd got into it I couldn't put it down, sneaking off to read at every opportunity.
This book deals with some difficult issues, but with care and compassion. I liked it that these issues touched the hero too, as so often in novels it is the woman who has the problems.
Lovely to be back in Middledip and to see the character Ratty again. The chemistry was special between Nico and Hannah. Enjoyed the secondary characters too, especially Josie and Maria. Twists and turns galore to keep you reading.
Yummy Christmas Read.
This was an enjoyable story and an engaging Christmas read. The writing flowed nicely and it kept me turning the pages from beginning to end. I found the Swedish Christmas traditions fascinating to read about and they definitely added to the Christmassy feel of this book.
I did like that characters of Hannah and Nico, as well as the two sweet children, Josie and Marie. Although at times, I did feel they needed a bit of a kick, but still, they worked well together. Add in a villain in the form of Hannah's boyfriend and Nico's ex, a loving family, some misunderstanding and there is a really good cast of players.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I felt some scenes were a little awkward and maybe overworked but I still thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
A charming Christmas story from Sue Moorcroft! The whimsical cover suggests a fun holiday tale but there is so much more to the story! It took a while to get into, but I'm glad I stuck with it. Each character had their own set of struggles, but there was also laughter, warmth and a whole lot of love! Josie and Maria were adorable and I ended up loving their relationship with Nico and Hannah. Overall, a good holiday story!
Christmas Wishes, Sue Moorcroft
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: general Fiction, Women's Fiction, Romance
* sigh * women's fiction, I seem to have been moaning about this genre for ages now. Its 2020, men write romance, men read romance, lets stop with the sexism.
Anyway, its Sue Moorcroft, an author I only discovered recently and I adore her writing style. This book was the usual well plotted, cleverly laid out story, that kept me reading right to the end. ( Sometimes I get impatient and skip bits when authors waffle...doesn't happen with “good” - for me - books)
I loved the characters, loved when Hannah first met Nico again and thinks he's fallen on hard times. She tries to help him by taking him for a meal, and it turns out she chooses the worst place for him ;-) How easily good intentions have the wrong result.
Albin, Hannah's boyfriend was deliciously wicked, one of those folk you're happy to thoroughly dislike, he was cold, calculating, cruel, and I wondered what Hannah ever saw in him. I guess he presented his best side to her then. I like a character like his in a novel, it adds to the drama. Manipulative described him well, and also Nico's wife and mother in law. Its a treat to get some truly unpleasant characters in a novel ;-) Set against that Hannah's family were lovely, close, accepting and encouraging. I adored Nan Heather, a loving and practical lady. There were a mix of other characters, some really lovely, tenants of the new shopping courtyard, others were not so much, like the owner of said place.
Its a fun story, hot and cold in that neither Hannah nor Nico really know whats happening to the other, and their attraction is there but the action hampered by misunderstandings and bad timing.
The real star of the show for me was Maria, “ Yozee! Snow!” Poor little girl. Sadly there are many like her, with unwilling or incapable parents, and Nico showed just what a big and caring heart he had.
The happy ending comes but there's a long and angst filled journey to it – perfect for me. I love the drama of some angst and heartbreak....
Stars: 5 A fabulous romance, with realistic characters and a heartbreaking story line at times.
Arc via Netgalley
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
The perfect Christmas book to get you ready for the festive season.
It’s set in the locations of Middledip in UK and Sweden, where, in wintertime we are treated to local traditions.
Hannah lives with her boyfriend Albin a nasty person in Stockholm, he really is a horrible person and I was happy when Hannah finally realised that their relationship was not what it should be, especially after the way he treated her which was appalling.
At the same time, her brother Robs friend Nico flies to Sweden on business, he visits Hannah at her shop and a spark is felt by Hannah.
But Nico comes with baggage, he’s living a life, juggling a demanding job, childcare and a eating disorder, not to mention an alcoholic ex,
It seems a new romance is never going to be plain sailing.
The children Josie and Marie in this story were cute and their innocence a delight, which made for a lovely family feel.
Another lovely book from Sue.
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Laura Imai-Messina
General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction