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btpbookclub's review
4.0
This is another from my library pile after the poop year we have had I picked up some Christmas books to get me into the spirit. However, this isn't an uplifting, romance, perfect Christmas. This story focuses on the production of a play and an old friend (Joe) returning from the past. The story also includes talks of debt and ballifs so not all that festive of a read for me.
However, it was a brilliant story and I really enjoyed it, it just wasn't what I expected at first. The story all comes together towards the end where it does turn into a proper Christmas, happy, successful story. The play is going ahead and fantastic. While we learn all about Joe and his secret life he wanted to keep hidden... Intriguing. An easy read. Different from the 'normal' Christmas stories. A little bit of romance towards the end.
A well deserved four stars from me. I would recommend! You've got to remember life still goes on at Christmas and many people struggle and don't like it and that's included in this story. Ballifs don't stop for the festive period and neither does debt.
However, it was a brilliant story and I really enjoyed it, it just wasn't what I expected at first. The story all comes together towards the end where it does turn into a proper Christmas, happy, successful story. The play is going ahead and fantastic. While we learn all about Joe and his secret life he wanted to keep hidden... Intriguing. An easy read. Different from the 'normal' Christmas stories. A little bit of romance towards the end.
A well deserved four stars from me. I would recommend! You've got to remember life still goes on at Christmas and many people struggle and don't like it and that's included in this story. Ballifs don't stop for the festive period and neither does debt.
kirstyreviewsbooks's review
4.0
A Christmas Gift by Sue Moorcroft
Georgine loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Georgine’s struggled to make ends meet.
To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school. And when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistant, Georgine’s grateful for the help. But there’s something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye?
I stumbled upon this book whilst looking at available books in my local library, I have previously enjoyed books by Sue Moorcroft so thought I would give this one a go. It is a heart-warming read, complete with real-life dramas.
This wonderful book teaches us that we are not defined by our past. A very enjoyable read.
Rating 4/5
Georgine loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Georgine’s struggled to make ends meet.
To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school. And when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistant, Georgine’s grateful for the help. But there’s something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye?
I stumbled upon this book whilst looking at available books in my local library, I have previously enjoyed books by Sue Moorcroft so thought I would give this one a go. It is a heart-warming read, complete with real-life dramas.
This wonderful book teaches us that we are not defined by our past. A very enjoyable read.
Rating 4/5
portybelle's review
4.0
It's always a pleasure to read one of Sue Moorcroft's books and I was so pleased to receive a beautiful hardback copy of her latest book, A Christmas Gift. Like many Christmas books, although set around the festive season, it could easily be enjoyed at any time of the year. For me, this was a welcome return to the village of Middledip, the setting for many of Sue Moorcroft's other books. I was delighted to spot a few familiar faces in the passing, particularly Ratty (yes, he is still my favourite Sue Moorcroft hero!).
This is the story of Joe and Georgine and how their lives come together one Christmas. Joe was a neglected child, living with an alcoholic mother and abusive step father. My heart went out to the poor child he used to be. Many years ago now I was a primary teacher and taught several children like him. It can be heartbreaking to see potential which may not be fulfilled and also the way they can be treated by other children. Fortunately for Joe, he had an ally in Georgine who always stood by him.
Georgine had a privileged childhood which came crashing down because of something she did. She feels tremendous guilt for how this affected her entire family but she was just a young woman, not even out her teens, and she couldn't have known what would happen. Because of her experience, she has a terror of being in debt and has recently split with her partner, a decision which hasn't stopped the debt collectors arriving at her door. Money is a constant struggle but despite this, she takes in her sister when she in need. Her compassion shows too in her relationship with her father who has had several strokes.
The two meet when Georgine is producing a Christmas play at the college where she works. Joe, is introduced as a friend of the principal of the college and is helping out with tech support. The whole background of putting on the show, encouraging the students and letting everyone have their chance to shine, was a great way of the characters working together and really getting to know each other. In Georgine and Joe's relationship there is a bit of role reversal from their earlier days and a sense of both overcoming adversity.
Joe is such a fascinating character. He seems to have several different persona but they are all different aspects of the same man and all go to make him what he truly is. Amongst other things he is a benefactor, but this is quietly and humbly done. I was outraged on his behalf when a journalist revealed the so called truth about him in the tabloid the Daily Snoop. These kind of exposés infuriate me. Whether they contain a grain or truth or not, they immediately blacken someone's reputation and it's hard for a public figure to put things right without it seeming to cover up. I do acknowledge that sometimes there is truth in the stories but do wish some journalists would have more integrity and less sensationalism.
I always finish a Sue Moorcroft book with a warm feeling, a happy glow inside and this book was no different. I really enjoyed the story of Georgine and Joe overcoming all kinds of obstacles in their lives and I look forward to visiting Middledip again. I do wish it was a real place as I feel I'd know my way around and be meeting up with old friends!
This is the story of Joe and Georgine and how their lives come together one Christmas. Joe was a neglected child, living with an alcoholic mother and abusive step father. My heart went out to the poor child he used to be. Many years ago now I was a primary teacher and taught several children like him. It can be heartbreaking to see potential which may not be fulfilled and also the way they can be treated by other children. Fortunately for Joe, he had an ally in Georgine who always stood by him.
Georgine had a privileged childhood which came crashing down because of something she did. She feels tremendous guilt for how this affected her entire family but she was just a young woman, not even out her teens, and she couldn't have known what would happen. Because of her experience, she has a terror of being in debt and has recently split with her partner, a decision which hasn't stopped the debt collectors arriving at her door. Money is a constant struggle but despite this, she takes in her sister when she in need. Her compassion shows too in her relationship with her father who has had several strokes.
The two meet when Georgine is producing a Christmas play at the college where she works. Joe, is introduced as a friend of the principal of the college and is helping out with tech support. The whole background of putting on the show, encouraging the students and letting everyone have their chance to shine, was a great way of the characters working together and really getting to know each other. In Georgine and Joe's relationship there is a bit of role reversal from their earlier days and a sense of both overcoming adversity.
Joe is such a fascinating character. He seems to have several different persona but they are all different aspects of the same man and all go to make him what he truly is. Amongst other things he is a benefactor, but this is quietly and humbly done. I was outraged on his behalf when a journalist revealed the so called truth about him in the tabloid the Daily Snoop. These kind of exposés infuriate me. Whether they contain a grain or truth or not, they immediately blacken someone's reputation and it's hard for a public figure to put things right without it seeming to cover up. I do acknowledge that sometimes there is truth in the stories but do wish some journalists would have more integrity and less sensationalism.
I always finish a Sue Moorcroft book with a warm feeling, a happy glow inside and this book was no different. I really enjoyed the story of Georgine and Joe overcoming all kinds of obstacles in their lives and I look forward to visiting Middledip again. I do wish it was a real place as I feel I'd know my way around and be meeting up with old friends!
siobhanward's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I'll admit I ended up liking this one more than I thought I would. It started out SO over the top. There was a reveal near the beginning that was so ridiculous it made me laugh out loud - truly I thought this book was going to be too silly to read. But honestly, it got decent. I did find it was very repetitive, and it felt like the same things were happening over and over, but in the end it was worth the read. It was really cute and fluffy (and frankly, at times silly), but I had fun with it. Again, this would be a solid Hallmark movie, which feels like the right genre for this type of year and kind of book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Child abuse, and Alcoholism
Minor: Death of parent and Medical content
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
4.0
This was a a good Christmas read. I especially liked how it combined problems like having a ex with deep dept, caring for a parent who suffered a stroke, and such with a fun and quick romance.
I always enjoy the books with a bit depth to them over the only fluffy ones, and this one managed the balance between happy feel good read and some thought provoking topics very well.
I always enjoy the books with a bit depth to them over the only fluffy ones, and this one managed the balance between happy feel good read and some thought provoking topics very well.
jessjackson's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. It had a lot of twists and delt with a lot of real life situations. It had a good ratio of a Christmas novel and romance novel.
jenna_cross's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up for Christmas cheer and family. I enjoyed this sweet Christmas story. The determined and independent protagonist is very endearing. I was rooting for her and her family all the way.
walton's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5