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ida_marie2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
zarafray4's review
3.0
This was a very cute story about two people who, amid life's crazy circumstances, manage to reunite after a wedding.
I thought this story was cute. The setting was very charming and quaint. I really enjoyed the village feel. I also enjoyed the characters. Nan Heather was wonderful, and I reminded me of my own grandmother. Nico was so kind and loving and Hannah was so hard working. I adored Maria and Josie! Their enthusiasm was infectious. The only negative for me was, I felt like the beginning was a bit slow, and it didn't start to pick up in pace until about halfway through.
All in all, this was a charming and heartwarming story that will get you in the Christmas spirit.
I thought this story was cute. The setting was very charming and quaint. I really enjoyed the village feel. I also enjoyed the characters. Nan Heather was wonderful, and I reminded me of my own grandmother. Nico was so kind and loving and Hannah was so hard working. I adored Maria and Josie! Their enthusiasm was infectious. The only negative for me was, I felt like the beginning was a bit slow, and it didn't start to pick up in pace until about halfway through.
All in all, this was a charming and heartwarming story that will get you in the Christmas spirit.
novelstorian's review
3.0
One of those books that you have to read during the Christmas holiday— or at least the winter season. It was a fairly enjoyable read. I thought the setting was quite cosy, characters were enjoyable to read, and the romance was cute. There was also an air of whimsical charm sprinkled throughout the book which made the experience even more fitting for the joyous holiday.
3 stars.
3 stars.
faysieh's review
4.0
This is a delightful book to read and much, much more than a seasonal romance.
There is a real story behind the snow and festivities involving Hannah Anna Goodbody and Nico Petterssen.
Set partly in Sweden and partly in Cambridgeshire, the writing enables the reader to inhabit both places. Whether it is with Nan Heather in the village of Middledip or in the streets of an icy Stockholm, one is transported to these locations to follow the trials of the couple destined to be together.
The book is interesting because the main male character has an eating disorder and the inclusion of this emotional battle should be applauded because we only ever usually hear about bulimia from a female perspective.
The book also deals with drug and alcohol misuse and addiction and one's heartstrings are constantly tugged on when you wonder what will happen to 8 year old Josie, and more importantly two year old Maria. The dialogue and behaviour of a 2 year old is captured perfectly and the worry of a parent when a child is struggling at school only too real.
Family dynamics in this book aren't typically conventional as Nico is a single dad who ends up taking on far more responsibility than he ever imagined.
Hannah is treated badly in business and in love by ex Albin and again when she throws her heart and soul into rescuing the development and Christmas opening of Carlysle Courtyard back in Middledip.
Will happiness find Nico and Hannah? Will happiness mean being together and how will Christmas be special if Hannah takes off in her parents' VW campervan The Bus?
Full of gorgeous detail, lots of love and an adorable toddler, you would have to have a heart of ice not to feel the warmth emanating from Sue Moorcroft's Christmas Wishes.
There is a real story behind the snow and festivities involving Hannah Anna Goodbody and Nico Petterssen.
Set partly in Sweden and partly in Cambridgeshire, the writing enables the reader to inhabit both places. Whether it is with Nan Heather in the village of Middledip or in the streets of an icy Stockholm, one is transported to these locations to follow the trials of the couple destined to be together.
The book is interesting because the main male character has an eating disorder and the inclusion of this emotional battle should be applauded because we only ever usually hear about bulimia from a female perspective.
The book also deals with drug and alcohol misuse and addiction and one's heartstrings are constantly tugged on when you wonder what will happen to 8 year old Josie, and more importantly two year old Maria. The dialogue and behaviour of a 2 year old is captured perfectly and the worry of a parent when a child is struggling at school only too real.
Family dynamics in this book aren't typically conventional as Nico is a single dad who ends up taking on far more responsibility than he ever imagined.
Hannah is treated badly in business and in love by ex Albin and again when she throws her heart and soul into rescuing the development and Christmas opening of Carlysle Courtyard back in Middledip.
Will happiness find Nico and Hannah? Will happiness mean being together and how will Christmas be special if Hannah takes off in her parents' VW campervan The Bus?
Full of gorgeous detail, lots of love and an adorable toddler, you would have to have a heart of ice not to feel the warmth emanating from Sue Moorcroft's Christmas Wishes.
libertyreads789's review
3.0
First I have to give a big thank you to NetGalley and Avon books for the ARC of this one in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. In this sweet Christmas story, Hannah is crushed to find that her conniving boyfriend has ripped her upscale boutique out of her hands and ended their relationship in the process. Sad to return home, Hannah finds her spirits lifting when she sees her brother’s friend from high school has also returned to their little town. Full of real life problems and Christmas cheer, this book is another look at second chance romance. This book is available for pre-order now and comes out on October 29th.
There was a lot to unpack in this book that I hadn’t been anticipating. I think the summary on GoodReads and NetGalley is lacking. It felt like we didn’t get to the actual starting point of the summary until almost halfway through the novel. I think the first 150 pages had to be in the novel in order to setup all of the cute things that happen later on, but it was off putting when I was first reading the novel. I also struggle with something that happens in the beginning and it’s kind of a spoiler so here’s the note to not read the rest of this paragraph unless you want to be spoiled for something.
I did enjoy when we finally got into the romance and the cute Christmas-y things. That hit the spot exactly as I had expected the whole book to do. I loved seeing Hannah and Nico doing the usual Christmas things in Sweden. It put me into the holiday mood for sure. Too bad it’s the middle of September and I can’t go ice skating or build snowmen. I think it’s really a problem with managing expectations of readers who won’t appreciate the first half of the novel being mostly set up. I wish that some of that stuff had happened off the page, but it also was a lot of character building that I don’t think COULD have happened off page. It’s a hard line to walk.
The best part of the story for me was Nico being a really good dad who put everyone before himself, but still struggled. It was nice to see representation for the kind of mental health problems most people only ever associate with women. And it was nice to see him finally say that enough was enough when he got to the end of his rope.
I think this will be a quick and easy read for anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit. It’s also probably good for people who love watching Christmas movies on TV when they (finally) show up.
There was a lot to unpack in this book that I hadn’t been anticipating. I think the summary on GoodReads and NetGalley is lacking. It felt like we didn’t get to the actual starting point of the summary until almost halfway through the novel. I think the first 150 pages had to be in the novel in order to setup all of the cute things that happen later on, but it was off putting when I was first reading the novel. I also struggle with something that happens in the beginning and it’s kind of a spoiler so here’s the note to not read the rest of this paragraph unless you want to be spoiled for something.
Spoiler
In the set up for driving Nico to Middledip, he discovers that his ex-wife has been neglecting her youngest child who she had with another man. And I have a hard time reading stuff like that. That and animal neglect I just cannot do it. I understand why it’s there. It’s just that I don’t like it.I did enjoy when we finally got into the romance and the cute Christmas-y things. That hit the spot exactly as I had expected the whole book to do. I loved seeing Hannah and Nico doing the usual Christmas things in Sweden. It put me into the holiday mood for sure. Too bad it’s the middle of September and I can’t go ice skating or build snowmen. I think it’s really a problem with managing expectations of readers who won’t appreciate the first half of the novel being mostly set up. I wish that some of that stuff had happened off the page, but it also was a lot of character building that I don’t think COULD have happened off page. It’s a hard line to walk.
The best part of the story for me was Nico being a really good dad who put everyone before himself, but still struggled. It was nice to see representation for the kind of mental health problems most people only ever associate with women. And it was nice to see him finally say that enough was enough when he got to the end of his rope.
I think this will be a quick and easy read for anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit. It’s also probably good for people who love watching Christmas movies on TV when they (finally) show up.
kellysch01's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
emeliat17's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kirstyreviewsbooks's review
5.0
Christmas Wishes - Sue Moorcroft
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to HarperCollins Audio UK and Netgalley.
Hannah and Nico are meant to be together.
But fate is keeping them apart…
As soon as 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?
I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. This is such a fabulous read filled with family festivities and provides such a warm, cosy feeling. There are some difficult topics covered in this book such as depression, eating disorders and alcohol/drug abuse but all of these are handled in such a delicate manner.
As the book swaps between the perspectives of both Hannah and Nico, there are many twists and turns that will keep the reader intrigued.
Rating: 5/5
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review thanks to HarperCollins Audio UK and Netgalley.
Hannah and Nico are meant to be together.
But fate is keeping them apart…
As soon as 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?
I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. This is such a fabulous read filled with family festivities and provides such a warm, cosy feeling. There are some difficult topics covered in this book such as depression, eating disorders and alcohol/drug abuse but all of these are handled in such a delicate manner.
As the book swaps between the perspectives of both Hannah and Nico, there are many twists and turns that will keep the reader intrigued.
Rating: 5/5
peacockbookreviews's review
4.0
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.
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.