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Winter Lights
Anyone can see darkness. It takes courage to look for light.
Across the small town of Henford, families are preparing for the holiday season. A teacher, pulled in every direction by family and work, forms an unexpected friendship following a collision; a mother and daughter unexpectedly forced to stay with the in-laws open themselves to new family; a carer on New Year's Eve brings something more than her nursing skills when she visits the client no one wants to see. Meanwhile, in nearby Ashdown House, an elderly woman hopes to bring her family - and community - together as they never have been before.
Told through a series of heart-warming and uplifting short stories, Winter Lights explores the complexities, struggles and joys of everyday life, showing that light can still bloom even in the darkest places.
Across the small town of Henford, families are preparing for the holiday season. A teacher, pulled in every direction by family and work, forms an unexpected friendship following a collision; a mother and daughter unexpectedly forced to stay with the in-laws open themselves to new family; a carer on New Year's Eve brings something more than her nursing skills when she visits the client no one wants to see. Meanwhile, in nearby Ashdown House, an elderly woman hopes to bring her family - and community - together as they never have been before.
Told through a series of heart-warming and uplifting short stories, Winter Lights explores the complexities, struggles and joys of everyday life, showing that light can still bloom even in the darkest places.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2023
12 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Jenkins
4 books12 followersI’m a freelance writer and teacher with interests in education, mental health and community. I write educational articles, textbooks, short stories and longer fiction. My debut novel, Braver, was published by Fairlight Books in June 2022 and (incredibly) was shortlisted for the Writers' Guild Best First Novel 2023 and the Society of Authors' ADCI Literary Prize 2023.
Winter Lights is a collection of short stories for the festive season. It explores the mixed emotions the time of year can bring, based in a small town in the run-up to Christmas. It is published in November 2023
Then there's my novella, The Evenness of Things, available as an amazon e-book and paperback. It’s the story of what happens when a woman buys a house without telling her husband. Intrigued? When I had the idea, I was! But then I had to make up a story to go with it. This was my first attempt at a longer piece of fiction and, although I wrote it nearly 10 years ago, I'm still fond of it.
I blog at stillwonderinghere.net about everyday life, hope and the silly, incongruous things that shape us and make us who we are. If you fancy a giggle and a ponder, grab a coffee and hop over there. I'd love to meet you :)
Winter Lights is a collection of short stories for the festive season. It explores the mixed emotions the time of year can bring, based in a small town in the run-up to Christmas. It is published in November 2023
Then there's my novella, The Evenness of Things, available as an amazon e-book and paperback. It’s the story of what happens when a woman buys a house without telling her husband. Intrigued? When I had the idea, I was! But then I had to make up a story to go with it. This was my first attempt at a longer piece of fiction and, although I wrote it nearly 10 years ago, I'm still fond of it.
I blog at stillwonderinghere.net about everyday life, hope and the silly, incongruous things that shape us and make us who we are. If you fancy a giggle and a ponder, grab a coffee and hop over there. I'd love to meet you :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 20, 2023
An absolutely delightful book that is perfect for Christmas and the holiday season! Author Deborah Jenkins stories are about a disparate group of individuals who live in and around England. The stories are about people in all walks of life and are charming looks at their lives as they approach the winter holidays. It all begins with the story of a key to a home, an argument that escalates into an angry parent being involved in an accident, and the discovery of the key which brings healing. We are also treated to people who meet on a train, as well as another story about an Indian restaurant where the owners son doesn't understand his father. The stories go on and on, and the message in each are uplifting and affirming. By the last stories Jenkins brings everything full circle at a New Years Day party at the home of Lady Trenton. It is hard to say which story I enjoyed the most, and that is a good thing! So many times books of short stories consist of a few quality stories and just as many clunkers. But here the fact that Deborah Jenkins is able to seamlessly tie-in each and every person and story creates a book that has one of the most delightful, charming and uplifting books I have read in well over a year. If there is but one book you should read for the Winter/Christmas holiday season this is it! Trust me, it will bring a warm glow to your holidays!
February 28, 2024
3.5~4★
“That sound of folding metal, scream upon scream of it, scraping itself against and around her like a tortured animal. Then, movement, as she’s hurled through the air, an arm twisted painfully behind her. After that, silence.”
Icy roads – difficult at the best of times and treacherous if you’re in a hurry and don’t treat them with respect. Amy Lane is racing to the school where she teaches, but she’s thinking about her teenaged daughter who is so wrapped up in her new boyfriend that she’s not paying attention to her mother and has apparently lost her housekey.
It’s almost Christmas, so her accident and subsequent rescue interfere with her regular routine more than usual. She has a reputation as a coper, but why is she getting no help?
“She closes her eyes, tries to process the last twenty-four hours: a difficult day at school, a quick visit with Dad. Then, Mia and Jack wrapped around each other on the sofa. Followed by the key.
I gave it to you!
You didn’t! You showed it to me. You talked about giving it to me but that’s all!
Well, where is it, then? I don’t know, Mum! I’m not a mindreader.”
The Key is the first of ten stories based around the lives of the people who live in and around Henford, in Sussex, UK. (I presume it’s fictional.)
Each story stands on its own, and they’re quite different from each other – except for the weather, the locale, and the fact they’re all facing Christmas with various degrees of enthusiasm.
Ram’s family came from India after Partition and keeps reminding his adult children how hard it was, as they all work in Henford’s first Indian restaurant. (There are now several). Son Sunil is frustrated that his father won’t modernise and doesn’t remind customers that they don’t celebrate Christmas. Sunil is insulted.
Ram, his father, reminds him where they live and that this is a great season for business. When Ram gets a phone call for an out-of-area meal delivery and agrees to send it, Sunil is incensed. His father can’t seem to say no.
But he takes the bag with the meal and heads off into the dark winter night with directions to a place out by the woods somewhere – a big house all by itself, he’s told. He ends up way off the main road.
“The snow is thickening, the heater has stopped working and the silence around him is fat with menace.”
He is getting nervous, and when he arrives, he finds an elderly lady and a young man with a rucksack and cello. She thanks him for the meal and then asks – almost directs – him to give the young man a lift into Henford. He is not impressed with her ploy to avoid calling a taxi.
Of course, there turns out to be much more to it than that, as there is with all the stories. Occasionally I recognised a name, or thought I did, and by the last story, which takes place in the aforementioned big house, we begin to see the connections.
These are vignettes really, of people’s lives. A woman who doesn’t see well, a young boy who is always scolded at school for being a live wire and not paying attention (and there’s a reason for that), young mums, stretched between parents and children – widows, widowers, and a guy who plays the cello.
There is a fair bit of philosophising and advice-giving, which is pretty typical in families, of course. But what I liked was some of her observations of our attitudes. An old lady is getting dressed. She used to be an activist and a civic figure, but no more.
“There is something about a dress, much loved, long worn, that can lift the spirits. It remembers other versions of you, the young and lovely ones where you walked tall, owned a room. She misses those women, but the dress helps her find a little of their youth, their confidence.”
It’s an enjoyable read, There are so many characters in rather short stories, that I don’t think I fixed them in my head well enough to really establish all the connections. But I liked them, and I think it could make a good mini-series or something similar.
It’s the kind of book where you just accept the coincidences and go along for the ride. I’m sure it will find a lot of fans.
“That sound of folding metal, scream upon scream of it, scraping itself against and around her like a tortured animal. Then, movement, as she’s hurled through the air, an arm twisted painfully behind her. After that, silence.”
Icy roads – difficult at the best of times and treacherous if you’re in a hurry and don’t treat them with respect. Amy Lane is racing to the school where she teaches, but she’s thinking about her teenaged daughter who is so wrapped up in her new boyfriend that she’s not paying attention to her mother and has apparently lost her housekey.
It’s almost Christmas, so her accident and subsequent rescue interfere with her regular routine more than usual. She has a reputation as a coper, but why is she getting no help?
“She closes her eyes, tries to process the last twenty-four hours: a difficult day at school, a quick visit with Dad. Then, Mia and Jack wrapped around each other on the sofa. Followed by the key.
I gave it to you!
You didn’t! You showed it to me. You talked about giving it to me but that’s all!
Well, where is it, then? I don’t know, Mum! I’m not a mindreader.”
The Key is the first of ten stories based around the lives of the people who live in and around Henford, in Sussex, UK. (I presume it’s fictional.)
Each story stands on its own, and they’re quite different from each other – except for the weather, the locale, and the fact they’re all facing Christmas with various degrees of enthusiasm.
Ram’s family came from India after Partition and keeps reminding his adult children how hard it was, as they all work in Henford’s first Indian restaurant. (There are now several). Son Sunil is frustrated that his father won’t modernise and doesn’t remind customers that they don’t celebrate Christmas. Sunil is insulted.
Ram, his father, reminds him where they live and that this is a great season for business. When Ram gets a phone call for an out-of-area meal delivery and agrees to send it, Sunil is incensed. His father can’t seem to say no.
But he takes the bag with the meal and heads off into the dark winter night with directions to a place out by the woods somewhere – a big house all by itself, he’s told. He ends up way off the main road.
“The snow is thickening, the heater has stopped working and the silence around him is fat with menace.”
He is getting nervous, and when he arrives, he finds an elderly lady and a young man with a rucksack and cello. She thanks him for the meal and then asks – almost directs – him to give the young man a lift into Henford. He is not impressed with her ploy to avoid calling a taxi.
Of course, there turns out to be much more to it than that, as there is with all the stories. Occasionally I recognised a name, or thought I did, and by the last story, which takes place in the aforementioned big house, we begin to see the connections.
These are vignettes really, of people’s lives. A woman who doesn’t see well, a young boy who is always scolded at school for being a live wire and not paying attention (and there’s a reason for that), young mums, stretched between parents and children – widows, widowers, and a guy who plays the cello.
There is a fair bit of philosophising and advice-giving, which is pretty typical in families, of course. But what I liked was some of her observations of our attitudes. An old lady is getting dressed. She used to be an activist and a civic figure, but no more.
“There is something about a dress, much loved, long worn, that can lift the spirits. It remembers other versions of you, the young and lovely ones where you walked tall, owned a room. She misses those women, but the dress helps her find a little of their youth, their confidence.”
It’s an enjoyable read, There are so many characters in rather short stories, that I don’t think I fixed them in my head well enough to really establish all the connections. But I liked them, and I think it could make a good mini-series or something similar.
It’s the kind of book where you just accept the coincidences and go along for the ride. I’m sure it will find a lot of fans.
December 29, 2023
* " Все още звучи странно да се отнасяме към емоциите си като към хора... "
Winter Lights на Deborah Jenkins е сборник с кратки разкази за емоциите, страстите, равносметките и очакванията на всеки човек в края на годината. Празниците не винаги са само ярки светлини, коледно дърво, подаръци под елхата, пукащ огън в печката и горещ шоколад. Топлим домовете си с климатик, работим до последните часове преди празника, нямаме време да украсим дръвче ( или сме накичили надве - натри пластмасов паметник на суетата ) , нямаме пари за екстравагантности ( или нямаме идея какво да напъхаме под елхата за близки, не толкова близки и роднини). Живеем забързано, тромаво. Отлагаме мечтаното време само за нас си за някога - когато съберем пари, когато напреднем в професията, когато се нанесем в постоянен дом, когато.... И си носим проблемите и уморените тела от делник в празник. Емоциите ни тежат като воденичен камък на шията и не смеем да кажем истината на никого, за да не изглеждаме отчаяни и неблагодарни.
Цялата тази мила картинка минава през ума на читателя докато страниците на този малък сборник се разтварят една след друга. Героите в разказите са ни познати, близки и достатъчно странни, за да сме самите ние.
* " Може би е грешала през всичките тези години, свързвайки липсата на амбиция със страхливост. В крайна сметка вярата изисква особен вид смелост. "
Много ми хареса да видя, че не само за мен зимните празници са въртележка от бързане на работа, бързане да се купят подаръци, бъране да се подготви трапезата и още бързане да се обърне внимание на всеки роднина.
Но във всичко това се крие и щастливото усещане, че сме били с най - близките си. Гледали сме блясъка в очите им и сме си обещали през следващата година да намираме повече време за тях. За себе си. За тях с нас.
Четох разказите на Deborah Jenkins и си мислех как в тях се отразява собствената ни реалност. Как ежедневието ни засмуква. Бъркаме дните от седмицата. Неглижираме празниците. Особено, когато децата ни пораснат. Пълното ни до скоро гнездо вече е тихо и по - широко отколкото ни трябва. Трябва сами да сме си достатъчни. Трябва да знаем какво да правим със себе си. Без отговорността и радостта от присъствието на малките ни слънчица можем само да работим. А края на годината е просто прехода към следващата.
Но животът обича да промъква в ежедневието ни възможности. Втори шансове. Избори. Отворени прозорци срещу затръшнати врати. И удолетворение там, където иначе ляга мисълта, че нищо няма смисъл.
* " Но справянето не е живот. Справянето е клатушкане
от една криза в друга, като изключите чувствата си и се дистанцирате от живота си, доколкото можете. След това можете да използвате логиката, за да разрешите проблемите му. Съжалявам, предизвикателства. Вече нямате право да ги наричате проблеми. "
Winter Lights на Deborah Jenkins е сборник с кратки разкази за емоциите, страстите, равносметките и очакванията на всеки човек в края на годината. Празниците не винаги са само ярки светлини, коледно дърво, подаръци под елхата, пукащ огън в печката и горещ шоколад. Топлим домовете си с климатик, работим до последните часове преди празника, нямаме време да украсим дръвче ( или сме накичили надве - натри пластмасов паметник на суетата ) , нямаме пари за екстравагантности ( или нямаме идея какво да напъхаме под елхата за близки, не толкова близки и роднини). Живеем забързано, тромаво. Отлагаме мечтаното време само за нас си за някога - когато съберем пари, когато напреднем в професията, когато се нанесем в постоянен дом, когато.... И си носим проблемите и уморените тела от делник в празник. Емоциите ни тежат като воденичен камък на шията и не смеем да кажем истината на никого, за да не изглеждаме отчаяни и неблагодарни.
Цялата тази мила картинка минава през ума на читателя докато страниците на този малък сборник се разтварят една след друга. Героите в разказите са ни познати, близки и достатъчно странни, за да сме самите ние.
* " Може би е грешала през всичките тези години, свързвайки липсата на амбиция със страхливост. В крайна сметка вярата изисква особен вид смелост. "
Много ми хареса да видя, че не само за мен зимните празници са въртележка от бързане на работа, бързане да се купят подаръци, бъране да се подготви трапезата и още бързане да се обърне внимание на всеки роднина.
Но във всичко това се крие и щастливото усещане, че сме били с най - близките си. Гледали сме блясъка в очите им и сме си обещали през следващата година да намираме повече време за тях. За себе си. За тях с нас.
Четох разказите на Deborah Jenkins и си мислех как в тях се отразява собствената ни реалност. Как ежедневието ни засмуква. Бъркаме дните от седмицата. Неглижираме празниците. Особено, когато децата ни пораснат. Пълното ни до скоро гнездо вече е тихо и по - широко отколкото ни трябва. Трябва сами да сме си достатъчни. Трябва да знаем какво да правим със себе си. Без отговорността и радостта от присъствието на малките ни слънчица можем само да работим. А края на годината е просто прехода към следващата.
Но животът обича да промъква в ежедневието ни възможности. Втори шансове. Избори. Отворени прозорци срещу затръшнати врати. И удолетворение там, където иначе ляга мисълта, че нищо няма смисъл.
* " Но справянето не е живот. Справянето е клатушкане
от една криза в друга, като изключите чувствата си и се дистанцирате от живота си, доколкото можете. След това можете да използвате логиката, за да разрешите проблемите му. Съжалявам, предизвикателства. Вече нямате право да ги наричате проблеми. "
November 12, 2023
Winter Lights is a short story collection, set around the small fictional Sussex town of Henford in the festive season. A lovely collection, we meet various people who live in the town and learn their problems. A primary school teacher feels she cannot cope with all life is throwing at her - Ofsted, her teenage daughter and caring for her father. Another tells the story of the owner of an Indian takeaway and his frustrated son, who doesn't understand his father. A family who is being made to move at Christmas, a young boy taking part in his school's carol concert and an elderly lady who owns Ashdown House and plans a New Year party for friends and family are among other characters we meet.
This is a delightful collection of stories. Each story was as good as the next and it makes you realise that everyone is dealing with something. The stories start a few days before Christmas and continue over the Christmas season, culminating in a party on New Years Day. I loved the connections between the characters, characters who don't always know each other before the stories start but make a connection. Each story is quite short and offers only a brief view of the lives of the characters. I really enjoyed the feeling of real life that was captured in these pages.
A lovely heart-warming book, whose stories emphasise kindness, I thoroughly enjoyed this seasonal short story collection.
This is a delightful collection of stories. Each story was as good as the next and it makes you realise that everyone is dealing with something. The stories start a few days before Christmas and continue over the Christmas season, culminating in a party on New Years Day. I loved the connections between the characters, characters who don't always know each other before the stories start but make a connection. Each story is quite short and offers only a brief view of the lives of the characters. I really enjoyed the feeling of real life that was captured in these pages.
A lovely heart-warming book, whose stories emphasise kindness, I thoroughly enjoyed this seasonal short story collection.
December 18, 2023
A collection of short stories set in an imagined community in Sussex, I enjoyed the way that they all interconnected, some of them were designed to impart wisdom. I did lose track of who everyone was at the end, when there is a lovely conclusion that does bring the whole book together in a delightful way.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2023
Ten short stories set in, but not confined to, the fictional village of Hanford introduce us to a cast of loosely interconnected characters. Each faces challenges, whether it's Amy's struggles with her rebellious teenage daughter Mia, Duncan's dilemma over his sister's Christmas present, or Sunil's exasperation at his father Ram's refusal to modernise their restaurant business.
Whether they know it or not, all are looking for enlightenment in their lives, and each person finds it through the kindness of others, random strangers who help them see the way forward in their lives.
There is a seasonal feel to each story, making this the ideal Christmas read.
Over all, the stories introduce themes of romance, friendship, kindness and caring, as well as tackling more difficult subjects like grief, depression and loneliness. I found myself laughing and crying over them - this author portrays raw human emotion with skill and deep empathy, bringing characters young and old to life on the page.
Though these are short stories, and each stands completely alone, with just the final two stories bringing the characters from each one together, to show resolution.
This book is a lovely reminder, at a time when it seems the world is falling apart, that 99.9 percent of humanity cares deeply about the rest, and is willing to extend a helping hand.
Whether they know it or not, all are looking for enlightenment in their lives, and each person finds it through the kindness of others, random strangers who help them see the way forward in their lives.
There is a seasonal feel to each story, making this the ideal Christmas read.
Over all, the stories introduce themes of romance, friendship, kindness and caring, as well as tackling more difficult subjects like grief, depression and loneliness. I found myself laughing and crying over them - this author portrays raw human emotion with skill and deep empathy, bringing characters young and old to life on the page.
Though these are short stories, and each stands completely alone, with just the final two stories bringing the characters from each one together, to show resolution.
This book is a lovely reminder, at a time when it seems the world is falling apart, that 99.9 percent of humanity cares deeply about the rest, and is willing to extend a helping hand.
October 9, 2023
Rating: 1.8/5
"Winter Lights" sits somewhere between being a collection of short stories and a novella. I say that because although each of the stories can be read in isolation, they do turn out to be interconnected, which becomes evident at the end of the book. I have great admiration for any writer who successfully tackles the short story format. There is a real skill in drafting a fully rounded story with properly drawn characters within the confines of a mere 100 or so pages. The stories in this collection are much shorter than that and I would venture to suggest that they each one is more of a micro-story, as it is really only the length of a fairly standard chapter.
The writing style of Deborah Jenkins is pleasant enough, but for the most part I don't really think she hits the brief of creating a convincingly rounded tale within each individual story in this collection. I would suggest that only one of them actually ticks that particular box. There is meant to be a theme of heartwarming and uplifting seasonal messages in this anthology, but I found it a bit too nauseating and tending towards the pious.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
"Winter Lights" sits somewhere between being a collection of short stories and a novella. I say that because although each of the stories can be read in isolation, they do turn out to be interconnected, which becomes evident at the end of the book. I have great admiration for any writer who successfully tackles the short story format. There is a real skill in drafting a fully rounded story with properly drawn characters within the confines of a mere 100 or so pages. The stories in this collection are much shorter than that and I would venture to suggest that they each one is more of a micro-story, as it is really only the length of a fairly standard chapter.
The writing style of Deborah Jenkins is pleasant enough, but for the most part I don't really think she hits the brief of creating a convincingly rounded tale within each individual story in this collection. I would suggest that only one of them actually ticks that particular box. There is meant to be a theme of heartwarming and uplifting seasonal messages in this anthology, but I found it a bit too nauseating and tending towards the pious.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
November 15, 2023
This book is a collection of ten short stories set in a small town. Every story is about a different character living in that neighborhood. So almost all of the stories are connected with each other. This is one aspect I loved about this book. It felt like a novel with no main characters but lots of side kicks(which I enjoy the most).
The first story is set on days before Christmas and gradually the stories one by one move on to Christmas day and few days after Christmas. This was another aspect that made me enjoy this story collection.
The narrative offers a mix of everyday struggles, emotional depth and a dramatic turn of events, which made the short stories engaging and interesting.
The author penned the stories in such descriptive and immersive style, allowing us to delve into each character's thoughts and experiences.
The author developed each and every character with distinct personalities, motivations and conflicts. I was able to connect with them and also understand some characters on some level.
Over all a heartwarming short story collection that deals with romance, friendship, kindness, caring and self improvement.
The first story is set on days before Christmas and gradually the stories one by one move on to Christmas day and few days after Christmas. This was another aspect that made me enjoy this story collection.
The narrative offers a mix of everyday struggles, emotional depth and a dramatic turn of events, which made the short stories engaging and interesting.
The author penned the stories in such descriptive and immersive style, allowing us to delve into each character's thoughts and experiences.
The author developed each and every character with distinct personalities, motivations and conflicts. I was able to connect with them and also understand some characters on some level.
Over all a heartwarming short story collection that deals with romance, friendship, kindness, caring and self improvement.
November 13, 2023
Winter Lights, a collection of short stories set over the Christmas period, is a gentle seasonal read with some uplifting messages.
The collection starts with the story of a woman who is driving to work, stressed and overworked, she is involved in a crash. It finishes with a New Year gathering…During the intervening chapters we take train and taxi rides, visit the last store open on Xmas Eve and an Indian takeaway..
I read this book in a few hours. It is a quick and easy read, positive and uplifting. As with all short story collections I enjoyed some stories more than others and the first story was probably my favourite. The author was skilled at creating credible characters and situations in a short space of time. This reminded me a little of Maeve Binchy who also wrote short stories seemingly separate but actually subtly linked.
I read this seeking a more gentle read than i am used to and it definitely ticked the box.
A perfect read for a winter’s afternoon with a mug of hot chocolate.
with thanks to Netgalley and Fairlight Books for a digital copy of this book.
The collection starts with the story of a woman who is driving to work, stressed and overworked, she is involved in a crash. It finishes with a New Year gathering…During the intervening chapters we take train and taxi rides, visit the last store open on Xmas Eve and an Indian takeaway..
I read this book in a few hours. It is a quick and easy read, positive and uplifting. As with all short story collections I enjoyed some stories more than others and the first story was probably my favourite. The author was skilled at creating credible characters and situations in a short space of time. This reminded me a little of Maeve Binchy who also wrote short stories seemingly separate but actually subtly linked.
I read this seeking a more gentle read than i am used to and it definitely ticked the box.
A perfect read for a winter’s afternoon with a mug of hot chocolate.
with thanks to Netgalley and Fairlight Books for a digital copy of this book.
November 16, 2023
Christmas means different things to different people: for me, one of the key elements is hope. And hope is a thread that runs through all these short stories.
Though at first they seem like quite separate accounts of different people facing different situations, the more you read the more the connections become clear. They are all, of course, set in and around Christmas - and show how different the season can feel to different people, and the same people at different stages of their lives. Each one is complete in itself, each one a thoughtful and beautifully written insight into a life, or lives. But as you read one you discover that these lives are intertwined - through geography (all the stories take place in the same - fictional - area) and through relationships.
Ultimately you realise that these stories, together, are a story about community, about the links that bind people together and raise us all up. In 'Winter Lights' we see how we can be better together and how that can bring us all hope.
A profound and wonderful message for Christmas.
Though at first they seem like quite separate accounts of different people facing different situations, the more you read the more the connections become clear. They are all, of course, set in and around Christmas - and show how different the season can feel to different people, and the same people at different stages of their lives. Each one is complete in itself, each one a thoughtful and beautifully written insight into a life, or lives. But as you read one you discover that these lives are intertwined - through geography (all the stories take place in the same - fictional - area) and through relationships.
Ultimately you realise that these stories, together, are a story about community, about the links that bind people together and raise us all up. In 'Winter Lights' we see how we can be better together and how that can bring us all hope.
A profound and wonderful message for Christmas.
November 2, 2023
I interviewed the writer about her collection, which you can read here: https://sarahtinsley.com/post/cosy-co...
This collection draws on a whole host of characters from all walks of life – a homeless cellist, an older woman in her detached mansion and a stressed young carer. In all of her stories, she uses a deft hand to create truly human characters who have real sense of depth and history.
What’s very clever here is that she centres them all around a particular location, at a particular time. Each story very much stands alone, and they are all very different, but united by these common threads. At the end of the collection, we see that the characters she has created are even more closely connected than we might have suspected. She manages to create a glow of Christmas-light positivity and hope without ever being twee or glib. A wonderful read.
This collection draws on a whole host of characters from all walks of life – a homeless cellist, an older woman in her detached mansion and a stressed young carer. In all of her stories, she uses a deft hand to create truly human characters who have real sense of depth and history.
What’s very clever here is that she centres them all around a particular location, at a particular time. Each story very much stands alone, and they are all very different, but united by these common threads. At the end of the collection, we see that the characters she has created are even more closely connected than we might have suspected. She manages to create a glow of Christmas-light positivity and hope without ever being twee or glib. A wonderful read.
November 6, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. Thank you to Fairlight Books, NetGalley, and Deborah Jenkins for this opportunity.
I found this book to be a heartwarming holiday read that I managed to finish in a single day. It's a collection of short stories featuring a diverse cast of characters, all infused with a prevailing sense of hope and connection. These stories offer glimpses into the everyday lives of ordinary people as they prepare for their own holiday celebrations or grapple with the lack thereof.
Personally, I didn't find this to be the most exciting read, and I struggled to form deep connections with the stories or their characters. However, I did appreciate the eloquent writing and the book's overarching theme. It effectively conveys a sense of authenticity and captures the true essence of the holiday season – which is all about hope and connection – without being too over the top holly jolly.
I found this book to be a heartwarming holiday read that I managed to finish in a single day. It's a collection of short stories featuring a diverse cast of characters, all infused with a prevailing sense of hope and connection. These stories offer glimpses into the everyday lives of ordinary people as they prepare for their own holiday celebrations or grapple with the lack thereof.
Personally, I didn't find this to be the most exciting read, and I struggled to form deep connections with the stories or their characters. However, I did appreciate the eloquent writing and the book's overarching theme. It effectively conveys a sense of authenticity and captures the true essence of the holiday season – which is all about hope and connection – without being too over the top holly jolly.
December 6, 2024
Ten seasonal stories set in and around the fictional village of Hanford. Each stands alone but there's an overlap of characters, some of whom who are brought together in the final two chapters. Each one is preparing for the Christmas and new year season with varying degrees of success according to their circumstances and temperaments. Lost keys, forgotten presents, buying the 'right' present, inter-generational relationships, complex family relationships, looking forward as well as looking back are all pertinent topics.
My favourite quote is: 'Anyone can see darkness. It takes courage to look for light.' This is the theme that holds the book together.
I love Deborah's use of simile and evocative figures of speech which season her writing so effectively, bringing a richness to her narratives. There is an originality in her writing which feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. A wonderful book for winter.
My favourite quote is: 'Anyone can see darkness. It takes courage to look for light.' This is the theme that holds the book together.
I love Deborah's use of simile and evocative figures of speech which season her writing so effectively, bringing a richness to her narratives. There is an originality in her writing which feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. A wonderful book for winter.
September 30, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Fairlight Books for sending me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Winter Lights consists of these one chapter stories of all these completely different people whose timelines are slightly intertwined during the Holidays. Each chapter takes the POV of a different character, and tells the reader a lesson that brings on the Holiday nostalgia. The true lesson? You never truly know a person’s whole story just by a few moments with ‘em. Or at least, that’s what I gathered. I gave it three stars because it just seemed a bit dull. Nothing stood out. However I still recommend this book for Holiday nostalgia. I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt because I read it in September, not December.
Winter Lights consists of these one chapter stories of all these completely different people whose timelines are slightly intertwined during the Holidays. Each chapter takes the POV of a different character, and tells the reader a lesson that brings on the Holiday nostalgia. The true lesson? You never truly know a person’s whole story just by a few moments with ‘em. Or at least, that’s what I gathered. I gave it three stars because it just seemed a bit dull. Nothing stood out. However I still recommend this book for Holiday nostalgia. I’m giving it the benefit of the doubt because I read it in September, not December.
November 1, 2023
Any book by Deborah Jenkins is bound to be a good read. Her lyrical, flowing style and deceptively simple style of storytelling draws the reader in from the first word. This delightful collection of short stories is no exception. Charming, poignant, engaging and often funny, the stories are beautifully drawn tales of love and loss, loneliness and courage, uncertainty and revelation. I simply loved it and read it in one sitting. It's the perfect gift too - there are many people I can think of who would enjoy this as a present. I was sad when I got to the last page and (this is rare for me), was extremely tempted to start all over again so that I could put the pieces together for myself. A wonderful book, highly recommended.
November 12, 2023
I read ‘Winter Lights’ with a furrowed brow and range of expressions. So moving was each tale that I felt the need to pause after each one in order to allow the emotional shifts within to settle.
With an aptitude for capturing the beauty of moments in written form, Jenkins’ skill for short stories stands out. The profound messages tucked in each tale ignites surprise as each one carries a layered depth and the dualistic theme of light and dark ties in beautifully with the main theme of Christmas. Of course, this is purposeful: Christmas is a time of light and hope and was placed around Winter Solstice because in the Northern Hemisphere, days become lighter. And so, Jenkins places a beacon of hope within each story.
With an aptitude for capturing the beauty of moments in written form, Jenkins’ skill for short stories stands out. The profound messages tucked in each tale ignites surprise as each one carries a layered depth and the dualistic theme of light and dark ties in beautifully with the main theme of Christmas. Of course, this is purposeful: Christmas is a time of light and hope and was placed around Winter Solstice because in the Northern Hemisphere, days become lighter. And so, Jenkins places a beacon of hope within each story.
February 5, 2024
This was a joy to read. Clever, warm and satisfying. A collection of short stories, each one different, but all introducing us to relatable characters and intriguing plots. I loved not knowing where the next story would take me - snowy winter forest, light filled dawn, Christmas shopping panic, an Indian restaurant – and who I would meet. I was never disappointed. By the book’s close we have experienced a full spectrum of human emotions and interaction: witnessed life’s small joys and enormous tragedies, kindness, humour – and a very gratifying ending.
Although largely set during the busy, December festive season, this read will bring hope and light at any time of the year. As with the proverbial puppy, Winter Lights is definitely not just for Christmas.
Although largely set during the busy, December festive season, this read will bring hope and light at any time of the year. As with the proverbial puppy, Winter Lights is definitely not just for Christmas.
October 11, 2023
Winter Lights is a series of short stories based on the fictional town of Henford and some of its denizens. For me, the building connections which I discovered as I read each story were a large part of my enjoyment of them, as I recognised characters and began to understand how their stories linked.
Deborah Jenkins is an accomplished and fluent writer, and there are gems of sentences so well phrased that they bring the scene to vibrant life. She des not flinch from life's realities: there is trouble and tragedy here, and the stories are not cosy. Nevertheless, overall there is humanity and heart, and a pervading sense of hope, which makes them both memorable and joy to read.
Deborah Jenkins is an accomplished and fluent writer, and there are gems of sentences so well phrased that they bring the scene to vibrant life. She des not flinch from life's realities: there is trouble and tragedy here, and the stories are not cosy. Nevertheless, overall there is humanity and heart, and a pervading sense of hope, which makes them both memorable and joy to read.
December 19, 2024
Uplifting stories of kindness
Uplifting stories of kindness and warmth were a nice change for me after reading my more usual crime or police procedural books. There was also the novelty of an accompanying playlist of Christmas songs which I've never come across before. I must admit though, that by the last story in particular, it all felt a little too "Goody-two-shoes" for me and I'm keen to get back to reading some more murder and mayhem. It was a nice little holiday though!
Uplifting stories of kindness and warmth were a nice change for me after reading my more usual crime or police procedural books. There was also the novelty of an accompanying playlist of Christmas songs which I've never come across before. I must admit though, that by the last story in particular, it all felt a little too "Goody-two-shoes" for me and I'm keen to get back to reading some more murder and mayhem. It was a nice little holiday though!
November 12, 2023
A very happy collection of reads ideal to make someone feel contented and happy.
All the stories deal with ordinary, everyday life and the issues that people face, the complexities of human relationships and the way that people try to overcome the obstacles they face plus the difficulties even amongst family and how we try to come to peace with them.
This was a beautiful collection of stories.
All the stories deal with ordinary, everyday life and the issues that people face, the complexities of human relationships and the way that people try to overcome the obstacles they face plus the difficulties even amongst family and how we try to come to peace with them.
This was a beautiful collection of stories.
September 23, 2024
A wonderful and clever collection of stories.
I loved how the characters are interwoven between stories but also as standalone stories, there is a gorgeous variety.
This immediately gave me the festive feels, but also this isn't afraid to show some tricky family dynamics, some sensitive situations and manage humour throughout. I went through quite a few emotions reading these, but was left smiling and feeling warm and cosy in these cold temperatures.
An absolute delight.
I loved how the characters are interwoven between stories but also as standalone stories, there is a gorgeous variety.
This immediately gave me the festive feels, but also this isn't afraid to show some tricky family dynamics, some sensitive situations and manage humour throughout. I went through quite a few emotions reading these, but was left smiling and feeling warm and cosy in these cold temperatures.
An absolute delight.
December 5, 2023
I adored this book by Deborah Jenkins. It’s a series of short stories, each one centred on a resident of a fictional town called Henford at Christmas time. Although each story stands alone, you happily realise as you read along that all the characters lives are connected in some way. It’s a book full of light and hope and a perfect read for a dark winter’s evening.
December 24, 2023
I found these stories quite moving, hopeful while also realistic about how difficult Christmas can be as we compare ourselves to others, or compare the moment to ones past. Deborah Jenkins always compiles such wonderful, diverse casts of characters and I love seeing them get moments to pause, and understand each other.
April 11, 2024
I was asked by NetGalley to review this book, this was a really cosy Christmas read. This short stories and really lovely colllection.
Se in an fictitious community in Sussex, and were all connected in some way which I enjoyed The characters are real, this is well written and there is a theme running through this stories and that is hope a lovely message for Christmas.
Se in an fictitious community in Sussex, and were all connected in some way which I enjoyed The characters are real, this is well written and there is a theme running through this stories and that is hope a lovely message for Christmas.
December 16, 2023
A wonderful collection of shorts stories. A delight to read at Christmas time. Heartwarming without being sickly sweet. The author shows insight and compassion for the situations people find themselves in and the struggles they face.
I will look forward to reading more from Deborah Jenkins.
I will look forward to reading more from Deborah Jenkins.
February 1, 2025
A heartwarming collection of interlinked short stories, Winter Lights is a touching reminder that there is still goodness and kindness to be found.
Perhaps it’s the influence of the times we live in, but I found these stories moving and hopeful.
Perhaps it’s the influence of the times we live in, but I found these stories moving and hopeful.
July 24, 2025
The perfect winter read
Beautifully written short stories with a heart warming twist at the end.
For someone that loves to curl up with a good Christmas book this one is perfect and I shall bring it out again every year
Beautifully written short stories with a heart warming twist at the end.
For someone that loves to curl up with a good Christmas book this one is perfect and I shall bring it out again every year
November 5, 2023
A collection of short stories that range from wonderful to disappointing but all have one thing in common-a seasonal theme.
November 7, 2023
Festive, heartwarming and well written. An anthology of short stories that made me smile and wish it was Christmas
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 10, 2023
What a joy, delight and heart warming book. Loved it
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