De kerstwinkel van Ferry Lane

Ferry Lane Market #4

by Nicola May, Ed van Eeden (Translator), Mattijs Warbroek (Translator)

Als de 39-jarige soapactrice Sabrina te maken krijgt met een publiek schandaal, slaat ze op de vlucht naar het dorpje Hartmouth in Cornwall. Om niet herkend te worden, verandert ze haar uiterlijk en houdt ze haar identiteit geheim. Als ze een advertentie ziet voor een kraampje op de Ferry Lane-markt, grijpt ze haar kans. Van de een op de andere dag runt ze een kerstcadeauwinkel en Sabrina voelt zich al snel thuis onder de dorpsbewoners. Maar met de feestdagen in zicht gaan er roddels rond dat de markt zal moeten sluiten. Sabrina staat voor een belangrijke vertrekt ze met de noorderzon of zet ze alles op alles om haar nieuwe vrienden en haar nieuwe thuis te helpen?

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Romance, Amazon, Contemporary

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

About the author

Hello, I'm Nicola May, author of 22 romantic comedy novels.

I look forward to sharing all my heartfelt and fun books with you.

For further information on me, my books and to read reviews please do go to www.nicolamay.com.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I read the wonderful Ferry Lane Market series but I knew I would be immersed again in the wonderful atmosphere and the friendly banter of the market traders and I absolutely was! It felt like I was revisiting a favourite holiday resort and meeting up with old friends.

When Jilly finds her fiancé has been cheating, she runs away to the holiday cottage they had rented for their honeymoon. Using a different name and changing her appearance, as she is well known, she begins to find her place with new friends who accept her just for herself and not as a famous actress. In a very unplanned decision, she opens a temporary Christmas and gifts shop on the main street alongside all the other shops we know well from the rest of the series.

But as a reporter starts sniffing around will her cover be blown, and what will her new friends think of her deception?

A gorgeous story about finding where you belong, and realising when you need to let go.

I hope Nicola decides to carry on writing more of the Ferry Lane series, as I will never tire of reading them.

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant story with plenty of exciting moments to keep me on my toes throughout!
I loved the secrecy of Sabrina’s arrival to the community and they way she was accepted into the community too.
I’d love to run a Christmas stall and the market sounds incredibly fabulous too!
There was lots of action to become engrossed with, and a few twists to make you feel surprised as you read along.

A great festive read.

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicola May is one of my favourite Rom Com writers and this latest book has been my pick of the Ferry Lane series. Although it can be read as a standalone, it was lovely to revisit old friends from the other three in the series and meet some new characters.
I'm a fan of Nicola's Cockleberry Bay books and when I read them, I had my bags packed ready to move there. Now I'll have to split my time between Cockleberry Bay and Ferry Lane.

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and it’s wonderful characters. Sabrina is a new face, she’s a soap TV star who has run away after her wedding that wasn’t, she wants to be incognito. She decides to set up a Christmas stall in Ferry Lane Market which is a welcome addition to the market but it’s not easy being a “ newbie”. This book had drama, secrets, laughter and romance and was an engaging read which I read in a day.

[Marleen de Sterke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ik had zin in een Hallmark kerstfilm in boekvorm en ik kreeg een mix tussen The Holiday en de zeven zussen (qua sfeer). Prima vermaak, van een niveau wat je verwacht bij zo’n boek. Tikkie ordinair.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good series, especially when you can revisit memorable characters, as well as get to know new ones, and Nicola May is brilliant at creating those kinds of characters.
The Ferry Lane Market Series is great, and I was thrilled to be back with the wonderful people who make up the community.
This time, the newcomer is Sabrina Swift. Sabrina is a well-known TV actress, running away from a disastrous wedding day.
She assumes a different identity as she tries to settle within the community, with only a handful of people knowing the truth, as she comes to terms with the deceit of her almost-husband, Dom.
An opportunity to take a stall part-time seems too good to be true, but the market inspector sells it to her.
As she settles, the old favourites we know from previous books, like Bella, Star and Kara, all make their appearances and help Sabrina, or Jilly, as they know her, to start up her successful stall.
But that would be too simple and boring to read, wouldn't it?
The threat of being found out, an illicit affair, hiding things from people she becomes close to. Everything takes its toll on Sabrina.
A great cast of characters and some well-shaped antagonists, too, made me fume as I read the things they did!
I loved the story, and I was thrilled with the ending. There are some characters you don't forget, and seeing them have a happy ending makes me smile. Kinda hoping there will be more...

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The community around Ferry Lane Market are back in force and welcome a newcomer into their ranks. Sabrina has good reason to escape from the social media hell of show business and chosen to hide in plain sight in Cornwall. Some keep her secrets and she finds some true friends in her new life. You soon realise that there is more to Sabrina than meets the eye and her feelings about her family are complicated and show a much more vulnerable side to her. She has lost track of just who she is and a major part of the story centres around Sabrina's rediscovering her true desires. At times, she is a little hard to like but ultimately, she keeps your sympathy.
For most of the story, you are unsure what Sabrina is going to decide on as her next venture. no matter how capable she seems in her daily life, there is a raw vulnerability in her which is crying out to be accepted and cherished. You know exactly how you want her story to end of course but at several moments, this seems in doubt. This is a thoroughly entertaining read with romance, characters and a good degree of jeopardy thrown in.
In short: Follow your dreams
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Sarah Kingsnorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicola May - A Holiday Romance In Ferry Lane Market.

Welcome back to Hartmouth for book 4 in the Ferry Lane Market series.
A Holiday Romance In Ferry Lane Market can be read as a standalone story. However, do yourself a favour and read the whole fabulous series in order. You won’t regret it.

I was very excited to head back to Ferry Lane Market and to catch up with it’s inhabitants.
Nicola May has created a fabulous community feel in this series.
I love the mix of characters and the strength of the bonds that tie them together.

#AHolidayRomanceInFeryLaneMarket introduces us to some new characters who bring mystery and intrigue with them.
There are many twists and turns in this book. The story is charming and engaging. It’s funny, sweet and utterly feel good.

#AHolidayRomanceInFerryLaneMarket is a great addition to this series. You’ll fall in love with Hartmouth and never want to leave.

I hope this book flies high for you Nicola May. You deserve every success from this beautiful series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Nicola May for a digital arc of this title.

[Sams_Fireside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This weekend I headed off to Ferry Lane Market to mingle with my favourite bunch of market traders and the newcomer amongst them, Sabrina Swift. Or as she introduces herself, plain old Jilly Dickens. Sabrina, for good reason, is hiding from her real life in London and just wants to mingle with normal people and fit in with her new friends.

I love, love, love this series from Nicola May. Each book follows a different character, and with each story I read, I just fall more in love with everyone (well, almost everyone) who lives in Hartmouth. To be honest, I wasn’t sure about Sabrina at first, and it wasn’t until she decided to take on a Ferry Lane Market stall herself that I began to warm to her. But then she becomes another Nicola May character who fits in so well with all the others, and I was hooked. Of course, from that moment on, I wanted her to be happy, to find a man and a new life where she’s appreciated. Does all that happen? You’ll have to read it to find out.

This latest stunner from Nicola May can definitely be read as a standalone book, but I would recommend starting at the beginning and perhaps putting all of them on your wishlist!

Thank you to Nicola May for the opportunity to read and review A Holiday Romance in Ferry Lane Market.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.

This book is actually book number four from the ‘Ferry Lane Market’ series and can very easily be read as a stand alone even though each book does include some reoccurring characters.

I do love a good series and this one is no exception.

I also hope that there are more books in the series to come because , after working my way through this book, i still wanted more!!

I loved the characters in this story and we are introduced to some new ones too and they were wonderful, for better or for worse!!!

I really enjoyed my visit to Ferry Lane and will definitely be coming back for more!!

[Laurianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 ⭐️

Oh wat wou ik genieten van dit boek en wegdommelen in de kerstsfeer in het pittoreske Ferry Lane, maar helaas.

Sabrina / Jilly / ... is echt niet mijn soort personage. Ik stoorde me best aan haar gedrag en dat is niet zo handig als ze het hoofdpersonage is en je de hele tijd als lezer in haar hoofd zit. Ik zag ook weinig tot geen groei in haar als personage, iets waar in in eerste instantie nog op hoopte. Ook haar beste vriendin, Dee, blijft zo enorm oppervlakkig en had geen eigen persoonlijkheid. Ze werd er bij gehaald wanneer het voor Sabrina uitkwam en dan weer zonder pardon aan de kant geschoven. Wat ook een beetje het hoofdpersonage samenvat, helaas.

De verhaallijn was voor mij ook niet helemaal goed uitgewerkt en leek van hier naar daar te gaan. Het was zo lastig voor mij om echt goed in het verhaal te komen, door die verspringingen. Ik miste zo erg de charme van de rest van de reeks in dit boek. En ik had ook veel meer kerstsfeer verwacht, maar die voelde ik niet echt.

Voor mij een misser, maar voor andere is dit misschien wel net hun favoriete boek. Als je een kerstboek zoekt om wat in de sfeer te komen, zonder dat het er te dik opligt, dan is dit wel het boek voor jou!

[Romy van t Veen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wederom een geweldig boek! Hou van deze serie <3

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Sjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lekkere happily ever after, zo voor kerst.

[Anne Van Cauwenberge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geweldig,heel leuk en ontspannend boek,mooi verhaal, geweldig einde

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Holiday Romance in Ferry Lane Market by Nicola May

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

To escape a public scandal, a jilted actress journeys to Ferry Lane Market

When soap actor Sabrina Swift loses her way due to a public scandal, she packs up her life, heads to Cornwall and finds herself running a gift shop in the quaint and quirky Ferry Lane Market.

Changing her looks and identity to keep her anonymity, the newcomer starts to make friends and enemies as she walks a frosty path in the established marketplace community.

And as rumours start circling that the outside market is going to be shut down, Sabrina is not only ensconced in an unexpected love triangle but is also faced with a difficult decision that could alter both her life and those of the inhabitants of Hartmouth forever.

Charming characters and a beautifully written setting make for a delightful and uplifting tale that explores themes of self-discovery, belonging and the importance of following your heart.

My Opinion

I was delighted to see that there was going to be a new release in the Ferry Lane Market series. This was a fabulous book and I read it one sitting. It was nice to see some familiar characters - as these are not the focus of the story, this could easily be read as a standalone.

This is such a lovely story with some great characters. A charming book that will make you not want to leave Hartmouth. There is always a lot of drama going on in Hartmouth so of course there is plenty packed into this book. I would recommend making sure that you read this full series to ensure that you get the full enjoyment.

Rating 4/5

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful to return to Ferry Lane Market as we followed the fall out of Sabrina Swift’s departure from the limelight. I thoroughly enjoy books that despite being in a series, can be enjoyed as a standalone story, especially as they often provide an opportunity to catch up on the lives of characters that we have already met. A Holiday Romance in Ferry Lane Market was like a grand reunion as everyone was part of the story and I absolutely loved it.
Sabrina was beautifully drawn, and I really took to her from the opening pages. Her pain was palpable as she went from possibly one of the most difficult situations imaginable and fell into the trap of seeking solace from an ill-advised source. I found it refreshing that she was able to maintain her kindness despite the way in which she was treated. That said, she was amongst some of the most wonderful people on paper.
This festive return to Ferry Lane was an absolute treat and just what I needed to read as the nights started to draw in and I finally succumbed to firing up the central heating. The story is beautifully told, and I am now convinced that if Ferry Lane Market existed, I would be making a beeline to visit. I could imagine each of the traders and their stalls, probably because I’ve been a frequent virtual visitor.
Of course, this is romantic fiction, and I was delighted to see the story shifting gear as it headed toward the happy ending that I could not have imagined better. This is a truly wonderful series and I honestly feel that this latest instalment is the best yet. However, you’ll have to read it to see if you agree with me.

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ferry Lane Market series is back and this might be my most favourite yet!! It’s one of those series that can be read as a standalone very easily, but then you’d be missing out on the other books that came before!! It’s a very addictive series and set of characters so be warned!

This centres around Sabrina who is reeling from heartbreak and looking to escape public scrutiny. Something she finds hard to do as she’s a very well known face! So she finds herself in Cornwall to hide away from the world and ends up finding a new her!

I loved reconnecting with the old characters from previous books, whilst also getting to know Sabrina who is a really lovely character and willing to throw herself into this new community and the opportunities it offers her. And it also starts to offer new romance possibilities!

There’s always drama going on in Ferry Lane and it was enthralling to see the more dramatic aspects of life play out, while she also gets to enjoy life being ‘normal’ for a while! She had been used to a more luxurious lifestyle but moving to Cornwall she finds herself enjoying a more natural and simple kind of life. And one phrase from the book that has stuck with me is ‘the quieter you become, the more you are able to hear’…… very wise words and a phrase that really resonates with Sabrina in this new chapter of her life.

I loved this and it’s another addictive addition to the series! I hope there’s another visit to Ferry Lane market soon for us to enjoy!!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly hooked from start to finish, this was fabulous.

What a brilliant new book in the Ferry Lane Market series, which sees all the regular and past main characters return, but they aren't the main focus, so this can easily be read as a standalone.

I loved every single moment of this book, and Nicola May is an author who can do no wrong in my eyes. I loved all the various storylines running through this, and I especially loved hating on some of the really despicable men that Sabrina knows.

Sabrina is determined not to be recognised, and even uses an alter ego while she is an Cornwall, while she tries to re-assess just what she wants from life. And I loved her decision to set up a Christmas shop in Ferry Lane Market, which really does allow her to live a more normal life for a while.

And there is a slow burn romance on the cards, after some false starts with other potentials, which also intrigued me. While catching up with Star and Kara especially was great and seeing how they are getting on since we last had a book set here.

I just thoroughly enjoyed this book, and feel sure it must be another winner for the author. Full of drama, antics, fun and just an all around great story.

Thank you to the author for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a joy to read, I knew from the synopsis I would love it, sounded just like the read I needed and wanted and I can tell you it delivered and more. It’s such a gorgeous story. I love Nicole May’s books so I’m not exactly unbiased, but I think they are fantastic, such wonderful stories full of relatable heartwarming characters and communities.

This is the fourth book in the Ferry Lane Market Series, but each one can be read as stand-alone stories, but I guarantee you read one and you will want to go back to the beginning and read them all (then check out the Cockleberry Bay books because they are wonderful) I love returning to Ferry Lane Market, it always feels like you haven’t long left the characters of this gorgeous community.

It’s the festive period in Ferry Lane, what could be better than one of my favourite places but at Christmas too. I would love to run a Christmas stall here, I wish it existed I would s be there every Christmas to visit. This really is a wonderful story and I think this might be my favourite of the series (so far as Nicola outdoes herself each time) looking for a gorgeous read to curl up with on a wintry night, look no further.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

An actress really shouldn't have a real life filled with drama
But Sabrina Swift's could do with being much calmer!
Her wedding day ruined, she needs to escape and so
Off to her honeymoon venue alone she decides to go.

She's had enough of the publicity and press
All she wants now is a chance to regress
To be someone out of the public eye
And to find people on whom she can rely.

Whilst visiting Ferry Lane Market she has an idea
A vacant unit is available and home somewhere near.
A Christmas gift shop could be really great and so
For just three months, she decides to give it a go!

With new friendships, new relationships and a new name, too,
All gives Sabrina the chance her choices to review.
But faced with decisions that could change lives there
She realises just how much for the people she has learnt to care.

With dilemmas, lovers, choices and romance
This is a great read that is worth much more than a chance!
I really enjoy the characters in this close community
Along with the storyline and added mystery!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you -
As I share with you my honest review.

[theweebookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Ferry Lane Market series and can be read as standalone but to get the best enjoyment I would recommend reading the others first.

I absolutely adored Sabrina and my heart went out to her. She's had a lot of sadness to deal with throughout her life. I liked her change of direction when she was having some time out. I really hoped things wouldn't develop with Lowen as I really didn't like him, Connor, on the other hand!

There was such a sense of community in the book with the characters looking out for one another. It was emotional at times with plenty of twists to keep you guessing as well. A lovely heartwarming story of second chances and learning to follow your heart.

Thank you Rachels Random Resources for my gifted copy and spot on the tour.

[Henriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gutted when I read book 3 set in Ferry Lane Market as it said it was book 3 of 3. Now I was absolutely thrilled to discover Nicola was taking us back to Ferry Lane Market, but with a story that can be read as a stand-alone.

Just like with the other stories set in Ferry Lane, this story gave me all the feels with wonderful characters and I was 100% invested in Sabrina's story. I really felt for her, even though I have no idea what it is like to be a celebrity and being scared of being recognized... I prefer the simple life which is what Sabrina was getting a taste of in this story. I loved being back with all the characters we had met previously on Ferry Lane Market, but this is very much Sabrina's story so you can jump in right here.

[Nina VKL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dit boek vond ik wel weer erg leuk! Inmiddels was ik ook gewend dat elk boek een nieuw hoofdpersonage had, deze persoon was voor mij wel interessant. En soapster die op het altaar erachter komt dat haar verloofde is vreemdgegaan...

Sabrina gaat alleen op huwelijksreis om even over dingen na te denken en komt zo in hartmouth uit, waar ze vrij impulsief een kerstwinkel begint op Ferry Lane, vermomnd en met een ander naam: Jilly om haar ware identiteit als soap actrice nog even geheim te houden.

Ze logeert in het begin bij Isaac en Belle, van boek 3, en uiteindelijk verhuisd ze dichterbij de markt en komt ze daar de liefde van haar leven tegen, hoe kan het ook anders haha

Ik heb genoten van dit boek.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very happy to read another novel in the Ferry Lane Market series and catch up with the characters that I loved.
Sabrina is a great character, well developed and likeable. She’s hiding after a scandal, but she fell in love with her hiding place and the people.
This is the start of a poignant, heart-warming, and festive story. Nicola May delivers another compelling story and plays with a lot of emotions never being repetitive or predictable.
It can be read as a stand-alone but reading the whole serie will make you appreciate the nuances of this story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Nicola May and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[dreamingofbookss · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Dutch review*

Rating: 4 stars ⭐️

Ik ben echt een enorme fan van deze serie van Nicola May en was aangenaam verrast toen ik de nieuwe release zag! 🎁

In dit verhaal volg je Sabrina, ze is een 39-jarige succesvolle actrice die op het punt staat om te trouwen. Nadat het ontrouw van haar partner, Dominic, aan het licht is gekomen, beslist ze om alleen op huwelijksreis te gaan naar Hartmouth.

Ze komt terecht in een hartverwarmende gemeenschap en beslist om een tijdelijke winkel te openen met leuke kerstspulletjes & -cadeautjes…

Ik vond het echt leuk om over de personages te lezen van de voorafgaande boeken. 📕

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been onboard with this series ever since book one and I've absolutely loved it! Hartmouth is one of the most friendly, welcoming places and Ferry Lane Market is one of those book places you instantly wish was real.

It's always a treat to go back and catch up with old friends and meet some new. In this instance we get to know Jilly Dickens aka Sabrina Swift who's currently in soap jail, but has taken herself off to Hartmouth after her husband's floozy decides to makes an appearance on their wedding day!

Brilliant series, brilliant author and a highly enjoyable series of books.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always lovely to return to a favourite series, and with appearances of past characters and a vibrant setting, this book is a welcome read. A new character is the focus of this story, so it is also readable as a standalone. A mystery visitor to the market is hiding from her past and trying ro find out what she wants from her life. There are twists, community spirit and some new friendships. When secrets are revealed, Sabrina's new happiness is threatened. I like the authentic market setting, the sense of community and the uplifting vibe.

I received a copy of this book from the author.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book so much. I've really found Nicola's books enjoyable in the past because of how they portray more realistic characters with real life problems. This one fell short for me. I loved Conor, the Ferry Lane Market characters, and the beautiful Cornish setting. I really disliked how Francoise was almost only referred to as "The French Stick". It felt so thin-shamey and demeaning in an outdated way. I also didn't like how Jilly's brother was only a plot point and she never went to see him or talk about what his life was like in his facility.

[Lieke · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book did not really have the christmasvibes I was hoping for. I expected a bit more christmas feeling for a book with christmas in the title. This was the first book of the 'Ferry Lane' serie I read, but I found it quite boring and slow.
For me there didn't happen that much in the book and all of a sudden it took a weird turn, where in the end nothing really seemed to happen again. With missing the christmas vibes I was a bit dissapointed, so I can't give it more then 2 stars. Did love Connor tho!