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The Gingerbread Christmas Village
Everyone deserves a Christmas treat... The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades. For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region and each year the model town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever. Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece. She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village, but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham, and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker. As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance. Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back? A cosy, totally feelgood seasonal read that will have you smiling. The perfect read to snuggle up and have you feeling festive! Fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley will love this book. Readers can't get enough of Kiley Dunbar's cosy, warm, festive ‘What an adorable, emotional, and beautiful read!!... made me believe in the Christmas magic all over again …This is certainly one of my favourite holiday reads and a book that will stick with me.’ Diary of a Book Fiend ‘Wow!!...This is a must read, heartwarming Christmas story . I would easily give this book hundreds of stars.’ Little Miss Book Lover 87 ‘The epitome of Christmas, winter wonderlands, sleds, warm fires and the coziest of romances… If Kiley keeps writing holiday stories like this I may give up all other genres of books .’ Reading Girl Reviews ‘With plenty of Christmassy feel-good vibes and cute puppies, it's a wonderful holiday romance.’ Ellesea Loves Reading ‘ Full of festive feeling , fabulous characters, friends, family, and snow… I just loved every second of this book .’ Rachel’s Random Reads ‘There's many types of Christmas books. But the best ones? Those are the ones that leave you feeling things... Kiley Dunbar managed to make me fall in love with her characters and left me with actual tears in my eyes.’ Walking Through The Pages ' It's so festive and wintery and simply gorgeous !...The characters were enjoyable to get to know and I loved the location.’ The Cosiest Corner
299 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2023
60 people are currently reading
897 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
July 3, 2023
3.5⭐
This author is an auto-read author for me; I’ve enjoyed all three of her Borrow-A-Bookshop books!
What’s not to love about reading a Christmas book in July?! Right?
How about a chance to smell the gingerbread? How about a chance to stroll through a Cotswold village? At Christmas? Sign me up!
As I read about Margi getting her Christmas spirit back, mine increased, too!
In addition to the festive spirit you’d expect from this book, you’ll also read about women, friendship, aging, romance, and community togetherness.
Dunbar explores the problems society creates around expectations of how women are supposed to age. In opposition to the invisibility women in their 60s and 70s feel, Dunbar’s starring roles go to these spectacular women of a certain age. She crafts them as bold and beautiful with plenty still to contribute to society.
Dunbar also highlights intergenerational friendships and shows that they are mutually beneficial, encouraging readers to reach out and create cross-generational bonds.
I appreciated her message about loving yourself first so that you can give and receive love.
I was gifted this copy by Hera Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This author is an auto-read author for me; I’ve enjoyed all three of her Borrow-A-Bookshop books!
What’s not to love about reading a Christmas book in July?! Right?
How about a chance to smell the gingerbread? How about a chance to stroll through a Cotswold village? At Christmas? Sign me up!
As I read about Margi getting her Christmas spirit back, mine increased, too!
In addition to the festive spirit you’d expect from this book, you’ll also read about women, friendship, aging, romance, and community togetherness.
Dunbar explores the problems society creates around expectations of how women are supposed to age. In opposition to the invisibility women in their 60s and 70s feel, Dunbar’s starring roles go to these spectacular women of a certain age. She crafts them as bold and beautiful with plenty still to contribute to society.
Dunbar also highlights intergenerational friendships and shows that they are mutually beneficial, encouraging readers to reach out and create cross-generational bonds.
I appreciated her message about loving yourself first so that you can give and receive love.
I was gifted this copy by Hera Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 16, 2023
I think it was the second half of the book where the story really gets into its own, as I enjoyed reading about Christmas light trails, making plenty of Christmas gingerbread houses and the romantic sub-plot finally developing.
I did struggle to relate to the protagonist, Margi, who has a couple of decades on me! Despite being young at heart, I frequently forgot she was quite older and I have always struggled in the past to connect with characters that are so much older. Nonetheless, she is likeable in her charitable ways – always looking out for others and offering acts of kindness. The legacy of the Christmas grotto made entirely from gingerbread is something she has lived all her life, thanks to her mother’s baking skills, but this year, Margi seems to have run out of steam for such a consuming event.
For the first half of the novel, it is more about Margi trying to remove herself from the village. With dating apps that lead to disastrous meet-ups and looking to tell her friends about her lack of commitment, I found this part of the story to be the slowest. I thought it was lacking in the Christmas magic I was hoping for from Dunbar, leading to me not wholly enjoy it because of the inner conflict that Margi is experiencing.
Yet, when Margi’s friends all start to pull together for the sake of the village, I thought events really turned around. I loved reading about how the community supports the gingerbread grotto and the scenes of the baking made me feel rather peckish indeed. Dunbar packs these parts with plenty of warmth – not just from the ovens and ginger spice – and it caused the book to evolve into that true Christmas read. Furthermore, the scenes of the Christmas lights that Margi visits with Patrick were very atmospheric, reminding me of my own trips in the past. It was exactly what I was hoping for.
Everything comes good in this story – exactly as it should be – and I enjoyed how the writer fast-forwards a few months at the very end of the novel to show where the characters are. It added closure to the story and by this point, I felt invested in all the little sub-plots. If it wasn’t for the slow-ish start to the plot, I think I would have enjoyed it even more. However, one thing is for sure, it has started me thinking about gingerbread, baking, Christmas and, well, maybe even making a delightful little gingerbread house (perhaps without the dry ice)…
With thanks to Hera books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I did struggle to relate to the protagonist, Margi, who has a couple of decades on me! Despite being young at heart, I frequently forgot she was quite older and I have always struggled in the past to connect with characters that are so much older. Nonetheless, she is likeable in her charitable ways – always looking out for others and offering acts of kindness. The legacy of the Christmas grotto made entirely from gingerbread is something she has lived all her life, thanks to her mother’s baking skills, but this year, Margi seems to have run out of steam for such a consuming event.
For the first half of the novel, it is more about Margi trying to remove herself from the village. With dating apps that lead to disastrous meet-ups and looking to tell her friends about her lack of commitment, I found this part of the story to be the slowest. I thought it was lacking in the Christmas magic I was hoping for from Dunbar, leading to me not wholly enjoy it because of the inner conflict that Margi is experiencing.
Yet, when Margi’s friends all start to pull together for the sake of the village, I thought events really turned around. I loved reading about how the community supports the gingerbread grotto and the scenes of the baking made me feel rather peckish indeed. Dunbar packs these parts with plenty of warmth – not just from the ovens and ginger spice – and it caused the book to evolve into that true Christmas read. Furthermore, the scenes of the Christmas lights that Margi visits with Patrick were very atmospheric, reminding me of my own trips in the past. It was exactly what I was hoping for.
Everything comes good in this story – exactly as it should be – and I enjoyed how the writer fast-forwards a few months at the very end of the novel to show where the characters are. It added closure to the story and by this point, I felt invested in all the little sub-plots. If it wasn’t for the slow-ish start to the plot, I think I would have enjoyed it even more. However, one thing is for sure, it has started me thinking about gingerbread, baking, Christmas and, well, maybe even making a delightful little gingerbread house (perhaps without the dry ice)…
With thanks to Hera books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2023
The Gingerbread Christmas Village was a mix of genres that works well with holiday books. There are themes of friendship, loss, relationships, family, personal growth and of course, Christmas magic. The small hamlet of Wheaton in the Costswolds is preparing for Christmas celebrations. It's time for the Wheaton Gingerbread Grotto exhibition chaired by Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the daughter of the event’s founder. Over the years, it has lost it's appeal and less people attend every year. This year she is losing ground as there is competition from the light extravaganza in the next village. Also, the town hall is falling into disrepair and is not a pleasant place to spend time. That doesn't deter Margi and her team made up of her friends Izzy and Patrick, her niece Lucy and Izzy's new employee, shy but media savvy Fern. With Lucy trying to get over her break up, Izzy thinking about lost love, Margi still dealing with the fall out of being left by her husband shortly after the wedding, and Patrick who cares about Margi but she thinks she is too old. There are a lot of emotions in this one. Will they pull off the Gingerbread Grotto? Who will end up together at the end? What decisions will they all make about their lives?
I enjoyed this story with all it's storylines, characters and frustrations. Margi is a strong woman who has been beaten down. She is keeping a secret from her friends and family, until after Christmas, but are her planned actions what she really wants to do? I loved Fern. She seemed like a shy, introverted young girl, but boy does her social media knock your socks off. She is young and makes some questionable decisions that affect others, but her heart is in the right place. There is some old rivalry that comes into play, some romance with more than one couple and lots of personal growth and decisions. I don't want to spoil this story, so will stop here, but if you enjoy a well written story with great characters, lots of emotion and some happily ever afters, I recommend The Gingerbread Christmas Village.
I enjoyed this story with all it's storylines, characters and frustrations. Margi is a strong woman who has been beaten down. She is keeping a secret from her friends and family, until after Christmas, but are her planned actions what she really wants to do? I loved Fern. She seemed like a shy, introverted young girl, but boy does her social media knock your socks off. She is young and makes some questionable decisions that affect others, but her heart is in the right place. There is some old rivalry that comes into play, some romance with more than one couple and lots of personal growth and decisions. I don't want to spoil this story, so will stop here, but if you enjoy a well written story with great characters, lots of emotion and some happily ever afters, I recommend The Gingerbread Christmas Village.
August 30, 2023
A Christmas rom com is good for any time of the year and this one definitely did not disappoint! This touching story was wonderfully created and crafted in such a manner to draw you in and turning pages until the end. A wonderful story of finding your way, no matter your age, to the path that you have been drawn to follow and not letting preconceived notions (of others and yourself) keep you from living your best life with the person that makes you happy. As with most Christmas stories, a happily ever after is included, but it won't look the same as all happy endings. Some will find comfort with a significant other while others find comfort in themselves. This story is especially compelling as it is multigenerational and for once the younger characters are the back story characters that impact the story, but leave the older characters to be front and center. As an aging reader, it was nice to see older characters getting a "part two" to life. While I am not yet the same age as the central characters, I do often worry about what the future will hold and whether I'll walk into my golden years hand in hand with my love or on my own. This story brings hope, independence and standing up for yourself to the forefront and makes this story all that much more compelling. I am quickly become a fan of this author and can't wait to see what she writes next.
December 6, 2024
This book made me ugly cry with joy! Izz and Alexi is all I have to say!!! Plus Margi and Patrick! This story was touching and incredibly heartwarming. There was a charm. The little Cotswolds village called Wheaton. From my research this village appears to be fictional. Let's not plan any holidays to see the gingerbread village!!! The story was so well written and cosy. It was a sweet and clean romance. It ticked all the boxes for me. I loved the characters. It was a cast of good and kind villagers who fall hard on their luck and see influx of love and support on a global level! The book is written in first person from Margi's point of view. I recommend this if you love cosy reads. Plus Margi is 15 years older Patrick. A wee bit of an age gap trope for fans of that!!
August 30, 2023
I loved this Christmas women's fiction book, which is about Margi, who is in her sixties. Margi is a baker, and she is in charge of the annual gingerbread exhibit and grotto in her local area. She is not feeling very Christmassy this year, especially as her gingerbread village is not as popular as it used to be. She asks for help, and her friends and family pull together to try to help her out. Will she be able to save her gingerbread village, and better still, will she perhaps even find some romance?
This is a great book, which is perfect to read on a cold day, snuggled up in front of the fire, with a hot cup of tea and a favourite treat. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
This is a great book, which is perfect to read on a cold day, snuggled up in front of the fire, with a hot cup of tea and a favourite treat. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
August 14, 2023
This was a lovely feel good Christmas romance that was the perfect antidote to a busy day at work, I’d sit back and relax with a mug of hot chocolate and my kindle and be sorted!
All of the characters were lovely and even though Margi is an older MC, which I love in books, there was a younger feel with the surrounding characters especially Lucy and Fern. The community spirit has been tucked away for a while but the ending of this was so magical and just put a smile on my face.
It also made me think of Dunham Massey near me and their light trails at Christmas - I’m already looking forward to heading to another one of these this year!
All of the characters were lovely and even though Margi is an older MC, which I love in books, there was a younger feel with the surrounding characters especially Lucy and Fern. The community spirit has been tucked away for a while but the ending of this was so magical and just put a smile on my face.
It also made me think of Dunham Massey near me and their light trails at Christmas - I’m already looking forward to heading to another one of these this year!
July 8, 2023
I received a free copy of, The Gingerbread Christmas Village by Kiley Dunbar, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 64 year old Margi has lost her Christmas spirit, she lives in a beautiful town of Wheaton in the Cotswolds. This Christmas they have a to make a huge gingerbread Christmas village. Margi has a love interest, but will she brave enough to actually act on it? Margi has great friends especially Izz. I really enjoyed this book by Kiley Dunbar, she is one of my favorite authors,
November 15, 2023
I’m going to start this off by saying that I LOVE that this book’s FMC was a mature woman of 64 grappling with dating in a day and age when things are VERY different from when she grew up. I love that she tried online dating, and I love that there is an age gap here as well. It’s so different from other romance and rom-com books that I’ve read and it was so pleasant to read. Everyone, no matter the age, deserves love.
Dunbar creates such a wonderful Christmas and community atmosphere in this book as well. I want to go to see a village display made out of gingerbread! I’m a sucker for Christmas so I absolutely love these books that center around community Christmas activities.
Margi is surrounded by great friends, family, and community members. I really enjoyed that modern technology helped in the end. It just goes to show that while social media can be harmful, it can also be used for good as well.
There was nothing not to like in this book. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to read it!
Dunbar creates such a wonderful Christmas and community atmosphere in this book as well. I want to go to see a village display made out of gingerbread! I’m a sucker for Christmas so I absolutely love these books that center around community Christmas activities.
Margi is surrounded by great friends, family, and community members. I really enjoyed that modern technology helped in the end. It just goes to show that while social media can be harmful, it can also be used for good as well.
There was nothing not to like in this book. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to read it!
February 7, 2026
Nothing more cosy than a gingerbread Christmas village 🥰
December 6, 2023
This was a book club choice for our December meeting. It was a little bit twee, a little bit predictable, a little bit annoying the way Margi constantly put herself down as “an old lady”, but I still enjoyed it a fair bit.
It’s nice to see a book featuring a main character my age, though I did feel there were two distinct sides to her character which were opposed to each other. On the one hand she wears Docs and refuses to be driven by society’s expectations of, for example, what colour hair a woman should have. On the other hand, she appears to know nothing about social media, dating apps and the like. Her being confident in her appearance is at odds with her fears of the age gap between her and Patrick. Anyway, I’m glad she finally overcame that and I very much enjoyed the description of the magical evening of their first date.
The descriptions in general were spot on: I could picture the village hall, the extravaganza of Dunham Gravey’s Christmas event (lifted from real-life Dunham Massey?) and the busyness of the Christmas market with its commercial air of enforced ‘’good times’’. The characters felt like real people, with real, if self-perceived, problems.
All in all, it was an easy Christmas read that delivered on its promise. Now where can I find my Patrick?!
It’s nice to see a book featuring a main character my age, though I did feel there were two distinct sides to her character which were opposed to each other. On the one hand she wears Docs and refuses to be driven by society’s expectations of, for example, what colour hair a woman should have. On the other hand, she appears to know nothing about social media, dating apps and the like. Her being confident in her appearance is at odds with her fears of the age gap between her and Patrick. Anyway, I’m glad she finally overcame that and I very much enjoyed the description of the magical evening of their first date.
The descriptions in general were spot on: I could picture the village hall, the extravaganza of Dunham Gravey’s Christmas event (lifted from real-life Dunham Massey?) and the busyness of the Christmas market with its commercial air of enforced ‘’good times’’. The characters felt like real people, with real, if self-perceived, problems.
All in all, it was an easy Christmas read that delivered on its promise. Now where can I find my Patrick?!
June 27, 2023
The Gingerbread Christmas Village by Kiley Dunbar is a wonderful and festive contemporary fiction that I truly enjoyed.
I have enjoyed Ms, Dunbar’s books in the past, so of course I wanted to read this gem. (And I have to mention that I love, love, love gingerbread…like big time.)
I loved the concepts of friends, community, hope, promise, love, kindness, and evoking the spirit of what the Christmas season can bring. It was so nice to read something uplifting and positive. It was also very awesome to be able to follow along with a MC in her 60s, Margi. She was relatable, likable, and realistic, adorable, imperfect, and oh so funny and…did I say awesome already? One couldn’t help but be a fan in her corner. As a female reader nearing 40, it is hard to find books where the MC is the rightful star of the show that is middle-aged. I loved this.
I loved the whole cast of characters in the little village of Wheaton in the Cotswolds. Sure it is picturesque and quaint, but the author holds no punches in that it is just like any small town, and you are what you make of it. I loved the inhabitants and the transformations that overtake this village physically and also within each person. I loved Patrick, Izz, Lucy, Fern, Shell, Sully, Leo…and I can go on and on. Yes, this is a Christmas book, but I think it can easily be enjoyed at any time of the year.
The ending was perfect, and I would love to see another book to follow. I really feel these characters have more in them and more to say…it would be very exciting.
I finished the book feeling warm, cheery, hopeful, and smiling.
Another home run from Ms. Dunbar.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Hera Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/31/23.
I have enjoyed Ms, Dunbar’s books in the past, so of course I wanted to read this gem. (And I have to mention that I love, love, love gingerbread…like big time.)
I loved the concepts of friends, community, hope, promise, love, kindness, and evoking the spirit of what the Christmas season can bring. It was so nice to read something uplifting and positive. It was also very awesome to be able to follow along with a MC in her 60s, Margi. She was relatable, likable, and realistic, adorable, imperfect, and oh so funny and…did I say awesome already? One couldn’t help but be a fan in her corner. As a female reader nearing 40, it is hard to find books where the MC is the rightful star of the show that is middle-aged. I loved this.
I loved the whole cast of characters in the little village of Wheaton in the Cotswolds. Sure it is picturesque and quaint, but the author holds no punches in that it is just like any small town, and you are what you make of it. I loved the inhabitants and the transformations that overtake this village physically and also within each person. I loved Patrick, Izz, Lucy, Fern, Shell, Sully, Leo…and I can go on and on. Yes, this is a Christmas book, but I think it can easily be enjoyed at any time of the year.
The ending was perfect, and I would love to see another book to follow. I really feel these characters have more in them and more to say…it would be very exciting.
I finished the book feeling warm, cheery, hopeful, and smiling.
Another home run from Ms. Dunbar.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Hera Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/31/23.
November 15, 2025
The ending was really lovely, but I found this book a chore to read. Idk what is was, but it just didn't give me anything. I think it was be a great read for a mature reader who can relate to the characters more than I can because as I was once told 'were old, not dead' and I'll leave my review at that 😂
November 6, 2023
A entertaining and heart warming Christmas romance - the perfect read for the season.
December 23, 2024
DNF at page 200. Ridiculously late, I know, but I kept seeing glimpses of the book I had hoped it to be. I loved Kiley Dunbar's "Christmas at Frozen Falls", but this one was just ... strangely depressing :-/ And though I know that it would have a happy ending, the fact that it just kept getting MORE depressing - even two thirds of the way through - had me saying "Nope!" Life's too short for that.
Fortunately I got it on sale, so it only set me back £2 :-P
Fortunately I got it on sale, so it only set me back £2 :-P
January 1, 2024
Absolutely fine for a Christmas romance novel. Not my cup of tea, but that won’t shock many.
December 1, 2024
4.5 ⭐️All the Christmas feels! Such a wonderful uplifting book about love, community and friendships when you are 50+ and of all ages really. Had me smiling throughout.
July 29, 2023
I love diving into Kiley Dunbar's books, and I was looking forward to this latest one, and it didn't disappoint.
Margi, our main character, is a 64-year-old woman who is in a bit of a dilemma in life. She feels like the laughingstock of Wheaton Village after a messed up shortest-ever marriage the previous year and wants to start afresh. Only she has a huge responsibility on her shoulders, in the form of a gingerbread village that she creates annually with the help of some friends. It is a tradition started by her mother and one she can't bear to stop. However, circumstances seem to be pushing her in the direction of ending it.
I am not going to regurgitate the story as my review, as that won't be fair on any prospective readers.
What I will say is that if you want a feel-good romance with heart, and a HEA, then Kiley Dunbar is definitely the author to turn to.
Kiley has also written a slightly different character as her main one, this time, in the form of an older woman, not quite in her twilight years but feeling past it.
Women in their 60s are not perceived as how they were a couple of decades ago. They aren't all automatically a part of the blue rinse brigade and only fit for knitting, tea and low walks with zimmer frames. Margi, I feel, thinks she is not worthy of another shot at happiness, especially with someone younger than her, and I loved the morphing of her thinking towards the end of the book. (Even though doubt is never far away.)
And all the reading about gingerbread made me crave some, in the middle of the summer, too! I'd love to see a gingerbread village like the one Margi's mum and then Margi created.
A wonderful festive read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for an ARC.
Margi, our main character, is a 64-year-old woman who is in a bit of a dilemma in life. She feels like the laughingstock of Wheaton Village after a messed up shortest-ever marriage the previous year and wants to start afresh. Only she has a huge responsibility on her shoulders, in the form of a gingerbread village that she creates annually with the help of some friends. It is a tradition started by her mother and one she can't bear to stop. However, circumstances seem to be pushing her in the direction of ending it.
I am not going to regurgitate the story as my review, as that won't be fair on any prospective readers.
What I will say is that if you want a feel-good romance with heart, and a HEA, then Kiley Dunbar is definitely the author to turn to.
Kiley has also written a slightly different character as her main one, this time, in the form of an older woman, not quite in her twilight years but feeling past it.
Women in their 60s are not perceived as how they were a couple of decades ago. They aren't all automatically a part of the blue rinse brigade and only fit for knitting, tea and low walks with zimmer frames. Margi, I feel, thinks she is not worthy of another shot at happiness, especially with someone younger than her, and I loved the morphing of her thinking towards the end of the book. (Even though doubt is never far away.)
And all the reading about gingerbread made me crave some, in the middle of the summer, too! I'd love to see a gingerbread village like the one Margi's mum and then Margi created.
A wonderful festive read!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for an ARC.
August 31, 2023
My goodness, if you – like me – are a fan of Christmas reading, this gorgeous book really is going to give you all the feels you could possibly be looking for. It really is the loveliest story, with that wonderful feeling of community that the author always does so well – and, as if that’s not enough, lead character Margi is a 64-year-old who entirely embodies that “never too late” spirit that I always so enjoy.
Last year, Margi made a big mistake – swept away by romance, a man who promised so much – and is still hurting about the humiliation that followed. She feels everyone is now laughing at her – or pitying her, which might just be worse – and (although no-one else knows yet…) she’s seriously contemplating leaving the lovely Cotswold village of Wheaton for a fresh start in Birmingham, living closer to her only family. But first, there’s an important job to do – her mother started the annual tradition of constructing a gingerbread Christmas village and, this year, Margi really wants what may be her last to be the best they’ve ever built.
Even the initial fundraising for the ingredients proves difficult – there’s strong competition from the Christmas extravaganza at nearby Dunham Gravey, with its lightshow and fireworks – and the community seems to have forgotten (and there are those who don’t even want to find out) the way their display at the neglected Village Hall has always drawn the community together. With the help of the most supportive friends – Izz at the cafe, her new employee Fern, niece Lucy (visiting unexpectedly), local handyman Patrick – they’re almost there, when disaster strikes. And what happens next… I really mustn’t tell you the story, but the way individuals step forward and the community pulls together made this book the most perfect Christmas read.
And running through it all is Margi’s own story. There are days when she feels distinctly past her best, accepting the onset of old age, feeling there’s little left to look forward to – but it doesn’t stop her heart beating rather faster when Patrick is around. But he’s a fair bit younger than her, and she’s sure he’d never see her as more than a friend – so niece Lucy encourages her to try some on-line dating, with a few experiences that convince her that her coupling-up days are over. But yes, there is a romance – and, with a few very real obstacles along the way, one that was absolutely everything I wanted it to be.
And then there’s the whole community of the village – the characterisation in this book is just superb, every individual (however minor their role) so wonderfully drawn, every one of them with their own stories. And I really loved the way they’re drawn from across the generations – the lovely relationships between them, the friendships so real, the warmth and support and small acts of kindness so very moving. There’s a particular authenticity to the emotional content – there were moments that broke my heart – but plenty of lightness and humour that made my heart sing. And was it all as Christmassy as I wanted it to be? Oh yes, it was simply perfect – infused with the aroma of baking gingerbread, and with that all-embracing warmth of the season.
Emotional, beautifully observed, written from the heart, and the most wonderful story, this is one you really must add to your Christmas reading list – I promise you’ll love it as much as I did.
Last year, Margi made a big mistake – swept away by romance, a man who promised so much – and is still hurting about the humiliation that followed. She feels everyone is now laughing at her – or pitying her, which might just be worse – and (although no-one else knows yet…) she’s seriously contemplating leaving the lovely Cotswold village of Wheaton for a fresh start in Birmingham, living closer to her only family. But first, there’s an important job to do – her mother started the annual tradition of constructing a gingerbread Christmas village and, this year, Margi really wants what may be her last to be the best they’ve ever built.
Even the initial fundraising for the ingredients proves difficult – there’s strong competition from the Christmas extravaganza at nearby Dunham Gravey, with its lightshow and fireworks – and the community seems to have forgotten (and there are those who don’t even want to find out) the way their display at the neglected Village Hall has always drawn the community together. With the help of the most supportive friends – Izz at the cafe, her new employee Fern, niece Lucy (visiting unexpectedly), local handyman Patrick – they’re almost there, when disaster strikes. And what happens next… I really mustn’t tell you the story, but the way individuals step forward and the community pulls together made this book the most perfect Christmas read.
And running through it all is Margi’s own story. There are days when she feels distinctly past her best, accepting the onset of old age, feeling there’s little left to look forward to – but it doesn’t stop her heart beating rather faster when Patrick is around. But he’s a fair bit younger than her, and she’s sure he’d never see her as more than a friend – so niece Lucy encourages her to try some on-line dating, with a few experiences that convince her that her coupling-up days are over. But yes, there is a romance – and, with a few very real obstacles along the way, one that was absolutely everything I wanted it to be.
And then there’s the whole community of the village – the characterisation in this book is just superb, every individual (however minor their role) so wonderfully drawn, every one of them with their own stories. And I really loved the way they’re drawn from across the generations – the lovely relationships between them, the friendships so real, the warmth and support and small acts of kindness so very moving. There’s a particular authenticity to the emotional content – there were moments that broke my heart – but plenty of lightness and humour that made my heart sing. And was it all as Christmassy as I wanted it to be? Oh yes, it was simply perfect – infused with the aroma of baking gingerbread, and with that all-embracing warmth of the season.
Emotional, beautifully observed, written from the heart, and the most wonderful story, this is one you really must add to your Christmas reading list – I promise you’ll love it as much as I did.
November 28, 2023
This was a perfect Christmas story, not just about romance. There is friends and family and a whole town that comes together. It was also great that the main character was in her 60’s. It added a new spin to the story. I will read another book from this author.
July 17, 2023
This book I just couldn’t get into. It sounded so good the description.
Close
Description
Everyone deserves a Christmas treat...
The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades.
For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region and each year the model town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever.
Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.
She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village, but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham, and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.
As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance.
Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back?
I wanna thank NetGalley and Hera books for letting me read it .
Close
Description
Everyone deserves a Christmas treat...
The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades.
For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region and each year the model town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever.
Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.
She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village, but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham, and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.
As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance.
Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back?
I wanna thank NetGalley and Hera books for letting me read it .
August 31, 2023
This was a really good Christmas romance. It has all the feels good, cozy vibes you'd want for a Christmas read. Margi, the MC, is in her 60s. She is not in the Christmas spirit this year. She lives in the small Wheaton village and has a special part in the annual Christmas celebration. She puts together a Gingerbread Village Exhibit. Now she feels like it's just not as popular as it has been in the past. She gathers some of her friends and family to help her out this year to try and bring back some enthusiasm for it. She also has a man that she's interested in which makes for a cute romance. I really enjoyed these characters and the setting was fun.
Out August 31.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Out August 31.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
December 15, 2024
ok so it’s cutesy and Christmas vibes but it was boring. I don’t know if i don’t fit the age range for this but it was a no from me.
September 3, 2023
I had one major problem reading this is that I want to eat gingerbread all the time when I was reading it and even when I wasn’t (I love gingerbread especially with a cup of tea, makes the tea taste even nicer too) so as much as I have to thank Kiley Dunbar for this wonderful read, I also hold her partly responsible for my overconsumption of gingerbread men. (For selfish reasons completely unrelated to the author I will also probably be using this book as a scapegoat until probably Christmas 🤣)
Obviously the idea of a gingerbread village to me is so cute, and I want to go and visit one, I love model villages anyway whenever I used to go on holiday if somewhere we visited had one I’d ask to visit, I think there is always something very sweet and lovely about miniature things, I love dollhouses, miniature villages, anything kawaii, I think that the Japanese idea of chibi making something small, makes it instantly cute is so true with me anyway. For those, are you wondering I wouldn’t decimate the gingerbread Christmas village like some gingerbread obsessed Godzilla, I would hold myself back, because I would think it was so lovely I couldn’t to destroy it, I’ve made a gingerbread house before and I find I can’t bare to eat them.
Anyway, enough with my obsession, although clearly I needed to be in this book to give the lovely Margi a helping hand ! This book is a wonderful story, I do love a Christmas romcom, this gave me everything I could have wanted, but even more that I didn’t know I needed. It’s a story about living the life you want, the one that will make you happy, about finding yourself and learning (which I need to do more of too) not to let what others think of you or yourself hold you back from living your life to be true to you. I found this an especially uplifting read for me as someone now in their mid forties, as it reinforces this to be true no matter what point of life you’re at.
Although Margi is a more mature main character, I loved how multi-generational it is, that there is a youthful spirit to the book, not related to the younger characters and I think that’s important as it’s only our bodies that age, not our minds, personalities and loves. I thought it was so beautiful that Kiley reflected that in her writing. I cannot leave this review without mentioning one of my favourite things an any story, the community support, I loved the fact it was given new life in this, that the community spirit hadn’t died, it was almost like Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, it needed to be reminded of love, life and how it feels and it was so beautiful and magical to read it unfold. If you want a story to make you feel warm inside, to remind you that age is just a number and to put a huge smile not just on your face, but in your soul, then you need to read The Gingerbread Christmas Village.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Obviously the idea of a gingerbread village to me is so cute, and I want to go and visit one, I love model villages anyway whenever I used to go on holiday if somewhere we visited had one I’d ask to visit, I think there is always something very sweet and lovely about miniature things, I love dollhouses, miniature villages, anything kawaii, I think that the Japanese idea of chibi making something small, makes it instantly cute is so true with me anyway. For those, are you wondering I wouldn’t decimate the gingerbread Christmas village like some gingerbread obsessed Godzilla, I would hold myself back, because I would think it was so lovely I couldn’t to destroy it, I’ve made a gingerbread house before and I find I can’t bare to eat them.
Anyway, enough with my obsession, although clearly I needed to be in this book to give the lovely Margi a helping hand ! This book is a wonderful story, I do love a Christmas romcom, this gave me everything I could have wanted, but even more that I didn’t know I needed. It’s a story about living the life you want, the one that will make you happy, about finding yourself and learning (which I need to do more of too) not to let what others think of you or yourself hold you back from living your life to be true to you. I found this an especially uplifting read for me as someone now in their mid forties, as it reinforces this to be true no matter what point of life you’re at.
Although Margi is a more mature main character, I loved how multi-generational it is, that there is a youthful spirit to the book, not related to the younger characters and I think that’s important as it’s only our bodies that age, not our minds, personalities and loves. I thought it was so beautiful that Kiley reflected that in her writing. I cannot leave this review without mentioning one of my favourite things an any story, the community support, I loved the fact it was given new life in this, that the community spirit hadn’t died, it was almost like Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, it needed to be reminded of love, life and how it feels and it was so beautiful and magical to read it unfold. If you want a story to make you feel warm inside, to remind you that age is just a number and to put a huge smile not just on your face, but in your soul, then you need to read The Gingerbread Christmas Village.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2023
Kiley Dumbar - The Gingerbread Christmas Village.

Book Blurb…
The Gingerbread Christmas Village
Everyone deserves a Christmas treat...
The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been
an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades.
For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region and each year the model
town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread
grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever.
Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of
eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.
She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village,
but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham,
and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.
As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try
some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has
just missed her chance.
Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back?
A cosy, totally feelgood seasonal read that will have you smiling. The perfect read to snuggle up and
have you feeling festive! Fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley will love this book.

My Review…
The Gingerbread Christmas Village - Kiley Dunbar.
#KileyDunbar is an author whose work I have followed for some time now. And with honesty, I can say that her writing gets better with every book.
#TheGingerbreadChristmasVillage is a joyful festive read.
There is a lovely mix of characters. From poor Margi who has lost her sparkle to lovely Patrick the school caretaker, who is nothing less than gorgeous and kind.
The story is multigenerational, with the more mature characters stepping into the fore, and proving that there is still plenty of life to be lived after sixty. High five to that!
There is of course a beautiful community feel to this book. Created by the people and their surroundings.
#TheGingerbreadChristmasVillage is a captivating story. It’s full of warmth, friendship, kindness, self discovery, love and romance.
On the festive feel good scale, #TheGingerbreadChristmasVillage scores a 10!
After reading this book, you’ll be ready to hang your baubles and get squiffy on mulled wine.
A festive must read.
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Hera for a digital arc of this title.

Formats Available…
Ebook
Paperback

Links To Buy…
Purchase Links
AMZ: https://amzn.to/3pp47uW Apple: https://bit.ly/3nM5iUG Kobo: https://bit.ly/3nKIbdl

Author Bio And Social Media Links…

Kiley Dunbar is a Scot living over the border in Northern England where she teaches
English and creative writing, devours romance novels, fusses over Amos the Bedlington Terrier, and
loves two little Dunbars. She thinks making imaginary people find happiness and fall in hopelessly in
love has to be the best job in the world.
Social Media Links –
'Kiley Dunbar Author Book Page' on Facebook
website and newsletter: http://www.kileydunbar.co.uk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI8w...
https://twitter.com/kileydunbar
https://www.facebook.com/KileyDunbarA...
The Blog Tour…

Take a look at some of the brilliant bloggers and reviewers on this tour.
@RachelsRandomResources

Book Blurb…
The Gingerbread Christmas Village
Everyone deserves a Christmas treat...
The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been
an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades.
For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region and each year the model
town grew more elaborate and ambitious but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread
grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever.
Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of
eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.
She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village,
but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy from Birmingham,
and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker.
As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get her out dating again and persuades her to try
some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has
just missed her chance.
Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her old spark and her Christmas spirit back?
A cosy, totally feelgood seasonal read that will have you smiling. The perfect read to snuggle up and
have you feeling festive! Fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley will love this book.

My Review…
The Gingerbread Christmas Village - Kiley Dunbar.
#KileyDunbar is an author whose work I have followed for some time now. And with honesty, I can say that her writing gets better with every book.
#TheGingerbreadChristmasVillage is a joyful festive read.
There is a lovely mix of characters. From poor Margi who has lost her sparkle to lovely Patrick the school caretaker, who is nothing less than gorgeous and kind.
The story is multigenerational, with the more mature characters stepping into the fore, and proving that there is still plenty of life to be lived after sixty. High five to that!
There is of course a beautiful community feel to this book. Created by the people and their surroundings.
#TheGingerbreadChristmasVillage is a captivating story. It’s full of warmth, friendship, kindness, self discovery, love and romance.
On the festive feel good scale, #TheGingerbreadChristmasVillage scores a 10!
After reading this book, you’ll be ready to hang your baubles and get squiffy on mulled wine.
A festive must read.
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Hera for a digital arc of this title.

Formats Available…
Ebook
Paperback

Links To Buy…
Purchase Links
AMZ: https://amzn.to/3pp47uW Apple: https://bit.ly/3nM5iUG Kobo: https://bit.ly/3nKIbdl

Author Bio And Social Media Links…

Kiley Dunbar is a Scot living over the border in Northern England where she teaches
English and creative writing, devours romance novels, fusses over Amos the Bedlington Terrier, and
loves two little Dunbars. She thinks making imaginary people find happiness and fall in hopelessly in
love has to be the best job in the world.
Social Media Links –
'Kiley Dunbar Author Book Page' on Facebook
website and newsletter: http://www.kileydunbar.co.uk/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI8w...
https://twitter.com/kileydunbar
https://www.facebook.com/KileyDunbarA...
The Blog Tour…

Take a look at some of the brilliant bloggers and reviewers on this tour.
@RachelsRandomResources
October 24, 2023
Margi has lost her Christmas spirit.
What a lovely, lovely Christmas story. I had expected a heart-warming book but had reckoned without Kiley Dunbar’s cinematic style that creates the Cotswold setting of Wheaton so evocatively. The village is brilliantly depicted so that it is as if the reader is walking the streets of Wheaton, but descriptions never detract from the glorious storytelling so that The Gingerbread Christmas Village is a total joy to read.
The plot is so entertaining, partly because much of it is highly relatable making the reader feel as if the action could be true. Similarly, it is Margi’s conversational tone that makes the reader feel included, as if an old and much loved friend is chatting to them. I felt as if I’d known and loved her for years.
And this familiarity is at the heart of the novel’s success. What a total joy to discover a woman in her mid sixties who is central to the action and not a mere add on to cater for the more mature reader. She may have lost some of her Christmas spirit at the start of the story, she may be stubborn and too concerned with what others think of her, but she is vivid, real and strong, making her attractive and engaging. It is impossible to read about her, understand her innermost thoughts and witness her actions without wanting to shake her, to cheer her and to wish for the most perfect ending for her.
Indeed, I found all the characters completely real, warm and engaging. I was half in love with Patrick from the moment I met him and I thought Fern was a wonderful counterbalance to Margi. At the younger end of the age spectrum she illustrates just how we shouldn’t judge others by initial appearances.
And, aside from a hugely entertaining (and, at times, surprisingly emotional) narrative I think it is the themes that make The Gingerbread Christmas Village such an uplifting and enjoyable read. There’s a real sense of community – with a full spectrum of local issues from business rivalry and historic grudges to the use of social media and local planning that could easily happen in any rural village. But the strongest and most affecting theme of all here is Kiley Dunbar’s wonderful exploration of love. She pitches it to perfection, making The Gingerbread Christmas Village the kind of book that makes you feel warm, happy and determined – like Margi – to live your best life.
I thought The Gingerbread Christmas Village was simply lovely. It made me feel some of that magic of Christmas from when I was a child and it is a total tonic of a book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
What a lovely, lovely Christmas story. I had expected a heart-warming book but had reckoned without Kiley Dunbar’s cinematic style that creates the Cotswold setting of Wheaton so evocatively. The village is brilliantly depicted so that it is as if the reader is walking the streets of Wheaton, but descriptions never detract from the glorious storytelling so that The Gingerbread Christmas Village is a total joy to read.
The plot is so entertaining, partly because much of it is highly relatable making the reader feel as if the action could be true. Similarly, it is Margi’s conversational tone that makes the reader feel included, as if an old and much loved friend is chatting to them. I felt as if I’d known and loved her for years.
And this familiarity is at the heart of the novel’s success. What a total joy to discover a woman in her mid sixties who is central to the action and not a mere add on to cater for the more mature reader. She may have lost some of her Christmas spirit at the start of the story, she may be stubborn and too concerned with what others think of her, but she is vivid, real and strong, making her attractive and engaging. It is impossible to read about her, understand her innermost thoughts and witness her actions without wanting to shake her, to cheer her and to wish for the most perfect ending for her.
Indeed, I found all the characters completely real, warm and engaging. I was half in love with Patrick from the moment I met him and I thought Fern was a wonderful counterbalance to Margi. At the younger end of the age spectrum she illustrates just how we shouldn’t judge others by initial appearances.
And, aside from a hugely entertaining (and, at times, surprisingly emotional) narrative I think it is the themes that make The Gingerbread Christmas Village such an uplifting and enjoyable read. There’s a real sense of community – with a full spectrum of local issues from business rivalry and historic grudges to the use of social media and local planning that could easily happen in any rural village. But the strongest and most affecting theme of all here is Kiley Dunbar’s wonderful exploration of love. She pitches it to perfection, making The Gingerbread Christmas Village the kind of book that makes you feel warm, happy and determined – like Margi – to live your best life.
I thought The Gingerbread Christmas Village was simply lovely. It made me feel some of that magic of Christmas from when I was a child and it is a total tonic of a book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 4, 2023
Margi is a divorced, retired teacher in her mid-sixties and lives in the village of Wheaton in the Cotswolds, where she is responsible for the annual model village made out of gingerbread, continuing the work her mother did before her. She is helped by her best friend Izz (a 77-year-old lollipop lady and café owner), school caretaker Patrick (49) and her niece Lucy (30). But will this be the final year for the long-standing village tradition?
I love books with characters from different generations in it and especially with older characters in and showing how much people can do in their sixties and seventies. Margi is great, she has her highs and lows and comes across as so real and relatable. She was dumped by her ex, rather likes Patrick (the school caretaker in the village) and is considering a move to Birmingham to be near her niece. There’s a lot going on.
Then there’s the festive element to the book, which I love. I know some people say it’s ages till Christmas, but we’ve had the Strictly line up announced and the series takes you nearly up to Christmas, so I’m happy to have a festive read in September. Gingerbread is also one of my favourite things, I love the taste and the smell and these are brilliantly described in this book. And the nostalgia is fabulous!
Kiley Dunbar has a beautiful writing style. There’s a warmth and a heart to her writing, the characters jump off the pages, the pacing of the book is just right and there’s a lot of humour. I absolutely loved this book. I have been ill and couldn’t read anything for a while, but as soon as I could, I read about ¾ of this book in one go and it’s a wonderfully uplifting delight.
I love books with characters from different generations in it and especially with older characters in and showing how much people can do in their sixties and seventies. Margi is great, she has her highs and lows and comes across as so real and relatable. She was dumped by her ex, rather likes Patrick (the school caretaker in the village) and is considering a move to Birmingham to be near her niece. There’s a lot going on.
Then there’s the festive element to the book, which I love. I know some people say it’s ages till Christmas, but we’ve had the Strictly line up announced and the series takes you nearly up to Christmas, so I’m happy to have a festive read in September. Gingerbread is also one of my favourite things, I love the taste and the smell and these are brilliantly described in this book. And the nostalgia is fabulous!
Kiley Dunbar has a beautiful writing style. There’s a warmth and a heart to her writing, the characters jump off the pages, the pacing of the book is just right and there’s a lot of humour. I absolutely loved this book. I have been ill and couldn’t read anything for a while, but as soon as I could, I read about ¾ of this book in one go and it’s a wonderfully uplifting delight.
July 27, 2023
Margi Frost has run the Wheaton Gingerbread Christmas Grotto since she took over the role from her mother. But as time has gone on it has become more of a chore and less of a fun tradition. Coupled with some personal Christmastime tragedies and she is completely disillusioned by the whole season. She used to be a leather-clad punk woman - how has she become old and invisible?
Enter her niece, Lucy, and Fern, the new employee at Margi's bestie's cafe. Together they get both Margi and the Gingerbread Grotto online and when things go spectacularly pearshaped she discovers a wealth of support and love from unexpected sources.
This was a bit of a slow burner of a book, and a little difficult to get into initially, however it did significantly pick up with the addition of Lucy and Fern as supporting, encouraging characters. It was funny, moving and romantic all in the right places. The character of Margi frustrated me at times, but ultimately I really enjoyed this.
Kiley Dunbar's books are always ones Iook out for, and this one was a lovely addition to the mix. The different demographic showcased in this book made an interesting change from the standard 20-30-something romcom heroines, and added a different perspective to the women in my life (those punk rockers masquerading as middle aged, community minded ladies -I see you!)
~Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
Enter her niece, Lucy, and Fern, the new employee at Margi's bestie's cafe. Together they get both Margi and the Gingerbread Grotto online and when things go spectacularly pearshaped she discovers a wealth of support and love from unexpected sources.
This was a bit of a slow burner of a book, and a little difficult to get into initially, however it did significantly pick up with the addition of Lucy and Fern as supporting, encouraging characters. It was funny, moving and romantic all in the right places. The character of Margi frustrated me at times, but ultimately I really enjoyed this.
Kiley Dunbar's books are always ones Iook out for, and this one was a lovely addition to the mix. The different demographic showcased in this book made an interesting change from the standard 20-30-something romcom heroines, and added a different perspective to the women in my life (those punk rockers masquerading as middle aged, community minded ladies -I see you!)
~Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
November 28, 2023
This was such a lovely Christmassy, feel good read.... that was a little bit unique.
Our main character, Marji, is on the older side - I say that with a bit of trepidation as at only 64, she's not that far off my own age! But in terms of love stories and romance books, we rarely see this age group well represented.
Often as someone's Mum or Nan, a side character in the main.
So this was really refreshing that Marji takes centre stage and shows us all that our 60's are going to bring new adventures!
I loved Margi so much.
Not looking forward to Christmas alone again, she decides that this will be her last year in the village and as such, her last one upholding the tradition of the Gingerbread Village exhibit which used to draw in the visitors.
With the help of an unlikely group of friends, will the exhibit be saved, will Margi find love and her Christmas spark again?
This touches on some real issues that lots of us face at this time of year and in current times - not quite the cost of living issues some are struggling with, but trying to fund the exhibit with the ever growing cost of ingredients and no guarantee that the visitors will come will be a concern for many this year.
I adored our love interest, Patrick - and that relationship and bond that the ladies (of varying ages) develop throughout the book.
My only complaint....I spent the whole book craving gingerbread!!
Will be adding ingredients to my next shop but am certain that I won't be creating anything quite so spectacular with my fair hands!
A lovely festive read to enjoy with a blanket and a hot chocolate (and definitely some gingerbread too!)
Our main character, Marji, is on the older side - I say that with a bit of trepidation as at only 64, she's not that far off my own age! But in terms of love stories and romance books, we rarely see this age group well represented.
Often as someone's Mum or Nan, a side character in the main.
So this was really refreshing that Marji takes centre stage and shows us all that our 60's are going to bring new adventures!
I loved Margi so much.
Not looking forward to Christmas alone again, she decides that this will be her last year in the village and as such, her last one upholding the tradition of the Gingerbread Village exhibit which used to draw in the visitors.
With the help of an unlikely group of friends, will the exhibit be saved, will Margi find love and her Christmas spark again?
This touches on some real issues that lots of us face at this time of year and in current times - not quite the cost of living issues some are struggling with, but trying to fund the exhibit with the ever growing cost of ingredients and no guarantee that the visitors will come will be a concern for many this year.
I adored our love interest, Patrick - and that relationship and bond that the ladies (of varying ages) develop throughout the book.
My only complaint....I spent the whole book craving gingerbread!!
Will be adding ingredients to my next shop but am certain that I won't be creating anything quite so spectacular with my fair hands!
A lovely festive read to enjoy with a blanket and a hot chocolate (and definitely some gingerbread too!)
December 11, 2023
I got this adorable little book from Fosters Little Bookshop a few months back and fell in love with the cover and title. The concept of a cosy Christmas book won me over.
I definitely think this books aimed at an older audience as the main character is in her 60s and the main theme is baking as she organises the annual Christmas village display of gingerbread. I love bake off and I cross stitch so I was ok with the older vibe I'm built for a cosy read like this. 🤣... I particularly liked the Cotswolds setting... Kate Winslets village in "the holiday" vibes 😍🙌
Don't let the older target audience put you off though it is still a rom-com as Margi is looking for love with the help of her niece Lucy who is bringing her up to speed with todays dating scene. It reminded me alot of Beth O'Leary's "The Switch" as Margi is looking to be a more modern older woman. It was a lovely cute read really chilled and perfect with a hot chocolate ☕
I definitely think this books aimed at an older audience as the main character is in her 60s and the main theme is baking as she organises the annual Christmas village display of gingerbread. I love bake off and I cross stitch so I was ok with the older vibe I'm built for a cosy read like this. 🤣... I particularly liked the Cotswolds setting... Kate Winslets village in "the holiday" vibes 😍🙌
Don't let the older target audience put you off though it is still a rom-com as Margi is looking for love with the help of her niece Lucy who is bringing her up to speed with todays dating scene. It reminded me alot of Beth O'Leary's "The Switch" as Margi is looking to be a more modern older woman. It was a lovely cute read really chilled and perfect with a hot chocolate ☕
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