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Last Christmas
‘Bea was always early for everything. Even, it turned out, when she was running away from her life.’ As Christmas approaches, Bea Preston has a choice.
Looking up at the departures board in Heathrow airport, her flight to New York boarding soon, she knows that getting on that plane changes everything. Her life in London has grown stale, her relationship with boyfriend Dom has run its course, and New York has always been her dream. But it’s a risk – she’ll miss her parents, her friends, her job.
What if Bea could live both lives? In one she goes back home for Christmas, and in another she heads to the Big Apple. Would her fate remain the same, or can one decision really change everything?
In a grand sliding-doors love story that spans oceans, years and lives, Clare Swatman’s unforgettable tale of fate and friendship is perfect for all fans of Jojo Moyes, Beth Moran and Ruth Jones.
Praise for Clare
'Utterly believable, charming and immersive, full of acute emotional insights and truths, this is a novel every women will identify with. Highly recommended.' F.L. Everett
'It was so easy to get absorbed into the world Clare Swatman has created for Beth. I felt her losses and disappointments acutely, which only made the ending more satisfying. It really kept me guessing, too.' Laura Pearson
'Warm, immersive and hugely relatable, The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright really tugged at my heartstrings. I galloped through this story of friendship, motherhood and love in all its forms.' Lisa Timoney
'Swatman does it again! An engaging read about heartbreak, navigating new normals and finding your feet in a new life you never expected to have. One to curl up with on a rainy day.' Rachel Dove
'Irresistible... A delightfully bittersweet story that will appeal to fans of One Day' - Sunday Mirror
Readers love Clare
‘A treasure of a read and one I’m sure I will come back to again in the future.’
‘One of the many reasons I’ve grown to really love the author’s books – as well as for her quite wonderful storytelling – is because of their exceptional emotional authenticity…Original, engaging, emotional, uplifting, and filled with warmth – I really loved it.’
‘Excellent story, I couldn’t put it down, first book I’ve read in a while that shows the true feelings of breaking up and starting over.’
‘I absolutely loved this book. A story of friendships, heartbreak, new beginnings, forgiveness. Oh and a couple of cute dogs. The story had me totally absorbed from start to finish. Thoroughly enjoyed.’
‘What a thoroughly enjoyable story. Lovely characters that you get to know and like. I was sorry when it was over and look forward to reading more by this author.’
Looking up at the departures board in Heathrow airport, her flight to New York boarding soon, she knows that getting on that plane changes everything. Her life in London has grown stale, her relationship with boyfriend Dom has run its course, and New York has always been her dream. But it’s a risk – she’ll miss her parents, her friends, her job.
What if Bea could live both lives? In one she goes back home for Christmas, and in another she heads to the Big Apple. Would her fate remain the same, or can one decision really change everything?
In a grand sliding-doors love story that spans oceans, years and lives, Clare Swatman’s unforgettable tale of fate and friendship is perfect for all fans of Jojo Moyes, Beth Moran and Ruth Jones.
Praise for Clare
'Utterly believable, charming and immersive, full of acute emotional insights and truths, this is a novel every women will identify with. Highly recommended.' F.L. Everett
'It was so easy to get absorbed into the world Clare Swatman has created for Beth. I felt her losses and disappointments acutely, which only made the ending more satisfying. It really kept me guessing, too.' Laura Pearson
'Warm, immersive and hugely relatable, The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright really tugged at my heartstrings. I galloped through this story of friendship, motherhood and love in all its forms.' Lisa Timoney
'Swatman does it again! An engaging read about heartbreak, navigating new normals and finding your feet in a new life you never expected to have. One to curl up with on a rainy day.' Rachel Dove
'Irresistible... A delightfully bittersweet story that will appeal to fans of One Day' - Sunday Mirror
Readers love Clare
‘A treasure of a read and one I’m sure I will come back to again in the future.’
‘One of the many reasons I’ve grown to really love the author’s books – as well as for her quite wonderful storytelling – is because of their exceptional emotional authenticity…Original, engaging, emotional, uplifting, and filled with warmth – I really loved it.’
‘Excellent story, I couldn’t put it down, first book I’ve read in a while that shows the true feelings of breaking up and starting over.’
‘I absolutely loved this book. A story of friendships, heartbreak, new beginnings, forgiveness. Oh and a couple of cute dogs. The story had me totally absorbed from start to finish. Thoroughly enjoyed.’
‘What a thoroughly enjoyable story. Lovely characters that you get to know and like. I was sorry when it was over and look forward to reading more by this author.’
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2024
261 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
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August 8, 2024
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The Book Review Crew Blog
Claire Swatman is a hit-or-miss author for me I enjoyed The World Outside My Window and A Love to Last a Lifetime but I found The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright lacking. I picked this one up as a Christmas in July read but I got so behind it ended up as a Christmas and August book but that's okay because this really isn't a Christmas book. Each chapter takes place in December of every year from 2002 to 2010 but that's it as far as Yuletide goes. The book is about Bea and whether she goes to live in New York or not also which man does she end up with Dom or AJ? The chapters alternate between Stay and Go...it's very reminiscent of the Gwyneth Paltrow movie Sliding Doors.
The book was okay I just wish I liked it more because the premise was wonderful and Clare Swatman managed to keep each chapter fresh, a lot of times books like this can feel redundant. The problem I had with the story was our female lead, Bea, why couldn't she just be on her own? She left England because of sexual harassment and not feeling fulfilled in her relationship, she should have just worked on herself. Secondly in both scenarios, she keeps flip-flopping back and forth between two men. Love triangles make me feel so frustrated and reading about these two men suffering at this woman's hands just made me angry.
What I really did like and loved was Bea's relationship with her best friends, that was the best part of the whole book, the relationship she had with these people and how they were always there for each other gave me all the feels. The ending was a little too neat and tidy for my liking in both scenarios. I like a happily ever after as much as the next person but these were just too perfect. I would have preferred one of them not working out quite so well. I'm assuming the author was trying to make a point about the fact that no matter what we do destiny will always decide our fate.
Even though I didn't enjoy this book as much as some of the authors others it was still a good book in my opinion and I would read another by Ms. Swatman. If you haven't read anything by her I suggest you start with The World Outside My Window or A Love to Last a Lifetime .
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
Claire Swatman is a hit-or-miss author for me I enjoyed The World Outside My Window and A Love to Last a Lifetime but I found The Lost Letters of Evelyn Wright lacking. I picked this one up as a Christmas in July read but I got so behind it ended up as a Christmas and August book but that's okay because this really isn't a Christmas book. Each chapter takes place in December of every year from 2002 to 2010 but that's it as far as Yuletide goes. The book is about Bea and whether she goes to live in New York or not also which man does she end up with Dom or AJ? The chapters alternate between Stay and Go...it's very reminiscent of the Gwyneth Paltrow movie Sliding Doors.
The book was okay I just wish I liked it more because the premise was wonderful and Clare Swatman managed to keep each chapter fresh, a lot of times books like this can feel redundant. The problem I had with the story was our female lead, Bea, why couldn't she just be on her own? She left England because of sexual harassment and not feeling fulfilled in her relationship, she should have just worked on herself. Secondly in both scenarios, she keeps flip-flopping back and forth between two men. Love triangles make me feel so frustrated and reading about these two men suffering at this woman's hands just made me angry.
What I really did like and loved was Bea's relationship with her best friends, that was the best part of the whole book, the relationship she had with these people and how they were always there for each other gave me all the feels. The ending was a little too neat and tidy for my liking in both scenarios. I like a happily ever after as much as the next person but these were just too perfect. I would have preferred one of them not working out quite so well. I'm assuming the author was trying to make a point about the fact that no matter what we do destiny will always decide our fate.
Even though I didn't enjoy this book as much as some of the authors others it was still a good book in my opinion and I would read another by Ms. Swatman. If you haven't read anything by her I suggest you start with The World Outside My Window or A Love to Last a Lifetime .
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
December 5, 2024
This book was a WILD ride. The concept of the book was very neat and I loved it...but the story was just too much.
If the Hallmark movie people took a love triangle episode from Jerry Springer and made a script for the Hallmark Channel, you would have this book. This book wasn't for me but maybe it will be for you.
The prologue tells you about Bea who lives in London with her boyfriend but she is going thru a little mental breakdown and she wants to just pack her stuff and runaway. It's always been her dream to live in New York and work for a famous magazine and just live her best life. She throws caution to the wind and packs her bags and heads to the airport.
Chapter 1 gives you a run down of what happens immediately after if she decides to go.
Chapter 2 lets you know what happens if she decided to turn back and stay.
And then the chapters keep alternating and flowing with the original decision. (odd chapter numbers are all 1 story if she decided to go and the even chapter numbers are a different story if she decided to stay)
Where it went off the rails for me was what was happening with the characters in the second half of the book. There was so much "ok now this is just getting ridiculous". I can't say too much without spoiling it so if you want a spoiler version just message me. This wasn't the holiday romance I was expecting or looking for.
If the Hallmark movie people took a love triangle episode from Jerry Springer and made a script for the Hallmark Channel, you would have this book. This book wasn't for me but maybe it will be for you.
The prologue tells you about Bea who lives in London with her boyfriend but she is going thru a little mental breakdown and she wants to just pack her stuff and runaway. It's always been her dream to live in New York and work for a famous magazine and just live her best life. She throws caution to the wind and packs her bags and heads to the airport.
Chapter 1 gives you a run down of what happens immediately after if she decides to go.
Chapter 2 lets you know what happens if she decided to turn back and stay.
And then the chapters keep alternating and flowing with the original decision. (odd chapter numbers are all 1 story if she decided to go and the even chapter numbers are a different story if she decided to stay)
Where it went off the rails for me was what was happening with the characters in the second half of the book. There was so much "ok now this is just getting ridiculous". I can't say too much without spoiling it so if you want a spoiler version just message me. This wasn't the holiday romance I was expecting or looking for.
August 31, 2024
The first thing I’ll mention – just in case reading a Christmas book in August/September gives you the chills – is that this is a book you’ll be happy to read at any time of the year. The season just anchors the story, as it shifts between the alternative scenarios – whether Bea decides to go, leaving her life and partner of five years behind, to follow her dream of living in New York, or to stay and change nothing in her increasingly troubled life.
We first meet Bea at Heathrow, three days before Christmas, with a long wait for the flight that will change her life, working through her uncertainties and the implications of her decision. At the airport, she bumps into a stranger, scattering her luggage – and then fields a call from partner Dom, hoping she might just change her mind. And that’s where the story divides – she pulls herself together and goes home, or she gets on the plane and discovers what the future might hold.
The way the book is written is easy to follow – the alternating chapters headed “stay” or “go”, always set in December over an eight year period, looking back at the year before, with Bea’s experiences as their focus. I’m not sure how I felt about her – at times she’s sympathetic and likeable, especially when dealing with some of the most difficult personal challenges, but I was sometimes a bit put off by the selfishness that seemed to underpin some of her decisions. And the issues she finds herself facing, in both timelines, are often very difficult to handle – there are moments of joy, but plenty of heartache too. In her London life, there’s a particular focus on living with depression – and its impact is particularly well handled. But it’s also a story that focuses on friendship and family, with a strong romantic element and excellent characterisation – all perfectly balanced, and always emotionally convincing.
The writing is just superb – although the reading is easy, the organisation of the content must have been an immense challenge. There are touchpoints between the two stories – sometimes repetitions of the same events with a slight shift of context or perspective, very cleverly done. And I never lost track of which of Bea’s lives I was reading for an instant – although the way the stories slowly converge could have made things difficult. The author’s confidence and the firm grip she has on the story is flawless – I was entirely involved throughout, engaged at every level, and hoping for a happy ending. And it’s a book that makes you think too – about fate and destiny, the possibility of change, the impact of decisions, and the different paths sometimes leading to the same conclusion.
This was such an accomplished piece of work, highly original, but also a moving and particularly compelling story. I loved it – and it’s a book I’d highly recommend to all.
We first meet Bea at Heathrow, three days before Christmas, with a long wait for the flight that will change her life, working through her uncertainties and the implications of her decision. At the airport, she bumps into a stranger, scattering her luggage – and then fields a call from partner Dom, hoping she might just change her mind. And that’s where the story divides – she pulls herself together and goes home, or she gets on the plane and discovers what the future might hold.
The way the book is written is easy to follow – the alternating chapters headed “stay” or “go”, always set in December over an eight year period, looking back at the year before, with Bea’s experiences as their focus. I’m not sure how I felt about her – at times she’s sympathetic and likeable, especially when dealing with some of the most difficult personal challenges, but I was sometimes a bit put off by the selfishness that seemed to underpin some of her decisions. And the issues she finds herself facing, in both timelines, are often very difficult to handle – there are moments of joy, but plenty of heartache too. In her London life, there’s a particular focus on living with depression – and its impact is particularly well handled. But it’s also a story that focuses on friendship and family, with a strong romantic element and excellent characterisation – all perfectly balanced, and always emotionally convincing.
The writing is just superb – although the reading is easy, the organisation of the content must have been an immense challenge. There are touchpoints between the two stories – sometimes repetitions of the same events with a slight shift of context or perspective, very cleverly done. And I never lost track of which of Bea’s lives I was reading for an instant – although the way the stories slowly converge could have made things difficult. The author’s confidence and the firm grip she has on the story is flawless – I was entirely involved throughout, engaged at every level, and hoping for a happy ending. And it’s a book that makes you think too – about fate and destiny, the possibility of change, the impact of decisions, and the different paths sometimes leading to the same conclusion.
This was such an accomplished piece of work, highly original, but also a moving and particularly compelling story. I loved it – and it’s a book I’d highly recommend to all.
July 23, 2024
I am not a fan of this book for multiple reasons – there were several times in the reading that I was tempted to label it “DNF” and move on.
Two days before Christmas, Bea abandons her life in London to fulfill her dream of living in New York City. The airport is the pivotal decision point – will she depart on the plane or return home to her boyfriend? This is the beginning of Bea’s two parallel lives, each based on her choices. It is an interesting premise; unfortunately, it is not well executed. For the next eight years at Christmas time, the reader is given a glimpse of the events of the past year. There really is no Christmas theme per se, which was a disappointment.
I am not a fan of love triangles, and this book illuminated the worst aspects of this trope. Bea was alternately annoying and obnoxious in her indecisiveness and manipulation of her relationships with two trustworthy men. Additionally, the unfoldment of her alternate lives became repetitive and tedious. The timelines are not clearly delineated and, in some instances, so similar it would take a few paragraphs to realize which version I was reading.
Overall, this book might appeal to some readers, but I found it lacking and cannot recommend it.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Two days before Christmas, Bea abandons her life in London to fulfill her dream of living in New York City. The airport is the pivotal decision point – will she depart on the plane or return home to her boyfriend? This is the beginning of Bea’s two parallel lives, each based on her choices. It is an interesting premise; unfortunately, it is not well executed. For the next eight years at Christmas time, the reader is given a glimpse of the events of the past year. There really is no Christmas theme per se, which was a disappointment.
I am not a fan of love triangles, and this book illuminated the worst aspects of this trope. Bea was alternately annoying and obnoxious in her indecisiveness and manipulation of her relationships with two trustworthy men. Additionally, the unfoldment of her alternate lives became repetitive and tedious. The timelines are not clearly delineated and, in some instances, so similar it would take a few paragraphs to realize which version I was reading.
Overall, this book might appeal to some readers, but I found it lacking and cannot recommend it.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 20, 2024
I'm going to admit I'm not a huge romance reader, I probably read 2-3 throughout most of the year. When it comes to Christmas thought I find myself reaching for those clichéd christmassy romance books to curl up with. Yes, I know it's only July, but this book has the same title as my favourite festive song by Wham, so I was over the moon when I got the chance to read this.
Bea is the FMC of this story, stuck in her mundane life with her boyfriend Dom. Wishing there was more to her life, she made the drastic decision to run away to the airport and find that fairytale life in New York she'd always dream of. This is where she literally bumps into Paddy, a gorgeous Irish man. Stood there at the airport, torn between staying with Dom or following her dream to NYC. From this moment on, Last Christmas turns into a sliding doors story where we follow Bea down both paths, the one in London and the one in NYC.
The story is set over many different years all around Christmas. I will tell you that this is not really a Xmas story. There's no decorating biscuits, buying of Christmas trees, last-minute shopping for presents, and the rest of the palaver i associate with a good festive romance. It's just set in that period of the year. That left me a little disappointed, I wanted all the clichés, the traditions, and the will they won't they romance.
What I did like is the concept of following both decisions Bea made, and I liked how both sides panned out. Although, I did lose track of which Bea I was reading about and had to re-check a few times. It lulled a little in the middle, too, I just found it all a bit samey. For the most part, it was easy to follow.
Character wise, I didn't like Bea. Her indecisiveness was annoying, and I felt like she just used both Paddy and Dom because it was easy and convenient. She was intolerable. I did love Paddy. He was a really good guy who was totally in love with Bea. I didn't really like the ending. It was too happily ever after for me.
This was a good read overall, but not what I expected. It's no fault of the book, though. It made a nice change to all the thriller/crime I have been reading. It also tackles some serious issues surrounding depression and dementia. Ultimately, it is a story about love, heartbreak, friendships, and family. The what ifs in life and fate. Are we destined to end up at the same destination no matter what path we choose?
Thank you, Netgalley and Boldwood Books, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Bea is the FMC of this story, stuck in her mundane life with her boyfriend Dom. Wishing there was more to her life, she made the drastic decision to run away to the airport and find that fairytale life in New York she'd always dream of. This is where she literally bumps into Paddy, a gorgeous Irish man. Stood there at the airport, torn between staying with Dom or following her dream to NYC. From this moment on, Last Christmas turns into a sliding doors story where we follow Bea down both paths, the one in London and the one in NYC.
The story is set over many different years all around Christmas. I will tell you that this is not really a Xmas story. There's no decorating biscuits, buying of Christmas trees, last-minute shopping for presents, and the rest of the palaver i associate with a good festive romance. It's just set in that period of the year. That left me a little disappointed, I wanted all the clichés, the traditions, and the will they won't they romance.
What I did like is the concept of following both decisions Bea made, and I liked how both sides panned out. Although, I did lose track of which Bea I was reading about and had to re-check a few times. It lulled a little in the middle, too, I just found it all a bit samey. For the most part, it was easy to follow.
Character wise, I didn't like Bea. Her indecisiveness was annoying, and I felt like she just used both Paddy and Dom because it was easy and convenient. She was intolerable. I did love Paddy. He was a really good guy who was totally in love with Bea. I didn't really like the ending. It was too happily ever after for me.
This was a good read overall, but not what I expected. It's no fault of the book, though. It made a nice change to all the thriller/crime I have been reading. It also tackles some serious issues surrounding depression and dementia. Ultimately, it is a story about love, heartbreak, friendships, and family. The what ifs in life and fate. Are we destined to end up at the same destination no matter what path we choose?
Thank you, Netgalley and Boldwood Books, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2025
DNF @41% I couldn’t stand the immaturity
August 22, 2024
Bea Preston is running away, she's having problems in her relationship with long term boyfriend Dom and is not enjoying life in London anymore, plus New York has always been her dream, but can she actually up sticks and leave behind everything and everyone she's ever known and start again or, could she have the best of both worlds?
Last Christmas is the latest novel by Swatman, with Bea's story told in parallel scenarios throughout the book, changing at each chapter and occurring every December between 2002 and 2010, depicting her life and the choice she made between staying in London and moving to the Big Apple. I really liked Bea and the friendship groups she had in each scenario but I really wanted her to make her mind up who she wanted and where she wanted to live, and to deal with the consequences of the choice she made. This was a great premise for a story, although a little confusing at times, but very enjoyable all the same and even though it has Christmas in the title, it's not really the festive book that everyone would expect so, for those die hard readers who insist they can't read a Christmas book before Autumn arrives, this is one with a difference and, in my opinion, quite easy to read in August, as I've just done. This is my first by this author and I'm looking forward to reading her others now.
I'd like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
Last Christmas is the latest novel by Swatman, with Bea's story told in parallel scenarios throughout the book, changing at each chapter and occurring every December between 2002 and 2010, depicting her life and the choice she made between staying in London and moving to the Big Apple. I really liked Bea and the friendship groups she had in each scenario but I really wanted her to make her mind up who she wanted and where she wanted to live, and to deal with the consequences of the choice she made. This was a great premise for a story, although a little confusing at times, but very enjoyable all the same and even though it has Christmas in the title, it's not really the festive book that everyone would expect so, for those die hard readers who insist they can't read a Christmas book before Autumn arrives, this is one with a difference and, in my opinion, quite easy to read in August, as I've just done. This is my first by this author and I'm looking forward to reading her others now.
I'd like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
November 14, 2024
Not really a “Christmas” book, and it really reminded me of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s book written in a similar fashion. Regardless, very enjoyable, cute story. I love how the chapters alternated between “Go” and “Stay.” Easy to follow, and I loved the narrator’s voice.
December 2, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ I’m not totally sure how I feel about this one. A sliding doors kinda story which to start with was great but then all the tooing and froing and not much else in between got a bit much. I found at times I was having to read back to check which bit I was reading as it wasn’t always clear. The relationship / love triangle between Bea and the two men didn’t feel all that developed and because of this I didn’t connect to any of them, making this story at times a little bit meh. I finished the book though so 2.5 it is from me.
December 3, 2024
I wouldn’t consider this a Christmas book, the timeline was confusing to keep track of, and it had a love triangle and infidelity (neither of which I like). I would encourage you to just go ahead and skip this book.
August 31, 2024
Three days after Christmas, Bea boards a plane from London to New York. Needing a break from her relationship with Dom, she decides to go to the city of her dreams.
Dom calls before she boards and this is where Bea’s life splits in a sliding doors manner; what happens if she decides to follow through and go to New York; what happens if Dom’s call causes her not to board the plane.
I was extremely frustrated with Bea’s decisions in both timelines. I felt she was rather selfish holding the future of two men in her hands, often leaving them dangling. In the end however, she ends up with the man I felt she should be with.
I’m so excited by all of the holiday reads I have in my NetGalley approved list and this is the first one I’ve read. Despite my frustrations with Bea, I really enjoyed the book especially since it was told in the delightful sliding doors format. I adore books like that!
If you’ve not checked out any of Clare Swatman’s books, I highly recommend starting with this one before tackling others in her expansive library.
Dom calls before she boards and this is where Bea’s life splits in a sliding doors manner; what happens if she decides to follow through and go to New York; what happens if Dom’s call causes her not to board the plane.
I was extremely frustrated with Bea’s decisions in both timelines. I felt she was rather selfish holding the future of two men in her hands, often leaving them dangling. In the end however, she ends up with the man I felt she should be with.
I’m so excited by all of the holiday reads I have in my NetGalley approved list and this is the first one I’ve read. Despite my frustrations with Bea, I really enjoyed the book especially since it was told in the delightful sliding doors format. I adore books like that!
If you’ve not checked out any of Clare Swatman’s books, I highly recommend starting with this one before tackling others in her expansive library.
January 24, 2025
*Decisions*
**3.2 Stars**
This book was up and down for me. I felt the main character Bea Preston needed to take a step back. She seemed to be jumping backwards and forwards between two men. I actually thought she needed to work out what she wanted with space in between.
This story is very much in the theme of the sliding doors movie. I actually think it would play out better on the big screen as the effect would be clearer. At first I found it a little confusing until I realised what was going on.
The chapters flip flop between Stay and Go.
This becomes clear in the book. Her dream is to go to New York. Her partner suffers from depression and kept coming off his meds. Now she decides to go to New York and he calls her and she gives in and misses her flight.
There on in the story shows us what would happen if she got on the plane and vice versa.
We see two men, one she loves with her whole being, the other scenario is the one she settles with who loves her with his whole self.
In both scenarios she makes decisions without thinking about how her actions would affect either man. Then she wonders why she gets into some situations, I found it irritating but it kept my interest to find out how each timeline would work out.
**3.2 Stars**
This book was up and down for me. I felt the main character Bea Preston needed to take a step back. She seemed to be jumping backwards and forwards between two men. I actually thought she needed to work out what she wanted with space in between.
This story is very much in the theme of the sliding doors movie. I actually think it would play out better on the big screen as the effect would be clearer. At first I found it a little confusing until I realised what was going on.
The chapters flip flop between Stay and Go.
This becomes clear in the book. Her dream is to go to New York. Her partner suffers from depression and kept coming off his meds. Now she decides to go to New York and he calls her and she gives in and misses her flight.
There on in the story shows us what would happen if she got on the plane and vice versa.
We see two men, one she loves with her whole being, the other scenario is the one she settles with who loves her with his whole self.
In both scenarios she makes decisions without thinking about how her actions would affect either man. Then she wonders why she gets into some situations, I found it irritating but it kept my interest to find out how each timeline would work out.
November 11, 2024
This was a lovely festive read and I especially liked the New York setting. I felt completely transported to the Big Apple and loved how vividly Swatman creates the festive feeling whilst the protagonist seems lost at sea.
A chance encounter in chapter one sees Bea bump into a mysterious, handsome stranger at the airport as she is on the cusp of leaving her life behind for a new one in America. The chapters then follow Bea’s life of what would have happened if she had turned around and stayed in the UK, or whether she left for America. I loved the changing narratives of these stories and how Swatman cleverly echoes dialogue and events in both life paths, regardless of what Bea had chosen.
However, over time I did find that the two narrative paths started to blend into one another. There are eighteen chapters so, nine of each path, and I struggled to keep track of the events that were exclusive to the ‘stay’ or ‘go’ decision. I’m not sure if that was because I didn’t sit and keep reading this book, but dipped in and out of it, but it definitely did lessen my enjoyment of it. I don’t think this was helped by the way Bea kept bouncing between Dom and AJ, England and New York.
This then evolved into a second reason why I did not find this the perfect read: I grew frustrated by Bea’s lack of commitment. Whether she is coming or going, she cannot make her mind up who to romantically commit to and I grew tired with how she strung Dom and AJ along. Within each chapter year, Bea swings between the two and I disliked how she kept making sacrifices in the belief it was ultimately going to lead to her happiness. Whilst this is part of Bea’s character, I think Swatman could have presented her as more decisive in her actions.
Despite this, I found this book a lovely Christmas read. We cover about ten years of Decembers and I enjoyed seeing how the different characters had altered over the twelve months. Swatman explores sensitive issues such as mental health and aging parents in this book, but I think it is portrayed as something we have had to accept is part of our daily life. In this sense, there were quite a few sad, touching scenes in the book, showing that Christmas is not always about love and happiness.
With George Michael belting out his festive song in my head every time I went to read this book, this novel will definitely get you in the festive mood. Bea’s supporting friends are really lovely and add to the warming nature of the story. However, the switching narrative meant I think I needed to have a little notebook with me to chart significant decisions in each chapter so I did not get confused. On the other hand, this is one I will definitely try and read next year for the festive vibes and another good read from this author.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A chance encounter in chapter one sees Bea bump into a mysterious, handsome stranger at the airport as she is on the cusp of leaving her life behind for a new one in America. The chapters then follow Bea’s life of what would have happened if she had turned around and stayed in the UK, or whether she left for America. I loved the changing narratives of these stories and how Swatman cleverly echoes dialogue and events in both life paths, regardless of what Bea had chosen.
However, over time I did find that the two narrative paths started to blend into one another. There are eighteen chapters so, nine of each path, and I struggled to keep track of the events that were exclusive to the ‘stay’ or ‘go’ decision. I’m not sure if that was because I didn’t sit and keep reading this book, but dipped in and out of it, but it definitely did lessen my enjoyment of it. I don’t think this was helped by the way Bea kept bouncing between Dom and AJ, England and New York.
This then evolved into a second reason why I did not find this the perfect read: I grew frustrated by Bea’s lack of commitment. Whether she is coming or going, she cannot make her mind up who to romantically commit to and I grew tired with how she strung Dom and AJ along. Within each chapter year, Bea swings between the two and I disliked how she kept making sacrifices in the belief it was ultimately going to lead to her happiness. Whilst this is part of Bea’s character, I think Swatman could have presented her as more decisive in her actions.
Despite this, I found this book a lovely Christmas read. We cover about ten years of Decembers and I enjoyed seeing how the different characters had altered over the twelve months. Swatman explores sensitive issues such as mental health and aging parents in this book, but I think it is portrayed as something we have had to accept is part of our daily life. In this sense, there were quite a few sad, touching scenes in the book, showing that Christmas is not always about love and happiness.
With George Michael belting out his festive song in my head every time I went to read this book, this novel will definitely get you in the festive mood. Bea’s supporting friends are really lovely and add to the warming nature of the story. However, the switching narrative meant I think I needed to have a little notebook with me to chart significant decisions in each chapter so I did not get confused. On the other hand, this is one I will definitely try and read next year for the festive vibes and another good read from this author.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2024
3.5⭐️
There were parts that I really enjoyed, especially early in the book. I liked Bea early on but she was a bit tedious after the midpoint, the different stories that followed the stay or go plot was a clever idea, and I thought AJ was a great character. The story is fast paced enough since we’re getting the story in chunks, think of it a bit like an annual Christmas letter, where we’re getting a recap of the events leading up to each December.
By the end I was ready to move on but found the endings to be satisfying enough that I wasn’t disappointed.
There were parts that I really enjoyed, especially early in the book. I liked Bea early on but she was a bit tedious after the midpoint, the different stories that followed the stay or go plot was a clever idea, and I thought AJ was a great character. The story is fast paced enough since we’re getting the story in chunks, think of it a bit like an annual Christmas letter, where we’re getting a recap of the events leading up to each December.
By the end I was ready to move on but found the endings to be satisfying enough that I wasn’t disappointed.
December 11, 2025
This was soooooo cute. A lil bit hard to follow, but adorable. It switches between the possible scenarios, whether Bea stays or goes. Just to see if she ends up in the same place in her future, or if this one decision changes everything
December 19, 2024
There is definitely an audience out there for this book, but sadly it wasn't quite for me.
The book did well to keep Christmas happening around it but I don't think it captured the spirit of the holidays as well as other books I have read. It really leaned on using Christmas as the setting and all of the timelines being set in Christmas then linking back to various happenings throughout the year. Christmas was more of a lowest common denominator that brought the narratives together than actually evoking nostalgia or meaning.
This book was wonderfully descriptive, which was overly dramatic at times. Dramatic is my favorite word for this book because the plot points had a very early 2000's vibe about them where everything was so dramatic and terrible. I don't want to spoil those points, but I will say that I laughed out loud a few times (definitely not the book's intention) at some of these events. It felt like a satire to me by the end because of the number of large scale events that happened.
I listened to it on audiobook, so I would usually appreciate some amount of repetition that I wouldn't in reading, but this was a little too repetition much even for that.
The biggest issues I had with the book though were the main character and the discussion of mental health issues. The main character was really self oriented (main character energy turned WAY up) and I found myself overwhelmed with her behaviors, choices, and thought processes because of how self involved she was. However, the main character's response to her boyfriend's depression was by far the most difficult part of the book to digest. I recognize it is supposed to a look at how people who are in a supportive role can get tired and I am very aware of compassion fatigue, but the treatment of depression in this book was not it for me. The main character combined with the discussion on mental health issues in this book left a bad taste in my mouth.
Overall, it was fine. I don't think it was the fault of the book or the author that it was not for me. I think many young people will treasure it. I think I am simply too old and jaded. A lot of the themes and main focuses felt too tired to me. Though the style of the story was creative, the narrative felt unimaginative to me without having a fresh spin.
The book did well to keep Christmas happening around it but I don't think it captured the spirit of the holidays as well as other books I have read. It really leaned on using Christmas as the setting and all of the timelines being set in Christmas then linking back to various happenings throughout the year. Christmas was more of a lowest common denominator that brought the narratives together than actually evoking nostalgia or meaning.
This book was wonderfully descriptive, which was overly dramatic at times. Dramatic is my favorite word for this book because the plot points had a very early 2000's vibe about them where everything was so dramatic and terrible. I don't want to spoil those points, but I will say that I laughed out loud a few times (definitely not the book's intention) at some of these events. It felt like a satire to me by the end because of the number of large scale events that happened.
I listened to it on audiobook, so I would usually appreciate some amount of repetition that I wouldn't in reading, but this was a little too repetition much even for that.
The biggest issues I had with the book though were the main character and the discussion of mental health issues. The main character was really self oriented (main character energy turned WAY up) and I found myself overwhelmed with her behaviors, choices, and thought processes because of how self involved she was. However, the main character's response to her boyfriend's depression was by far the most difficult part of the book to digest. I recognize it is supposed to a look at how people who are in a supportive role can get tired and I am very aware of compassion fatigue, but the treatment of depression in this book was not it for me. The main character combined with the discussion on mental health issues in this book left a bad taste in my mouth.
Overall, it was fine. I don't think it was the fault of the book or the author that it was not for me. I think many young people will treasure it. I think I am simply too old and jaded. A lot of the themes and main focuses felt too tired to me. Though the style of the story was creative, the narrative felt unimaginative to me without having a fresh spin.
October 17, 2024
ARC Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bea is on the precipice of a life changing decision in December of 2002. Standing in front of the departure board at Heathrow airport she must decide whether to stay in London or go to New York City. What many would see as an inconsequential choice proves to be of vital importance, directly impacting the trajectory of her life.
Last Christmas by Clare Swatman is essentially a holiday spin on the classic, Sliding Doors. It explores the themes of fate and destiny.
I loved how Swatman formatted the book. Each chapter takes place in December. We start in the year of 2002 and end in 2010. Each year is given a chapter for both staying and going. This allows the readers to watch as each scenario plays out.
This was a beautiful story! It exceeded my expectations and as a result, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for their next holiday read.
Special thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Clare Swatman for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bea is on the precipice of a life changing decision in December of 2002. Standing in front of the departure board at Heathrow airport she must decide whether to stay in London or go to New York City. What many would see as an inconsequential choice proves to be of vital importance, directly impacting the trajectory of her life.
Last Christmas by Clare Swatman is essentially a holiday spin on the classic, Sliding Doors. It explores the themes of fate and destiny.
I loved how Swatman formatted the book. Each chapter takes place in December. We start in the year of 2002 and end in 2010. Each year is given a chapter for both staying and going. This allows the readers to watch as each scenario plays out.
This was a beautiful story! It exceeded my expectations and as a result, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for their next holiday read.
Special thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Clare Swatman for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 29, 2024
I found the concept to be interesting, but toward the end, I found myself confused by the back and forth and often repeated parts in the stay and go chapters for the later years.
December 24, 2024
DNF.... 50%
December 17, 2024
The first half was good and then it just got kinda silly
December 14, 2024
Just meh. The main character really annoyed me.
May 16, 2025
Clare Swatman - Last Christmas.
It’s that time of the year again when summer becomes a memory and those fabulous festive reads start to wave their tinsel clad covers at us in a bid to lure us into the mood for Christmas.
Clare Swatman is leading the pack this year, with her seasonal offering, Last Christmas.
Before anyone gets too stressed by the thought of Christmas books so early in the year, let me say that this book does cover the festive period. However, it’s not Christmas heavy. Christmas is very much in the background of this story and not full force turkey and baubles.
Bea is stuck in a rut. Her life in London feels stale and her relationship with her boyfriend Dom has definitely gone off the boil.
Bea has always dreamed of a life in New York and as she stands at the airport, she has to make the decision to get on the plane and go find her new life. Or she can turn around and head straight back to Dom and their life together. What should Bea do?
This is where the book goes all sliding doors and we follow Bea as she takes both paths.
Will they both lead to the same place, or can one moment in time - one split second decision really change the whole course of Bea’s life?
I think this may be my new favourite Clare Swatman book.
Both choices took Bea on a roller coaster of a ride and I honestly didn’t know where she would end up.
I liked Bea and was rooting for her to make the right choices and be with the right people, in the right places.
The story skips along at a good pace and kept me hooked from start to finish.
#LastChristmas is an epic tale that is beautifully written with real warmth and feeling.
Heartwarming, charming, moving and uplifting.
Don’t wait until Christmas, get your copy now and you will be gently eased into the festive shenanigans with this absolute joy of a book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s that time of the year again when summer becomes a memory and those fabulous festive reads start to wave their tinsel clad covers at us in a bid to lure us into the mood for Christmas.
Clare Swatman is leading the pack this year, with her seasonal offering, Last Christmas.
Before anyone gets too stressed by the thought of Christmas books so early in the year, let me say that this book does cover the festive period. However, it’s not Christmas heavy. Christmas is very much in the background of this story and not full force turkey and baubles.
Bea is stuck in a rut. Her life in London feels stale and her relationship with her boyfriend Dom has definitely gone off the boil.
Bea has always dreamed of a life in New York and as she stands at the airport, she has to make the decision to get on the plane and go find her new life. Or she can turn around and head straight back to Dom and their life together. What should Bea do?
This is where the book goes all sliding doors and we follow Bea as she takes both paths.
Will they both lead to the same place, or can one moment in time - one split second decision really change the whole course of Bea’s life?
I think this may be my new favourite Clare Swatman book.
Both choices took Bea on a roller coaster of a ride and I honestly didn’t know where she would end up.
I liked Bea and was rooting for her to make the right choices and be with the right people, in the right places.
The story skips along at a good pace and kept me hooked from start to finish.
#LastChristmas is an epic tale that is beautifully written with real warmth and feeling.
Heartwarming, charming, moving and uplifting.
Don’t wait until Christmas, get your copy now and you will be gently eased into the festive shenanigans with this absolute joy of a book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 11, 2024
I always enjoy Clare Swatman’s books. Last Christmas was so much more than a Christmas story. It’s so different to any other. Bea isn’t happy with her life in London and gets on a plane to New York. I was happy to find that the story starts on my birthday, 22 December. This added to the excitement for me.
I liked the dual timeline, and the storyline in two countries and two cities. Clare Swatman is a skilful writer in every novel I have reviewed of hers. Last Christmas is an outstanding novel with some tough subjects: dementia, depression and 9/11. Other themes are friendship, family and deciding what you really want.
It’s heartwarming and heartwrenching but so addictive. I felt for every character in it. Clare Swatman always goes so deeply into the lives of her characters.
Truly magical and memorable.
5 stars but it deserves more.
Thanks to Clare Swatman and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. Thanks also for the opportunity to take part in the Boldwood Books Christmas Readalong for this book from December 3-5 2024. It’s the perfect book for this event. My experience of the Readalong is in this blog post:
https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.c...
I liked the dual timeline, and the storyline in two countries and two cities. Clare Swatman is a skilful writer in every novel I have reviewed of hers. Last Christmas is an outstanding novel with some tough subjects: dementia, depression and 9/11. Other themes are friendship, family and deciding what you really want.
It’s heartwarming and heartwrenching but so addictive. I felt for every character in it. Clare Swatman always goes so deeply into the lives of her characters.
Truly magical and memorable.
5 stars but it deserves more.
Thanks to Clare Swatman and Boldwood Books for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. Thanks also for the opportunity to take part in the Boldwood Books Christmas Readalong for this book from December 3-5 2024. It’s the perfect book for this event. My experience of the Readalong is in this blog post:
https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.c...
December 23, 2024
Had to DNF at 27% basically this is like sliding doors running 2 timelines every other chapter and it’s confusing me as it’s not clear on which timeline I’m reading and having to keep going back few pages to see which story I’m following.
Story is basically following main character Bea few days before Christmas in the airport considering moving to NY and starting a new life and leaving her family and boyfriend who suffers from bad depression as she is feeling stuck on her life:
- Timeline 1 she gets to NY and realises she made a mistake and comes home and continues her life as it was.
- Timeline 2 she stays in NY gets an apartment, job at magazine and roommate who she works with is super happy and falls in love with NY and happens to meet up with the hunky Irish man who she met on the flight out and didn’t think she was gonna see again and there’s sparks.
The writing is good but toing and froing timelines is too much for me to deal with.
Story is basically following main character Bea few days before Christmas in the airport considering moving to NY and starting a new life and leaving her family and boyfriend who suffers from bad depression as she is feeling stuck on her life:
- Timeline 1 she gets to NY and realises she made a mistake and comes home and continues her life as it was.
- Timeline 2 she stays in NY gets an apartment, job at magazine and roommate who she works with is super happy and falls in love with NY and happens to meet up with the hunky Irish man who she met on the flight out and didn’t think she was gonna see again and there’s sparks.
The writing is good but toing and froing timelines is too much for me to deal with.
December 9, 2025
If I read about someone ‘tipping their head back’ one more time!! Aargh! I don’t understand why the description was even needed, but surely the editor could have pointed out its overuse & substituted another way to illustrate the point 🤦🏼♀️.
November 30, 2024
Follow Bea, the main character through a series of Christmases along two parallel time lines based on a decision she has to make about being nice or following her dreams. One could argue that being nice was actually naughty … but I digress and then the plot would fall apart too easily. Both timelines lead her to the same conclusion, in the arms of her true love. People wise: she somehow keeps all the same people in her life save new love interests for third rate characters. That’s my kind Christmas review and am even being generous with my stars, because, it is Christmastime after all!
October 21, 2024
A lovely festive story which I really enjoyed. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 2, 2025
Looking up at the departures board in Heathrow airport, her flight to New York boarding soon, Bea knows that getting on that plane changes everything. Her life in London has grown stale, her relationship with boyfriend Dom has run its course, and New York has always been her dream. But it’s a risk – she’ll miss her parents, her friends, her job. What if Bea could live both lives? In one she goes back home for Christmas, and in another she heads to the Big Apple. Would her fate remain the same, or can one decision really change everything?
I chose this book as I enjoy a festive read and the premise sounded interesting. This book fell short for me, as although events occur around the festive period, it was only the background to the story. I also found it difficult at points to work out as to which version of the story I was in. The story alternates between the two different versions but there are a lot of parallels so it was easy to get confused as it follows the same trajectory. It was well written and the characters were fun but it just didn't work for me. I would have preferred the two stories to have different endings but maybe that was the point that no matter what happens the outcome will be the same. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book.
I chose this book as I enjoy a festive read and the premise sounded interesting. This book fell short for me, as although events occur around the festive period, it was only the background to the story. I also found it difficult at points to work out as to which version of the story I was in. The story alternates between the two different versions but there are a lot of parallels so it was easy to get confused as it follows the same trajectory. It was well written and the characters were fun but it just didn't work for me. I would have preferred the two stories to have different endings but maybe that was the point that no matter what happens the outcome will be the same. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book.
October 30, 2024
Think Sliding Doors and then this is the adventure that Last Christmas will take you on.
This story takes us back to the early 00s and I have to say I was in a very similar position as Bea, back in 2004 - at an airport, ready to start a new life in Ireland. Should I go or should I stay? Should I go back to the relationship that went sour after 6 years, to the man that said he would change or should I take the chance on a new country and an Irishman that I had recently met. I took the big step, went to Ireland and 20 years later we’re still together, married with two daughters and a miniature schnauzer lol.
Anyway this is the big decision that Bea has to take and what follows are alternative chapters of what happens if she stayed in London (with the long term boyfriend) and if she went to New York (and meet an Irishman!). The story then goes full circle that takes us through the years via the alternate timelines and boy does Bea go on an emotional rollercoaster with the two men in her life. With a touch of fate, Bea ends up with who she’s really meant to be with, despite having to make difficult decisions.
I must mention that this isn’t a cosy, festive rom-com. There are some very sensitive situations that occur throughout and my lip wobbled quite a bit. However, this was such a unique, emotionally messy, complex story, I really enjoyed it! I listened to the audio and I thought the narrator did a great job, especially the emotional parts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
This story takes us back to the early 00s and I have to say I was in a very similar position as Bea, back in 2004 - at an airport, ready to start a new life in Ireland. Should I go or should I stay? Should I go back to the relationship that went sour after 6 years, to the man that said he would change or should I take the chance on a new country and an Irishman that I had recently met. I took the big step, went to Ireland and 20 years later we’re still together, married with two daughters and a miniature schnauzer lol.
Anyway this is the big decision that Bea has to take and what follows are alternative chapters of what happens if she stayed in London (with the long term boyfriend) and if she went to New York (and meet an Irishman!). The story then goes full circle that takes us through the years via the alternate timelines and boy does Bea go on an emotional rollercoaster with the two men in her life. With a touch of fate, Bea ends up with who she’s really meant to be with, despite having to make difficult decisions.
I must mention that this isn’t a cosy, festive rom-com. There are some very sensitive situations that occur throughout and my lip wobbled quite a bit. However, this was such a unique, emotionally messy, complex story, I really enjoyed it! I listened to the audio and I thought the narrator did a great job, especially the emotional parts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
February 12, 2025
This was such a slow read that I skimmed through the second half.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an e-arc.
Okay to Beatrice wanna run away, the reasons are being revealed so late but I will shout them out, she was sexuelly assaulted at her job and she felt drained by her depressed boyfriend Dom, so she wanna leave for New York, the city.
But the scenerio of staying, need to be explored right? No not really in my mening but okay. So at odd chapters Bea will Stay and at even chapters, Bea will Go!
But fate is fate, so it doesn't matter if Bea stays or go, her life and future will interwine. Bea will meet a guy names AJ somehow and they will fall in love and her happy ending is New York.
This is such a dramatic ride full with romantic drama, cheating guys, no spicy, and alot of friends that loves partying.
I mean if you fancy Gossip girl, this may be you vibe.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an e-arc.
Okay to Beatrice wanna run away, the reasons are being revealed so late but I will shout them out, she was sexuelly assaulted at her job and she felt drained by her depressed boyfriend Dom, so she wanna leave for New York, the city.
But the scenerio of staying, need to be explored right? No not really in my mening but okay. So at odd chapters Bea will Stay and at even chapters, Bea will Go!
But fate is fate, so it doesn't matter if Bea stays or go, her life and future will interwine. Bea will meet a guy names AJ somehow and they will fall in love and her happy ending is New York.
This is such a dramatic ride full with romantic drama, cheating guys, no spicy, and alot of friends that loves partying.
I mean if you fancy Gossip girl, this may be you vibe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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