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Christmas Spirit #2
Return of the Christmas Spirit
‘A delightful seasonal read reminiscent of ‘It's a Wonderful Life.’
‘One of those feel-good Christmas books that gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling.’
Christmas is just around the corner when the enigmatic Star begins working at Butterburn library, but not everyone is embracing the spirit of the season.
Arianna is anxious about her mock exams. With her father living abroad and her mother working three jobs to keep them afloat, she doesn’t have much support at home.
The bank is threatening to repossess Evan’s house, and he has no idea how he will get through Christmas with two children who are used to getting everything they want.
After 23 years of marriage, Patricia’s husband announces he’s moving out of the family home, and moving in with his secretary. Patricia puts a brave face on things, but inside she’s devastated and lost.
Stressed-out Daniel is doing the work of three people in his sales job, plus looking after his kids and his sick wife. Pulled in too many different directions, he hasn’t even had a chance to think about Christmas.
Can Star, the library’s Good Samaritan, help set them on the path to happiness this Christmas?
‘One of those feel-good Christmas books that gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling.’
Christmas is just around the corner when the enigmatic Star begins working at Butterburn library, but not everyone is embracing the spirit of the season.
Arianna is anxious about her mock exams. With her father living abroad and her mother working three jobs to keep them afloat, she doesn’t have much support at home.
The bank is threatening to repossess Evan’s house, and he has no idea how he will get through Christmas with two children who are used to getting everything they want.
After 23 years of marriage, Patricia’s husband announces he’s moving out of the family home, and moving in with his secretary. Patricia puts a brave face on things, but inside she’s devastated and lost.
Stressed-out Daniel is doing the work of three people in his sales job, plus looking after his kids and his sick wife. Pulled in too many different directions, he hasn’t even had a chance to think about Christmas.
Can Star, the library’s Good Samaritan, help set them on the path to happiness this Christmas?
- GenresChristmas
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2015
97 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Susan Buchanan
18 books335 followersSusan Buchanan lives in Central Scotland with her husband and their two children. She is the author of 12 novels: A Taste of Christmas Spirit, You Can't Hurry Love, The Leap Year Proposal, A Little Christmas Spirit, Just One Day - Winter, Just One Day - Spring, Just One Day - Summer, Just One Day - Autumn, Return of the Christmas Spirit, The Christmas Spirit, The Dating Game and Sign of the Times.
5.
Susan is also a proofreader and editor and when not working, writing or caring for her two delightful cherubs, loves reading, the theatre, quiz shows and eating out - not necessarily in that order!
5.
Susan is also a proofreader and editor and when not working, writing or caring for her two delightful cherubs, loves reading, the theatre, quiz shows and eating out - not necessarily in that order!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 30, 2016
It's becoming a post-holiday tradition for me to read Susan Buchanan's Christmas Spirit books, and this second one was every bit as entertaining and heart-warming as the first. In this outing, Star (the titular spirit's latest pseudonym) finds herself working in a library where she befriends four people who are in need of her very special assistance. Daniel is burning the candle at both ends working a demanding full-time job while caring for his three children, Patricia is dealing with a cheating husband, Evan's desperate to find a job before his family loses everything, and teenage Arianna is stressed about her upcoming exams and feeling deserted by her father.
What's nice about Star's intervention in all these folks' lives is that she doesn't just wave a wand and make everyone's problems magically disappear. She offers compassion and gently nudges them in the right direction so that they're able to help themselves as well as others, so there was a lovely message in the book about how important it is for us all to connect with each other. I found all four of the intersecting storylines compelling, but was especially interested in how things played out for Patricia. There were a few twists and turns along the path to happiness for her, and I loved where she ended up at Christmas.
The library setting was such a unique and fun one and since I'm such a diehard book lover, I really loved that aspect of the story. It sounded like such a neat place to be during the holiday season. I wanted to attend one of the book club discussions led by Star, and I liked learning about different Christmas traditions around the world, which was something Star set up at the library.
These books need to be pitched to the Hallmark Channel because I think they'd fit right in with the charming family fare that network airs during the holiday season! I can't wait to find out where the Christmas Spirit ends up next year and look forward to reading her next adventure.
What's nice about Star's intervention in all these folks' lives is that she doesn't just wave a wand and make everyone's problems magically disappear. She offers compassion and gently nudges them in the right direction so that they're able to help themselves as well as others, so there was a lovely message in the book about how important it is for us all to connect with each other. I found all four of the intersecting storylines compelling, but was especially interested in how things played out for Patricia. There were a few twists and turns along the path to happiness for her, and I loved where she ended up at Christmas.
The library setting was such a unique and fun one and since I'm such a diehard book lover, I really loved that aspect of the story. It sounded like such a neat place to be during the holiday season. I wanted to attend one of the book club discussions led by Star, and I liked learning about different Christmas traditions around the world, which was something Star set up at the library.
These books need to be pitched to the Hallmark Channel because I think they'd fit right in with the charming family fare that network airs during the holiday season! I can't wait to find out where the Christmas Spirit ends up next year and look forward to reading her next adventure.
January 24, 2020
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free for a Blog Tour in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Thank you to JB for letting me take part in this tour. I read The Christmas Spirit last year and absolutely loved the story so when I heard this book was on tour I knew I had to be part of it.
This book is a year on from The Christmas Spirit, with a new name and a new town Star can't wait to inject some Christmas cheer into her four charges.
I really enjoyed reading about the characters in Butterburn. Their struggles are easy to identify with and you really start to feel for the characters.
Susan has done a great job of creating this little town and I feel very festive after reading it. I enjoyed seeing how each of the characters christmas day's turned out and I can't wait for mine this year.
I loved the last Chapter of this book and hope to read another book in this series one day.
This book is a year on from The Christmas Spirit, with a new name and a new town Star can't wait to inject some Christmas cheer into her four charges.
I really enjoyed reading about the characters in Butterburn. Their struggles are easy to identify with and you really start to feel for the characters.
Susan has done a great job of creating this little town and I feel very festive after reading it. I enjoyed seeing how each of the characters christmas day's turned out and I can't wait for mine this year.
I loved the last Chapter of this book and hope to read another book in this series one day.
December 4, 2015
This is a fabulous little book for this time of year which actually covers several issues while keeping the essence of Christmas alive.
We see how a few people react to the season when they all have certain struggles, yet Star manages to bring them all to a conclusion.
The library is a base for a lot of the story, I particularly enjoyed the ‘celebratory’ aspect where we get an insight into how other countries mark the holidays.
Evan needs a job but finds himself going off on a different tangent. Arianna has to study for exams but does she spot a romantic interest .. Patricia has a few marriage difficulties & Daniel was my favourite the way he managed to care for his wife & children.
With a little love, support, understanding & magic all rolled into one this is an enjoyable read.
Thanks to the author & Brook Cottage Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
We see how a few people react to the season when they all have certain struggles, yet Star manages to bring them all to a conclusion.
The library is a base for a lot of the story, I particularly enjoyed the ‘celebratory’ aspect where we get an insight into how other countries mark the holidays.
Evan needs a job but finds himself going off on a different tangent. Arianna has to study for exams but does she spot a romantic interest .. Patricia has a few marriage difficulties & Daniel was my favourite the way he managed to care for his wife & children.
With a little love, support, understanding & magic all rolled into one this is an enjoyable read.
Thanks to the author & Brook Cottage Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 28, 2015
As always at Christmas everyone is being pulled in lots of different directions due to outside influences.
Arianna is feeling the pressure of her exams and a Christmas without seeing her father.
Evan is struggling with two children who want everything and cannot see the pleasure in the little things in life.
Daniel is looking after his children and a sick wife as well as trying to hold down a job where family is not an important issue.
Patricia's husband has left her. In true style for his secretary.
The only thing that seems to pull all of these people together is the local library and their most recent employee Star.
The library is holding lots of events in the run up to Christmas and Star has taken on a lot of the organising herself for them. Somehow as the four main characters of the novel, cross paths at the library Star manages to get them to help at the library festivities. Whether it be helping with the children's activities, the adult book club, or simply the pleasure of the children choosing their library books, somehow Star manages to become part of their lives.
As the book progresses and we see the struggles that these characters have to go through and some of the decisions they have to make, especially the choices when it comes to family, you start to feel empathy for them. There was not one character I did not like, they all came across for me well and I admired their resolve and determination.
As the book comes to its right conclusion, it seems that Christmas for all of them will be a star feature this year.
I said of Susan Buchanan's The Christmas Spirit that it was "....a book to cuddle up on the sofa with and just simply enjoy...." then this book is exactly the same. The author has knack of the magical for writing Christmas stories and therefore I hope that there will be more to come in the future.
One of the best Christmas books I have read this year.
Arianna is feeling the pressure of her exams and a Christmas without seeing her father.
Evan is struggling with two children who want everything and cannot see the pleasure in the little things in life.
Daniel is looking after his children and a sick wife as well as trying to hold down a job where family is not an important issue.
Patricia's husband has left her. In true style for his secretary.
The only thing that seems to pull all of these people together is the local library and their most recent employee Star.
The library is holding lots of events in the run up to Christmas and Star has taken on a lot of the organising herself for them. Somehow as the four main characters of the novel, cross paths at the library Star manages to get them to help at the library festivities. Whether it be helping with the children's activities, the adult book club, or simply the pleasure of the children choosing their library books, somehow Star manages to become part of their lives.
As the book progresses and we see the struggles that these characters have to go through and some of the decisions they have to make, especially the choices when it comes to family, you start to feel empathy for them. There was not one character I did not like, they all came across for me well and I admired their resolve and determination.
As the book comes to its right conclusion, it seems that Christmas for all of them will be a star feature this year.
I said of Susan Buchanan's The Christmas Spirit that it was "....a book to cuddle up on the sofa with and just simply enjoy...." then this book is exactly the same. The author has knack of the magical for writing Christmas stories and therefore I hope that there will be more to come in the future.
One of the best Christmas books I have read this year.
November 29, 2015
Capturing the true spirit of Christmas this is a delightful book. Not too long and not too short at 150 odd pages it is ideal to relax and curl up with a cup of chocolate or glass of wine in the busy run up to Christmas.
Star the new librarian isn’t who she appears to be. Her timely arrival before Christmas touches all around her but in particular the lives of Patricia her boss and Evan, Daniel and Arianna who frequent the library. With a kind word and a little magic here and there she transforms the library and brings happiness into their lives.
It is very cleverly written; the character and plot development are excellent. Susan successfully takes four seemingly separate and unrelated stories and weaves them together. The characters were very easy to empathise with and I found myself really rooting for each of them. The pace was good, making it a real page turner.
This book also surprised me because it had more depth than I’d anticipated. There are some clear messages contained here about being true to yourself, the value of family and persistence.
This is the second book featuring the Christmas Spirit but stands well on its own. It refers only briefly to the first title “The Christmas Spirit” published in 2013, which I have not read. Had I read it; I would have really appreciated the way this book skillfully linked back to the previous one giving a glimpse into the lives of the characters from that book this Christmas. I look forward to a third book in the series, which will hopefully do the same for Patricia, Evan, Daniel and Arianna.
Will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit....loved it ...
Star the new librarian isn’t who she appears to be. Her timely arrival before Christmas touches all around her but in particular the lives of Patricia her boss and Evan, Daniel and Arianna who frequent the library. With a kind word and a little magic here and there she transforms the library and brings happiness into their lives.
It is very cleverly written; the character and plot development are excellent. Susan successfully takes four seemingly separate and unrelated stories and weaves them together. The characters were very easy to empathise with and I found myself really rooting for each of them. The pace was good, making it a real page turner.
This book also surprised me because it had more depth than I’d anticipated. There are some clear messages contained here about being true to yourself, the value of family and persistence.
This is the second book featuring the Christmas Spirit but stands well on its own. It refers only briefly to the first title “The Christmas Spirit” published in 2013, which I have not read. Had I read it; I would have really appreciated the way this book skillfully linked back to the previous one giving a glimpse into the lives of the characters from that book this Christmas. I look forward to a third book in the series, which will hopefully do the same for Patricia, Evan, Daniel and Arianna.
Will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit....loved it ...
December 2, 2015
This is one of those feel good Christmas books that gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling once you have finished it!
Star is working in her local library for the festive season, where many of the customers are not looking forward to Christmas in one way or another.
Arianna is studying for her exams and has the added pressure of not seeing much of her mother as she is holding down numerous jobs to keep afloat.
Evan is struggling to make ends meet after losing his job.
Patricia is in shock after her husband tells her he is leaving.
Daniel is also struggling to cope with the day to day life of bringing up 3 children whilst his wife is suffering from depression.
All these people could do with a helping hand, I wonder who would be able to do that and steer them in the right direction? Star has a magical way of putting these people in the right place at the right time!
I liked the mixture of characters in this book. All had believable stories to tell of life getting them down and then getting a “helping hand” to steer them in the right direction to make things better for them.
This was a lovely Christmassy story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I actually felt like the story could have been a bit longer (it’s not often I say that about books!).
Star is working in her local library for the festive season, where many of the customers are not looking forward to Christmas in one way or another.
Arianna is studying for her exams and has the added pressure of not seeing much of her mother as she is holding down numerous jobs to keep afloat.
Evan is struggling to make ends meet after losing his job.
Patricia is in shock after her husband tells her he is leaving.
Daniel is also struggling to cope with the day to day life of bringing up 3 children whilst his wife is suffering from depression.
All these people could do with a helping hand, I wonder who would be able to do that and steer them in the right direction? Star has a magical way of putting these people in the right place at the right time!
I liked the mixture of characters in this book. All had believable stories to tell of life getting them down and then getting a “helping hand” to steer them in the right direction to make things better for them.
This was a lovely Christmassy story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I actually felt like the story could have been a bit longer (it’s not often I say that about books!).
December 8, 2015
This is the right sweet read during the Christmas season. It’s lovely how the author speaks about Christmas festivities all around the world and how she describes the Christmas preparations in various families – how Ariana , sad not to have her separated Dad present for the first time at Christmas, finds unexpectedly great joy with Josh and her mum; how Patricia, dumped by her husband finds great kindred spirits, warmth and joy on a writing course in Portugal; how Evan, jobless and with money problems, cannot cope with his self-centred children’s demands for expensive gifts; how happy family man Daniel showers his beloved wife and kids with expensive presents but discovers just in time how his wife is clinically depressed. It’s a happy little book but it also makes us reflect – if we’re happy and surrounded by those we love, let’s think of the less fortunate at this time of year. There is plenty we can do to bring joy to everyone around us. The Island Girl
December 2, 2015
I loved Susan Buchanan's first Christmas novel so was eagerly anticipating this one, hoping that it would deliver the same Christmas magic. It does - and more! Clear the decks, stock up on choccie because once you start, you won't want to stop reading. In fact I got very annoyed when my reading was interrupted! This is another story of what Christmas should be all about and is full of good cheer. A nice touch was the mention of all the different Christmas traditions around the world and the various characters are a delight. There's a clever touch with just the right reference to Susan's first book that is nicely incorporated. I was sorry when this ended and hope that there'll be a third book next year. This is becoming a Christmas ritual which I love.
December 9, 2015
This is the ideal Christmas read, especially while waiting for mince pies to bake in the oven. Wonderfully heart-warming, with characters that the reader can relate to and empathise with. A quirky librarian with a delightful secret brings the story to life with an extra touch of magic!
The individual woes and tribulations of Patricia, Evan, Daniel and Arianna are cloaked in warm duvet thanks to Star and her way of soothing even the most troubled of hearts.
A total page turner and delightful especially for this time of the year.
With thanks to Brook Cottage Books for allowing me to review this for a book tour!
The individual woes and tribulations of Patricia, Evan, Daniel and Arianna are cloaked in warm duvet thanks to Star and her way of soothing even the most troubled of hearts.
A total page turner and delightful especially for this time of the year.
With thanks to Brook Cottage Books for allowing me to review this for a book tour!
December 14, 2015
This was a lovely seasonal read, following four main characters who are all facing individual problems in their lives. They all come into contact with Star, a new librarian who recognises their struggles and helps to make things a little better.
This book gets a thumbs up from me
This book gets a thumbs up from me
December 11, 2015
review to follow
December 15, 2022
Star has recently begun working in the local library and been spreading the Christmas cheer thanks to her decorations, the new cafe that is preparing to open being fully decked out for Christmas and her friendly chat with all of the people she meets in her job at the library but what nobody realises is that Star has chosen her 4 people she will help this Christmas and it's coming time for her plans to take shape.
This is a gorgeous book that reads well whilst giving the true Christmas feel you want from a book with Christmas in the title. The fact the author gives each character their own depth and qualities means that this book is a very easy and enjoyable read that leaves you hoping for more to come in the future.
This is a gorgeous book that reads well whilst giving the true Christmas feel you want from a book with Christmas in the title. The fact the author gives each character their own depth and qualities means that this book is a very easy and enjoyable read that leaves you hoping for more to come in the future.
December 25, 2021
Christmas is approaching as Star starts a temporary job in a library. Star meets Daniel, a father of 3 children whose wife Victoria is ill, Evan is a father of 2 and has been out of work for 2 years and is temporarily working as a barman. Patricia who is the boss at the library is struggling as her husband has left her after 23 years of marriage and Arianna is a student studying for her mocks. These people are all unhappy and it’s Star’s mission to help them find happiness. Star is a human or is she a fairy godmother sent to make their wishes and desires come true. Filled with festive facts, a truly special must read Christmas book.
December 20, 2021
This is the second book in this series. It's along the same lines as the first, but with different characters. In this book you will meet Evan, Patricia, Daniel and Arianna. Each one is down on their luck, or they have some sort of situation in their life at the moment. You will also meet Star, a new employee at the Butterburn library. Is Star here just for the job, or to secretly help each individual with the problems in their life? This is a feel good book full of holiday cheer and magic. Definitely a must read from Susan Buchanan.
January 15, 2023
Star is a young lady working at Butterburn library she sets up reading stories to the children. Her boss is Patricia all is not well with her marriage, Evan is struggling to find a job, Daniel also struggling with his wife who is ill and working and looking after his children. Arianna is revising for her exams and cannot concentrate, her eyes keep looking at a young man called Josh. How can Star help all these people at Christmas, you will be pleasantly surprised
December 23, 2025
A Delight
This is the second book in by the series and my second one read. I really enjoy the glow of these stories and find the very relaxing. These are cozy books that totally relax me and give joy. I hope there will be more than only the four. A truly delightful reading time!
This is the second book in by the series and my second one read. I really enjoy the glow of these stories and find the very relaxing. These are cozy books that totally relax me and give joy. I hope there will be more than only the four. A truly delightful reading time!
April 28, 2023
Return of the Christmas Spirit.
This book was such a sweet delight to read it certainly had a beautiful group of people who benefited from stars Christmas spirit .
I would love to see more stories like this perhaps next Christmas.
This book was such a sweet delight to read it certainly had a beautiful group of people who benefited from stars Christmas spirit .
I would love to see more stories like this perhaps next Christmas.
January 21, 2022
Another wonderfully magical boom from Susan. I love her style of writing and the way she draws you into the story with such great characters.
January 22, 2022
cracking story
Susan’s Stories always give you well me, the feel good factor. Nostalgic and with characters, and places to indulge in.
Susan’s Stories always give you well me, the feel good factor. Nostalgic and with characters, and places to indulge in.
November 28, 2022
Lovely
I enjoyed this book too ,although not quite as much as the first, but I am a sucker for books in cake shops . It was good to follow the characters getting sorted
I enjoyed this book too ,although not quite as much as the first, but I am a sucker for books in cake shops . It was good to follow the characters getting sorted
December 10, 2022
A great follow-up to The Christmas Spirit, and a lovely read for this. time of year
January 16, 2023
Loved both of these books
Started with the Just One Day series then these two, loved them. Christmas magic, brilliant characters and threads to each one
Started with the Just One Day series then these two, loved them. Christmas magic, brilliant characters and threads to each one
February 15, 2023
Very sweet Christmas story.
November 24, 2023
This was another really good book. I loved this series wish this book was a little longer. Definitely be reading more from Susan Buchanan.
November 18, 2024
I absolutely love this series of books. I’ve only just been introduced to them but have read one after the other and I’m now on the latest one. These are areal Christmas hugs in a book.
February 7, 2025
I loved this book. It is a heartlifting story.
October 27, 2025
Book 2 connects well to Book 1.
December 4, 2025
Cozy Christmas Read
Really love these books. Immersed in feel good Christmas vibes, they’re easy to read and not real long! I enjoy the characters as well!
Really love these books. Immersed in feel good Christmas vibes, they’re easy to read and not real long! I enjoy the characters as well!
December 4, 2015
Return Of The Christmas Spirit has the makings of a really great heart warming festive read.
In the book there are four main characters - Daniel, Evan, Arianna and Patricia.
Daniel is the father to three young children, he's got a good job but is under pressure as his team are a few men down, and his wife at home is unwell spending all her time in bed leaving him to sort the kids and the household chores too.
Evan, again a family man but lost his amazing job a few years back and is struggling to find another and to make ends meet. Despite having a loving and understanding wife he just wants his luck to change so they can have a nice Christmas.
Arianna, a sixteen year old student spends all her time studying. Its just her and her mother since her dad left, and due to tight finances she's had to give up her social interaction with friends and is feeling lonely.
And then there's Patricia, who's husband has left her for his secretary but with her best friend and colleague being on maternity leave she feels alone with no one to talk to and wondering how she can move forward in her life and learn to become independent.
The book is has a main common feature which is the library where Patricia is manager. Star, the Christmas Spirit, has been 'employed' in the build up to Christmas and to cover the maternity leave - obviously unbeknown to the four characters, she's actually there to help them.
For me, the book was hard to get into. Each chapter was made up with a series of paragraphs, each one jumping from character to character - there are some really lovely, strong characters, however I felt I didn't really get to know them and therefore the story struggled to flow for me.
I enjoyed the fact that the four characters has the common library interest - Evan goes to job hunt, Arianna to study and Daniel takes his kids to story time, and so each one comes in contact with Star who magically makes things coincidently happen in order to improve all of their lives.
The last five or so chapters worked better for me, these were based on Christmas day which is the landmark the book has been leading up to, and each character was pretty much given a chapter to themselves.
Although this book is 'return of' the Christmas Spirit, it can be read as a standalone as there is only one or two brief sentences relating to waht Star was upto last year, and even the last chapter when she looked back at them was well written and was generalised so I felt I didnt need to have read the first book in order to understand.
As I mentioned at the beginning, this book has a really nice, light feel to it. I would have preferred to have had an epilogue at the end as I was left wondering what happened to Daniel's wife, did Arianne pass her exams, how Evan coped in his new job and if Patricia forgave her husband, but these are only my personal opinions.
In the book there are four main characters - Daniel, Evan, Arianna and Patricia.
Daniel is the father to three young children, he's got a good job but is under pressure as his team are a few men down, and his wife at home is unwell spending all her time in bed leaving him to sort the kids and the household chores too.
Evan, again a family man but lost his amazing job a few years back and is struggling to find another and to make ends meet. Despite having a loving and understanding wife he just wants his luck to change so they can have a nice Christmas.
Arianna, a sixteen year old student spends all her time studying. Its just her and her mother since her dad left, and due to tight finances she's had to give up her social interaction with friends and is feeling lonely.
And then there's Patricia, who's husband has left her for his secretary but with her best friend and colleague being on maternity leave she feels alone with no one to talk to and wondering how she can move forward in her life and learn to become independent.
The book is has a main common feature which is the library where Patricia is manager. Star, the Christmas Spirit, has been 'employed' in the build up to Christmas and to cover the maternity leave - obviously unbeknown to the four characters, she's actually there to help them.
For me, the book was hard to get into. Each chapter was made up with a series of paragraphs, each one jumping from character to character - there are some really lovely, strong characters, however I felt I didn't really get to know them and therefore the story struggled to flow for me.
I enjoyed the fact that the four characters has the common library interest - Evan goes to job hunt, Arianna to study and Daniel takes his kids to story time, and so each one comes in contact with Star who magically makes things coincidently happen in order to improve all of their lives.
The last five or so chapters worked better for me, these were based on Christmas day which is the landmark the book has been leading up to, and each character was pretty much given a chapter to themselves.
Although this book is 'return of' the Christmas Spirit, it can be read as a standalone as there is only one or two brief sentences relating to waht Star was upto last year, and even the last chapter when she looked back at them was well written and was generalised so I felt I didnt need to have read the first book in order to understand.
As I mentioned at the beginning, this book has a really nice, light feel to it. I would have preferred to have had an epilogue at the end as I was left wondering what happened to Daniel's wife, did Arianne pass her exams, how Evan coped in his new job and if Patricia forgave her husband, but these are only my personal opinions.
December 19, 2016
It was a real joy to meet our cheery little guardian angel again, although this time she has called herself Star, and she is working maternity cover for a Librarian in the local public library in a small town near you. Once again she has a list of people she is ready to help, and she gets to meet them as one by one they come into the library. It is here that she gets to work her glittering magic - and why couldn't she? It is a library after all - the place of book magic.
Although this is a sequel to a cheery short story, it can be read as a stand-alone book as well. The truth is, I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. It's a perfect hand-warmer for the Christmas season, and a reminder that Christmas can't be found at the local supermarket or under the Christmas tree. The characters are all experiencing loss, loneliness, emotional hardship in some way, and the author recognises with emotions with compassion and subtlety.
As a librarian, library and total book lover, this book ticked all the boxes and really infused me with Christmas spirit. Well done Susan, another champion. All librarians will love this!
Although this is a sequel to a cheery short story, it can be read as a stand-alone book as well. The truth is, I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. It's a perfect hand-warmer for the Christmas season, and a reminder that Christmas can't be found at the local supermarket or under the Christmas tree. The characters are all experiencing loss, loneliness, emotional hardship in some way, and the author recognises with emotions with compassion and subtlety.
As a librarian, library and total book lover, this book ticked all the boxes and really infused me with Christmas spirit. Well done Susan, another champion. All librarians will love this!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews