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Christmas at The Buckley Hotel

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Christmas at The Buckley Hotel, is like a huge mug full to the brim with positivity and feel-good vibes, with an enormous dollop of festive goodwill on top, abundantly sprinkled with glitter and sparkle!

This is the second book in The Buckley Hotel series, set in Central London.

It chronicles the day-to-day lives of General Manager John Foster (aka The Boss) and his wonderful team of Senior Managers - Mo (aka Mrs Christmas), plus Michael, Martin, Craig and Malcolm (collectively aka Boy Band).

It’s a cosy, heartwarming story, about a group of people who get on with each other and get on with the job…all set against the background of their busiest time of year.

You are invited to join The Buckley Hotel management team, their staff, their guests, their families, friends and some of the other residents of Buckley Square…during the months leading up to Christmas and throughout the Festive Season.

You can expect a gentle blend of friendship, love, laughter, mischief, misunderstandings, planning, plotting, secrets, food (lots of food) and lashings of ‘Christmassy stuff’!

And of course…Hamish the Border Terrier is back, this time joined by his two Border sidekicks, Hattie and wee Archie.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2025

1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read

About the author

Marianne Crichton

2 books14 followers
I have had the absolute privilege of being the ‘Mum Mum’ of two Border Terrier boys…Hamish who sadly passed away in 2021 and now Archie who he sent to us to mend our hearts ♥️
When writing my very first book - New Beginnings at The Buckley Hotel - it was therapeutic and healing to include Hamish as a ‘character’ in the story 📕
In my second book - Christmas at The Buckley Hotel - Archie also joins the team.
My books are cosy, light hearted and easy to read…the kind of book I like to read myself.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Nicola Doyle.
500 reviews15 followers
October 30, 2025
Welcome back to the Buckley Hotel! What a beautiful and touching story. I embraced and loved every second of it! The cover is wonderful again. A lovely festive Buckley Hotel with Hamish and wee Archie! The book is written perfectly and flows beautifully. I love the 2nd person narrative in the book. It worked so well. I felt like I was sitting with Marianne with a cuppa and she was telling me of M&M's adventures! The setting was exquisite. The hotel sounds just breathtaking when it's all done for Christmas. Especially the Atrium! I may have cried a little! The characters are wonderful and well-thought-out. It was great to see the staff of The Buckley Hotel back. They're all wonderful, and I still love Malcolm. He makes me giggle. It was wonderful having more of Jill and David. I do love Jill, and I did wish, reading this, that she was my mum! We have some new furry friends added! Buster and Hamish return, but we also have wee Archie, Frankie and Hattie as adorable canine companions. Princess Pepe the cat is also introduced! I absolutely adored our new furry additions. I'm developing quite a love for Border Terriers thanks to the Border Trio - Hamish, wee Archie and Hattie. I one hundred percent recommend this book and the series. I cannot wait for another installment of the series!
Profile Image for Steve Exeter.
Author 13 books39 followers
November 11, 2025
I have been counting down the days for Halloween and Bonfire Night to pass so I could head back to the Buckley Hotel and soak up its festive magic. Marianne Crichton writes with such warmth that you almost feel part of the team, bustling around the lobby and sneaking cups of tea behind reception. The whole book feels like slipping into a favourite jumper just as the Christmas lights go on.

John Foster, “The Boss”, and his brilliant staff kept me smiling all the way through. Mo, with her endless enthusiasm, is basically Mrs Christmas in human form, and I loved how the “Boy Band” of hotel execs managed to keep everything running despite the seasonal chaos. The new additions to the canine cast made me laugh too. Hattie and Archie completely steal the show whenever they appear.

Plot-wise, it is not high drama, but that is what I wanted. It is more about the small moments that make Christmas special: friendship, kindness, and finding time to breathe when life gets hectic. You can tell Crichton really knows her setting, because every detail of the hotel feels lived-in and believable.

If you enjoyed “New Beginnings at the Buckley Hotel”, this is a lovely follow-up. If you have not read the first one, you will still be fine as there is enough context to get to know everyone quickly. It is a cosy, cheerful story that leaves you with a smile and maybe a craving for mulled wine.
Profile Image for Bethany.
551 reviews7 followers
November 16, 2025
This was such a delightful read. Now, you do not have to read the first one to read this one... however I recommend you do. Because why not? It's wonderful!

Christmas at The Buckley Hotel introduces us to our old friends, and some new ones too! The hotel is now open, guests are staying, and Christmas is coming up. Alongside learning all the ins and outs of busy hotel life, we also get the ups and downs of the character's life... individually and together. Mo kinda comes across as the main character but there is plenty of time with the others too. I particularly loved Michael's family and wish they would invite me on holiday to the Lakes with them.

I also loved John and think everyone deserves a manager like him! And of course, we have the dogs! Lots of dogs in this one. What I liked about the character development is that while there are a few characters to get to know, you learn who each person is and their personality and the dogs too!! They're part of the family and are just little kids in the mix really!

The author has a super relaxed writing style which I don't think many writers would get away with. Marianne reminds us of the events of the first book, reminds us to be patient about finding things out and overall, just writes this like it's a conversation with a friend over coffee. For this book, I loved it. It was just so welcoming and cosy and made me feel part of it all. Imagine the Friends TV show episodes actually being written out in book format. You'd get this! Great characters, laugh out loud moments, and low level chaos (and while there are some sad/worrying moments, it tends to be solved and finished with hugs and kisses!)

Looking for a book that's the equivalent of a hot chocolate?! Here you go! Add some marshmallows too considering this one is set around Christmas time!

It sounds like an expensive trip, but I'd deffo save up to go to The Buckley Hotel 🫶
Profile Image for Emma Ashley.
1,400 reviews51 followers
September 29, 2025
❤️ Blurb-
Christmas at The Buckley Hotel, is like a huge mug full to the brim with positivity and feel-good vibes, with an enormous dollop of festive goodwill on top, abundantly sprinkled with glitter and sparkle!
This is the second book in The Buckley Hotel series, set in Central London.
It chronicles the day-to-day lives of General Manager John Foster (aka The Boss) and his wonderful team of Senior Managers - Mo (aka Mrs Christmas), plus Michael, Martin, Craig and Malcolm (collectively aka Boy Band).
It’s a cosy, heartwarming story, about a group of people who get on with each other and get on with the job…all set against the background of their busiest time of year.
You are invited to join The Buckley Hotel management team, their staff, their guests, their families, friends and some of the other residents of Buckley Square…during the months leading up to Christmas and throughout the Festive Season.
You can expect a gentle blend of friendship, love, laughter, mischief, misunderstandings, planning, plotting, secrets, food (lots of food) and lashings of ‘Christmassy stuff’!
And of course…Hamish the Border Terrier is back, this time joined by his two Border sidekicks, Hattie and wee Archie.
💖 Review -
I loved the first book in this series and Christmas At The Buckley Hotel was no different. This was such a lovely, heartwarming festive read. It's the perfect story to curl up with over the festive season. I loved the beautifully written, heartwarming story and there was a great cast of characters. Plus I loved the place settings in the story. The author's writing is brilliant and I will definitely be reading more by them. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author for my download of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jen James.
463 reviews11 followers
October 24, 2025
Now the weather has turned colder, I read while cosied up under a blanket. So it seemed like the perfect time to pick up Christmas at The Buckley Hotel. I read the first book in the series earlier this year, and fell in love with the characters, and the hotel itself too.

The Buckley has been up and running for a few months. As ever in hospitality, as Summer turns to Autumn, thoughts and plans turn to Christmas and New Year planning. General Manager John, and his executive team, are planning a sumptuous Christmas at the hotel, one that that the guests will never forget. The book has the most beautiful cliffhanger too, one that will have me eagerly awaiting book 3, which is due to be published in Summer 2026.

At the start of the book, the author, Marianne Crichton, kindly provides a recap of each character, and how they are linked to each other. I easily remembered the main characters, but this really helped with the more junior staff, who were lost in my memory. One character I will not forget, is gorgeous Hamish, the resident Border Terrier.

I know I said something similar in my review of the first book in this series, but it’s worth repeating. Modern day life these days can be extremely stressful, whether it’s something close to home, or whether it’s the issues in the wider world. Christmas at The Buckley Hotel is the perfect antedote to that stress. The book envelops you in warmth and kindness.

This would make a lovely Christmas gift, for someone to read at Betwixmas; that time between Christmas and New Year, when eating chocolate and pigs in blankets for breakfast is perfectly acceptable, and you have no idea when to put the bins out. If you are a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, it is included, so you can read it for FREE!

Just in case you weren’t sure, I loved this cosy book, it made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. It’s five festive twinkling 🌟 from me.
Profile Image for Julie.
310 reviews10 followers
December 28, 2025
This is the bestest of books, especially when you just want to sit down in a quiet corner and get on with reading something warm and friendly. If you haven't read the previous book, it doesn't matter, but it's nice to anyway. Regardless you'll be treated to a thorough introduction to all the main characters, including the canines, before you join the team at The Buckley Hotel.

I struggle to find a specific thing that makes me like this book, because I don't have any bugbears with it (nor ticks or fleas). Really, it's well written in such a way as to feel as if you're there, part of the team or party. Character involvement is great and who wouldn't want to be there. John is such a supportive boss, his secretary just nails it and the management team are, can I say, 'mega!'! (changed from a more vulgar expression, because I can't bring myself to use it). Also there is no smut, such a relief.

In some respects everything sometimes feels a bit too perfect, but that's not entirely true, as you'll find out when you read it. I also feel compelled to say that it's really annoying when you come to the end and don't know when the next book is due out. These things should miraculously appear as soon as you finish one, so that you can start the next. Or introduce classes to help those addicted to visiting The Buckley Hotel.

Joking aside, this is a comfortably good read of a book (or Kindle) and I'm pleased to recommend it to you.

I received a free copy of this novel from the author and I'm delighted to offer my fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Gail.
192 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2025
"Christmas at The Buckley Hotel" serves as a delightful sequel to "New Beginnings at The Buckley Hotel," capturing the essence of holiday spirit in a charming setting. The story unfolds as General Manager John and his executive team prepare for a memorable Christmas season at the hotel, evoking excitement and anticipation for guests. The author, Marianne Crichton, provides a helpful recap of characters, allowing readers to reconnect with their journeys from the first book easily. The inclusion of characters like wee Archie and the mischievous Hattie adds a delightful touch to the narrative.

As the world often feels overwhelming, this book offers a comforting escape, enveloping readers in warmth and kindness. With a captivating cliffhanger, it leaves fans eagerly awaiting the next instalment, scheduled for release in Summer 2026. "Christmas at The Buckley Hotel" is genuinely a perfect read for the festive season.
Profile Image for Natasha sebuwufu.
217 reviews7 followers
November 6, 2025
I was so happy to be back with these characters at the Buckley Hotel! The author has such a magical way of making you feel like part of the team — like you’re right there behind the scenes, helping decorate, organise events, and soak up all the festive vibes. It truly feels like stepping into the hotel lobby and being welcomed like family.

The character relationships blossomed even more in this book, and it was such a joy to watch their bonds deepen. And the Christmas atmosphere? Absolutely wonderful — cosy, sparkly, heart-warming, and guaranteed to put you in the festive spirit. 🎄✨

Now let’s talk about the dogs… oh my goodness, I adore them! They bring such charm and warmth to the story, and their little moments always made me smile. They’re such a lovely addition to this series and honestly deserve their own Christmas stockings! 🐾❤️

And that ending?! No spoilers, but I was shouting for book three — I need it immediately 😂😍

Another warm hug of a read. It feels like coming home to friends, being part of the gang, and escaping into the most welcoming Christmassy world. Absolutely loved it!
Profile Image for bookloversclub2023.
208 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2025
I enjoyed being back at the Buckley Hotel with the gang who feel like friends to the reader.

It was a fabulous Christmassy read and had me ready for the festive season. It is such a good follow on from the first book and had all the cosy vibes whilst sat on the sofa with a blanket reading it. The way it is written makes it so easy to read and I could feel myself relaxing as I was immersed in the story.

I still love all the characters and it’s nice to read a book with not much drama in just a laid back enjoyable plot line. The friendships of the characters and family members made for an enjoyable read.

Overall a fabulous, festive read and a perfect sequel to the first book. Thank you for such an enjoyable read Marianne. I look forward to book three.
Profile Image for Luna.
28 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2025
What a great follow up to book one. This is the perfect Christmas read. I adored the characters ( especially Mo), and the way the story was delivered. I could picture every moment. I would love a group of friends like M&M's friends supporting friends!
Marianne Crichton, you surpassed any expectations I had for the second book, and you definitely are one of my favourite authors now. Please, keep writing, we want more books from you.
Profile Image for Joanne Eglon.
501 reviews9 followers
December 30, 2025
4.5 ⭐

Another truly charming installment of the Buckley Hotel series.

Heartfelt and well written, written with such warmth and truly a joy to read.

I was so lucky to be gifted a beautiful paperback copy of this book.

Great read at this time of year, time off work to cosy up with a blanket and lose yourself with the Buckley crew.

Would recommend to anyone needing a light hearted, cosy read 💕
13 reviews2 followers
September 28, 2025
I adored this book, it’s full of cosiness and happiness and I fell in love with the characters a little bit more.
Set at Christmas time, it has all the Christmas feels, I really need another book, I’m not ready to say goodbye to these fabulous friends just yet
52 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2025
I absolutely adored Christmas at the Buckley Hotel by Marianne Crichton — a beautifully festive, cosy read full of warmth and charm.

The hotel setting is brilliantly atmospheric and the characters (especially M+M and the adorable doggos Archie and the new addition Hattie) are utterly lovable.

The blend of friendship, romance and seasonal sparkle is just perfect.

I found myself smiling and relaxing as I turned each page.

If you’re in the mood for a heart-warming winter story that wraps you in that “Christmassy” feeling, this is the one.

I really recommend reading the first installment of this series - New Beginnings at the Buckley Hotel - before diving into this one as it will give you a better understanding of the characters and their story.

5/5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for mrsljgibbs.
856 reviews33 followers
December 7, 2025
This book is actually the second book from The Buckley Hotel series and is the perfect follow-up to book one.

In this book we join the wonderful people at the Buckley Hotel and their guests, families, friends and residents during the months leading up to christmas and throughout the festive season too. I really loved the General Manager John and his merry band of team members who all added that certain something to the overall story.

Through the authors descriptive writing i could really picture everything that was going on and it really made me want to go and stay there.

I absolutely loved getting immersed in the whole Buckley Hotel experience and finding out how the story unfolded.

I was instantly pulled into this book right from the very beginning and it was such a feel-good story, full of positive vibes, it was heartwarming, warm & cosy, festive and had all the Christmassy feel too - it was the most perfect festive read…..
Profile Image for Roberta Kime.
128 reviews8 followers
December 8, 2025
What a lovely book, full of festive delight and meaningful connections! We are back at the Buckley hotel as the gang get ready for Christmas! It’s full of banter, friendship and love- we see our old gang of the West Wing and also some new faces- which I hope are here to stay…like Andrew and the Golden Girls! We also have a new addition of the canine variety…Archie, Hamish’s new partner in crime!

The story is lighthearted, with a down to earth and relaxed writing style that is almost conversational making for a lovely easy read! The characters and their connections to one another are lovable and you’re rooting for them all!

I’ve loved speaking to Marianne throughout reading this with my reactions! This is what I love about reading indie books- the ability to do this! Thank you so much for letting me be apart of this! I cannot wait for book three!!!
Profile Image for Hyggenookandbook.
94 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2025
If you're looking for the literary equivalent of a warm, cosy blanket & a mug of hot chocolate, then you need to check into Christmas At The Buckley Hotel by the wonderful @mariannecrichtonauthor
​This is the second book in The Buckley Hotel series, and it's the perfect antidote to real life stress. General Manager John & his executive team are determined to make this Christmas unforgettable for their guests, & reading about their festive preparations is pure joy.

​Why You’ll Adore This Book:
​A Cosy Hug in Book Form. The entire story just envelops you in warmth & kindness. It’s a beautifully gentle read that reminds you of the best parts of the season.

​The Buckley Crew is Back. I loved catching up with all the staff! The recap at the start is super helpful, but honestly, it’s hard to forget this lovely, close knit group. You'll find a delightful blend of friendship, love, laughter, & a little bit of festive mischief!

​The Buckley’s adorable resident Border Terrier, Hamish, is back & cuter than ever, this time with two new Border sidekicks, Hattie & wee Archie! (Yes, there are lots of furry friends, & they steal the show!)

​A Perfect Holiday Escape: Set against the gorgeous backdrop of a luxury London hotel preparing for its busiest time of year, this book is packed with lashings of Christmassy stuff (& lots of food!).

If you haven’t started The Buckley Hotel series yet, now is the time to dive in!
1,017 reviews21 followers
December 18, 2025
Charming, cosy and gave me all the festive feels.
Loved all the wonderful characters and dogs in this book. Brought back happy memories of my childhood Christmases with my family.
Perfect read in the lead up to Christmas!
Book me in to The Buckley Hotel for next year please, would love to revisit.

Profile Image for Evelyn.
377 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2025
‘If he could have bottled up the Christmas spirit in the room that morning…he would have made a fortune.’ (Page 178)

This begins with a Prologue (aka The story so far) so you don’t need to have read the previous book, and I was immediately transported back with the gang!

It’s a very busy time at The Buckley Hotel as they prepare for their first Christmas.

What happened next was…

Holidays, pee mails, an unexpected guest (or two), bickering, parties, cross purposes, a great escape, presents, zoomies, a wedding and Hamish, the border terrier has a special surprise in store… even bookstagram gets a mention!

Nice and sweet and cute as a candy cane - what a treat!

Full of festive frolics, friendship and fun.

If you’re not feeling the festive spirit this year then I recommend you read this and you soon will be!
1 review1 follower
November 8, 2025
Fabulous follow up to New Beginnings at The Buckley Hotel. Would love to be able to visit this in real life!
13 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2025
A Winter Warmer Festive Escape!

What a fabulous second book! I think I enjoyed it even more than the first. I didn’t want to put it down.

Christmas at the Buckley Hotel by Marianne Critchton is pure holiday magic! From the onset, it sparkles with charm, laughter, and just the right touch of romance. The characters are so relatable, and the hotel itself feels like a character in its own right. Warm, inviting, and brimming with festive spirit. Honestly, I want to go there next year and hang out with them all!

And let’s not forget Hamish and his friends. I loved how he even gets his own POV at times. The story beautifully balances humour, heartfelt moments, and the joy of second chances, leaving you with that feel-good glow we all crave during the holidays.

If you want a book that makes you smile, giggle (hello Two Ronnies!), and believe in Christmas magic all over again, this is it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 reviews
September 28, 2025
Marianne Crichton….you surpassed any expectations I had for the second book Christmas at The Buckley Hotel.

The characters’ stories developed & flowed seamlessly from your first book New Beginnings at The Buckley Hotel. The friendships & found family between the staff & other characters was heartwarming & the addition of wee Archie & Hattie and all their antics with Hamish was pure genius & LOL funny, simply joyous, loved it….
I’m so looking forward to reading more from The Buckley Hotel series.
Profile Image for Charlie.
14 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2026
Another cosy read at the Buckley Hotel and this time it’s Christmas!!

Marianne continues the story of the M&Ms adventures with Hamish and Archie (little cuties). I would love a visit to the Buckley Hotel it sounds amazing! I’m glad all the Buckley staff are back and I loved the idea of secret Santa and wondering what everyone was going to get!

What a lovely ending as well!! Thank you to Marianne for letting me be part of The Buckley’s second story! Also Princess Pepe is a great addition!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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