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Let the Bells Ring Out
Seven people, four days and a snowy Christmas on board a luxury sleeper train. This festive season getting away from it all takes on a new meaning…
The Yorkshire Belle is a glamorous steam train all decked out for an escapist festive getaway. It is not supposed to be where a group of people, all trying to get to their destinations for the holidays, will spend their Christmas.
Seven people, each with their own hopes and dreams, secrets and sorrows, board the train as strangers, but as the snow keeps falling and they realise they are going nowhere fast, they are forced to slow down and embrace the present.
This Christmas on board the Yorkshire Belle, will the friendships they make change their lives forever?
The Yorkshire Belle is a glamorous steam train all decked out for an escapist festive getaway. It is not supposed to be where a group of people, all trying to get to their destinations for the holidays, will spend their Christmas.
Seven people, each with their own hopes and dreams, secrets and sorrows, board the train as strangers, but as the snow keeps falling and they realise they are going nowhere fast, they are forced to slow down and embrace the present.
This Christmas on board the Yorkshire Belle, will the friendships they make change their lives forever?
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About the author
Milly Johnson
52 books2,166 followersMilly Johnson was born in Barnsley, raised in Barnsley and still lives in Barnsley. She writes about strong women, often having a renaissance, all ages and has just released her 22nd novel Same Time Next Week. Do check out her website for up to date news and appearance dates.
As well as a novelist she is a professional joke writer, performance poet, newspaper and magazine columnist and also after dinner/motivational speaker.
She is on insta as @themillyjohnson, facebook as @millyjohnsonauthor, Twitter as @millyjohnson and a ridiculous presence on TikTok @millyjohnsonauthor. Do give her a follow - even if it's just out of sympathy!
As well as a novelist she is a professional joke writer, performance poet, newspaper and magazine columnist and also after dinner/motivational speaker.
She is on insta as @themillyjohnson, facebook as @millyjohnsonauthor, Twitter as @millyjohnson and a ridiculous presence on TikTok @millyjohnsonauthor. Do give her a follow - even if it's just out of sympathy!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
January 11, 2026
*The Power of Strangers*
**4.5 Stars**
This heartwarming Christmas tale follows seven people travelling on a train to various destinations. However, the weather disrupts their plans, forcing the staff to leave on foot for help. As the weather worsens and hope dwindles, as they are all so cold they decide to explore the train, called The Yorkshire Bell. Their exploration leads them to the upper-class area.
Among the seven, a couple faces a seismic disconnection in their marriage. It’s fascinating how easily we make assumptions about others.
Their journey becomes a four-day ordeal as they settle into their time on the train. There is no way of contacting anyone as there is no mobile phone reception.
Throughout their time on board, they gradually get to know each other and confront the emotional wounds that need healing. I particularly enjoyed the blend of emotional moments and laughter.
The question remains: how will they fare? What shape will they be in when they leave the train? There’s also an intriguing subplot involving one passenger and the train that I didn’t anticipate.
**4.5 Stars**
This heartwarming Christmas tale follows seven people travelling on a train to various destinations. However, the weather disrupts their plans, forcing the staff to leave on foot for help. As the weather worsens and hope dwindles, as they are all so cold they decide to explore the train, called The Yorkshire Bell. Their exploration leads them to the upper-class area.
Among the seven, a couple faces a seismic disconnection in their marriage. It’s fascinating how easily we make assumptions about others.
Their journey becomes a four-day ordeal as they settle into their time on the train. There is no way of contacting anyone as there is no mobile phone reception.
Throughout their time on board, they gradually get to know each other and confront the emotional wounds that need healing. I particularly enjoyed the blend of emotional moments and laughter.
The question remains: how will they fare? What shape will they be in when they leave the train? There’s also an intriguing subplot involving one passenger and the train that I didn’t anticipate.
December 28, 2025
'Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous’, Einstein said. Freud disregarded such nonsense: everything could be explained was his mantra; whereas Jung believed coincidences were a manifestation of a deeper order in the universe. Certainly, after Clifford’s ‘experience’ he was more inclined to believe in the magic of them. ‘Accept the mystery, Jane,’ he’d say. ‘I am a happier man for doing so.’
One of Milly's specialties is telling the stories of women (and sometimes men) who are victimized and dominated by their (usually narcissistic) partners who finally see the light and find the strength to stand up for themselves and escape. Usually into the loving arms of another man (or woman) who is kind, strong, and worthy of them. Although I love Milly Johnson’s writing and eagerly anticipate these characters’ final victories and the comeuppances in store for their abusers, it’s all starting to get a little old. Let me put this feeling about this aspect of Milly’s books into context. I have read every Milly Johnson book at least twice and some several times. Even when I first started reading Milly some of her female characters (usually self-inflicted) plights were way too much for me. But sometimes as the designated doormat in her cast of characters frustrated and sometimes even infuriated me, the situation was usually balanced out in some way. For example, an epic take down of the abuser( The Yorkshire Pudding Club), or the woman (or man) having the epiphany fairly early on, and determined and committed to her escape route (The Queen of Wishful Thinking.) What I can’t abide is what happened in this one.
We follow a diverse group of English men and women who are struggling in their lives in some way and are traveling for Christmas. Due to a rather mysterious storm, they end up snowbound together on a luxurious private train. This is very similar in structure to Milly’s 2020 Christmas themed novel, I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday. We first meet Tom, the attractive owner of a Taxi service who is chauffeuring a beautiful and posh young woman, Elizabeth, to a Manor on the outskirts of Durham where she is meeting her fiancé and their two sets of parents for their annual celebration. It is apparent immediately that her relationship with her fiancé is not only unhappy but toxic. Jane is an elderly woman who has been recently widowed and missing her wonderful professor husband and happy marriage. Wherever she is going she is not looking forward to it. It is clear that those who remain in her life do not appreciate her. Grace and Frank are a married couple and we learn that something happened in their lives that turned Grace from a lovely woman to a cold, snappish, and sour killjoy who holds something against her very nice and warmhearted husband. “Roo”, or Ruby, is a lively young woman who seems a bit eccentric but nice. She is not a fan of Christmas and has suffered a recent setback. Tim is a middle-aged man who is grumpy and standoffish. He is a big guy with a white beard who ironically works at playing Santa Claus at Christmas. As they make themselves at home on the train, they are surprised and delighted that every luxury they could wish for, from accommodations, to food, and to drink is theirs for the asking. As they get to know each other and each other’s stories even the least sociable and closed down among them start to open up. With the others’ help and advice they start to understand and come to terms with truths about what has damaged them and their lives. Paths forward to healing slowly reveal themselves to each of them. As the 7 castaways become friends they start to notice strange things going on in some of the train cars. They are not alone.
This was a likable and enjoyable book in many ways, and of course happy endings abound at the end in true Milly Johnson fashion. There were some twists and turns I saw coming a mile away, but a few I didn’t. Unfortunately, two of the main women characters, Elizabeth and Grace, got me so frustrated and angry that I almost wished they had been left with the unhappy endings they deserved! Almost. The story is told, as in most ensemble type books and movies, by visiting each character as they contribute to the present day plot while their backstory is unwoven. Most if not all of Milly’s stories involve (heavenly?) enchantment to some degree, but this one, like her other previously mentioned holiday tale is all about the Christmas magic.
As usual Milly weaves good stories around each of the engaging characters. They deal with grief, estrangement from loved ones, disappointment in love, unrealized potential, or greedy or rotten families. All done with humor and a light touch. My first problem was that every single time we came to Elizabeth’s turn in the spotlight, it was one horror after another showing how badly she was treated by her horrible family, her horrible fiancé, and his horrible family. She reflects on their horribleness, clearly sees how she has been gaslighted and bullied, but still never wavers from going back to her toxic environment. Even as a clear path to living her dream in life and love unfolds before her! She acts like a like a lifetime of misery is preferable to rocking her boat. She comes to her senses at the last second but even then has to be driven away by the nice guy. We never see her stand up to confront her rotten family and fiancé. I imagine they were all kinds of gobsmacked and irate over her rebellion, but we never have the pleasure of reveling in their downfall. All we get is a glimpse of them in the rear view mirror as they are sprayed with the gravel of her getaway taxi. Not even an engagement ring-toss out the window.
I’m not going to dwell on Grace, but she was a stone cold b***ch to her kind, popular, and patient husband. Yes, they experienced a horrible tragedy together, but to Grace it was all about her. She blamed her husband for something completely out of any human control. Both women held on to their painful circumstances much too stubbornly for me. They continued on their roads to disaster despite almost miraculous escape routes being provided right in front of them. To add to my exasperation, I even started to despise poor Frank for putting up with Grace so patiently for so long. I have never given any of Milly’s novels less than 4 stars, but sadly, I couldn’t give this one more than 3 in the end. It was Dawn in Summer Fling, my least favorite character in my least favorite novel by the author, all over again. I'm kind of bummed to be honest.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
November 4, 2025
Wow! So, SO good! Thank you, Milly Johnson for another wonderful story!
So, full disclosure: I am a total Milly fangirl so I tend to gush a lot when I review her books. Please take that into consideration as you read my review as I am SO not objective. She's one of the only authors whose books I buy in hard copy and from the UK as I don't want to wait until her books are released in the US.
This was such a wonderful story. I loved the setting. I loved the characters. I loved the snarky dialogue. I loved the lovely touch of magic. I loved reading about the real BBC again. AND, of course, I loved the very satisfying HEA.
I actually ended up reading this story twice in a row to pick up on all the little clues. Both readings gave me lots of Jane's "glimmers".
A smattering of f-bombs.
So, full disclosure: I am a total Milly fangirl so I tend to gush a lot when I review her books. Please take that into consideration as you read my review as I am SO not objective. She's one of the only authors whose books I buy in hard copy and from the UK as I don't want to wait until her books are released in the US.
This was such a wonderful story. I loved the setting. I loved the characters. I loved the snarky dialogue. I loved the lovely touch of magic. I loved reading about the real BBC again. AND, of course, I loved the very satisfying HEA.
I actually ended up reading this story twice in a row to pick up on all the little clues. Both readings gave me lots of Jane's "glimmers".
A smattering of f-bombs.
October 22, 2025
7 strangers are delayed by snow on their way to their Christmas destinations and end up stranded together on ‘The Yorkshire Belle’ a luxurious steam train from 23rd - 27th December. Each are facing forks in the road of their lives and relationships, none of them looking forward to Christmas and all in need of some festive joy. They become fast friends (mostly!) and work together to make the very best of their situation, supporting and uplifting each other through their few days together.
I really enjoyed the setting of the train and descriptions of the experience onboard, as well as how festive this story was. The fact it takes place in those days so close to and including Christmas was lovely, and seeing how the characters helped each other realise what they really wanted, and how to get that was inspiring. I would have loved a little more romance and to see a bit more of how certain characters were doing later in the epilogue, but overall this is a sweet Christmas story with interesting and enjoyable characters, and I hope we see them pop up again in future books!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
I really enjoyed the setting of the train and descriptions of the experience onboard, as well as how festive this story was. The fact it takes place in those days so close to and including Christmas was lovely, and seeing how the characters helped each other realise what they really wanted, and how to get that was inspiring. I would have loved a little more romance and to see a bit more of how certain characters were doing later in the epilogue, but overall this is a sweet Christmas story with interesting and enjoyable characters, and I hope we see them pop up again in future books!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
November 12, 2025
A lovely, festive story. Gentle and amusing it reminded me a little of a Agatha Christie story without the murder. It had the cold and snow and I really enjoyed it. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 21, 2025
3.5 stars. Having read all of Milly's books this is the first one that I have felt disappointed by. Having read "I wish it could be Christmas every day" this was very similar, just a different set of characters and location. This is not to say it was a bad read, I just didn't feel compelled to read it, the characters were interesting & good friendships were forged but some parts left me confused and a bit uninspiring at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2025
A lovely Christmas Read, though if anyone has read I wish it could be Christmas every day, you will recognise the formula straight away.
November 22, 2025
This book was not for me. It started out with promise and then just became too twee and bordered on tedious, the ending annoyed me and, quite frankly, I wish I could have the time back that I spent reading this book.
December 28, 2025
I am always anxiously awaiting a new Milly Johnson book and a new Christmas Milly Johnson book is extra special! This story of 7 strangers stuck on a luxury train during a snowstorm in Northern England was cozy, sweet, wise, funny, festive, and genuinely warm and comforting. I love the mysticism in the book and the gentle spirituality. The characters were all lovable. I was sad this book ended. How long till her next one? ☺️
December 7, 2025
What a lovely Christmas read!
December 24, 2025
Maybe 4.5 ⭐️. I really loved this story and the setting of the luxury train and all the characters. Didn’t want it to end ❤️
December 30, 2025
Lovely easy read! Makes me feel sad that Christmas has now finished. Sometimes we need a light read to escape the heaviness of this world.
November 23, 2025
What a lovely Christmassy read! When a group of strangers heading to different places for Christmas find themselves stranded on a train stuck in the snow, something magical happens. They all have problems in their lives but can the few days on the train help them work through them? This was a lovely read with some lovely characters. The characters stories all unfold as you move through the book and I found myself wiping away tears with some of these. The book flowed along well and it will certainly get you in the Christmas spirit! Even though they are stranded on the train miles from anywhere, the contents of the luxury train means they are not short on Christmas fare! This was a sparkling story with an ending which was perfect! Would recommend!
December 19, 2025
They started as strangers – well, except for the married couple with a few problems – who found themselves in a station waiting room in the middle of nowhere, hoping to get to their destinations as the snow continued to fall. They’re picked up by the Yorkshire Belle – a luxurious sleeper train – but find themselves bundled into the rundown and freezing carriage tagged onto the back. The train gets stuck, and the staff walk for help – and our group decide that they might as well make themselves comfortable by moving up the train, not knowing that they’d end up staying for four days, until after Christmas.
There are worse places to be – the train is sumptuously fitted out, stocked for a stay in the Highlands for its millionaire owner, so they decide to use whatever they need with a plan to settle up later. But, lovely as it is, they’re all confined together – there’s time to think and consider the future, to share memories of the past, to work through problems, but with seven such different people there are tensions too. There are friendships to be made – some looking very unlikely at first – and maybe some possibilities of something more than just friendship. For some, there are difficult decisions to be made – but there’s plenty of laughter too. And the most perfect musical accompaniment (I’d forgotten just how much I loved “the real BBC”… quite wonderful).
At an emotional level, it’s all so perfectly judged – I so enjoyed watching the individuals’ stories unfold, sometimes wiping away a tear, sometimes just feeling so full of joy as the different pieces fell into place. Ok, there are some similarities with her last Christmas book – but it’s more about “Easter eggs”, cleverly planted links and crossovers that wouldn’t cause any problems if this was the only book you read, but a treat for everyone else. And, without spoiling anything, there’s a magical touch to the story too that I adored – just so perfectly handled.
A quite wonderful story of fresh starts and second chances, as beautifully written as ever, with all the festive touches, and a cast of characters I’m sure you’ll take to your heart every bit as much as I did. I really loved it…
There are worse places to be – the train is sumptuously fitted out, stocked for a stay in the Highlands for its millionaire owner, so they decide to use whatever they need with a plan to settle up later. But, lovely as it is, they’re all confined together – there’s time to think and consider the future, to share memories of the past, to work through problems, but with seven such different people there are tensions too. There are friendships to be made – some looking very unlikely at first – and maybe some possibilities of something more than just friendship. For some, there are difficult decisions to be made – but there’s plenty of laughter too. And the most perfect musical accompaniment (I’d forgotten just how much I loved “the real BBC”… quite wonderful).
At an emotional level, it’s all so perfectly judged – I so enjoyed watching the individuals’ stories unfold, sometimes wiping away a tear, sometimes just feeling so full of joy as the different pieces fell into place. Ok, there are some similarities with her last Christmas book – but it’s more about “Easter eggs”, cleverly planted links and crossovers that wouldn’t cause any problems if this was the only book you read, but a treat for everyone else. And, without spoiling anything, there’s a magical touch to the story too that I adored – just so perfectly handled.
A quite wonderful story of fresh starts and second chances, as beautifully written as ever, with all the festive touches, and a cast of characters I’m sure you’ll take to your heart every bit as much as I did. I really loved it…
December 31, 2025
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
Review to follow
Review to follow
November 20, 2025
What a heartbreakingly beautiful story this is. There are quite a few characters in this book but they are all beautifully developed and you will feel you are right there along side them.
When snow takes hold and the county grinds to a holt, 7 unsuspecting people end up stuck on a luxury train. What follows is a journey of self discovery, reflection, learning and understanding as each person deals with their own difficulties and experiences, while helping those around them.
This story was definitely not what I was expecting, but not in a bad way! You will laugh, you will cry, you will recognise your own glimmers in life. You will care for all these people who you have never met. I love how the friendships develop, no matter what background people came from, what age they are, everyone blended together, respected one another and beyond all else, listened.
There is great depth to this story, and it is truly heartbreaking in places as the characters come to terms with tragedies and grief they have been holding deeply. Yet it is also heartwarming as the characters help each other to move forward.
What started as a disaster, stuck in the snow, not able to go where planned, might just lead to the best Christmas ever!
I will admit the last chapter threw me a little, I couldn’t quite work it all out and it left me a rather confused, but other than that I loved it!
When snow takes hold and the county grinds to a holt, 7 unsuspecting people end up stuck on a luxury train. What follows is a journey of self discovery, reflection, learning and understanding as each person deals with their own difficulties and experiences, while helping those around them.
This story was definitely not what I was expecting, but not in a bad way! You will laugh, you will cry, you will recognise your own glimmers in life. You will care for all these people who you have never met. I love how the friendships develop, no matter what background people came from, what age they are, everyone blended together, respected one another and beyond all else, listened.
There is great depth to this story, and it is truly heartbreaking in places as the characters come to terms with tragedies and grief they have been holding deeply. Yet it is also heartwarming as the characters help each other to move forward.
What started as a disaster, stuck in the snow, not able to go where planned, might just lead to the best Christmas ever!
I will admit the last chapter threw me a little, I couldn’t quite work it all out and it left me a rather confused, but other than that I loved it!
November 28, 2025
What a wonderful feel good Christmas story. Strangers flung together by the hand of fate to spend Christmas together on a luxury train with a special visitor that transcends time. Plus let’s not forget Brian of the real BBC! Who doesn’t love his festive radio shows?
I really enjoyed the slow character developments and how they each had to work through issues. The friendships they forged together were solid and lasting I really liked how Fate played a hand in ensuring they got what they needed to have happiness and fulfilment.
Beautifully written as always, I can’t wait to meet what ever characters Milly Johnson creates next.
I really enjoyed the slow character developments and how they each had to work through issues. The friendships they forged together were solid and lasting I really liked how Fate played a hand in ensuring they got what they needed to have happiness and fulfilment.
Beautifully written as always, I can’t wait to meet what ever characters Milly Johnson creates next.
November 30, 2025
Absolutely fantastic story….Very real life .. not just a cheesy Christmas romance like many festive books.. this is refreshingly good. A Bunch of strangers all with great personalities and we learn of their hopes & dreams , and their inner battles . They come together accidentally during a freak snow storm on a beautiful train similar to the Orient Express and end up embracing their situation and making the most of it in the lead up till Christmas . It’s super wintry and cosy with lots of little festive moments and I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially that ending !
Listened on audio & read with the book
🚂❄️🎄🚂❄️🎄🚂❄️🎄🚂❄️🎄
Listened on audio & read with the book
🚂❄️🎄🚂❄️🎄🚂❄️🎄🚂❄️🎄
December 15, 2025
If you love sappy Hallmark Christmas movies, this might be for you. And listen, I have watched most of the Netflix ones and enjoyed more than I didn't - I welcome a little bit of cheese and predictability and just wholesome festive cheer in these times, but this one was a little too sappy for me. Think Touched by an Angel.
A bunch of strangers, all struggling in one way or another, are trapped on a luxury train during Christmas, after an unprecedented snowfall derails their plans. Nothing really happens, they just chat and hang out and everyone basically gets help dealing with their problems. It's sweet, but a bit too saccharine for me.
A bunch of strangers, all struggling in one way or another, are trapped on a luxury train during Christmas, after an unprecedented snowfall derails their plans. Nothing really happens, they just chat and hang out and everyone basically gets help dealing with their problems. It's sweet, but a bit too saccharine for me.
December 29, 2025
*2.75.
Christmas book club pick! Cute, easy read but a copy and paste of her other Christmas book we read last year. Definitely a rinse and repeat formula, but I do like how padded out the characters are each time - and I genuinely wish them all the best!!
Christmas book club pick! Cute, easy read but a copy and paste of her other Christmas book we read last year. Definitely a rinse and repeat formula, but I do like how padded out the characters are each time - and I genuinely wish them all the best!!
November 11, 2025
Oh my word. This book ❤️
Review to follow
Review to follow
December 13, 2025
Such a good Christmas book! A great bunch of characters and an ideal Christmassy location
December 18, 2025
A really warm Christmas story
December 26, 2025
loved it. definitely picked up in the second half!
January 11, 2026
Milly does it again! Brilliant characters and a hint of magic!
January 18, 2026
It was a beautiful read about strangers who came together in a time of need. Strangers that became friends that became family. I ended the read with a delightful smile.
December 8, 2025
A lovely Christmas tale about 7 stranger, who all had plans for Christmas that were bittersweet, yet the universe(or the festive spirit) had other plans. Now stuck together on Christmas, and having a better time than they would have ever imagined.
A nice comfy story that makes you both feel cozy and feel very festive.
A nice comfy story that makes you both feel cozy and feel very festive.
December 3, 2025
A bit of lighthearted festive escapism. Very wholesome.
January 11, 2026
review to follow xxx
October 21, 2025
December, 23rd. Seven strangers are on their way to destinations that promise little in the way of seasonal joy, when a sudden blizzard brings them all together at a tiny deserted station in the North of England. When a train finally arrives, they are astonished to find it is a steam locomotive pulling luxury coaches.
Making themselves at home for the short hop to the station where they can pick up connecting services, they are relieved to be in the warm and dry, but as the freezing weather worsens, the train becomes stuck in the middle of nowhere. Realising they will have to make the best of it, the travellers come together to celebrate Christmas, cut off from the rest of the world... not realising that their unexpected adventure will change their lives for ever.
In a brand new festive tale to warm the cockles of your heart, Milly Johnson brings seven strangers together in the middle of a snowstorm, each of them carrying a lot more baggage than the suitcases they haul aboard the beautiful Yorkshire Belle.
The story unfurls over four days while a snow storm swirls around the train, with a lovely little nod to Hercule Poirot (though a lot less murdery). The group cobble together a Christmas celebration that has them making the most of store rooms packed with delicious food, state rooms to put the Orient Express to shame, and comfortable beds to rest their weary heads. With phone signals down, and only the voice and festive tunes of amateur radio broadcaster Brian Bernard Cosgrove (the real BBC Radio) to let them know the world still exists outside their snowed-in cocoon, time stands still, and they begin pondering on their problems.
Gradually, the small cast of characters reveal their relationship and family sorrows in a mix of painful internal reflections and intense conversations, which tug mercilessly on your heartstrings. By sharing their own experiences they are able to give each other fresh insight about what ails them, particularly when it comes to loss, loneliness, forgiveness, and having the courage to follow their hearts. In the special way Johnson has, she floods the story with tenderness, humour, and gorgeous romantic suspense. As the barriers came down between them, hope wins the day, and life-long friendships are forged.
I took every single character to heart, totally invested in their emotional journeys. The snowy setting is beautifully atmospheric, thrumming with nostalgic Christmas magic (in more ways than one), and the way Johnson uses the theme of bells is enchanting. An absolute sob-fest, of the very best kind. Make sure you have a whole box of tissues on stand-by!
Making themselves at home for the short hop to the station where they can pick up connecting services, they are relieved to be in the warm and dry, but as the freezing weather worsens, the train becomes stuck in the middle of nowhere. Realising they will have to make the best of it, the travellers come together to celebrate Christmas, cut off from the rest of the world... not realising that their unexpected adventure will change their lives for ever.
In a brand new festive tale to warm the cockles of your heart, Milly Johnson brings seven strangers together in the middle of a snowstorm, each of them carrying a lot more baggage than the suitcases they haul aboard the beautiful Yorkshire Belle.
The story unfurls over four days while a snow storm swirls around the train, with a lovely little nod to Hercule Poirot (though a lot less murdery). The group cobble together a Christmas celebration that has them making the most of store rooms packed with delicious food, state rooms to put the Orient Express to shame, and comfortable beds to rest their weary heads. With phone signals down, and only the voice and festive tunes of amateur radio broadcaster Brian Bernard Cosgrove (the real BBC Radio) to let them know the world still exists outside their snowed-in cocoon, time stands still, and they begin pondering on their problems.
Gradually, the small cast of characters reveal their relationship and family sorrows in a mix of painful internal reflections and intense conversations, which tug mercilessly on your heartstrings. By sharing their own experiences they are able to give each other fresh insight about what ails them, particularly when it comes to loss, loneliness, forgiveness, and having the courage to follow their hearts. In the special way Johnson has, she floods the story with tenderness, humour, and gorgeous romantic suspense. As the barriers came down between them, hope wins the day, and life-long friendships are forged.
I took every single character to heart, totally invested in their emotional journeys. The snowy setting is beautifully atmospheric, thrumming with nostalgic Christmas magic (in more ways than one), and the way Johnson uses the theme of bells is enchanting. An absolute sob-fest, of the very best kind. Make sure you have a whole box of tissues on stand-by!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews