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Barrington Series #11

Barrington Magic

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What does it take to help a little girl believe in Christmas?

Little Evie Scott (almost six) wants proof that Santa is real. Her Mum, Samantha and partner Jamie Tait are determined Evie should have her very first truly magical Christmas.

But Evie isn’t the only one wishing for better things. Young Veterinarian Frederica Campbell is keen to come home, but she left under a cloud almost two years before, after breaking Lucas Anderson’s heart. After a harrowing time with a new man, she finally understands the mistakes she’s made. She knows Lucas won’t forgive her, but hopes they can be civil, at least.

Meanwhile Barrington is in drought and local businesses are doing it tough. Young business owner Hannelore Tucker is pushing the local Chamber of Commerce to think outside the box to attract visitors to town and keep the local economy turning over. But her boyfriend Harry Stewart comes up with a spin on one of Hanna’s ideas that sets the town alight, and announces he’s starting a new business himself.

When Samantha wonders what it will take to convince Evie that Santa is real, will the answer be - just a little bit of Barrington Magic?

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2025

5 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Susan Mackie

19 books113 followers
Winner of the 2025 RUBY Award for Women's Fiction with Romantic Elements (Romance Writers of Australia) for The Barrington Book Club.

"Uniquely Australian, yet told in a companionable style, reminiscent of Maeve Binchy." Julie, Goodreads & Amazon.

Romance books you'll fall in love with.

Susan Mackie writes heart-warming, character-driven romance and women's fiction. Small town stories with all the feels and a community you'll want to move to.

Every person and every place has a story to tell.
Do you drive by old homes and wonder about the lives of those that built them, lived there, loved and lost?
Writers tell such stories. Sometimes real, sometimes imagined. Often both.

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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Karina Peacock.
97 reviews5 followers
December 17, 2025
Absolutely Loved everything about this book!
All the different points of view enhance the story!
Evie’s POV really moved me, the innocence and the joy of Christmas really shined through!
Profile Image for Janene.
86 reviews10 followers
November 26, 2025
Barrington Magic is a warm, heartfelt return to one of my favourite country towns. Christmas is almost here, and little Evie Scott who is “almost six”, is determined to find proof that Santa is real. Her mum Samantha and partner Jamie are doing everything they can to give her the magical Christmas she’s dreaming of, but Evie isn’t the only one hoping for better things.

Young vet Freddy Campbell has finally come home after two difficult years away, knowing she broke Lucas Anderson’s heart and unsure if he’ll ever truly forgive her. After a harrowing time with someone new, she understands the mistakes she’s made and just hopes they can at least be civil. It has been lovely to watch this character evolve from an unlikeable, selfish girl to a mature young woman.

With Barrington struggling through drought, local businesses are doing it tough. Young business owner Hanna Tucker is pushing the Chamber of Commerce to think outside the box to attract visitors and keep the local economy going. When her boyfriend Harry puts his own spin on one of her ideas and announces a new business of his own, the town is set alight with fresh energy and festive spirit. As I read the real town came alive in my mind and made me wish I was there for Christmas.

I love Christmas and I love Barrington, and I’ve enjoyed every book in this series from award-winning author Susan Mackie. I couldn’t love this book more. It’s a beautiful story, and it was so lovely to be back in Barrington catching up with everyone and seeing where their lives are now. The characters feel more like old friends than fictional people on the page.

I especially adored the narration from little Evie throughout this very special story. Her voice adds something new and unique to the book and brings an extra layer of heart and magic.

Barrington Magic is the perfect read to bring some sparkle to the festive season – full of hope, community, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Profile Image for Elora Canne.
Author 7 books33 followers
December 20, 2025
This is by far the best Christmas story I have read! Congratulations to author Susan Mackie on a delightful story that captures the heart and warmth of Christmas magic, Barrington magic, romance and feel-good vibes. I adored the perspective of young Evie, and loved the way Freddie found her feet in the community. But most especially, it’s Finn and Millie who give me the warm fuzzies. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Melanie Hunter.
216 reviews8 followers
December 27, 2025
What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas - a time of wonder, hope and love. For the town of Barrington, the festive season is fast approaching, without a lot of hope. The business owners are struggling, due to the drought, and people are anything but festive. That is until the community of Barrington rally together, to discuss how to create Christmas magic.

Susan Mackie's range of characters and perspectives bring people together in a magical way. We know that little Evie wants to know that Santa is real and won't believe if her wish doesn't come true. Her belief has almost extinguished. The town of Barrington that we know and love becomes the essence of small town Christmas charm. A town that works together to create something spectacular.

We see characters from previous books in the series and in a short novella we see character development that I did not think possible. Susan has a way with words and a way of writing that will make you want to stay in Barrington.

This is a book that kept me up until midnight reading. You wont be able to put it down! Make this your last read of 2025 to keep the Christmas magic alive. The ending will have you feeling warmth and comfort. Grab yourself an eggnog, put on a Christmas candle and settle in.

A magical tale from a magnificent author. Thank you for such a Christmas gift, Susan. Your books become magical spaces in time for your readers.

For me personally, Christmas was always magical as a child. Now my children celebrate the joy, peace and love of Jesus along with the magical Christmas elements. It truly is wonderful to be a parent watching their little faces light up like Christmas trees. Susan celebrates these moments in 'Barrington Magic.'

@susanmackieauthor #romance #romanceanz #smalltownromance
Profile Image for Diane.
594 reviews23 followers
November 25, 2025
Evie Scott wants proof that Santa is real. Evie and her mother Samantha are now with Jamie Tait and his son Woz so she does believe in a little bit of magic but will Barrington provide the evidence she now needs to believe in Santa.

Freddie has returned to Barrington knowing that she has hurt Lucas Anderson when she left under a cloud two years before. A relationship with another man has made her realise the mistakes she has made and she is keen to come back to her home and family at Barrington and to Lucas.

Barrington is in the depth of drought and the country and local businesses are doing it tough. Hanna Tucker and Harry Stewart are pushing the local Chamber of Commerce to think outside the box to keep the local economy going. Harry and Lucas are starting a new business and are hoping the Barrington community are on board with their new idea.

Samantha and Evie have settled into the Barrington community life and Sam wonders what it will take for Evie to believe in Santa.

This is a delightful story and just in time for Christmas. Most of the characters from previous stories are back and it is heartwarming to feel the love and support they have and give each other. The women are still a wonderful 'girl posse' and the men, well as I said recently about a current TV series 'I didn't know there were so many wonderful (I actually said goodlooking but that would also apply here too) men in the country and they are all in Barrington' ! I loved it Susan, thank you for the opportunity to read it prior to publication.
Profile Image for Pauline Reid .
479 reviews17 followers
December 3, 2025
Barrington Magic is a sweet, uplifting Christmas story centred on little Evie Scott, who wants proof that Santa is real. Her mum, Samantha, is determined to make this Christmas truly magical, while others in Barrington are also hoping for fresh starts—especially veterinarian Frederica Campbell, returning home to face the past she left behind. With the town in drought and local businesses struggling, a bold new idea brings the community together in surprising ways.

Warm, heartfelt, and full of small-town charm, this story captures the true spirit of Christmas. I’m delighted to give it 5 stars, and I thank the author for the gifted ARC.
Profile Image for Nicole West.
332 reviews14 followers
November 27, 2025
The Barrington Magic will fill your heart.

I was transported back into the small town of Barrington, full of the festive season that has been organised by the younger entrepreneurs of the town.

A cute, sassy young Evie is having trouble believing in Santa, so she writes a letter to Santa asking a big request. With the love of her family, she holds on until Christmas magic happens.

Freddie, our young vet, comes home to amend her ways. Whilst maturity has changed her, she'll need to prove it to the people hurt when she left.

Again, this small town pulls together to save each other and make Christmas magical.

It was such a wonderful Christmas story.
Profile Image for Joanne McKinnon.
54 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2026
Barrington Magic

Oh my gosh!! this was so good. I didn’t want it to end. Reading this book felt like coming home to family and friends, reminding me exactly why I love this series so much. The characters are wonderful, the sense of community is strong, and the small town of Barrington is written so vividly that it always feels like I’m right there.

Filled with Christmas magic, community spirit, family, love, and the challenge of overcoming hardship, particularly the ongoing drought, this story has so much heart. Samantha and her almost six year old daughter Evie are at the centre of it all. Evie desperately wants to believe in Santa but needs proof, and Samantha and Jamie, who have been living together for some time and have truly become a family, are determined to give her the magical Christmas she’s dreaming of. But Evie isn’t the only one hoping for better things this festive season.

Many of Barrington’s business owners are struggling due to the drought and a decline in tourism. At a council meeting, Hanna Tucker presents an idea that is further developed by her boyfriend, along with their friend Luke. Together, they plan to launch wine and food tours in Barrington, hoping to breathe new life into the town and attract visitors once again.

The story also weaves in deeply emotional moments that tug at the heartstrings, including Frederica (Freddie) returning to town. After breaking Lucas’s heart in the past, she hopes for a second chance and the opportunity to make amends.

As the true magic of Barrington shines through, Evie finally discovers what Christmas magic really means. Another knockout story in a series that has captured my heart.
Profile Image for Shirley.
267 reviews8 followers
November 29, 2025
Such a beautiful next part to the Barrington series. Focusing on the next generation of Barrington residents with the main story revolving around Evie this book was full of Christmas magic. It was full of Barrington magic with all the characters we have grown to love across the books with the next steps for Sam and Jamie, the continuing relationships of Hanna and Harry and of Millie and Finn and the return of Freddie.
The book once again shows the importance of community and of building connections. From Evie’s letter to Santa to the town Christmas window competition this book pulled together everything I’ve loved about the whole Barrington series.
Thank you to Susan for allowing me to read this book before it is released on December 21st.
4 reviews
December 21, 2025
Susan I enjoyed visiting Barrington again! Wonderful to read how Jamie has found love again. Keep writing more about Barrington!
Profile Image for Aryani Siti.
303 reviews4 followers
November 23, 2025
I feel very lucky to have the chance to read Barrington Magic before it comes out on December 21. It’s a lovely, simple, and quick read with a strong Christmas feeling. I had Christmas music playing as I read, and it added a lovely holiday feeling.

The story is set in Barrington one year after One Good Man. Little Evie, who is almost six, wants proof that Santa is real. Her mum, Samantha, and her partner Jamie want to make sure Evie has her first truly magical Christmas.

There are also other emotional stories happening in the town. Frederica comes home after two years, hoping she and Lucas can at least be friendly after their breakup. The drought is hurting local businesses, and everyone in Barrington is trying to keep things going.

My favourite moment in the book was when they read the letter to Santa. It was such a simple scene, but it made me teary because it felt real and very touching. Sometimes, the smallest moments are the most powerful.

Barrington Magic is a perfect short read for the holiday season.
Profile Image for Becc McNally.
48 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2025
No matter your age, everyone deserves a little Christmas magic in their life. Barrington Magic delivered exactly that — a truly enchanting read. I loved the added point of view; it was sweet, heartfelt, and played a lovely role in bringing the magic to life.

Another beautiful instalment in the Barrington series that will leave you wanting more. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Profile Image for Carolyn Felton.
20 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 19, 2025
I can't get enough of Susan's Barrington Series. I love the characters, the setting, the friendships and Barrington Magic delivered it all. The perfect read in the lead up to Christmas.
Profile Image for Helen.
2,921 reviews65 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 17, 2025
I have said it before and I will say it again when I pick up one of Susan Mackie’s Barrington books I feel like I am walking into a big hug from family and friends and this one is such a gorgeous magical Christmas story, wow I loved it.

It is fast approaching Christmas and Barrington is suffering because of drought and young Evie is questioning if Santa is real, thanks to a young kid at school and her mum and partner Jamie are determined to make sure she has the best Christmas ever.

Young Vet Freddie who left Barrington a couple of years ago after a bit of trouble with Lucas wants to come home, how will not only Lucas but the rest of the town feel about that?

The chamber of commerce is trying to come up with suggestions to bring back the tourists who make such a difference to the small town, Hanna is thinking about something different relating to Christmas and the main street when her boyfriend Harry comes up with the best plan that involves Christmas lights things that are so nostalgic to so many people and especially for the children, with Harry and Lucas starting a new business involving wine tours this could be just the thing.

Will everything go to plan, will the true magic of Barrington rise and ensure a success to this fabulous Christmas event and what about the friends we have gotten to know will there be more HEA’s will Evie truly discover the magic of Christmas?

I loved this one so much it truly is a beautiful story, so moving, poignant and touching, I smiled and cried happy tears with this visit to Barrington and I can highly recommend this one enough but read the whole series you will not be sorry, happy sighs from this reader.

My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
1 review1 follower
November 24, 2025
I was privileged to have the chance to read Susan Mackie Author new book Barrington Magic before it is released on 21 December. It is a beautiful lovely read capturing everything about Christmas magic, believing in christmas and its magic has always been in my heart and this book was pure christmas joy. There was no way I was putting this book down until I had finished. There was laughter coming from me as well as tears of joy.

It continues on in the Barrington series, a series I love in an area that is close to my heart. If you have not read any of the Barrington series that is ok because this book can be a stand alone as well.

The book focuses on bringing christmas magic to a small town that has been struggling in drought. The community gathering together as a united front to help their town and provide magic for others.

It also focuses on some emotional stories that tug on your heartstrings. Little Evie who we met in One Good Man, wants to believe Santa is real and is needing proof. Her lovely mum Samantha and partner Jamie want to give her this and make Christmas special for this little girl who has never experienced a magical christmas. Frederica comes back to town and after breaking Lucas’s heart before is hoping to make amends with him.

I cannot say which is my favourite part as I love it all, but Evie’s letter to Santa is so beautiful and heartwarming it brought tears to my eyes.

Barrington magic is just perfect for the holiday season and holiday read. Now I cannot wait to receive my physical book for my library at home.
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,109 reviews3,021 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 12, 2025
With Christmas fast approaching, almost six year old Evie Scott was confused by a boy at school, telling her Santa wasn't real. But her brother Woz, told her he was, and not to take any notice. She had a special request from Santa this year, and if she received what she wanted, only then would she believe. Meanwhile, Barrington business owners were struggling against the drought and the fact that less tourists were visiting. The council meeting they all attended, brought some great ideas forward, especially with Christmas not far away.

Hanna Tucker had an idea, which was extended on by her boyfriend, Harry Stewart's plan. And Harry & Luke worked out a new business to start up, which would encompass the town and tourists. Would their plan work? Could they possibly turn the town's fortunes around? Only Barrington Magic would have the answer...

Barrington Magic is #11 in the Barrington Series by Aussie author Susan Mackie and I loved it! Great to catch up with old friends once again; their ideas were special, the Magic that was Barrington was outstanding. I'm loving this series, and hoping it goes on for a long time to come. Highly recommended.

With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
Profile Image for Craig and Phil.
2,264 reviews138 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 14, 2025
Big thanks to Susan for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Barrington Magic epitomises the joys and wonder of Christmas.
A time for togetherness, care and indeed magic.
The community band together to celebrate the festive season with events and decorations to bolster spirits after drought and tough times.
For Evie who has lived a tumultuous life it is a time to enjoy the celebration with her new extended family.
She yearns for even more stability and asks Santa in her wish list to him.
If her request comes true she knows he is a real.
As the day draws closer and the excitement builds the rain starts.
Will Christmas be washed away?
So fabulous to get another instalment from Barrington so soon after the last.
It’s always nice to catch-up with townsfolk and characters.
I particularly enjoyed the book where we met Evie and her mum.
It was so nice to see them feature prominently.
170 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2026
This book was really so good, it's the 11th book in the Barrington Magic series. The story is about Samantha and her daughter Evie nearly 6 yrs old, who wants to believe in a proper Christmas and it's magic. This book has really nice storytelling, it's also the preparations for the up-coming Barrington event. Jamie Tait and Sam have been living together for a few months. There are new ideas, a new company with wine and food tour in Barrington. The bookclub girls having their talks about the power of being women. The draught is also a big issue in Barrington, being worse than before. The story about the locals is nice as always and also the development in Sam's and Jamie's lives. The hope of something good and feeling of happiness and second chances. A sweet story that was enjoyable to read.
Charlotte N
Profile Image for Heather Reyburn.
Author 27 books43 followers
December 6, 2025
Catching up with our friends in Barrington is always delightful and this one is especially enjoyable. With young Evie looking forward to her very first joyous Christmas, her questions, expectations and worries are real, heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. While she ponders and excitement builds, the town is fighting other issues. With bad weather and businesses struggling with the decline in trade, the community comes together in an attempt to solve the problem.
A wonderful, uplifting Christmas story that will fill your heart.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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