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Christmas at Flora's House
On the windswept dunes of the Isle of Harris in the wild and beautiful Outer Hebrides of Scotland, is a small white house with a big history. These days, Flora’s House is a holiday home – the perfect base for visitors from far and wide to explore the stunning and often dramatic landscape.
Arriving with one suitcase for clothes and another for their own decorations, retired couple Maggie and Roger have booked Flora’s House for the festive season. It’s their first trip to the island and their first Christmas away from home – but where does Roger disappear to on his long walks? And why is Maggie so taken with one particular member of staff at the local shop?
Christmas is a time for family and togetherness, for joy and forgiveness. Out there, high on the hills and deep in the heather, across the shimmering lochs and hidden in the waves, this Christmas will soon become unlike any Maggie and Roger have had before.
Arriving with one suitcase for clothes and another for their own decorations, retired couple Maggie and Roger have booked Flora’s House for the festive season. It’s their first trip to the island and their first Christmas away from home – but where does Roger disappear to on his long walks? And why is Maggie so taken with one particular member of staff at the local shop?
Christmas is a time for family and togetherness, for joy and forgiveness. Out there, high on the hills and deep in the heather, across the shimmering lochs and hidden in the waves, this Christmas will soon become unlike any Maggie and Roger have had before.
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Published December 10, 2025
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About the author
Freya North
41 books694 followersFreya North is the author of many bestselling novels which have been translated into numerous languages. She was born in London but lives in rural Hertfordshire, where she writes from a stable in her back garden. A passionate reader since childhood, Freya was originally inspired by Mary Wesley, Rose Tremain and Barbara Trapido: fiction with strong and original characters. To hear about events, competitions and what she’s writing, join her on Facebook, Twitter and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 6, 2025
Christmas at Flora’s House by Freya North
I give this book 5 stars.
Christmas at Flora’s House just goes to show that a book doesn’t need to be big to be brilliant. Freya North packs so much heart, warmth, and festive spirit into this little story. It’s hopeful, and full of that special Freya North magic that always makes her books such a joy to read.
The story follows Maggie, a character who feels instantly real and relatable, she’s kind and quietly strong.The setting is gorgeous too, Flora’s House feels so vivid and welcoming.
The book touches on themes of family, healing, and finding where you belong. There’s a lovely sense of hope running through it all, the author has a gift for creating stories that feel comforting but still meaningful.It’s one of those stories you wish you could stay in just a little longer.
Christmas at Flora’s House is the perfect festive read.
I give this book 5 stars.
Christmas at Flora’s House just goes to show that a book doesn’t need to be big to be brilliant. Freya North packs so much heart, warmth, and festive spirit into this little story. It’s hopeful, and full of that special Freya North magic that always makes her books such a joy to read.
The story follows Maggie, a character who feels instantly real and relatable, she’s kind and quietly strong.The setting is gorgeous too, Flora’s House feels so vivid and welcoming.
The book touches on themes of family, healing, and finding where you belong. There’s a lovely sense of hope running through it all, the author has a gift for creating stories that feel comforting but still meaningful.It’s one of those stories you wish you could stay in just a little longer.
Christmas at Flora’s House is the perfect festive read.
December 20, 2025
Utterly gorgeous - atmospheric, moving AND uplifting, this is Freya at her absolute best! A book that’s full of warmth, kindness and hope, and guaranteed to lift your spirits.
October 25, 2025
Freya very kindly sent me a GIFTED electronic copy of her forthcoming novella, Christmas at Flora’s House.
It is the first of four novellas, celebrating the seasons in Harris, the Outer Hebridean island which provided the setting for Little Wing, and Flora’s little white house, the home in which she raises Nell in the early years, is now a holiday cottage.
Retired couple Maggie and Roger, from Alderley Edge in Cheshire, have booked Flora’s House for the festive season. It’s their first trip to Harris and their first Christmas away from home, and they arrive with one suitcase for their clothes and another full of their favourite Christmas decorations.
But why does Roger disappearing on long walks? And why is Maggie, prone to the odd senior moment and a fondness for tablet and decorative teatowels, so often to be found in the local shop, chatting with Shona who works there....?
Now, it's no secret that Little Wing was one of my top reads of 2022, and it totally captured my heart and my soul. But, I wondered, could this slim novella have the same effect? The only way to find out was to dive in, and straight away I knew I needn't worry.
If Little Wing is the parent novel, Christmas At Flora’s House is the gifted offspring which has inherited all its parent's gifts and talents. It's the novelistic 'chip off the old block'.
It has the same emotional heft and intensity as Little Wing, making you laugh, cry and feel a whole spectrum of other emotions in between, and once again we find the same depth of characterisation.
Despite the fact that this is a much slimmer volume, its well drawn, and fully rounded and developed characters speak a great deal about Freya North's skill as a novelist. They have all been written with empathy, sensitivity and understanding, whether it's 66 year old Maggie, our main character, Hebridean goth Shona, or her Mum Eilidh.
I don't want to say too much about the plot or give anything away that will spoil the experience for future readers, but Freya's sensitive and insightful rendition of Maggie and her situation, is nothing short of brilliant, with no hint of stereotype or cliche in sight. It's as much to be admired as the way she skilfully upends the reader's expectations and assumptions, revealing even more layers to an already compelling story.
And speaking of characters, with its beautifully evocative prose and descriptions of the island, once again Harris is as much of a character within Christmas At Flora's House as any other, and just as important as them.
Once again, Harris works its magic on a troubled soul, as this thoughtful and beautiful novella beguiles the reader with a deeply moving story of love, sadness, hope, and the power of community and kindness.
This is a must-read for all fans of Little Wing, and offers a Christmas story with immense emotional satisfaction and none of the cloying festive saccharine. Just beautiful.
It is the first of four novellas, celebrating the seasons in Harris, the Outer Hebridean island which provided the setting for Little Wing, and Flora’s little white house, the home in which she raises Nell in the early years, is now a holiday cottage.
Retired couple Maggie and Roger, from Alderley Edge in Cheshire, have booked Flora’s House for the festive season. It’s their first trip to Harris and their first Christmas away from home, and they arrive with one suitcase for their clothes and another full of their favourite Christmas decorations.
But why does Roger disappearing on long walks? And why is Maggie, prone to the odd senior moment and a fondness for tablet and decorative teatowels, so often to be found in the local shop, chatting with Shona who works there....?
Now, it's no secret that Little Wing was one of my top reads of 2022, and it totally captured my heart and my soul. But, I wondered, could this slim novella have the same effect? The only way to find out was to dive in, and straight away I knew I needn't worry.
If Little Wing is the parent novel, Christmas At Flora’s House is the gifted offspring which has inherited all its parent's gifts and talents. It's the novelistic 'chip off the old block'.
It has the same emotional heft and intensity as Little Wing, making you laugh, cry and feel a whole spectrum of other emotions in between, and once again we find the same depth of characterisation.
Despite the fact that this is a much slimmer volume, its well drawn, and fully rounded and developed characters speak a great deal about Freya North's skill as a novelist. They have all been written with empathy, sensitivity and understanding, whether it's 66 year old Maggie, our main character, Hebridean goth Shona, or her Mum Eilidh.
I don't want to say too much about the plot or give anything away that will spoil the experience for future readers, but Freya's sensitive and insightful rendition of Maggie and her situation, is nothing short of brilliant, with no hint of stereotype or cliche in sight. It's as much to be admired as the way she skilfully upends the reader's expectations and assumptions, revealing even more layers to an already compelling story.
And speaking of characters, with its beautifully evocative prose and descriptions of the island, once again Harris is as much of a character within Christmas At Flora's House as any other, and just as important as them.
Once again, Harris works its magic on a troubled soul, as this thoughtful and beautiful novella beguiles the reader with a deeply moving story of love, sadness, hope, and the power of community and kindness.
This is a must-read for all fans of Little Wing, and offers a Christmas story with immense emotional satisfaction and none of the cloying festive saccharine. Just beautiful.
October 18, 2025
Well, what can I say, except that Freya North has delivered yet again, in this first of four novellas set in the little Hebridean cottage that sat at the heart of her 2022 bestseller Little Wing. And, once again, she took my breath away—with her soaringly beautiful prose, the intimacy of her writing, and her tour de force of a protagonist, 64-year-old Maggie.
Here, Freya transports us back to the wild and beautiful Isle of Harris, where Flora’s tiny white house is now a holiday cottage, rented out for Christmas week to retired couple Maggie and Roger. We learn that they are childless and have sold their house in the north of England, ready to move into smaller, easier-to-manage accommodation. They have come away to avoid the heartache of a final Christmas in their beloved home. But something isn’t quite right. Why is Roger forever disappearing ‘for a wander’? And why does Maggie put up with it?
Wrapped up as I was in Freya’s glorious evocation of place and what I assumed was to be an endearing Christmas cosy, I did not for one minute see what was coming—the seismic shift that would pull out the rug from beneath me. It was done so adroitly that I never recovered and spent the rest of the book a snivelling wreck.
I loved—LOVED—Maggie! Her vulnerability, her stoicism, her selflessness. The way she laughed at her ‘senior moments’ and found the courage to step outside herself. It is to Freya’s credit that she shaped Maggie with respect and sensitivity, eschewing the trap of caricature that many authors fall into when dealing with an aging character. Take it from this sexagenarian reader, Freya, you smashed it!
Christmas at Flora’s House may be slender in size, but its pages hold a richly layered story, brimful of heart, humor, emotion and poignancy. Fans old and new will love it, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Add it to your festive reading list NOW!
Here, Freya transports us back to the wild and beautiful Isle of Harris, where Flora’s tiny white house is now a holiday cottage, rented out for Christmas week to retired couple Maggie and Roger. We learn that they are childless and have sold their house in the north of England, ready to move into smaller, easier-to-manage accommodation. They have come away to avoid the heartache of a final Christmas in their beloved home. But something isn’t quite right. Why is Roger forever disappearing ‘for a wander’? And why does Maggie put up with it?
Wrapped up as I was in Freya’s glorious evocation of place and what I assumed was to be an endearing Christmas cosy, I did not for one minute see what was coming—the seismic shift that would pull out the rug from beneath me. It was done so adroitly that I never recovered and spent the rest of the book a snivelling wreck.
I loved—LOVED—Maggie! Her vulnerability, her stoicism, her selflessness. The way she laughed at her ‘senior moments’ and found the courage to step outside herself. It is to Freya’s credit that she shaped Maggie with respect and sensitivity, eschewing the trap of caricature that many authors fall into when dealing with an aging character. Take it from this sexagenarian reader, Freya, you smashed it!
Christmas at Flora’s House may be slender in size, but its pages hold a richly layered story, brimful of heart, humor, emotion and poignancy. Fans old and new will love it, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Add it to your festive reading list NOW!
December 26, 2025
Christmas at Flora’s House is the first in four planned novellas from Freya North. If you’ve read Little Wing then some of the characters and settings will be familiar but if not then this works perfectly well as a standalone, although I highly recommend reading Little Wing too.
Maggie Birch and her husband Roger will be spending Christmas at Flora’s House, a holiday rental on the Isle of Harris. It’s a big change for them as all their previous Christmases have been spent at home in Alderley Edge, but they’ve brought their own Christmas decorations with them to make them feel more comfortable. Maggie soon finds the community run shop and stocks up with all manner of gorgeous-sounding items but Roger is a bit more distant and keeps taking himself off for walks on his own.
To say anymore about the story itself might mean spoilers but what I can say is that this is a beautifully written and poignant story of community spirit, especially at Christmas, and the power of love and healing. As with Little Wing, this is a love letter to Harris and its windswept and wild beauty and I now want to go and stay at Flora’s House and visit Shona at the shop to buy Scottish tablet and Talisker whiskey from across the water on Skye, both buildings feeling so real to me.
Emotional yet hopeful, Christmas at Flora’s House is an absolute delight to read and I can’t wait for the next novella to see who the inhabitants spending Spring at Flora’s House will be.
Maggie Birch and her husband Roger will be spending Christmas at Flora’s House, a holiday rental on the Isle of Harris. It’s a big change for them as all their previous Christmases have been spent at home in Alderley Edge, but they’ve brought their own Christmas decorations with them to make them feel more comfortable. Maggie soon finds the community run shop and stocks up with all manner of gorgeous-sounding items but Roger is a bit more distant and keeps taking himself off for walks on his own.
To say anymore about the story itself might mean spoilers but what I can say is that this is a beautifully written and poignant story of community spirit, especially at Christmas, and the power of love and healing. As with Little Wing, this is a love letter to Harris and its windswept and wild beauty and I now want to go and stay at Flora’s House and visit Shona at the shop to buy Scottish tablet and Talisker whiskey from across the water on Skye, both buildings feeling so real to me.
Emotional yet hopeful, Christmas at Flora’s House is an absolute delight to read and I can’t wait for the next novella to see who the inhabitants spending Spring at Flora’s House will be.
November 15, 2025
Christmas at Flora’s House is about a holiday in the cottage, planned by retired couple Maggie and Roger. It’s going to be a very different Christmas, a first away from home and actually the first trip to Harris having just viewed it from Skye on some of their previous holidays.
The book is beautifully written: I’d expect no less from Freya North. The landscape of Harris is a real feature, almost a character in itself. From the rugged mountains to the stunning beaches, there’s a real sense of place.
On her frequent visits to the local shop, Maggie finds that this is a welcoming community. She makes quite a connection with young Shona who works in the shop and Shona takes Maggie to her heart, welcoming her into her home. This was not the Christmas Maggie and Roger had planned for and I loved the boisterous multi-generational, chaotic Christmas Day at Shona’s house, and how it made Maggie in particular feel. This was an island community really looking out for each member of its community and that included visitors.
This book was so touching and genuinely brought a tear to my eye at parts. With themes of grief and coming to terms with loss, we see characters learning it’s okay to be happy again. Written with heartfelt warmth, hope and compassion, I found the story incredibly moving. I’m so looking forward to visiting Flora’s House again in different seasons.
The book is beautifully written: I’d expect no less from Freya North. The landscape of Harris is a real feature, almost a character in itself. From the rugged mountains to the stunning beaches, there’s a real sense of place.
On her frequent visits to the local shop, Maggie finds that this is a welcoming community. She makes quite a connection with young Shona who works in the shop and Shona takes Maggie to her heart, welcoming her into her home. This was not the Christmas Maggie and Roger had planned for and I loved the boisterous multi-generational, chaotic Christmas Day at Shona’s house, and how it made Maggie in particular feel. This was an island community really looking out for each member of its community and that included visitors.
This book was so touching and genuinely brought a tear to my eye at parts. With themes of grief and coming to terms with loss, we see characters learning it’s okay to be happy again. Written with heartfelt warmth, hope and compassion, I found the story incredibly moving. I’m so looking forward to visiting Flora’s House again in different seasons.
November 24, 2025
What a lovely read. A gentle ease into the festive period, with a timely reminder of togetherness and kindness is all that is needed.
I loved the character of Maggie, and I was really pleased to see her a little more self assured at the end.
I loved the character of Maggie, and I was really pleased to see her a little more self assured at the end.
December 16, 2025
Not my kind of thing. Mercifully short.
December 14, 2025
Oh, my heart. 💕 What a beautiful read.
November 27, 2025
Maggie and Roger have booked Flora’s House on the Isle of Harris for Christmas.
Christmas at Flora’s House is a wonderful read. Firstly, the Isle of Harris itself is so clearly depicted it is as if the reader has been transported there in the car with Roger and Maggie’s Christmas decorations. I adored descriptions of the landscape and the warm sense of community created through Freya North’s evocative writing. The manner in which the weather changes and alters the landscape is the perfect accompaniment to Maggie’s changing moods. I also fully appreciated the boundary of the Christmas timeframe, because it gave a satisfying structure to events.
Those events are actually quite ordinary – putting up decorations, some walks, a bit of sightseeing and shopping with a meal or two. And that is the huge success of this story. Maggie’s first person narrative could belong to any one of us, making everything here totally relatable and all the more affecting as a result.
Whilst Roger has an enticing enthusiasm and love of life that is so attractive, initially I was unsure how I felt about Maggie. She is petulant, quick tempered and seems unreasonably angry with Roger. However, as the narrative unfolds, Maggie’s reasons for being as she is become clear. Indeed, I found the impact of those reasons hit me like a physical blow. I was completely undone by Christmas at Flora’s House and frequently found tears slipping down my face. From being uncertain about Maggie, I ended loving her unreservedly.
I also thought Shona was a superb creation. Her physical appearance belies her character and I thought it was very touching to show how often we erroneously judge those by what they wear or how they style their hair. Indeed, Christmas at Flora’s House might be a novella, but its themes are every bit as profound and affecting as any full length book. The story is a beautiful exploration of how we can get out of step with ourselves, but more importantly, how we can also find ourselves again through the enduring power of love.
I adored Christmas at Flora’s House. It reminded me of the importance of kindness towards others, of making memories and of being present enough to make the most of every moment of life. Don’t miss this little gem of a book.
Christmas at Flora’s House is a wonderful read. Firstly, the Isle of Harris itself is so clearly depicted it is as if the reader has been transported there in the car with Roger and Maggie’s Christmas decorations. I adored descriptions of the landscape and the warm sense of community created through Freya North’s evocative writing. The manner in which the weather changes and alters the landscape is the perfect accompaniment to Maggie’s changing moods. I also fully appreciated the boundary of the Christmas timeframe, because it gave a satisfying structure to events.
Those events are actually quite ordinary – putting up decorations, some walks, a bit of sightseeing and shopping with a meal or two. And that is the huge success of this story. Maggie’s first person narrative could belong to any one of us, making everything here totally relatable and all the more affecting as a result.
Whilst Roger has an enticing enthusiasm and love of life that is so attractive, initially I was unsure how I felt about Maggie. She is petulant, quick tempered and seems unreasonably angry with Roger. However, as the narrative unfolds, Maggie’s reasons for being as she is become clear. Indeed, I found the impact of those reasons hit me like a physical blow. I was completely undone by Christmas at Flora’s House and frequently found tears slipping down my face. From being uncertain about Maggie, I ended loving her unreservedly.
I also thought Shona was a superb creation. Her physical appearance belies her character and I thought it was very touching to show how often we erroneously judge those by what they wear or how they style their hair. Indeed, Christmas at Flora’s House might be a novella, but its themes are every bit as profound and affecting as any full length book. The story is a beautiful exploration of how we can get out of step with ourselves, but more importantly, how we can also find ourselves again through the enduring power of love.
I adored Christmas at Flora’s House. It reminded me of the importance of kindness towards others, of making memories and of being present enough to make the most of every moment of life. Don’t miss this little gem of a book.
December 2, 2025
4.5⭐️
What a beautiful, beautiful story! I was enveloped in its warmth and charm from the very beginning.
It’s set on the Isle of Harris, in the Outer Hebrides; a remote place with views out over the Atlantic Ocean. The descriptions of the island, and Flora’s House, were a pure joy to read, and I luxuriated in the exquisite imagery which this author uses so masterfully.
Maggie and Roger, a retired couple, booked Flora’s House for their first Christmas away from home. They’ve been married for 44 years and the deep love they have for each other is clear to see. I loved the camaraderie they shared, the funny moments and the way they knew each so very well, after being married for such a long time.
Once on the island, exploring its nooks and crannies, its local shops and its beaches, it soon becomes clear that all is not as it seems. It becomes so much more than just a story. It gripped my heart and took me on a poignant, emotional journey.
I loved the community spirit which abounded on Harris; the understanding, the kindness and the love which made Christmas Day a happier time than it might otherwise have been for our visiting couple.
This novella might be short, at just 114 pages, but it’s one of the most heartfelt stories I’ve read, and I cannot recommend it enough.
What a beautiful, beautiful story! I was enveloped in its warmth and charm from the very beginning.
It’s set on the Isle of Harris, in the Outer Hebrides; a remote place with views out over the Atlantic Ocean. The descriptions of the island, and Flora’s House, were a pure joy to read, and I luxuriated in the exquisite imagery which this author uses so masterfully.
Maggie and Roger, a retired couple, booked Flora’s House for their first Christmas away from home. They’ve been married for 44 years and the deep love they have for each other is clear to see. I loved the camaraderie they shared, the funny moments and the way they knew each so very well, after being married for such a long time.
Once on the island, exploring its nooks and crannies, its local shops and its beaches, it soon becomes clear that all is not as it seems. It becomes so much more than just a story. It gripped my heart and took me on a poignant, emotional journey.
I loved the community spirit which abounded on Harris; the understanding, the kindness and the love which made Christmas Day a happier time than it might otherwise have been for our visiting couple.
This novella might be short, at just 114 pages, but it’s one of the most heartfelt stories I’ve read, and I cannot recommend it enough.
December 3, 2025
What a sweet, deflightful, and at times sad read. Came across it on kindle unlimitted and took a chance on it because of the recommendations. And so glad I did. Perfect way to kick off the christmas season. Follows an aging couple as they book a room at this place called Flora's House on the coast of Scotland for the holidays. Their first christmas away from home, and as is alluded to in the early scenes in the book it comes with literal and figurative baggage, molding that into a quiet Christmas mystery that, even as it gains emotional weight the further we get into the story, strives to reach for the heights of genuine inspiration.
You are guaranteed to fall in love with these characters and the setting, making this a charming Christmas tale to curl up on the couch with over a hot drink.
You are guaranteed to fall in love with these characters and the setting, making this a charming Christmas tale to curl up on the couch with over a hot drink.
December 27, 2025
I enjoyed this little book, full of warmth, real-life experiences, and fabulous scenery. I love books that use setting as one of the characters. The author has done this well. I felt like I was there on the charismatic and weather-worn Isle of Harris. The descriptions of the scenery are well-written but not overbearing. The human characters are delightful. My favourite is Shona, a young girl from a local shop who befriends the main character, a middle-aged woman who is a bit confused. There is a nice twist about midway in the story, which I didn't see coming. It is a perfect Christmas read, or anytime, really.
December 3, 2025
A beautiful little novella which isn’t quite as cosy and festive as you think it’s going to be. From the second chapter you realise things mightn’t be all they seem and by chapter 6 tears will threaten! Maggie is such a lovely main character & it’s great having a connection back to Little Wing which is my favourite of the author’s books so far. Looking forward to Spring at Flora’s House coming next….
December 12, 2025
Returning to the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides has been a magical Christmas escape.
Little Wing by Freya North was one of my favourite books last year and was where I first met Flora, Nell and Dougie.
The recently-published ‘Christmas at Flora’s House’ is the first of four novellas taking us back to this wild and windswept place of natural beauty. (Scroll across to see some of Freya’s stunning postcards of Luskentyre).
Once again, Freya’s heartfelt writing pulled me in. Maggie’s story is poignant and emotional.
A truly wonderful book filled with hope, kindness and community spirit.
Little Wing by Freya North was one of my favourite books last year and was where I first met Flora, Nell and Dougie.
The recently-published ‘Christmas at Flora’s House’ is the first of four novellas taking us back to this wild and windswept place of natural beauty. (Scroll across to see some of Freya’s stunning postcards of Luskentyre).
Once again, Freya’s heartfelt writing pulled me in. Maggie’s story is poignant and emotional.
A truly wonderful book filled with hope, kindness and community spirit.
December 6, 2025
This was such a lovely little book. About simple things that matter and kindness. Full of Christmas cheer.
It was very sad at times and it made me cry but It was also set in one of my favourite places in all the world. Reading the book felt like being there.
It was very sad at times and it made me cry but It was also set in one of my favourite places in all the world. Reading the book felt like being there.
December 10, 2025
A beautifully written novella , that I read in one sitting. A story of love and loss , this resonated with my as this is my First Christmas without my mum , the story of Mrs Birch is heartfelt.
December 4, 2025
I really enjoyed Christmas at Flora’s House. It’s warm & comforting. A lovely seasonal escape. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 6, 2025
⭐️ 5 ⭐️
Christmas at Flora’s House is the first of four novellas, and although it relates to another fab book by Freya North (Little Wing), it can easily be read as a standalone. I absolutely loved it and devoured it in one sitting. It’s one of the best short stories I’ve read this year (if not the best).
A short read but full of heart; it made me laugh, and it made me cry. It’s a wonderful story about love, friendship, courage, and hope, with the beautifully described island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides providing the most spectacular Christmas backdrop.
Maggie, Roger, and Harris have each stolen a piece of my heart! 🩷
Many thanks to Freya North for my finished copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Christmas at Flora’s House is the first of four novellas, and although it relates to another fab book by Freya North (Little Wing), it can easily be read as a standalone. I absolutely loved it and devoured it in one sitting. It’s one of the best short stories I’ve read this year (if not the best).
A short read but full of heart; it made me laugh, and it made me cry. It’s a wonderful story about love, friendship, courage, and hope, with the beautifully described island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides providing the most spectacular Christmas backdrop.
Maggie, Roger, and Harris have each stolen a piece of my heart! 🩷
Many thanks to Freya North for my finished copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
November 6, 2025
Freya North’s beautiful book, Little WIng, left something of a bookish hangover, a haunting. I have never been to Harris, but the contours and colours of its landscape, so wonderfully described in the novel, are vivid in my mind. I leapt at the chance to return to the scenery of Little Wing and to stay in Flora’s cottage. This is the first of four novellas which will celebrate the seasons of Harris. Flora’s House, now a holiday cottage, is the little white house in which Flora raises Nell in Little Wing. How wonderful is that!
Maggie and her husband Roger booked Flora’s House together for a Christmas away from their home. They are at a turning point in their lives; their house is sold and a young family will be moving in. Maggie was really unsure about making the trip: she likes her traditions and she hangs up her aging wreath and tired decorations in the cottage in an attempt to make it business as usual.
Isn’t it amazing how a story can take hold of you so quickly. Novellas are the literary equivalent of a shot of alcohol. I was suffused with emotions reading this gentle story. Freya sets this up so beautifully, piquing my curiosity - why was Roger always going off on my own and why did Maggie do all the driving. I wondered if she might have dementia..
This story so full of life and love and grief and Christmas. It reminded me of stepping into holiday cottages, of past Christmassses, of moving on. You know that feeling when the emotion is like a wave moving up your chest and into your throat, involuntary, surprising, and the tears fall..
I read Flora’s House on the way to stay in a holiday cottage in Northumberland. On my arrival I was so put out to find no tea bags, and the tiniest fridge which wasn’t going to be enough for the 6 of us! And I thought of Maggie’s grumpiness on finding someone else’s wreath on the door, and Roger’s determination to make the best of it. And we did!
I cannot wait for the next book, Freya. This was gorgeous.
December 10, 2025
I've just been swept along in a gorgeous magical world of beautiful prose, gorgeous writing, terrific plot and endearing characters. All in one fabulous novella.
I absolutely adored this story of retired couple Maggie and Roger who decide to visit the stunning Isle of Harris over Christmas. For 4o something years they have spent Christmas at home. They always talked about spending Christmas elsewhere and this is the year they finally decide to have an adventure.
The setting on the island is stunning and so wonderfully described. You really do feel like you are on the island, exploring every nook and cranny with Maggie and Roger. And the cottage they are staying at, Flora's House, is cosy, welcoming and the perfect idyllic spot. It felt like somewhere I'd love to stay.
You get a really lovely, enveloping sense of community and friendship from the islanders. Everyone pulling together and looking out for each other.
I laughed, cried, felt joyous and emotionally engaged with the story and characters. It made me think a lot about Christmas traditions, family and friends. All in a lovely heart warming and hug of a book.
A beautiful novella, full of heart and love that has really got me in the festive mood. And I can't wait to return to Flora's House in the Spring
I absolutely adored this story of retired couple Maggie and Roger who decide to visit the stunning Isle of Harris over Christmas. For 4o something years they have spent Christmas at home. They always talked about spending Christmas elsewhere and this is the year they finally decide to have an adventure.
The setting on the island is stunning and so wonderfully described. You really do feel like you are on the island, exploring every nook and cranny with Maggie and Roger. And the cottage they are staying at, Flora's House, is cosy, welcoming and the perfect idyllic spot. It felt like somewhere I'd love to stay.
You get a really lovely, enveloping sense of community and friendship from the islanders. Everyone pulling together and looking out for each other.
I laughed, cried, felt joyous and emotionally engaged with the story and characters. It made me think a lot about Christmas traditions, family and friends. All in a lovely heart warming and hug of a book.
A beautiful novella, full of heart and love that has really got me in the festive mood. And I can't wait to return to Flora's House in the Spring
November 8, 2025
This is the first in a quartet of books set at the little White House on the Isle of Harris, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, which features in the superb Little Wing and offered refuge to a young frightened girl when she needed it most.
These days Flora’s House is a holiday home for people to escape to and explore the stunning landscape.
This festive season we meet Maggie and Roger, both retired and having a first Christmas away from home.
Maggie is buttoned up, gets frustrated, and doesn’t like change whereas Roger smooths her out, goes with the flow and they make a great team.
It turns out Flora’s house is still a refuge for those in need.
This is such a poignant read, not a word is wasted and the storytelling is gentle but packs a punch.
In a few short pages I smiled, laughed (it was the ‘perm and slugging great moustache’ that first did it!), felt a tinge of sadness but also joy, all rolled into one.
There is beauty in the descriptions, richness in the friendships built and a resonance to the words which will sit with me for a long time.
These days Flora’s House is a holiday home for people to escape to and explore the stunning landscape.
This festive season we meet Maggie and Roger, both retired and having a first Christmas away from home.
Maggie is buttoned up, gets frustrated, and doesn’t like change whereas Roger smooths her out, goes with the flow and they make a great team.
It turns out Flora’s house is still a refuge for those in need.
This is such a poignant read, not a word is wasted and the storytelling is gentle but packs a punch.
In a few short pages I smiled, laughed (it was the ‘perm and slugging great moustache’ that first did it!), felt a tinge of sadness but also joy, all rolled into one.
There is beauty in the descriptions, richness in the friendships built and a resonance to the words which will sit with me for a long time.
December 2, 2025
I'll be honest I'm not much of a fan of Christmas and don't normally read Christmas themed books but I've read two of Freya's books including Little Wing which is set in the same place as this book and I enjoyed both of them very much. I've seen lots of publicity around this book and as I'd read Little Wing I put my dislike of Christmas themed books aside and gave it a go.
I wasn't that keen. It was a little too sentimental for me personally, and very descriptive of the area, the surroundings, which again I'm more of a dialogue reader. Perhaps just a personality clash between myself and the story, nothing wrong with it, just not my thing. It is a sad story, but with hope and kindness flowing through and I'm sure many readers will find great comfort in reading this, especially if they've lost someone special.
I wasn't that keen. It was a little too sentimental for me personally, and very descriptive of the area, the surroundings, which again I'm more of a dialogue reader. Perhaps just a personality clash between myself and the story, nothing wrong with it, just not my thing. It is a sad story, but with hope and kindness flowing through and I'm sure many readers will find great comfort in reading this, especially if they've lost someone special.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
My first Christmas book of the year, and this was a heartwarming tale. I've seen that it ties in with a previous novel, Little Wing, which I haven't read, but that is not a problem at all. I'm sure there are some tie-ins with characters or history, but it didn't negatively impact the story if there were.
Maggie and Roger have had the Christmas trip to Flora's House booked for some time - and it turns out to be even better than they could have hoped for, especially in light of the circumstances. The descriptions of the Isle of Harris are beautiful and this is a really gentle story, with characters you'd like to meet in real life. Christmassy and moving, a lovely little book with the depiction of a great community in the Outer Hebrides.
Maggie and Roger have had the Christmas trip to Flora's House booked for some time - and it turns out to be even better than they could have hoped for, especially in light of the circumstances. The descriptions of the Isle of Harris are beautiful and this is a really gentle story, with characters you'd like to meet in real life. Christmassy and moving, a lovely little book with the depiction of a great community in the Outer Hebrides.
December 5, 2025
Such a poignant book - the story is very full, the characters well rounded and complete, I almost feel 'novella' belittles it! It felt very complete to me! Loved LOVED the Hebridean setting - and that it focussed on an older couple. They are spending their first Christmas away from home - and in a place they've never visited: the Isle of Harris. Wow - what a setting! It seems to aid and abet the characters' feelings and the storyline. Such a lovely ensemble of other characters across the generations... and brimful of Christmas spirit - the kindness of strangers, the true meaning of family and that friendship can be found when you are least looking for it, in the most unexpected places. I laughed, I cried - I'm pressing a copy into the hands of everyone I know!
December 10, 2025
I do enjoy books written by this author, they are always well written and captivating, this was no exception, even though its a shorter story. It's a beautiful Christmas story, set on the Isle of Harris at Christmastime.
The small house has been a holiday let for years, this year its been reserved for Christmas by the Birch family, Maggie and Roger. Its the first year they have spent in a different house to their own. Now retired, with a new house move after Christmas, they decided to take off and spend the festive week somewhere else.
The story tells of their lives, beautiful scenery that is the Isle of Harris and the kindness of strangers.
It's a beautiful short story and one that is ideal for this festive season.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series to be released.
The small house has been a holiday let for years, this year its been reserved for Christmas by the Birch family, Maggie and Roger. Its the first year they have spent in a different house to their own. Now retired, with a new house move after Christmas, they decided to take off and spend the festive week somewhere else.
The story tells of their lives, beautiful scenery that is the Isle of Harris and the kindness of strangers.
It's a beautiful short story and one that is ideal for this festive season.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series to be released.
November 25, 2025
A beautiful read, an untypical Christmas love story in the familiar setting from Little Wing, Flora's House. The community in Harris again wrapping their love and kindness around a soul searching for understanding and healing. I loved Maggie, bringing her Christmas decorations from Alderley Edge to celebrate in the Outer Hebrides, such poignant reflections on the sentiment and history collected over a lifetime. The powerful weather, wildness and remoteness of the island evident in the descriptions. The warmth and kindness provided by the islanders. Roger's voice so reassuring and humorous in challenging Maggie's emotions and activities. Can't wait for the next editions in these novellas.
November 21, 2025
Some authors draw you in with their characters, some with their plots, and others with their settings but Freya North is one of the rare writers who captures all three. What truly stands out, though, is her beautiful, effortless writing style. Her words flow so naturally that sinking into her stories feels like coming home which is very comforting to me.
I absolutely adored Little Wing, so returning to the Isle of Harris in this novella felt like a gift in itself. Christmas at Flora’s House is the first in a new series, and what a joy it is to read. Despite being a novella, not a single word is wasted. I found myself reading just a couple of chapters a day so I could savour it properly.
Christmas At Floras house has the emotional pull, tugging at my heart which Freya excels at. This story will wrap you in warmth, love, and pure Christmas and community spirit. I’m already counting down to the rest of the series.
You absolutely don’t need to have read Little Wing to enjoy this but if you have, the return to Flora and her special house feels even more magical and special. Either way, don’t hesitate to add this to your festive reading
I absolutely adored Little Wing, so returning to the Isle of Harris in this novella felt like a gift in itself. Christmas at Flora’s House is the first in a new series, and what a joy it is to read. Despite being a novella, not a single word is wasted. I found myself reading just a couple of chapters a day so I could savour it properly.
Christmas At Floras house has the emotional pull, tugging at my heart which Freya excels at. This story will wrap you in warmth, love, and pure Christmas and community spirit. I’m already counting down to the rest of the series.
You absolutely don’t need to have read Little Wing to enjoy this but if you have, the return to Flora and her special house feels even more magical and special. Either way, don’t hesitate to add this to your festive reading
November 15, 2025
As a huge Freya North fan for more than twenty years, I was delighted to see this new novella released—and it did not disappoint. Christmas at Flora’s House is a beautifully gentle story that follows Maggie’s Christmas on the Isle of Harris.
North captures the warmth and quiet magic of the island perfectly; the sense of community and kindness shines through every chapter. The setting is so vividly described that it made me want to visit Harris even more than I already did.
A lovely, comforting festive read—perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
North captures the warmth and quiet magic of the island perfectly; the sense of community and kindness shines through every chapter. The setting is so vividly described that it made me want to visit Harris even more than I already did.
A lovely, comforting festive read—perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
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