What do you think?
Rate this book
The Little Christmas Kitchen
The mince pies are cooling, the lights are twinkling, and just when you think you’re a roasted chestnut away from the perfect Christmas….along comes the new gift-wrapped treat of a book from Jenny Oliver. Enjoy!
Christmas at the Davenports’ house was always about one thing: food. But when sisters Ella and Maddy were split up, Ella to live in London with their Dad, and Maddy staying in Greece with their Mum, mince pies lost their magic.
Now, a cheating husband has thrown Ella a curved snowball…and for the first time in years, all she wants is her mum. So she heads back to Greece, where her family’s taverna holds all the promise of home. Meanwhile, waitress Maddy’s dreams of a white Christmas lead her back to London… and her Dad.
But a big fat festive life-swap isn’t as easy as it sounds! And as the sisters trade one kitchen for another, it suddenly seems that among the cinnamon, cranberries and icing sugar, their recipes for a perfect Christmas might be missing a crucial ingredient: each other.
Christmas at the Davenports’ house was always about one thing: food. But when sisters Ella and Maddy were split up, Ella to live in London with their Dad, and Maddy staying in Greece with their Mum, mince pies lost their magic.
Now, a cheating husband has thrown Ella a curved snowball…and for the first time in years, all she wants is her mum. So she heads back to Greece, where her family’s taverna holds all the promise of home. Meanwhile, waitress Maddy’s dreams of a white Christmas lead her back to London… and her Dad.
But a big fat festive life-swap isn’t as easy as it sounds! And as the sisters trade one kitchen for another, it suddenly seems that among the cinnamon, cranberries and icing sugar, their recipes for a perfect Christmas might be missing a crucial ingredient: each other.
290 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2014
93 people are currently reading
760 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Oliver
24 books254 followersJenny Oliver is the bestselling author of The Summerhouse by the Sea - the PERFECT book for your summer reading! Out May 18th.
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
If you are looking for some bite-size reads why not try her Cherry Pie Island novella series. The first five books - The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, The Vintage Ice Cream Van Road Trip, The Great Allotment Proposal, One Summer Night at the Ritz and Four Weddings and a White Christmas are out NOW! Mouthwatering, feel-good and the ultimate escapism!
Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks, Instagram jenoliverbooks or go to the website jennyoliverbooks.com to find out more about Jenny, her books and read her blog!
Her book The Sunshine and Biscotti Club, set in sunny Tuscany, was nominated for the Best Contemporary Romantic Novel at the RONA awards.
Jenny wrote her first book on holiday when she was ten years old. Illustrated with cut-out supermodels from her sister's Vogue, it was an epic, sweeping love story not so loosely based Dynasty.
Since then Jenny has gone on to get an English degree and a job in publishing that's taught her what it takes to write a novel (without the help of the supermodels). She wrote her first book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off on the beach in a notebook that would end up covered in sand each afternoon and damp from the sea. Nowadays her inspiration comes from her love of all things vintage, a fascination with other people’s relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after!
If you are looking for some bite-size reads why not try her Cherry Pie Island novella series. The first five books - The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe, The Vintage Ice Cream Van Road Trip, The Great Allotment Proposal, One Summer Night at the Ritz and Four Weddings and a White Christmas are out NOW! Mouthwatering, feel-good and the ultimate escapism!
Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks, Instagram jenoliverbooks or go to the website jennyoliverbooks.com to find out more about Jenny, her books and read her blog!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 20, 2014
1 - "You have to go with your instincts, don't you?" Star.
DNF @ 40%
I am a little sad to be giving up on The Little Christmas Kitchen, I absolutely adored Jenny Oliver's 2013 seasonal offering in the The Parisian Christmas Bake Off , the characters were varied, multi-faceted, likeable (even the villians!), and the story was Christmassy, enjoyable and extremely easy to immerse yourself in.
The Little Christmas Kitchen for some reason (upto the point I stopped reading) seemed to be lacking every one of those elements. Ella and Maddy are both emotionless, uninteresting and hard to feel any sort of empathy or emotional connection to. For example if the character you are reading about doesn't seem to be too bothered by the fact that her husband is cheating on her, its always going to be difficult for a reader to feel anything for her or the predicament she finds herself in.
You kind of hope that being forty odd percent into a book that something interesting would have happened, but nothing of note really comes to mind. Ella is jealous of her sister Maddy, Maddy is jealous of her sister Ella, they both have issues with their mother... I Just found it all to be lacking, which is a shame as I had really high hopes for this one.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.
DNF @ 40%
I am a little sad to be giving up on The Little Christmas Kitchen, I absolutely adored Jenny Oliver's 2013 seasonal offering in the The Parisian Christmas Bake Off , the characters were varied, multi-faceted, likeable (even the villians!), and the story was Christmassy, enjoyable and extremely easy to immerse yourself in.
The Little Christmas Kitchen for some reason (upto the point I stopped reading) seemed to be lacking every one of those elements. Ella and Maddy are both emotionless, uninteresting and hard to feel any sort of empathy or emotional connection to. For example if the character you are reading about doesn't seem to be too bothered by the fact that her husband is cheating on her, its always going to be difficult for a reader to feel anything for her or the predicament she finds herself in.
You kind of hope that being forty odd percent into a book that something interesting would have happened, but nothing of note really comes to mind. Ella is jealous of her sister Maddy, Maddy is jealous of her sister Ella, they both have issues with their mother... I Just found it all to be lacking, which is a shame as I had really high hopes for this one.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, I am sorry that I cannot provide a more positive review on this occasion.
February 4, 2022
I really loved this living in Greece since i was a preen but from the UK, Obviously falling for the gorgeous tanned Greek guy who does 100 different jobs from barman to fisherman (Mines Called Vangelis though not Dimitri)
An Melomakarona i Make them every Christmas
Its a sweet swap about read with a whole lot of Family drama and Memories thrown in...
Maddy and Ella seem to resent each other, Ella resents Maddy for being a brat, and Maddy thinks Ella had all the opportunities she didn't.
When the girls Paths Finally cross they swap lives of a sort and get to see what they are missing out on... I picked this up at Book Bazzar here in Greece!!! so happy i did!
An Melomakarona i Make them every Christmas
Its a sweet swap about read with a whole lot of Family drama and Memories thrown in...
Maddy and Ella seem to resent each other, Ella resents Maddy for being a brat, and Maddy thinks Ella had all the opportunities she didn't.
When the girls Paths Finally cross they swap lives of a sort and get to see what they are missing out on... I picked this up at Book Bazzar here in Greece!!! so happy i did!
February 17, 2021
I listened to this on audiobook.
This was a great story, really enjoyable from start to finish.
I loved getting to know all of the different characters, of which there were a few. The two sisters Maddie & Ella who are the two main characters tells the reader their own stories, taking it in turns chapter by chapter and their stories link up together to become one come the end which was nice. It was nice to experience both their stories, seeing how their lives have turned out and getting to find out what their future holds.
I wouldn't say it was overly Christmas orientated but there was certainly plenty of yummy sounding food being eaten and made, sure made me hungry.
Another great book from author Jenny Oliver.
This was a great story, really enjoyable from start to finish.
I loved getting to know all of the different characters, of which there were a few. The two sisters Maddie & Ella who are the two main characters tells the reader their own stories, taking it in turns chapter by chapter and their stories link up together to become one come the end which was nice. It was nice to experience both their stories, seeing how their lives have turned out and getting to find out what their future holds.
I wouldn't say it was overly Christmas orientated but there was certainly plenty of yummy sounding food being eaten and made, sure made me hungry.
Another great book from author Jenny Oliver.
October 24, 2022
Was it very well written? Definitely not.
Was it a fun and easy read? Definitely!
(Also: so. many. typo’s in this book!)
Was it a fun and easy read? Definitely!
(Also: so. many. typo’s in this book!)
November 6, 2014
3.5 stars
Apart from two of Holly Martin's books this is the only other Carina book I've read despite constantly seeing their covers books on NetGalley. I was on a bit of a ban and didn't request anything for a while until I got my ratio to 100%. I do judge books by their covers and Carina have some of the best, it's just a shame they are ebook and not actual books! I was very excited therefore to start my first Carina book from NetGalley and I loved the sound of the plot of The Little Christmas Kitchen.
Ella finds out her boyfriend Max has been cheating on her. At 31 she becomes fearful of what her future as a single woman might look like. She heads to Greece for a short holiday hoping to come to a decision about what to do. Meanwhile her sister Maddy is in Greece, and despite having a fairly enjoyable life on a small Greek island, she has dreams of becoming a singer and an opportunity in London is to good to pass up, despite her mother not being that happy about it. Arriving in Greece Ella isn't exactly welcomed with open arms, but more curiosity by her sister and mother, especially as she's alone, and that she's turned up unannounced not looking her usual immaculate self. She usually stays in five star hotels on the island, and it's a massive shock when she finds herself waitressing when it's usually her being waited on.
It was clear in the beginning that both sisters are very different, each having taken a different path in life after their parents split up. It was a very good way to tell a story, taking both sisters completely out of their comfort zones and having them almost swap ways, both learning new things about themselves along the way. I wondered how the story would progress for Ella and Maddy and whether I'd have a preference of who I liked more. In the beginning it was definitely Maddy. She became almost like a little girl lost in a big and dangerous world. London at Christmas can be magical. London by yourself can be very intimidating, and walking around it you often see that seedier side to it. Ella meanwhile in the beginning came across as quite weak and spineless. I wanted to scream at her to get a grip and stand up for herself the way she was talking about Max's infidelity.
As a fan of Cyprus I am just in love with the Mediterranean and Greece is similar so I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of this beautiful Greek island and the mouthwatering descriptions of the most delicious Greek food. The Little Christmas Kitchen just sounds like heaven, and totally believable as gems like this do exist in Greece. The writing is very descriptive and you are just transported to the island. I also really love London, especially at Christmas and Maddy's arrival in the capital reminded me of the first time I went there at London (and it did actually snow). She's wide-eyed, excited and nervous with the hope of fulfilling her dreams whilst there. Unfortunately things don't quite go to plan, even before she's left the airport.
I loved reading the thoughts of both sisters. It was like being privy to information that we shouldn't have access to as they size each other up. We learn more about their past and as that starts to happen you really start to understand each character better and realise that for the most part, they are just putting on a front. It's hard to really discuss further but I was almost screaming at my Kindle for both sisters to admit their true feelings and ask for help when they needed it. They have a very believable relationship. They were close growing up, Ella being protective over Maddy however sibling rivalry has stretched into adulthood with the sisters still fighting for the attention of their parents.
Certain aspects of the book are predictable, especially once Ella meets a familiar face on her arrival in Greece. That said though the enjoyment from these books does come from knowing how the story might end, and reading on to come to a satisfying conclusion that leaves you with happy. It's a real feel good book, and at Christmas that's all you can really ask for. That said though it isn't all plain sailing and there's plenty of shocks along the way. There's also a bit of a Friends moment which I loved. Once again I was ready to shout at my Kindle (it's a good job I didn't read this book in public!) The book makes you want to grab life by the hands and run with it. Fiction often makes some things look easy, the quitting your job, running away, leaving your partner etc when in real life it's difficult if not impossible and I guess we live those fantasies through fiction.
I just couldn't wait to see how the story would end for Ella and Maddy and I couldn't have been happier with how Jenny finished the book. I'd definitely love to read more about these two characters in the future, even in a novella. Their story can definitely be continued and I only hope that it is. This was one of my first Christmas reads of 2014 and it was really good. Highly recommend this one!
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy via NetGalley.
Apart from two of Holly Martin's books this is the only other Carina book I've read despite constantly seeing their covers books on NetGalley. I was on a bit of a ban and didn't request anything for a while until I got my ratio to 100%. I do judge books by their covers and Carina have some of the best, it's just a shame they are ebook and not actual books! I was very excited therefore to start my first Carina book from NetGalley and I loved the sound of the plot of The Little Christmas Kitchen.
Ella finds out her boyfriend Max has been cheating on her. At 31 she becomes fearful of what her future as a single woman might look like. She heads to Greece for a short holiday hoping to come to a decision about what to do. Meanwhile her sister Maddy is in Greece, and despite having a fairly enjoyable life on a small Greek island, she has dreams of becoming a singer and an opportunity in London is to good to pass up, despite her mother not being that happy about it. Arriving in Greece Ella isn't exactly welcomed with open arms, but more curiosity by her sister and mother, especially as she's alone, and that she's turned up unannounced not looking her usual immaculate self. She usually stays in five star hotels on the island, and it's a massive shock when she finds herself waitressing when it's usually her being waited on.
It was clear in the beginning that both sisters are very different, each having taken a different path in life after their parents split up. It was a very good way to tell a story, taking both sisters completely out of their comfort zones and having them almost swap ways, both learning new things about themselves along the way. I wondered how the story would progress for Ella and Maddy and whether I'd have a preference of who I liked more. In the beginning it was definitely Maddy. She became almost like a little girl lost in a big and dangerous world. London at Christmas can be magical. London by yourself can be very intimidating, and walking around it you often see that seedier side to it. Ella meanwhile in the beginning came across as quite weak and spineless. I wanted to scream at her to get a grip and stand up for herself the way she was talking about Max's infidelity.
As a fan of Cyprus I am just in love with the Mediterranean and Greece is similar so I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of this beautiful Greek island and the mouthwatering descriptions of the most delicious Greek food. The Little Christmas Kitchen just sounds like heaven, and totally believable as gems like this do exist in Greece. The writing is very descriptive and you are just transported to the island. I also really love London, especially at Christmas and Maddy's arrival in the capital reminded me of the first time I went there at London (and it did actually snow). She's wide-eyed, excited and nervous with the hope of fulfilling her dreams whilst there. Unfortunately things don't quite go to plan, even before she's left the airport.
I loved reading the thoughts of both sisters. It was like being privy to information that we shouldn't have access to as they size each other up. We learn more about their past and as that starts to happen you really start to understand each character better and realise that for the most part, they are just putting on a front. It's hard to really discuss further but I was almost screaming at my Kindle for both sisters to admit their true feelings and ask for help when they needed it. They have a very believable relationship. They were close growing up, Ella being protective over Maddy however sibling rivalry has stretched into adulthood with the sisters still fighting for the attention of their parents.
Certain aspects of the book are predictable, especially once Ella meets a familiar face on her arrival in Greece. That said though the enjoyment from these books does come from knowing how the story might end, and reading on to come to a satisfying conclusion that leaves you with happy. It's a real feel good book, and at Christmas that's all you can really ask for. That said though it isn't all plain sailing and there's plenty of shocks along the way. There's also a bit of a Friends moment which I loved. Once again I was ready to shout at my Kindle (it's a good job I didn't read this book in public!) The book makes you want to grab life by the hands and run with it. Fiction often makes some things look easy, the quitting your job, running away, leaving your partner etc when in real life it's difficult if not impossible and I guess we live those fantasies through fiction.
I just couldn't wait to see how the story would end for Ella and Maddy and I couldn't have been happier with how Jenny finished the book. I'd definitely love to read more about these two characters in the future, even in a novella. Their story can definitely be continued and I only hope that it is. This was one of my first Christmas reads of 2014 and it was really good. Highly recommend this one!
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy via NetGalley.
January 14, 2015
I want to begin by thanking Netgalley and Carina UK for an ARC of The Little Christmas Kitchen.
Jenny Oliver really hit home with this amazing Christmas story about the true meaning of family and getting back to what's important in life.
Ella and Maddy have been apart for quite some time and have only seen each other in passing over the years. They were split up with their parents divorce - Ella to London and Maddy stayed in Greece with her mother.
Now Ella's life has been turned upside down. The amazing job and grand home as well as awesome closet pale to compare to the fact that her husband cheated on her. She has decided in a split second to go home to Greece for the holidays and forget about her messed up life for the moment.
Maddy on the other hand can't wait to leave Greece but doesn't have the money to go. Then Ella hands Maddy an interesting curve ball, will she take her up on her offer?
Such an amazing story of ups and downs and how this family has found it's way back to each other and met some great people along the way!
Jenny Oliver really hit home with this amazing Christmas story about the true meaning of family and getting back to what's important in life.
Ella and Maddy have been apart for quite some time and have only seen each other in passing over the years. They were split up with their parents divorce - Ella to London and Maddy stayed in Greece with her mother.
Now Ella's life has been turned upside down. The amazing job and grand home as well as awesome closet pale to compare to the fact that her husband cheated on her. She has decided in a split second to go home to Greece for the holidays and forget about her messed up life for the moment.
Maddy on the other hand can't wait to leave Greece but doesn't have the money to go. Then Ella hands Maddy an interesting curve ball, will she take her up on her offer?
Such an amazing story of ups and downs and how this family has found it's way back to each other and met some great people along the way!
December 22, 2021
3.5 stars
The Little Christmas Kitchen is written in the POV of two sisters, Ella and Maddy. Ella found her boyfriend, Max, was cheating on her and she flew back home to her mum from London to Corfu. Meanwhile, Maddy wanted to be a big star singer, so she swapped her place in Corfu with Ella and went to London. Their lives started to unravel when they swapped places.
I like this book enough, it's okay. The Greek cuisines mentioned in this book made my mouth waters I couldn't get enough by reading them, I actually wanted to try them! The thing is, the prologue of this book is too slow for me. It took some time for the story to warm up to me (thankfully I read it until the end!). This book is great, but I'm afraid with the starter like this, it might go DNF in other people's shelves. I like this one quote from Walter;
I'm just saying that most people have such a fixed idea about what their dreams are and spend so long chasing them that when they get them it's nothing like they hoped. But there's always another door.
This quote really gave me a new perspective in life. Anyway, praise the author for the recipes at the back of the book. They're absolutely lovely, I love them.
The Little Christmas Kitchen is written in the POV of two sisters, Ella and Maddy. Ella found her boyfriend, Max, was cheating on her and she flew back home to her mum from London to Corfu. Meanwhile, Maddy wanted to be a big star singer, so she swapped her place in Corfu with Ella and went to London. Their lives started to unravel when they swapped places.
I like this book enough, it's okay. The Greek cuisines mentioned in this book made my mouth waters I couldn't get enough by reading them, I actually wanted to try them! The thing is, the prologue of this book is too slow for me. It took some time for the story to warm up to me (thankfully I read it until the end!). This book is great, but I'm afraid with the starter like this, it might go DNF in other people's shelves. I like this one quote from Walter;
I'm just saying that most people have such a fixed idea about what their dreams are and spend so long chasing them that when they get them it's nothing like they hoped. But there's always another door.
This quote really gave me a new perspective in life. Anyway, praise the author for the recipes at the back of the book. They're absolutely lovely, I love them.
August 27, 2022
This is a cute, fun and heartwarming read. Loving the Christmas theme but it was more about life and family, the differences, the heartache, family breakups and putting the past behind you in order to forgive and heal.
The characters and settings are great and the food made me hungry. I loved the differences between living in a busy, hectic place like London compared to the slower pace and happiness of living in a smaller town in Greece.
And it really brings to the fore that the grass is not always greener on the other side but it is good to experience life in all its forms.
A fun, enjoyable read and some early Christmas cheer.
The Little Christmas Kitchen
Jenny Oliver
The characters and settings are great and the food made me hungry. I loved the differences between living in a busy, hectic place like London compared to the slower pace and happiness of living in a smaller town in Greece.
And it really brings to the fore that the grass is not always greener on the other side but it is good to experience life in all its forms.
A fun, enjoyable read and some early Christmas cheer.
The Little Christmas Kitchen
Jenny Oliver
January 4, 2019
I actually quite enjoyed this. It’s a Christmas book with a moral — to live your life day by day as yourself and enjoy every aspect of it while you can.
As far as Christmas books go, this is one that has a heartwarming ending and I also love that there are a few recipes at the back that were mentioned in the book!
The writing style was easy to get into and it was a nice, quick read. It is essentially a book about family and however complicated it can be between parents/step-parents/siblings, there’s always a way back to each other, to brush past hurts under the carpet and move on.
A lovely book!
As far as Christmas books go, this is one that has a heartwarming ending and I also love that there are a few recipes at the back that were mentioned in the book!
The writing style was easy to get into and it was a nice, quick read. It is essentially a book about family and however complicated it can be between parents/step-parents/siblings, there’s always a way back to each other, to brush past hurts under the carpet and move on.
A lovely book!
November 11, 2022
Another Christmas read that was ok... Its about sisters Ella and Maddy - Ella lives in London and has just found out that the boyfriend she lives with is seeing someone else - she takes a break from her life to go to Corfu where her mother and sister live running a guest house. Maddy needs a break from her life as she feels she is missing out on the world and so goes to London to follow her dreams... things of course don't go as planned and they both find obstacles in their way and discover more about each other along the way - makes you want to be in Corfu!!!
December 9, 2018
Really could not get into this book. Have it to halfway and it was just not grabbing me :(
November 21, 2020
An interesting story of two sisters, split by the breakup of their parents. Finding their way back to each other and their true selves.
October 23, 2014
This book follows sisters Ella and Maddie - who lived with a different parent after their parents divorced. That has caused issues between the sisters. Ella feels that her mum didn't fight to keep her- where her mum remembers the way Ella chose which parent to live with differently.
After she finds out that her husband has cheated on her- she feels that she needs her mum and flies out to Greece at Christmas time. Her sister has been longing to stretch her wings and try to make it as a singer in London. So after spending a little time together, Maddie flies to London and stays in Ella's appartment. Having grown up in a really laid back village, she initially finds her neighbours reserve very difficult to handle. How will she ever make friends? But she wins them round with her charm and her cooking!
Meanwhile Ella relaxes a bit and takes stock of her life. At home she has outfits from designers complete with handbags set out so she just chooses that outfit for the day. She lost her personal style. A childhood friend helps her discover herself again. Her mum expects her to work as a waitress in the family place- and she's initially taken aback having come from a high flying career in London. But she soon finds memories flooding back and starts to enjoy being in her family again.
Maddie is finding her childhood dream is more difficult to attain than she expected.
How will the sisters choose to spend the rest of their lives?
It explored family relationships and hidden feelings. I felt it was a little slow in drawing you in. I have read previous books by this author- so I was expecting to love this one and gave it a little time.I did enjoy it.
After she finds out that her husband has cheated on her- she feels that she needs her mum and flies out to Greece at Christmas time. Her sister has been longing to stretch her wings and try to make it as a singer in London. So after spending a little time together, Maddie flies to London and stays in Ella's appartment. Having grown up in a really laid back village, she initially finds her neighbours reserve very difficult to handle. How will she ever make friends? But she wins them round with her charm and her cooking!
Meanwhile Ella relaxes a bit and takes stock of her life. At home she has outfits from designers complete with handbags set out so she just chooses that outfit for the day. She lost her personal style. A childhood friend helps her discover herself again. Her mum expects her to work as a waitress in the family place- and she's initially taken aback having come from a high flying career in London. But she soon finds memories flooding back and starts to enjoy being in her family again.
Maddie is finding her childhood dream is more difficult to attain than she expected.
How will the sisters choose to spend the rest of their lives?
It explored family relationships and hidden feelings. I felt it was a little slow in drawing you in. I have read previous books by this author- so I was expecting to love this one and gave it a little time.I did enjoy it.
December 18, 2014
I picked this book up thinking it was merely another romantic story set at Christmas, where the female lead finds the man of her dreams after having a rather rubbish time. I was wrong as this is a heck of a lot more. This is a story about family and how we all have our own version of events in the past. This is a love story, but not between a man and a woman. This instead is about the love that is shared between a family and that despite everything we go through, that link will always be there.
December 27, 2015
I found this book a bit slow to start, but once it got properly underway, it was lovely. Ella and Maddy are both living in the shadow of their childhood decisions, fractured by their parents' divorce. This is the story of their reconciliation.
November 9, 2015
I enjoyed this book of Jenny's, I liked how we got to know how both of the sisters felt about being apart from each other and how they then lived each others lives. Just the right amount of Christmas feel to the book and some great recipes at the end I'd like to have a go at :) xxx
October 30, 2016
A nice feel good easy read. not sure why it's called The Little Christmas kitchen as not much of the action takes place in a kitchen. Not so much a Christmassy read as a story set at Christmas but enjoyable and worth a read.
November 15, 2016
Couldn't get into this at all , it's far from Christmassy and in my opinion not very well written .
December 7, 2017
What The Little Christmas Kitchen is about.
The book is told out of Maddy’s and Ella’s perspectives. The two sisters have long lost touch after an argument fifteen years ago, following the divorce of their parents. Ella followed their father and his new wife to London and Maddy stayed with their mother in Corfu.
Their lives couldn’t be more different. But when Ella’s shiny and controlled life in London falls apart, she suddenly finds herself in her mother’s restaurant back in Corfu, sponsoring Maddy’s trip to London, a place her little sister’s always wanted to go, just to see if she could make it in the big bad world.
In a way, the two of them swap life. And in doing so, they soon discover that there are always two sides to a story and that sometimes it’s no one’s fault and you just need to forgive each other.
What I thought about The Little Christmas Kitchen.
Since there is literally nothing I could complain about here, I’ll just give you a list (surprise, surprise…) with all the things that I loved about the book.
The Family
The Little Christmas Kitchen was nothing like what I thought it would be. I expected another Christmas romance and instead got a story about family and how it’s never too late to fix something that is broken.
Maddy, Ella and their parents – Edward and Sophie – are carrying a heavy burden full of anger, hurt and heartbreak at the beginning of the book. Each and every one of them is holding a grudge against someone, which has torn the family apart. Put them on two different countries and built two parties where there should have been one.
But as the book evolves and the two sister’s are confronted with each other’s lives, everyone has to realize that it’s okay to just forgive and move on. And maybe sometimes that’s all you can do. Because you can never really change the past. And if you can’t forgive your family on Christmas, when can you really?
But perhaps everyone needed to be given the chance to change. Perhaps, she realized, there were no victims. Just people. And what if it was no one person’s fault, but everyone’s?
The Characters
They are so freaking real!
I wanted to hug both Ella and Maddy several times throughout the book. They became my friends from page one on. With their flaws, wishes, dreams and insecurities they reminded me a lot of myself. Ella’s need to control everything and Maddy’s naïve belief in the good in everyone, are character traces that I only know too well.
And then there’s the way the two of them pull themselves together to create the best Christmas the circumstances allow. Maddy preparing a feast for all of Ella’s neighbours and all the people she’s met in London. And Ella helping her mother to cook up a storm for all the tourists stranded on the island. Maddy and Edward munching a McDonald’s burger at the airport and Ella catching a fish and letting it go. Random snippets, but for me, it was the little things they did that made them all so special to me.
The Christmas Memories
I count myself lucky to have had many Christmases amongst family and friends, packed with little memories, pictures, scents and sounds. And I’m fully aware that not everyone is that lucky. Take for example Walter, from The Little Christmas Kitchen. A Christmas children’s book author who over the years has come to hate Christmas, wishing that growing up, he’d had all the things he described in his books.
His story not only reminded Maddy that she should treasure all those memories, but also me. There might come a time in my life when I will no longer be able to spend this special time with all of my family members. And it is for those days that I want to soak up every little thing, put away my phone, watch the view and store every smell, sound and moment somewhere in the back of my head, where I won’t ever forget them. They’ll always be there for the harder days to remind me that everything will be okay and that there are people out there who love me and who I love very much.
Jenny Oliver’s writing
Again, I want to use this post to give Jenny Oliver a raging 5 star review for her writing. She manages to invite her readers into her world, show them around and make them feel at home. There wasn’t one dull moment in the entire story, not one page that could’ve been left out. Everything was exactly like it was supposed to be and I can’t wait to read more of her stuff.
3. Would I recommend The Little Christmas Kitchen?
In a heartbeat. Without even thinking about it twice.
The Little Christmas Kitchen is a beautiful story about life, family and forgiveness. It touches something deep inside you and makes you run to your family and give them a great big hug. Just because.
For more christmassy book reviews, head on over to my blog: www.unwrappeddreams.com
The book is told out of Maddy’s and Ella’s perspectives. The two sisters have long lost touch after an argument fifteen years ago, following the divorce of their parents. Ella followed their father and his new wife to London and Maddy stayed with their mother in Corfu.
Their lives couldn’t be more different. But when Ella’s shiny and controlled life in London falls apart, she suddenly finds herself in her mother’s restaurant back in Corfu, sponsoring Maddy’s trip to London, a place her little sister’s always wanted to go, just to see if she could make it in the big bad world.
In a way, the two of them swap life. And in doing so, they soon discover that there are always two sides to a story and that sometimes it’s no one’s fault and you just need to forgive each other.
What I thought about The Little Christmas Kitchen.
Since there is literally nothing I could complain about here, I’ll just give you a list (surprise, surprise…) with all the things that I loved about the book.
The Family
The Little Christmas Kitchen was nothing like what I thought it would be. I expected another Christmas romance and instead got a story about family and how it’s never too late to fix something that is broken.
Maddy, Ella and their parents – Edward and Sophie – are carrying a heavy burden full of anger, hurt and heartbreak at the beginning of the book. Each and every one of them is holding a grudge against someone, which has torn the family apart. Put them on two different countries and built two parties where there should have been one.
But as the book evolves and the two sister’s are confronted with each other’s lives, everyone has to realize that it’s okay to just forgive and move on. And maybe sometimes that’s all you can do. Because you can never really change the past. And if you can’t forgive your family on Christmas, when can you really?
But perhaps everyone needed to be given the chance to change. Perhaps, she realized, there were no victims. Just people. And what if it was no one person’s fault, but everyone’s?
The Characters
They are so freaking real!
I wanted to hug both Ella and Maddy several times throughout the book. They became my friends from page one on. With their flaws, wishes, dreams and insecurities they reminded me a lot of myself. Ella’s need to control everything and Maddy’s naïve belief in the good in everyone, are character traces that I only know too well.
And then there’s the way the two of them pull themselves together to create the best Christmas the circumstances allow. Maddy preparing a feast for all of Ella’s neighbours and all the people she’s met in London. And Ella helping her mother to cook up a storm for all the tourists stranded on the island. Maddy and Edward munching a McDonald’s burger at the airport and Ella catching a fish and letting it go. Random snippets, but for me, it was the little things they did that made them all so special to me.
The Christmas Memories
I count myself lucky to have had many Christmases amongst family and friends, packed with little memories, pictures, scents and sounds. And I’m fully aware that not everyone is that lucky. Take for example Walter, from The Little Christmas Kitchen. A Christmas children’s book author who over the years has come to hate Christmas, wishing that growing up, he’d had all the things he described in his books.
His story not only reminded Maddy that she should treasure all those memories, but also me. There might come a time in my life when I will no longer be able to spend this special time with all of my family members. And it is for those days that I want to soak up every little thing, put away my phone, watch the view and store every smell, sound and moment somewhere in the back of my head, where I won’t ever forget them. They’ll always be there for the harder days to remind me that everything will be okay and that there are people out there who love me and who I love very much.
Jenny Oliver’s writing
Again, I want to use this post to give Jenny Oliver a raging 5 star review for her writing. She manages to invite her readers into her world, show them around and make them feel at home. There wasn’t one dull moment in the entire story, not one page that could’ve been left out. Everything was exactly like it was supposed to be and I can’t wait to read more of her stuff.
3. Would I recommend The Little Christmas Kitchen?
In a heartbeat. Without even thinking about it twice.
The Little Christmas Kitchen is a beautiful story about life, family and forgiveness. It touches something deep inside you and makes you run to your family and give them a great big hug. Just because.
For more christmassy book reviews, head on over to my blog: www.unwrappeddreams.com
March 16, 2018
The Little Christmas Kitchen written by Jenny Oliver for me was a lovely cosy read which I did enjoy. The two main characters are two sisters Ella and Maddie and are as different as chalk is to cheese.
When Ella suffers from a broken heart she decides to return to Corfu where her Mother lives with her sister Maddie. It is clear from the first word that there has been something in the past which prevents Ella and Maddie being close as well as Ella not having a close relationship with her Mother which is told in a very understanding but heartbreaking way.
When Ella arrives in Corfu just before the festive season her heart is broken, she feels she has nowhere else to go and it shows how desperate she is as it is clear she has never been a regular visitor to her Mother's home in Corfu which her mother shares with Maddie as well as her own parents, the girl's grandparents. They actually own and run their own restaurant in Corfu, and soon Ella is learning if you live at home you must earn your keep no matter how grand your job is back in London. And when Maddie announces she wants to go to London for a singing gig, Ella considers if she allows Maddie the money to go to London as well as giving her the keys to her home so she has somewhere safe to stay in, Ella's relationship might improve with her mothers as her Mother will have more time for her. This is where the story begins as both girls narrate their own story as well as their own memories of their homelife when their parents were together.
This is the story of two sisters in a way, swapping lives not realising this new experience for each of them will change how they see life and their future forever, as soon new and old friends are coming into the lives of the sisters.
Jenny Oliver has once again written a wonderful cosy work of fiction, where she has filled the pages with a very engaging storyline as well as bringing the reader into the lives of the separate characters in a wonderful and very entertaining way.
A great read which I am happy to recommend.
When Ella suffers from a broken heart she decides to return to Corfu where her Mother lives with her sister Maddie. It is clear from the first word that there has been something in the past which prevents Ella and Maddie being close as well as Ella not having a close relationship with her Mother which is told in a very understanding but heartbreaking way.
When Ella arrives in Corfu just before the festive season her heart is broken, she feels she has nowhere else to go and it shows how desperate she is as it is clear she has never been a regular visitor to her Mother's home in Corfu which her mother shares with Maddie as well as her own parents, the girl's grandparents. They actually own and run their own restaurant in Corfu, and soon Ella is learning if you live at home you must earn your keep no matter how grand your job is back in London. And when Maddie announces she wants to go to London for a singing gig, Ella considers if she allows Maddie the money to go to London as well as giving her the keys to her home so she has somewhere safe to stay in, Ella's relationship might improve with her mothers as her Mother will have more time for her. This is where the story begins as both girls narrate their own story as well as their own memories of their homelife when their parents were together.
This is the story of two sisters in a way, swapping lives not realising this new experience for each of them will change how they see life and their future forever, as soon new and old friends are coming into the lives of the sisters.
Jenny Oliver has once again written a wonderful cosy work of fiction, where she has filled the pages with a very engaging storyline as well as bringing the reader into the lives of the separate characters in a wonderful and very entertaining way.
A great read which I am happy to recommend.
December 26, 2018
Jenny Oliver (2014) THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS KITCHEN
eBook published by HQ Digital
⭐⭐⭐ 3 out of 5 stars
Amazon.com write, “Ella Davenport is turning her world upside down. She’s ditching her cheating ex, swapping Carnaby Street for Corfu and heading back to the bustling family restaurant of her childhood. but returning home won’t be as easy as she thought… Meanwhile, her sister Maddy has always loved the quiet pace of island life but now she’s longing to escape. So when Ella arrives in Corfu, she jumps at the chance to trade places and soon she’s exploring the snowy streets of London in search of her own adventure.”
Jumps and flits about a bit too much for my tastes which will explain why this one left me feeling quite “meh”! Sounds a bit harsh but that's how it panned out. The story itself is a good one culminating in a family reuniting and (obviously) a love story happy ending. My issue with this one is that it didn't feel Christmassy. Or it didn't feel as Christmassy in the way I like my Crimbo Read books to be.
#Amazon #Kindle #eBook #JennyOliver #TheLittleChristmasKitchen #JennyOliverTheLittleChristmasKitchen #Christmas #Xmas #MerryChristmas #MerryXmas #HappyChristmas #HappyXmas #HappyHolidays #Crimbo
eBook published by HQ Digital
⭐⭐⭐ 3 out of 5 stars
Amazon.com write, “Ella Davenport is turning her world upside down. She’s ditching her cheating ex, swapping Carnaby Street for Corfu and heading back to the bustling family restaurant of her childhood. but returning home won’t be as easy as she thought… Meanwhile, her sister Maddy has always loved the quiet pace of island life but now she’s longing to escape. So when Ella arrives in Corfu, she jumps at the chance to trade places and soon she’s exploring the snowy streets of London in search of her own adventure.”
Jumps and flits about a bit too much for my tastes which will explain why this one left me feeling quite “meh”! Sounds a bit harsh but that's how it panned out. The story itself is a good one culminating in a family reuniting and (obviously) a love story happy ending. My issue with this one is that it didn't feel Christmassy. Or it didn't feel as Christmassy in the way I like my Crimbo Read books to be.
#Amazon #Kindle #eBook #JennyOliver #TheLittleChristmasKitchen #JennyOliverTheLittleChristmasKitchen #Christmas #Xmas #MerryChristmas #MerryXmas #HappyChristmas #HappyXmas #HappyHolidays #Crimbo
Read
December 13, 2024I didn’t make it very far—only 30 minutes into the audiobook. While I was interested in the premise and story, the book was bogged down by excessive descriptions of what people were wearing, what they were doing, or how their faces were shaped. When it wasn’t focused on that, it was diving into a memory.
For example, a side character could ask, “How are you doing?” and the main character would launch into, “I remember when someone asked me how I was doing during my childhood…” Suddenly, we’re stuck in a reminiscence, and by the time the MC answers the side character’s question, I’ve forgotten what the question was. And heaven forbid someone continues the conversation—because then we’d get another round of descriptions or memories.
I became so antsy waiting for conversations to finish. The dialogue was constantly interrupted by memories or descriptions, and neither added much for me. The descriptions felt overwrought, and the frequent reminiscing just became exhausting. It seemed like this entire family was drowning in nostalgia.
Maybe the book gets better, but I simply don’t have the patience to wait it out.
For example, a side character could ask, “How are you doing?” and the main character would launch into, “I remember when someone asked me how I was doing during my childhood…” Suddenly, we’re stuck in a reminiscence, and by the time the MC answers the side character’s question, I’ve forgotten what the question was. And heaven forbid someone continues the conversation—because then we’d get another round of descriptions or memories.
I became so antsy waiting for conversations to finish. The dialogue was constantly interrupted by memories or descriptions, and neither added much for me. The descriptions felt overwrought, and the frequent reminiscing just became exhausting. It seemed like this entire family was drowning in nostalgia.
Maybe the book gets better, but I simply don’t have the patience to wait it out.
December 29, 2014
I've heard tons of good things about this book and couldn't wait to start reading it. Well, it has Christmas in the title, it has kitchen in the title, and so I thought, what could go wrong?
Introducing Ella. Loving her job and being very good at her job, and loving her husband, she only discovers that he's cheating on her. To clear her head and think it all over, she heads to Greece, where her mother runs The Little Greek Kitchen, a taverna.
Meanwhile her sister Maddy is dreaming of becoming a singer and, following a very good opportunity, heads to London, although her mother is not happy about it.
Going back in time, when Ella and Maddy's parents separated, Ella stayed in London to live with her father, while her mother took the younger Maddy to Greece. To say that the relationships between the sister or between mother and the London Daughter are warm, would be an understatement. They are all leading whole different lives and drifted apart. But right now, when her marriage is in trouble, Ella needs her mum, and this is why she arrives on this little Greek Island.
Although we can't say that she was greeted with open arms. Used to her designer clothes and staying in 5 - stars hotels the reality quickly slaps her on her face when she discovers that all the hotels are overbooked and she must stay at her mum's, and when Maddy leaves for London she must take her job as a waitress in the taverna. While she gets a chance to re - build relationship with her mother (if she's going to do this after all - this is the question), Maddy finds that her dream of becoming a singer in London ended before it at all started and to keep herself over the water she takes a job as a barmaid in a bar, where she, very accidentally, meets her father. Is she going to re - start the relationship with her father, just like Ella with their mother?
And the story started very promising, in a very hooking and also funny way and so I had my hopes set already very high, but after few pages it just went down hill. It was slow and actually didn't bring anything new, anything fresh and I felt as if I'm standing in a place, turning in circles. I also couldn't warm to the characters, our two sisters Ella and Maddie, who seemed to whinge only the whole time, to be unhappy with what they have and wanting this what the other has.
Every chapter is told either from Ella or Maddie's point of view, alternately, and it suited the story perfectly. When I was reading Ella's chapter I thought that her story is great and more interesting but then the narration switched to Maddie's, I had exactly the same thoughts, so no favourites for me this time. Although Maddie was closer to my heart than Ella, who seemed to be very weak, spineless and naive. The two sisters couldn't be more different, as couldn't be their lives and I had the feeling that each of them wanted the life that the other one has led . But to be totally honest, Ella, though the older one, comes out as the less matured, especially when it comes to the girls' mother. The story with the mother is other thing that didn't work out for me so much. She let the teenage girl decide with whom she wants to sped her life, and without protests she takes the other sister and moves to other country, and through the many next years she nurses her sorrows and grudges, disappointment and in fact blames her daughter for her decision. I mean, woman? How old are you? And wasn't Ella teenager then? Although Ella wasn't better, let's be honest, she blamed her mother for her own choice. Hello?
I can understand that living separate lives with the other parent could cause issues between the girls - they were only children - but I really couldn't get mother holding grudges against her daughter. Ella feeling that her mother didn't fight for her was understandable in those circumstances, but her mother feeling the same about her daughter? Who was an adult here? And being so obstinate in all those grudges, so much that they weren't able to talk and lost so much precious time!
I liked the storyline, it was interesting and Dimitri has made it a hot reading at times. He was great, he said what he thought, even if it was not very diplomatic but the book needed someone like him, with all the secrets and understatements. It was also great to see both of the sisters being taken out of their lives, out of their comfort zones, having them almost swap their lives and see how they come to terms with it and only then seeing what they really want in life, learning new things and themselves as well.
A big brownie point for the fantastic setting of this beautiful Greek Island, with all the detailed, precise descriptions, and for the Greek kitchen as well. I personally am not a fan of Greek cuisine but the descriptions were mouth - watering, and I really enjoyed the great, warm atmosphere of the taverna and the closeness between the girls' mother and her guests who more than often came back to her. Also, it was a great idea to show London totally afresh through the eyes of Maddy, who hasn't seen it for a long time and felt like a tourist, discovering the old - new places. I wouldn't expect her to land in a place like the bar but in the end she fitted there perfectly.
I missed a feel - good factor in this book, it was a little too overwhelming for my liking and it made me feel a little sad. It was also a little slow read. But it also brought up some very important issues, such as betrayal and coming to terms with it, and it explores family relationships in a very true, realistic way. It shows that life is not only a bed of roses but it's full of hidden feelings, understatements and secrets between people who are supposed to be the closest to each other. It's a very realistic read and it for sure is going to make you think.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
Introducing Ella. Loving her job and being very good at her job, and loving her husband, she only discovers that he's cheating on her. To clear her head and think it all over, she heads to Greece, where her mother runs The Little Greek Kitchen, a taverna.
Meanwhile her sister Maddy is dreaming of becoming a singer and, following a very good opportunity, heads to London, although her mother is not happy about it.
Going back in time, when Ella and Maddy's parents separated, Ella stayed in London to live with her father, while her mother took the younger Maddy to Greece. To say that the relationships between the sister or between mother and the London Daughter are warm, would be an understatement. They are all leading whole different lives and drifted apart. But right now, when her marriage is in trouble, Ella needs her mum, and this is why she arrives on this little Greek Island.
Although we can't say that she was greeted with open arms. Used to her designer clothes and staying in 5 - stars hotels the reality quickly slaps her on her face when she discovers that all the hotels are overbooked and she must stay at her mum's, and when Maddy leaves for London she must take her job as a waitress in the taverna. While she gets a chance to re - build relationship with her mother (if she's going to do this after all - this is the question), Maddy finds that her dream of becoming a singer in London ended before it at all started and to keep herself over the water she takes a job as a barmaid in a bar, where she, very accidentally, meets her father. Is she going to re - start the relationship with her father, just like Ella with their mother?
And the story started very promising, in a very hooking and also funny way and so I had my hopes set already very high, but after few pages it just went down hill. It was slow and actually didn't bring anything new, anything fresh and I felt as if I'm standing in a place, turning in circles. I also couldn't warm to the characters, our two sisters Ella and Maddie, who seemed to whinge only the whole time, to be unhappy with what they have and wanting this what the other has.
Every chapter is told either from Ella or Maddie's point of view, alternately, and it suited the story perfectly. When I was reading Ella's chapter I thought that her story is great and more interesting but then the narration switched to Maddie's, I had exactly the same thoughts, so no favourites for me this time. Although Maddie was closer to my heart than Ella, who seemed to be very weak, spineless and naive. The two sisters couldn't be more different, as couldn't be their lives and I had the feeling that each of them wanted the life that the other one has led . But to be totally honest, Ella, though the older one, comes out as the less matured, especially when it comes to the girls' mother. The story with the mother is other thing that didn't work out for me so much. She let the teenage girl decide with whom she wants to sped her life, and without protests she takes the other sister and moves to other country, and through the many next years she nurses her sorrows and grudges, disappointment and in fact blames her daughter for her decision. I mean, woman? How old are you? And wasn't Ella teenager then? Although Ella wasn't better, let's be honest, she blamed her mother for her own choice. Hello?
I can understand that living separate lives with the other parent could cause issues between the girls - they were only children - but I really couldn't get mother holding grudges against her daughter. Ella feeling that her mother didn't fight for her was understandable in those circumstances, but her mother feeling the same about her daughter? Who was an adult here? And being so obstinate in all those grudges, so much that they weren't able to talk and lost so much precious time!
I liked the storyline, it was interesting and Dimitri has made it a hot reading at times. He was great, he said what he thought, even if it was not very diplomatic but the book needed someone like him, with all the secrets and understatements. It was also great to see both of the sisters being taken out of their lives, out of their comfort zones, having them almost swap their lives and see how they come to terms with it and only then seeing what they really want in life, learning new things and themselves as well.
A big brownie point for the fantastic setting of this beautiful Greek Island, with all the detailed, precise descriptions, and for the Greek kitchen as well. I personally am not a fan of Greek cuisine but the descriptions were mouth - watering, and I really enjoyed the great, warm atmosphere of the taverna and the closeness between the girls' mother and her guests who more than often came back to her. Also, it was a great idea to show London totally afresh through the eyes of Maddy, who hasn't seen it for a long time and felt like a tourist, discovering the old - new places. I wouldn't expect her to land in a place like the bar but in the end she fitted there perfectly.
I missed a feel - good factor in this book, it was a little too overwhelming for my liking and it made me feel a little sad. It was also a little slow read. But it also brought up some very important issues, such as betrayal and coming to terms with it, and it explores family relationships in a very true, realistic way. It shows that life is not only a bed of roses but it's full of hidden feelings, understatements and secrets between people who are supposed to be the closest to each other. It's a very realistic read and it for sure is going to make you think.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
December 22, 2020
I found this book tucked away on my shelves when looking for some festive themed reads. It's an oldie but I still really enjoy it.
A quick read, I flew through the alternating chapters between Maddy and Ella. Life in London and Corfu. The hustle and bustle of busy streets vs the peace by the ocean.
The writing style was easy to get in to, it flowed easily and steadily. Ultimately this Christmas book is about family and how tensions and complications can easily be put aside if you want them to, that family and friends can come together again, and to enjoy life.
With a heart-warming and predictable ending, I finished the book happy and content. I also loved the recipes in the back for items which had been mentioned throughout the book. Lovely.
A quick read, I flew through the alternating chapters between Maddy and Ella. Life in London and Corfu. The hustle and bustle of busy streets vs the peace by the ocean.
The writing style was easy to get in to, it flowed easily and steadily. Ultimately this Christmas book is about family and how tensions and complications can easily be put aside if you want them to, that family and friends can come together again, and to enjoy life.
With a heart-warming and predictable ending, I finished the book happy and content. I also loved the recipes in the back for items which had been mentioned throughout the book. Lovely.
December 13, 2018
I loved this book, I loved reading about the different traditions that others have at Christmas, as part of this book is based in Greece, it's great! All the yummy things they talk about making in the restaurant and the family dynamics.
Relationship breakdowns that turn out to be the best thing that's happened to all involved.
Made me feel super Christmassy in a different way. This is very much about friends and family and as my family is so bit after my parents split and remarried and now I have 2 nephews and a Neice too, I don't spend Christmas with all my family due to this so it was nice to read about a family reunited across the miles.
I'll definitely be reading another Jenny Oliver
Relationship breakdowns that turn out to be the best thing that's happened to all involved.
Made me feel super Christmassy in a different way. This is very much about friends and family and as my family is so bit after my parents split and remarried and now I have 2 nephews and a Neice too, I don't spend Christmas with all my family due to this so it was nice to read about a family reunited across the miles.
I'll definitely be reading another Jenny Oliver
December 17, 2025
Ella and Maddy are two sisters who couldn’t be more different and the worlds they live in might as well be different universes. But it’s Christmas time and this time they have some catch up to do, both for their older selves and younger selves.
A cute read about two women trying to find their place in the world believing that each other’s lives are the key to their happiness. I love how the two different settings help build a magical sense of Christmas from different view points and the message of “you’re never too late for a new dream” makes the magic feel more tangible.
A cute read about two women trying to find their place in the world believing that each other’s lives are the key to their happiness. I love how the two different settings help build a magical sense of Christmas from different view points and the message of “you’re never too late for a new dream” makes the magic feel more tangible.
January 17, 2018
I’m just really unsure of where this book was going to end up. It started off okay but I just couldn’t really get myself interested in the characters all that much. I feel like Dimitri is a bit of an odd character, I feel like Maddy’s relationship could have been developed so much further with the boy next door. It felt a bit like I’d skimmed the book and missed out on the fine details. Overall it was okay, I just think it all needs to be developed a bit further for me to have enjoyed it more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2021
Ella and Maddy are sisters who have grown up apart from each other, one is living in the UK and the other is living in Corfu, Greece. They decide that the other wants to live in each others shoes. Ella in Corfu, remembers Dimitri from when she was younger and she gets to know him and island life as a waitress at her family’s restaurant. Maddy wants to pursue singing but doesn’t have much luck. I enjoyed Ella and Dimitri but I would have liked to have seen Ella get someone in the end.
March 9, 2022
Well, I've been reading this Christmas book since December and it's now March so I thought I should finally finish it. And it was okay. It wasn't exciting or memorable enough to actually put effort into, but I would constantly see it on my Kindle and think "Oh yeah, that book." The story is told in two POVs and it's honestly hard to tell the two apart. They both think and act the same and don't express a lot of emotions. So yeah...it was fine.
December 25, 2024
Started and finished date - 22.12.24 to 24.12.24.
My rating - Three Stars.
I did enjoyed reading is book but I little bit boring and I think anyone who like the holiday swap by Maggie Knox may like is book also the cover of this book was okay. Both the atmosphere and the writing was fine but I found romance to be bland. The paced of plot was okay and the ending was fine also I mix feeling about characters.
My rating - Three Stars.
I did enjoyed reading is book but I little bit boring and I think anyone who like the holiday swap by Maggie Knox may like is book also the cover of this book was okay. Both the atmosphere and the writing was fine but I found romance to be bland. The paced of plot was okay and the ending was fine also I mix feeling about characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews