Christmas at the Vicarage

by Rebecca Boxall

It’s been fifteen years since Rosamunde last lived at the vicarage in Potter’s Cove, the pretty coastal village where she grew up, experienced her first true love—and a heartbreak that changed her life forever. But now Potter’s Cove is calling her back: it’s time to make peace with the past and go home.

Rosamunde’s return to the vicarage in the days before Christmas is a whirlwind of festive cheer and heartwarming reunions with friends, family and her loving father, the vicar. And while seeing the old place after all this time stirs painful memories of long-ago grief, it also reminds her of all the love she left behind. Fifteen years ago she vowed never to let herself be vulnerable again—but now that she’s back she’s not so sure. Is it possible that real happiness could strike more than once?

Spanning three decades of family life, Christmas at the Vicarage is a warm, feel-good tale that examines what it means to love and to lose—and to be brave enough to try again.

Revised edition: This edition of Christmas at the Vicarage includes editorial revisions.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Holiday, Chick Lit, Adult Fiction

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2014

About the author

Rebecca Boxall was born in East Sussex in 1977 and grew up in a bustling vicarage always filled with family, friends and parishioners. She now lives by the sea in Jersey with her husband, children and cat. She read English at the University of Warwick before training as a lawyer and also studied Creative Writing with The Writer's Bureau. She was nominated for the Romantic Novel Awards in 2020.

Rebecca's books have all become bestsellers, two of them reaching No. 1 on the UK Kindle charts, proving popular with readers interested in seasonal novels that are feel-good but touch on some serious issues too. For more information please visit www.facebook.com/christmasatthevicarage or www.rebeccaboxall.co.uk.

About Christmas at the Vicarage:

"I was inspired by Rosamunde Pilcher, my favourite author, whose books I've re-read again and again. There's something so gentle and soothing about her books and I wanted to try to write something similarly feel-good. They always say write about what you know and so I decided to focus on vicarage life as I grew up in a village parish as the daughter of an eccentric vicar. When my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer it was the final push I needed to write a book based on life at a vicarage, with a character inspired by him (the vicar, of course!). He read the book in draft but sadly died before it was published."

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5★s

As Rosamunde’s flight from Perth, Western Australia touched down, she was keen to get to Potter’s Cove, her home not far from London, where she’d fled from fifteen years prior. She knew it was time to return – she badly needed to see her dad, the Vicar, and her sister Rachel who now lived in London. Rosamunde was also looking forward to catching up with her best friend Kizzie. Christmas wasn’t far away, and she knew it would be a rush of festivities, but Rosamunde was looking forward to it.

The memories of home and the heartache she had endured were still there, but Rosamunde rapidly caught up with her friends and their children – also her sister, husband Simon and their two youngsters. And her father Bernie was delighted to have her back. Now in her mid-forties, she fleetingly wondered if she would ever meet anyone to spend the rest of her life with – but Rosamunde was happy on her own. And for now, she needed to help her father with the Christmas celebrations, the nativity play with the local children, and the Christmas Eve party which was an annual event. Her family around her made her happy she’d made the decision to come home…

Christmas at the Vicarage is a lovely, feel-good story by Rebecca Boxall – the setting of Christmas in London, with the unexpectedness of snow, which delighted the children - the cover is gorgeous! The novel switches back and forth from Rosamunde’s younger days to the current day of 2014, telling the tale of tragedy and loss, of hope for the future and the gentle happiness of family. I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas at the Vicarage and have no hesitation in recommending it.

[Jülie ☼♄  · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this nice easy Christmas romance.

When Rosamunde returns home to the Vicarage in the quaint little English coastal village of Potter's Cove, after a fifteen year absence, she finds herself feeling more settled than she expected and becomes quite reluctant to think about her return to the city life.
Her father welcomes her with open arms and encourages her to relax and enjoy her stay for however long it might be.

This is the place where she grew up and where her beloved father, the Vicar, still lives and practices.
This is also the place where she found her first true love, the one she expected to spend the rest of her life with, but then fate dealt these young lovers a shocking blow, one which Rosamunde is finding impossible to recover from.
She will spend the next fifteen years away from her family and friends, trying to come to terms with her life and the new direction it is taking.

It is now just weeks before Christmas and Rosamunde has decided it is time to return home and see her father, her sister and family, and her best friend.
Here begins a fascinating story told in dual timeframes, alternating seamlessly between past and present day.

This book held my interest throughout with it's many surprises and upheavals which caused Rosamunde to have to keep rethinking the course her life was taking, and try to find a suitable lifestyle to settle into.
Fate plays a large hand in this romantic journey which will tug at your heartstrings in one moment, and then have you eagerly anticipating a happy ending in the next, only to find another shock awaiting around the next corner.

A great Christmas read which won't overtax your emotions, this was a great book to finish off my year of reading in 2015.

4*s

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.

[Helene Jeppesen]

I accepted a review copy of this book on NetGalley, and being 25% into it, I have decided to DNF it because of two reasons:
1) The title and the synopsis made me think that this was going to be a cozy Christmas read that would get me in the mood for the holidays. I was sad to realize that half of this book takes place during summer - which does not get me in the mood for Christmas at all.
2) Being 25% into the book I still don't get what the point of it is? Maybe that will be revealed later, but I think 25% or more is way too late to make the point clear to the reader. I'm just not interested in finishing what seems to be a superficial story.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written debut novel by Rebecca Boxall. It’s set in a lovely village in Devon at a picturesque vicarage.
Rosamunde has returned after being away for fifteen years. We follow what led to her leaving and staying away through alternating tales set in the past and the present.
The Christmas feeling flows through the book as Rosamunde catches up with her friend Kizzie and goes shopping with Benedict. It gives you a warm feeling. The cover of the book gives such promise and you eagerly delve into the pages and envelop yourself in that wintery feeling. I loved the nativity scenes.
It is great to see the characters develop and build over the course of the book, revealing more about their own lives.
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one in exchange for an honest review. I really look forward to reading more from Rebecca.

[Hope · Rating 1 out of 5]

Silly me! I was deceived by the cover and title of this book into thinking it might be a cozy read. In the first 80 pages the vicar gets so drunk he has to be carried home, the protagonist's married sister confesses to having multiple lovers, a young man cancels his wedding because he discovers he's gay, and two teens jump into bed together.

Parts of the book were lovely and British, but they weren't enough to keep me hanging on to the end.

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a bit of a disappointment for me. There were plenty of good reviews for this book but for me, I feel like it needed more. For a book that professes to be about Christmas, there was a surprising lack of holiday cheer. Christmas seemed like it was just background noise and I don’t think that it added anything to the over all story or plot. This book could have taken place at any other time of the year and I actually forgot that Christmas was even happening because it so rarely appeared.

The romance was a little random for me too. It could have worked so much better but it seemed like it came too late and was just thrown together. There were moments of sexual tension and romantic hints but overall it just fell short in the romance section for me.

I liked Rosamunde’s character for the most part. I think she began as a very interesting woman with the whole adventurous soul and life experiences, but toward the end she fizzled out a bit for me. She just seemed to kind of give up on love.

Most of this book seemed dedicated to Rosamunde’s first love and how that relationship shaped her but there was no cozy ending or closure for me. I just felt like she runaway from the situation and kind of just gave up on love without having a truly good reason and then all of a sudden found herself in love with a random guy later in the story….it just didn’t really fit for me.

A lot of people really liked this book, so perhaps I am in the minority but I was hoping for a cozy romance full of Christmas cheer and this did not deliver for me. I did however like the setting and the small English countryside and I liked some of the characters and the idea of a woman coming home after a long absence to find love again, and I liked the promise of a new romance between the two characters (this romance could have been so much better), so that said, I was able to keep reading until the end but I finished feeling it wanting more.

See my full review here

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to admit when picking up this book I thought Christmas at the Vicarage would be a nice winter read that would really get me in the mood for Christmas. To be honest though the whole Christmas part actually only felt like a very small part of this story.

Most of the story seems to be dedicated to Rosamunde and her fist love, which to be honest I felt some parts were slightly far fetched. When she does find happiness again I don't feel that enough of the story was dedicated to that relationship and I just didn't get that warm cosy feeling like I normally would do when reading a romance novel.

I don't know if it is because the book flicks between present day and the past, the whole overall feeling just didn't come across as your typical romance novel. Overall it is an okay read but for me it didn't work as well as I would have liked it to.

[Vix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book, perfect read in the build up to Christmas. A lovely, heartwarming tale but with some unexpected twists..

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosamunde grew up in a vicarage. Bernie, her father, is the vicar of Potter's Cove. Rosamunde left her friends and family behind because of a broken heart and after fifteen years it's time to finally come home. It's close to Christmas and Rosamunde is at the heart of the village's preparations. Seeing her father and friends again brings back a lot of old memories, both happy and sad. Is Rosamunde strong enough to live with them this time and is there a future for her in the village that makes so many things she'd rather not think about come to the surface? Will her Christmas be a good one?

Christmas at the Vicarage is a beautiful story. It can be read as a holiday novel, but as a large part of the story is about everything Rosamunde went through before she came back at Potter's Cove, the book can easily be read as a general novel as well. Part of the story is set in the present, it starts in November and covers Rosamunde's return to Potter's Cove. The other part is a recollection of her turbulent past. I loved the combination of the two. Rosamunde is an interesting main character. She feels deeply and loves with all her heart. She's kind, caring and honest and she's very smart. Rebecca Boxall makes her come to life incredibly well by thoroughly describing her character traits and making her story both moving and intriguing at the same time.

Christmas at the Vicarage has a fantastic setting. Potter's Cove is a wonderful village and the vicarage is at the center of it. It's active and it's a place filled with charm and warmth. It's welcoming and homely, which is a great basis for a romantic story. There's sadness in Rosamunde's life, but there's also much positivity. She's a fighter and even though she went through a lot she's still hopeful about the future. I shed quite a few tears while I was reading this moving story, but there were also plenty of moments that made me smile. I love it when I feel so many different things when I'm reading a story.

Rebecca Boxall is a skilled narrator. She combines the exact right atmosphere with a fast-paced and fascinating story. The main characters have distinct personalities that are being described with a lovely sense of humor. It's obvious that Rebecca Boxall really likes them and that made the story both charming and extra special for me. The ending is fitting and endearing, which made the fabulous experience complete. I highly recommend Christmas at the Vicarage, it's an amazing book.

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was seriously tempted to turn on a cheesy Hallmark Christmas movie late last night, but decided to delve into a holiday novel instead, in order to continue pursuing my reading goal upon which I'm seriously behind. While the rational part of me said that I shouldn't get all "deck the halls-y" before we've even carved the turkey, I just really craved the warmth and optimism of a book set at Christmas time.

Christmas at the Vicarage was a perfect choice, as it was probably only set at Christmas for half of the novel and was primarily a romance with an Eat, Pray, Love feel. It alternates between the holiday season in present day and different key points of the main character's childhood and early adulthood, starting with her first love during her thirteenth summer and leading up to the heartbreak that brought her back to her father's home as a jaded forty-something-year-old.

I adored the romantic element of the novel and the many twists and turns experienced by Rosamunde's poor battered heart throughout the years made me eager to see her finally achieve happiness. As far as the Holiday vibes I was craving, the quaint seaside English village made a magically picturesque Christmas setting. I also loved the warm character of Bernie, Rosamunde's father and the village's vicar, and feel that his presence really added something special to the story.

☆☆☆☆
My first Christmas book of the year was definitely a hit. Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

[Lis Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

When publishers specify a font size in ebooks, so that the reader can't adjust it, it makes the book harder to read for many of their intended readers. Being able to adjust the font size is a significant reason to pick ebooks rather than print for many of us, and it's foolish for publishers to pointlessly make the book less readable.

I'm instituting a new policy of mentioning at the start of a review when a publisher, such as Lake Union in this case, does this, and pointlessly makes it harder for me to enjoy their books.

Rosamunde Pemberton, after fifteen years of travel abroad, returns home to Potter's Cove, the English coastal village where she grew up, in time for Christmas. Her father is still the vicar, Mrs. Garfield is still his housekeeper, and Rosamunde id finally ready to return to a more settled and home-oriented life.

It was a twice-broken heart that sent her traveling, and in alternating chapters, we get her painful earlier experiences, and her warm but sometimes confusing return home. Her father, Bernie, her sister, Rachel, and her best friend, Kizzie, are all still there. Kizzie is married and has children, as is Rachel. Kizzie's brother Benedict, who came out as gay a few years ago, is also still in the neighborhood.

And Rosamunde still has her memories of Stephen, her first love, whom she lost--twice.

The stories of the past and present are layered together, building our understanding of Rosamunde's past as she grows in understanding of her present, and takes the last few steps to real healing. Meanwhile, around her, everyone around her is moving forward, too, healing from old hurts and growing in love and understanding. It's a gentle, enjoyable book that leaves a warm glow.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosamunde has decided to return home to Potter's Cove in Devon after an absence of 15 years. She left following traumatic events and now she thinks she's finally able to face the past and return. She arrives in Potter's Cove at the vicarage to stay with her father. She finds both change and comfort in surroundings she knew and loved as a child. Only time will tell if she will be able to make a new life in Potter's Cove.

This was a warm and delightful read. I especially liked the structure of the book that had chapters alternating between Rosamunde's present and past. It was a good way to cover all the events in her life and story. It also created enough tension and suspense to keep the reader glued to the pages until the very end.

Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Fionna Cairney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and well constructed story by Rebecca Boxall as you can probs see I devoured this in 2 days this is the second book I have read by this author can’t wait to read more of her stuff

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This book whilst being joy ful is also quite sad in parts. Worth the read as loved is obtained in different circumstances

[Kymm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas at the Vicarage by Rebecca Boxall was a nice entertaining Christmas read. After a fifteen year absence Rosamunde returns to the vicarage at Potters Cove where she grew up, fell in love, and experienced a tragedy. However it's Christmas and time to go back. The weeks before Christmas she's involved with her family, her old friends and all the Christmastime cheer that happens in Potters Cove. Her father is the Vicar and she's missed him and is happy to be back, however the ghosts from the past are there and she has a tough time not thinking about all that's happened and who she is now. Can she forget what's happened in the past and be able to move on to celebrate the season in full swing? Or will her return bring back all the unhappiness she left fifteen years ago? These are questions, you as the reader, will discover. This was a good story and being that it's Christmas time it was the perfect read for me right now. I liked the character development that went on throughout the book and thought the author, Rebecca Boxall did a great job with the dialogue too. I felt for Rosamunde and was hoping she would find what she was looking for while I read the book. It's entertaining, fun and sad at times, but a very enjoyable read! Perfect for this time of year! Happy Reading!

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Musings

What a unique story with complex characters. I was fascinated by the intricacy of the deep emotions in this book. The narrator is absolutely fantastic. She could make a mediocre book seem amazing. I will definitely look other books narrated by her. Happy reading/listening!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure if I was going to like it at the beginning because it seemed more of a "coming of age" story. But, as it progressed, it became clearer as to why the backstory of her teen years and her first love needed to be told. I'll be honest, I wish it had been told chronologically instead of the dual timeline, flashback format.

[Rachel Symmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book

If you love beautifully written stories that make you feel as though you know the characters, then this is the book. What a wonderful gentle story of family and love. It will make you laugh and cry with the characters.

[Kim Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story

What a great read this was from start to finish, the characters were brought to life with great story telling.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ik hou niet van Kerstmis. Vroeger wel maar een aantal jaar geleden had ik een hele nare ervaring en sindsdien wil ik die periode het liefst doorspoelen of in een korte winterslaap gaan. Helaas moet ik er ieder jaar weer door en alhoewel het al beter gaat, kijk ik nog steeds uit naar de dag dat alles achter de rug is, naar 2 januari. :) Boeken die zich afspelen in de kerstperiode vind ik dan over het algemeen wel weer leuk. Ja, een mens kan vol tegenstellingen zitten. :)

I don't like Christmas. I used to as a child, but a couple of years ago, I had a very bad experience during that period and it spoiled the complete christmas spirit. Now If I could fast forward those two weeks or take a short hibernation, I wouldn't hesitate. Every year, I have to go through it and although it's getting better every time, I'm still looking forword to January, 2nd, when once again it will all be over. But believe it or not, I do love books with christmas stories. I admit, people can be strange. ;)

Alhoewel het niet altijd sneeuwt met kerst, worden de twee toch nog vaak met elkaar geassocieerd. Dat komt, denk ik, omdat het voor de meeste mensen een sfeer van knusheid, gezelligheid oproept en daar kan ik mij volledig in vinden. Zowel cover als titel zijn een goede keuze.

Although it doesn't always snow at Chritstmas, the two of them are often linked. I think that's because for most people it creates a feeling of cosiness and I completely understand that. Cover and title are perfect choices.

Het verhaald dan. Het is het debuut van deze auteur en dan hou ik meestal mijn hart een beetje vast. Niet dat de boeken daarom slecht zijn maar je ziet vaak dat de auteur dan nog een beetje zoekende is. Ik kan alvast vertellen dat dat hier niet het geval was. Ik vond het een topboek!

About the contents. It is the author's first book and that always scarces me a little bit. Not because the books aren't good, but you often find out that the author is still looking for the right approach. I can assure you this was not the case here. I absolutely loved, loved, loved it!

Alles draait vooral rond Rosamunde en de proloog is eigenlijk het midden het boek. Daarna wordt, afwisselend, een hoofdstuk geschreven uit het verleden en eentje uit het heden. Ze zijn duidelijk te onderscheiden door bovenaan of een volledige datum of een jaartal te vermelden. Je kan dus steeds goed volgen in welke periode je zit.

Rosamunde is the main character and the prologue is in fact the middle of the story. From than on, every other chapter is about the past, the others about the here and now. They are clearly separated by putting a complete date or a year on top of them. You always know exactely which part of her life you are currently reading.

Je wordt meegenomen in een rollercoaster van liefde, liefdesverdriet, vreugde, pijn, tragedie en vriendschap en de ateur weet je meermaals te verrassen met een twist die je niet zag aankomen.
Ik hoop echt dat er een vervolg op komt, want daar is zeker ruimte voor gelaten. :)

The story is a rollercoaster of emotions : love, heartbreak, joy, pain, tragedy, friendship and when you think you have figured it all out, you are - once again- surprised by a twist.

Mijn conclusie

Een heerlijk boek dat ik zeker kan aanraden aan de liefhebbers van het genre. Een schrijfster die zeker op mijn lijst van favorieten terecht komt en daarom moet ik ook geen seconde twijfelen om de volle 5 sterren uit te delen. :)

A marvellous book! I can only say : read it so you can find it out for yourself. Rebecca Boxall's name will be added on my list of favourite authors. That's why she deserves the whole shebang : 5 stars.

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hesitated, unsure of whether to read this or not. Kept it aside always. When I found it on the top position in Amazon list, I decided to give it a whirl. You won't believe it! I was completely engrossed by the story, and kept reading it. In fact, I was searching the google for more books by Rebecca Boxall. And Guess what I found out? It's her DEBUT novel. Wow!

Rosamunde is disturbed by a recurring nightdream. Intrigued by the dream, she decides to return home after fifteen long years. She stays at the Vicarage in Potter's Cove with her father, who is the vicar. As days pass by, Rosamunde recalls the painful memories of her past and remembers why has distanced herself from falling in love again. As she enjoys the reunion with her friends, Rosamunde feels the spark again. But, to a wrong man. Christmas at the Vicarage tells the touching, unusual story of Rosamunde Pemberton.

Yep. Very Unusual story. Just when I thought I could predict the end, Rebecca threw more and more twists and turns. I have lost the count of surprises and shocking events, the author had in store for the readers. I think, that's one reason why I liked the novel more.

Starting from the prologue, the book sounded so interesting. The book takes us through Rosamunde's past and present, the chapters unfold the MISERABLE stories from her past. I was feeling sorry for her, wanted to get inside the novel and give her a bear hug. Wish I could explain it.. Rosamunde deserved a happy ending. Thank God! Finally, she got it.

The writing made reading even more beautiful. An excellent choice of words to portray the whole events, I was bewitched by her writing style. The antique, vintage charms of the vicarage drew me into the book. It made me longing to visit the vicarage. In short, I couldn't stop reading the book, it kept me awake in the night.

I loved Rosamunde. Rosamunde and Stephen's sweet romance made me smile. I was agog to read their grown up stories. But the twist shook me badly. Rebecca brought back the rays of hope through an another unexpected turn and my heart longed for them to be together. The unpredictable turn in the story upset me once again. My heart ached for Rosamunde and Stephen. Didn't know whom to blame for all things happened in their life. When Rosie found love once again, my joy knew no bounds. I was really happy for her.

Frankly speaking, I didn't dare to imagine that Rosie would get her HEA. Rebecca literally kept me on the edges of my seat till the last paragraph of the novel. Christmas at the Vicarage is unputdownable. The first few chapters are kinda slow, but the following ones are guaranteed to keep you hooked to the story.

Are you wondering why did I give 4.5 stars instead of a beautiful 5? That's because I felt Rebecca was rushing to wrap up the story towards the end. I wouldn't have mind reading a few more pages by this talented writer. Unfortunately, she hurried the things and it sounded like the story came to an abrupt end. That's why, I forced myself to take off the half of a shining star from the rating button.

In a nutshell, Christmas at the Vicarage is a beautiful and engrossing debut novel by Rebecca Boxall. Recommended to all!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a romantic Christmas story that I enjoyed. It is the story of Rosamunde and her failed love life. It is told by alternating between the present and her past.

Rosamunde has decided to return home to Potter's Cove in Devon after an absence of 15 years. She left following traumatic events and now she thinks she's finally able to face the past and return. She arrives in Potter's Cove at the vicarage to stay with her father at Christmas time. In the story we meet her sister Rachel who in married with two children, her father Bertie who is the vicar, her best friend Kizzie and Kizzie's brother Benedict. They all play a part in both the past and the present. There is also the housekeeper Mrs. G. who is like an honorary mother to the girls as their mother died when they were very young. Grandmother DuPont also makes several appearances in the story as the strict grandmother who helped raise the girls. In the present, Rosamunde strikes up a friendship with Benedict. As children he was the annoying brother who tagged along, but now he is the gay best friend who goes shopping, dining and just hangs out having fun. As we read about Rosamunde's past, you can't help wishing that something turns out for this character. She is strong, witty, caring and needs some good luck.

This was a warm and delightful read. I especially liked the structure of the book that had chapters alternating between Rosamunde's present and past. It was a good way to cover all the events in her life and story. It also created enough tension and suspense to keep the reader interested. As I got closer to the end of the book, I could not stop reading. I wanted to find out how this was going to end. It is great to see the characters develop and build over the course of the book, revealing more about their own lives. There are several twists that I was not expecting in the book and I very much enjoyed it. The scenes about the Christmas Nativity, the casting of it, and the actual production were very enjoyable and full of the Christmas spirit. To those of you that did not finish this book, I say you did not give it a chance and missed out on a great read.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The comments are my unbiased opinion.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Vicarage is the first novel by Rebecca Boxall. Set in a small town on the Devon, England, coast, this is the story of Rosamunde Pemberton and her homecoming after fifteen years of world wandering. Some times it's homesickness, other times emergencies, but in Rosamunde's case it is a recurring dream that brings her back to Potter's Cove.

When Rosamunde arrives at the vicarage she is warmly greeted by Bernie Pemberton, her father and the vicar. Although the home overall is as she remembered, she finds her old room has been redecorated and it is apparent that the hand of Mrs. G, the longtime housekeeper, has worked magic in the old room. Mrs. G's warmth for this family is felt throughout this tale.

As Rosamunde reconnects with family and friends, we begin to learn of her life before she began her journey. In a well woven story intertwining past and present, each thread is interlaced to explain the events leading up to this special Christmas. Once again Bernie, Rosamunde, and her sister, Rachel, are together after so many years.

As preparations for the holidays unfold, Rosamunde assists her father in casting the nativity play, visits her childhood friend, Kizzie, and joins Kizzie's brother, Benedict, on shopping expeditions. As relationships redevelop, Rosamunde learns much about herself and those she cares for. It is not long before Rosamunde draws on these life lessons as she opens her heart and truly comes home.

This well written first offering by Rebecca Boxall, although told during the holiday season, is so much more than a holiday read. The depth of character development, the intricate story evolution, the entertaining writing style are all traits of a seasoned author rather than a premier work. I expect we will be seeing many more good things from Ms. Boxall, and highly recommend this book

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't started on anything for the season and though this was not exactly a Christmas story, it certainly was a story of love, hope, survival and new beginnings which is an equally good Christmas
message.

The writer wrote the story in two time frames (I seem to be reading more and more books like this these days) and one related to Rosamunde as a youngster and then a teenager to the present day time of Rosamunde as a 40 plus. It was a slightly different change to time lines in lots of stories where the main character would be in her late twenties and still embarking on new journeys. In this story, Rosamunde has done enough of journeys and adventure and has decided to come home. She wants to put her heartache of the years gone by behind her and make a life for herself where her family are.
She finds that being back in the village of her teens, with the father she adored and the comfort of the known all around her she will find contentment and happiness at last.

Very well told and exuding a feeling of warmth, comfort and goodwill towards all, I finished the book very happy. Success on the author's part indeed.

[Karen Korb · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts On The Book: Having been to England, Ireland, and Wales I discovered many great authors while plundering around in local book stores. I find that I absolutely adore any book set in the U.K. and I am also a sucker for Christmas novellas, stories, and novels. Between the cover of the book, the setting, and the fact that the word Christmas was in the title I was hooked. I knew I had to read and review this one. At first I thought the book was a slow starter. I could not get into the storyline at all. But, I kept pushing on and eventually I was caught up in the action. The images were very clear and the characters were fun and humanistic. I will definitely read this author again.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from Netgalley as part of their Blogging Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas at the Vicarage spans three decades of memories for Rosamunde on her return to the small coastal town after travelling around the world for fifteen years. During the build up to Christmas Rosamunde's preparations are intertwined with her memories of the past.

Starting in 2014 and going back and forth in time from 1978 as Rosamunde remembers living in the Vicarage with her sister and father after her mother died. She thinks of her first love, of how her life may have been, if circumstances had been different.

The Vicarage sounds a wonderful place to live, everything happens there, from holding the auditions for the grown-ups nativity to lovers meeting. I really wanted to live there! It's a kind of cosy, blanket that wrapped around me. All the goings on are watched over by Rosamunde's lovely father, the vicar, who is the most gentle, patient, funny, kind man.

This is a really enjoyable and unpredictable story, keeping me guessing as to why Rosamunde had come back home now, I kept turning the pages not knowing what to expect next. A heartwarming read, perfect for the festive season.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I had originally requested this book thinking it would put me in the mood for Christmas. I will not lie; you won't find it in this book. Christmas takes backseat to the story of Rosamunde and the series of events 15 years prior that come full circle when she returns home. Rosamunde reflects on the heartaches, coming of age rites, and failed relationships as she savors the time with her Vicar Father and the safety that home brings. She reconnects with her best friend and her family, her sister, and her father. She even starts to date again! However, she soon discovers her heart belongs to someone who looks at her as a beloved friend. Secrets of the past soon come to light and healing begins for Rosamunde as she puts the pieces of a broken life together again and maybe finds a new reason to love again along the way.

[Ionia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some really good writing and the story and main character are entertaining enough, but it is certainly not the cosy Christmas read that one would first believe when looking at the cover.

I liked the main character and learning about her life and that of her family, but the swapping back and forth between the present and the past quickly grew tiring. I didn't feel like the author spent enough time in the present and on Rosamunde's current relationship to fill in the romance requirements for a book of this sort.

Overall, I didn't think it was a bad book at all, but it wasn't what I was expecting and had less to do with Christmas and winter as a whole than I figured it would.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided by Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Ann Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely, gentle read about past loves, current friendships and future relationships. Rosamunde returns to her family home and her father after 15 years' travelling and the book follows her teen and twenties and her first love, interspersed with her life back at the Vicarage.

It is a warm and affectionate look at village life, which was very funny at times - the nativity play being one example. Rosamunde becomes close to her friend Benedict, but feels secure with him because he is gay.

Her sister Rachel is the polar opposite of Rosamunde and the contrast makes for a lively sibling relationship.

I enjoyed this book and will read more of Rebecca's books.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosamunde Pemberton has not been home in 15 years following a traumatic time, but she finally starts having a recurring dream that seems to be pulling her home to save someone.

Once back home it seems like she has never been away, her father Bernie the vicar is a lovely warm character, and all her old friends are delighted to see her, and in the run up to Christmas there is plenty to keep her busy.

The story is told in alternating chapters of the past and the present and so we find out what caused the heartbreak 15 years ago and how she is moving on in the present with the help of her friends Kizzy and Benedict. A lovely heartwarming story and I will definitely be looking out for future books by this author. Thanks to Netgalley for ARC