The Christmas Angel

by Marcia Willett

As Christmas approaches, everything seems to be falling into place for Dossie. Her son Clem and his adorable four-year-old son Jakey have moved to Cornwall to be closer to her. She runs her own successful catering business. All she needs now is for the run of bad luck in her romantic life to end...

But while little Jakey helps to put away the decorations after another cosy Christmas surrounded by friends and family, an avaricious property developer starts prowling around. The Cornish home which he has known all his life is in danger of being sold up, and everything is changing.

Will this close-knit unit who so depend on each other still be together next Christmas? And what will they have learnt about having somewhere you truly belong?

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, British Literature, Audiobook, Holiday, Womens Fiction, Book Club

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Marcia Willett began her career as a novelist when she was fifty years old. Since that first novel Marcia has written twenty more under her own name as well as a number of short stories. She has also written four books under the pseudonym "Willa Marsh", and is published in more than sixteen countries.
Marcia Willett's early life was devoted to the ballet, but her dreams of becoming a ballerina ended when she grew out of the classical proportions required. She had always loved books, and a family crisis made her take up a new career as a novelist - a decision she had never regretted.

Reviews

[Gina House · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid Marcia Willett novel! I was a bit disappointed that most of the story does not take place during Christmas-time (it starts out with the day after Christmas and ends right before), but it was still an engaging story about family, love and change.

I loved many of the characters (especially Janna, Mo, Pa and Sister Emily) and I had so much sympathy for the rest (except perhaps one or two male characters...if you read it, you'll know who I mean!)

The setting in Cornwall, England was another plus and it was so charming to "hear" every time Janna called little Jakey, 'my lover'—this saying reminded me so much of Bert Large from the Doc Martin TV show - lol.

I'm really glad I read Christmas in Cornwall. I only wish the ending had been different (and more positive). All of the Marcia Willett's books I've read so far have been a treat and I can't wait to read more.

[Carolyn Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scanning the new book shelves at the library, I was attracted by the seasonal theme - why not get in the Christmas mood? - and the author. I enjoy Marcia Willett's writing when I'm in a cozy-cottage-in-Cornwall type of mood. Which is often, as those who know this inveterate Anglophile will attest. This is not really a Christmas book, though it was obviously marketed as such. It actually begins at Epiphany and ends at Advent, so rather misses Christmas itself. So much for getting in the mood. This is a sweet and gentle book, however, and is centered around a community of elderly Anglican nuns and the people who help support them. So, no rip-roaring plot lines or even a dead body in the abbey. In fact, I'd say where Willett often stumbles is in plot, but her skills lie in creating believable characters and in beautiful descriptions of nature. As one would expect with a book dealing with nuns, there's a good bit of scripture quoting, so if that bothers you, then this book is not for you. Willett also expresses a quiet spiritual insight that has little to do with religion, and, no, not all the characters are religious. There is some extramarital hanky panky going on, but no venturing into the bedroom. The supposed threat to the convent never gets off the ground, and as a plot device, never generates any real concern, and the way it is dispensed with at the end seems ludicrously over the top. (There have been similar type dispatches in some of her other books, and it just seems silly and lazy.) But Willett evokes her setting beautifully, and I enjoy spending a bit of time on the Cornish coast with her sympathetic characters (and a few unsympathetic ones).

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young Jakey reluctantly packs away "Auntie Gabriel" as the story begins. Several story lines begin to emerge. In one, Dossie's parents wish her to give up her food preparation business and resume operation of their family's bed-and-breakfast. In another the dwindling number of nuns must make a decision about staying in their home or joining another group when and an offer arrives. She's also torn by an interest in the mysterious Rupert who seems hesitant to fully commit to a relationship. A developer wishes to purchase their convent to turn it into a hotel. Jakey's dad Clem gave up studying for the priesthood when his wife died. After talking things over with the priest he comes up with a direction for his life and a plan to save the convent. The book wraps up as Jakey unpacks "Auntie Gabriel" during the Advent season. While I enjoyed this story, too many story lines weaken it. I'd love to revisit this convent with stories of visitors to the retreat center and the solace they found through interaction with the key players.

[Anne Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping for a really fast, schmaltzy summer read with the added benefit of the chill of December in a horrid August.

NO WAY!
This interestingly situated tale of relationships and needs met is a satisfying interlude in
a convent
a meadow
a Cornish vacation area
among the sisters
within an extended family
tinged with malevolent exterior characters
one "angel" called "Auntie Gabriel"

The plot carries the reader through the annual church calendar (took this non-RC reader by surprise when I figured out what the headings referred to).

A young child is the main bearer of the story, very realistic, the child's "vision" carried through the story to clarity.
Some of the romantic interplay is predictable, but that part at least was handled appropriately angst-ish-ly (ie, two thirds of a triangle behaved as I'd hoped they would).

A very satisfying read for summer or winter! (It would make a lovely movie)

[Sonia Schoenfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all this book was not about Christmas, but about an entire calendar year, that takes place in Cornwall. A small group of nuns is slowly becoming unable to care for their property and we watch and wait as their future is determined.

I liked the way the book took chapter names from the liturgical year: Epiphany, Pentecost, Michaelmas, etc. There was a definite spiritual aspect to this book that I enjoyed very much. The characters, when faced with a problem, turn to prayer as well as each other to find their way.

What I found interesting about this book is that there really didn't seem to be a main character; it was all the characters together, the community, that was the focus of the book. In addition to the nuns, there is the young widower father Clem, his four-year-old son Jakey, Clem's mother Dossie, Dossie's parents, and Janna, a young woman who helps in the nuns' kitchen but doesn't quite know where she belongs.

The setting of Cornwall was described beautifully and played its own part in the plot.

This book wasn't a quick read but it was very satisfying. I love Marcia Willet's characters and her world; I look forward to reading more.

[Sille · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kui lugemise väljakutses poleks olnud piinarikast (sest ma ei armasta ei jõule ega nendest rääkivaid raamatuid) punkti "raamat, kus tegevus toimub jõulude ajal", poleks ma seda teost küll kätte võtnud. Lõpuks selgus muidugi ka, et jõulude ajal see tegevus siin just otseselt ei toimu, sest algab just pärast jõule ja kestab järgmise advendini. Aga kuna veel üks sama imal oopus käiks mulle üle jõu, siis loen punkti ikkagi täidetuks. Andke andeks mu küünilisus, aga mingisugune side reaalsusega võiks säilida isegi nö jõuluraamatute puhul, tohutu ühtehoidev kogukond ja üks lõputu õrn ilus üksteisest hoolimine ja armastamine, no kuulge, sellist asja ei ole olemas.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story set in Cornwall, the writing is wonderfully descriptive, characters entertaining, should love to visit here myself!

[Vickie Richens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read Homecomings which also features some of the same characters so it was good to read the back stories of these characters

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Willett has a gift for lovely descriptions but my this was depressing for a Christmas book.
2 stars

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little slow, but nice characters.

[Lisa of Hopewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Interest
I’m participating in the Christmas Reading Challenge hosted by Blogger That Happy Reader ,so I went looking for Christmas books (although the books do not have to be Christmas themed). This one sounded good. A big plus was the lovely Phyllida Nash as the narrator. Her voice is very soothing.

The Story
The story begins on 12th Night. I’m not C of E or Episcopal so had to look that up. Anyway, Jakey and his Grandmother, Dossie, are putting away the decorations as Christmas is over. It ends at Christmas the next year. Along the way there are bad guys plotting to do the lovely little group of Anglican nuns out of their home. Dossie’s son, Clem, a wanna-be-priest derailed in his journey to ordination by his wife’s death, has moved to work for the nuns. Jana also helps them, and loves Jakey’s visits to the ladies.

The bad guys also work on Dossie, who runs a small catering company and cares for her elderly parents. And they have a home that was a B & B–will the evils guys ….. Dossie has an evil brother with an even worse wife and step-kids! Oh the lack of humanity!

Will good triumph over evil in time to deck next year’s halls? No Spoilers!

My Thoughts
This story is perfect for a Hallmark movie! (Do they have those in the UK?) Elderly nuns about to be turned out of their home by greedy men!!

Maybe the author writes Christian books and I just don’t know the names of the UK’s Christian publishers? Regardless. I loved that someone wanting to be an Episcopal [Anglican or Church of England] priest (they can marry) is presented as a sane, kind, reasonable person. No politics. I loved that the elderly Anglican nuns were also presented as reasonable people with real human personalities, opinions, etc. Then, too, I liked that Jana wasn’t immediately sure she could handle change–wow! That was very real life! That was all wonderful. I also liked that Jakey wasn’t lisping and precious but fairly real for a fictional little kiddo.

Phyllida Nash’s lovely narration made me keep thinking it was a Judy Leigh novel! But, Marcia Willett wrote this story and it was the perfect introduction to her own brand of feel-good books. I need those these days (not because bad stuff is happening at home)–there’s so much discord in the world I like to escape into them sometimes.

My Verdict
3.5
Christmas in Cornwall by Marcia Willett

If you are new here, I almost never give 5 stars. 4.5 is absolutely outstanding. Just so you don’t think I’m down on this book. That’s my grading scale. I obsoletely recommend this story.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five year old Jakey lives with his widowed father Clem, in an old coach house which is attached to the nunnery at Chi- Meur, in Cornwall. The four aged nuns, who live in the main house, are looked after by Janna, who lives in a caravan in the grounds of the nunnery, and who is the provider of the special picnics that Jakey finds irresistible. The idyllic landscape that surrounds the nunnery is under threat from an avaricious property developer, who wants to buy the nunnery and turn it into a hotel, but to do so would mar this tranquil site forever.
This charming book captures from the opening page, and gently ushers the reader through a myriad of emotions. Throughout the story there is an overwhelming theme of family, and the stability that comes from being loved and needed is expertly explored. The characterisation is excellent, not only is Jakey adorable, but also the supporting cast of nuns, family members and assorted dogs add a special richness to the story. The wild Cornish beauty is beautifully illustrated, and as with all Marcia Willett’s novels, the landscape forms an important part of the narrative. Overall, there is a quiet gentleness to this story which belies its strength, and it is indicative of Marcia Willett’s skill as a writer, that such a delightfully warm story captivates without becoming overly sentimental.
On a personal level I enjoyed this story; it is very easy to read, and as its title suggests would make a perfect seasonal read.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Marcia Willett. To me, she is sort of the natural heir to Rosamunde Pilcher, whose books I also love.

Willett's stories are comfortably written, if you know what I mean. There is a gentleness, insightfulness, thoughtfulness to her writing.

Her characters are easy to get to know and to care about, and though the story is not particularly fast-paced, I had no trouble wanting to keep the pages turning to find out what happens in their lives.

The are some books that are like pleasant places that you really enjoy inhabiting, and you don't want to leave.

Christmas in Cornwall is just such a book.

[Reina Williams]

Willett's writing is poetical and has a leisurely pace I like, so I'll be seeking out other books by her. But this one I couldn't engage with--the present tense with third person was odd...I could get past that, but the narration went into too many characters' heads. It was way off for me. I don't mind omniscient third person, but I think that works better not being in so many characters' heads. This was like having deep point of view with every character in the book. I hope Willett's other books don't use that style.

[Maureen Coath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really loved this book. I enjoy Marcia Willett as an author but this book challenged me spiritually. It helped me see that God can use our brokenness and that He uses other people to reach us when we are feeling vulnerable and frightened. I was moved by the comparison in it between the silence at the beginning and end of a piece of music being as important as the music itself and the silence at the beginning and end of prayer.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a warm and wonderful book that explores the changes and growth that occur in a variety of people during the period of time between two Christmases. The characters are engaging and believable and I found myself routing for them all ( ok almost all!). I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in the varieties of the human condition

[Omi · Rating 2 out of 5]

The coziness of England,the sweetness of the little boy and the nuns made it likable. Infact, I liked this book a lot until about half through. After that it was kinda like unh. Swearing, an affair, an abrupt ending...not my favorite.

[Victoria Sigsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that you read and like and there are books you read and enjoy and there are some books that absolutely wrap you in a warm embrace and this story by Marcia Willett does precisely this. From the very first sentences through to the very last one this book is simply such a wonderfully comforting book that I shall be saving it to re read especially at this time of year. 5 stars is actually not enough.
Marcia writes about the Cornish countryside, the sea, flowers and nature that you are transported there and forget where you actually are. Her characters are real and alive. She captures all of them with their worries and faults and Jakey, the little boy is written so beautifully you can see him as though he is infront of you.
There are also several plots ongoing too which is so like life and I have to say for me there is nothing predictable . I also didn't guess the direction it was going in except with one character and quite honestly I was happy about that outcome but I will leave it for you to read and decide who I mean and if you agree.
Also in this book there is mention of French grandparents, Grandmere and Grandpere. I had an honorary grandmere and grandpere so this filled me with joy.
The story is about learning to be patient and having started learning that in 2008 after an accident and now, still feeling itchy to get things done but living with a pandemic, this was a message I needed to hear again and brought me back down to where I should be at the moment. It also teaches about communication with our fellow workers and friends and how each of us needs to learn that each of us need to be spoken to in the way that is best for us.
Also in the book ,Janna, who is the lady who helps out and does the cooking, discovers the books written by Alison Uttley, The Little Grey Rabbit books; the author goes on to write about her reading about Squirrel and her friends going skating which is my absolute favourite one! Honestly this book just kept wrapping me with warmth throughout.
This review would not be complete without the mention of Stripey Bunny who is a huge part of the book and who the reader falls in love with also.
This is one of the best books I have ever read.

[Melody Kitchens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was disappointed that this book was not actually about Christmas despite the name. I picked it to get in the Christmas mood, which it didn’t really do, but it was still a nice book. The book has sooo many characters, but the author does a good job of keeping them distinct and their story memorable. I really liked Dossie and felt so bad that Rubert was playing her, and while she was slowly falling for him, he was just having some fun away from his wife. I like that in the end he got what he deserved. His wife and Dossie found out about each other and he ended up alone. I liked Dossie’s parents and that they reopened their B and B business to make a stable future for her. Jakey (whos story started the book was fascinating). I feel like that really is the way a little boy’s mind works, even though there is no way to truly know. His love for Christmas and he stripey bunny was so sweet. I also really liked Janna and how she was a free spirit wandering aimlessly around in search of something more, but found peace and meaning in living with the nuns and caring for them. I liked how she lived in the caravan and felt for her when she had to move into the coach house. But she made it work. Overall cute story about the lives of numerous people over the course of a year, just wish it would’ve been more about Christmas.

[Judy Hankom]

This book was not really about Christmas so much as it was about the chronicles of a family and other people around them. The story begins with the end of Christmas for Jakey, an adorable five-year old boy, his father Clem, grandmother Dossie and her parents, Mo and Pat.

Dossie runs her own catering business and it is successful. She is missing some romance in her life; her husband died years ago. Clem's wife died in childbirth so there is sadness for Clem. He was training to be a vicar and stopped with the death of his wife. He and Jakey have come to the convent to take care of the property surrounding the convent.

Jenna is another character; she is a bit eccentric and does not know if she will stick where she is now, living in a caravan. It is located on property owned by a local convent. For now, she is content to help the four nuns living there and helping to look after Jakey.

A couple of scenarios occur: a property developer would like to snatch up the beautiful home in which the nuns live. Will the nuns still be there next Christmas? And what about the man that Dossie has met? Will Jenna stay or will she move on?

I liked the book; I wish the characters could have been developed a bit more.

[Aimi Tedresalu]

Tegevus algab ja lõpeb jõuludega, kuid vahepeale mahub terve aastaring sündmusi. Pealkiri on aga jõuluhõnguline ja ingel ilmub teoses aeg-ajalt nähtavale aastaringselt.

Tegemist siis kergema lugemise ehk ajaviiteromaaniga. Tegevuskoht on kaunis Cornwalli poolsaar Inglismaa edelarannikul. Seal asuvasse kloostrisse on alles jäänud neli nunna, kellest ema Nichola on juba vana ja tema eest hoolitsev ema Ruth üritab näida rangena ja piire paigas hoida. Kloostri hoovis asuvasse vagunelamusse on end sisse seadnud nomaadliku elustiili viljelenud Janna ja värava kõrval asuvas majakeses elab lesestunud üksikisa Clem oma nelja-aastase poja Jakeyga. Clemi ema Dossie mässab catering-ettevõttega ja satub järjekordselt armastusega puntrasse. Dossie vanemad Mo ja Pa igatsevad taga vanu häid aegu, mil nende peetud külalistemaja oli rahvast tulvil ja Dossie vend Adam ihub aga muudkui pärandusele hammast. Lisaks on piirkonda sattunud kinnisvarahaid, kes tahavad kaunile kloostrile käpa peale panna.

Tegelikult on see teos muhedam lugemine kui sellest sisututvustusest oletada võib. See on lugu armastusest selle erinevates vormides, sõprusest, lähisuhete olulisusest, kõhklustest ja kahtlustest, iseenda paremini tundma õppimisest. Lihtne ja armas lugemine ühesõnaga.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia Willett (2012) THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL (AUDIOBOOK)
BorrowBox - Bolinda/Audible

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars

BorrowBox writes, "It’s just after Christmas, and four-year-old Jakey is helping to put away the decorations. He hates seeing them disappear back into their boxes, especially the big, homemade angel, which has put in an appearance at family Christmases for many years. Jakey calls her Auntie Gabriel, and she holds a big red satin heart. But things are going to be different for Jakey this year. The Cornish home which he has known all his life is in danger of being sold up, and everything is changing. Will this close-knit unit who have come to depend on each other still be together next Christmas? And what will they have learnt about having somewhere you truly belong?"
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Awww lovely.
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[Roz Radmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely feel good seasonal book about looking after each other and above all , love
Four year old Jakey is helping to put away the Christmas decorations . He loves all of them , especially the home made Christmas angel . Jakey calls her Auntie Gabriel and she holds a large satin heart between her hands .
This year is going to be difficult . There is a chance he and his father might lose their home in beautiful Cornwall . They might not be the only ones . The nearby small convent of elderly nuns have lived almost all their lives there . What will happen to them if their home is taken from them ?
Will they still be together next Christmas . Jakey hopes for a miracle and asks " Auntie Gabriel " for help .

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming village tale centred on the community in and around the convent of Chi-Meur.
Everyone has their troubles, Dossie is helping her elderly parents who want her to help with their B and B while falling in love with a dashing stranger, her son Clem and his son Jakey are struggling with life after Jakey's mam died.
Joanna is living a nomadic life on the grounds of the convent.
Then there is the nuns themselves trying to stave off the sale of Chi-Meur.
A gorgeous story set over a whole year narrating the lives of all the village's inhabitants as we experience their happiness, tragedy and triumphs.
Wish it could have gone on longer or that there is a sequel to tie up loose ends of "what happens next" to the characters.

[Naomi Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a cosy Christmas tale then this is not it. Its begins at the end of the Christmas season, progresses throughout the year and ends at the start of the next Christmas season. Nevertheless it is a captivating tale of love, loss and spirituality.
It is written in a lovely way and I enjoyed it a lot.
It is set in Cornwall in a convent of elderly nuns and the community of people who bring the nuns into their family. The convent is under threat of being sold and turned into an hotel. What can the little community do to stop this from happening. Can the nuns find a solution that will have a happy ending for everyone?
I did find a few loose ends that didnt seem to be tied up by the end but I loved getting to know the characters. Very lovely read.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened on Chirp

Great narration for an average story. Not really much Christmas in the story. Mostly just about a woman who carries on with a man thinking he’s a widower but he turns out to be married. Her parent’s struggle to write their will in such a way to disinherit her brother. Her son figures out he wants to study for the priesthood while helping some nuns turn their property into a retreat. The property may not rightly belong to them and may be sold off by a developer. The woman’s five/six year old grandson thinks he sees the angel from the Nativity outside his bedroom window, but it’s actually one of the nuns who suffers from dementia and wanders about at night in her nightgown.

[Melita Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really lovely Christmas book that can be read anytime of year. The story is of the year between one Christmas and the next set in a village in rural Cornwall . The general storyline is of a threat to a group of aging nuns and their living quarters.
The story of those around who all need help in their own way and are guided to Chi-mer, the house that was willed to the nuns a lifetime ago. The gentle non-judgemental attitude of the nuns bringing a sense of calm to those who need it.
I loved it.

[Nicolesbookworld · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ein Kloster soll umgebaut und soll zu einem Luxushotel werden. Doch einige wollen das nicht. Dossie freut sich das ihr Sohn und Enkel zu ihr ziehen wollen, so hat sie beide in ihrer nähe. Ich habe das Buch leider nach 151 Seiten abgebrochen, ich komme einfach nicht in die Geschichte. Weiß bis heute nur, dass es um ein Kloster geht und es verkauft werden soll. Ich konnte auch nie wirklich erraten, welchen Charakter ich lese. Daher nur eine sehr kleine Meinung zu diesem Buch.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every so often, I just need to read a Marcia Willett book. The characters are kind, loving to each other, supportive of each other, and living Christian lives. This book was set in Cornwall with great descriptions of the landscape. It dealt with a family who live near a convent of four nuns. The widowed father is Clem and his son is little Jakey. There is Clem's mom Dossie and her parents, Mo and Pa. Such an uplifting story!

[Evenstar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving this book two stars for the effort the author made to write it. Other than that, what a disappointment. My initial thought was YA, a story combining two of my favorite things; Christmas and England. I found the baby talk lisping given to the child annoying and unnecessary and the first person narrative (I think that is what it is called) distracting. The story just didn't have it