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The Little Village Christmas
Alexia Kennedy – interior decorator extraordinaire – has been tasked with giving the little village of Middledip the community café it’s always dreamed of.
After months of fundraising, the villagers can’t wait to see work get started – but disaster strikes when every last penny is stolen. With Middledip up in arms at how this could have happened, Alexia feels ready to admit defeat.
But help comes in an unlikely form when woodsman, Ben Hardaker and his rescue owl Barney, arrive on the scene. Another lost soul who’s hit rock bottom, Ben and Alexia make an unlikely partnership.
However, they soon realise that a little sprinkling of Christmas magic might just help to bring this village – and their lives – together again…
Settle down with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine as you devour this irresistibly festive Christmas tale. The perfect read for fans of Carole Matthews and Trisha Ashley.
After months of fundraising, the villagers can’t wait to see work get started – but disaster strikes when every last penny is stolen. With Middledip up in arms at how this could have happened, Alexia feels ready to admit defeat.
But help comes in an unlikely form when woodsman, Ben Hardaker and his rescue owl Barney, arrive on the scene. Another lost soul who’s hit rock bottom, Ben and Alexia make an unlikely partnership.
However, they soon realise that a little sprinkling of Christmas magic might just help to bring this village – and their lives – together again…
Settle down with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine as you devour this irresistibly festive Christmas tale. The perfect read for fans of Carole Matthews and Trisha Ashley.
368 pages, ebook
Published October 17, 2017
197 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Sue Moorcroft
65 books1,004 followersSue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, the Readers Best Romantic Read Award, two HOLT medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She writes contemporary fiction of life and love.
She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.
An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.
Newsletter sign-up: https://signup.harpercollins.co.uk/jo...
Website: www.suemoorcroft.com
Twitter: @suemoorcroft
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Instagram: suemoorcroftauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
November 14, 2019
Arc received from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 stars
This has been my first book by author Sue Moorcroft and I found it very enjoyable.
It offers readers a valid, realistic, but positive storyline without dumping too much sugar on us.
The main characters, Alexia and Ben are solid, likeable characters with good/bad traits and you can relate to them easily.
What's more, contrary to the overused romantic tropes, they actually talk to each other and try to sort things out after the first misunderstanding or so and just I cannot tell you, how refreshing that is.
The motley crew of support characters is another strong point and I very much loved the "makeover" part of the book where the community join forces to renovate the dilapidated Victorian public house especially after the money set aside for this is stolen by conmen.
The story starts is more about events leading up to/culminating at Christmas than Christmas itself, but this is a minor issue. Loads of angelcakes/mince pies are eaten to honour the holidays. :)
3.75 stars
This has been my first book by author Sue Moorcroft and I found it very enjoyable.
It offers readers a valid, realistic, but positive storyline without dumping too much sugar on us.
The main characters, Alexia and Ben are solid, likeable characters with good/bad traits and you can relate to them easily.
What's more, contrary to the overused romantic tropes, they actually talk to each other and try to sort things out after the first misunderstanding or so and just I cannot tell you, how refreshing that is.
The motley crew of support characters is another strong point and I very much loved the "makeover" part of the book where the community join forces to renovate the dilapidated Victorian public house especially after the money set aside for this is stolen by conmen.
The story starts is more about events leading up to/culminating at Christmas than Christmas itself, but this is a minor issue. Loads of angelcakes/mince pies are eaten to honour the holidays. :)
November 10, 2017
Sue Moorcroft has made an important issue here about stealing. Never take what doesn't belong to you. Alexia Kennedy an interior decorator wants to give the village of Middledip a community cafe. But sadly Alex faces some problems. The Angel coffee shop could be reopened and restored if additional funds could be raised. The Angel would have fallen down from neglect but Alex could give the village back their coffee shop. My heart went out to Alex as someone steals her money leaving her short of funds to open up her dream the coffee shop. I was brought up that you should never take what doesn't belong to you. With money missing it whips up tensions in the village. Will Alex be able to now open up The Angel Coffee shop? I am a great fan of Sue Moorcroft reading many of her books. With a great cast of characters I really enjoyed reading The Little Village Christmas. I hope you all will too.
December 20, 2017
It’s been a long time since I first visited the village of Middledip but yay, we’re back there with The Little Village Christmas. Although I must say that, despite the title, you don’t have to be surrounded by tinsel to enjoy it as the story focuses on the weeks leading up to Christmas and not just the festive period itself.
Reading a Sue Moorcroft book is like getting a big book hug. You can always be sure of delightful locations, engaging characters, hot male leads and a little bit of romantic raunchiness.
Interior decorator Alexia is tasked with renovating The Angel Inn into a community cafe. The villagers have chipped in with fundraising and everything is on course for work to start until some despicable people strip the Inn of its valuable assets, and do a runner with all the funds. Instead of just forgetting the whole thing, Alexia and Gabe, the owner of the building, try to continue with the work, albeit with much scaling down and a lot of Freecyling. However, will they be able to pull it off in time for the already promised grand re-opening at Christmas?
There are so many fabulous personalities here – Alexia – independent and feisty by nature and hoping to use these renovation works as a stepping stone to better things. Ben – the brooding nephew of Gabe, Carola, who was a force to be reckoned with and there is one non-human character that stole my heart – Barney the baby owl. Ben was in charge of looking after Barney, who with his broken wing would never fly properly in the wild again – how can you not love a man who tenderly cares for an injured baby owl! I have to admit I wasn’t feeling the love for Jodie, Alexia’s old friend and housemate, she just irritated me beyond belief but that may just be me being old and grumpy.
I loved the ‘will they/won’t they’ storyline between Alexia and Ben. Sue Moorcroft certainly knows how to give her characters personality and Ben was a complex and troubled character – trying to get over a past relationship – oh boy, that one was complicated (and I was dying to know what the mystery was there) whilst figuring out how he felt about Alexia.
This is a lovely heartwarming story and one to be recommended.
Reading a Sue Moorcroft book is like getting a big book hug. You can always be sure of delightful locations, engaging characters, hot male leads and a little bit of romantic raunchiness.
Interior decorator Alexia is tasked with renovating The Angel Inn into a community cafe. The villagers have chipped in with fundraising and everything is on course for work to start until some despicable people strip the Inn of its valuable assets, and do a runner with all the funds. Instead of just forgetting the whole thing, Alexia and Gabe, the owner of the building, try to continue with the work, albeit with much scaling down and a lot of Freecyling. However, will they be able to pull it off in time for the already promised grand re-opening at Christmas?
There are so many fabulous personalities here – Alexia – independent and feisty by nature and hoping to use these renovation works as a stepping stone to better things. Ben – the brooding nephew of Gabe, Carola, who was a force to be reckoned with and there is one non-human character that stole my heart – Barney the baby owl. Ben was in charge of looking after Barney, who with his broken wing would never fly properly in the wild again – how can you not love a man who tenderly cares for an injured baby owl! I have to admit I wasn’t feeling the love for Jodie, Alexia’s old friend and housemate, she just irritated me beyond belief but that may just be me being old and grumpy.
I loved the ‘will they/won’t they’ storyline between Alexia and Ben. Sue Moorcroft certainly knows how to give her characters personality and Ben was a complex and troubled character – trying to get over a past relationship – oh boy, that one was complicated (and I was dying to know what the mystery was there) whilst figuring out how he felt about Alexia.
This is a lovely heartwarming story and one to be recommended.
October 20, 2017
What an enchanting, heartwarming read this one was! I’ve heard so many great things about Sue Moorcroft’s books from many of my blogger buddies and when I heard she was not only releasing a new book, but a Christmas one I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to try one of her novels. Delightfully fun and touching, this is the perfect read for those days where you want to cuddle up and read something that’ll make you feel warm and fuzzy.
Alexia and Ben were both the type of characters that you form an immediate connection with, they’re both extremely likable and realistic. Both of them are at a sort of crossroads in their lives, Ben has recently separated from his wife and there’s a mystery surrounding that whole situation that intrigued me right up until the end and Alexia has plans to move out of the village and start a new life in the city. Besides being realistic Ben was also adorably quirky, he has a soft spot for animals and is helping an injured owl, there’s some really swoon worthy moments with him and the romance was tender and sweet.
The location is fabulous, I adore a quaint little English village as a setting and Middledip surely provides that. There is a strong sense of community spirit when the residents rally around Alexia and Gabe after disaster strikes and they’re conned, it had some great feel good parts that made me sigh with happiness. The bulk of the story takes place in the weeks leading up to Christmas so it’s not all mistletoe and carols, you could indulge in the one at any time of the year!
Alexia and Ben were both the type of characters that you form an immediate connection with, they’re both extremely likable and realistic. Both of them are at a sort of crossroads in their lives, Ben has recently separated from his wife and there’s a mystery surrounding that whole situation that intrigued me right up until the end and Alexia has plans to move out of the village and start a new life in the city. Besides being realistic Ben was also adorably quirky, he has a soft spot for animals and is helping an injured owl, there’s some really swoon worthy moments with him and the romance was tender and sweet.
The location is fabulous, I adore a quaint little English village as a setting and Middledip surely provides that. There is a strong sense of community spirit when the residents rally around Alexia and Gabe after disaster strikes and they’re conned, it had some great feel good parts that made me sigh with happiness. The bulk of the story takes place in the weeks leading up to Christmas so it’s not all mistletoe and carols, you could indulge in the one at any time of the year!
December 25, 2018
This was a really cute and heartwarming book! I loved it how this plot has a mystery aspect in it, that definitely made me want to continue reading this book. Furthermore, I enjoyed the slow burn instead of an instant love. The friendships also were all so beautiful! However, not all aspects were that realistic and that sometimes annoyed me, hence, the four stars.
February 13, 2018
Alexia is an interior decorator, whose current job is to transform the village pub to a community cafe. It’s a really important job for her future career. When a builder steals the money and the materials, she is devastated. The whole village had helped to raise money for the project and now it’s all gone. Alexia is determined to make it work and as a handsome man Ben is lending a hand, there might be a chance to make it work. Alexia and Ben’s first meeting didn’t go the way they expected, so the project might be the best place to get to know each other better.
It was a compelling and heart warming story. I enjoyed reading about the close-knit community, friendship and the romance. It was my second book by Sue Moorcroft and I’ve loved both books, can’t wait to read the next one. I’d surely recommend this book to anyone, who likes romance, animals and wonderful village life(at Christmas time).
It was a compelling and heart warming story. I enjoyed reading about the close-knit community, friendship and the romance. It was my second book by Sue Moorcroft and I’ve loved both books, can’t wait to read the next one. I’d surely recommend this book to anyone, who likes romance, animals and wonderful village life(at Christmas time).
September 25, 2017
Interior decorator meets brooding woodsman, who has a baby owl, in the long awaited return to Middledip, which features so huge storylines that kept the drama high, not to mention sparks flying between our two main characters, in a superb story.
Lets start with Middledip a location that Sue Moorcroft fans will recognise instantly, as its been home to a few of her previous books. Although I have read some of those, its been a while so the familiarity I personally hoped for wasn't there, but it didn't matter, as you didn't need to know anything going into the book. That being said there were a few characters mentioned, where my thought was yes! I've read the book they feature a lot in.
Alexia is looking forward to working on the project that will ultimately launch her career and allow her to leave Middledip for bigger and brighter jobs. It is the refurbishment of old pub The Angel, and turning it into a community cafe.
The night of the wrecking party, she meets Ben the local tree surgeon and lets just say things become a bit awkward between them after that night and subsequent morning. Not least because the funds for the community cafe are discovered missing, which sets into place the chain of events for most of the book.
Ben moved from one small village to this one, in part to be closer to his uncle Gabe, and because he had personal problems of his own. He is looking after Barney who has a great character for an owl and always raised a smile from me whenever he was in the scene.
There are many surprises along the way and I was drawn into the action immediately and despite being busy in my real life I was continually longing to be back in the book to see how things were going, and how everything would turn out in the end.
As always with a Sue Moorcroft book I was thoroughly enjoying the story, location, characters and their various situations. It deals with a few different issues, and discovering the truth as to what led Ben to Middledip was very interesting, and I'm not sure how I would have coped in his situation when various truths began to emerge.
Finally for those that love leaving books with Christmas in the title until December, don't worry Christmas actually plays a very small part in this book, and its more of a autumn/winter book than one that will make you reach for the mistletoe!
Lets start with Middledip a location that Sue Moorcroft fans will recognise instantly, as its been home to a few of her previous books. Although I have read some of those, its been a while so the familiarity I personally hoped for wasn't there, but it didn't matter, as you didn't need to know anything going into the book. That being said there were a few characters mentioned, where my thought was yes! I've read the book they feature a lot in.
Alexia is looking forward to working on the project that will ultimately launch her career and allow her to leave Middledip for bigger and brighter jobs. It is the refurbishment of old pub The Angel, and turning it into a community cafe.
The night of the wrecking party, she meets Ben the local tree surgeon and lets just say things become a bit awkward between them after that night and subsequent morning. Not least because the funds for the community cafe are discovered missing, which sets into place the chain of events for most of the book.
Ben moved from one small village to this one, in part to be closer to his uncle Gabe, and because he had personal problems of his own. He is looking after Barney who has a great character for an owl and always raised a smile from me whenever he was in the scene.
There are many surprises along the way and I was drawn into the action immediately and despite being busy in my real life I was continually longing to be back in the book to see how things were going, and how everything would turn out in the end.
As always with a Sue Moorcroft book I was thoroughly enjoying the story, location, characters and their various situations. It deals with a few different issues, and discovering the truth as to what led Ben to Middledip was very interesting, and I'm not sure how I would have coped in his situation when various truths began to emerge.
Finally for those that love leaving books with Christmas in the title until December, don't worry Christmas actually plays a very small part in this book, and its more of a autumn/winter book than one that will make you reach for the mistletoe!
December 7, 2018
DNF ~ page 90. This was soooooooooo boring I just couldn’t go on
October 9, 2017
I love Sue Moorcroft - her books are as satisfying as a hug on a cold day and The Little Village Christmas did not disappoint. When their builder does a runner with all the funds and furniture of Project: Community Cafe, Alexia is left feeling devastated, betrayed and humiliated. How can she tell the villagers of Middledip what has happened? And then she meets Ben, who has his own baggage. Can their friendship be anything more than just a one night stand? Fabolous read that will get you in the Christmas spirit. 4 stars
December 21, 2022
Time taken to read - 5 days
Pages - 368
Publisher - Avon Books UK
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
Alexia Kennedy – interior decorator extraordinaire – has been tasked with giving the little village of Middledip the community café it’s always dreamed of.
After months of fundraising, the villagers can’t wait to see work get started – but disaster strikes when every last penny is stolen. With Middledip up in arms at how this could have happened, Alexia feels ready to admit defeat.
But help comes in an unlikely form when woodsman, Ben Hardaker and his rescue owl Barney, arrive on the scene. Another lost soul who’s hit rock bottom, Ben and Alexia make an unlikely partnership.
However, they soon realise that a little sprinkling of Christmas magic might just help to bring this village – and their lives – together again…
Settle down with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine as you devour this irresistibly festive Christmas tale. The perfect read for fans of Carole Matthews and Trisha Ashley.
My Review
Alexia is helping out the small village, she does interior designing, is pretty good at it and popular, this is her stop before moving onto bigger things. The village has raised funds to finally have their community cafe when disaster strikes and the money is robbed. Alexia finds it hampers her prospects and she feels she needs to do what she can to help.
So I wasn't expecting spice, there is a little bit of romantic/erotica at the start nothing extreme but just a headsup. Ben has recently fled to the village after a disaster in his own personal life, his uncle lives there and he ends up with a little dependent called Barney, oh my I LOVED Barney, you know a wee character that doesn't have a huge part at all in the story but when appears totally steals the show? That's Barney for me. Anyway I digress, so Alexia is at her wits end, Ben steps up to the plate to help where he can and whilst him and Alexia butt heads but have the common goal of trying to help with the cafe getting sorted.
Jodie, Alexia's room mate I really had a hard time with, I found her really unlikeable and I get she has stuff going on and you learn more as you get in but yeah not her biggest fan. We all know a Jodie and I think if you have or had one in your life your eyeball may twitch a tad!
The characters are quite human, they have love, compassion, reactive, some are selfish, some are shady just like real life! It was nice to escape into the village, envelope into other peoples dramas and leave your own for a wee bit, 4/5 for me this time.
Pages - 368
Publisher - Avon Books UK
Source - Bought
Blurb from Goodreads
Alexia Kennedy – interior decorator extraordinaire – has been tasked with giving the little village of Middledip the community café it’s always dreamed of.
After months of fundraising, the villagers can’t wait to see work get started – but disaster strikes when every last penny is stolen. With Middledip up in arms at how this could have happened, Alexia feels ready to admit defeat.
But help comes in an unlikely form when woodsman, Ben Hardaker and his rescue owl Barney, arrive on the scene. Another lost soul who’s hit rock bottom, Ben and Alexia make an unlikely partnership.
However, they soon realise that a little sprinkling of Christmas magic might just help to bring this village – and their lives – together again…
Settle down with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine as you devour this irresistibly festive Christmas tale. The perfect read for fans of Carole Matthews and Trisha Ashley.
My Review
Alexia is helping out the small village, she does interior designing, is pretty good at it and popular, this is her stop before moving onto bigger things. The village has raised funds to finally have their community cafe when disaster strikes and the money is robbed. Alexia finds it hampers her prospects and she feels she needs to do what she can to help.
So I wasn't expecting spice, there is a little bit of romantic/erotica at the start nothing extreme but just a headsup. Ben has recently fled to the village after a disaster in his own personal life, his uncle lives there and he ends up with a little dependent called Barney, oh my I LOVED Barney, you know a wee character that doesn't have a huge part at all in the story but when appears totally steals the show? That's Barney for me. Anyway I digress, so Alexia is at her wits end, Ben steps up to the plate to help where he can and whilst him and Alexia butt heads but have the common goal of trying to help with the cafe getting sorted.
Jodie, Alexia's room mate I really had a hard time with, I found her really unlikeable and I get she has stuff going on and you learn more as you get in but yeah not her biggest fan. We all know a Jodie and I think if you have or had one in your life your eyeball may twitch a tad!
The characters are quite human, they have love, compassion, reactive, some are selfish, some are shady just like real life! It was nice to escape into the village, envelope into other peoples dramas and leave your own for a wee bit, 4/5 for me this time.
November 14, 2017
When more than is anticipated results from the Middledip Community Wrecking Party, Ben and Alexia find their lives will change in ways neither could anticipate.
I adored visiting Middledip. I thought The Little Village Christmas was Sue Moorcroft at her very best, with exceptional plotting, wonderful settings and vibrant, flawed and believable characters whom I’d love to meet in real life. I can’t abide men with ponytails, but I thought Gabe was wonderful and as for Ben – well, who wouldn’t want to meet him! Alexia is a perfect embodiment of womanhood with just enough insecurity and self doubt alongside her feisty friendliness to make her someone I’d love as a friend. Even the animals Snobby, Barney and Luke deserve praise for their glorious contributions to the ambience and plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed the settings as many of the places like Yaxley, Peterborough and Crowland are within 10 miles of where I live so that I felt involved in the story on a very personal level and not simply as an impartial reader.
I was engaged with the narrative from the very first word until the very last. When I was reading The Little Village Christmas I genuinely resented real life interrupting me. I was always desperate to get back to the story and find out what was happening to people I had grown to know and love.
The only element I was less keen on was the title as I’m sure some readers will reject books they think are Christmas reads, but The Little Village Christmas is only marginally a book about that time of year. It’s more a book about friendship and family, mistakes and identity, individualism and community spirit – and most of all it’s a book about love in all its glorious forms.
I always enjoy a Sue Moorcroft story, but The Little Village Christmas touched me profoundly and is the perfect example of romantic fiction. I absolutely loved it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/11/14/...
I adored visiting Middledip. I thought The Little Village Christmas was Sue Moorcroft at her very best, with exceptional plotting, wonderful settings and vibrant, flawed and believable characters whom I’d love to meet in real life. I can’t abide men with ponytails, but I thought Gabe was wonderful and as for Ben – well, who wouldn’t want to meet him! Alexia is a perfect embodiment of womanhood with just enough insecurity and self doubt alongside her feisty friendliness to make her someone I’d love as a friend. Even the animals Snobby, Barney and Luke deserve praise for their glorious contributions to the ambience and plot.
I thoroughly enjoyed the settings as many of the places like Yaxley, Peterborough and Crowland are within 10 miles of where I live so that I felt involved in the story on a very personal level and not simply as an impartial reader.
I was engaged with the narrative from the very first word until the very last. When I was reading The Little Village Christmas I genuinely resented real life interrupting me. I was always desperate to get back to the story and find out what was happening to people I had grown to know and love.
The only element I was less keen on was the title as I’m sure some readers will reject books they think are Christmas reads, but The Little Village Christmas is only marginally a book about that time of year. It’s more a book about friendship and family, mistakes and identity, individualism and community spirit – and most of all it’s a book about love in all its glorious forms.
I always enjoy a Sue Moorcroft story, but The Little Village Christmas touched me profoundly and is the perfect example of romantic fiction. I absolutely loved it.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2017/11/14/...
December 16, 2023
2.75⭐️
Gewoon een prima kerstboek. Leuk verhaal, maar verder niet heel spannend of bijzonder.
Gewoon een prima kerstboek. Leuk verhaal, maar verder niet heel spannend of bijzonder.
January 2, 2018
I was looking for a Christmassy read to get in the mood for the Big Day, and that's why I picked up this book. Unfortunately, it didn't deliver. Despite the cover and the premise, it's only Christmas for perhaps the last 30 pages of the book, and that was a major disappointment.
I liked the characters well enough although some of the relationships went from 0 to 100 as quick as a sports car while others changed completely with little or no reason. It could just be me, but I don't change my mind about people in a heartbeat.
This book was cute, but overall, I just didn't warm up to it.
I liked the characters well enough although some of the relationships went from 0 to 100 as quick as a sports car while others changed completely with little or no reason. It could just be me, but I don't change my mind about people in a heartbeat.
This book was cute, but overall, I just didn't warm up to it.
February 22, 2019
Salve lettrici.
Oggi vi parlo di “La mia romantica vacanza da sogno” di Sue Moorcroft, edito Newton Compton editori.
Il titolo fa pensare a una bellissima storia, una fuga, una vacanza, ma, come al solito, non c’entra nulla con la trama, visto che i protagonisti non sono in vacanza, ma pazienza.
Il romanzo racconta la storia di Alexia Kennedy, una designer molto talentosa, che sta portando avanti, insieme a Gabe e alla sua amica Jodie, la ristrutturazione di un locale che diventerà la nuova caffetteria di Middledip, il loro paesino.
L’Angel Conmunity Cafe è il loro sogno e per Alexia un grande affare, perché sarà il suo biglietto da visita per costruire la sua vita al di fuori delle mure di Middledip.
Una volta finita la ristrutturazione, Alexia spera di volare lontano dal suo paesino e realizzare i suoi sogni, sogni che ben presto verranno stroncati da un imprevisto: il fidanzato della sua amica Jodie li ha derubati fino all’ultimo centesimo e impedisce ad Alexia di realizzare il suo sogno.
Ma la speranza è l’ultima a morire e, fortunatamente, Ben Hardaker, il taciturno nipote di Gabe, arriva in loro aiuto e rimescola le carte in tavola.
Ben è un tagliaboschi, è un uomo riservato e poco socievole. Si è traferisco a Middledip da poco, dopo uno spiacevole problema familiare che vede coinvolti suo fratello e sua moglie.
“Lo spazio tra le mie braccia è a forma di Alexia.”
Che dirvi, dunque?
Questa storia inizialmente non mi prendeva molto, ma pagina dopo pagina ha iniziato ad instigare la mia curiosità.
Le vicende di questo paesino sono davvero appassionanti e una volta preso il via la lettura scorre davvero molto bene.
È una bella storia, ben scritta, molto ben strutturata e dettagliata.
Lo definirei un intrigante romanzo natalizio, quindi non può che essere un piacere leggerlo, soprattutto perché è molto originale.
Ho adorato i protagonisti e la loro relazione, il modo in cui interagiscono tra loro e con gli altri. Inoltre, nonostante il suo spessore, è un romanzo che scorre veloce e non annoia mai il lettore, anche se spesso si perde in dettagli inutili.
Una lettura piacevole, insomma, ma niente di più.
Voto 3,5
Oggi vi parlo di “La mia romantica vacanza da sogno” di Sue Moorcroft, edito Newton Compton editori.
Il titolo fa pensare a una bellissima storia, una fuga, una vacanza, ma, come al solito, non c’entra nulla con la trama, visto che i protagonisti non sono in vacanza, ma pazienza.
Il romanzo racconta la storia di Alexia Kennedy, una designer molto talentosa, che sta portando avanti, insieme a Gabe e alla sua amica Jodie, la ristrutturazione di un locale che diventerà la nuova caffetteria di Middledip, il loro paesino.
L’Angel Conmunity Cafe è il loro sogno e per Alexia un grande affare, perché sarà il suo biglietto da visita per costruire la sua vita al di fuori delle mure di Middledip.
Una volta finita la ristrutturazione, Alexia spera di volare lontano dal suo paesino e realizzare i suoi sogni, sogni che ben presto verranno stroncati da un imprevisto: il fidanzato della sua amica Jodie li ha derubati fino all’ultimo centesimo e impedisce ad Alexia di realizzare il suo sogno.
Ma la speranza è l’ultima a morire e, fortunatamente, Ben Hardaker, il taciturno nipote di Gabe, arriva in loro aiuto e rimescola le carte in tavola.
Ben è un tagliaboschi, è un uomo riservato e poco socievole. Si è traferisco a Middledip da poco, dopo uno spiacevole problema familiare che vede coinvolti suo fratello e sua moglie.
“Lo spazio tra le mie braccia è a forma di Alexia.”
Che dirvi, dunque?
Questa storia inizialmente non mi prendeva molto, ma pagina dopo pagina ha iniziato ad instigare la mia curiosità.
Le vicende di questo paesino sono davvero appassionanti e una volta preso il via la lettura scorre davvero molto bene.
È una bella storia, ben scritta, molto ben strutturata e dettagliata.
Lo definirei un intrigante romanzo natalizio, quindi non può che essere un piacere leggerlo, soprattutto perché è molto originale.
Ho adorato i protagonisti e la loro relazione, il modo in cui interagiscono tra loro e con gli altri. Inoltre, nonostante il suo spessore, è un romanzo che scorre veloce e non annoia mai il lettore, anche se spesso si perde in dettagli inutili.
Una lettura piacevole, insomma, ma niente di più.
Voto 3,5
October 9, 2017
Alexia Kennedy is an interior decorator and she’s project managing the restoration of Middledip’s abandoned Angel pub into the Angel Community Café, on behalf of Gabe Piercy. Helping her out is her old school friend Jodie, Gabe’s nephew - the hunky Ben Hardaker - and Jodie’s boyfriend Shane. When Shane absconds, with not only the period fixtures and fittings from the pub but also the publicly raised funds, all hell breaks loose and Alexia is caught in the middle. Throw in an unexpected relationship or two, an unwanted pregnancy, illness and accidents plus a crippled owl and in the race to get the café back on its feet, Alexia will need all the help she can find in the run up to Christmas.
This is another terrific novel from Sue Moorcroft and, to my mind, tops even the wonderful “Just For The Holidays”, which was her last offering. I read this to critique it and finished the book in three days, the pace not letting up at all and the story pulling me rapidly through the pages. Alexia is an excellent lead character - she’s strong, resourceful, knows what she’s doing and manages to bounce back from all the setbacks that present themselves to her - and she’s ably paired with Ben, the new hunk in the village who has a lot more depth than you would expect from first meeting him. Their relationship is well realised and enjoyable, plus it has a nice level of raunchiness to it. The supporting characters help to fill out the story with some style, such as Carola, growing before your very eyes to become something other than the annoying busybody she’s first presented as. The book marks a welcome return for me to Middledip and it’s always good to see mention of Ratty and Tess (who appeared in the very first book I critiqued for Sue) and nice to see them still together. With a good plot, a wonderful wintry atmosphere and a pace that doesn’t let up at all, this is most definitely a winner and I would highly recommend it.
This is another terrific novel from Sue Moorcroft and, to my mind, tops even the wonderful “Just For The Holidays”, which was her last offering. I read this to critique it and finished the book in three days, the pace not letting up at all and the story pulling me rapidly through the pages. Alexia is an excellent lead character - she’s strong, resourceful, knows what she’s doing and manages to bounce back from all the setbacks that present themselves to her - and she’s ably paired with Ben, the new hunk in the village who has a lot more depth than you would expect from first meeting him. Their relationship is well realised and enjoyable, plus it has a nice level of raunchiness to it. The supporting characters help to fill out the story with some style, such as Carola, growing before your very eyes to become something other than the annoying busybody she’s first presented as. The book marks a welcome return for me to Middledip and it’s always good to see mention of Ratty and Tess (who appeared in the very first book I critiqued for Sue) and nice to see them still together. With a good plot, a wonderful wintry atmosphere and a pace that doesn’t let up at all, this is most definitely a winner and I would highly recommend it.
October 29, 2017
I’m lucky enough to have a paperback copy of this book as well as a version on my Kindle so there was really no excuse not to read whenever the mood took me. I have to confess the cover is just delightful and I found myself caressing it in the vain hope I could magically arrive on the scene!
Back in Middledip, Sue has given us another fabulous story. She never fails to get under the skin of her characters and bring them to life for the reader. This is a real community based tale which puts everything into perspective about hope for the future, the testing of trust etc
The two main characters, interior decorator Alexia and woodsman Ben provide plenty of realistic romance action. The whole village is immersed in renovating the old pub and opening it as a community cafe. All goes well until disaster strikes and the funds and items go missing. Can the entire project be saved with a little help from each other?
This all unfolds in the weeks running up to Christmas so it provides a lovely, cosy festive read but it’s not so sickly sweet that means you overdose on Christmas before Halloween!
I love the way Sue intertwines love, friendship, drama, sadness all into one engaging story that makes you feel as though you are part of Middledip among friends. The Little Village Christmas is everything you want in a captivating, enchanting book and more .. put this one on your Christmas wish list now!
I can’t leave without mentioning my absolute favourite addition, Barney .. he is without doubt the main attraction in my opinion. Cuteness itself and I fell hopelessly in love with him and his antics .. yes folks, I now want an OWL!!
Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for my copies of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Back in Middledip, Sue has given us another fabulous story. She never fails to get under the skin of her characters and bring them to life for the reader. This is a real community based tale which puts everything into perspective about hope for the future, the testing of trust etc
The two main characters, interior decorator Alexia and woodsman Ben provide plenty of realistic romance action. The whole village is immersed in renovating the old pub and opening it as a community cafe. All goes well until disaster strikes and the funds and items go missing. Can the entire project be saved with a little help from each other?
This all unfolds in the weeks running up to Christmas so it provides a lovely, cosy festive read but it’s not so sickly sweet that means you overdose on Christmas before Halloween!
I love the way Sue intertwines love, friendship, drama, sadness all into one engaging story that makes you feel as though you are part of Middledip among friends. The Little Village Christmas is everything you want in a captivating, enchanting book and more .. put this one on your Christmas wish list now!
I can’t leave without mentioning my absolute favourite addition, Barney .. he is without doubt the main attraction in my opinion. Cuteness itself and I fell hopelessly in love with him and his antics .. yes folks, I now want an OWL!!
Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for my copies of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
January 6, 2020
3,5 ⭐️
October 19, 2017
This is the delightful and warm story of Ben and Alexia who live in Middledip and whose lives converge over the renovation of an old community pub. It's about friendship, community, helping others and living life to the fullest. You'll fall in love with Ben and Alexia and all the characters of this cute little village.
September 23, 2017
The little village Christmas is a wonderful Christmas story.
Alexia interior design has been cast with the task of doing up the little cafe in the village of Middledip. The village have been fundraising manically in order to raise the much needed money for the makeover to happen. But all their plans go awry when someone steals all the hard earned cash.
But help comes from the most unexpected of places. When ben and his owl barney arrive to save the day.
This is a really lovely christmas book. Full of friendship, loyalty, community spirit, love, romance and Christmas spirit. Curl up in your favourite chair with your favourite festive goods and a blanket and enjoy this delicious book. Loved it.
Alexia interior design has been cast with the task of doing up the little cafe in the village of Middledip. The village have been fundraising manically in order to raise the much needed money for the makeover to happen. But all their plans go awry when someone steals all the hard earned cash.
But help comes from the most unexpected of places. When ben and his owl barney arrive to save the day.
This is a really lovely christmas book. Full of friendship, loyalty, community spirit, love, romance and Christmas spirit. Curl up in your favourite chair with your favourite festive goods and a blanket and enjoy this delicious book. Loved it.
January 2, 2019
Vieni a leggere la recensione su: CrazyForRomance
Per acquistare il libro clicca qui
Alexia Kennedy è una ragazza spigliata e piena di inventiva, arredatrice d’interni e spirito estremamente positivo, abituata a tirare fuori il meglio anche da una situazione data per persa. Alexia parla molto e turbina nelle scene come un folletto birichino e un po’ iperattivo.
Ben Hardacker è una di queste “situazioni perse”, un orso letargico, appena uscito com’è, e dolorante, da un divorzio causato da un tradimento. Bizzoso e piuttosto antipatico, almeno tanto quanto Alexia è sorridente e solare, i due sono i classici poli opposti destinati all’attrazione. Ma quanto spazio può avere l’attrazione per due che non vogliono assolutamente complicazioni sentimentali? Costretti loro malgrado ad unire le forze perché vittime inconsapevoli di una truffa in grande stile, daranno il meglio di sé perché una cosa che li unisce fortemente c’è: la generosità.
Nessuno dei due si tira indietro davanti a un’amica, o uno zio, in difficoltà. Non importa quanto denaro o quanta energia ci siano in gioco, la lealtà in un rapporto è il loro più grande merito e vale ogni sforzo. Andando avanti nella storia si scopriranno perciò via via sempre più simili, e lontani dall’imbarazzo gelido del primo impatto.
Una bella storia romantica, insomma? In realtà la trama risente un po’ di troppa lentezza e ripetitività, con pochi dialoghi brillanti e scenette divertenti laddove compaiono il piccolo barbagianni Barney, o il pony depresso di nome Snobby, o ancora i gattini abbandonati e salvati da Ben.
Continua a leggere la recensione su: CrazyForRomance
Per acquistare il libro clicca qui
Alexia Kennedy è una ragazza spigliata e piena di inventiva, arredatrice d’interni e spirito estremamente positivo, abituata a tirare fuori il meglio anche da una situazione data per persa. Alexia parla molto e turbina nelle scene come un folletto birichino e un po’ iperattivo.
Ben Hardacker è una di queste “situazioni perse”, un orso letargico, appena uscito com’è, e dolorante, da un divorzio causato da un tradimento. Bizzoso e piuttosto antipatico, almeno tanto quanto Alexia è sorridente e solare, i due sono i classici poli opposti destinati all’attrazione. Ma quanto spazio può avere l’attrazione per due che non vogliono assolutamente complicazioni sentimentali? Costretti loro malgrado ad unire le forze perché vittime inconsapevoli di una truffa in grande stile, daranno il meglio di sé perché una cosa che li unisce fortemente c’è: la generosità.
Nessuno dei due si tira indietro davanti a un’amica, o uno zio, in difficoltà. Non importa quanto denaro o quanta energia ci siano in gioco, la lealtà in un rapporto è il loro più grande merito e vale ogni sforzo. Andando avanti nella storia si scopriranno perciò via via sempre più simili, e lontani dall’imbarazzo gelido del primo impatto.
Una bella storia romantica, insomma? In realtà la trama risente un po’ di troppa lentezza e ripetitività, con pochi dialoghi brillanti e scenette divertenti laddove compaiono il piccolo barbagianni Barney, o il pony depresso di nome Snobby, o ancora i gattini abbandonati e salvati da Ben.
Continua a leggere la recensione su: CrazyForRomance
April 13, 2018
I love Sue Moorcroft's novels, she manages to write realistic books about down-to-earth people with real life problems, big and small, set in rural England. It's not idealised and yet it does make me yearn for a career that would allow me to live in a small village.
This book goes back to Middledip. Alexia Kennedy is an interior decorator (not as ordinary as a painter and decorator but not as fancy as an interior designer). She is one the brink of leaving Middledip to work with one of her college contemporaries, Elton, who really is a fancy-pants interior designer making the most of a portfolio of investment properties for a female entrepreneur. In the interim, she is volunteering to renovate a local pub and make it into a community cafe with a flamboyant local resident Gabe.
At the volunteer party to strip the pub of all quality fittings and clear out the clutter prior to the refit Alexia meets Gabe's nephew Ben Hardaker. Ben recently moved to the village and is a bit of a recluse, he works for the local landowner managing the woodlands (cutting hedges, trees etc). After an evening serving BBQ sausages to the volunteers, Alexia and Ben end up spending a torrid night together.
However, the euphoria of the night before is lost the next morning when the village discovers that all the period architecture they so painstakingly salvaged has been stolen, along with the antique tiles from the roof and the £30,000 the village had raised to pay for renovations. Suddenly Alexia's dreams come tumbling down around her ears. She feels responsible for the theft, she loses her chance of the glamorous job in London with Elton, her flatmate moves out and she is scrambling for work. Undeterred Alexia decides to continue the restoration, but this time on an extraordinarily tight budget.
Ben has moved to live near his uncle after being betrayed by his brother and ex-wife. The exact details unfold through the course of the book and aren't what you might imagine, but Ben has run away to lick his wounds in peace. After the colossal mistake of a one-night stand with Alexia he retreats into the friend zone, but as Gabe, Ben and Alexia work together he becomes ever closer to Alexia.
This was such a feel-good read - talk about, it takes a village! It's got kittens, an injured owl, reality TV, conmen, cheating, family fights, the local pub, a stubborn pony, imperfect people and a whole lot of love.
A few years ago I binge-read every Sue Moorcroft novel I could lay my hands on and this one was just as good.
This book goes back to Middledip. Alexia Kennedy is an interior decorator (not as ordinary as a painter and decorator but not as fancy as an interior designer). She is one the brink of leaving Middledip to work with one of her college contemporaries, Elton, who really is a fancy-pants interior designer making the most of a portfolio of investment properties for a female entrepreneur. In the interim, she is volunteering to renovate a local pub and make it into a community cafe with a flamboyant local resident Gabe.
At the volunteer party to strip the pub of all quality fittings and clear out the clutter prior to the refit Alexia meets Gabe's nephew Ben Hardaker. Ben recently moved to the village and is a bit of a recluse, he works for the local landowner managing the woodlands (cutting hedges, trees etc). After an evening serving BBQ sausages to the volunteers, Alexia and Ben end up spending a torrid night together.
However, the euphoria of the night before is lost the next morning when the village discovers that all the period architecture they so painstakingly salvaged has been stolen, along with the antique tiles from the roof and the £30,000 the village had raised to pay for renovations. Suddenly Alexia's dreams come tumbling down around her ears. She feels responsible for the theft, she loses her chance of the glamorous job in London with Elton, her flatmate moves out and she is scrambling for work. Undeterred Alexia decides to continue the restoration, but this time on an extraordinarily tight budget.
Ben has moved to live near his uncle after being betrayed by his brother and ex-wife. The exact details unfold through the course of the book and aren't what you might imagine, but Ben has run away to lick his wounds in peace. After the colossal mistake of a one-night stand with Alexia he retreats into the friend zone, but as Gabe, Ben and Alexia work together he becomes ever closer to Alexia.
This was such a feel-good read - talk about, it takes a village! It's got kittens, an injured owl, reality TV, conmen, cheating, family fights, the local pub, a stubborn pony, imperfect people and a whole lot of love.
A few years ago I binge-read every Sue Moorcroft novel I could lay my hands on and this one was just as good.
December 6, 2017
The village has come together with money to restore the old village pub but as a Community Cafe. But after all the money is stolen along with almost all of the period features the chance of being able to transform the old pub looks lost. But not so, there are some who are not willing to just give up, instead a stubborn determination takes over and they want the project to remain on track. Ben is a newcomer to the village, but has a family connection to the village, he offers help to Alexia, the project manager, an old adversary has a change of heart and there are those who want to distance themselves from the negativity of the theft.
I really enjoyed this book, it is a light hearted and humorous at times read, with a warm cosy feel to it. I found some of the local community references very believable, living in a village myself. I found that I could mirror some of Sue’s characters with some of our own locals, though I would never say which ones. This added that little bit extra special something for me, the believe-ability of the community was great. Even though there is quite a limited cast for the village. This is where we learn more of Alexia and her role in the village and what her dreams are. Ben’s story is also included and also his connection to the village.
Even though this is a story with a Christmas element in it, it is not a mistletoe, baubles, fairy lights, twinkly jumper wearing book. It takes place on the run up to Christmas, but with all the busy-ness of the characters in this book, they don’t have the time to thinks about it too much.
This is a really enjoyable, cosy, snuggly on a sofa, big cushion hot chocolate read. Get comfortable for this, I read it virtually in one sitting, if things like going to work hadn’t got in the way. I would have done. I definitely recommend this to readers of feel good, warm, light-hearted, crime and mystery books, with a sprinkle of romance to top it off nicely. I am going to admit to being aware of this author, but (whispers…) not reading any of her books, this is absolutely going to change. A great introduction to this authors works, in my opinion. Now off to order a couple more of her books
I really enjoyed this book, it is a light hearted and humorous at times read, with a warm cosy feel to it. I found some of the local community references very believable, living in a village myself. I found that I could mirror some of Sue’s characters with some of our own locals, though I would never say which ones. This added that little bit extra special something for me, the believe-ability of the community was great. Even though there is quite a limited cast for the village. This is where we learn more of Alexia and her role in the village and what her dreams are. Ben’s story is also included and also his connection to the village.
Even though this is a story with a Christmas element in it, it is not a mistletoe, baubles, fairy lights, twinkly jumper wearing book. It takes place on the run up to Christmas, but with all the busy-ness of the characters in this book, they don’t have the time to thinks about it too much.
This is a really enjoyable, cosy, snuggly on a sofa, big cushion hot chocolate read. Get comfortable for this, I read it virtually in one sitting, if things like going to work hadn’t got in the way. I would have done. I definitely recommend this to readers of feel good, warm, light-hearted, crime and mystery books, with a sprinkle of romance to top it off nicely. I am going to admit to being aware of this author, but (whispers…) not reading any of her books, this is absolutely going to change. A great introduction to this authors works, in my opinion. Now off to order a couple more of her books
November 19, 2017
I don't think I have read any other books by Sue Moorcroft and I did enjoy this book, although there wasn't enough Christmas in it, for me to call it a Christmas book. Good story line, good characters and an enjoyable read. I have another book by Sue called The Christmas Promise, which I am looking forward to reading soon.
December 18, 2022
This book is definitely not what I expected. However, I ended up really enjoying it 😊
November 27, 2017
4.5 stars RTC
October 8, 2017
What better way to start thinking about Christmas than with a really good book? Sue Moorcroft is a fabulous author and “The Little Village Christmas” doesn’t disappoint! When we return to the village of Middledip this time, we find Alexia, an interior decorator, making a start on transforming an old pub into a community café. The village residents have pulled together to raise funds but then something awful happens – everything is stolen from the pub! Not just all the wonderful, original fixtures and fittings, but the bank account as well. Gabe’s nephew, Ben, has come to Middledip to lick his wounds after the breakdown of his marriage, and helps with the rescue operation. It takes a huge amount of hard work, but things start to look up…and not just with the pub renovation!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 29, 2017
I've never read a book by Sue that I haven't give 5* - and this one is very near the top! It's a lovely story of fighting against the odds, letting people in and changing one's dreams.
The star of the show is Barney "Hehhhh" and I absolutely loved following his development. The humans were interesting too ;) I loved the way Alexia had to adjust her hopes and dreams. I've done a similar leap, as I was once an IT Project Manager and am now a petsitter and book reviewer! It takes some courage to turn your back on "The Plan" and adapt to "what is".
Ben is a lovely bloke - one of my favourite heroes. A very understated man but the love he has for Barney gives the reader a clue as to his warm personality and practical nature.
This was a lovely return to Middledip; I hadn't realised how much I'd missed it! Thank you Sue xxx
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The star of the show is Barney "Hehhhh" and I absolutely loved following his development. The humans were interesting too ;) I loved the way Alexia had to adjust her hopes and dreams. I've done a similar leap, as I was once an IT Project Manager and am now a petsitter and book reviewer! It takes some courage to turn your back on "The Plan" and adapt to "what is".
Ben is a lovely bloke - one of my favourite heroes. A very understated man but the love he has for Barney gives the reader a clue as to his warm personality and practical nature.
This was a lovely return to Middledip; I hadn't realised how much I'd missed it! Thank you Sue xxx
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2018
Sue Moorcroft never disappoints. Great story, with lots of twists and interesting characters. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
October 14, 2017
The Blurb :
Alexia Kennedy – interior decorator extraordinaire – has been tasked with giving the little village of Middledip the community café it’s always dreamed of.
After months of fundraising, the villagers can’t wait to see work get started – but disaster strikes when every last penny is stolen. With Middledip up in arms at how this could have happened, Alexia feels ready to admit defeat.
But help comes in an unlikely form when woodsman, Ben Hardaker and his rescue owl Barney, arrive on the scene. Another lost soul who’s hit rock bottom, Ben and Alexia make an unlikely partnership.
However, they soon realise that a little sprinkling of Christmas magic might just help to bring this village – and their lives – together again…
My Thoughts :
The Little Village Christmas does not disappoint. Back in the village of Middledip, we meet Alexia Kennedy, who is an interior decorator. She is managing a restoration on the old pub and turning it into a community cafe. When the builder steals all the funds and furniture that the villagers all chipped in to help fund the project everyone is devastated and cant believe someone would do such a thing.
Alexia is not going to give up and when handsome Ben offers a hand things may just work out in time after all.
Sue Moorcroft once again creates a heartwarming story just in time for Christmas. With lots of community spirit, friendship and a touch of romance this will be one book you must read especially on a cold, winter evening with a hot chocolate in hand.
Alexia Kennedy – interior decorator extraordinaire – has been tasked with giving the little village of Middledip the community café it’s always dreamed of.
After months of fundraising, the villagers can’t wait to see work get started – but disaster strikes when every last penny is stolen. With Middledip up in arms at how this could have happened, Alexia feels ready to admit defeat.
But help comes in an unlikely form when woodsman, Ben Hardaker and his rescue owl Barney, arrive on the scene. Another lost soul who’s hit rock bottom, Ben and Alexia make an unlikely partnership.
However, they soon realise that a little sprinkling of Christmas magic might just help to bring this village – and their lives – together again…
My Thoughts :
The Little Village Christmas does not disappoint. Back in the village of Middledip, we meet Alexia Kennedy, who is an interior decorator. She is managing a restoration on the old pub and turning it into a community cafe. When the builder steals all the funds and furniture that the villagers all chipped in to help fund the project everyone is devastated and cant believe someone would do such a thing.
Alexia is not going to give up and when handsome Ben offers a hand things may just work out in time after all.
Sue Moorcroft once again creates a heartwarming story just in time for Christmas. With lots of community spirit, friendship and a touch of romance this will be one book you must read especially on a cold, winter evening with a hot chocolate in hand.
October 2, 2017
The Little Village Christmas – by Sue Moorcroft
Christmas wouldn’t feel like Christmas, even in October, if there wasn’t a new Sue Moorcroft novel to enjoy – I was not disappointed.
Will that do? It should suffice as the line above should be all you need to know, assuming you’re familiar with the stories of Ms Moorcroft. If you’re not, then read on, but by the time you get to the end of this review and have then purchased the book, savoured the beautiful front cover and finally sat down to read said story, I’m certain you’ll be in agreement with my succinct review above.
Still not convinced? Very well, but be warned, if you want a more complete story outline, I suggest you go elsewhere. That’s not my style. I tend to give a brief overview of what happens, and concentrate on the writing style and characterisation, plus a small deal of procrastination thrown in for you fellow writers out there.
So, who do we have here? Our main characters are Alexia, an Interior Decorator, who’s taking on one final project in her home village of Middledip (hurrah!) before, she hopes leaving for bigger things in London. However, as they do, the best laid plans fall apart when conmen steal all that’s worth stealing from The Angel Community Cafe she’s thrown into a steamy relationship with Ben, relatively new to the village who’d previously kept to himself for reasons that become clearer as the story progresses, that flounders and very nearly burns before it’s had time to get started.
A little about Ben. Ben had to sell his business when things went pear shape between him, his wife and his brother (we learn more of that as the story progresses), he’s a kind of skilled woodsman who has a pet Owl called Barney who very nearly steals the entire story. I challenge you not to fall in love with him!
Ms Moorcroft skilfully weaves a tale with multiple engaging characters and interweaving storylines that both delight and, yes this is the right word, shock you that the writer would dare do that to a character you’ve got to know and love – you know whom I’m talking about, don’t you Sue! All is perfectly woven together though as the tale ends at Christmas. There’s an epilogue that’s set about a year later which ties up things nicely.
This is a beautifully written and planned out book, which should be high on your list of Christmas (or October) reading. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
We all have our favourite authors whose latest releases we wait or with bated breath and Ms Moorcroft is one of mine, and I’m sure we all like to see them grown, develop their style and storytelling prowess; Ms Moorcroft does not disappoint as with each book there she demonstrates a maturity in her books that has one downside – the wait for the next one!
Over to you Sue.
Christmas wouldn’t feel like Christmas, even in October, if there wasn’t a new Sue Moorcroft novel to enjoy – I was not disappointed.
Will that do? It should suffice as the line above should be all you need to know, assuming you’re familiar with the stories of Ms Moorcroft. If you’re not, then read on, but by the time you get to the end of this review and have then purchased the book, savoured the beautiful front cover and finally sat down to read said story, I’m certain you’ll be in agreement with my succinct review above.
Still not convinced? Very well, but be warned, if you want a more complete story outline, I suggest you go elsewhere. That’s not my style. I tend to give a brief overview of what happens, and concentrate on the writing style and characterisation, plus a small deal of procrastination thrown in for you fellow writers out there.
So, who do we have here? Our main characters are Alexia, an Interior Decorator, who’s taking on one final project in her home village of Middledip (hurrah!) before, she hopes leaving for bigger things in London. However, as they do, the best laid plans fall apart when conmen steal all that’s worth stealing from The Angel Community Cafe she’s thrown into a steamy relationship with Ben, relatively new to the village who’d previously kept to himself for reasons that become clearer as the story progresses, that flounders and very nearly burns before it’s had time to get started.
A little about Ben. Ben had to sell his business when things went pear shape between him, his wife and his brother (we learn more of that as the story progresses), he’s a kind of skilled woodsman who has a pet Owl called Barney who very nearly steals the entire story. I challenge you not to fall in love with him!
Ms Moorcroft skilfully weaves a tale with multiple engaging characters and interweaving storylines that both delight and, yes this is the right word, shock you that the writer would dare do that to a character you’ve got to know and love – you know whom I’m talking about, don’t you Sue! All is perfectly woven together though as the tale ends at Christmas. There’s an epilogue that’s set about a year later which ties up things nicely.
This is a beautifully written and planned out book, which should be high on your list of Christmas (or October) reading. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
We all have our favourite authors whose latest releases we wait or with bated breath and Ms Moorcroft is one of mine, and I’m sure we all like to see them grown, develop their style and storytelling prowess; Ms Moorcroft does not disappoint as with each book there she demonstrates a maturity in her books that has one downside – the wait for the next one!
Over to you Sue.
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