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The Beach Hut #3
Christmas At The Beach Hut
Everyone adores Christmas . . . Especially Lizzy Kingham. But this year, she is feeling unloved and underappreciated by her family. The present-buying, decorating and food shopping have all been left to her. So she wonders . . . what would happen if she ran away and left them to it?
Lizzy heads to her favourite place: a beach hut on the golden sands of Everdene. There she meets an unlikely collection of new friends, all running away from something. But the spirit of Christmas gets under Lizzy's skin: soon the fairy lights are twinkling and the scent of mulled wine mingles with the sea air.
Back at Pepperpot Cottage, her family are desperate to find her. For Christmas isn't Christmas without Lizzy. Can they track her down in time and convince her she means the world to them, every day of the year?
Lizzy heads to her favourite place: a beach hut on the golden sands of Everdene. There she meets an unlikely collection of new friends, all running away from something. But the spirit of Christmas gets under Lizzy's skin: soon the fairy lights are twinkling and the scent of mulled wine mingles with the sea air.
Back at Pepperpot Cottage, her family are desperate to find her. For Christmas isn't Christmas without Lizzy. Can they track her down in time and convince her she means the world to them, every day of the year?
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2018
313 people are currently reading
1649 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Henry
70 books1,612 followersVeronica Henry was a television script writer before turning her hand to fiction. She has published sixteen novels which she describes as realistic escapism - her setting are gorgeous, but her characters have problems and dilemmas everyone can identify with.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
November 3, 2018
You can always rely on Veronica Henry when it comes to perfect heartwarming, escapist, festive reading fare, with stories and characters that will simply bowl you over. The central character here, Lizzy Kingham, is happily married to Simon, with twins, Hattie and Luke looking forward to leaving for university. Lizzy has recently been made redundant from her job as an events manager at a hotel, beginning to feel the empty nest syndrome, feeling out of sorts and desperately low. She lives in a small, offbeat and perfect home in Astley in Arden in Warwickshire called Pepperpot Cottage. However, she is looking forward to a Christmas to remember with her family, and is knee deep in preparations and planning. However, whilst her family are the focus of all her efforts and love, they are thoughtless, using and abusing her kind, thoughtful and accommodating nature.
Simon's first wife, high maintenance Amanda has continued through the years on burdening them with her selfish desires. Simon's mother, Cynthia, has been forced on Lizzy, Cynthia is keeping secrets from Simon that Lizzy cannot forgive her for. Lizzy is upset that Amanda has foisted her mother in law on them when it was her turn to have Cynthia. Life is eternally compromised by all the baggage of marriage, but why is Lizzy the only one compromising? It seems that Lizzy fails to figure in her family's plans, is invisible to them, and makes the decision to run away to a beach hut in Everdene on the North Devon Coast. She is leaving her family free to do whatever they want for Christmas, having made all the arrangements for Christmas for them. In a blustery seaside, Lizzy encounters a group of diverse people at Everdene's beach huts, all running away from the festive season with their inner pain and despair. Her own compassionate personality has her playing the central organising role in ensuring that Harley, Leanne, River, Jack and Nat have a wonderful Christmas when it all seems so out of reach with all the bubbling drama that is blighting their lives.
Lizzy is a character that will resonate with so many women who carry the burden of the festive season with often little or no recognition from their nearest and dearest. Of course, their families are so often completely blind, selfishly disregarding the kindness and the burdens carried by women. Simon, Hattie and Luke miss Lizzy immediately, but it takes them a little while to become sufficiently self aware as to how they have taken her completely for granted, barely seeing her for so many years, making no effort to be there for decorating the Christmas tree, the only thing she has asked them of them. Veronica Henry creates a host of appealing characters, I loved Harley, Jack and the gorgeous Nat, but the star of the show is Lizzy as she finally finds the space to think about her future and pin down exactly what she wants. This is totally enthralling reading, brilliant and entertaining, all that you would expect from an author at the top of her game. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
Simon's first wife, high maintenance Amanda has continued through the years on burdening them with her selfish desires. Simon's mother, Cynthia, has been forced on Lizzy, Cynthia is keeping secrets from Simon that Lizzy cannot forgive her for. Lizzy is upset that Amanda has foisted her mother in law on them when it was her turn to have Cynthia. Life is eternally compromised by all the baggage of marriage, but why is Lizzy the only one compromising? It seems that Lizzy fails to figure in her family's plans, is invisible to them, and makes the decision to run away to a beach hut in Everdene on the North Devon Coast. She is leaving her family free to do whatever they want for Christmas, having made all the arrangements for Christmas for them. In a blustery seaside, Lizzy encounters a group of diverse people at Everdene's beach huts, all running away from the festive season with their inner pain and despair. Her own compassionate personality has her playing the central organising role in ensuring that Harley, Leanne, River, Jack and Nat have a wonderful Christmas when it all seems so out of reach with all the bubbling drama that is blighting their lives.
Lizzy is a character that will resonate with so many women who carry the burden of the festive season with often little or no recognition from their nearest and dearest. Of course, their families are so often completely blind, selfishly disregarding the kindness and the burdens carried by women. Simon, Hattie and Luke miss Lizzy immediately, but it takes them a little while to become sufficiently self aware as to how they have taken her completely for granted, barely seeing her for so many years, making no effort to be there for decorating the Christmas tree, the only thing she has asked them of them. Veronica Henry creates a host of appealing characters, I loved Harley, Jack and the gorgeous Nat, but the star of the show is Lizzy as she finally finds the space to think about her future and pin down exactly what she wants. This is totally enthralling reading, brilliant and entertaining, all that you would expect from an author at the top of her game. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
December 23, 2018
I always enjoy a book by Veronica Henry and did a little squeal of delight when a review copy of this popped through the letterbox from Orion. I was determined to fit in at least one Christmas book this year – and I’m so glad that Christmas at the Beach Hut was one. I haven’t yet read any of the previous ‘Beach Hut’ books but that didn’t matter at all. I had no problems settling in with this.
Lizzy Kingham is a salt of the earth person. A loving wife and mother, but recently made redundant from her job as a successful wedding planner, she is at a crossroads in her life and things are made worse by her feeling as though her family are taking her for granted.
Her husband Simon seems to take more notice of his ex wife Amanda and pander to her wishes than he does Lizzy’s, her children treat her as part of the furniture and job rejections are coming in. The last straw is when her efforts to continue the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree as a family fall apart – they clearly don’t care about her feelings so she does something completely out of character and goes off on her own to celebrate Christmas.
Lizzy is not the only person feeling the pressure. Teenager Harley is having a tough time with his mother’s boyfriend and has to get away. Jack and his young son Nat are also suffering. The beach at Everdene is the place to go.
This was a charming and delightful read, without being sickly sweet. The characters are perfectly drawn; from harrassed mum Lizzy, to young Harley, a young man with a wise head trying to protect his mother and younger brother, and Jack – trying to move forward with his life. The more we learn about Lizzy’s family they come across as any other normal family – not being deliberately uncaring but so used to mum being there and doing everything that they don’t always think to be more appreciative.
Over the course of a few days everybody finds out something about themselves – and more importantly, what they need to change to improve their lives.
I really enjoyed this. It’s a lovely uplifting, heartwarming read. Veronica Henry writes with such warmth and humour that you can’t help but be pulled into the lives of the characters. Although its set in the lead up to Christmas, the message in the story applies at any time of the year and can be enjoyed outside of the Christmas period. And I defy anyone not to fall in love with Clouseau!
Lizzy Kingham is a salt of the earth person. A loving wife and mother, but recently made redundant from her job as a successful wedding planner, she is at a crossroads in her life and things are made worse by her feeling as though her family are taking her for granted.
Her husband Simon seems to take more notice of his ex wife Amanda and pander to her wishes than he does Lizzy’s, her children treat her as part of the furniture and job rejections are coming in. The last straw is when her efforts to continue the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree as a family fall apart – they clearly don’t care about her feelings so she does something completely out of character and goes off on her own to celebrate Christmas.
Lizzy is not the only person feeling the pressure. Teenager Harley is having a tough time with his mother’s boyfriend and has to get away. Jack and his young son Nat are also suffering. The beach at Everdene is the place to go.
This was a charming and delightful read, without being sickly sweet. The characters are perfectly drawn; from harrassed mum Lizzy, to young Harley, a young man with a wise head trying to protect his mother and younger brother, and Jack – trying to move forward with his life. The more we learn about Lizzy’s family they come across as any other normal family – not being deliberately uncaring but so used to mum being there and doing everything that they don’t always think to be more appreciative.
Over the course of a few days everybody finds out something about themselves – and more importantly, what they need to change to improve their lives.
I really enjoyed this. It’s a lovely uplifting, heartwarming read. Veronica Henry writes with such warmth and humour that you can’t help but be pulled into the lives of the characters. Although its set in the lead up to Christmas, the message in the story applies at any time of the year and can be enjoyed outside of the Christmas period. And I defy anyone not to fall in love with Clouseau!
November 1, 2018
How lovely to be back at Everdene and at Christmas. I really do love the setting and all the beach huts. and this time around it is a whole new cast of characters, so the book can be read easily as a standalone.
What frustrated me slightly was how long it took for all the different threads to come together in any way. The chapters flicked between different focal points, and one or two of the stories that sounded really interesting weren't focused on as much as I would like, and in the case of Jack and Nat, I was utterly confused the first two times they appeared as I couldn't get to grips with them.
However I was enjoying everything I was reading and once I felt everything joining up as you would expect in books like this, it all made complete sense and at that point I found the book was an even better story.
The blurb focuses on Lizzy and she is the lynchpin of the novel, all threads keep coming back to her. She runs away from her family home a couple of days before Christmas as she is sick of being taken for granted, and what struck me most was her family's reactions and how dealt with the situation.
Meanwhile at the beach huts, the others that have also decided on a different Christmas as arriving, and with their own baggage and reasoning.
I loved seeing just how much Lizzy cares not just about her family but about the other people she has only just met. She has a gift for bringing people together and for managing to create Christmas out of nothing.
Harley is the other main character in my eyes, he is also on the run but for different reasons and also finds himself in Everdene. He is a young adult, and just wants what is best for his mum, but is scared of the situation his family is in and knows staying away would be for the best for a bit.
As the book progressed it was Harley's personal growth was the best to see and I loved seeing him develop even over the short time frame of the book.
Although its a story set around Christmas it to me fell short of making me feel festive and so I think it could easily be read at any time of year.
This was an enjoyable book, but as a huge fan of the author, I know that I have enjoyed others a lot more than this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orion for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
What frustrated me slightly was how long it took for all the different threads to come together in any way. The chapters flicked between different focal points, and one or two of the stories that sounded really interesting weren't focused on as much as I would like, and in the case of Jack and Nat, I was utterly confused the first two times they appeared as I couldn't get to grips with them.
However I was enjoying everything I was reading and once I felt everything joining up as you would expect in books like this, it all made complete sense and at that point I found the book was an even better story.
The blurb focuses on Lizzy and she is the lynchpin of the novel, all threads keep coming back to her. She runs away from her family home a couple of days before Christmas as she is sick of being taken for granted, and what struck me most was her family's reactions and how dealt with the situation.
Meanwhile at the beach huts, the others that have also decided on a different Christmas as arriving, and with their own baggage and reasoning.
I loved seeing just how much Lizzy cares not just about her family but about the other people she has only just met. She has a gift for bringing people together and for managing to create Christmas out of nothing.
Harley is the other main character in my eyes, he is also on the run but for different reasons and also finds himself in Everdene. He is a young adult, and just wants what is best for his mum, but is scared of the situation his family is in and knows staying away would be for the best for a bit.
As the book progressed it was Harley's personal growth was the best to see and I loved seeing him develop even over the short time frame of the book.
Although its a story set around Christmas it to me fell short of making me feel festive and so I think it could easily be read at any time of year.
This was an enjoyable book, but as a huge fan of the author, I know that I have enjoyed others a lot more than this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orion for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
November 11, 2020
I always enjoy Veronica Henry’s books and this one was no exception. It was the third in the Beach Hut series but you can read them as a stand alone book as each deals with different families who own or rent the Beach Huts. This one although it had a Christmas theme it dealt with other issues and I made me chuckle once or twice. Another winner from Ms. Henry.
December 2, 2019
I loved this latest story in the Beach Hut series. I hope Veronica Henry writes more books set in Everdene.
November 8, 2018
Christmas at the Beach Hut by Veronica Henry is just a warm hug of a book that embraces you right from the opening chapter and doesn't relinquish its enjoyable hold right until you have satisfyingly turned the very last page. When I received a copy of the book it was October and although many would say that's way too early to read a Christmas book I dove straight in. Something was calling me and I knew I had to start this little gem of a story. It's a gorgeous, relaxing read, one in which I flew through the pages and really by the end even though I loved the conclusion I just didn't want it to finish because of the lovely atmosphere and sentiment it evoked. It's definitely the perfect Christmas read to curl up on the sofa with in front of a roaring fire and with a glass of whatever takes your fancy at hand. The sentiment behind the story is just perfect - the real magic of Christmas and how it is a time for reconnecting with your loved ones - and it's a timely message that we all should remember. Funnily enough, I was slightly apprehensive before reading as the setting for this book was Everdene Sands as previously featured in The Beach Hut and The Beach Hut Next Door, both of which I have yet to read, but thankfully this didn't matter in the slightest and instantly I was caught up in the pure magic of the story.
Lizzy lives in Astley-in-Arden in Pepperpot Cottage, isn't that such a cute name?, and as she sits down to write her annual round robin to go with her Christmas cards she starts to question many things. As another year draws to a close and the frantic preparations for Christmas ramp up yet another gear Lizzy, now that she has taken voluntary redundancy after 25 years as events organiser at a hotel, has time to sit back and contemplate her life. As she does this she comes to realise maybe she is not as happy as she should be at this juncture in her life? What exactly does she get out of making Christmas as perfect as it can be for her husband Simon and their teenagers Hattie and Luke when they give scant regard to all the effort she puts in? Clearly Lizzie is at a crossroads in her life where the next step/decision she makes will have an important bearing on her future. Right from the get go I warmed to Lizzie, she wanted to do everything she possibly could for her family and in the process she overlooked her own self care and mental well being. This is something that can easily happen to us all. We get so caught up in caring for everybody else that when we take a moment to stop and breath and take stock we wonder well who would do the same for us if we just halted what we were doing? I'm sure many many women will identify with Lizzie but how many of us would be brave enough to take the leap of faith that she does?
Lizzie is seeking Christmas perfection this year but has she bitten off more than she can chew and is it all really appreciated by those she loves so much? She feels everything is her responsibility and a sense of gloom, panic and uncertainty begins to invade her as if her life is falling apart, spiralling out of control and she is powerless to stop it happening. All she wants is the nice tree as decorated by the family, the tasty dinner and suitable presents for all and time where the family can be together. So when Simon fails to tell her that mother-in-law Cynthia will be coming for Christmas dinner that sets the cat among the pigeons and slowly but surely Lizzie starts to think. Hold on a minute I didn't want Cynthia there so why are my wishes being disregarded? Has anyone noticed all the time and effort I am putting in? Will anyone actually notice whether I am there or not? I sensed quite early on that all of this was a culmination of events with Lizzie and it just so happened at a vulnerable time of year for many. Her own personal well being was starting to suffer and although she was offered help from professionals she believes admitting it and taking something would be a failure. Lizzie was a wonderful wife and mother but most certainly she was taken for granted and overlooked by her family. One just presumes someone will always be there to lean on and will do everything but what happens when that person is no longer there what do we do?
Taking matters into her own hands and sick of being left to do everything with very little help Lizzie makes a decision to leave. She wants to become the woman she wants to be instead of the woman that suited everybody else. She flees to Everdene where her friend has a beach hut and where she thinks she can be alone to contemplate everything and to think what she is feeling about all of this and what can be done about it? On one hand admired her courage and bravery but on the other hand was it just a decision made on the spur of the moment and one she would deeply regret? Will her family sit up and take notice? If I had been Hattie I don't think I would have liked to arrive home and find my mum gone at Christmas time.
As she arrives at the beach hut in the darkness of winter Lizzie is surprised to find it already occupied by a young man called Harley. I loved how we had different chapters told from both Lizzie and Harley's viewpoints leading up to their introduction allowing the reader to learn more about their backgrounds and situations. We got inside their hearts and minds to view their thought process and how they came to be at the hut. Harley hadn't had things easy either although his story was radically different to Lizzie's, they decide to spend the time together at the hut. Yes some may say why stay with a stranger but that's the wonder of this book that special things happen to remind us of the Christmas message and the author didn't make me feel as if this was unnatural or out of place. In fact at times I wished I could have joined them in the beach hut msyelf, it just seemed so welcoming and cosy and a place where all your troubles are left at the door.
Harley is fleeing his own stresses and strains and as soon as he reaches the hut that he is caretaker for during the summer months he has time to reflect. Family life for Harley is not all that good and he wonders how he can get his mother and sister out the situation they find themselves in. Or have things gone too far? Lizzie and Harley opened up to each other and although Lizzie was avoiding motherly duties so to speak she took on this role with Harley. I don't think she was a person who could ever fully rest. She always wanted to help people but she had reached the point where she wanted appreciation and understanding from her family for the help, support and love she has given unconditionally for so long. Will her marriage and the family unit survive Lizzie leaving or will Simon, Hattie and Luke finally wake up and realise that people can't be taken for granted and do something to fix things before it's too late and Christmas will be tainted for ever more?
The final duo to join the little unit at the beach hut is Jack and his son Nat who arrive to stay next door. Jack is still reeling from his own trauma yet wants to make Christmas the best he can for his little boy. Really he wants to crawl under the covers and forget everything but that can't happen. He has to keep going for Nat who loves the wonder of Christmas and Jack can't let this be ruined forever. Jack knows he has to start a new chapter, to leave the past behind him and to open his heart to new possibilities and friendships. By accident he meets Lizzie and Harley and he is embraced into the fold.
The beach hut took on a place of sanctuary and refuge for those that needed it. It had the most stunning setting and it was small and had just what one needed. It meant that all the frivolities and extras went by the wayside and they went back to basics. The hut allowed everyone to forget about their worries and nothing bad could happen there. Problems were shared but the question remained could everyone's worries be solved? I did think the last quarter or so of the book was slightly rushed and I would have loved even more fleshing out of the resolution of everyone's issues. Saying that I did like how things were resolved it's just I was enjoying this book so much I wanted even more. That's me just being greedy I suppose. Regardless of this one minor issue I had with the book I loved every minute of Christmas at the Beach Hut. It was absorbing, captivating and sparkling and I just loved the message the author was trying to convey and I think she did this brilliantly with such sensitivity and honesty.
Veronica Henry has written the most heart warming, splendid Christmas book and one which I enjoyed very much from the first word until the last. Definitely recommended to be part of your Christmas reading pile this year.
Lizzy lives in Astley-in-Arden in Pepperpot Cottage, isn't that such a cute name?, and as she sits down to write her annual round robin to go with her Christmas cards she starts to question many things. As another year draws to a close and the frantic preparations for Christmas ramp up yet another gear Lizzy, now that she has taken voluntary redundancy after 25 years as events organiser at a hotel, has time to sit back and contemplate her life. As she does this she comes to realise maybe she is not as happy as she should be at this juncture in her life? What exactly does she get out of making Christmas as perfect as it can be for her husband Simon and their teenagers Hattie and Luke when they give scant regard to all the effort she puts in? Clearly Lizzie is at a crossroads in her life where the next step/decision she makes will have an important bearing on her future. Right from the get go I warmed to Lizzie, she wanted to do everything she possibly could for her family and in the process she overlooked her own self care and mental well being. This is something that can easily happen to us all. We get so caught up in caring for everybody else that when we take a moment to stop and breath and take stock we wonder well who would do the same for us if we just halted what we were doing? I'm sure many many women will identify with Lizzie but how many of us would be brave enough to take the leap of faith that she does?
Lizzie is seeking Christmas perfection this year but has she bitten off more than she can chew and is it all really appreciated by those she loves so much? She feels everything is her responsibility and a sense of gloom, panic and uncertainty begins to invade her as if her life is falling apart, spiralling out of control and she is powerless to stop it happening. All she wants is the nice tree as decorated by the family, the tasty dinner and suitable presents for all and time where the family can be together. So when Simon fails to tell her that mother-in-law Cynthia will be coming for Christmas dinner that sets the cat among the pigeons and slowly but surely Lizzie starts to think. Hold on a minute I didn't want Cynthia there so why are my wishes being disregarded? Has anyone noticed all the time and effort I am putting in? Will anyone actually notice whether I am there or not? I sensed quite early on that all of this was a culmination of events with Lizzie and it just so happened at a vulnerable time of year for many. Her own personal well being was starting to suffer and although she was offered help from professionals she believes admitting it and taking something would be a failure. Lizzie was a wonderful wife and mother but most certainly she was taken for granted and overlooked by her family. One just presumes someone will always be there to lean on and will do everything but what happens when that person is no longer there what do we do?
Taking matters into her own hands and sick of being left to do everything with very little help Lizzie makes a decision to leave. She wants to become the woman she wants to be instead of the woman that suited everybody else. She flees to Everdene where her friend has a beach hut and where she thinks she can be alone to contemplate everything and to think what she is feeling about all of this and what can be done about it? On one hand admired her courage and bravery but on the other hand was it just a decision made on the spur of the moment and one she would deeply regret? Will her family sit up and take notice? If I had been Hattie I don't think I would have liked to arrive home and find my mum gone at Christmas time.
As she arrives at the beach hut in the darkness of winter Lizzie is surprised to find it already occupied by a young man called Harley. I loved how we had different chapters told from both Lizzie and Harley's viewpoints leading up to their introduction allowing the reader to learn more about their backgrounds and situations. We got inside their hearts and minds to view their thought process and how they came to be at the hut. Harley hadn't had things easy either although his story was radically different to Lizzie's, they decide to spend the time together at the hut. Yes some may say why stay with a stranger but that's the wonder of this book that special things happen to remind us of the Christmas message and the author didn't make me feel as if this was unnatural or out of place. In fact at times I wished I could have joined them in the beach hut msyelf, it just seemed so welcoming and cosy and a place where all your troubles are left at the door.
Harley is fleeing his own stresses and strains and as soon as he reaches the hut that he is caretaker for during the summer months he has time to reflect. Family life for Harley is not all that good and he wonders how he can get his mother and sister out the situation they find themselves in. Or have things gone too far? Lizzie and Harley opened up to each other and although Lizzie was avoiding motherly duties so to speak she took on this role with Harley. I don't think she was a person who could ever fully rest. She always wanted to help people but she had reached the point where she wanted appreciation and understanding from her family for the help, support and love she has given unconditionally for so long. Will her marriage and the family unit survive Lizzie leaving or will Simon, Hattie and Luke finally wake up and realise that people can't be taken for granted and do something to fix things before it's too late and Christmas will be tainted for ever more?
The final duo to join the little unit at the beach hut is Jack and his son Nat who arrive to stay next door. Jack is still reeling from his own trauma yet wants to make Christmas the best he can for his little boy. Really he wants to crawl under the covers and forget everything but that can't happen. He has to keep going for Nat who loves the wonder of Christmas and Jack can't let this be ruined forever. Jack knows he has to start a new chapter, to leave the past behind him and to open his heart to new possibilities and friendships. By accident he meets Lizzie and Harley and he is embraced into the fold.
The beach hut took on a place of sanctuary and refuge for those that needed it. It had the most stunning setting and it was small and had just what one needed. It meant that all the frivolities and extras went by the wayside and they went back to basics. The hut allowed everyone to forget about their worries and nothing bad could happen there. Problems were shared but the question remained could everyone's worries be solved? I did think the last quarter or so of the book was slightly rushed and I would have loved even more fleshing out of the resolution of everyone's issues. Saying that I did like how things were resolved it's just I was enjoying this book so much I wanted even more. That's me just being greedy I suppose. Regardless of this one minor issue I had with the book I loved every minute of Christmas at the Beach Hut. It was absorbing, captivating and sparkling and I just loved the message the author was trying to convey and I think she did this brilliantly with such sensitivity and honesty.
Veronica Henry has written the most heart warming, splendid Christmas book and one which I enjoyed very much from the first word until the last. Definitely recommended to be part of your Christmas reading pile this year.
December 2, 2018
Call me shallow but I fell in love with the cover of Christmas at the Beach Hut from the moment I spotted it on social media. I was desperate to get my hands on this book and yet it took me a couple of weeks to lay my hands on it as it seems to have sold out everywhere which isn’t surprising with it reaching the Sunday Times bestseller list. The cover has glitter on the tree and lights to really make it sparkle so I immediately began to feel all Christmas fairy like and was hoping the book wouldn’t let me down and would actually have a full festive storyline rather than a mere mention of the word!
The storyline alternates between our three main characters Harley, Jack and Lizzy who have all for their own personal reasons decided to escape Christmas and hide away at the Beach Huts along the coast. I think every reader will sympathise with each of the characters and their reasons for wanting to escape and it reminds us that even with the run up to Christmas when we are all in high spirits that this time of year brings its own pressures and people still have things they are trying to deal with.
I loved all three of our characters but Lizzy did call out to me more with her feeling undervalued and kind of losing her way in life because of a number of issues and I actually found myself routing for her to take the time out for herself to not only make her loved ones appreciate her more but for her to take the time to put herself before others which does not come naturally to her. I found her loving and caring nature really helped Harley and Jack at their time of need.
Harley was a true credit to his mum and he is a lad who has had to grow up quickly due to their family situation. Jack’s situation is truly heartbreaking especially as his whole story is revealed and I was hoping that Lizzy could ease some of the heartache he was feeling and to help his son to still be able to have his little magical Christmas.
There were a lot of issues that were touched upon in this book from mental abuse to the way we handle grief and the effects on those going through the menopause and each of these were handled with dignity and care bringing awareness without sugarcoating the effects. Although these topics are at the core of the plot it didn’t make this book any less uplifting.
There is a perfect amount of festivity with the timescale of the book being set only days before Christmas when the preparations begin right the way over Christmas upto the new year. I would actually go as far as saying this is my favourite Christmas read of 2018 so far.
Veronica Henry is a marvellous storyteller and has such an easy effortless feel to her writing style, her words just whisk me away that is why I find her novels pure escapism. I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas at the Beach Hut and have now brought another two copies as presents to share my love for this book. Please don’t worry if you have never read any of the Beach Hut books this is a standalone book but it will just have you desperate to read the others afterwards!
The storyline alternates between our three main characters Harley, Jack and Lizzy who have all for their own personal reasons decided to escape Christmas and hide away at the Beach Huts along the coast. I think every reader will sympathise with each of the characters and their reasons for wanting to escape and it reminds us that even with the run up to Christmas when we are all in high spirits that this time of year brings its own pressures and people still have things they are trying to deal with.
I loved all three of our characters but Lizzy did call out to me more with her feeling undervalued and kind of losing her way in life because of a number of issues and I actually found myself routing for her to take the time out for herself to not only make her loved ones appreciate her more but for her to take the time to put herself before others which does not come naturally to her. I found her loving and caring nature really helped Harley and Jack at their time of need.
Harley was a true credit to his mum and he is a lad who has had to grow up quickly due to their family situation. Jack’s situation is truly heartbreaking especially as his whole story is revealed and I was hoping that Lizzy could ease some of the heartache he was feeling and to help his son to still be able to have his little magical Christmas.
There were a lot of issues that were touched upon in this book from mental abuse to the way we handle grief and the effects on those going through the menopause and each of these were handled with dignity and care bringing awareness without sugarcoating the effects. Although these topics are at the core of the plot it didn’t make this book any less uplifting.
There is a perfect amount of festivity with the timescale of the book being set only days before Christmas when the preparations begin right the way over Christmas upto the new year. I would actually go as far as saying this is my favourite Christmas read of 2018 so far.
Veronica Henry is a marvellous storyteller and has such an easy effortless feel to her writing style, her words just whisk me away that is why I find her novels pure escapism. I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas at the Beach Hut and have now brought another two copies as presents to share my love for this book. Please don’t worry if you have never read any of the Beach Hut books this is a standalone book but it will just have you desperate to read the others afterwards!
December 7, 2018
Christmas at the Beach House by Veronica Henry was a lovely Christmas read. Written from a different perspective of Christmas the main character Lizzy is feeling unappreciated and neglected by her family so she decides to leave them all to it and goes to her friends beach hut, for a Christmas by her self. Her family come to realise what Lizzy does for them all and how much she means to them. They realise that they have neglected her and decide to make amends.
I thought this was a really lovely story and I am sure resounds with many mums and wives out there.
I thought this was a really lovely story and I am sure resounds with many mums and wives out there.
December 30, 2023
My first Veronica Henry book and im glad i started with a Christmas one. This had some harder hitting issues nearer the end but it was the most lovely story. Escapism and peace for christmas sounds great right? Well, when a few waifs and strays meet up at some cosy beach huts all is revealed as to why they have chosen to skip Christmas.
I really enjoyed this one and will read more from this author. Im always late to the party with some authors but this provides a cosy getaway to fully loose yourself in. A great christmas time read. I found this hard to put down and wanted to race through it.
I have one more Christmas story to finish and thats me putting them away for another year...sigh... till next year!!
I really enjoyed this one and will read more from this author. Im always late to the party with some authors but this provides a cosy getaway to fully loose yourself in. A great christmas time read. I found this hard to put down and wanted to race through it.
I have one more Christmas story to finish and thats me putting them away for another year...sigh... till next year!!
November 26, 2019
It has been WAY too long since I read a Veronica Henry so decided that as I loved the the last book featuring the beach hut I would make this latest VH book the next to read and that was a great decision. The story focuses on Lizzy Kingham and her clan. Lizzy has recently been made redundant and she is struggling to feel valued. Her husband always has work commitments and her older kids are off with their friends and this year she is feeling especially frazzled.
Lizzie is instantly likeable and as a woman of a certain age you can empathise with her character and how she is feeling. She decides on a whim (BRAVE woman) that she has had enough and she is going to disappear for a few days to see how her family cope without her, so she heads down to Everdene. Her friend Caroline has a beach house that remains unused while Caroline is abroad. When Lizzie arrives she begins to wonder what she has done until she runs across the teenage boy Harley who is having his own troubles.
Meanwhile Simon (lizzie’s husband) and her kids are realising what they have done, or rather haven’t done to help Lizzie. Back in everdene Lizzie and Harley become an unlikely team and then other people join the mixing pot of characters such as Nat and his young son, and Harleys mum. This book, although not what I expected was a joy to read. It was uplifting and heart warming which makes in my opinion the perfect Christmas read.
Lizzie is instantly likeable and as a woman of a certain age you can empathise with her character and how she is feeling. She decides on a whim (BRAVE woman) that she has had enough and she is going to disappear for a few days to see how her family cope without her, so she heads down to Everdene. Her friend Caroline has a beach house that remains unused while Caroline is abroad. When Lizzie arrives she begins to wonder what she has done until she runs across the teenage boy Harley who is having his own troubles.
Meanwhile Simon (lizzie’s husband) and her kids are realising what they have done, or rather haven’t done to help Lizzie. Back in everdene Lizzie and Harley become an unlikely team and then other people join the mixing pot of characters such as Nat and his young son, and Harleys mum. This book, although not what I expected was a joy to read. It was uplifting and heart warming which makes in my opinion the perfect Christmas read.
December 19, 2018
Lizzy loves her family and her home. However this year, shortly before Christmas, she starts to realize that they... well, they take her for granted. she's always there for them but they don't respect her wishes and think only about themselves. So she decides to take matters on her own hands and decides to leave. Not for good, oh no, only for Christmas, to think things over and figure out why she isn't happy any more. She flees to Everdene, where her friend has a beach hut where she can spend her time on her own - right?
The chapters changed between different points of view. Lizzy is actually our main character and I liked her from the very beginning. I could totally get her frustration and her need to just flee after years of taking care of everyone else and putting her own needs behind. She was so relatable, and the way she wasn't sure what to do next, her feelings and emotions were so easily brought to life by the author. Hats off to Lizzie for doing what she did, it takes for sure tons of courage to make such a step. She was such a great wife and mother but she didn't feel appreciated, and no wonder, as she was really take for granted.
But the novel also tells us about Harley and Jack who, as well as Lizzy, want to escape Christmas. They all have their own personal reasons for this and believe me guys when I tell you that their stories are poignant and heart - breaking. You will understand those reasons and fell for them quickly. The author seamlessly and effortlessly allows us into the characters' heads, how gradually we learn about them, about what make them tick, about their background and histories and start to understand them.
The beach hut was so welcoming, and it was a perfect place to stay - I loved the descriptions of it, it really felt as if it was a place where you could forget about all your troubles and problems and I would love to have a possibility to escape there as well.
I was a little afraid to start reading this book as it is the next to "The Beach Hut" and "The Beach Hut Next Door", both of which I have yet to read, but I can easily reassure you now, after reading it, that it is a perfect stand - alone novel. However, this book didn't wow me as much as I think it would. There was nothing particularly wrong with it, it was a perfectly nice read, it was probably the last finish touch that I missed. It also felt too slow and there weren't really many turns and twists. It took a long time for all the threads to come together and there were too many characters with name that started with "H" - Hal, Hayley and I think there was another one, Hattie, and I was confused for a long time before I finally started to tell them apart.
But altogether, it was a very enjoyable book about family, putting yourself first at least but not forgetting about other people, about courage and priorities. Although it is not my favourite by this author, I'd still recommend it to you if you're looking for a relaxing and relatable read and it is for sure a book that can't be missing on your Christmas wish - list or reading pile if you're Veronica Henry's fan. It touched upon many different issues, some of them more difficult and heavier than the others: mental abuse, grief, taking for granted. Veronica Henry has way with words, she's a brilliant storyteller and her writing style is easy to follow, light and inviting. It was a heart - warming, poignant, full of emotions escapism, full of stories and characters that are true to life and relatable.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
December 18, 2018
Absolutely loved this book. This was the first Veronica Henry book I have read but it definitely won't be the last! A story of when life amd being taken granted becomes too much that I am sure we can all relate to. A story of hope and new beginnings with a touch of Christmas magic
January 19, 2022
very enjoyable book. I listened to this via Audiobook and although the narrator was very good, she seemed to make the main character Lizzy feel older than she was, although she is the mother of teenage twins, I felt she was a lot older (late 60s perhaps, but don't believe this to be the case).
A nice feelgood festive read and another strong book in the Beach Hut series (which can be read in any order) by Veronica Henry.
A nice feelgood festive read and another strong book in the Beach Hut series (which can be read in any order) by Veronica Henry.
February 2, 2019
Too late for Christmas last year but too early for Christmas this year, I still could not resist reading it.
January 5, 2019
Such a warm, easy to read book. The pages simply fly by and before you know it you've read a huge chunk of the story and are still ready to read more!
The Story.
Set at Christmas time. A time which is advertised as family togetherness and bliss. But not always...Christmas time is also stressful. Tensions can rise as people are extra busy and families have to make decisions which can offend some of their nearest and dearest. This is what drives Lizzy to take a drastic decision and leave her family to fend for themselves while she has a few days away to escape from the pressure of the family at Christmas time. Lizzy has been overlooked by her family for years and now she has finally had enough.
Then there is Harley, his step dad is antagonistic towards him and Harley just needs to get away before he breaks and does something he regrets.
And this is how Harley and Lizzy find themselves at the beach hut together.
In Lizzy, Henry has created a character that many women will identify with. Overwhelmed with up coming changes to her family life, being put upon by everyone, always putting everyone first - even her husbands ex-wife and then boom Christmas comes around and everything implodes and Lizzy goes awol.
As always, Veronica Henry writes a book full of warmth and likeable characters. Well worth a read.
The Story.
Set at Christmas time. A time which is advertised as family togetherness and bliss. But not always...Christmas time is also stressful. Tensions can rise as people are extra busy and families have to make decisions which can offend some of their nearest and dearest. This is what drives Lizzy to take a drastic decision and leave her family to fend for themselves while she has a few days away to escape from the pressure of the family at Christmas time. Lizzy has been overlooked by her family for years and now she has finally had enough.
Then there is Harley, his step dad is antagonistic towards him and Harley just needs to get away before he breaks and does something he regrets.
And this is how Harley and Lizzy find themselves at the beach hut together.
In Lizzy, Henry has created a character that many women will identify with. Overwhelmed with up coming changes to her family life, being put upon by everyone, always putting everyone first - even her husbands ex-wife and then boom Christmas comes around and everything implodes and Lizzy goes awol.
As always, Veronica Henry writes a book full of warmth and likeable characters. Well worth a read.
December 18, 2018
OMG I picked up this book and lost myself entirely into the world of Lizzy and did not want to stop reading. This is a story that will ring true with so many Mum's who are trying to juggle everything, especially at this time of year when there are even more balls to keep in the air than normal.
I loved the descriptions in this book and instantly loved how cosy Pepperpot Cottage comes across and how this was then compared to the Beach Hut. I have always lived by the beach and can relate to the sea air clearing your head and emptying your thoughts. I loved curling up with this book and could feel myself feeling more festive as I kept reading.
A brilliant book that I highly recommend, it is full of festive cheer and is a heart warming feel good read that will leave you feeling all fuzzy and you may even shed a tear or two.
I loved the descriptions in this book and instantly loved how cosy Pepperpot Cottage comes across and how this was then compared to the Beach Hut. I have always lived by the beach and can relate to the sea air clearing your head and emptying your thoughts. I loved curling up with this book and could feel myself feeling more festive as I kept reading.
A brilliant book that I highly recommend, it is full of festive cheer and is a heart warming feel good read that will leave you feeling all fuzzy and you may even shed a tear or two.
December 21, 2024
This is the third book in this series that i have read and i have to admit that it’s my favourite so far - i loved it!!
I also buddy read it with my best friend, which made the experience so much better.
I absolutely love Veronica Henry’s writing style, the way she sets a scene is amazing, so that you actually feel that you are fully immersed in the whole story.
I loved getting to know all of the characters and the more i read it revealed how all of the characters lives became intertwined together.
The ending was perfect but i would also love to re-visit all the characters again at some point, just to have a little catch-up with what they are all up to!!
I also buddy read it with my best friend, which made the experience so much better.
I absolutely love Veronica Henry’s writing style, the way she sets a scene is amazing, so that you actually feel that you are fully immersed in the whole story.
I loved getting to know all of the characters and the more i read it revealed how all of the characters lives became intertwined together.
The ending was perfect but i would also love to re-visit all the characters again at some point, just to have a little catch-up with what they are all up to!!
December 17, 2018
Pure Christmas magic and a joy to read. The setting is beautiful and such a heartwarming story. I loved it!
January 7, 2019
This was just delightful....Veronica Henry is such a good story teller ....I laughted and cried and devoured every tasty morsel of this Christmas treat...totally recommend.
January 1, 2019
Listened to in audio format.
Christmas at the Beach Hut is my first audio book finished in 2019.
The book was mainly about three characters Lizzie, eighteen year old Harley, widower Jack and his young son Nat.
The plot was mostly centred around Lizzie Kingham who was happily mArried to Simon and had teenage twins Luke and Hattie.
Lizzie had felt out of sorts after being made redundant as an events organiser. She had a happy marriage but her life was shadowed by Simon`s glamorous ex wife Amanda, and mother in law Cynthia.
Lizzie and Simon had a blazing row when 2 days before Christmas Amanda rang and said she would be away on a skiing trip. Cynthia was supposed to be spending Christmas with Amanda, but now she was expecting to spend it with Simon and Lizzie. Simon had known about the change in plan but forgot to tell Lizzie. When Simon and the twins failed to help with the traditional decorating the tree, Lizzie decided to run away and spend the festive season in her best friends beach hut.
Harley lived with his mum Leanne, her partner Nick and little brother River. Nick was mentally abusive towards Leanne and kept trying to goad Harley into a fight. Afraid he would do something he regretted Harley decided to stay in one of the Beach huts.
Finally Jack was lent a beach hut to spend christmas with his son. Jack still missed his wife who had died three years earlier. He hoped to spend a quiet Christmas bonding with Nat.
When Lizzie found Harley staying in the same beach hut she decided to take him under her wing. She prompted him to ring Leanne and let him know he was safe. Feeling guilty, Leanne realised she had made mistake moving in with Nick and decided to leave him.
I loved the plot but it was a slow burner and took a while before the different characters got together. My favourite characters were Lizzie and Harley.
Lizzie was obviously the lynchpin of her family. I thought she was very loyal to keep Cynthia`s secret from Simon. I liked the attempts of the Kingham family to find her.
I liked Harley who was very mature for 18 and loved how he was willing to protect Leanne and River.
This was a lovely book which left me with a warm glow. With likeable characters she can't help but cAre about. I highly recommend this book.
Christmas at the Beach Hut is my first audio book finished in 2019.
The book was mainly about three characters Lizzie, eighteen year old Harley, widower Jack and his young son Nat.
The plot was mostly centred around Lizzie Kingham who was happily mArried to Simon and had teenage twins Luke and Hattie.
Lizzie had felt out of sorts after being made redundant as an events organiser. She had a happy marriage but her life was shadowed by Simon`s glamorous ex wife Amanda, and mother in law Cynthia.
Lizzie and Simon had a blazing row when 2 days before Christmas Amanda rang and said she would be away on a skiing trip. Cynthia was supposed to be spending Christmas with Amanda, but now she was expecting to spend it with Simon and Lizzie. Simon had known about the change in plan but forgot to tell Lizzie. When Simon and the twins failed to help with the traditional decorating the tree, Lizzie decided to run away and spend the festive season in her best friends beach hut.
Harley lived with his mum Leanne, her partner Nick and little brother River. Nick was mentally abusive towards Leanne and kept trying to goad Harley into a fight. Afraid he would do something he regretted Harley decided to stay in one of the Beach huts.
Finally Jack was lent a beach hut to spend christmas with his son. Jack still missed his wife who had died three years earlier. He hoped to spend a quiet Christmas bonding with Nat.
When Lizzie found Harley staying in the same beach hut she decided to take him under her wing. She prompted him to ring Leanne and let him know he was safe. Feeling guilty, Leanne realised she had made mistake moving in with Nick and decided to leave him.
I loved the plot but it was a slow burner and took a while before the different characters got together. My favourite characters were Lizzie and Harley.
Lizzie was obviously the lynchpin of her family. I thought she was very loyal to keep Cynthia`s secret from Simon. I liked the attempts of the Kingham family to find her.
I liked Harley who was very mature for 18 and loved how he was willing to protect Leanne and River.
This was a lovely book which left me with a warm glow. With likeable characters she can't help but cAre about. I highly recommend this book.
November 29, 2021
I absolutely loved Christmas at the Beach Hut, by Veronica Henry (as I do all of her books) and I was sad to see the story end, though it was a wonderful ending. I don’t even want to think about the fact that I’m almost done with this series because it’s been such a meaningful reading experience.
Christmas at the Beach Hut is particularly poignant because it’s about a woman approximately my age and stage in life and her plight and struggles truly resonated with me. I think that’s one of the gifts of reading; stories that explore your situation in life and offer clarity, hope and a new perspective.
Christmas at the Beach Hut is charming and emotionally impactful, but also brimming with good will and Christmas cheer. It’s thoughtful and insightful, and a pleasure to read. This story is a beautiful addition to my Christmas story collection.
Christmas at the Beach Hut is particularly poignant because it’s about a woman approximately my age and stage in life and her plight and struggles truly resonated with me. I think that’s one of the gifts of reading; stories that explore your situation in life and offer clarity, hope and a new perspective.
Christmas at the Beach Hut is charming and emotionally impactful, but also brimming with good will and Christmas cheer. It’s thoughtful and insightful, and a pleasure to read. This story is a beautiful addition to my Christmas story collection.
December 16, 2020
Jag gillar böcker med konceptet där familjens projektledare (oftast mamman) säger upp sig och antingen strejkar eller drar, och lämnar de andra i den bistra verkligheten. Och den här är inget undantag. Lite väl sockersöt ibland där ett par människor dras samman i juletid i och kring ett strandhus, men den funkar hela vägen, för mig.
December 25, 2024
this was so unexpected, but this was just the book i needed rn and for the holidays!💝
it was so real in a way and it really portrayed the meaning of christmas, family, friendship and love so well and ugh just so cozy and good! and it taught me to not take anything for granted and to be grateful for the things i have<3
it was so real in a way and it really portrayed the meaning of christmas, family, friendship and love so well and ugh just so cozy and good! and it taught me to not take anything for granted and to be grateful for the things i have<3
December 24, 2021
Det tog ett litet tag att komma in i berättelsen, men ungefär en tredjedel in så kom den igång ordentligt och sedan kunde jag bara njuta av den. Det är flera olika perspektiv som man måste vänja sig vid, men som sedan lyfter hela berättelsen. Det är både glädje och svärta och en del jul.
December 26, 2024
A lovely Christmas read from Veronica and great to be revisting Everdene. What a lovely bunch of characters.
January 23, 2026
Really good book. Had to pick it up whenever I could. A new Author for me and one I will definitely read again.
December 20, 2020
Det här är en fin julroman med flera dimensioner med kärlek, hopp, förlåtelse och massor av julstämning. En härlig julpralin!
Rekommenderar alla Veronica Henrys böcker - så bra!
Rekommenderar alla Veronica Henrys böcker - så bra!
December 20, 2020
Mysig julbok med mycket känslor och vinklar om hur olika livet kan vara för människor, men ändå kan man finns varann.
Hur ensamhet kan förena om man är öppen för det.
Hur ensamhet kan förena om man är öppen för det.
December 20, 2021
Mysig julbok!
December 18, 2018
I loved this book, one of my favourites this year, but Veronica Henry has always been one of my favourite authors so I'm not surprised it was so good.
This book brings us back to the beach at Everdene, the place some of her other books have also been set in but at Christmas this time, and ends up being a pared down version of Christmas for everybody, without all the stresses usually associated with it.
Lizzy has a lovely husband, Simon, and twin children Hattie & Luke who are about to fly the nest, but they have been taking her for granted quite a bit, even though she has been letting them. Lizzy has recently taken redundancy and is at 'that time in life' and so everything has really gotten on top of her. So after a few additional stresses, which she really doesn't need, she decides she's had enough and her lot can sort themselves out over Christmas. So she takes off to her friend's beach hut at Everdene, a place she used to visit a lot when she was younger, but without telling her family where she was going.
She thought she would be there alone to get her head together again, but as it turns out there is a (lovely) teenager, Harley, also staying there. The owner of the hut, Caroline, was planning on going there for Christmas but couldn't make it and so said to Lizzy to help herself and stay there, but had also mentioned it to Harley, who is a caretaker for the huts, saying he could use it too. Harley is also sort of running away, from his Mother's partner who is a nasty piece of work, but doesn't want to upset his Mum and little brother.
Then a widower and his young son turn up in the hut next door, also trying to get away from well meaning family over Christmas, and Lizzy ends up gathering everyone around and looking after them, she is a real nurturer and just a lovely person.
There are a few dramas along the way with Harley's family, and Lizzy's family trying to find her, but they all manage to sort it out eventually, and start afresh.
Just a really lovely story with some great characters that left me with a lovely warm glow. One of those books I didn't want to end.
This book brings us back to the beach at Everdene, the place some of her other books have also been set in but at Christmas this time, and ends up being a pared down version of Christmas for everybody, without all the stresses usually associated with it.
Lizzy has a lovely husband, Simon, and twin children Hattie & Luke who are about to fly the nest, but they have been taking her for granted quite a bit, even though she has been letting them. Lizzy has recently taken redundancy and is at 'that time in life' and so everything has really gotten on top of her. So after a few additional stresses, which she really doesn't need, she decides she's had enough and her lot can sort themselves out over Christmas. So she takes off to her friend's beach hut at Everdene, a place she used to visit a lot when she was younger, but without telling her family where she was going.
She thought she would be there alone to get her head together again, but as it turns out there is a (lovely) teenager, Harley, also staying there. The owner of the hut, Caroline, was planning on going there for Christmas but couldn't make it and so said to Lizzy to help herself and stay there, but had also mentioned it to Harley, who is a caretaker for the huts, saying he could use it too. Harley is also sort of running away, from his Mother's partner who is a nasty piece of work, but doesn't want to upset his Mum and little brother.
Then a widower and his young son turn up in the hut next door, also trying to get away from well meaning family over Christmas, and Lizzy ends up gathering everyone around and looking after them, she is a real nurturer and just a lovely person.
There are a few dramas along the way with Harley's family, and Lizzy's family trying to find her, but they all manage to sort it out eventually, and start afresh.
Just a really lovely story with some great characters that left me with a lovely warm glow. One of those books I didn't want to end.
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