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The Christmas Wish
Lose yourself in this beautiful romantic comedy set in a land of sleigh rides, sparkling starry skies and gingerbread cottages. Perfect for fans of Karen Swan, Katie Fforde and Jill Mansell.
Christmas is coming but it doesn’t feel that way for Esme Greenwood. Recently jilted by her cheating fiancee Warren, she’s had enough of London life and escapes to Thimble Cottage in the Peak District, home of her beloved grandmother Matilda.
While Esme mourns for the wedding she’ll never have, Matilda puts her granddaughter back together again with comforting words and generous helpings of fruitcake and together, they plan the trip of a lifetime, to Lapland to see the northern lights, somewhere Matilda has always dreamt of going.
But tragedy strikes and when Matilda dies, Esme screws up the courage to go on the trip on her own to honour her beloved grandmother’s wishes. At the airport she meets a motley crew of characters including Zach, a handsome, brooding, out-of- work actor and together they set off for an adventure.
Beneath the indigo skies of Lapland, Esme and Zach grow closer. But when Esme is bombarded by messages from Warren promising he’s changed and she discovers that Zach is hiding something very significant - will her head be turned? And when a trip to the northern lights reveals the full extent of Zach’s own secret past, is there any hope that Esme will get the happy ending that her grandmother wished for her?
Christmas is coming but it doesn’t feel that way for Esme Greenwood. Recently jilted by her cheating fiancee Warren, she’s had enough of London life and escapes to Thimble Cottage in the Peak District, home of her beloved grandmother Matilda.
While Esme mourns for the wedding she’ll never have, Matilda puts her granddaughter back together again with comforting words and generous helpings of fruitcake and together, they plan the trip of a lifetime, to Lapland to see the northern lights, somewhere Matilda has always dreamt of going.
But tragedy strikes and when Matilda dies, Esme screws up the courage to go on the trip on her own to honour her beloved grandmother’s wishes. At the airport she meets a motley crew of characters including Zach, a handsome, brooding, out-of- work actor and together they set off for an adventure.
Beneath the indigo skies of Lapland, Esme and Zach grow closer. But when Esme is bombarded by messages from Warren promising he’s changed and she discovers that Zach is hiding something very significant - will her head be turned? And when a trip to the northern lights reveals the full extent of Zach’s own secret past, is there any hope that Esme will get the happy ending that her grandmother wished for her?
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2018
288 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
About the author
Tilly Tennant
48 books469 followersTilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop girl, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing, graduating in 2009 with first class honours. She wrote her first novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and has not stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor, and considers herself very lucky that this enables her to read many wonderful books before the rest of the world gets them.
Tilly is represented by the wonderful, gorgeous Peta Nightingale at LAW.
Tilly is represented by the wonderful, gorgeous Peta Nightingale at LAW.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
October 24, 2018
What a gorgeous holiday book!
Tilly Tennant has such a way with words – I adored this emotional, heartfelt story. The cover alone is adorable, but the words inside are even better. This was quite more serious than I would have believed it was going to be and I thoroughly enjoyed the direction it went in.
I feel like I can’t provide a summary with spoilers so I’ll just say that we get to see our main character, Esme, go on a personal journey in which she grows tremendously and it is a joy to read about.
I absolutely adored the setting, one I’ve never read about before, and enjoyed learning about the location and the atmosphere. The perfect winter wonderland!
There was some comic relief from Hortense who happened to be one of my favorite characters - I’d love to see another book to explore what happens to her in the future!
There were several difficult subjects addressed, all carefully detailed, that will make you feel for these characters tremendously. I highly recommend for those who enjoy holiday books with a more serious edge.
A big thank you to Bookouture for my advance copy! This book is now available.
Tilly Tennant has such a way with words – I adored this emotional, heartfelt story. The cover alone is adorable, but the words inside are even better. This was quite more serious than I would have believed it was going to be and I thoroughly enjoyed the direction it went in.
I feel like I can’t provide a summary with spoilers so I’ll just say that we get to see our main character, Esme, go on a personal journey in which she grows tremendously and it is a joy to read about.
I absolutely adored the setting, one I’ve never read about before, and enjoyed learning about the location and the atmosphere. The perfect winter wonderland!
There was some comic relief from Hortense who happened to be one of my favorite characters - I’d love to see another book to explore what happens to her in the future!
There were several difficult subjects addressed, all carefully detailed, that will make you feel for these characters tremendously. I highly recommend for those who enjoy holiday books with a more serious edge.
A big thank you to Bookouture for my advance copy! This book is now available.
October 24, 2018
Star light, star bright, where the hell is Mr. Right?💫
This was a charming story filled with all the wonders of winter... this however was not a book filled with fluff, it took on some serious subject matter that added another dimension to the story... it also takes you to Lapland and The spectacular beauty of the Northern Lights... now I’ve never considered vacationing in a cold climate, but these lights are quite alluring.... I truly had no idea they were so colorful, I don’t know what I thought, But now I get the draw!
Esme has just left her lying cheating boyfriend and return home to live with her grandmother.... grandmother spoils her with the comforts of home and food and the two of them begin to fantasize about a trip to Lapland... but when Grandma is no longer able to go and Esme gets back with the lying boyfriend Warren, the trip might no longer happen... but when Esme realizes that lying is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Warren he is also manipulative and controlling, she begins to think that a solo trip might not be such a bad idea after all.... what I really liked about the travel company is that they introduced people traveling alone to one another, and so Esme met an eclectic crew of characters including Zack....
This book really picked up for me when they got to Lapland, I loved every single minute of that adventure... Esme really blossomed as a character when out of the clutches of Warren... there must be something so liberating about traveling alone, I’ve never done it, but I could see where it would just give you a confidence boost.... and it wouldn’t hurt if there was a handsome Zack on the trip as well... I really liked the relationship between these two it developed sweetly and slowly.... there was also a lot of will they? Won’t they? Zack has a secret and Esme has evil Warren...
This really is a heartwarming winter Romance with just a tiny dash of Christmas.... recommend to anyone who enjoys a nice sweet romance with some likable characters and a beautiful setting....
*** A big thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
This was a charming story filled with all the wonders of winter... this however was not a book filled with fluff, it took on some serious subject matter that added another dimension to the story... it also takes you to Lapland and The spectacular beauty of the Northern Lights... now I’ve never considered vacationing in a cold climate, but these lights are quite alluring.... I truly had no idea they were so colorful, I don’t know what I thought, But now I get the draw!
Esme has just left her lying cheating boyfriend and return home to live with her grandmother.... grandmother spoils her with the comforts of home and food and the two of them begin to fantasize about a trip to Lapland... but when Grandma is no longer able to go and Esme gets back with the lying boyfriend Warren, the trip might no longer happen... but when Esme realizes that lying is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Warren he is also manipulative and controlling, she begins to think that a solo trip might not be such a bad idea after all.... what I really liked about the travel company is that they introduced people traveling alone to one another, and so Esme met an eclectic crew of characters including Zack....
This book really picked up for me when they got to Lapland, I loved every single minute of that adventure... Esme really blossomed as a character when out of the clutches of Warren... there must be something so liberating about traveling alone, I’ve never done it, but I could see where it would just give you a confidence boost.... and it wouldn’t hurt if there was a handsome Zack on the trip as well... I really liked the relationship between these two it developed sweetly and slowly.... there was also a lot of will they? Won’t they? Zack has a secret and Esme has evil Warren...
This really is a heartwarming winter Romance with just a tiny dash of Christmas.... recommend to anyone who enjoys a nice sweet romance with some likable characters and a beautiful setting....
*** A big thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
December 27, 2018
Esme has been through a rough time with her ex boyfriend and decides she needs to leave London. She escapes to the familiarity and the safety of Little Dove Morton and Thimble Cottage, the village in the Peak District where her grandmother lives, and where Esme has many happy childhood memories of.
Being back in her Grandmother's cottage helps Esme start to heal, and as Autumn turns to Winter and plans start being made for Christmas, Esme begins to accept her broken engagement with the horrible sounding Warren and enjoy spending time with her warm hearted and devoted grandmother Matilda. Her parents are going to spend Christmas with her and her grandmother, and hopefully some bridges will be built. However, when tragedy strikes, things don't go quite as straightforward as they initially seemed.
Although The Christmas Wish is the perfect heartwarming antidote to the hectic run up to Christmas, it still touches on weightier issues; such as emotionally abusive relationships and some moving storylines, particularly in relation to one character. This brings another element to the story but doesn't detract too much from the overall sense of reassurance the book brings, with its descriptions of the smells and sights you associate with December and Christmas. Baking of Christmas puddings and cakes, beautifully sparkling Christmas trees, colourful lights, decadent decorations, whiffs of steaming hot chocolate and frosty mornings.
The characters are likeable and good natured - with the exception of Warren - and the settings are delightful. There are gorgeous descriptions of the towns in the Peak District - Bakewell and its sparkling and twinkly Christmas lights, cute pale stoned cottages and proper pubs. I particularly loved the descriptions of the Arctic landscapes of blinding whiteness, miles of forests of huge iced fir trees, tiny villages made up of houses of coloured wood; just like the views you'd expect to see in a snow globe. The capital of Finnish Lapland - Rovaniemi and home of Santa Claus village - appears totally enchanting, with its gift shops selling sweets, chocolates and souvenirs and buildings draped in tinsel, lights and a sprinkling of snow dusting everywhere. It really is the epitome of Christmas, and back when you were a kid, exactly where you imagine Santa to live, with all the anticipation and excitement. Santa Claus's Village and a Northern Lights tour, have gone straight to the top of my "to travel to" list. It reads exactly how I remember Santa Claus: The Movie, which was my fave Christmas film when I was a child.
It's not entirely all light hearted fluff and is the ideal read if you enjoy your Christmassy books with a bit more meat on them, rather then just a straight forward, run of the mill romance. Nevertheless the descriptions and settings can't get much more Christmassy. This book has made me want to go out and buy even more Xmas decorations. I can imagine reading this book another year, just to get into the Christmas spirit. If you are feeling slightly "bah humbug", this is the read for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Being back in her Grandmother's cottage helps Esme start to heal, and as Autumn turns to Winter and plans start being made for Christmas, Esme begins to accept her broken engagement with the horrible sounding Warren and enjoy spending time with her warm hearted and devoted grandmother Matilda. Her parents are going to spend Christmas with her and her grandmother, and hopefully some bridges will be built. However, when tragedy strikes, things don't go quite as straightforward as they initially seemed.
Although The Christmas Wish is the perfect heartwarming antidote to the hectic run up to Christmas, it still touches on weightier issues; such as emotionally abusive relationships and some moving storylines, particularly in relation to one character. This brings another element to the story but doesn't detract too much from the overall sense of reassurance the book brings, with its descriptions of the smells and sights you associate with December and Christmas. Baking of Christmas puddings and cakes, beautifully sparkling Christmas trees, colourful lights, decadent decorations, whiffs of steaming hot chocolate and frosty mornings.
The characters are likeable and good natured - with the exception of Warren - and the settings are delightful. There are gorgeous descriptions of the towns in the Peak District - Bakewell and its sparkling and twinkly Christmas lights, cute pale stoned cottages and proper pubs. I particularly loved the descriptions of the Arctic landscapes of blinding whiteness, miles of forests of huge iced fir trees, tiny villages made up of houses of coloured wood; just like the views you'd expect to see in a snow globe. The capital of Finnish Lapland - Rovaniemi and home of Santa Claus village - appears totally enchanting, with its gift shops selling sweets, chocolates and souvenirs and buildings draped in tinsel, lights and a sprinkling of snow dusting everywhere. It really is the epitome of Christmas, and back when you were a kid, exactly where you imagine Santa to live, with all the anticipation and excitement. Santa Claus's Village and a Northern Lights tour, have gone straight to the top of my "to travel to" list. It reads exactly how I remember Santa Claus: The Movie, which was my fave Christmas film when I was a child.
It's not entirely all light hearted fluff and is the ideal read if you enjoy your Christmassy books with a bit more meat on them, rather then just a straight forward, run of the mill romance. Nevertheless the descriptions and settings can't get much more Christmassy. This book has made me want to go out and buy even more Xmas decorations. I can imagine reading this book another year, just to get into the Christmas spirit. If you are feeling slightly "bah humbug", this is the read for you!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review.
October 23, 2018
3.5
Christmas came early for me and I was treated to this charming read and trip to Christmas town! I loved the setting and could feel both the frosty weather and the warmth of the cozy fire and taste of the Finnish fare.
Esme has been experiencing some tough situations that are often times a part of life. She unexpectedly loses her beloved Grandmother, Matilda. They were planning a trip of a lifetime to Lapland to see the nothern lights and spend quality time together.
I really liked Esme and felt so bad for her. She was also experiencing “boyfriend issues” and her current choice, Warren, is quite a doozy! He likes to tell her how to style her hair and often pushes the “gym” word on her. Esme is a self-proclaimed “gym hater” and really is tiring of Warren’s little hints.
This was such a nice change of pace with a festive wintry setting! It also brought to light a lesson about waiting for “Mr. Right”.
Christmas came early for me and I was treated to this charming read and trip to Christmas town! I loved the setting and could feel both the frosty weather and the warmth of the cozy fire and taste of the Finnish fare.
Esme has been experiencing some tough situations that are often times a part of life. She unexpectedly loses her beloved Grandmother, Matilda. They were planning a trip of a lifetime to Lapland to see the nothern lights and spend quality time together.
I really liked Esme and felt so bad for her. She was also experiencing “boyfriend issues” and her current choice, Warren, is quite a doozy! He likes to tell her how to style her hair and often pushes the “gym” word on her. Esme is a self-proclaimed “gym hater” and really is tiring of Warren’s little hints.
This was such a nice change of pace with a festive wintry setting! It also brought to light a lesson about waiting for “Mr. Right”.
September 23, 2018
I think I would have enjoyed this more if Esme wasn't so blind to Warrens obvious lies and bullying. I'm not sure how many times her parents, grandmother, friends, and strangers could have pointed out her blind stupidity without her saying ok wait a minute maybe alllllll of these people are in to something. Even after she Esme speaks to Shelly directly she still thinks Warren can do no wrong, which leaves us with a very dim and dumb main character. You'd think after spending months with her grandmother getting over this weasel she would have realized her stupidity, but no.
Either way I enjoyed the part of the story in Lapland for the most part. The characters were fun and it was nice to read about the scenery. The ending seemed forced as the reader loses a huge chunk of time. What happened in the year between the second to last and the last chapter? Who knows.
Either way I enjoyed the part of the story in Lapland for the most part. The characters were fun and it was nice to read about the scenery. The ending seemed forced as the reader loses a huge chunk of time. What happened in the year between the second to last and the last chapter? Who knows.
October 23, 2021
The Christmas Wish
3.5 stars.
I lower it down a bit, because of the ignorence, dumbness and naivety of the main character.
Her first relationship with Warren was zo terrible, her not noticing it and second not able to stop it. Stand up for herself for soooo long made me mad. I know thid happens more offten than people tell. But seriously, after years of bad behavior it should be clear. Even when there are alarmbells ringen about it by complete strangers.
Loved the motherly figure, Hortense. What a personality!
Zach, oh boy.. My heart! You have stolen it, on the very last pages.
Adored the ending! It made me forget the rough start.
I'm always in for a cute Christmas story this time a year.
3.5 stars.
I lower it down a bit, because of the ignorence, dumbness and naivety of the main character.
Her first relationship with Warren was zo terrible, her not noticing it and second not able to stop it. Stand up for herself for soooo long made me mad. I know thid happens more offten than people tell. But seriously, after years of bad behavior it should be clear. Even when there are alarmbells ringen about it by complete strangers.
Loved the motherly figure, Hortense. What a personality!
Zach, oh boy.. My heart! You have stolen it, on the very last pages.
Adored the ending! It made me forget the rough start.
I'm always in for a cute Christmas story this time a year.
November 11, 2018
This Grinch loved a Christmas book. Then again I think The Christmas Wish by Tilly Tennant will win over lots of hearts this Christmas with its idyllic location and appealing characters.
My Thoughts on The Christmas Wish by Tilly Tennant
It was so heartwarming that my heart has blisters! Which sounds painful, but my time with this book was anything but, as I glowed with contentment while reading it.
I loved spending hours getting lost amongst the pages. Dreaming of being with the characters in Lapland, soaking up all the Christmas cheer, and feeling their excitement in this most magical of places. And watching lost souls find their way to happiness, proving that you are never too old to believe in the magic of Christmas. Or in the power of love.
At the start of this book I glibly announced that Christmas books make for a nice change from my usual thriller diet of books. Like sorbet, they are sweet and palate cleansing! And they are. However The Christmas Wish also has a lot of substance.
The characters are portrayed warts and all. They are not cartoon perfect, and they make mistakes. But watching them overcome, and fight for a better life made me proud of them.
Who should read The Christmas Wish by Tilly Tennant?
If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, then you need to snap this book up. Also recommended to fans of Faith Hogan, Jill Shalvis and Kate Hewitt.
My Thoughts on The Christmas Wish by Tilly Tennant
It was so heartwarming that my heart has blisters! Which sounds painful, but my time with this book was anything but, as I glowed with contentment while reading it.
I loved spending hours getting lost amongst the pages. Dreaming of being with the characters in Lapland, soaking up all the Christmas cheer, and feeling their excitement in this most magical of places. And watching lost souls find their way to happiness, proving that you are never too old to believe in the magic of Christmas. Or in the power of love.
At the start of this book I glibly announced that Christmas books make for a nice change from my usual thriller diet of books. Like sorbet, they are sweet and palate cleansing! And they are. However The Christmas Wish also has a lot of substance.
The characters are portrayed warts and all. They are not cartoon perfect, and they make mistakes. But watching them overcome, and fight for a better life made me proud of them.
Who should read The Christmas Wish by Tilly Tennant?
If you love Hallmark Christmas movies, then you need to snap this book up. Also recommended to fans of Faith Hogan, Jill Shalvis and Kate Hewitt.
October 11, 2018
I'm always a sucker for a book that involves a holiday, and so a book with Christmas in the title and Lapland in the blurb by an author that I love was always going to be a must read for me.
And I'm delighted to say it was everything I could have hoped for. The Amazon tag line for this book is completely correct, it truly is a heartwarming Christmas romance.
For me the story came alive the second Esme decided that she was definitely going to Lapland, and her personal development and self awareness improving while on the weeks holiday were fabulous to see. What she doesn't realise but the reader are clearly aware of is that she needs to leave Warren and the toxic relationship she is in, but she seems to struggle big time with a decision that seems so easy to anyone on the outside of what she was going through.
Esme ends up in a group of four while travelling and Hortense is a real tonic, she has such a fabulous personality that you can't help but like her. Brian is also travelling alone but whether he is over the break up with his wife, it is hard to tell. Although he was part of the group, he seemed quieter and more in the background.
And then there is Zach, who is gorgeous, but clearly hiding something. He seems to swing between being quite happy, to utter moodiness,
I loved pretty much every second they spent in Lapland, and the descriptions were fabulous. I felt as though I was there alongside Esme and her new friends, and its made me even more determined to eventually one year brave the thought of a holiday somewhere cold!
There were also some tricky subjects covered incredibly sensitively which added to the books appeal, and although even with Lapland, I didn't feel the book was overly festive, I would say its a fantastic book for any point over the winter.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And I'm delighted to say it was everything I could have hoped for. The Amazon tag line for this book is completely correct, it truly is a heartwarming Christmas romance.
For me the story came alive the second Esme decided that she was definitely going to Lapland, and her personal development and self awareness improving while on the weeks holiday were fabulous to see. What she doesn't realise but the reader are clearly aware of is that she needs to leave Warren and the toxic relationship she is in, but she seems to struggle big time with a decision that seems so easy to anyone on the outside of what she was going through.
Esme ends up in a group of four while travelling and Hortense is a real tonic, she has such a fabulous personality that you can't help but like her. Brian is also travelling alone but whether he is over the break up with his wife, it is hard to tell. Although he was part of the group, he seemed quieter and more in the background.
And then there is Zach, who is gorgeous, but clearly hiding something. He seems to swing between being quite happy, to utter moodiness,
I loved pretty much every second they spent in Lapland, and the descriptions were fabulous. I felt as though I was there alongside Esme and her new friends, and its made me even more determined to eventually one year brave the thought of a holiday somewhere cold!
There were also some tricky subjects covered incredibly sensitively which added to the books appeal, and although even with Lapland, I didn't feel the book was overly festive, I would say its a fantastic book for any point over the winter.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 22, 2018
Esme seeks refuge at her grandmothers following a split with her boyfriend and a relationship that has isolated her from friends and family. Following a family death Esme takes a trip to Lapland where her life and relationship gain some perspective.
The setting is gorgeous and makes you wish for hot chocolate and crunchy snow. I’d have preferred it if Esme had come to the realisation about the reality of her relationship slightly sooner as it drags on throughout the story. There are also chunks of time missing and little description of events which just leaves you wondering what happened.
Verdict - good but not satisfying.
The setting is gorgeous and makes you wish for hot chocolate and crunchy snow. I’d have preferred it if Esme had come to the realisation about the reality of her relationship slightly sooner as it drags on throughout the story. There are also chunks of time missing and little description of events which just leaves you wondering what happened.
Verdict - good but not satisfying.
September 6, 2018
I loved this book from the first page it was so enchanting from the first page and had you hooked. It did hit a nerve as rang true to a boyfriend I had once but the research was done so well and so well written. Amazing places they went to that you believed you were there in person. It's full of heartbreak, romance finding out what you really want from life to be happy and it's heartwarming to. Worth far more than five stars and didn't want it to end such a great read.
Esmy turns up on her grandmas doorstep near to Christmas after leaving her partner she knows she won't get quizzed and asked why she has left and he won't find her there. She realises how her grandma has aged but her grandma really looks after her and feeds her back up and they talk about going on a holiday to see the northern lights but grandma says she's to old and will be cold. She goes shopping with her grandma and she finds the perfect gift for her while they go there own ways but sadly she comes across her grandma who has sadly fallen and she passes away. When she gets home she finds her grandma brought tickets for them both to go and see the northern lights so what will she do. She hears from her ex warren who promises he will leave his wife and marry her so against her parents wishes she moves back to London. She soon realises she's in the wrong by going back as he's controlling her and telling her what she can't do and can do. She suggests they go on the trip together but of course he doesn't want to and wants the money instead. She tries to cancel them but they tell her about a group of single people going on the trip and says to join a group on line to connect it's them before she goes. She does this and soon gets friendly with three of them and decides to go on the trip alone so she can decide what to do with her life. She doesn't tell warren and when she's gone he phones her parents and lies and they panic so they ring her and she says she hasn't decided what she wants to do. She gets very friendly with three from the group and particularly Zachary can she find romance or is he hinding upset and heartbreak to and it's to much or can they get together. What happens on the last day when warren turns up and demands she go home and be together. What does Esmy decide to do can she decide what makes her happy and do what is right for her not everyone else.
Simply brilliant read highly recommend it to any one.
Esmy turns up on her grandmas doorstep near to Christmas after leaving her partner she knows she won't get quizzed and asked why she has left and he won't find her there. She realises how her grandma has aged but her grandma really looks after her and feeds her back up and they talk about going on a holiday to see the northern lights but grandma says she's to old and will be cold. She goes shopping with her grandma and she finds the perfect gift for her while they go there own ways but sadly she comes across her grandma who has sadly fallen and she passes away. When she gets home she finds her grandma brought tickets for them both to go and see the northern lights so what will she do. She hears from her ex warren who promises he will leave his wife and marry her so against her parents wishes she moves back to London. She soon realises she's in the wrong by going back as he's controlling her and telling her what she can't do and can do. She suggests they go on the trip together but of course he doesn't want to and wants the money instead. She tries to cancel them but they tell her about a group of single people going on the trip and says to join a group on line to connect it's them before she goes. She does this and soon gets friendly with three of them and decides to go on the trip alone so she can decide what to do with her life. She doesn't tell warren and when she's gone he phones her parents and lies and they panic so they ring her and she says she hasn't decided what she wants to do. She gets very friendly with three from the group and particularly Zachary can she find romance or is he hinding upset and heartbreak to and it's to much or can they get together. What happens on the last day when warren turns up and demands she go home and be together. What does Esmy decide to do can she decide what makes her happy and do what is right for her not everyone else.
Simply brilliant read highly recommend it to any one.
December 22, 2018
I really wanted to like this book, it was part of my Christmas Reads.. I was well armed with the comfy couch, plumped up cushions, cuppa tea, and my ever faithful kindle.
Esme was in a strangely addictive, abusive relationship with Warren. She discovered he was a bigamist or rather a polygamist, went to her grandmother to lick her wounds, who died and left her tickets for Lapland. Post funeral Esme returned to that abusive boyfriend making excuses for his behavior, then ran away to Lapland and found herself...
The book had its moments of beauty with the northern lights and Santa's village.. I too want to see all that... I want to live in that village for a day or two preferably during Christmas. I liked the tour company who tried to bring the solo travelers together so that they don't feel lonely. I even liked the abusive boyfriend Warren because he stayed true to his character, using people all the time, especially the women, guilt feeling them into doing things as he wanted.
What niggled me from the beginning of the story was that Esme couldn't see the way boyfriend was abusing her with his mental games stripping her of her self-respect. What made me beyond angry was that she made excuses for his going back to his wife when Esme wasn't there. She was unsure throughout the book except the last few pages about this lout... She did stand up to him at the end, but it felt wishy-washy... I wanted to bop him one!! Or two!! With an added kick to his backside.
Overall the book kept me riveted as I kept turning pages hoping in every section that Esme would stand up for herself... It felt like a nice technique used by author Tilly Tennant to get the reader to the last page.
Esme was in a strangely addictive, abusive relationship with Warren. She discovered he was a bigamist or rather a polygamist, went to her grandmother to lick her wounds, who died and left her tickets for Lapland. Post funeral Esme returned to that abusive boyfriend making excuses for his behavior, then ran away to Lapland and found herself...
The book had its moments of beauty with the northern lights and Santa's village.. I too want to see all that... I want to live in that village for a day or two preferably during Christmas. I liked the tour company who tried to bring the solo travelers together so that they don't feel lonely. I even liked the abusive boyfriend Warren because he stayed true to his character, using people all the time, especially the women, guilt feeling them into doing things as he wanted.
What niggled me from the beginning of the story was that Esme couldn't see the way boyfriend was abusing her with his mental games stripping her of her self-respect. What made me beyond angry was that she made excuses for his going back to his wife when Esme wasn't there. She was unsure throughout the book except the last few pages about this lout... She did stand up to him at the end, but it felt wishy-washy... I wanted to bop him one!! Or two!! With an added kick to his backside.
Overall the book kept me riveted as I kept turning pages hoping in every section that Esme would stand up for herself... It felt like a nice technique used by author Tilly Tennant to get the reader to the last page.
October 22, 2018
Slowly that time of the year is arriving and books about Christmas are popping up. This story certainly looked at the festive season from a different angle and it was refreshing.
Take one cheating, dominating boyfriend, a lovely but naive girlfriend and you already know that trouble is on its way when the little mouse, little by little, seems to turn into a lioness.
The author takes us from the England on a magical trip to Lapland and after reading the book, you start to believe that Santa does exist after all.
A fluently written book about dealing with grieve and second chances.
I hope we are in for a sequel, because I had the impression the story has only just started. 4 stars
Thank you Tilly Tennant, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Take one cheating, dominating boyfriend, a lovely but naive girlfriend and you already know that trouble is on its way when the little mouse, little by little, seems to turn into a lioness.
The author takes us from the England on a magical trip to Lapland and after reading the book, you start to believe that Santa does exist after all.
A fluently written book about dealing with grieve and second chances.
I hope we are in for a sequel, because I had the impression the story has only just started. 4 stars
Thank you Tilly Tennant, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
October 1, 2018
Totally gorgeous!
Review to follow on the blog tour.
Review to follow on the blog tour.
October 22, 2018
The Christmas Wish was an absolutely wonderful story of a young woman reclaiming herself that’s wrapped in a holiday setting. Esme Greenwood has returned to her grandmother Matilda’s home in order to get emotional support after finding out her fiancé Warren was cheating with his wife! Matilda helps her regain some of her old self and they plan to celebrate the holiday together. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes and Esme is left reeling again. For some reason Esme couldn’t comprehend, she felt compelled to take the holiday trip to Lapland her grandmother had bought for them, and escape the turmoil of her present situation. Over the course of the week holiday in Lapland, Esme came to some realizations of what would make her happy and how Warren is the wrong guy for her.
Tilly Tennant wrote a beautiful story describing the holiday in Lapland vividly, from the twinkly lights to the native land food and drinks. Esme travels with 3 other single passengers which definitely added good and bad drama, and livened her trip a bit. In particular is Zach, a young man close to her own age, who has an air of melancholy at times but makes her feel things she’s never felt with Warren before. Spending time together Esme and Zach grow closer and she gets the feeling that he’s hiding something. That something turns out to be quite significant and Esme is a bit shaken with the discovery. She takes it in stride and understands the loss Zach must be feeling and how she might give him comfort. Her own life may be in a bit of a tailspin but she never forgets that others have their own pain and journeys.
The holiday trip to Lapland was more than an escape for Esme because she discovered some truths about herself and what she wants out of life. The life she had with Warren wasn’t the right thing but maybe there could be something with Zach. I have to admit that I didn’t like Esme very much in the beginning of this story but by the end she became of my favorite characters. She changed this for the better and I was enthralled with her situation and loved her happy ending. I love discovering new authors and I’m glad that The Christmas Wish caught my attention. For me there is nothing better than reading a holiday romance in a magical setting for two very deserving individuals.
December 22, 2022
I really did enjoy this book! However, I spent a lot of it in disgust because the girl in the book had no confidence and let herself be manipulated constantly by her horrible boyfriend. I did love reading about their Christmas vacation though. Would love to see the Northern lights myself.
October 22, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I think I say whenever I review a Tilly Tennant novel, BUT I mean it every single time and this time is no exception – I have absolutely no idea how she does it, but once again she has written her best book yet. Oh my goodness!! There was no doubt in my mind before I started reading the book as to whether I would like it or not, because I knew I would enjoy it just like Tennant’s other novels. What I didn’t expect however, was just how much I ended up enjoying it. ‘The Christmas Wish’ isn’t just a special story, it’s more than that. It’s a captivating, magnetic, beautiful, powerful novel which made the word ‘special’ seem very tame.
Esme has so much love for her grandmother, Matilda, but after spending several years wrapped up in her relationship with Warren, Esme ended up not visiting Matilda as much as she would have liked. So, when the time comes for Esme to stand on Matilda’s doorstep, nobody could have expected lives to change as drastically as they were going to…
A lot of the storyline is governed by Esme’s relationship (if you can call it that) with Warren, and I have to admit that it was a little bit uncomfortable to read at times because of the relatable and raw element. I won’t delve into details due to spoilers, but where Warren is concerned, the storyline certainly lives up to its winter theme, that’s for sure.
With a trip of a lifetime close to Esme’s fingertips, I wanted to reach into the book and shake her shoulders, telling her to not be so stupid by not going on the trip! Her grandmother obviously wanted her to go, so why not do one last thing in memory? Obviously I could understand why Esme felt on the fence, but it was very hard to watch her teeter on that decision by giving the power to someone who didn’t deserve any ounce of it.
I adored every snowflake of ‘The Christmas Wish’, with the not so festive moments making the storyline such a powerful and poignant read which a lot of readers may end up resonating with. From start to finish, I held the characters in my heart – yes, they were flawed, complex and somewhat frustrating, yet those traits alongside their humour, tender hearts, and addictive personalities made them who they were. Personally, I couldn’t have asked for more – you only have to take a look at Herontese!!!
Tilly Tennant has blown me away once again with this phenomenal storyline. I ended up closing the book with a massive smile on my face, yet I couldn’t help but feel bereft at what I had just left behind. This is a truly magnificent, beautifully written, thought provoking and enchanting read – Tilly Tennant has done herself and her characters proud with this gem. Definitely her best book yet – wow, I loved it!
I think I say whenever I review a Tilly Tennant novel, BUT I mean it every single time and this time is no exception – I have absolutely no idea how she does it, but once again she has written her best book yet. Oh my goodness!! There was no doubt in my mind before I started reading the book as to whether I would like it or not, because I knew I would enjoy it just like Tennant’s other novels. What I didn’t expect however, was just how much I ended up enjoying it. ‘The Christmas Wish’ isn’t just a special story, it’s more than that. It’s a captivating, magnetic, beautiful, powerful novel which made the word ‘special’ seem very tame.
Esme has so much love for her grandmother, Matilda, but after spending several years wrapped up in her relationship with Warren, Esme ended up not visiting Matilda as much as she would have liked. So, when the time comes for Esme to stand on Matilda’s doorstep, nobody could have expected lives to change as drastically as they were going to…
A lot of the storyline is governed by Esme’s relationship (if you can call it that) with Warren, and I have to admit that it was a little bit uncomfortable to read at times because of the relatable and raw element. I won’t delve into details due to spoilers, but where Warren is concerned, the storyline certainly lives up to its winter theme, that’s for sure.
With a trip of a lifetime close to Esme’s fingertips, I wanted to reach into the book and shake her shoulders, telling her to not be so stupid by not going on the trip! Her grandmother obviously wanted her to go, so why not do one last thing in memory? Obviously I could understand why Esme felt on the fence, but it was very hard to watch her teeter on that decision by giving the power to someone who didn’t deserve any ounce of it.
I adored every snowflake of ‘The Christmas Wish’, with the not so festive moments making the storyline such a powerful and poignant read which a lot of readers may end up resonating with. From start to finish, I held the characters in my heart – yes, they were flawed, complex and somewhat frustrating, yet those traits alongside their humour, tender hearts, and addictive personalities made them who they were. Personally, I couldn’t have asked for more – you only have to take a look at Herontese!!!
Tilly Tennant has blown me away once again with this phenomenal storyline. I ended up closing the book with a massive smile on my face, yet I couldn’t help but feel bereft at what I had just left behind. This is a truly magnificent, beautifully written, thought provoking and enchanting read – Tilly Tennant has done herself and her characters proud with this gem. Definitely her best book yet – wow, I loved it!
October 18, 2018
Oh what a truly wonderful and delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this heartfelt story whilst curled up on my sofa. It was most certainly a story that entertains and melts your heart throughout, with a couple of emotional scenes throughout.
The author draws you right in to the story pretty quickly with meeting and getting to know all of the characters and experiencing the idyllic and picturesque setting/location of Lapland, was so very easy to lose myself in this story.
I loved my visit to Lapland, really did feel like I was there for real, as it was all so well described and well written. The mentions of the Northern Lights just sounded beautiful, although as much as I'd love to see them for real, not sure I could have coped with the extreme cold weather conditions of Lapland lol. Like Esme I would have loved the ride on the snowmobile, but I wouldn’t have wanted to drive it myself lol, so like her, would have been more than happy to have my arms wrapped around Zach, letting him drive it around through the snow. I can just imagine what a thrill it was.
I loved getting to know the main character Esme, seeing how she coped with everything that came her way, not only did she have to deal with her boyfriend Warren and her parents, but also the sad passing of her grandma, not to mention visiting a country she’s never been too before and all of the other changes/decisions she had to content with. That's a lot to handle for one person.
The whole story, the characters and everything about this book was all so very well written, which is no surprise as author Tilly never fails to deliver. Having read a few of her books to date, I can very much vouch for that. Just love her books.
The author draws you right in to the story pretty quickly with meeting and getting to know all of the characters and experiencing the idyllic and picturesque setting/location of Lapland, was so very easy to lose myself in this story.
I loved my visit to Lapland, really did feel like I was there for real, as it was all so well described and well written. The mentions of the Northern Lights just sounded beautiful, although as much as I'd love to see them for real, not sure I could have coped with the extreme cold weather conditions of Lapland lol. Like Esme I would have loved the ride on the snowmobile, but I wouldn’t have wanted to drive it myself lol, so like her, would have been more than happy to have my arms wrapped around Zach, letting him drive it around through the snow. I can just imagine what a thrill it was.
I loved getting to know the main character Esme, seeing how she coped with everything that came her way, not only did she have to deal with her boyfriend Warren and her parents, but also the sad passing of her grandma, not to mention visiting a country she’s never been too before and all of the other changes/decisions she had to content with. That's a lot to handle for one person.
The whole story, the characters and everything about this book was all so very well written, which is no surprise as author Tilly never fails to deliver. Having read a few of her books to date, I can very much vouch for that. Just love her books.
October 22, 2018
I do enjoy a Christmas story and this is a lovely heartwarming Christmas romance.
The story was enchanting and the author has expertly described the beautiful locations so well that I could believe I was there. It has always been a dream of mine to see the northern lights and despite living in Orkney for a couple of years I have yet to see them at their best - although I did spend many nights driving the island with my mother and our cameras trying to catch sight of them...
This is a well-written story, with lovely supporting characters which made this a fun and entertaining read.
This was my third Christmas read so far this year and I am feeling so Christmasy now.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Tilly Tennant for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.
The story was enchanting and the author has expertly described the beautiful locations so well that I could believe I was there. It has always been a dream of mine to see the northern lights and despite living in Orkney for a couple of years I have yet to see them at their best - although I did spend many nights driving the island with my mother and our cameras trying to catch sight of them...
This is a well-written story, with lovely supporting characters which made this a fun and entertaining read.
This was my third Christmas read so far this year and I am feeling so Christmasy now.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Tilly Tennant for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.
December 5, 2018
Mysig och snöig om att våga ta steget och följa någon annans drömmar. Kärlek uppe i norr. Definitivt julig!
March 11, 2023
I bought this last year and have been kicking myself ever since for not getting to it last December, so I’m glad I finally have now. It’s about a woman named Esme, who goes to Lapland to escape her cheating fiancé and to commemorate her grandmother, who has died and had always wanted to go there. I had so much sympathy for Esme as she is in such a heartbreaking situation, and it was horrible to see her thinking she didn’t deserve better than what had happened to her at some points, because she really did and I think this book explores domestic violence in a really nuanced way and shows that it isn’t just physical abuse that can wear someone down and change them into someone else. It also fulfilled what I was hoping for when I picked it up- it’s got a gorgeous setting and an even more gorgeous romance between Esme and Zach, who is one of her fellow solo travellers she meets whilst on holiday. Brian and Hortense also deserve a mention for bringing lots of the book’s humour to the table, and the last chapter- which feels like an epilogue- was so lovely and I really liked how things ended.
February 20, 2019
When Esme finds that her controlling fiance Warren has been cheating on her she runs away to her beloved grandmother in the Peak District, her grandmother tries to set her on the right path and books a holiday for them to Lapland at Christmas. Then tragedy strikes and her grandmother dies, distraught Esme returns to Warren who is promising to change his ways! The holiday is booked and when Warren refuses to go Esme goes alone to honour her grandmother and meets some new friends including the gorgeous Zach......... but will she be able to escape the clutches of Warren especially when he turns up in Lapland to bring her home!
Another enjoyable book by this author, I loved the descriptions of Lapland and the friends that she made there but did struggle a bit with the main character Esme as I just had wanted to shake her!
Another enjoyable book by this author, I loved the descriptions of Lapland and the friends that she made there but did struggle a bit with the main character Esme as I just had wanted to shake her!
October 24, 2018
3.5 Stars Rounded
I have to start by saying that I adore Tilly Tenant and her stories, and the way she manages to craft characters that could be ripped from your life and put on the page. That being said – I had some seriously difficult times with Esme and her lack of self-awareness – and perhaps that was the point. So while this story started out a bit overly-angsty, with a not so surprise return from Esme’s moronic and abusive ex, complete with attempted bullying, guilt tripping and assorted other childish behaviors straight in the face of someone who was just starting to recapture her own feet beneath her…. I honestly thought that she would cave. And Kudos to Tennant for not allowing Warren’s influence to dismantle Esme once again.
As for the trip, the joy found in the atmosphere in Lapland, the inclusion of Brian and Hortense and their very ‘in your face’ affection that felt very much a ‘vacation romance’ at first, then took on a life of its own as the two are eminently suited. The attraction to Zach, and his grief balanced out by a genuine ability to see Esme as she is, not through her own lenses colored by the ever-insecure Warren, and the reticence that Zach showed early on that has Esme questioning his sexuality and finding that it made her far more comfortable and free in his company after years of being isolated by Warren that perfectly illustrated the slow dissolving of the walls built around Esme with plenty of encouragement by Warren, that isolated her and created an endless cacophony of self-defeating voices criticizing her every move. All with Zach’s help, even if his own behavior was often erratic and far too confusing for someone in Esme’s stage of growth.
But, with a careful eye (and ear) to the voice and wishes of Matilda in her head, the stand-off / show-down with Warren on the last night, and Esme’s own decisions to firm up plans to live at her house and not in an overpriced London flat, were clearly coalescing and showing her well on the way to healing and reconnecting with things lost during her relationship. Coming back a year later and discovering the slowly-progressing relationship with Zach, a renovated and reinvigorated cottage still filled with Matilda’s things but brighter and livelier because of Esme at the heart of things brought a lovely hopeful sense to the story, and showed the growth and change that Esme has achieved, once the weight of Warren was lifted away. Perhaps not a favorite of mine by Tennant, but one of her most skillful in the depiction of the changes that are possible, even when things seem most dire.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
I have to start by saying that I adore Tilly Tenant and her stories, and the way she manages to craft characters that could be ripped from your life and put on the page. That being said – I had some seriously difficult times with Esme and her lack of self-awareness – and perhaps that was the point. So while this story started out a bit overly-angsty, with a not so surprise return from Esme’s moronic and abusive ex, complete with attempted bullying, guilt tripping and assorted other childish behaviors straight in the face of someone who was just starting to recapture her own feet beneath her…. I honestly thought that she would cave. And Kudos to Tennant for not allowing Warren’s influence to dismantle Esme once again.
As for the trip, the joy found in the atmosphere in Lapland, the inclusion of Brian and Hortense and their very ‘in your face’ affection that felt very much a ‘vacation romance’ at first, then took on a life of its own as the two are eminently suited. The attraction to Zach, and his grief balanced out by a genuine ability to see Esme as she is, not through her own lenses colored by the ever-insecure Warren, and the reticence that Zach showed early on that has Esme questioning his sexuality and finding that it made her far more comfortable and free in his company after years of being isolated by Warren that perfectly illustrated the slow dissolving of the walls built around Esme with plenty of encouragement by Warren, that isolated her and created an endless cacophony of self-defeating voices criticizing her every move. All with Zach’s help, even if his own behavior was often erratic and far too confusing for someone in Esme’s stage of growth.
But, with a careful eye (and ear) to the voice and wishes of Matilda in her head, the stand-off / show-down with Warren on the last night, and Esme’s own decisions to firm up plans to live at her house and not in an overpriced London flat, were clearly coalescing and showing her well on the way to healing and reconnecting with things lost during her relationship. Coming back a year later and discovering the slowly-progressing relationship with Zach, a renovated and reinvigorated cottage still filled with Matilda’s things but brighter and livelier because of Esme at the heart of things brought a lovely hopeful sense to the story, and showed the growth and change that Esme has achieved, once the weight of Warren was lifted away. Perhaps not a favorite of mine by Tennant, but one of her most skillful in the depiction of the changes that are possible, even when things seem most dire.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
October 25, 2018
Oh I do love the fuzzy warm feeling in my tummy from a Tilly Christmas book and no it’s not the hot chocolate alone it’s her presence in the words as they flow. I have always maintained this author can pull your heart in so many directions but it always unravels and pumps happily by the end.
The Christmas Wish has everything you’d expect from the title .. a whole package of luxury, Northern Lights, snow and Lapland what more could a girl want?
Well Esme wants a break in life .. she has the toxicity of boyfriend Warren to escape from, his controlling actions lead her to real solid self esteem issues and for any reader who has been in the situation will sympathise or could view it as a *trigger warning. She relishes the comfort of her grandma but also has to deal with the added loss as the book moves on.
As she embarks on her journey she is bundled with a group of strangers also making the trip of a lifetime. Will this adventure open her eyes to see that there are good people all around, they don’t always have to be family, deep friendships and relationships can be made.
I loved Esme from the beginning I really wanted her to get a grip and do better with her life. Zach makes a firm impression on her and I have to say I wouldn’t mind a tiny bit of him myself!
This is a perfect story wrapped up in festive cheer that will give you all the feels and remind you that the season of goodwill is fast approaching.
Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley. I read and reviewed voluntarily.
The Christmas Wish has everything you’d expect from the title .. a whole package of luxury, Northern Lights, snow and Lapland what more could a girl want?
Well Esme wants a break in life .. she has the toxicity of boyfriend Warren to escape from, his controlling actions lead her to real solid self esteem issues and for any reader who has been in the situation will sympathise or could view it as a *trigger warning. She relishes the comfort of her grandma but also has to deal with the added loss as the book moves on.
As she embarks on her journey she is bundled with a group of strangers also making the trip of a lifetime. Will this adventure open her eyes to see that there are good people all around, they don’t always have to be family, deep friendships and relationships can be made.
I loved Esme from the beginning I really wanted her to get a grip and do better with her life. Zach makes a firm impression on her and I have to say I wouldn’t mind a tiny bit of him myself!
This is a perfect story wrapped up in festive cheer that will give you all the feels and remind you that the season of goodwill is fast approaching.
Thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley. I read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 23, 2018
Happy Publication Day! Awwh I absolutely loved this story. Got me feeling festive and ready for Christmas already! I lost myself in this story, I was right there beside Esme the whole time. I loved the setting, snow, the adventures, santa and the Christmas village. It was perfect!
I did feel that poor Esme was having a very tough time for the most part of the book… Not having much luck with life. This holiday was well needed for poor Esme, she needed a break from life. From the start I didn’t like Warran, too controlling and firm for me. But when four solo travellers get together to go on this holiday it may be the best thing yet for Esme.
I loved the group. The most unexpected of allies and friends to comfort each other while on holiday. I loved them all Zach, Hortense and Brian all very different, unique and have their own characteristics but making the perfect group and the story even better. It was just what I needed making a perfect little film in my mind. A brilliant heart-warming ending too. Will Esmes life ever get better? Will she find her perfect ending?
This is a cracking Christmas read I would highly recommend to you all! A well deserved four stars. Take yourself away onto a little Christmas break! Perfect. Beautiful.
I did feel that poor Esme was having a very tough time for the most part of the book… Not having much luck with life. This holiday was well needed for poor Esme, she needed a break from life. From the start I didn’t like Warran, too controlling and firm for me. But when four solo travellers get together to go on this holiday it may be the best thing yet for Esme.
I loved the group. The most unexpected of allies and friends to comfort each other while on holiday. I loved them all Zach, Hortense and Brian all very different, unique and have their own characteristics but making the perfect group and the story even better. It was just what I needed making a perfect little film in my mind. A brilliant heart-warming ending too. Will Esmes life ever get better? Will she find her perfect ending?
This is a cracking Christmas read I would highly recommend to you all! A well deserved four stars. Take yourself away onto a little Christmas break! Perfect. Beautiful.
November 5, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. When I read the blurb, I thought it would be a bit of light reading which is always welcome in amongst my usual reading matter of heavy thrillers, but there is a lot going on for the main characters, which gives it a depth that is sometimes missing from such books.
Esme is trying to come to terms with the sudden death of her grandma and at the same time, trying to figure out why exactly she is with her lying, cheating fiance, Warren. When she goes to Lapland, she meets three people, all very different, who provide her with easy friendships but more importantly, distance from Warren, both literally and figuratively. Lapland sounds absolutely gorgeous and it made me want to pack my bags and go there! It has definitely found it's way to my bucket list of places I want to travel to, now :)
This is a decent read and at times a confronting one as well. Warren's behaviour is frightening and I found myself yelling: "get away from him, NOW", several times whilst reading this book. Just like in real life though, people live their lives in a certain way and get involved with certain people that aren't good for them and they have to find their own way through. To decide to stay or not.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Esme is trying to come to terms with the sudden death of her grandma and at the same time, trying to figure out why exactly she is with her lying, cheating fiance, Warren. When she goes to Lapland, she meets three people, all very different, who provide her with easy friendships but more importantly, distance from Warren, both literally and figuratively. Lapland sounds absolutely gorgeous and it made me want to pack my bags and go there! It has definitely found it's way to my bucket list of places I want to travel to, now :)
This is a decent read and at times a confronting one as well. Warren's behaviour is frightening and I found myself yelling: "get away from him, NOW", several times whilst reading this book. Just like in real life though, people live their lives in a certain way and get involved with certain people that aren't good for them and they have to find their own way through. To decide to stay or not.
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
October 18, 2019
Esme Greenwood comes back together with her controlling and cheating ex-boyfriend after her grandmother surprisingly died. She then finds out that her grandma bought them a trip to Lapland as a Christmas gift. When her boyfriend doesn't want to join her, Esme decides to travel alone.
I was really excited about the Lapland setting and couldn't wait for the journey to start. Rovaniemi made a really nice setting, but to be honest I was hoping for a bit more wintery and Christmassy descriptions. It was nice enough to get an impression of Santa's city but there could have been more.
I did enjoy the story but it was also a bit slow at times and there wasn't much progress. At some parts I was hoping for a bit more action but with other part the slow progress was perfectly fine.
I liked Esme although I couldn't understand all of her decisions, especially about Warren who must be the biggest idiot walking on earth. Zach was also a nice character but remained a bit shallow for my liking, there was more potential in him.
The ending was pretty cute and as I enjoyed the story overall, I am looking forward to more books by the author.
I was really excited about the Lapland setting and couldn't wait for the journey to start. Rovaniemi made a really nice setting, but to be honest I was hoping for a bit more wintery and Christmassy descriptions. It was nice enough to get an impression of Santa's city but there could have been more.
I did enjoy the story but it was also a bit slow at times and there wasn't much progress. At some parts I was hoping for a bit more action but with other part the slow progress was perfectly fine.
I liked Esme although I couldn't understand all of her decisions, especially about Warren who must be the biggest idiot walking on earth. Zach was also a nice character but remained a bit shallow for my liking, there was more potential in him.
The ending was pretty cute and as I enjoyed the story overall, I am looking forward to more books by the author.
October 25, 2018
Loved this book.
Esme a single woman is stuck in a rut with a married man so flees to Derbyshire to be with her Nan In Derbyshire. The setting is just fabulous in my home area. But Nan dies and Esme is at a loss until she takes the trip of a lifetime to Lapland. Who wouldn't?
All the single travellers meet up at the airport and stick together as a group and became good friends. Zach the single young man is out there trying to heal himself and is falling for Esme but he can't do anything about it. Plus everyone thinks he is gay. Zach takes Esme to northern lights tour, husky rides, want a Claus for the trip of a lifetime but he won't open up. Esme realises she doesn't want a controlling married man and tells him who h doesn't go down too well...
Zach and Esme want more but there's more to it.
It's very well written and in the usual style of all these books. Very Christmasy and very enjoyable.
Esme a single woman is stuck in a rut with a married man so flees to Derbyshire to be with her Nan In Derbyshire. The setting is just fabulous in my home area. But Nan dies and Esme is at a loss until she takes the trip of a lifetime to Lapland. Who wouldn't?
All the single travellers meet up at the airport and stick together as a group and became good friends. Zach the single young man is out there trying to heal himself and is falling for Esme but he can't do anything about it. Plus everyone thinks he is gay. Zach takes Esme to northern lights tour, husky rides, want a Claus for the trip of a lifetime but he won't open up. Esme realises she doesn't want a controlling married man and tells him who h doesn't go down too well...
Zach and Esme want more but there's more to it.
It's very well written and in the usual style of all these books. Very Christmasy and very enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
Following heartbreak Esme escapes to her Grandmas at they plan a really special trip to Lapland. When further heartbreaking times happen she decides to make the trip alone.
What a spectacularly romantic setting for a Christmas book. Tilly Tennant has the amazing talent to transport you deep within the pages of her books, imagining yourself on holiday in the snowy setting, meeting Santa and the reindeers. You share in the emotions the characters are feeling.
It leaves you with such a warm feeling.
What a spectacularly romantic setting for a Christmas book. Tilly Tennant has the amazing talent to transport you deep within the pages of her books, imagining yourself on holiday in the snowy setting, meeting Santa and the reindeers. You share in the emotions the characters are feeling.
It leaves you with such a warm feeling.
December 3, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ok stars
This was an ok book but a bit disappointing for me. I agree with other reviewers, the story dragged in places and it was annoying how blind to Warren she was.
For someone so weak willed and lacking in confidence, it stretched reality that she would then drop everything, including her beloved boyfriend, to go travelling with strangers to Lapland.
The book lacked that something special that gives a story Christmas magic. However I did like the Lapland characters and their stories.
This was an ok book but a bit disappointing for me. I agree with other reviewers, the story dragged in places and it was annoying how blind to Warren she was.
For someone so weak willed and lacking in confidence, it stretched reality that she would then drop everything, including her beloved boyfriend, to go travelling with strangers to Lapland.
The book lacked that something special that gives a story Christmas magic. However I did like the Lapland characters and their stories.
October 16, 2018
Another wonderful book from Tilly Tennant! She is really my favorite author! Everytime I read a book from Tilly, everytime I am enjoying myself a lot. This time Tilly Tennant brings us to Rovaniemi in Lapland for Christmas time with Esme who is trying to understand where she stands with her manipulative boyfriend. The fact that the story takes place in Lapland during winter gives a magical touch to the book. The main subject of the story which is manipulative relationship is a serious and tough one which is important to talk about. This story is also about family love and friendship and I am very happy to have read it! This is a lovely book to read in winter or Christmas time! I warmly recommend it!
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