Christmas on Lily Pond Lane

Lily Pond Lane #5

by Emily Harvale

Snow is falling in Little Pondale, lights are twinkling and the smell of pine trees and roasting chestnuts fills the air…

But Mia Ward is in a bit of a jam. She’d planned to rent out Corner Cottage for Christmas but thanks to best friend, Ella Swann, it’s double-booked. Now Mia’s got to let one ‘party’ down, or find another cottage – fast.

Best friends and single mums, Cathy Cole and Christy Franks want their kids to have an old-fashioned Christmas. Ice-skating, carol singing, making decorations, and tobogganing are on their list of festive fun … but their kids have other things in mind.

City bankers, Leo and Hal Hardman are wondering if renting a cottage for Christmas and their parents’ anniversary is such a good idea. Little Pondale is tiny, there’s only one pub, mobile phone reception is non-existent and the cottage doesn’t even have a TV.

Meanwhile, Jenny Lake in settling in at her cousin’s bakery, but she’s left her (broken) heart in Florence, and Christmas was never her favourite time of year. And Reverend Glen Fox has taken over at St Michael and All Angels. He’s glad it’s a temporary post because village life is definitely not for him.

But luckily, for locals and visitors alike, there’s a sleigh-load of Christmas magic heading for Lily Pond Lane; enough to put a sparkle in everyone’s festive season. Although Christmas may not go quite as each of them has planned.

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

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 18, 2018

About the author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas🎄

Even though today was the first day of October and it was 90°F this book sure Did put me in the Christmas mood! This is a story about what happens after the Lily Pond serial and can be read as a standalone... BUT I strongly encourage you to read the previous books they are simply brilliant and so much fun!

This book is The perfect star on top of the Christmas tree, the perfect bow on the present,the perfect Rudolph to your Christmas sleigh.... it was so much fun returning to Little Pondale, and getting reacquainted with Mia and Ella... The girls appear to have found the loves of their lives, and they also have quite the love of Christmas... I could not help but smile at the amount of Christmas decorating... there were inflated snowman, sparkly giant candycanes, lights for miles, and perhaps maybe a live reindeer or two... there is Christmas caroling, Christmas goodies, this book just left me feeling extremely festive and jolly!

All my old favorites were in the story with some newcomers as well.... this was a story about romance and love with Mia playing the part of matchmaker, and putting that mistletoe to good use! Just as in the previous books I was never quite sure who was going to end up with who, but I was very satisfied with the outcome... this is also a story about friendship, I love the friendship between Mia and Ella and the friendship that they have developed with the villagers... hard to believe it has been a year since these girls traveled into this village thinking there was no way they could ever have made this their home!

Absolutely recommend if you love love, if you love Christmas, if you love a feel-good story with a tremendous heart!

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote:

I’ve got the kind of voice that makes a dog sound like a prima donna. Believe me, no one wants to hear me sing. Although I could make you a fortune if people had to pay to get me to stop.


My Review:

Reading this book gave me a contented and relaxed feeling, similar to that satisfying sense of pleasure felt after a good stretch or peaceful sigh. It was quick and enjoyable read and if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, this may pluck at your curiosity and lead you to do so. It will also put you in a festive frame of mind, even though it was months ahead of the holiday season when I read it. Love and good cheer were in the air of Little Pondale and visitors and residents alike are pairing off and getting all loved up during the week leading up to Christmas. Surprises always seem to be on the menu for this group and one visitor gave the gossipy old dear Heddie an eye-popping secret to expose. I adore these characters and this sweet series.

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com

If like me you have been reading ‘The Lily Pond Lane’ series by Emily Harvale, then you will be delighted to know that there is a Christmas book featuring all the wonderful characters. If you haven’t been reading the series, then now is the time to catch up.

Mia, Ella, and their partners Jet and Gill are looking forward to their first Christmas together. Mia and Ella love the festive season and are determined to brighten up the village with their decorations, much to the annoyance of their boyfriends who are doing all the hard work. It is whilst sorting out the decorations on the rental cottage that they realise that it has been double booked, they can’t let either family down, so Jet comes up with a wonderful idea.

Newcomer to the village Reverend Fox has his eye on another new villager, baker Jenny, though it would seem that Jenny is off men and off Christmas too. Mia is determined to get the two together and change Jenny’s mind about Christmas, but will she succeed?

There are also new faces as the holiday letters arrive, but not everything goes smoothly for them.

I have absolutely loved the whole Lily Pond Lane series and couldn’t wait to get started on this book. It certainly lived up to my expectations. It was a delight to be back with all the villagers and with Mia and Ella being so ecstatic about Christmas, you can’t help feeling that way too – Even if it is only October.

The book is as beautiful on the inside as the cover looks and gives you that warm fuzzy feeling. I found it unputdownable and read it in one sitting. If you pick up just one Christmas book this year, make sure it is this one.

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ A Warm Read full of Magical Christmas Sparkle!

Wow oh wow Emily has written a fantastic Christmas edition to the Amazing Lily Pond Lane series.
It was so great to be back, and with the weather turning colder at night it was the perfect book to snuggle up with!!

I'm not going to give anything away with this review!
Except to say if you loved this series or just adore Christmas books then you will fall in love with Little Pondale!

Although this is part of a series it can be read as a standalone, Emily has written enough backstory for you not to miss out on the Amazing Characters. Although for me I would recommend reading the whole series as it's just too good to miss.

The Christmas ambience is perfect. I can imagine being right there, it felt so magical and real.
The characters have become friends, right from the start to now, I feel I have been on a journey with them, and what a fantastic time to celebrate than at Christmas time.
Old and new each character brings something special to the the village.

Emily has written a warm and cosy, magical, scrumptious Christmas read, oozing with romance, friendship, a lil bit of mystery & secrets, plenty of humour and Christmas sparkle what more could You want!

I adore Emily's books and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for another instalment of The Lily Pond Lane series!

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.



My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic, charming, and jolly!

In this latest novel in The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane series, Christmas on Lily Pond Lane, we once again find ourselves back in Little Pondale where a new vicar, holidaymakers, festive cheer, and a wishing tree brings another dose of magic to Mia and the gang just in time for the holidays.

The characters are unique, easygoing, and engaging. The writing is fluent and smooth. And the plot is a lovely mix of budding romance, festive preparations, attraction, chemistry, family, friendship and lighthearted drama.

Overall, Christmas on Lily Pond Lane is a merry, captivating, entertaining read that is a delightful reminder that sometimes wishes really do come true.

Thank you to Emily Harvale and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the other books to do with Lily Pond Lane so was beyond excited to see there was a Christmas book out also. I would encourage readers to read the others mainly because they are fabulous but this reads easily as a stand alone so don't worry if you haven't been fortunate enough to read them yet. 

It was great to catch up with the characters again and meet some new ones. I loved the descriptions of the area even more with all the snow and you definitely get the whole Christmas vibe, of which, as it isn't that far off, it does get you in the mood and made me think of making a start on my Christmas shopping lol. 

The highlight was definitely catching up with Mia and Ella. I'm sure like me when you really love a book where the characters have become like friends, you often wonder if it was happily ever after for them or what may have happened in their lives since then. Obviously you will have to read the book yourself to see if things are just as rosy or not.

Christmas On Lily Pond Lane was an idyllic read that really gets you in the festive mood. A wonderfully engaging story that is heartwarming and highly satisfying. Loved it.

My thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed Emily’s Little Pondale village series so this one was really the icing on top of the Christmas cake! It’s always a pleasure to visit Pondale whatever the season, you know despite some dramas there is usually a happy ending. But there is something extra special about Christmas, although I don’t really like reading about it in October! But if we have to get into the festive season early then Emily Harvale is one of the top authors to track down and see what she has on offer.

Christmas on Lily Pond Lane is full of delightful characters, it helps to have read the others in the series simply so you can quickly recap who is who but I think it is gorgeous and enthralling enough to be read as a standalone.

It really would be preferable to set aside a chilly afternoon/evening to sit in front of the fire and be able to read this from start to finish, if you have to leave the charming village existence halfway through it will truly spoil the world of make believe. As always we can rely on Emily to bring the magic of the season and sprinkle all her readers with a little festive cheer.

Pop this one on Santa’s list you won’t be disappointed. Thanks to Emily and Rachel at Random Resources. I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a simply wonderful book, I mean it is so Christmassy its fabulous, and I could really picture Little Pondale and all of its villagers.

I'll hold my hands up and say that I now regret not having read the Lily Pond Lane serial released this year, only because from the hints at what went on it , I have missed something that would have been a whole lot of fun to read.

However at no point did I feel lost or anything, and I got to grips with the large cast of characters really quickly, including the two groups of people coming to the village to rent some cottages for Christmas, adding more people to the mix, everyone really was distinct.

Loved Glen the vicar, he seemed so sweet, and Jenny in the bakery has been hurt before and up until now has been keeping to herself in the village. There is Hettie the local gossip, there is Mia who is the main character, and has inherited a fortune, and those are just a few of my favourite characters.

Mia may have suddenly had more money than anyone know what to do with, but she is generous to a tee, and comes out with some wonderful gestures for the whole village. to enjoy. There are some many great things that come from Mia but I will leave you to discover them for yourselves.

The more Emily Harvale Christmas books I read, the more I can tell just how much she clearly loves the season, and this is no exception. I loved all the snow, the decorations, happenings in the village, the wishing tree, and pretty much every single word in the book.

Whenever I wasn't reading this I was resentful of what I was doing that was keeping me from reading more, as I was enjoying it that much.

Christmas on Lily Pond Lane has left me with a smile on my face, and a craving to go visit Santa and hope that one day I may be allowed to have a pet reindeer!!

Thank you to Emily Harvale for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Sheerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I love reading Christmas stories and I loved this series so this was always going to be a win, win for me – I loved it!

The plot was lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed my trip back to Lily Pond Lane. I loved the characters and their interaction. The book was well written and it flowed really well. It is a lovely festive read.

5 stars from me for this one, I loved it and highly recommend it!

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Jan still reading Christmas books so good cosy read

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting addition to this series - and a wonderful festive read!

Once again, we're back in the picturesque village of Little Pondale with Mia and Ella who seem have found the men of their dreams. Over a year has passed since we first met these young women at the beginning of their country adventure, and things have progressed considerably in their lives. But new challenges await - and it wouldn't be Christmas without plenty of snow!

After following this series from the beginning, I feel that I know the characters well; there is a good array of ages and personalities and the addition of a few newcomers presents the opportunity for some new tales whilst continuing with the original village inhabitants. Don't get me wrong, this would work equally as well as a stand-alone read and is guaranteed to get you into the mood for the festive season. With beautiful writing of a high standard and plenty going on, it's a read I would definitely recommend for anyone's Christmas reading list, and I have enjoyed it immensely. Another author added to my 'not-to-be-missed list'!

My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources not only for my copy, but also for inclusion on this blog tour. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love the cover, totally what pulled me in right away, i love a Christmas read ... love these characters and it was just an all around great read ...quick one for me ... & i look forward to reading more from Emily soon enough. I love Christmas reads any time of the year and just love how they make you feel and just are awesome. loved it! ( ;

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf at 10%

This is supposed to be 'stand alone' but readers need to have read previous books to work out who is who... There are too many boring details - I dont need to know where you have to go to get mobile phone reception or that nearly every cottage had broadband etc etc. DNF

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, this is by far the kind of place I'd love to live. I adore Christmas Chicklit & this didn't disappoint. Looking forwards to reading others in the series now.

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

loving this series

[Julie Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we're back in Little Pondale just in time for Christmas and what a Christmas Mia is determined her first one with Jet will be. She is pulling out all the stops to make it magical for everyone, including the two families that have rented her cottages for the festive season, although that might be a harder job than it seems, as both are harbouring secrets that could mar the festive season. But Mia is nothing if not determined...

This book is so bursting with Christmassy bonhomie that it was a miracle I could shut the covers of my Kindle without it all oozing out of the sides. I half expected 'Jingle Bells' to start playing each time I opened the book, like one of those old-fashioned padded greeting cards that my dad used to give my mum when he was trying to be romantic. This is not a book to be read by those Scrooges amongst you, unless you want to pop out in hives in response to all the festive jollity.

I, on the other hand, can't get enough of a Christmassy book. The more Santas, mistletoe, minCe pies and carol singers you can shoehorn in the better, so I was in hog's heaven with this one. Plus, I absolutely adore Little Pondale and everyone in it, so I was happy to be back to see how they were celebrating, and not by halves is the answer. There are Dickensian carol singers, Christmas lights on every surface, a sleigh, ice skating and tobogganing, and that is only the half of it. Every perfect Christmas you ever imagined is captured here. All our favourite characters are back and still blissfully happy, so Emily has introduced some new ones bringing intriguing mysteries, whose stories we can unfold, and they are all as charming and intriguing as the originals, (except perhaps for one awful woman, but you'll need to read it to find out who she is). These stories are really a minor distraction from the neat of the story, which is the celebration of Christmas. And I wish Christmas really was like this is my little village.

Of course, the book is complete fantasy, with Mia having an endless supply of money, farmers being able to take hours off every day to climb on roofs, magic trees and endless Christmas snow and love at first sight around every corner. But hey, who needs realism when you are having this much fun? That's not why a reader picks up a book of this sort, and we'd be disappointed if it turned out any different.

I loved every hokey minute of this book. It's like drinking a mug of hot chocolate in an oversized nightshirt and a Wee Willie Winkie hat on Christmas Eve. With knee length fluffy socks and a flake on top. And marshmallows. With a shot of Baileys. In front of a log fire. It is Christmassy perfection. It's Yuletide with The Waltons set in a English seaside village. Read it immediately.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back in Little Pondale just in time for Christmas.  Mia has decided to rent out Corner Cottage for the Christmas holidays but just before her guests are about to arrive she realises she’s double booked it.  Not wanting to cancel the other guests, she needs to work out where else they could stay.  Things have changed in Little Pondale since last time we visited.  There is a new vicar, who isn’t sure whether he’ll stay in the Village and Jenny has taken over her cousin’s bakery to try and recover from a broken heart.  Mia decides with her inheritance to try and make sure the Village has a Christmas that they will never forget…..but do things ever go to plan!

This is part of the Lily Pond Lane series.  This book can be read as a standalone novel, but I would recommend reading the other books in the series for a better understanding of the story.

It was fun returning to Little Pondale.  I have read the other books in the series and feel like I know all the characters so well already!  The book is a fairly short read, so makes it perfect for a few hours reading.  Even though it’s short, it packs so much into it with lots of different stories going on around the Village.  I loved seeing Mia again as I did like her character, and was glad that she was finally happy with her life!

I have read three Christmas books in a row these past few days, and I have to admit that this was the only book of the three to make me shiver with cold and had me checking outside to make sure we weren’t knee deep in snow!  There was lots of snow in this story and it certainly made the perfect setting for a Christmas book.

It was a heart-warming (which was a good job as I was freezing!) story full of laughs and romance.  I loved catching up with everyone and all the new characters added to a great storyline.  A fabulous festive read and I can’t wait for the next visit to Little Pond Lane!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed all the other books in the Lily Pond Lane series, I couldn’t wait to jump into the latest, Christmas edition. I think this one is definitely my favourite cover with all the thatched cottages covered in snow and the lily pond transformed into a skating rink.

The main character Mia is now thoroughly loved up (I won’t say who with, in case you are still reading the other books) and best friend Ella also has a Christmas twinkle in her eye. They are making preparations for the festive season which includes festooning the village with snowmen,reindeers, and candy stick lights.

This time we have a new vicar who has his eye on Jenny, the owner of the village bakery and Mia takes it upon herself to do some serious matchmaking. The descriptions of the mouthwatering bakes gave me a serious craving for cinnamon swirls not to mention all the other delicious festive bakes.

Christmas at Lily Pond Lane contains all the elements we have learned to expect from Emily Harvale’s novels. Beautifully written as always, the characters have become like old friends and the story is heartwarming and full to the brim with Christmas spirit.

[Armelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep getting sucked in by these colorful, fun-looking Christmas books, but this one just didn’t work for me.

There were many, many characters for such a short story. It was tough to keep them straight, and tough to care much, either.

There were lots of oddly, placed commas...

...And lots of phrases that were repeated too many times, deary. (And did we really need to be told quite so many times that Glen’s uncle was the bishop? You know, like almost every time Glen’s uncle, the bishop, was mentioned?)

I thought Mia was annoying- a young Hettie in training- plowing right over Jenny’s objections on the grounds that she’s just being “friendly.”

I feel like the Christmas, uh, grouch, by giving this only two stars, but I want to remember which books/authors I liked - and which I didn’t.

[Bena Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas on Lily Pond Lane
by Emily Harvale

#Family #Christmas

The Good
This was very cozy. I knew the characters at the start and fell deep into the story.

The Bad
The story was a bit slow. I loved the Leo/ Hector thing .. but it was too short and near the end. I also didn't like the love with Jett! Ha ha. I preferred the other books with a bit more chasing.

The Ugly
Nothing. This is a warm winter cozy romance. Definitely a stocking filler for a romance reader.

3.5 Stars - I read this as part of a blog tour

[Rachel (Rae)]

Review to follow...

[Jéssica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series. For someone that always wants more books when I love a series (which was the case of this series for me), I loved that I could come back to Little Pondale and enjoy another fun and exciting book.

As you probably know I followed this series from beginning to end and I feel like I'm a part of that town in a way. I feel like I know the characters and that made me connect even more with this story, despite some newcomers, because that just made it possible for the opportunity of all new tales in the wonderful village of Little Pondale.

This book still maintained the classic "Emily Harvale" style that I saw in the other books I have read. She put some funny moments, some romance, some of that small town feeling of everyone knows everyone and everything, and that sense of closeness that exists in a village, besides the fact that she still made the plot entertaining and the storyline engaging.

Of course, since this is a special book because of the Christmas theme, it was happy and full of holiday spice and snow. It's the perfect escape for the holiday season. The funniest Christmas-y book that I have read in a while, and it made me want to go get some more Christmas' books to read right NOW!

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Emily for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Harvale has again given her fans another great addition to her wonderful, heartwarming series. I was so glad to see that there was a Christmas addition!!

Harvale returns with some of my favorites, Mia, Ella, and Jet while meeting new ones. I have to be honest and say though, I was most curious of where Mia and Jet’s relationship is going. These two have had quite the journey, and Harvale exceeded all my expectations!

Harvale has always captured my heart with her storyline and her characters, but this one was really special. She truly captured the Christmas spirit. It certainly put me in the “holiday spirit.” She does such a great job of creating such a detailed setting, and I can always picture it so clearly in my mind.

One of the reasons I love this series so much is because I feel like I have gotten to know the characters I met from the very first book. They have grown and changed so much. I feel like I’m catching up with old friends. As always, I will be looking forward to returning in the future and seeing where the characters will take me!

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This standalone return to Lily Pond Lane is full of all things festive. It has all the sparkle and glitter of the Christmas season, with snow, reindeers, red coated visitors. Having read the Lily Pond Lane series, it was lovely to return there to see how they were all getting on. New characters are introduced with ease and are nicely linked in with parts of the community. It all feels so effortless. What a relaxing read!

Both the families who stay in Mia's cottages for the Christmas period have their own back stories and secrets to hide. They couldn't be more contrasting and it was interesting to see how they fit in with the villagers. Little Pondale has its own traditions and oddities and I thought the Wishing Tree was a great addition. This is a heart-warming read, full of humour and romance.

In short: Christmas sparkle at Little Pondale.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

[vicki zimmerman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Background details

I understand a writer has to set the background details in place, in order to tell a story. But, there should be more to the story than just those background details.
I read the first three chapters, with little more than a line here and there of conversation. The rest was just narrative, which I find boring to the extreme.
So, I started skimming through the book, to see if this pattern ever changes. It doesn’t. There are ways of explaining background information without sacrificing the story. This writer didn’t employ them, making the story was boring, amateurish in writing style, and simply couldn’t hold my interest. For me, this is not a book I would recommend.

[Mrs A J Geeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! And Wow!

Fantastic book, some great new characters in the story to go along with the previous four books but also if you’ve not read the others a great book to learn about the entire story, Emily Harvale I don’t know how you do it but keep writing because your books are amazing and I can’t wait to start the next one!!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What better way than to read about Christmas in July! This is the 5th book in the series and it was so good like the first 4. Mia and Jett are celebrating Christmas with family and friends. When Ella double books one of the cottages, Mia has to move in with Jett. All the fun of the run up to Christmas with lots of drama and joy.

[Daisy Girl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew the story would be predictable and with a happy ending (which is what I'm in the mood for at the moment) but it seems like everyone who lives there or visits is good-looking, heart broken, sometimes rich and falls in love in less than hour. Saying that, knowing me, I'll probably read the next one, ha ha.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Christmas Gift Ever!

A delightful experience! I really love Emily Harvales characters! Her books are sad to end reading! Her books are happy, joyful and just what you hope for!