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It's a Wonderful Life
A sparkling new Christmas novel from Julia Williams It's Christmas, and Beth King is preparing to spend it in the bosom of her family, doing the same things they have done since time immemorial: arguing with each other, stuffing themselves silly, putting up with Grandad making them watch the Queen, and having the Family Row by teatime. Despite having children of their own, Beth and her husband Daniel have never quite managed to escape the horrors of the Holroyd family Christmas. Beth's mother Mary would never countenance anyone else cooking the turkey. So the family traditions have stuck... But this year, things are going to be just a little bit different. For a start, Beth's brother, bachelor Ged, appears to have a girlfriend in tow. A very pregnant girlfriend. And her sister Lou, whose car-crash love life could be a boilerplate for every soap opera going, has turned up in floods having been ditched on Christmas Eve - again. Meanwhile Beth, who has spent years trying to maintain the facade of one completely in control, is facing up to the fact that she has no idea how to deal with either her teenage children or her over-stressed husband. And her hitherto successful picture-book career seems to be on the skids as she tries to get to grips with her newest project, a Christmas book entitled The Littlest Angel. As the family gather for Christmas Day, childhood tensions resurface, the teenagers bicker, and Beth wishes more than ever that she could hide away and forget the festive season once and for all. And that's before her parents drop their bombshell...
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Published November 3, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 28, 2016
A WONDERFUL LIFE begins with a family Christmas get together that results in a bit of a disaster. Told from three perspectives, the story evolves from the secret divulged on December 25 with a few more 'family' zingers revealed along the way.
The beautiful book cover drew me in on this one, and while a fast, easy read, I was actually hoping for more of a holiday theme throughout than rendered here.
(Thank you Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for an impartial review.
August 5, 2021
The followed lives of different family members and how their relationships span out. The most frustrating one was that of Beth who is a children's book author and has this perfect husband, amazing children, basically the best family one could ask for. But when she meets her ex bf, she hurts everybody to chase that fantasy. What. An. Idiot. I just couldn't stop myself from being angry at her. She literally was the wrong one and she dared to blame her cheating on her husband. I mean how do ppl even react like that? Literally she had no shame and I hated her.
Lou is sister of Beth and she is a lesbian who hasn't come out to her family. One day her gf Jo and out of the blue blames her for being not good enough and dumps her. Meanwhile she goes to a trip with her mom and meets Maria. When she comes back Jo tries to get back together but Lou now has to decide carefully who she wants.
Meanwhile the mother of the family is cheated on by their father. She now has to navigate living independently after being married for 40+ years.
Lou is sister of Beth and she is a lesbian who hasn't come out to her family. One day her gf Jo and out of the blue blames her for being not good enough and dumps her. Meanwhile she goes to a trip with her mom and meets Maria. When she comes back Jo tries to get back together but Lou now has to decide carefully who she wants.
Meanwhile the mother of the family is cheated on by their father. She now has to navigate living independently after being married for 40+ years.
November 13, 2018
This was my first book by this author and I loved it and will be reading more. Such an easy read and enjoyable and so heartwarming. Full of Christmas and families and being happy and wanting the right thing for you not going along with the flow. Was upsetting in paces as well but funny in others to. Throughly enjoyed it from the first page.
Beth is driving home for Christmas and she has the perfect life with two children and a husband Daniel and she loves writing but she comes across her old boyfriend through work and age can't stop thinking she's missed out so will she be tempted or will she want to stay with Daniel. Then her sister Lou has just been dumped and she's single she hasn't told her family she isn't interested in men but will they guess before she says and she's always been jealous of her sister as she has a perfect life but is it so perfect. Their parents have been together years but the dad goes off with someone else can the mum forgive him or can he just not let his new girlfriend go. So when it comes to next Christmas will it be very different and will they be happy with their lives or not.
A brilliant read.
Beth is driving home for Christmas and she has the perfect life with two children and a husband Daniel and she loves writing but she comes across her old boyfriend through work and age can't stop thinking she's missed out so will she be tempted or will she want to stay with Daniel. Then her sister Lou has just been dumped and she's single she hasn't told her family she isn't interested in men but will they guess before she says and she's always been jealous of her sister as she has a perfect life but is it so perfect. Their parents have been together years but the dad goes off with someone else can the mum forgive him or can he just not let his new girlfriend go. So when it comes to next Christmas will it be very different and will they be happy with their lives or not.
A brilliant read.
December 8, 2016
A perfect pick-me-up early Christmas reading treat for yourself. Julia Williams is celebrating ten years. I can see why Julia Williams books have sold half a million copies. In it's a Wonderful Life Beth has to deal with her mum planning Christmas in August. Beth seems to have a wonderful life with a lovely husband and two kids and a good career as a picture-book artist. The family loves her. Why can't she be satisfied? Why does Beth feel that something is missing?
October 19, 2016
Despite the Christmas tree on the front cover, I'd say this is, but isn't a Christmas book. In some respects it definitely could be classed as one, the book starts at Christmas time, however the bulk of the story if the following year in its entirety. But yet it is also a Christmas book, due to Beth.
Beth writes and illustrates picture books for kids, and her latest one is based on the nativity story, with a little angel, and she has got blocked on her creativity for it, with her new editor, so interspersed with the main story we get excerpts from the Christmas story and also the comments from her publisher's.
Although it isn't the main story it does add some light relief over what is a difficult year in the life of the starring family. The narrative is split into three key viewpoints, Beth, her husband Daniel and her younger sister Lou. Between them they tell the story of all manner of relationships, with the inherent ups and downs of them.
I felt as thought I really got to know Beth's family, and although I didn't always like all the members, or their decisions I think there were certainly redeeming qualities and for a change in a book I didn't outright hate anyone. Beth has two teenage children, who both cause the sorts of worries you would expect, and with Daniel being the new head teacher at the local school, he is stressed with OFSTED worries.
The first Christmas in the story provides the first surprises and really sets the tone for the whole story, as it sets Beth, Lou and Ged (their brother) reeling.
I really did enjoy It's A Wonderful Life and its always a pleasure to read a new book from Julia Williams.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for my copy of this book. This was my honest opinion.
Beth writes and illustrates picture books for kids, and her latest one is based on the nativity story, with a little angel, and she has got blocked on her creativity for it, with her new editor, so interspersed with the main story we get excerpts from the Christmas story and also the comments from her publisher's.
Although it isn't the main story it does add some light relief over what is a difficult year in the life of the starring family. The narrative is split into three key viewpoints, Beth, her husband Daniel and her younger sister Lou. Between them they tell the story of all manner of relationships, with the inherent ups and downs of them.
I felt as thought I really got to know Beth's family, and although I didn't always like all the members, or their decisions I think there were certainly redeeming qualities and for a change in a book I didn't outright hate anyone. Beth has two teenage children, who both cause the sorts of worries you would expect, and with Daniel being the new head teacher at the local school, he is stressed with OFSTED worries.
The first Christmas in the story provides the first surprises and really sets the tone for the whole story, as it sets Beth, Lou and Ged (their brother) reeling.
I really did enjoy It's A Wonderful Life and its always a pleasure to read a new book from Julia Williams.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for my copy of this book. This was my honest opinion.
July 6, 2022
Christmas Read 2019 - Book 1 = Naughty
It's a rare book that could engender such intense loathing from me in such a short amount of time. I started listening to the audiobook on my way to work today, and everything about it made me angry. I hated the whiny protagonist, I hated the narrator's voice, and I hated the fact that literally nothing happened in the half hour it took me to make the drive.
And so ends my first attempt for 2019 to locate and read a Christmas book that I enjoy. I have had dismal luck in previous years, but hope springs eternal. It is after all the season of miracles.
It's a rare book that could engender such intense loathing from me in such a short amount of time. I started listening to the audiobook on my way to work today, and everything about it made me angry. I hated the whiny protagonist, I hated the narrator's voice, and I hated the fact that literally nothing happened in the half hour it took me to make the drive.
And so ends my first attempt for 2019 to locate and read a Christmas book that I enjoy. I have had dismal luck in previous years, but hope springs eternal. It is after all the season of miracles.
November 15, 2017
3.5
Ich hatte mich auf eine stimmungsvolle Weihnachtsgeschichte gefreut, da dies Buch zu meinen ersten Weihnachtsbüchern in diesem Zahl zählt.
Leider ist das Weihnachtsfest nur der Start- und Endpunkt der Geschichte und dazwischen begleiten wir die Familie um Beth und Daniel ein Jahr lang durch ihre größeren und kleineren Dramen. Zunächst war ich ein wenig enttäuscht, dass es nicht die klassische Weihnachtsgeschichte ist, aber dann konnte mich das Buch doch ganz gut unterhalten.
Ich fand es einerseits interessant, dass man durch die unterschiedlichen Perspektiven Einblicke in die Gedankenwelt verschiedener Charaktere bekommen hat, aber andererseits war es einigen Stellen doch ein wenig oberflächlich, da die Perspektiven ziemlich schnell wechselten. Auch wenn innerhalb der Familie immer wieder etwas passiert, gab es ab und an doch ein paar Längen, in denen mich das Buch ein wenig verloren hat.
Das Buch ist leider nicht so festlich wie erwartet, kann aber trotzdem kurzweilig unterhalten.
Ich hatte mich auf eine stimmungsvolle Weihnachtsgeschichte gefreut, da dies Buch zu meinen ersten Weihnachtsbüchern in diesem Zahl zählt.
Leider ist das Weihnachtsfest nur der Start- und Endpunkt der Geschichte und dazwischen begleiten wir die Familie um Beth und Daniel ein Jahr lang durch ihre größeren und kleineren Dramen. Zunächst war ich ein wenig enttäuscht, dass es nicht die klassische Weihnachtsgeschichte ist, aber dann konnte mich das Buch doch ganz gut unterhalten.
Ich fand es einerseits interessant, dass man durch die unterschiedlichen Perspektiven Einblicke in die Gedankenwelt verschiedener Charaktere bekommen hat, aber andererseits war es einigen Stellen doch ein wenig oberflächlich, da die Perspektiven ziemlich schnell wechselten. Auch wenn innerhalb der Familie immer wieder etwas passiert, gab es ab und an doch ein paar Längen, in denen mich das Buch ein wenig verloren hat.
Das Buch ist leider nicht so festlich wie erwartet, kann aber trotzdem kurzweilig unterhalten.
May 22, 2018
Was enjoying this story, then came across a paragraph I didn’t like much so stopped reading. Shame really ruined a other wise good book.
December 1, 2023
I am left wondering why Daniel’s story was not in the first person but Beth and Lou’s was…. Easy to read book but not very Christmassy.
November 14, 2017
First off I don't really class this as a Christmas story despite the cover. As the book spans a year in this families life. Its told from the perspectives of Beth, Daniel, Lou.. This book is different to a lot I read. Most end with a happily ever after. This is what happens after. Its a more realistic take on relationships. They take work, life throws you curve balls. Its how you deal with them that matters. Change can be a good thing. Good pace of story, kept me turning the page to see how it all ended.
October 20, 2021
I received thid book for free through a First Reads giveaway.
I've read the first part and this book isn't for me. I can't stand all the whining from adults. Plus I've always heard about the show, don't tell rule. Here it's tell, don't show.
I've read the first part and this book isn't for me. I can't stand all the whining from adults. Plus I've always heard about the show, don't tell rule. Here it's tell, don't show.
May 3, 2021
A story told by three protagonists Lou, Daniel, and Beth. Beth in my opinion was the glue that held this book together although all the characters were great she was the main protagonist. Beth seems to have it all a career as an artist for picture books a lovely house great children and a loving husband.
Daniel is Beth's husband and is tasked with bringing a struggling school up to the grade and family life start to catch up with him.
While Lou is Beth's sister whose love life is far from perfect. The book starts at a family Christmas which turns out to be far from idelic to find out what happens you need to read the book
Daniel is Beth's husband and is tasked with bringing a struggling school up to the grade and family life start to catch up with him.
While Lou is Beth's sister whose love life is far from perfect. The book starts at a family Christmas which turns out to be far from idelic to find out what happens you need to read the book
January 12, 2018
A lovely Christmas story , couldn’t stop putting it down , enjoyed it so much 📚❤️.
January 28, 2025
An easy to read enjoyable book about family life
November 12, 2016
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Julia Williams has been an author whose books I have always looked at from afar and not read; until now. This is Julia’s tenth book which equals ten years of Julia Williams’ books! Massive congratulations!
With a title like this one, and a cover shouting ‘deck the halls’, you would automatically think that this book will be full of Christmas spirit and rival ‘The Snowman’ movie, yes? Do not be fooled by the dog sniffing out a present on the cover as this Christmas cracker packs a punch! Not literally obviously…you know what I mean.
‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ switches itself between three different viewpoints; Beth, husband David and sister Lou as they embark on individual journeys. Beth is a children’s book illustrator and she finds herself getting stuck in a rut when both her and her editors opinions clash over her work in progress. Something is missing and whilst Beth’s editor wants cute, Beth wants realistic. Bit like her life really. Beth’s husband, David, has his own personal struggles. As well as trying to run a new school, David’s past comes to sing a few Christmas carols; but will they be the only one singing, or can David be the bigger man?
As for Beth’s sister, Lou, she seems to be holding her cards very close to her chest in fear of ending up looking like the ‘joker’. Will Santa bring her good luck for Christmas, for once?
Three different viewpoints equals three separate lots of drama! My opinion of Beth seemed to change all the way through the book. One moment I felt sorry for her as she came across rather sad and then the next moment I was thinking ‘you stupid….’! I did end up finishing the book liking her though, so that is always good haha. It’s brilliant when you read a book that changes your opinion of one character more than once, it certainly kept me on my toes.
They say ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ and I believe that a similar saying should be linked to this book; ‘this book is for life, not just for Christmas!’. As I said above, the cover shouts Christmas; however, whilst the book is set during the festive period, I wouldn’t class it as a book to be read specifically for Christmas. The storyline is so diverse so you can read and love it any time of the year!
‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ was full of rollercoaster emotions as well as a lot of drama which, for me, made it stand out from the other books out at the moment (in a very good way).
It seems as though all of the characters weren’t happy with their lives so they set out to change them. Unfortunately, they seemed to think that a past moment would be as fantastic now as it was back then, being totally oblivious to any consequences.
We all do it, we all have moments where we look through our rose-tinted glasses whilst trying to relive a moment from many moons ago. We all have moments where we focus on what we COULD have, rather than what we DO have. Julia has cemented that important message throughout the storyline in such a bold and eye-opening way. Truly inspiring, it definitely had me thinking!
Julia Williams has written a book about self discovery, taking chances and learning to live in the moment. Her enticing writing had me gripped the whole way through, as well as getting me emotionally involved in the characters lives. Thank you for allowing me to embark on such an inspiring and beautifully written journey.
Thank you AvonBooks for having me on the tour.
Julia Williams has been an author whose books I have always looked at from afar and not read; until now. This is Julia’s tenth book which equals ten years of Julia Williams’ books! Massive congratulations!
With a title like this one, and a cover shouting ‘deck the halls’, you would automatically think that this book will be full of Christmas spirit and rival ‘The Snowman’ movie, yes? Do not be fooled by the dog sniffing out a present on the cover as this Christmas cracker packs a punch! Not literally obviously…you know what I mean.
‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ switches itself between three different viewpoints; Beth, husband David and sister Lou as they embark on individual journeys. Beth is a children’s book illustrator and she finds herself getting stuck in a rut when both her and her editors opinions clash over her work in progress. Something is missing and whilst Beth’s editor wants cute, Beth wants realistic. Bit like her life really. Beth’s husband, David, has his own personal struggles. As well as trying to run a new school, David’s past comes to sing a few Christmas carols; but will they be the only one singing, or can David be the bigger man?
As for Beth’s sister, Lou, she seems to be holding her cards very close to her chest in fear of ending up looking like the ‘joker’. Will Santa bring her good luck for Christmas, for once?
Three different viewpoints equals three separate lots of drama! My opinion of Beth seemed to change all the way through the book. One moment I felt sorry for her as she came across rather sad and then the next moment I was thinking ‘you stupid….’! I did end up finishing the book liking her though, so that is always good haha. It’s brilliant when you read a book that changes your opinion of one character more than once, it certainly kept me on my toes.
They say ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ and I believe that a similar saying should be linked to this book; ‘this book is for life, not just for Christmas!’. As I said above, the cover shouts Christmas; however, whilst the book is set during the festive period, I wouldn’t class it as a book to be read specifically for Christmas. The storyline is so diverse so you can read and love it any time of the year!
‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ was full of rollercoaster emotions as well as a lot of drama which, for me, made it stand out from the other books out at the moment (in a very good way).
It seems as though all of the characters weren’t happy with their lives so they set out to change them. Unfortunately, they seemed to think that a past moment would be as fantastic now as it was back then, being totally oblivious to any consequences.
We all do it, we all have moments where we look through our rose-tinted glasses whilst trying to relive a moment from many moons ago. We all have moments where we focus on what we COULD have, rather than what we DO have. Julia has cemented that important message throughout the storyline in such a bold and eye-opening way. Truly inspiring, it definitely had me thinking!
Julia Williams has written a book about self discovery, taking chances and learning to live in the moment. Her enticing writing had me gripped the whole way through, as well as getting me emotionally involved in the characters lives. Thank you for allowing me to embark on such an inspiring and beautifully written journey.
Thank you AvonBooks for having me on the tour.
December 13, 2017
‚Ein Weihnachten zum Glücklichsein‘ ist kein klassisches Weihnachtsbuch, wie ich es mir vorgestellt habe und auch laut Klappentext erwartet habe. Die Story startet zwar zum Weihnachtsfest, jedoch begleiten wir die Familie das Jahr über hinweg, sodass die Story auch wieder an Weihnachten endet. Das war mir persönlich etwas zu wenig weihnachtlich, was aber vor allem an meinen Erwartungen lag.
Da wir die Familienmitglieder ein ganzes Jahr lang begleiten, bekommt man gute Einblicke in das Familienleben. Wir lernen die einzelnen Personen kennen und erfahren, wer sich mit welchen Problemen rumschlagen muss.So haben wir z.B. Beth, die große Schwester, die seit jeher das Gefühl hat alles in der Familie machen zu müssen, da sich ihre beiden jüngeren Geschwister lieber um sich selbst kümmern. Nach außen führt Beth eine wundervolle Ehe, doch schon bald merkt man, dass auch hier die Fassade etwas bröckelt.
Einige ‚Problemchen‘ haben mich etwas zum Kopfschütteln gebracht, da mit etwas gutem Menschenverstand, der Stress deutlich minimiert werden könnte. Insgesamt haben sich einige Familienmitglieder recht unplausibel verhalten, wodurch ich einige Geschehnisse nicht sehr nachvollziehbar fand.
Trotz der Kritikpunkte bin ich recht gut durch die Story gekommen, denn die Autorin hat eine recht angenehme Art zu schreiben. Dadurch konnte ich trotz einiger Längen am Ball bleiben. Die Längen kommen vor allem dadurch zustande, dass viele unserer Figuren dazu neigen, ellenlange innere Monologe zu führen, die meiner Meinung nach etwas kürzer hätten ausfallen können.
Insgesamt eine nette Geschichte, die recht kurzweilig ist und gut unterhält, auch wenn sie weniger weihnachtlich ist als gedacht.
Da wir die Familienmitglieder ein ganzes Jahr lang begleiten, bekommt man gute Einblicke in das Familienleben. Wir lernen die einzelnen Personen kennen und erfahren, wer sich mit welchen Problemen rumschlagen muss.So haben wir z.B. Beth, die große Schwester, die seit jeher das Gefühl hat alles in der Familie machen zu müssen, da sich ihre beiden jüngeren Geschwister lieber um sich selbst kümmern. Nach außen führt Beth eine wundervolle Ehe, doch schon bald merkt man, dass auch hier die Fassade etwas bröckelt.
Einige ‚Problemchen‘ haben mich etwas zum Kopfschütteln gebracht, da mit etwas gutem Menschenverstand, der Stress deutlich minimiert werden könnte. Insgesamt haben sich einige Familienmitglieder recht unplausibel verhalten, wodurch ich einige Geschehnisse nicht sehr nachvollziehbar fand.
Trotz der Kritikpunkte bin ich recht gut durch die Story gekommen, denn die Autorin hat eine recht angenehme Art zu schreiben. Dadurch konnte ich trotz einiger Längen am Ball bleiben. Die Längen kommen vor allem dadurch zustande, dass viele unserer Figuren dazu neigen, ellenlange innere Monologe zu führen, die meiner Meinung nach etwas kürzer hätten ausfallen können.
Insgesamt eine nette Geschichte, die recht kurzweilig ist und gut unterhält, auch wenn sie weniger weihnachtlich ist als gedacht.
November 3, 2016
MoMo’s Book Diary loved Julia Williams’ It’s a Wonderful Life and recommends this sparkling 5 star read.
This is the first Julia Williams book I have read and I loved it! I will certainly be reading more of this author in future.
I was initially drawn by the cover - there is just something about a Christmas cover that I just can’t resist – and the synopsis had me hooked. It is a book about second chances, appreciating what you have in life, and doing what makes you happy. It is a nice quick and easy read which is what you need around Christmas time when there are so many other things we need to be doing with our time.
Julia Willliams brings us a heart-warming family tale full of loveable characters and situations which we can easily relate to. The book covers a year from one Christmas to the next, telling the story from three different people’s viewpoint – Beth, Daniel and Lou.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Avon UK for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.
This review is published on my blog momobookdiary.com, netgalley and amazon
This is the first Julia Williams book I have read and I loved it! I will certainly be reading more of this author in future.
I was initially drawn by the cover - there is just something about a Christmas cover that I just can’t resist – and the synopsis had me hooked. It is a book about second chances, appreciating what you have in life, and doing what makes you happy. It is a nice quick and easy read which is what you need around Christmas time when there are so many other things we need to be doing with our time.
Julia Willliams brings us a heart-warming family tale full of loveable characters and situations which we can easily relate to. The book covers a year from one Christmas to the next, telling the story from three different people’s viewpoint – Beth, Daniel and Lou.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Avon UK for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.
This review is published on my blog momobookdiary.com, netgalley and amazon
December 31, 2017
Review coming up soon.
November 28, 2016
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
It's a Wonderful Life has got to be one of my all time favourite films, so when I saw Julia's latest book was so entitled this, this was just one of the reasons that I just had to read. I have been lucky to read many of Julia's books and this was another one that didn't disappoint.
There are just some authors whose writing immediately draws you in and you find yourself not wanting to put the book down, and that is always what I find with Julia's stories. I don't know how she does it but she makes you feel like you are part of the story and a part of me doesn't want it to end.
Beth has every she could possibly want in life, a lovely house, husband, children and job as writer and illustrator, so why is she so discontent with her lot in life? Her husband Daniel has just started a new job as Head Teacher at a new school and has the major task of bringing it up-to-date. But with family life catching up with him, can he be a good teacher and Father at the same time? Beth's sister Louise has been dumped yet again. She thinks that Beth has got the perfect life with her success and wonderful family, but is the grass always greener?
Is it possible to fall in love with all of the characters? I loved how this was split between Beth, her husband Daniel and her sister Louise. I thoroughly enjoyed reading from all their different perspectives and seeing how their stories intertwined. It kept up a nice flow in the story and I was eager to follow up one from the other. I think it is so important to make your characters as believable as possible in stories and these characters felt so real to me. Julia manages to capture and get across their true thoughts and feelings and put them into words that many a time you can relate to.
Similar to the film It's a Wonderful Life, Julia gets you thinking about your life and how you shouldn't take things for granted, no matter what it is that you are going through at any point in time.
Although not entirely Christmassy from start to finish, it has that Christmas vibe throughout about family coming together and taking the time to realise the important things in life and enjoy it. I really felt like I have taken something great away from reading this and I think the next time I am wishing for something more, I will take a step back and appreciate what is good in my life.
Heartwarming pure escapism. I once again thoroughly enjoyed Julia's new book and I cannot wait for her next one.
It's a Wonderful Life has got to be one of my all time favourite films, so when I saw Julia's latest book was so entitled this, this was just one of the reasons that I just had to read. I have been lucky to read many of Julia's books and this was another one that didn't disappoint.
There are just some authors whose writing immediately draws you in and you find yourself not wanting to put the book down, and that is always what I find with Julia's stories. I don't know how she does it but she makes you feel like you are part of the story and a part of me doesn't want it to end.
Beth has every she could possibly want in life, a lovely house, husband, children and job as writer and illustrator, so why is she so discontent with her lot in life? Her husband Daniel has just started a new job as Head Teacher at a new school and has the major task of bringing it up-to-date. But with family life catching up with him, can he be a good teacher and Father at the same time? Beth's sister Louise has been dumped yet again. She thinks that Beth has got the perfect life with her success and wonderful family, but is the grass always greener?
Is it possible to fall in love with all of the characters? I loved how this was split between Beth, her husband Daniel and her sister Louise. I thoroughly enjoyed reading from all their different perspectives and seeing how their stories intertwined. It kept up a nice flow in the story and I was eager to follow up one from the other. I think it is so important to make your characters as believable as possible in stories and these characters felt so real to me. Julia manages to capture and get across their true thoughts and feelings and put them into words that many a time you can relate to.
Similar to the film It's a Wonderful Life, Julia gets you thinking about your life and how you shouldn't take things for granted, no matter what it is that you are going through at any point in time.
Although not entirely Christmassy from start to finish, it has that Christmas vibe throughout about family coming together and taking the time to realise the important things in life and enjoy it. I really felt like I have taken something great away from reading this and I think the next time I am wishing for something more, I will take a step back and appreciate what is good in my life.
Heartwarming pure escapism. I once again thoroughly enjoyed Julia's new book and I cannot wait for her next one.
December 19, 2021
Not actually a Christmas book. It started with a couple of Christmas-centric chapters, then ended with a very brief Christmas chapter taking place one year later. The rest 97% of the book took place in the intervening year, and had absolutely nothing to do with Christmas except for the children's book Beth was trying to write for most of the year, which was based on the nativity (and seemed to require enormous amounts of effort and deliberation for a very short and simple story).
There were definitely heartwarming moments, but they were surrounded by endless paragraphs of people utterly failing to communicate with each other and making terrible choices (Beth in particular, but they all had their moments) and it got very frustating after a while. I did like most of the characters and where they ended up, and I particularily liked Lou (probably because she started at the bottom and worked her way up, while Beth and Daniel just made things worse for themselves until the very end.
This isn't a bad book by any means, especially if you enjoy interpersonal drama (I don't, at least not this kind), and despite my gripes, I don't think I ever considered not finishing it. I would have given this 3 stars if it wasn't for the fact that this book is being aggressively marketed as a Christmas book when it had VERY little to do with Christmas, and it really threw off my Christmas readig.
There were definitely heartwarming moments, but they were surrounded by endless paragraphs of people utterly failing to communicate with each other and making terrible choices (Beth in particular, but they all had their moments) and it got very frustating after a while. I did like most of the characters and where they ended up, and I particularily liked Lou (probably because she started at the bottom and worked her way up, while Beth and Daniel just made things worse for themselves until the very end.
This isn't a bad book by any means, especially if you enjoy interpersonal drama (I don't, at least not this kind), and despite my gripes, I don't think I ever considered not finishing it. I would have given this 3 stars if it wasn't for the fact that this book is being aggressively marketed as a Christmas book when it had VERY little to do with Christmas, and it really threw off my Christmas readig.
November 28, 2020
Ich glaube ich bin zu heikel bei Weihnachtsbüchern. Oder Liebesgeschichten. Oder einer Kombination aus beidem. Zunächst einmal war das für mich kein Weihnachtsbuch, weil sich die Geschichte über ein ganzes Jahr zieht - gut, sie beginnt und endet zu Weihnachten, aber das ist auch schon alles. Und dann war es nicht per se eine Liebesgeschichte, es ist vielmehr die Geschichte einer Familie und der Beziehungen in dieser Familie - wobei schon mit Fokus auf das Paarleben. Die Charaktere waren mir alles in allem zu eindimensional, ich mochte nicht, wie mit dem Begriff "Schuld" umgegangen wurde und so richtig konnte ich mich auch für niemanden erwärmen, am ehesten noch für Lou, der ich ihr Alter aber nie abgekauft hätte, sie wirkt für mich wie Anfang 20. Auch den Aufhänger, die Geschichte des Engelchens, fand ich eher überflüssig. Also gibts von mir mit zwei zugedrückten Augen leider nur zwei Sterne.
December 23, 2017
I have to admit I picked this up from the library, because I was curious. There are a lot of Christmas books displayed on shelves in the shops too and they all seem to be best sellers, so I thought I'd research. If you want to read something untaxing with a straightforward story about the ups and downs of an everyday family, then this is for you. I wasn't kept on the edge of my seat or wowed by descriptions. The story is predictable. Reading it was like watching an old fashioned movie during the afternoon. I haven't read any other books by Julia Williams but I note she is a bestseller. So, she is obviously popular with a lot of readers. If you want to be warmed "like a cup of cocoa", as the tag line on the front of the books says, then this is for you. I prefer to be warmed by a full-bodied glass of red wine. Each to their own.
January 29, 2018
I was lucky enough to get this book on the o2 offer so it only cost £1 which is all I would pay for it. Although the cover made me think of it being set at Christmas time as it’s mentioned Christmas and had a Christmas tree on the front cover it was really only the start and the finish that was to do with Christmas. It was mostly to do with the year in between and Beth the main character illustrating a book and the family’s life. Each chapter had sub chapters that alternated between the various main characters, Beth, Daniel and Lou. I did not find it a compelling or gripping read as I always do with Veronica Henry and Debbie macomber. It was an ok read, passed the time but I would not go out of my way to read any more of this authors books.
April 4, 2018
This is a wonderful book full of insight into family relationships. Spanning the year in between two Christmas gatherings the family evolves as the story unfolds from each characters perspective.
As the adult siblings return to the family home the story is told from each characters experience and expectation.
This year their world explodes as Mary, the mother, announces that Fred her husband of more than forty years is having an affair.
This impactacts on each of the siblings in different ways as the year moves toward next Christmas and none of the relationships stay quite the same.
It would be a shame to leave this book on the Christmas shelf. It’s a book so well written about the trials of relationships on many different levels it deserves to come out any time of. Year.
As the adult siblings return to the family home the story is told from each characters experience and expectation.
This year their world explodes as Mary, the mother, announces that Fred her husband of more than forty years is having an affair.
This impactacts on each of the siblings in different ways as the year moves toward next Christmas and none of the relationships stay quite the same.
It would be a shame to leave this book on the Christmas shelf. It’s a book so well written about the trials of relationships on many different levels it deserves to come out any time of. Year.
January 7, 2025
"Poor Daniel" should be the title of this book
Premise - 3⭐
Plot - 2⭐
Story line - 2⭐
Plot twist - 2⭐
Atmosphere- 2⭐
Characters - 2⭐
Writing style - 2⭐
Execution -3⭐
2 STARS overall 🌟⭐
Dont judge a book by its cover. It's not a happy-as it -seems- book. It's very stressful actually. I thought this would make my start of the year reading goal happy but it's not. Writing style was put into waste the family dynamics is so problematic. There isn't a tinge of Christmas in this book. It's not a wonderful life at all
Premise - 3⭐
Plot - 2⭐
Story line - 2⭐
Plot twist - 2⭐
Atmosphere- 2⭐
Characters - 2⭐
Writing style - 2⭐
Execution -3⭐
2 STARS overall 🌟⭐
Dont judge a book by its cover. It's not a happy-as it -seems- book. It's very stressful actually. I thought this would make my start of the year reading goal happy but it's not. Writing style was put into waste the family dynamics is so problematic. There isn't a tinge of Christmas in this book. It's not a wonderful life at all
October 29, 2023
This has been my pick up and read, between all the other books, and it was easy and engaging to the point I am going to go back to reading one book at a time and keep it with me !
Following each member of one family, and their extended relationships, over a year, it shows how much things can change in a short period of time, and how they all respond to the situations that arise.
This book did make me smile, and I loved how all the characters different personalities came across.
Following each member of one family, and their extended relationships, over a year, it shows how much things can change in a short period of time, and how they all respond to the situations that arise.
This book did make me smile, and I loved how all the characters different personalities came across.
January 3, 2019
My last book of 2018 and it was a great one.
I really enjoyed this book, even from the beginning. I loved Beth as a character. I love it when an author can write from 3 peoples perspectives to tell the story.
Lou grew on me towards the end and I liked Daniel too.
I feel that Megan should have got a voice of her own too as I feel she would have been a really interesting character. I feel the same about Jack too.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and it’s definitely one I’ll keep to read again.
I really enjoyed this book, even from the beginning. I loved Beth as a character. I love it when an author can write from 3 peoples perspectives to tell the story.
Lou grew on me towards the end and I liked Daniel too.
I feel that Megan should have got a voice of her own too as I feel she would have been a really interesting character. I feel the same about Jack too.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and it’s definitely one I’ll keep to read again.
December 4, 2024
I was expecting a more Christmas theme type of book, but the story actually happens over a whole year. It only starts and ends in Christmas. That was a little bit of a let down for me alongside with the fact that I think I misunderstood where the story was supposed to go when reading the premise.
It was not that bad but not entirely of my liking.
It was not that bad but not entirely of my liking.
December 22, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. A pretty basic story about the ups and downs of family life but very well written and held my attention pretty much. Wasn't keen on the little Angel bits but on the whole a good read.
December 29, 2017
Beautiful Christmas read that follows the lives of Beth , her husband Daniel and sister Lou as they struggle to deal with some disaster out family choices in the run up to Christmas . I simply loved the story that Beth was writing throughout " The Littlest Angel" . A perfect Christmas read .
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