A Mother's Christmas Wish

by Glenda Young

'Real sagas with female characters right at the heart' Jane Garvey, Woman's Hour
'In the world of historical saga writers, there's a brand new voice' My Weekly

The brand-new saga from the author of The Miner's Lass, available to preorder now.

If you love Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin, you'll LOVE Glenda Young's 'amazing novels!' (ITV's This Morning presenter Sharon Marshall)


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What readers are saying about Glenda's heartwrenching sagas:

'Definitely an author not to be missed when it comes to family sagas'The Book Magnet

'Writes superb historical fiction that bring the era alive. Her books are unbeatable and unputdownable' Ginger Book Geek

'The perfectly imperfect, human nature of Glenda Young's characters are what keeps her readership hooked' Clyde's Corner

'Gritty, compelling and full of heart . . an exceptional saga' Bookish Jottings

'Better than a Catherine Cookson' 5* reader review

'Wonderful read, full of rich characters, evocative description and a touch of romance' 5* reader review

'Just wanted it to go on forever and read more about the characters and their lives' 5* reader review

Love Glenda's sagas? Don't miss her cosy-crime mystery series staring Helen Dexter and her trusty greyhound, Suki, starting with Murder at the Seaview Hotel and Curtain Call at the Seaview Hotel, out now!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christmas, Historical, British Literature, Fiction

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2022

Reviews

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Mother’s Christmas Wish” by Glenda Young

Born and bred in Sunderland, it was a no brainer that I’d be reading a series set in my home town and by an author who lives in my locality. Glenda Young is exceedingly popular for her superb books and like Nancy Revell, another Sunderland author, she has a huge following for her saga stories, set in a realistic area that readers can truly relate to, wherever they live in the country.
There’s nothing nicer to read than a family saga if done well and Glenda Young has this talent in (coal mining) spades. Set in Ryhope, a coal mining village in the North East of England in 1923, we read about Emma arriving from Loughshinny, Ireland after been sent away by her mother, following a scandalous affair and the endless gossip she would endure for the rest of her life.
Arriving in Sunderland, she eventually finds her widowed Aunt Bessie’s pub ‘The Forester’s Arms’ and restarts her new life living with Bessie and working with her in the run down pub. Striving to get it back to the way it was before Bessie’s husband died and helping to heal the fractured relationships between Bessie and her daughters. What follows is a wonderfully uplifting and entertaining tale of family, love and friendship that’s both emotional and heartwarming I found the characters endearing, the locality warm and friendly and an overall story that makes you smile when you finish it.
Well researched and written perfectly for any age to enjoy, I’m more than happy to endorse how good Glenda Young is and her books are a must-read if you’re a fan of Dilly Court or Rosie Goodwin and good old-fashion family sagas.

#AMothersChristmasWish - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me on this tour and to the author for my copy of the book in return for an honest opinion.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following a scandalous affair, wayward Emma Devaney is sent in disgrace from her home in Ireland to Ryhope, where she will live with her widowed aunt, Bessie Brogan, and help her run her pub. Bessie is kind but firm, and at first Emma rebels against her lack of freedom. Struggling to fit in, she turns to the wrong person for comfort, and becomes pregnant. Accepting she must embrace her new life for the sake of her baby, Emma pours her energy into making the pub thrive and helping heal the fractured relationship between Bessie and her daughters.

This is a great story about family, friendship and love. I liked the authors writing style. The characters are well developed, independent and spirited. Bessie Brogan is a widow who runs The Foresters Arms in the coal mining village of Ryhope in Sunderland. Emma helps Bessie to get the pub back on its feet. I loved everything about this book, its steady pace, village life and how quick and easy it was to read.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Headline and the author #GlendaYoung for my ARC of #AChristmasWish in exchange for an honest review.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Devaney lives with her mother Nuala in Loughshinny ireland with her wilful ways, a head strong girl, she's a feisty young woman, and after she has shamed her mother for the last time she sends her over to England to stay with her sister. Aunt Bessie Brogan widow runs The Forester's Arms, a coal mining village of Ryhope in Sunderland, Emma has always wanted to get away and start somewhere new and does not put up a fight not to go, a new start, a new life lies ahead for her, this is just the beginning.
What a fantastic story, this author never disappoints me in her writing, some new character's and old from previous books are added along the way, Emma and Aunt Bessie pull together to keep the pub afloat and Emma even gets her aunt to hold a women's Christmas on the sixth of January, a Irish tradition names NOLLAIGNAmBAN is a celebration night just for the women after all the hard work they done over the Christmas season, eat, drink and be merry just for one night only.
Emma get's to know the village very well and all the locals and Bessie's family in this close knit community.
It's a book you wont be able to put down, heart-breaking incredible book one of my favourite reads so far this year in historical family sagas. top stars.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful heartwarming historical saga tale A MOTHER'S CHRISTMAS WISH is! It is an easy read from start to finish that will fill you with delightful and warm your heart and soul. I don't think I have read Glenda Young before but I'll be sure to keep an eye out for other books by her. I love this type of historical saga with an easy reading style. It is one of my favourite genres that is up there with Catherine Cookson, Lindsey Hutchinson and Dilly Court.

1923: Seventeen year old Emma Devaney has left her home in Ireland under a cloud of shame and sent to live with her aunt Bessie Brogan in Ryhope in the North East of England. Emma decides that this will be a new start but instead she arrives drunk, with a black eye and shrouded in scandal. From the moment she steps off the boat she is faced with challenges that bring out the stubborn and outspoken streak in her, landing her in some unfortunate situations.

Her introduction to Ryhope is not a good one. After stepping off the train, she walks to the first pub to ask for directions to her aunt's pub, the Forester's Arms, and instead stays for several drinks with a charming yet unsavoury character who plies her with several stouts and then suddenly leaves her standing outside her aunt's pub before she makes her grand entrance by falling flat on her face through the door. Scooped up by the rugged and handsome Robert Murphy and under Bessie's guidance, she is then deposited in the spare room to sleep off her stupor. And after an entrance like that, she is sure to set tongues wagging throughout Ryhope.

From the moment Emma arrived, she has brought light to her aunt Bessie Brogan's life. Since losing her beloved husband Pat just months before, Bessie's heart has not been in the pub that has for so long been the lifeblood of her's and Pat's lives. She had instilled young Jimmy Porter in the pub and left him to run things for her but in her absence as she remained shut away in the back rooms in her grief, unable to face serving at the bar again without Pat by her side, the once pride of their lives had now attracted the wrong sort of crowd and gained a bad reputation. Then learning of her niece's impending arrival later that day, despite the three weeks' notice Bessie's sister Nuala had given her (mail tended to be a little slow), Bessie then hastily made room for Emma in the spare room Jimmy had occupied before given his marching orders as "family came first".

As soon as Emma had slept off the stout she had consumed on the day of her arrival with the nefarious Ginger Benson in the Railway Inn, she was taught how to serve at the bar, pour a pint and all the ins and outs of running a pub under Jimmy's scowling eyes while her own blackened one lost its shine. It wasn't long before Emma got into the swing of things and learnt how things ran but it also wasn't long before she noticed some discrepancies and not wanting to worry her grieving aunt, decided to tackle them herself.

Emma proves her worth as well as being the talk of the village what with her scandalous arrival. But despite her trying to make this a new start for herself, things don't always go according to plan and she finds herself in a situation from which she can see no out. And so she turns to the one person she never thought she would. But will her trust be betrayed once she reveals her secret? Or could this be the answer for which she's been looking?

There is so much to love in this delightful tale of camaraderie and friendship. Villages tend to be the best and the worst of places, functioning as a family and knowing all your foibles and secrets as well as being the place you can seek refuge and be safe. This tale is about the sisterhood and camaraderie of women and the strength they draw from each other. But like all sagas of this nature there also comes heartache. And yet I enjoyed every minute of this wonderful tale and wish I could go back there. I loved Emma and Bessie, as well as Robert and the kindly Joy and even the spiky Lil.

From reading the Acknowledgements/Notes at the end, I gather that Bessie Brogan features in a previous book "The Tuppenny Child" and upon searching out her other titles I've discovered Annie Grafton, who is often mentioned and referred to in this book, features in another of her previous titles. I've also discovered that they mostly appear to be set in Ryhope so each of them will more than likely cross paths in past or future publications, but without them being a series. I'll be interested in checking them out.

A thoroughly enjoyable tale in the vein of my all time favourite Catherine Cookson and perfect for fans of this genre like Cookson, Lindsey Hutchinson and Dilly Court. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I would like to thank #GlendaYoung, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #AMothersChristmasWish,/b> in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Glenda Young and I am over the moon to find another author in one of my favourite genres- historical sagas. I loved her writing style and her feisty strong female characters.
Emma is sent over the water to stay with her aunt after a wayward spell. She makes a dramatic entrance to her aunt's pub- but they take an instant liking to each other.
The book centres on family values and dramas, friendships, hardships and romance in unexpected quarters.
I can't wait to find more books to add to my kindle.

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma needs a fresh start.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Mother’s Christmas Wish. In this story Glenda Young has created a vivid and authentic 1920s world that is filled with a realism that completely engages the reader. The small town prejudices, rivalries and gossip feel absolutely authentic as Emma begins her new life. The Ryhope setting is described very effectively, providing the reader with a clear impression of the place without dominating or overpowering the narrative so that the story races along.

I thought the plot was really well constructed, being unsentimental and compelling, and I loved the way the women in Ryhope are the lynchpin of the narrative. At the heart of A Mother’s Christmas Wish is a sense of family and community that makes the reader feel they belong every bit as much as Emma and Bessie.

Emma is a triumph of a character. She can be her own worst enemy and at times at the beginning of the story I wanted to shake some common sense into her and yet I found myself admiring her in spite of myself. She’s feisty, loyal, and hardworking, even when she’s rash, rude and ill-disciplined, giving her interesting layers and complexity. Emma also develops completely convincingly through A Mother’s Christmas Wish so that she feels warm and real.

I loved the themes here too. What Glenda Young does so entertainingly is to provide an insight into the lives of ordinary people, their relationships, their attitudes, triumphs and setbacks. She explores loyalty and trust, reputation and society, poverty and employment, crime and marriage, weaving these concepts into a thoroughly engaging story.

Add in some lovely extras such as a short story, a recipe for apple cakes and background information about Ryhope and A Mother’s Christmas Wish is an absolute treat of a book. I thought it was smashing and through A Mother’s Christmas Wish Glenda Young has reignited my enjoyment of the genre. What more could a reader ask?

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mother’s Christmas Wish by Glenda Young is a wonderful, heart-warming historical novel that will fill your heart with love.
The action takes place in 1923 in a small village in the North East. It is here that the reader witnesses love, care and community in action. Living in a village means your business is never your own but it is a small price to pay for all the love and care. If there are problems, there is always a neighbour to run to.
At the heart of the village is the pub. It has been neglected due to grief but a new girl in town is determined to turn the fortunes around and to inject new life into old.
We witness the camaraderie of the women. There is a network of support and love. When the men folk let them down, the sisterhood picks them up.
The village functions as a family. As with all families, there are occasional disagreements as personalities clash but blood is thicker than water.
Fresh off the boat from Ireland arrives a feisty young woman. Her first day is very memorable but she proves to have a loyal heart of gold.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Mother’s Christmas Wish. It was a wonderful, warm read. I was pleased to see the inclusion of the apple cake recipe too.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Lauren Macauley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book it was a nice easy read

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Glenda's work for a while now. I love the way in which she writes such superb historical fiction. I read the synopsis of 'A Mother's Christmas Wish' and it certainly sounded like the sort of book I have come to expect from Glenda - a historical saga that is guaranteed to tug on the hardest of heartstrings. Well it was certainly all that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Mother's Christmas Wish' but more about that in a bit.

I absolutely loved the character of Emma Devaney and I warmed to her from the very start. In fact Emma ended up feeling like a friend rather than a character in a book. When we first meet her, she is living in Ireland but she is forced to leave for England, after becoming involved in some scandal. She lands in England and makes her way to Ryhope to live with her Aunt and help out in her pub, In some ways, Emma is a bit naive to start with and she takes people at face value. Emma soon toughens up and throws herself into making a new life for herself in Ryhope. She doesn't find that easy but she pulls up her big girls' pants, grits her teeth and soldiers on. I kept everything crossed that she would find the 'happy ever after' ending that she so deserved. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.

As with all of Glenda's books, I was drawn into the story from the very first word on the very first page. It was as if the book developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn't willing to break. My copy of the book wasn't stuck to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I had taken so well to the character of Emma and I felt all protective towards her so of course I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out for her and whether or not a certain person got their comeuppance. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the different characters that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of 'A Mother's Christmas Wish' and I had to say goodbye to Emma and to Ryhope. I found 'A Mother's Christmas Wish' to be a gripping, tense, dramatic and emotional story, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.

'A Mother's Christmas Wish' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Glenda Young. Glenda certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. Glenda clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and me. Glenda has done an awful lot of research into the time period in which the story takes place and this shows in the quality of her writing and makes the story seem that bit more authentic. I admit that I am biased because I am from the North East, but I love the fact that Glenda writes about the village that was Ryhope (in County Durham at the time the story is set but is now part of Tyne & Wear). I have family ties with Ryhope and reading such vivid and realistic descriptions about the area makes me feel that bit closer to my relatives who lived in Ryhope and gives me a greater appreciation of what life must have been like for them back then. Reading 'A Mother's Christmas Wish' feels like being on one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride with all the highs and lows, ups and downs, twists and turns. I love the way in which the author makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Mother's Christmas Wish' and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. 'A Mother's Christmas Wish' is historical fiction at its very best and one of my top reads for 2022. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 3 out of 5]

How lives can change between Christmases 
Emma Devaney has been sent away after a scandal to her aunt Bessie in Ryhope. While life in Ryhope is different from her life in Ireland, Emma also realizes that many thing are just the same, and not all in a good way.
Initially Emma rebels against her refrained freedom, even if her aunt Bessie shows her kindness, letting her work in the pub, but also firmness.
However, slowly Emma sees the quicker she embraces her new life, the quicker she may even find her own happiness. That is, until she discovers that her last rebellious act came with consequences. And now she is more than ever determined to bring her new family together and even bring the community of Ryhope closer. 
While I enjoyed reading this book, I found it a pity that the blurb of the book and its title gave away a lot of the plot.
Because even if the blurb does tell in fact what happens in the book, I found it not putting the focus on the right things, even spoiling a bit the discovery of Emma’s tale. 
At the start from this book, Emma is seen as a scandalous young woman. And it could have been easy to just go along with the prejudice, reading how Emma found herself in that situation, I found it not fair that she has been put to blame for everything. Because even if what happened was wrong, there were two persons involved… 
I also found Emma’s mother a bit cold. Of course, Emma is not being the easiest daughter, but the easiness which she is being sent away made me also angry… because again, Emma is not the only one to blame. 
Emma’s trip to Ryhope doesn’t go smoothly, causing her arrive to cause again a stir. And it saddened me to see Emma being judged again while she wasn’t at fault at all. Shows again how quickly people have their prejudice ready, without even looking for the truth. And I understood Emma’s behaviour, as everyone saw her being ‘evil’, why would she try to be nice and a good girl? 
Yet I absolutely liked Bessie… she is still heart – broken after losing her beloved husband, but she welcomes Emma in her home and pub, and she doesn’t take note from what people say and is the only person who sees Emma for who Emma truly is. 
Seeing how Emma slowly adapt in her new life, and even matures, made me feel proud of her. She came from a rather dark place, but due her stubbornness she is able to make positive changes not only in her own behaviour but also in the lives of her new found family.
While it may seem at moments that she is a proud woman, as a reader we see very clear that it is not pride that Emma is showing but just not taking nonsense.
And Emma is also not that proud to admit her mistakes and apologies for her behaviour.  
With Robert, a farmer, she starts off with the wrong foot, and they clash several times, but Emma also sees how kind and gentle he is, especially towards Bessie. And she sees how wrong she was in her perception of him.
Robert, who proves to be more of a gentleman than his farmer – state would make you think… 
This book shows us that in a year, so many things can change, and that people can mature easily, having the right mindset. It was lovely to see how Emma changed from a rebel into a young woman with responsibilities and into a loving caring woman, who uses her own strengths for the benefit of her family.
A story set in the past, but also showing in the present that it’s never too late to change and turn your life around for the much better, even against all odds.  

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 401

Publisher - Headline

Source - Review book

Blurb from Back cover

"I hope this Christmas is better than last year's."

Following a scandalous affair, wayward Emma Devaney is sent in disgrace from her home in Ireland to Ryhope, where she will live with her widowed aunt, Bessie Brogan, and help run her pub. Bessie is kind but firm, and at first Emma rebels against her lack of freedom. Struggling to fit in, she turns to the wrong person for comfort, and becomes pregnant.

Accepting she must embrace her new life for the sake of her baby, Emma pours her energy into making the pub thrive and helping heal the fractured relationship between Bessie and her daughters. She catches the attention of Robert, a gruff but sincere farmer, who means to win her heart.

As December approaches, thankful for the home and acceptance she's found, Emma is determined to bring not just her family, but the whole Ryhope community, together to celebrate - and to make one very special mother's Christmas dreams come true.

My Review

Set in 1923 lordy lord Emma is a bit of a riot, totally wild. Living in a small town with her mum (her dad ran off a while back causing local tongues wagging), a proud lady Emma does one of the worst things ever. Not only caught frolicking in a secret relationship but the person ooft huge scandal. Shipped off to her aunt even her trip and arrival there is shocking and sets tongues wagging. She is not like a lady of her time, she has fire, attitude and a longing for adventure!

The book covers a lot of issues and I have to be honest I wasn't a huge Emma fan to begin with. Knowing she left her mum and village in a scandal you think she would be super set on making a good impression and wow is her entrance to her aunts anything but. That being said I think the author did a pretty good job because we seem her go on a pretty big personal journey. She still remains spikey and noones doormat however she is very focused on family and doing the right thing.

The book has some shady characters, people taking advantage, people struggling with grief, family troubles, money troubles but it also deals with community, love, redemption, health, friendship. I loved Bessie and I think she stole the show, despite Emma being the forefront main character I felt Bessie was right up there with her, she is such a good egg. Very unjudgmental, warm, mothering, supportive but also stubborn and doesn't suffer fools. It was nice to see strong women for the time period and doing things like running a bar, dealing with the things that come with it. Emma really shone in parts too, being sent there by her mum was the making of them all and I loved the family themes that ran strongly throughout. This was my first book by Young, it won't be my last. Emotive, moving, engaging and characters you either love or hate, 4.5/5 for me!

[Michelle Ryles · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her fabulous cosy crimes, entertaining weekly soap and heartwarming Ryhope sagas, Glenda Young has fast become one of my favourite authors. There aren't many authors whose books I read without reading the synopsis but Glenda is one of them. It's not only that the books are guaranteed to be good, it's also that I don't want to spoil a single surprise of the fantastic storyline.

It's December 1923 and 17 year old Emma is leaving her home in a small Irish village and setting off on a long journey to North East England. Emma is leaving under a cloud and I love the wonderfully imaginative scandal that Glenda Young has come up with for Emma. Emma makes quite a first impression when she reaches her Aunt Bessie's pub at the end of her journey: the small coal mining village of Ryhope.

I absolutely adored this book; I laughed, I cried (TWICE!!) and I was entertained from start to finish. I really don't think any review I write could do it justice, you just really need to read it for yourself. It's festive in the loveliest way with family and community spirit at its heart and I loved seeing the main characters from all of the previous Ryhope sagas making cameo appearances. I also loved reading about the Irish tradition of Nollaig na mBan (the Women's Little Christmas) and it's so beautifully incorporated into the storyline.

You can save some pounds on your heating bill by reading A Mother's Christmas Wish; it didn't just warm my heart, it warmed me from head to toe. Glenda Young breaks saga stereotypes with her hugely entertaining and incredibly inventive storylines and A Mother's Christmas Wish is not to be missed.

Very highly recommended - I wanted to read it again the moment I turned the final (soggy, tear-stained) page. It's absolutely beautiful, unforgettable and unmissable.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Emma is sent from Ireland to her aunt Bessie in England she feels like her life is over. When she arrives it isn’t the best start to her new situation A guy from one of the local pubs invites her to a drink and she en vibes more than she should and has a quick dalliance with the local name Ginger her aunt Bessie suffers no fools though and when she arrives she just wants to feed her and put her to bed. It definitely looks like Emma needs help in the beginning but in the end it will be her helping her aunt Bessie in more ways than one and at the same time herself. When she finds out she is pregnant from her little tryst with the local Lothario she is at a loss as to what to do but she will find friends in the most peculiar places. There’s a lot more to this book and it was a cute story and I think this this author has a great talent for storytelling but I will be honest and say I couldn’t pinpoint at what time in history this was. I know they use candles and Robert rode horses but when walking down the street she passed the electric light theater… Maybe this isn’t a big deal to Sam but I really wanted to know in what era she lived. Having said all that was a cute story and if you like historical romance you’ll love the story it’s not just the romance but about family pulling together in times of need and so much more. I received this book from NetGalley and headline publishing but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Ryhope in the North East of England, Emma has been sent here by her mother after bringing disgrace on the family in Ireland. Emma has a rather eventful journey to England, then onto the East Coast and the coal mining village of Ryhope, by the time she arrives she is sporting a black eye and is looking very dishevelled, not a good start to her new life. Her aunt runs a pub, but her heart is not in it since the death of her dear husband Pat, and with her two daughters arguing all the time she has kept herself to herself and not visited or invited anyone in, so when Emma suggests having an Women's Christmas on 6th January, she is sceptical if her daughters will come.
A women's Christmas is an old Irish tradition called "Nollaig na mBan" where all the women meet up to celebrate Christmas on the 6th of January, also on that day the men take on the housework and the women celebrate with singing together and with food, drink and a break from looking after their families it sounds a wonderful tradition.

The women in the story are all very strong willed, have great characters and almost always get their own way. But with Christmas approaching fast will it be enough to keep them all together? There are many mothers in this book but as you read on you realise that one mother holds the love of many, will this festive season be one to remember and make this mother have her dream come true.
I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading saga books, a 5 star read from me.

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel set in 1920s RYHOPE, Sunderland



Young Emma has been caught in flagrante at her home village in Ireland, with a man of the cloth, no less! Of course there are consequences on several levels. Her mother packs her off to stay with her sister, her Aunt Bessie, who runs a pub in the village of Ryhope. She herself is struggling as she lost her husband and is surrounded by friends but also by people who are perhaps taking liberties.

Emma is portrayed as a feisty and exuberant young woman, who has had to endure wagging tongues back in Ireland. The slightest mis-step in Ryhope, of course, could energise the gossips once again, so she has to try and be circumspect. Her teenage enthusiasm is hard to quell. But as she finds her feet she can charm even the most hardened mind but life is not simple and there are plenty of hurdles for her to overcome on her quest for some happiness. Life still has a few knocks in store for her.

Emma arrives in Ryhope from Ireland with an apple cake and the author includes a delicious recipe at the end of the novel for readers to try.

The author also incorporates in the novel the lovely Irish tradition “Nollaig na mBan” which is a day in January is dedicated to easing the burden on women after all their graft over the festive period. This all makes for a richly entertaining novel.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A community that is full of gossip. Emma lives with her mother in Ireland and is labeled a disgrace and a trouble maker and after a shameful affair is sent to live with her Aunt Bessie in England . Bessie runs and owns a pub and Emma is now going to be working for Aunt Bessie.
This brilliant story is one that I didn't want to end as I was so absorbed by the lives of every character that I feel lost now without them. The women are particularly strong and fiesty which I loved. Young Bess was my favorite character as she reminds me of my little cousin so stubborn and able to speak her mind that's a great characteristic to have. The gossiping in the community really annoyed me but I enjoyed the tradition of the Womens Christmas, I have never heard of it but it is an Irish tradition. With lots of scandal, love, friendship and a sense of community I can't wait to read more from Glenda. A tantalizing historical fiction book for everyone!

[Felicity Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disgraced girl is forced to leave her home after a dalliance with the vicar of all people, said girl falls in with a bad boy, becomes pregnant and catches the eye of the previously overlooked nice guy who is intent on winning her over.
With female leads of the kind I adore, Emma's aunt Bessie, kind hearted, loving and yet at the same time, strong minded and certainly no one's fool, the back bone of the community, a typical, no nonsense, north east woman, the lynchpin of a story which, as my beloved late nana would say, warms the cockles of your heart.

A Mother's Christmas Wish is one of those easy reads that, like slipping your feet into well worn slippers, feels reassuringly warm and familiar; its gossip fuelled 1920's small small village setting and its warm, feisty female leads, a setting and characters that, doubtlessly recognisable if you've ever read a book by the likes of Catherine Cookson, make for ideal winter reading.

Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the blog tour of this book, the thoughts are mine and mine alone; in no way was I influenced and nor was any money asked or given

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful book this turned out to be!

It did start out a little slow at first, but picked up after a few chapters. But then, I could not put it down. I wanted to read every chance I got.

I absolutely loved Emma. But she does have some fire in her! She forgets to think and gets herself into trouble and then regrets it later. Hmmm, sounds kinda like me when I was young.

Great storyline, great characters, great descriptions. A very sweet, sweet story. But, not entirely innocent. Add in a few bar fights, some promiscuous women, and some wily men - now you have yourself an interesting story!

Grab yourself this one to read for Christmas! You won't be sorry.

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources - Thank You!!

[Catherine Laverick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glenda Young has done it again with another great book. A mothers Christmas wish, a great read with great characters. Emma leaves Ireland under a cloud of shame, sent to her auntie in Rhyhope, she arrives drunk and full of scandal, she struggles to settle and causes mischief. Her auntie Bessie runs the Forresters Arms pub and sets Emma to work there, something Emma doesn’t want to do. They eventually settle into a good partnership turning the ailing pub back to what it once was. A wonderful tale of friendship, family and love. I wish I could’ve given more than 5 stars for this lovely tale ⭐️

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, Christmas and soap operas and here we have all three rolled into one neat and tidy package! This is definitely a gift you should look forward to opening!

This is a cozy story about leaving home, spreading your wings and learning that literally anywhere can be your home, your life is what you make it! I enjoyed the little bits of soap opera style drama, let’s face it, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of family drama, would it?!?

The characters all worked well together and I loved the wonderful community atmosphere and the way of life, if only things were like that these days!

4 stars

[Carolyn Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time that I have read a book by Glenda Young, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Set in the North East, there were subtle references that told you the time period in which the story was set, the 1920’s.
Emma has been sent over from Ireland in disgrace to live with her aunt Bessie. Her journey over from Ireland and first few days within Ryhope put her on a tricky footing, along with harsh lessons to learn. Throughout the novel we see Emma grow up and how she becomes a well-adjusted young lady, bringing her family back together.
We saw the enjoyment of Christmas and the carrying on of an Irish tradition. It did have a Christmassy feel to the storyline.
I enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the happy ending. I did feel a tinge of sadness over Bessie though.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Glenda young for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Mother's Christmas Wish is my first Glenda Young novel and I will be keeping my eye open for more. Emma has been sent to live with her Aunt in England after disgracing herself with the local vicar! Emma is upset by this by determined not to upset get mother again - is she able to do this? You'll have to read it to find out! There is a lot of community spirit shining through and i loved how I felt as though I was friends with Bessie (Emma's aunt)!

[Emma Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful saga about love and friendship.

Emma is sent to live with her Aunt Bessie after disgracing herself in Ireland. The first impression she made in the village seemed as though she was going to carry on trying to disgrace herself. Emma over the months helps her Aunt Bessie and tries to help bring the family together.

The characters seemed to be really strong and found the story really good.

[Alison Burnhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The joys of family

The ups and downs of family life, which are much the same regardless of the era. This is a lovely tale, well told with great feeling. A new start which is almost destroyed within the first two days, but with her aunt's help they help each other turn things around for the better.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful story about finding real love, friendships and family.
Main characters, Emma and Bessie, were lovely to get to know.
Definitely put this on your Christmas wish list!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely piece of heart-warming historical fiction, “A Mother’s Christmas Wish” is a cosy read about a young woman finding her place in a new town. I enjoyed this story and felt fully immersed in the setting – 4 stars!

My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...

[Dana Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mother’s Christmas Wish by Glenda Young. I loved so many characters in this book especially Bessie and Emma. Bessie and Emma are such strong characters. Both characters had such love for their families.

[Irene Dobinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Ryhope books

Love the fact it's set in Ryhope were I live so can relate to a lot of the places mentioned in your books .Your books are really easy to read and I look forward to the next one .

[Trudie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is sent from her home in Ireland to live with her Aunt in Ryhope, she struggles to adjust to her new life. Her Aunt is struggling to manage her pub after losing her husband and Emma helps her through. This was a lovely story about family, I really enjoyed it.

[Deborah Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from Glenda.....

Glenda is well on her way to beginning the Catherine Cookson of the 21st century. Her books are well written. Glenda's girls are such strong characters and you are drawn into the story from the very first page.