I love Christmas time, but after the busy-ness of this last one I need more than a year to recover. But that doesn't stop me enjoying books that are based around Christmas. Or, for that matter, reviewing a book called Last Christmas when it is practically April. Because, it has to be said, you could read this book on a beach at the height of summer, and still enjoy it.
So we're in a village called Hope Christmas where teacher Marianne has moved because of her chap - some property developer. Then we have Gabriel. His wife has gone and he is left bringing up their son on his own. Elsewhere Catherine Tinsall, known online as the Happy Homemaker, is struggling to keep the home, family and marriage together, whereas her husband, Noel, has worries of his own. Hope Christmas could provide a lifeline for all of them.
I really enjoyed Julia's previous book, Strictly Love, and was delighted that this latest offering carries on her talent for bringing a bunch of unlikely characters together. The characters are incredibly real - I could identify with Catherine in particular (not that I've ever been a happy homemaker) - and I really enjoyed them all coming together.
The viewpoint switches between the four main characters and Julia deals with difficult subjects such as depression and Alzheimers with tenderness and compassion.
Far from stressing me out by reminding me of the silly season, this was a fantastic escapism. Just what I needed.
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