As I get all the school holidays off in summer I love a Christmas read in the sun, so for those groaning try it. Thank you NetGalley.

I have to confess that this is the fist book by Jenny Baylis, and I can say this is not the last.

Christmas stamped all the way through this cute story. Set in a Scottish village called Pine Bluff, Fred returns home to her mother and aunt after a relationship break up and Fred has lost her job into the bargain. 

You can feel the cold winter and Christmas vibes ( even in July at 30 degrees) 

There is an encounter with a childhood friend Ryan and Warren form London to add into the mix of the festive season. 

The story is about finding yourself, healing and a good dose of alcohol laden hot chocolate and Christmas. 

Recommended read and out for publication October Half term - 23 October 2025.