It Must Have Been the Mistletoe by Judy AstleyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Thea’s parents decide to host a big family Christmas in a house by the sea… even though they are, in fact, about to split up. Thea herself is newly single - her sister and brother are both settled, with children, homes and a future. But Thea’s boyfriend has ditched her in favour of his pedigree dogs, and Thea can’t decide whether or not she minds.
There will be copious food and drink, holly and mistletoe, lots of bracing walks and a wintry barbecue on the beach. If it seems an odd way to celebrate the final break-up of a marriage and the Moving On to new partners, no- one is saying so. But then no-one had anticipated that the new partners might actually turn up to complicate the sleeping arrangements.
As Cornwall experiences the biggest snowstorm in living memory, the festive atmosphere comes under some strain. Will Thea manage to find some happiness for herself? Will the mistletoe work its magic on them all?
I was really excited to be able to be part of Judy Asltey's blog tour for this wonderful Christmas book.
This has been one of the first Christmas books I have read this year and it really got me into the festive mood, I didn't even mind if it was only October when I was reading it!
This story is about Thea and her family; they are staying in Cornwall for the Christmas period and I could imagine myself there. This for me had a personal touch to it, when I was growing up I spend a lot of time down in Cornwall as my grandparents loved there. We went for summers and Christmas's some year. I must admit that was my favourite time of year to visit. Although it was cold, it was also cosy and I miss the coal fire smell even today. I loved that this book transported me back to Cornwall and wish that I would be able to spend this year down by the sea for Christmas!
I loved this story, it wasn't too long which also I thought was nice, it wasn't rushed and I felt that I could lap it up, the setting, the plot and the characters I just loved it. This story really had the magical feeling with it.
Thea's parents are getting a divorce but have organised this festive holiday for the whole family. Thea's life has not been plane sailing, she is a school teacher and mourning the loss of a baby, who was expected this Christmas. All the characters in this story are believable and likable, which makes this a very quick read as I just wanted to know what was going to happen with them all.
The novel centres around the family and at Christmas time family is the most important thing. It is about adapting to situations and knowing your family is always there for you. I also loved the book boyfriend in this book, uhum, the surfer landlord... no more needs to be said!
This has been the first Judy Astley book I have read, however it will not be my last. This was a nice easy read, one which left me feeling warm inside and wishing Christmas would come early!
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
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