Book Review - Under The Mistletoe by Sue Moorcroft

 The Amazon Purchase link below is an Amazon Affiliate link.

Amazon UK

Title: Under The Mistletoe

Author: Sue Moorcroft

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: 28th October 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

Christmas. A time for family, friends – and rekindling old flames…

When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside.

Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going.

However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac…

Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream?

An enchanting, festive read, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Carole Matthews.

Sue Moorcroft has come up with another Christmas Cracker of a read, including an always welcome return to Middledip. 

I'll admit at times it can be rather uncomfortable reading as we get the details as to just why Laurel has rarely returned to Middledip until now. Equally there is another strong but equally sensitively written storyline involving Rea, her sister, which is interesting to see develop. 

But that is just a small part of the book and adds to the depth and reality of these characters who were really well written that I felt as though I knew them. 

And Laurel's niece Daisy is lovely too, and also has a tricky storyline at one point.  The rest of the time we are treated to the village at Christmas, with loads of fabulous crafts, and a romance that has the potential to go very awry and definitely isn't smooth sailing at all. To the extent that I really wasn't positive about the final outcome until I read it with my own eyes!

From Laurel who is a professional fine artist, to Daisy with her Christmas wreath enterprise, to Grady who is both talented at spray painting artistic designs onto cars, as well as decorating gourds, to all manner of other crafty wares, this all helps to give the book a creative but also cosy feel . 

The theme of forgiveness is strong throughout, and whether it is better to forgive, why people may apologise and some various barbs while a character is thinking revenge may make them feel better than forgiving! 

I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful new book from an always talented and compelling to read author.  I was incredibly happy to be between these pages while I was reading it, and I was left with a smile, and a feeling that I wish I was craftier as some of the things being made sounded so so good! 

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.