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Walking on Sunshine by Heidi Swain #Review

On April 23rd, Heidi Swain's Walking on Sunshine was published by Simon & Schuster . It has been a real joy to join in the celebrations for its launch.    A Summer in Suffolk could be just what she needs… When Tilly  heads to the river in Willowell, Suffolk, to scatter her dad’s ashes, she’s in need of some rest and relaxation. Life has been tough lately, and she wants a new start. Constance has lived in Fernside forever. She owns the beautiful Willowell Woods – but she can’t manage them alone, and they’re now up for sale. Her nephew, James , has always loved Willowell Woods – and he doesn’t want anyone taking them over. So when Tilly asks to buy them, with an exciting idea for the land, sparks begin to fly… the problem is, they’re already falling in love. Can Tilly and James find a way to turn sparks into fireworks? And will Constance finally realise that letting in the new doesn’t have to mean getting rid of the old…? Spend Summer w...
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One Christmas Night by Hayley Webster #Review



One Christmas Night by Hayley Webster was published on November 14th by Orion and I am so pleased to be taking part in the celebrations for this super festive read.
Nine lives. One street. And a secret behind every door.



Christmas is ruined on Newbury Street, Norwich.



Presents have been going missing from resident's homes. There are rumours going around that it's one of their own who's been stealing from the neighbours. Festive spirit is being replaced with suspicion and the inhabitants of Newbury Street don't know who to trust. The police presence isn't helping matters, especially when they all have something to hide.



But Christmas is a time for miracles... and if they open themselves up to hope and look out for each other, they might discover the biggest miracle of all.



An uplifting novel about love, friendship, connection and community, for readers who love Joanna Cannon, Ruth Hogan and Libby Page.

My Thoughts

 Focussing in on Newbury Street in the run up to Christmas, you get to meet nine of the inhabitants and to find out what hopes, dreams, fears and secrets are lurking behind the closed doors. Although it is set near Christmas, it does not feel overly sparkly and glitzy. There are some sad and dark moments and a lot of humdrum, everyday living to see as well. However, the spirit of community and family shines through and you can see not just what divides people but also what they have in common. 

     As you get to meet each subsequent neighbour, you start to unravel the mystery of who is stealing the Christmas presents from the houses. It is a mixture of domestic crime mystery with a touch of romance which makes it stand out a little from many of the current Christmas books. It is a touching and reflective story with some down to earth characters and bucketsful of warmth and hope.

In short: 9 lives intertwine.  
 
About the Author

Hayley Webster is a writer and teacher who grew up in Newbury, Berkshire. Her first novel, Jar Baby, was published by Dexter Haven in 2012 and, as Hayley Scott, three books in her Teacup House series for emerging readers were published by Usborne in 2018. She has written for Grazia, The Observer Magazine, and did a sold-out event at Edinburgh festival in 2018. She’s a mentor on the 2019 National Writers Centre Escalator scheme and she lives in Norfolk with her daughter. 

You can follow Hayley here: Goodreads   |  Twitter  |  Facebook

Book link: Amazon UK 

Thanks to Hayley Webster and Tracey Fenton of Compulsive Readers for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Follow the rest of the tour!



 

 
 

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