One Last Dream for December by Lottie Cardew is a warm
and uplifting story for the festive season. It was published by Cloverdilli
House Press on October 3rd. This is the second in her Pebblestow series. You can read my review of the first, A Christmas Wish on a Carousel here. There is also a festive giveaway. For details on how to enter, see the foot of this post.
Sometimes, the dream we think we don’t deserve is the one
that’s trying to come true…
Esme Blythe has led a nomadic existence for the last ten
years, never thinking she fits anywhere, and never feeling she’s earned the
right to. But when she moves in above Percival’s, the charming old toy shop in
Market Square, Pebblestow, it seems the village is about to weave its signature
fairy-tale magic.
Surrounded by wooden toy soldiers, rocking horses, and
vintage doll’s houses, not to mention the locals who seem determined to be part
of her life – from her endearing grumpy uncle, to warm-hearted co-worker
Blodwyn, and smouldering single dad Seth – Esme has to face up to everything
she’s been missing, or turn her back on an incredible opportunity.
New friends, formidable foes, and the thrill of a budding
romance, conspire to make this the most bittersweet December ever. But when she
finally learns the truth about the toy shop’s owner, her elusive benefactor,
the mysterious Mr Percival, is it already too late for Esme to change her mind…
and heal her heart?
My Thoughts
Although
there is plenty of romance in this warm and uplifting story, there are
other meatier issues below the surface. The central character of Esme
regards herself as
an outsider in Pebblestow, being neuro-divergent and it is fascinating
to follow her thought processes as she tries to moderate her
expressions and conversations to what she hopes is acceptable. The
community in Pebblestow is aware of her differences and there is genuine
kindness shown to her from most (but not all) the characters. However,
you also wonder whether Esme is interpreting some reactions through the
prism of her autism.She also sees that she is not the only person in the
village who has additional needs and has an insight that others may not
have.
The beautiful, old-fashioned toy shop fits in to the spirit of the
story and seems such a safe haven for Esme to be in. There are some
lovely friends keen to help her, no one more so than Blodwyn and I loved
her rather grumpy grandfather who you also feel is keeping his eye on
her from afar. In addition to the promise of a potential romance, there
is also a mystery to solve at the heart of why Esme has been invited to
Pebblestow in the first place. I enjoyed all the festive touches as
Christmas approached and was willing Esme on to take advantage of the
possibilities which are on offer.
In short : family and friendships, love after loss
About the Author
Lottie Cardew writes
uplifting, contemporary romcoms set around the picturesque village of
Pebblestow, and is an advocate for diversity in fiction.
Regarded as the bossy one at Novelistas Ink, Lottie often
subdues the other members if they misbehave (they don't really) including the
popular authors Trisha Ashley and Sophie Claire. She is a longstanding member
of the Romantic Novelists' Association, scooping their New Writer's Award in
her twenties under a different pen-name. More recently, Lottie also joined the
Society of Authors where as an active participant in the ADCI group (Authors
with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses) she interviewed bestselling author
Holly Smale in 2021 for the first ever Disability Issue of The Bookseller.
Lottie is diagnosed autistic with suspected ADHD. Her home
in North Wales is overrun by husband, not-very-small children, and a ball of
fluff masquerading as a Pomeranian, so Lottie frequently takes refuge at her
desk.
You can follow Lottie here: Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter sign up | Website | Facebook Author Page
Thanks to Lottie Cardew, Cloverdilli House and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resoutces for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
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