I am delighted to join in the celebrations for the latest novel by Samantha Tonge. It was published on August 11th by Boldwood Books.
If you could spend just one more day with someone, who would
it be?
When Lili sends a jokey ‘knock-knock’ message to her best
friend Em, she doesn’t expect to hear back. Because – as Lili notices the chill
in the air, and the little robin in her garden – she realises Christmas must be
just around the corner once again. A whole year since she last saw Em.
But then this time someone replies. ‘Who’s there?’ It can’t
possibly be Em, but Lili wants to believe it could be, and she hastily suggests
meeting.
However when she gets to the meeting place, there only one
other person there waiting. A man. And not just any man. The most handsome man
Lili’s ever seen, Dylan… And he is also waiting for someone he’s been missing.
As the days get shorter and Autumn turns to Winter, will two
lonely hearts spend another Christmas without their loved ones? Or can they
welcome an unexpected friendship? Or maybe even more, if they can just help
each other to focus on not what they’ve lost, but what they’ve found…
My Thoughts
This story with a festive flavour contrasts the joys of that season with the loss and grief that some live with following tragic circumstances. Em and Dylan's paths cross and as the weeks pass, you see their friendship develop. The past is never far from Em's thoughts but she shows courage and determination in the way she tries to carry on and live a fulfilling life.
There is a wide variety of supporting characters who Em meets through her job in the charity shop and her kindness and thoughtfulness shine through. This is not a story which lays the Christmas elements on thickly but nevertheless, you see people's struggles as the time looms nearer and how they all plan to celebrate it in their own way. This is a thought- provoking book which has some touching moments and an underlying sense of hope and enduring affection.
In short: grief, loss and new beginnings
About the Author
Samantha Tonge is the bestselling and award-winning author
of over fifteen romantic fiction titles. Her books for Boldwood mark a
broadening of her writing into multi-generational woman’s fiction. She lives in
Manchester with her family.
Thanks to Samantha Tonge, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the event.
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