Alison Robinson
A native of Middledip, Hannah is living her best life with her Swedish boyfriend and her shop in Stockholm. Her brother's friend Nico (who is Swedish) pops into the shop and the two of them get on famously, Nico even helps her to rearrange her store to show off her merchandise to its best. Nico and Hannah meet again at Hannah's brother Rob's wedding in Middledip, sparks fly until Nico finds out that Hannah has a live-in boyfriend in Stockholm. Nico has a high-powered job, splitting his time between London and Stockholm with the help of his live-in cousin Emelie and a nanny called Tilly. But when his ex-wife Loren starts drinking again he can no longer leave their daughter Josie with her and is forced to take over full caring responsibility for both Josie and Loren's daughter by another man, Maria. When his cousin moves out to live with her boyfriend, and TIlly proves unwilling to take on additional hours, or even vary her working hours, Nico is stuck between a rock and a hard place. His mother-in-law is obsessed with her husband's impending heart bypass and her daughter's rehab, she refuses to help with childcare as well. Nico's boss is unsympathetic and Nico decides his only option is to rent out his pricey London apartment and move to a small cottage in Middledip where he can live off the rent differential and care for two small children. Meanwhile, Hannah's life in Stockholm has fallen apart and she too is forced to move back to Middledip to care for her grandmother who has broken her wrist. Can these two childhood friends find love? I love, love, love Sue Moorcroft's Middledip romances, I don't know why they speak to me more than her other romances but they do. Here we are again, with a smattering of Swedish style, as Christmas approaches complete with cute moppets and a Christmas fayre. This novel was no exception, heart-warming, funny, cute and as comforting as a cup of Heinz cream of tomato soup. Loved Nico, loved Hannah, loved Hannah's Nan, a perfect Christmas romance. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Grace J. Reviewerlady
Another marvellous read from Sue Moorcroft, introducing me to a different country and a great set of characters! Hannah has relocated to Sweden where she has her own shop; that's where her brother's childhood friend Nico finds her. They keep bumping into each other but romance can't be on the cards - Hannah has a boyfriend and Nico has two children to care for. Then things change for Hannah. With the loss of her business she moves back home to Middledip only to discover that Nico has relocated too - and to the very same village! Reading one of this author's novels is like embarking on a trip. There are so many fabulous details and it didn't take me long to get right into the story. The characters are wonderfully created and totally believable; the story is realistic yet magical and there is humour sprinkled throughout. The children just added to the all-over sparkle and everything about this one is delightful. A great read for any time of year but especially enjoyable pre-Christmas. Always a writer worth reading and earning all 4.5 stars.
