Last Christmas at Ballyclare: WINNER OF THE 2023 ROMANTIC NOVELISTS PRIZE

In "The Christmas House," Natasha returns to Ballyclare for Christmas, hoping for family solace. Her mother and sister have their own troubles, including Doon's upcoming wedding and Aileen's grief over their father's disappearance. When a stranger with a family connection to the house knocks on their door, their fortunes start to take a turn. With snow on the hills and magic in the air, there's a chance all three women might lose their hearts this Christmas and keep their home.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2023
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

After enduring yet another heartache, Natasha returns to her beloved Ballyclare, the picturesque old house nestled in the Wicklow hills, a constant presence throughout her life. She seeks solace from her family, but her mother and sister face their own challenges. Doon, dreading her upcoming wedding to the perfect man, grapples with the loss of their father, Dan, who disappeared over twenty years ago. Moreover, Aileen, their mother, bears the burden of grieving his absence. However, their fortunes take a surprising turn when a stranger with a familial connection to the house arrives at their doorstep. As the snow falls on the hills and a magical atmosphere fills the air, the women find themselves on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected love. Will this Christmas bring them the joy of finding their hearts and preserving their home?

Emily Bell, the acclaimed author of "The Christmas List," has crafted a delightful and heartwarming novel that will transport readers into the festive spirit. With her vivid descriptions of Dublin at Christmas time, readers will be longing for their own trip to this enchanting city. "A Winter Wedding in Dublin" is a refreshing romance filled with holiday cheer and second chances. The characters are relatable, sympathetic, and beautifully written, making it a captivating love story. Bell's sensitive and wise writing about friendship and bereavement adds depth and richness to the narrative, making it a perfect festive treat.

The novel revolves around three women: Natasha, Doon, and Aileen. Natasha returns home to Ballyclare after a heartbreak, hoping to find solace in the familiar surroundings. Her mother and sister, however, are dealing with their own struggles. Doon, on the other hand, is preparing for her wedding to the perfect man, but she is haunted by the memory of her father and the fear of losing her family's legacy. Aileen, the matriarch of the family, is still grieving the loss of her husband, Dan, who disappeared twenty years ago.

When a stranger with a family connection to Ballyclare knocks on their door, their lives take an unexpected turn. The stranger, named Jack, brings with him a sense of hope and possibility. He offers to help the women save their house, which is in dire need of repair. As they work together to restore the house, they discover that there is more to their connection than they initially thought.

Through their journey, the women learn to embrace their strengths and weaknesses, and they find solace in each other's company. They rediscover the joy of Christmas and the importance of family. They also come to terms with their past losses and find ways to move forward.

"A Winter Wedding in Dublin" is a beautifully written novel that will warm the hearts of readers during the holiday season. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging and unpredictable. The setting in Dublin at Christmas time adds a magical touch to the story, making it a perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

In conclusion, "A Winter Wedding in Dublin" by Emily Bell is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance, a touch of magic, and a heartwarming story. With its festive spirit, relatable characters, and wise writing, this novel will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle up under a blanket, and immerse yourself in the world of Ballyclare and its enchanting inhabitants.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 197 x 128 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781405952675