Happy Christmas Eve by Jackie Ladbury
A
heart-warming Christmas story to put you in the mood for the festive
season.
All
I want for Christmas is you … or you?
Eve
Halligan is back in her hometown for Christmas after a whirlwind few
years touring with her band, the Molotovs. A lot has changed since
she left, but two things have stayed the same. One: Eve is
head-over-heels in love with Lucien Malikov, the Molotovs’ bad boy
lead singer. Two: Lucien is completely indifferent to her.
Still,
Eve dreams that this could be the Christmas where she convinces
Lucien that they’re made for each other. But when childhood friend
and local caterer Theo Wright comes back into her life bringing with
him festive cupcake and sausage roll conundrums, Eve begins to
question whether her Christmas dreams have been wasted on the wrong
man …
It's
a Christmas filled with cupcakes, a boy band against the glamorous
mansion backdrop of Holly Grange!
Eve
Halligan is back home for Christmas after touring with The Molotovs
but with a fund-raising concert held in the grounds of lead singer,
Lucian Malikov's family home, there's still plenty to do. As a
singer-songwriter, she's disappointed her work with the band more
backstage rather than frontstage. Even more, disheartened by
Lucian's indifference to her as a person. So, when she meets up with
her old friend, Theo Wright, she begins to question her decisions
from the past and wonders where her future lies?
I
particularly enjoyed the contrast in personalities between the two
main men in Eve's life. Lucian, the self-assured teen idol and Theo,
the caring baker. They share a common link and that's Eve but for
very different reasons. When the two of them are together, the
jealous tension between them is palpable. Both want lovely Eve's
attention, but one craves her affection.
With
a cosy atmosphere and short timeline, there's plenty to keep the
attention of the reader. I particularly enjoyed the numerous
references to seasonal foods and treats.
The
author has written a fascinating festive story full of hope. With
unrequited love and deception, I rooted for Eve as she faces the
consequences of previous actions. I like how others are supportive of
her at her time of need, even though it takes time for her to realise
how she's exploited. With both a hero and a villain close to her,
it's heart-warming when devious actions are exposed and Eve's dreams
are about to come true... professionally and romantically.
Overall,
a very satisfying happy ending with likeable characters, best
served with marshmallow-topped cocoa.
***arc
generously received courtesy of Ruby Fiction via Netgalley***
Jackie Ladbury
writes heart-warming contemporary and historical women's fiction that
is always guaranteed a happy ever after. From spending many years as
an air-stewardess and seeing that it really is love that makes the
world go around, she determined to put the same sparkle and emotion
into her stories. Her life is no longer as exotic (or chaotic) as it
was in those heady days of flying as she now lives a quiet life in
Hertfordshire with her family and two cats, spending her days making
up stories and finding excuses not to go to the gym.
To find out
more about Jackie Ladbury, check out these pages:
