This was a book that I just couldn’t put down. It’s main focus was on the Lorne family and the relationship between the three sisters but also between the mother and the youngest sister, Willow. There are a few secrets to uncover, one being why did Willow leave the family castle three years ago and go to live in Dublin. There is also the sense of community within a small village, where everyone knows each other and often meet in the local inn. Romance features, although the reader is never quite sure how it is going to work out until the end. This was an enthralling read! I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Really enjoyed this novel by the amazing Karen Swann with well developed characters and a fascinating storyline that make this a must read. Highly recommended.

Absolutely beautiful story, I always enjoy a Karen Swan book she always makes the characters come to life in such a beautiful way. The story follows three sisters who face the tough decisions their father, the last knight of Ireland, made on his death bed.
Full of romance and the occasional heartache which makes a lovely cosy Christmas vibe. I rate this book 5 stars

This was my first Karen Swan book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So happy that I no have all her other books to read. It wasn't overly Christmassy so could be read at any time of the year. Set in the beautiful rugged countryside and as a runner I was excited that it included an ultra run. Loved the setting, loved the characters, loved the drama.

A good read. I've read other books written by Swan, and this one didn't disappoint. I sometimes felt there was too much description and I skipped some parts to get to the next part of the story. I was also left with feeling I didn't get to know the three female protagonists that well. I would have liked a bit more depth. I also forgot that Ottie was the oldest and sometimes felt as though Willow was, when she was the youngest. I felt that Pip's character was developed the most. The timeline was really quick. As for the romances - pretty well done I think, and the ending was satisfactory for me. Loved the setting of the Lorne estate. Not all that Christmassy, as there are only brief mentions of it, but nice to read over Christmas regardless I would think.

I am a fan of Karen Swan novels and this is the perfect novel to read on the winter holidays with open fires and hot chocolate. Declan Lorne has passed away leaving behind a devastated family and a bankrupt estate. Ottie, Pip and Willow now need to find their way through the grief as a family. Each of Declan’s beloved girls need to find a way to open up to love as well. This was lovely feel good book with some added twists. I love a book that takes you on an emotional journey with a happy ending and Karen Swan is the expert.
Thanks to Pan MacMillan and NetGalley for an honest review in exchange for an ARC.
#TheChristmasParty #NetGalley

Another heart warming, cute Christmas love story from Karen Swan. I absolutely adore her books and wait for them eagerly every year. This was no different. If you're keen on Christmas feel good stories, this is one must read!

Thanks a lot to the publisher and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas approaches, and the Lorne estate is in turmoil. The family patriarch - Declan Lorne, the last Knight in Ireland - is dead, and the reading of his will threatens to tear the family apart. The two oldest daughters, Pip and Ottie, have inherited as expected, but why has the castle been left to youngest daughter Willow, who left the estate years before and never looked back? As Christmas draws near, family secrets both old and new are revealed, and life at Lorne will never be the same...

Now I feel like I need to start off by clarifying that I am a huge fan of Karen Swan. Ever since picking up Christmas at Tiffany’s on a whim a few years ago, I’ve classed her as one of my favourite authors, and it’s become a bit of a Christmas tradition for my mum to gift me one of her books so I can catch up on her backlist.

So when I saw that Karen had a new book out for Christmas, I automatically assumed that it was go straight on my Christmas list. But when I read the synopsis, I have to admit I was a bit unsure. It just sounded so completely different to anything I’ve read by her before, I wasn’t sure if it was something I would really enjoy. So when I saw that it was available for request on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance - not only would I get to try it before buying it, just in case I wasn’t a fan, but I would also have a bit more room on my Christmas list for more books!

Now, onto the book itself. When it first started, I was a bit confused, mainly because all of the other current one books I’ve read by Karen have focused on one character, whereas this book is told from perspective of three sisters. This meant I felt like it took a little bit longer to get into, largely because you had to get to know three characters instead of one. But once you do you get into it, it does improve somewhat.

Okay, so the start isn’t really that uplifting, and it’s definitely not Christmassy. In fact, apart from the very end it really didn’t read too much like a Christmas book at all, except for the odd mention of snow. As the book goes on the tone definitely lightens, and the traditional Swan romance comes into play - luckily, with 3 sisters there is plenty of romance to go around! However, I have to say I personally prefer her novels with only one focal character, as I find them a bit easier to connect with emotionally. I also felt like having three characters meant that you sort of skimmed the surface of each of them, rather than the in-depth characterisation you normally get from a Karen Swan novel.

So I’ve given this book 4 stars, but in reality it’s probably more of like a 3.75 stars. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good book, and I did enjoy it in the end. I just felt like there was a section between the start and the middle that just started to drag a little bit, although it definitely picked up the nearer it got to Christmas. All in all, I would say if you’re a fan , you will enjoy it, although it is a bit different from what she normally writes. If you’ve never read anything by Karen Swan before, I personally would start with Christmas at Tiffany’s - another read that focuses on a few characters, but is much more in-depth.

Ottie,Pip and Willow are recovering from the sudden death of their father. Each has her own issues, Ottie her secret love affair, Pip, her wish to run a successful racing stable, and Willow has her own secret which has haunted her for 3 years. What will happen to the family estate following his death?Absorbing, well written, I just hope there is a sequel so the reader can follow up the 3 girls to see what happens next in their lives.

A great Christmasy read. I read this quote quickly, engaging characters and storyline. I would definitely read more.

Really wonderful christmas story. Full of charm, romance, great characters, and magic settings this book will get you in the mood to put your christmas tree up early, it did me anyway. Lovely story, i would really recommend it.