This is the first book by this author I have read and I did enjoy it.

Several topics are covered, including an unhappy childhood, abandonment, single parenthood, acting as a carer, negotiating unexpected news and that's just for starters!

I loved the description of the relationships between Maddie and her little daughter, as well as the one with her best friend and her aunt who she lives with.

I enjoyed the setting as living in Norfolk myself I know this area very well. One thing I was slightly frustrated about though was the mythical village of Nelson's Bar when other places nearby are given their real location - Hunstanton, King's Lynn and Docking. Found this rather confusing!

This is my first Christmas book of 2023 and it did not disappoint. I have to admit this is a little early for me to be picking up a festive book but I couldn’t resist reading it! So what did I think…

Well, I really enjoyed my time with this book and the characters. There was a little bit of everything to keep me entertained and I loved the sprinkling of festiveness. It was just the right amount for me and definitely the perfect book to ease me into the Christmas spirit. All of the characters in this book were intriguing, engaging, made me smile and at times even a little emotional. There were secrets, romance and friendships woven into this book and it all combined to create a heartwarming story.

The family dynamics in this book were pretty compelling. It was a little tangled with revelations from the past but I was hoping it would all turn out okay in the end for them. The romance was sweet and I became fully invested in both Maddy and Raff especially as they had such a lovely connection. At times there was an emotional edge and this helped to give the the story even more depth.

The Christmas Love Letters is a story filled with romance, family and a gorgeous, festive charm!

Ahhh I do love it when you can pick up a book and just know you’re going to really enjoy it and this is exactly how I feel when I see a new Sue Moorcroft hitting my shelves! The Christmas Love Letters is her newest book and is set in gorgeous Nelson’s Bar, ‘a snow-dusted seaside village where time seems to stand still…’
Doesn’t it sound idyllic!

Our main characters are Maddy and Raff but the supporting cast make the book just as much as these two, little Lyla is just adorable and her childhood innocence is spot on!

With its Christmas fairs, endless amounts of snow and cosy heartfelt moments this book has got me so excited for Christmas - and thinking that I need to get baking some mince pies!

As always Sue really captures you with her writing and I ended up binge reading the second half of this in one fail swoop as I just needed to know what was going to happen and how it would end - safe to say I loved it!

This was the first book I have read by Sue Moorcroft and it won't be the last. I always love books where someone finds a diary or letters. I couldn't put this book down. I loved the flow of this and the characters. Grab this book and sit next to a cozy fire to read it. This is the perfect holiday read. I highly recommend this book.


Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

I absolutely loved this book it gave me all the Christmassy feels! I was hooked from the prologue.

Both main characters Maddy and Raff were both great. I felt for Maddy being left by her husband one night almost seven years ago, still missing and presumed dead.

Maddy’s Great Aunt Ruthie, who she lives with and cares for was lovely. But I think my favourite character was Maddy’s six year old daughter Lyla. She was so bright, sweet and full of life.

This was my first read by this author and I’ll definitely be reading more this was such a beautiful story that had me gripped. It has romance, mystery and Christmas too. What more could you want?

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and the publisher for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.

Maddy Cracey and her husband, Adey had lived in the pretty village of Nelson’s Bar, Norfolk all their lives. They’d been going through a rough patch, due in no small part to Adey’s spending habits, when a huge row sent Adey storming out of the house in the middle of a blizzard, never to be seen again.

Maddy could believe Adey had felt trapped and taken an easy way out to escape the debts, leaving her to cope, but couldn’t think that he’d gone over the cliff as some believed. Now, nearly seven years later, Maddy and her young daughter were living with Maddy’s sight impaired Great Aunt Ruthie, Maddy acting as caregiver, while she rented out her home for the income. Having been in limbo for so long, it’s almost time for Maddy to draw a line under her marriage once and for all.

Maddy’s and Ruthie’s lives are turned upside down when when a stranger visits Ruthie. It seemed Rafferty Edmonds (Raff) wanted to know about his father and Ruthie.

The Christmas Love Letters is a lovely, and sometimes emotional, read. Raff dredges up the past for Ruthie, a secret and painful past she never quite came to terms with. Although Maddy doesn’t want Raff to cause any more upset and asks him not to contact Ruthie again, she can’t deny the spark of attraction she feels.

As the past and its secrets are revealed through letters, Raff’s family are also drawn in and the two families are brought together under rather unconventional circumstances. And the surprises keep coming as several realistic topics are explored in a very relatable and sympathetic way giving depth to the narrative. I love the descriptions of Nelson’s Bar and the characters are likeable and well defined.

Maddie's husband disappeared seven years ago and with no trace of him ever found is presumed dead. Maddie has moved on with her life along with her young daughter, born after her father disappeared, and her Great Aunt Ruthie. Out of the blue a stranger appears, Raff, bearing love letters from Aunt Ruthie's past which leads to the uncovering of a secret she has held for years. .Maddie and Raff start to become close until one day Maddie receives an anonymous text message which begins to turn her world upside down. A story full of secrets and lies, with a smattering of romance. A perfect Christmas read.

I received a free copy of, The Christmas Love Letters, by Sue Moorcroft, , from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Maddy Austen and her husband Adey lives in Nelson's Bar,in Norfolk. Until one winters day when Adey and Maddy had a really bad fight, and left. Six years later, Maddy moved on, and then Adey comes back, upending her whole life. Will she stay with Adey or begin a new relationship? I did not care for Adey at all, he was really selfish and self centered. Maddy and her daughter are lovely though.

4 stars

In Sue Moorcroft's enchanting holiday novel, The Christmas Love Letters, the idyllic setting of Nelson's Bar in Norfolk provides the backdrop for a heartwarming tale of love, family secrets, and unexpected twists. As Madeline 'Maddy' Cracey navigates life as a single mother and caretaker for her aunt Ruthie, the arrival of Rafferty Edmonds with long-forgotten love letters unravels the quiet existence she has built. Moorcroft's storytelling prowess shines through unexpected plot twists, creating a tapestry of characters, including the endearing Maddy and sweet Raff, whose genuine connection captivates readers. With a festive atmosphere, poignant love letters, and cleverly intertwined storylines, The Christmas Love Letters is a must-read that goes beyond the typical holiday romance, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love against the backdrop of twinkling Christmas lights.

What a perfectly wonderful Christmas story. Full of joy sorrow and family. And all taking place in a perfect English village. A must read!

well what can I say about Sue Moorcroft's latest novel, The Christmas Love Letters.... I loved it!

Sue has such a descriptive style of writing that draws you in and keeps you engaged chapter after chapter; her characters are so down to earth and lifelike, you'd be forgiven for thinking they were your family and friends. It was magical to read a book set around 50 miles from my home town and a place I visit regularly. Don't walk, run to get your copy

Maddy's husband Adey disappeared seven years ago after they had an argument. Since then, she tried to rebuild her life with her daughter whom he didn't know about. She was also the primary caregiver for her great aunt Ruthie.

One day, a stranger Rafe came looking for Ruthie with letters from someone in her past. That stirred things up as times past were brought to light.

This was a great story about reconnecting with past memories and found family. I loved seeing relationships being mended and getting a new lease of life.

The mystery of Adey's disappearance was also intriguing and I loved getting all the answers.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Who doesn't love a Christmas book by Sue Moorcroft!
Maddy lives in a tiny village on the Norfolk coast and her life should be wonderful, but seven years ago her husband walked out on her after a massive row and never returned, disappearing without a trace. She’s lived in limbo ever since, raising the daughter he didn’t know was on the way, and caring for her elderly great-aunt Ruthie. When handsome stranger Raff’s visit reveals deep secrets from Ruthie’s past, Maddy’s life is turned upside down, but will it be for good or bad?
Sue Moorcroft at her best & I look forward to the next book.

The Christmas Love Letters
by Sue Moorcroft



Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: romance, General Fiction (Adult)

I live in Norfolk, close to the setting this book exists in. And that north sea wind is just as cold as Sue writes!!
I loved this story, the gentle romance, the relationship between Maddy and Ruthie, the wonderful Lyla.
Maddy has some great friends too, she;s needed them after the disappearance of Adey, and the uselessness of her in laws after he went missing. She had a fight to save their home thanks to Adey's actions, at a time when she was dealing with unexpected pregnancy. Its been a tough few years for her but with the help of the wonderful Ruthie and her friends she's squeezed through.
Its not just Maddy's burgeoning romance her though, nor the missing husband, but another beautiful romance involving Ruthie, which brings out secrets long held, and Raff to her vicinity. That had me on the edge of tears, poor, poor Ruthie, who lost so much.
I was talking about this book with a friend yesterday, saying one of the things I always love about Sue's books and the myriad of plots, they're never just single plots books but ones where there are several running concurrently, just waiting to be woven together with some Sue magic. That's what turns a book from just OK to a re-reader for me. I need those extras, the drama, the background, all the different things happening.

Stars: Five, another tear jerking read but which also had me laughing at times and rooting for Raff and Maddy.

ARC supplied by author

A Lovely feel good festive read. I enjoyed it. Initially quite a few characters are introduced but once you get used to who everyone is and how they are connected it’s a great read. I will be picking up more Sue Moorcroft definitely.

A perfect start to my Christmas reads. It definitely conjured up a Christmassy atmosphere, with Christmas concerts, fairs, mulled wine and hot chocolate. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this was a was a stereotypical Christmas romance. It dealt with real life losses, heartbreak and the nature of familial relationships.

The emergence of a set of long forgotten love letters reveals a hidden side of Great Aunt Ruthie’s past that will have major repercussions in the way the household will navigate not only the present, but the future. That’s a present that’s already been blighted for Maddy by the disappearance of her husband. What keeps her going, as well as caring for Ruthie, is her 6 year old daughter Lyla. What she doesn’t need is more chaos thrown into her life, but then we don’t always get what we want in life.

Secrets and lies, abound in both the past and the present so that it’s impossible to know exactly how things will play out for Maddy. I know what I wanted, but I’m a sucker for romance these days and I was happily rooting for Raff, but he wasn’t without his flaws.

If you love reading about small town/village life, broken families, relationships and possibilities then dive into this book as it’s perfect and comes with the added Christmas glitter to enhance it.

Review awaiting approval on Amazon. Will add link once approved

"The Christmas Love Letters" by Sue Moorcroft is a captivating tale that weaves together the charm of a picturesque village, the nostalgia of long-lost love letters, and the mystery of unresolved family secrets. Set in the tranquil embrace of Nelson’s Bar on the Norfolk coast, Maddy Austen's life takes an unexpected turn when the arrival of Raff brings with it a collection of love letters, unraveling the past and stirring the echoes of forgotten emotions.

Moorcroft skillfully crafts a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings, blending the warmth of family bonds with the excitement of newfound love. The characters, particularly Maddy and Raff, come alive with depth and authenticity, making their journey relatable and engaging. As the layers of the story unfold, so does a sense of anticipation, keeping the reader hooked until the final revelation. "The Christmas Love Letters" is a beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of connections, making it a delightful read for anyone seeking a heartwarming escape into the magic of the holiday season.

I love a good Christmas book and this is exactly that. A lovely festive story about the highs and lows of an ordinary family and their journey to Christmas with all that entails.

Maddy and her young daughter live with her elderly aunt and Maddy is also her aunt’s caregiver. They have a lovely relationship but Maddy is haunted by the disappearance of her husband Addy, who went missing 7 years ago and does not know she was pregnant at the time.

Ruthie, the aunt, has just discovered the daughter that she gave up for adoption is living nearby with a daughter of her own. Will they be brought together or will their past keep them apart.

This is a well told story with great feeling and tenderness about the characters, which paints them in both good and bad lights, as with real life. The story can be felt from the perspective of most of the characters and as a reader I was hoping for a happy ending especially for Maddy and for Ruthie, her aunt.

Great writing keeps the interest and I would highly recommend this to lovers of this author and those looking for a great Christmassy book.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book by Sue Moorcroft that I’ve read, I liked it! An easy read with great characters, I enjoyed the premise of love letters being kept and read over the years, Ruthie & Nigel had a real true love story with a heartbreaking decision made by Ruthie.

Maddy having being walked out on by her husband nearly 7 years prior without any idea if he is alive of dead

Raff coming into both of their lives and making an impact!

My favourite part was the epilogue, loved it,

I will recommend this book.

The Christmas Love Letters by Sue Moorcroft was a quite amazing winter read, that leaves you warm and happy.

It has a good deal of serious and thought provoking topics to give it depth, and I found them handled really well. But it also has strong friendships and relationships that give you back some of your faith in humanity. I always love seeing people be more than happy to jump into the breech and help out when needed, and here most people are more than happy to lend a hand.

The main character is a carer for an elderly relation, who is still very clear in her head, but her sight is impaired and she needs an inhaler. Having two blind grandparents myself, I really enjoyed seeing this in a book! Especially how realistic the inner fight between trying to protect them, but also letting them be independent is.

She also has a husband who has vanished years ago, and a little bright sunshine of a daughter. In other books all those different topics for one character might have felt too much, but Moorcroft manages to make all of this blend seamlessly.

The second set of serious topics is a nice young man showing up one day, asking about the past - and thereby finding out about love letters and an affair that spanned decades. Again this was written so well, and we get to fully see the other side of being "the bit on the side". This was handled tactfully and shone a light on how society worked back in the day. Unloved exploring this mysterious past.

And because this isn't enough, our young man also comes with his own serious topics, mainly his sister being ill, and an operation looming in the near future.

So there's a bit of drama everywhere, but as the characters all mostly behave like grown ups, it didn't feel like drama for drama's sake, but was relatable all the way through.

For me this was a great blend of a cosy read that made me happy, but also opened my eyes a bit to a different view than in used to. Couldn't really ask for much better than this!