Whilst there are lots of background and secondary characters, this is really a three-person story - Mary, Beckett, and Beckett's Grandad, and they never get boring. They're so well written and feel very real with very real problems and I liked them all. The Grandad was my stand-out character, he was cantankerous but loveable.

It's got great messages; about family being more than blood, the importance of friendship and community. It's a tale of self discovery, about caring for others, about second chances. It looks at the power of lowering your defences and letting someone in.

It was a little slow to begin with. Not a huge issue for me but I know some readers might struggle with that, but keep going because it's not long before you're hooked. It's so easy to read and if you're anything like me, you'll have it read within a day or two.

I think this is only the third of Beth's books I've read, but she's already become a name I look out for when I'm after the equivalent of a hug in a book.

I did really enjoy this book but I'm going to say what I've said for a few recent Christmas reads is that there needs to be more Christmas. Again, I'm a 24/7/365 Mrs Claus so I probably want more than most people. But I think if it has a Christmas title and a Christmas cover then I want it to be a Christmas book, as opposed to a story that could happen at any time but just so happens to be set during the winter. That's my only complaint...no, not complaint, that suggests something is wrong with it, which it isn't, it's just my personal taste.

There are some difficult topics: death, grief, loss, loneliness, physical and mental illness, loss of friendships etc. but they're so wrapped up in a positive way that it doesn't feel too much or too morose and unrealistic.

Overall, not my favourite Christmas book, I'd have liked more festivity earlier on. But I liked all the characters, loved the messages behind the story, and really enjoyed the cosyness that Beth has managed to evoke.

An uplifting heartwarming story of new beginnings, friendship and love. A modern fairy tale that is just about plausible enough to let you believe the world is a lovely place. Well written and with a great set of characters. I absolutely adored it.
With many thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and the author for an early copy.
An uplifting heartwarming story of new beginnings, friendship and love. A modern fairy tale that is just about plausible enough to let you believe the world is a lovely place. Well written and with a great set of characters. I absolutely adored it.
With many thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and the author for an early copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC.

Pregnant Mary Whittington has moved to a remote place in the Sherwood Forest, leaving her old life behind. But when her baby comes and taxi driver Beckett drives her in a snowstorm to hospital she does not only end up in a church instead but also finds a readymade community of wonderful women who embrace her and little Bob. I'm not religious but the members of the New Life Church are non-preachy, charitable, good people, and they embrace Beckett and his grumpy grandfather Marvin just as warmly.

While everyone is preparing for the New Life Community Church Christmas Carol Concert Or NLCCCCC for short, with Mary making tons of costumes, we learn more about Beckett's life and Mary's former life and how she ended up in Sherwood Forest. Mary's POV is in the first person and Beckett's in the third, which needed a bit of getting used to but it didn't hinder the enjoyment of the story.

This is a heartwarming and uplifting story about grief, healing and starting over about friendship, community and found family. The romance is slow burn and the characters are all loveable and supportive. This is a cosy feel-good read and the snowy setting and gorgeous cover will get you in a festive mood. Recommended.

A brilliant heartwarming festive reading that had me chuckling at times. Absolutely loved gramps and the way he just spoke whatever came to mind.

Mary has a few weeks before her baby is born but nature has a different idea. Beckett, a knight in shining amour takes to to a church, where her baby is born.
Firm friendships are born after the new arrival; Mary finds herself not alone anymore.
The three main characters form a strong bond; Mary, Beckett and Beckett's loveable granddad.
A warm, somewhat humorous story, that's filled with love, friendship and hope.

If you’re looking for light fluffy HEA , this is a good one. The happily part was cozy. Ever After was expected. And the MMC was perfection .

For me it was too light. I’m a weirdo like that🤣 but not enough depth of writing or story. But I have no doubt it’ll find its readers . It’s perfect for so many family members I know 🩷

Mary has run away from her life and is living alone in Sherwood Forest trying to deal with her past,

When she goes into labour early she calls a taxi and is rescued by the wonderful Beckett who gets her to safety and slowly turns her life around.

What follows is a journey of true friendship between Mary and Beckett when she really does need it. We also meet some wonderful characters along the way with my favourite being Becketts Grandad. The relationship between the two of them is just wonderful and I loved how they interacted and also how he was with Bob.

A beautiful and heartwarming Christmas story of the strength of friendship, true love and family.

Thanks to NetGalley, Beth Moran and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I just fell in love with this book from the first page. It's like a warm hug, whatever time of year!

Mary is starting again, in a new cottage, with no family or friends around, and she's heavily pregnant. Her baby decides to make an early appearance and in steps taxi driver Beckett, to take Mary to hospital. However, as we all know in the best stories, things don't go to plan and Mary ends up giving birth in a church. What follows is a lovely tale of family, of friendship, and of finding a new path, as both Mary and Beckett attempt to leave their pasts behind

What I really loved about the book was the realism, and the restraint. It's not overly Christmassy or religious, and Mary and Beckett have some proper challenges to overcome, ones that many of us readers have experienced. That's what I like about Beth Moran's books, they're real people in real life situations, and you're rooting for them to succeed.

A wonderful book that will bring you joy all though the year!

I was crying by the first chapter! Utterly hooked and invested in the characters. Able to relate to nearly everything. Managed to read it in a couple of days amidst the madness of moving house and loved every single second.

Oh I absolutely adored this glorious, heart breaking read. Mary and Beckett are two wonderful characters and they really came to feel like friends. I loved the story that they had to tell, they were nice to get to know and Moran makes it clear that there is more to both of them. As the book progresses, we learn about their pasts, how this impacts their present day behaviour and feel even more connected to them. Moran's supporting characters are equally as glorious and I would love to know people exactly like they are.
The plot has it all from trauma, heartbreak and sadness to love, hope and friendship. I found myself swept away by the intensity and beauty of the whole read. Plus, this has the added bonus of being set around Christmas which adds to the atmosphere and magic.
I loved this read and cannot recommend it enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.

A warm story of friendship and trust. A new beginning with wonderfully written characters. It is a story I fell in love with.

This was a lovely festive Christmas read. Great characters and a warm and fuzzy story. Perfect for cosy winter night by the fire with a hot chocolate. Definitely one to add to your Christmas reading list.

This was a heartwarming read, full of kind strangers, newborns and the festive period. When Mary goes into labour, she calls a taxi. Beckett arrives and knows they won’t get to the hospital in time so they stop at a local church, where the many different faces bring warmth and love at a beautiful time. It’s a beautiful book to read, reminding us that strangers can be kind, friendships between strangers can be real and love may even blossom..
A lovely Christmas read that opens your heart to others. It shares a powerful message to be kind to everyone. 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Is there anything Beth Moran can’t do? Her books are so relatable, so well written and so funny, sad, hopeful and happy all at the same time! I love reading her stories and you can’t help but root for the characters. This book had everything you could ask for, and Mary and Beckett really are the most wonderful characters. I could see myself being friends with them. Definitely a huge recommend on this one, get yourself a cup of hot chocolate and a cosy blanket by the fire and enjoy!

Read it. Loved it. Will probably go out and buy a physical copy :)

I love a Christmas book, especially when we have this horrible sunny weather.

Full of uplifting moments, friendships, Christmas cheer and plenty of plot, this one will be a great read around Christmastime.

Beth new book has everything Christmas you expect as it tells the stories of Mary and Beckett, a doctor who isn't practicing medicine. I didn't love or like the book but kept reading to the end. The church stuff was just too much for me - sorry!

Thanks for the advance copy.

A cozy and charming read perfect for the winter season! Just like with any other Beth Moran book, you'll be on a bit of an emotional ride with characters that will pull at your heartstrings and uplift you.

It’s 98 degrees outside and what better way than to be transported to a snow storm! Mary, pregnant and alone in her UK cottage goes into labor. To the rescue is taxi driver, Beckett, who becomes her friend and stability. This has a cast of characters, history/new beginnings, and a splash of Christmas magic. Thank you to the publisher for a copy.

First of all thank you for approving my request!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The authors writing style had me hooked throughout this book.

I didn't want it to end, a book I really couldn't put down.

I love nothing more than a cozy title where two lost people find each other. I adored all the supporting characters, including grumpy old Gramps. It was a delightful read and I look forward to more by Moran.