One Christmas Night

I always enjoyed following this author on Twitter and was looking forward to reading this novel. - and I certainly wasn't disappointed. It has all the ingredients of a classic Christmas novel and much more besides, great characters, intense drama, real depth. I look forward to see what she does next!

WHERE DOES ONE BEGIN TO WRITE ONES REVIEW FOR THIS!!!!!! HELP!

I have literally not long finished reading this book so I am still in a 'One Christmas Night' bubble of excitement. I mean, WOWZA!

Don't be fooled by the rocks that I got, I'm still, I'm still Jenny from the block.....

Well, evidently I'm NOT, but what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't be fooled by the cover of this book. I'm not saying it isn't pretty, because it is! There is just truck loads more to the storyline than the cover lets on.

Firstly, there is a strong mysterious, crime element to the book as a thief is on the loose and they're making the most of the fact that people have been Christmas shopping for their pilfering. 

Secondly, the storyline is set during the most festive time of the year, so all of the characters are getting into the Christmas spirit with their families. That said, I think that that one was evident due to the title!

Thirdly, the author has lightly touched on topics such as grief, coercive control, emotional abuse, blended families - just to name a few. 

So, you see, there is so much for readers to discover under the cover, and I still cannot quite believe just how much the author has spoiled us with all of this content! If I could liken 'One Christmas Night' to something, I would say that Hayley Webster's book is like a pick'n'mix; a story that jam packed with treats of all different sizes, with something for everyone in the never-ending paper bag of joy. I absolutely ADORED 'One Christmas Night'! I loved the mixture of topics and the way that the author created many colourful characters that seemed to blend together like a rainbow. I thought the opening to the story was such a brilliant hook! I was so eager to turn the pages and find out more, yet there was also a part of me that didn't want to turn them as I didn't want the book to end, or the bubble to pop.

My heart went out to Irma, Mrs Finch, and Joanie mainly, however I also had a soft spot for Rocky. He struck me as such an understated character who would have appreciated being noticed for who he was, rather than being noticed for everything he wasn't, just like his brother. I did wonder whether Rocky felt a bit stuck in the background due to being a 'nice guy', or whether he just blended in because he couldn't deal with the firework type confrontation.

As I have said multiple times, there is so much in this book to sink your teeth into and, whilst I would usually find a book like this to be a bit overcrowded and overwhelming, I thought it worked BLOODY well. Not only that, the humour in the story was laugh out loud brilliant, and definitely an antidote for all of the other heartbreaking elements of the book. If you're after a book that leaves you in a bubble of hope, power, and festive fun, I couldn't recommend this one more if I tried!

Can I just say that Hayley Webster has written one of my all-time favourite books with 'One Christmas Night'. This read was everything I could have wished for, and more. I am honestly in awe of the authors incredible talent to combine such diverse topics in a storyline that has literally rocked my world! This is One Christmas Night that I won't be forgetting in a hurry.

Absolutely flipping brilliant! If I could rate this as high as all the stars in the sky I would, without a doubt!!!!