Christmas By Candlelight

I loved this book and read it in one sitting. The book flits between the past and present and how a group of friends navigate a group dinner together set at Christmas. A perfect romance. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

This is my first time reading a Karen Swan novel but it definitely will not be my last.
I could not put the book down from the minute I started the first chapter.
The story focuses on Libby and flips between her time in university and the present day. I loved the way the stories were intertwined and the unexpected twists throughout the book.
The group of characters were lovable and believable and I really felt I was part of their friendship group.
A romantic Christmas story in a fantastic setting that had me in tears and I didn’t want to end.
Thanks to Netgalley, Pan MacMillan and Karen Swan for an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

Simply adored this novel by Karen Swan. Another best seller I am sure.

Even though it has Christmas in the title, it can certainly be read at any time of the year, as it also comes across with a slight mystery theme. Friends and housemates from uni days, getting together for a dinner in the depths of Yorkshire when hit by a snow storm. Secrets are revealed, good and bad. Characters are believable, and you just hope that Libby has her happy ending.......

Thoroughly recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Some old uni students meet for dinner just before Christmas . You get chapters of events that changed their lives 9 years before. It is Karen Swan at her best. Some great twists and a sad story in parts. Loved the house keeper. The snow made it christmasy. Lots of great characters and a neat ending. Hard to review without spoiling it. Read it

Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for a review copy of this book. Loved this book. Karen Swan is an author I always look forward to reading because I know her books deliver. In fact I’m amazed at how she’s able to write such consistently good novels twice a year and produce exactly what I look for in a novel, including well drawn characters and an absorbing and moving plot. Though this novel is very different from her recent summer isles novels this Christmas offering is very much like her other novels and was a pleasure to read.

The story centres around Libby, a highly successful corporate lawyer on the brink of being made partner who decides to make a flying visit to a reunion of her old university housemates on the way back from a wedding with her ambitious boyfriend Max. The host is Archie, newly succeeded to his role as Viscount and owner of a rambling manor house in the depths of the Yorkshire countryside. When Libby arrives, clad in her sophisticated wedding outfit, she still feels herself reduced to the somewhat awkward poorer academic nerd that she was in university. But some old ties can’t be broken, for good and ill and they soon surface amid the small group, even with Max exuding his usual charm. The atmosphere is ripe for old questions to be asked and the secrets that were hidden for so long to create a tension that can only result in trouble.

The story has a few elements of gothic in it, but not enough to reduce it to an awkward pastiche. As always Karen Swan evokes a wonderful atmosphere with her vivid descriptions and flowing scenes that just keep the reader going. The novel is a wonderful cosy and absorbing read perfect for Christmas.

A 5* read, not necessarily just for Christmas. The book spans a 9 year time frame and keeps you drawn in as twists and turns abound. There are totally unexpected stories emerging throughout, some sad, some verging on “who done it” And some pure romance. This book gives you everything, it’s an easy read with, on the whole, likeable characters and a couple of villains for good measure.

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

Karen Swan always tells a good story and this is no exception. A tale of old University friends enjoying a house party at an isolated Manor house. Libby, the central character, has avoided meeting up with the others for 10 years but has agreed to break her Christmas journey home and stop for a meal. When she and her partner go to leave the snow is so deep they are not going anywhere. It is fun at first - until the power goes.
Told in dual timelines, Libby at University and as a house guest, it has a locked room feel, with a surprising amount of twists as accidents happen and secrets are revealed. Suspenseful and enjoyable.

I have always been a fan of Karen Swan’s novels, especially those set during the winter season. There is something magical about this story in particular, with some deep secrets threatening to emerge when a group of friends is literally snowed under. So good!

Christmas By Candlelight - Karen Swan

We get to meet a group of uni friends after a significant amount of time has passed and see how their old memories have affected them - bringing a lot of intrigue along the way. This book had me gripped from the first page, and I found myself trying to sneak a little reading time in here and there to just enjoy a little more of it, I found the relationships fascinating and also enjoyed some chemistry as well. This book can 100% be enjoyed all year around and even has a feel of a mystery book to it. So definetly something for all readers to enjoy.

Thanks so much Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the e-arc in return for my honest thoughts and opinions.

This was a lovely story. Libby and her boyfriend decide to stop off at a university reunion on their way back from a wedding. They are all having a wonderful time when the weather takes a turn for the worse and they a marooned for days. I really like the sledging story it sounded like a lot of fun. Everything was fine until the power went out and they chatted about their pasts which make things take an unfortunate turn and things are revealed that Libby would rather not revisit. A real page turner.

This is a real Christmas book. Plenty of snow, candles and roaring fires. But there is so much more to it. The friendship's, uni timeline and twists all make for a wonderful story that gives you so much more.

Huge fan of Karen Swan and love their work. This story was fabulous and certainly didn’t disappoint. A perfect Christmas story with great characters, meaningful development and a great story line. Definitely recommend for your festive reading this year.

A classic, stand alone Karen Swan book. It draws you in from the beginning and the ending was not what I was expecting. A wonderful book that keeps you guessing. The dual timelines worked really well, with both timelines being as strong as each other.

Although a Xmas book, I loved reading this sitting in the garden. Swan is at her best doing what she does so well. Good story line and I loved following the lives of the flat mates, the interaction between them all and the friendship and support they all gave each other. Really good read.

This book had everything I would have expected from a Karen swan story and I loved reading it. The story is about a group of uni students who meet up some ten years after graduating, all the old memories and feeling come out and things definitely come to a head. With some great characters and lots of intrigue and mystery, I couldn't put this down and kept sneaking time to read more.

I loved all the characters, especially Libby and Archie, so different but the chemistry was tangible. This group of friends work well off each other and helps create a fascinating storyline. I enjoyed the way the story was set on two timelines and slowly unfolded allowing you to get a real insight into the friends' characters.

Although, I did guess most of the plot line there were a few twists that I didn't see coming. I have to admit I am a big fan of Karen Swan's books and read everything of hers. This book, unlike the Wild Island series (which I am thoroughly enjoying), is back to the tried and tested Karen Swan style. I can highly recommend this story, it is perfect to curl up and get lost in.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to embrace Christmas, before November and not feel guilty!
I always enjoy Karen Swan's books and this one did not disappoint. If you're expecting froth, pine cones and schmalz (checked the spelling!) then this isn't for you.
A story of friendships, made as teenagers and then rekindled ten years later, when the group all gather before the Christmas festivities. A huge hug embraces you as you settle down and a small frown will appear when anyone thinks it is acceptable to disturb you. Smiles and tears as you are allowed to share the secrets that the friends experienced and a sigh, when you finish. A wonderful escape and one that you'll want to share with others, and if you're like me, you'll want to discuss the individual relationships with others. Romance, angst, difficult times, estranged partners and unhinged personalities..this book has it all, perfectly interwoven to keep you turning the pages.

Who doesn’t enjoy a Christmas novel in summer! I loved it and have enjoy the story it tells! Being snowed in and in close quarters secrets are bound to be revealed!

Yet another excellent book by Karen Swan. I really liked the way that it moved from the past to the present, keeping me guessing about what was to happen. Interesting characters and a definite page turner.

Another fantastic festive Christmas read from Karen Swan, I eagerly await her new books with such anticipation!
Based on a group of friends sharing a house at university, such a diverse group of friends from very different backgrounds with different aspirations and expectations.
Bonded by shared experiences and friends for life!
Libby who hasn’t seen her friends for many years attends a winter reunion with her new boyfriend in tow! Gathered together in Archies crumbling pile the old gang find themselves reminiscing, buried emotions surface and long held secrets come to the fore!
Told as a dual timeline and written in the tried and trusted style of previous Christmas books, this book is such an enjoyable, relatable read that illustrates so well the amazing role of friendships across the years, with a wonderfully happy ending!
Thank you NetGalley for this early read.

"Christmas by Candlelight" by Karen Swan is a cosy and heart-warming holiday tale set against the backdrop of a snowed-in reunion with old friends. The story captures the magic of reconnecting with familiar faces and the warmth of shared memories. As the characters navigate unexpected challenges, Swan beautifully explores the complexities of relationships and the power of self-discovery. This novel is a delightful blend of nostalgia and the holiday spirit, making it a perfect read for the Christmas season.

The book jumps from past to present and achieves the transitions beautifully. It’s a wonderful story of how the past has a way of catching up with us all combined with old friends and new romance. Fab book.

Libby and her boyfriend Max are meeting up with Libby’s old University friends in an old faded manor house in Yorkshire. Theirs is meant to be a fleeting visit as Libby felt that she hadn’t fitted in with her friends, and doesn’t want to stay too long. Unfortunately, heavy snow falls result in them having to stay.
The story is told from two timeframes, Libby’s university days and present, which gives more depth to the story. I liked the varied mix of characters, they are well drawn and relatable. Karen Swan is expert at writing about relationships, she gets inside her characters bringing the story alive. Archie, the owner of the manor house, is a likeable laid back character, while Libby is driven to succeed in the business she is employed in. There are secrets from the past which are explored as the story unfolds.
Graphic descriptions of Archie’s mysterious, freezing cold manor house, with its ghostly noises and doors slamming shut, brings an added element of fear. Libby desperately wants to keep the past in the past, but is powerless when secrets are discovered. The hint of mystery and hidden secrets, along with twists and turns that make this story a winner.

I love a Karen Swan Christmas story, and I loved this one.
Old University friends get together at Archie's Manor a few days before Christmas. Libby Pugh hasn't seen her uni friends in nine years. Her and boyfriend Max were only staying for dinner, but then it snowed heavily. There's a power cut, pylons crashing to the ground. There's no way out.
This is a dual timeline read with us going back to 2014, what happened with the friends, and why Libby didn't stay in contact.
This really picked up halfway through when there are shock revelations, not what I was expecting.
The atmosphere at the Manor during the power cut is eerie and scary.
The characters were well written and drawn.
A very good Christmas read
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Karen Swan always writes excellent Christmas novels that aren’t all about happy families, cute traditions and joy. They leave food for thought and cover serious issues. This book was no different. I found the book throughly engaging. All is not what it seems secrets, lies and mysteries are scattered throughout.

“Candlelight at Christmas” begins in 2014 at Durham University Library where we meet Libby studying hard late into the night and meet some of her flatmates as they try to persuade her to leave so she doesn’t miss out on their housemate’s 21st birthday party.

The narrative then switches to the present day, 22nd December 2023. We see Libby, a high flying lawyer as she zooms down the M1M with her attractive colleague after being at a mutual friend’s wedding. Libby and Max are friends with benefits. This outing is the first time they have admitted to some form of relationship outside of work by being seen together socially. En route home they are stopping off for a meal with Libby’s University friends. Libby shared a house with 7 other people, at the time they were close but she has barely kept in touch with any of her friends. This year, due to her locality she has felt obliged to attend the reunion meal. She describes each of her friends to Max their backgrounds, current jobs and personalities. Despite being warned Max is still surprised by the size of the stunning stately home belonging to Archie.

Back together again, some more familiar with their glamorous surroundings than others, the friends reunite and the drinks flow. Meanwhile snow falls swiftly outside. They find themselves snowed in and the true merriment and Christie like locked room mysteries can begin…

The switch between University days and the present occurs throughout the book as we glimpse into the lives and loves of the housemates and hints as to why Libby in particular has moved on so far from the close knit student family she had. I think it worth noting that unfortunately one of the characters experiences a sexual assault as a student. This of course has massive implications to their future character development but it might be something that causes upset to a reader if they are not expecting such a sudden change from the jollity of the parties and quiet life of studying and scrounging to find bread, milk and other staples in a house full of disorganised, broke students.

I grew to care for all the characters, particularly as the key to each of their gruff or fake or serious personalities was revealed in the near past. As time moves on in the splendid isolation of a cold pile of a country house the question is will the aforementioned Christmas by Candlelight be a happy one?

Another very enjoyable read by Karen Swan, this time set around a group of friends who had been at university together, and catch up over the Christmas period years later at Archie's manor house.

The main character, Libby, arrives at the manor with her (sort of) partner Max, a flying visit to say hello to everyone at the reunion after being at a wedding in the area. But the weather goes downhill pretty quickly whilst they are there and they all end up stuck at the manor for a lot longer than planned due to the snow.

Whilst they are all stuck there they end up reminising about their time at uni, good times and bad times, some of which are still haunting them now. Secrets are slowly revealed by some of the people there, and past issues sorted out.

I really enjoyed all of the characters in this book, and it did seem very Christmassy because of the snow, and the power cut, so lots of candles and fires. There were some happy parts and some sad parts, but ultimately a very satisfying read. I would expect nothing less from Karen Swan though, she always delivers a wonderful story.

Oh my word, this book, it's the best thing I've ever read! Christmas By Candlelight brings visions of a cosy Christmas but it's so much more than that, friends, lovers but also threat, violence and heart stopping moments that had me turning the pages fast, thrilling right until the end, Bravo!

I absolutely loved this book and have to say, I think this is my favourite Karen Swan book so far. I could not put it down. The ending was not what I was expecting at all.

The start of the book seems to be an easy going story about friends doing life together at university, and then consequently, on the way back from a wedding, Lib comes back into their world for a reunion.

This goes so deep into friendship and history, regrets and dreams - along with some mystery and the sparkle of Christmas.

I would recommend anyone to read this book.

Firstly I should say this is not a Christmas book in the usual style. There's lots of snow, but no candy cane sweetness!
The story tells of a group of uni housemates and friends, in two timelines - 2014 and 2023.
The main character is Libby who, in 2014, doesn't have the confidence or finances of her glamorous friends.
When Libby meets up with the others in 2023, their stories are all revealed. It's a risky book as the majority of the characters are unlikeable until we get to know their back stories.
Very well-written and plenty to keep you interested.

This beautiful Christmas story has so much depth to it. My heart felt totally ripped out and trampled on it before the book set about bandaging it, kissing it all better and finishing with the most heart-warming hug!

The story is told through a then & now aspect with each chapter alternating between the present where the friends are gathering for a pre Christmas meal and 9 years ago when they shared a house while attending Durham University. Even though Libby hasn't seen them since they left Uni, you can tell the bonds of friendship between them all are still strong and we learn about what bound them together, aside from sharing a roof!

The characters and situations they find themselves in are all believable, some of the things that happen are hard to read about but, they should be, life isn't always kind! There is a lot of fun and a wonderful ending which tied a lovely bow around the story leaving me with a smile and happy thoughts of the book I had just devoured.

As I have read a Karen Swan Christmas book previously I has a suspicion and made sure to have a box of tissues on standby, I did need them, this is a very emotional read but it is one that I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend!

Another great story from Karen Swan. This one was great fun, lots of romance, drama and difficult stuations. All involving a group of University friends who stay in touch after Uni finishes. A lovely conclusion that left me happy!

Karen Swan has written another great (winter) holiday ensemble piece. This time it is about a reunion of old university friends in an isolated stately home. As the story progresses the strengths and weaknesses of the different relationships are revealed, plus a few secrets. Great characters and setting, and some happy outcomes.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for this advanced copy!

Karen Swan is an author I constantly monitor for her latest work - I love her unique mixture of escapism, romance, thriller and jumps through time or narratives. I'd been a fan of her newer Wild Isle series, and was interested to see where her latest Christmas novel would take us.

Christmas by Candlelight felt at once different but the same as her other novels. Different in that it didn't bring us off on an adventure to a new destination, nor did it jump between characters from different eras. Instead we found ourselves in the UK, predominantly in one location for the 'present day' timeline - a college housemate's grand home for a Christmas reunion. We get flashbacks to the group's college narratives as well. In this sense, it felt like greater emphasis was placed on the relationships between the various characters, and our 'secondary' characters and their relationships with one another and the main characters also felt much more flushed out which was a joy to read.

I did feel a connection to some of the secondary characters more than our main lead. It may have been intentional (as our MC felt like an outsider looking in), or it may also have just been how she was written. Libby felt a bit like a Mary Sue - intelligent, driven, beautiful, and described on a variety of occasions by various characters as having a 'sexy body' (as if stripping away her baggy clothes suddenly opened up everyone's eyes to her worth). She was no nonsense as well and for quite a bit of the novel I couldn't see much more to build upon in her character, until some secondary character plot points continued to reveal themselves.

Nonetheless, the wit, banter, mystery and slow build romance that are characteristic in Karen Swan's other novels were still as plentiful here, and just as entertaining to read. I particularly enjoyed Teabag's moments, exploring Coco's character, and the general warmth of Em and Prock.

Overall, rating this one 4 out or 5.