Author : Abby Clements
Publication date : 25th October 2012
Publisher : Quercus
Source : Sent by the publisher, thank you!
Childhood friends Laurie and Rachel used to be inseparable - but their lives have taken very different paths since they picked up their A-level results together. Now thirty-five, they have all but fallen out of touch; glamorous single girl Laurie is based in London and dedicated to her career in fashion; Rachel seemingly living the family idyll in Yorkshire.
But when Rachel's mother-in-law needs urgent treatment in London, and disasters at work and in her love life mean Laurie needs to flee, a house swap falls into place. Soon gentle Rachel is far from the village bake sales, braving the city's mean streets while trying to keep her marriage and family together; while Laurie attempts to work an Aga, befriend the wary village locals - and forget the man who seems intent on breaking her heart. Will their relationships survive this test? And will they make it home for Christmas?
I was so thrilled when I got this book in the mailbox the other day. It was like Christmas came early and with the stunning cover and heartwarming to boot, it really felt like Christmas in October! So instead of studying for my finals, I started on it straight away and I never regretted! But before I discuss about Abby Clements's fabulous debut novel, can I point out that the cover is absolutely stunning! Initially, the cover was light green, almost like pistachio and the design team managed to revamp it and look at that cover, you lot!
As I've mentioned countless times, I love debut novels. They are written by new, fresh and yet-to-be-discovered talents out there. So it's almost an adventure for me every time I read a novel by a debut author. And glad to inform you that Abby Clements's new book - Meet Me Under The Mistletoe - is one hell of a book. It's such a compelling book, heartbreaking at times and so warm, it could thaw the coldness during a quiet snowy winter day.
Meet Me Under The Mistletoe is about to former best friends who were inseparable but after fifteen years or so, the both of them lead different lives. Laurie, the one who used to be the outcast, unpopular with only Rachel as her friend, living in London and working as a fashion designer for Seamless whereas Rachel, happily married to her high school sweetheart, Aiden with two children in tow, living in Skipley. Although both women are so far apart, geographically, but at some point, their paths will cross unexpectedly, with the magic of friendship and Christmas, both women are set for something life-changing.
Okay, let's do characters! Laurie, workaholic, always busy and recovering from a failed relationship with one of her best friends, Jay. After a disaster at work, she finds herself in the little village called Skipley, house swapping with Rachel. Then there's Rachel, mother of two, loving wife and daughter-in-law to the lovely Bea, who has to go to London because of Bea's medical treatment, living in Laurie's place. Honestly, at the beginning, I couldn't stand Laurie because she was proving rather difficult to be likeable. But as the story progresses and she becomes a warmer and better person, a whole lot better than the snob she was. Regarding Rachel, I don't have anything to say much but to tell you what a cool mum she is. Supportive wife, loving mother and a total sweetheart.
The book is divided between Laurie and Rachel, where you can read about what a lovely albeit small village Skipley is, compared to the busy, vibrant and happening London city. The setting of the book really worked for me as it contrasted the calm, peaceful environment of Skipley with the hustle and bustle of London. For me, it was the chick lit, modern version of The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse but with a twist!
It's a proper pick-me-up during lonely wintry nights when you've decide for a night-in. The perfect companion. I couldn't recommend this book enough if you are a fan of Julia Williams. This will make your Christmas even sweeter with its heartwarming contents.
You can order it here on Amazon or here on Book Depository.
Rating : 5/5
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