Recipe for a perfect Christmas read (also known as my review!)


Take one familiar and well loved village (Middledip)

Add a cosy village pub (The Three Fishes)

Ensure that your heroine (Lily) is down to earth, likeable but not without some pretty big secrets

Pre-heat the boss (That'll be Isaac!)

Dollop in a lovable Dalmatian called Doggo

Add a generous helping of romance

Whisk in some simmering attraction

Stir in some difficult family situations

Carefully blend through some serious issues

Throw in a trip to Switzerland

Coat the mountains with a generous dusting of snow

Sprinkle in some Swiss chalets and twinkling fairy lights

Combine with Christmas markets and delicious sounding food and drink

Add a little Christmas adventure

Mix in more than a hint of spice

Blend together carefully

Don't forget to sing a few Christmas carols and songs as you wait for the mix to mature

Best enjoyed before the end of December


Verdict? Another fabulous book from Sue Moorcroft. A delicious treat of a book to be savoured this festive season.

Thanks to NetGalley and to Avon Books UK for an advance copy of Let it Snow by Sue Moorcroft.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love Christmas anyway, and this book had snow too. Lots of snow. And a spotty dog. 

Lily wants to meet her brothers. Her sister is against the idea and her parents aren't completely on board. But that doesn't stop Lily moving to the village where at least one of her brothers lives and works, and it doesn't stop her travelling to Switzerland either to meet the other one.

The story is very well-written with some great characters. I did think the mad dash at Christmas was a bit unlikely, especially as this meant dropping everything, including breaking a promise to Isaac. And there was quite the info-dump from Hayley's mouth after she received her prognosis. 

But generally, it's a nice festive story with some good characters, and it certainly put me even more in the mood for Christmas this year a few months too early.

Lily grew up with her sister Zinnia and their two mums, always believing that her father was a one night stand her mum barely remembered. She is therefore shocked one day when her mum blurts out the truth, she had an affair with a married man and tells Lily his name. Lily then discovers she has two older half brothers and decides she wants to get to know them.
Lily gets herself a job in a pub owned by one of the brothers, Harrison Tubb but after two years working there she still hasn’t plucked up the courage to tell him who she is. When a health scare means Tubb goes to Switzerland to recuperate with his partner Janice he brings in Isaac as temporary manager.
Lily and Isaac find themselves drawn together but both have their own reasons for holding back. A trip with the MIddletones singing group sees their remaining barriers come down but just when they think they could have found some happiness fate intervenes and tears them apart again.
Lily and Isaac have to decide if they can make a relationship work and Lily needs to find the courage to tell her brothers who she really is.
A perfect story for any time of year but the snowy setting and carols sung by the Middletones make it
especially perfect for Christmas.
Sue Moorcroft writes great characters and describes the scenery of Switzerland so clearly I felt I could see it and wanted to be there!
Doggo was a special highlight for me, I could imagine him rolling around in the snow and it made me laugh.

Lily Cortez and her sister Zinnia have been raised in a family with two mums, however Lily is shocked to discover that her father wasn't - like Zinnia's - an anonymous donor but her mum had an affair with a married man. She's desperate to find her another family and it leads her to Middledip, where her half - brother Harrison Tubb is the owner of the village pub. She starts to work at the pub while also starting her own career as a designer of exhibition stands. She enjoy her life there, and getting to know her brother, even though she hasn't found the courage to let him know they are family.
This is only one of the themes running through the story. Because of Tubb's health scare, Lily finds herself working in the pub with a temporary boss Isaac, and almost immediately they're attracted to each other but Isaac has a rule of not dating co - workers. There is also the Middledip choir which Lily is a part of and they're travelling to Switzerland to sing at Christmas Fair there. And then there is also Lily's family, falling apart. Puh.

I had a feeling that the book is repeating itself, over and over again. We were rambling about one and the same thing, the same event was told about again and again, and actually, for me, there was nothing happening. All the characters were too nice to be true, their actions didn't feel realistic and spontaneous, and the dialogues sounded too wooden for my liking. The lack of action has been filled with descriptions of Switzerland, and as much as I love Switzerland in winter, it was too much, or with Doggo going in or out of his crate, and the main characters didn't capture my attention. I'm sorry, but that's the way I feel - but it doesn't mean that you're not going to love this book! I hope you will!

Lily and Isaac were nice characters, both with past, both with rules. However, Isaac was too perfect to be true, he always said and did all the right things, he was there when he was needed, he put his own needs aside and the only thing that he missed was probably a white horse. Zinnia was absolutely unlikeable character, already starting with the name, I mean, Zinnia? The way she treated her sister, blaming her for everything was horrible.

Nevertheless, "Let It Snow" was a lovely, steady winter read with a bit of romance and will they/won't they, though it was not the most important part of the book. The most important part though, me thinks, were family bonds, acceptation, becoming a part of a group and I liked how Sue Moorcroft mixed lightness with the seriousness, and put a lot of care and love into her story. Because next to the whole drama there is turkey, snowballs, carols, a village pub and lots of snow.

A fun, heartwarming holiday read. Loved it! If you're a fan of Hallmark's Christmas movies, this one is for you!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Relatable characters, wonderful story and excellent writing make this book a must read for the festive period. I love Sue Moorcroft, she has a great way of writing realistic characters and absorbing you in a story.

I have to be honest and say I am only 70% through this book, so I will review up to where I have read.



When I started this book I was a bit unsure where it was going or what it was doing. However it was soon explained as the characters and the plot started to thicken.

: this is the second book of Sues that I have picked up, and just like the first time I thoroughly enjoyed it, i now plan to make my way through her back catalogue as and when I can, she had become a new favourite author.
This story follows Lily, who had just recently found out that she is the result of an affair her mum had with the intention of getting pregnant. - Lily comes from a 2 mum family and until that moment believed she was the result of a sperm donor just like her sister. After discovering the news by catching her mum reading the obituary of her father she also learns that she has 2 brothers and seeks out to find them.
Her search leads her to Middledip and working in a pub owned by her older brother, she soon settles into life there, finds friends an apartment to live in and really integrates herself into the community by becoming part of the local singing group, all the while keeping her secret from everyone around her.
Isaac comes into the story as a relief manager for Lily's brother Tubb whilst he recovers from some health issues, he throws himself into his new role and there seems to be near instant chemistry between him and Lily.
I won't give too much away, but certain things happen which lead to Isaac having to drive the local singing group to Switzerland because Lily is no longer able to and that's where the love story really begins, but will it be as straight forward as you hope?
There are some rough topics broached in this book and all are done very sensitively whilst also being informative at the same time.
I cannot recommenced this book enough to fans of contemporary stories with a Christmas twist.

Best-selling author Sue Moorcroft is back with Let It Snow, a wonderfully addictive new novel that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Funny, dramatic and emotional, Let It Snow is a fantastic festive read that should be on everyone’s wish list this Christmas.

Family has always been at the centre of Lily and Zinnia Cortez’s life. Growing up in an unconventional family unit with two mums and no dad has meant that the girls had experienced their fair share of prejudice and anguish while growing up which has only served to strengthen the bonds between Lily, Zinnia and their parents. Lily has always believed that their mums had always been honest with them, however, the foundations of her world and her entire existence are shaken to their very core when a shocking family secret is revealed: Lily’s father was not a random stranger as she had always been led to believe, but a married man her biological mother had an affair with over the course of many months! Lily is shocked and flabbergasted and cannot help but feel betrayed that her mother has kept such a huge secret from her. Her father has recently passed and Lily has been denied access to him all her life. Although she is well aware that she can never have a relationship with him, Lily is determined to find out more about her father and his family, so she packs her bags and heads over to Middledip and manages to get a job working behind the bar of the family pub. But there is a catch: her family and new friends do not have a clue about Lily’s true identity!

When Lily had decided to get to know the other side of her family, she never quite imagined that she would build a new life for herself in Middledip. Not only has Lily got herself a job, but she has made friends and feels like a valued member of the community the more time she spends in the new place she now calls home.
However, the burden of Lily’s secret weighs heavily upon her shoulders. She knows that she cannot continue to lie to the people she has grown close to and that she must confess who she really is soon. But knowing the devastating repercussions of her shocking and scandalous secret, is Lily prepared to tell everybody who she really is?

When an unexpected twist of fate takes her all the way to the breath-taking Swiss mountains, will Lily muster up the courage to not just let down her guard and reveal the truth about her identity, but also find the strength and courage to take a chance on love and start living? Or will she continue to be held back by her own fears and insecurities?

Sue Moorcroft has written another engaging and enjoyable read that tugs at the heartstrings, touches the soul and warms the spirit. Uplifting, feel-good and brilliantly written, Let It Snow is a tale about family ties, old secrets, new beginnings and healing from the past that I struggled to put down.

Full of characters you simply cannot help but warm to and care about, nail-biting family drama, searing emotional intensity and poignant romance, Let It Snow is another winner from the immensely talented pen of best-selling author Sue Moorcroft.

This is a shamelessly romantic book where you just know no matter what 'problem' stops the couple from being together, love will find a way and there will be a happy ending. Perfect reading material for perking up your mood, and the Christmas theme with a trip to very snowy Switzerland makes this an ideal seasonal read.
The characters are charming and I fell in love with the village of Middledip, the Middletone choir, and Isaac and Lily. Read all about the antics going on at the village pub, what it is like to have two mums and why Lily is so determined to meet her two half brothers. An adorable Dalmation 'Doggo' features a lot in this easy pleasant read, which basically aims to cast the magic spell of seasonal cheer and happy ever afters over every reader to turn the pages.

Just in time for Christmas TBR's . This was a very sweet and slow read for the holiday season. A perfect kickoff that gave me those jingle bell feels.

This is my first Christmas novel of 2019 and Let It Snow gave me a warm, cosy feeling that left me almost ready for the winter ahead.

The story is set in two locations, the small village of Middledip in England with its close knit community and a beautiful picturesque snowy place in Switzerland. Both are perfect settings for this festive story. The characters are well described, even the adorable Dalmatian, Doggo. It is not just a love story as I discovered with plenty of obstacles in the plot. The Author Sue Moorcroft , sensitively includes one of the characters struggle as they experience the aftermath of breast cancer.

My thanks to Net Galley for the ARC digital copy of Let It Snow, this is my own opinion of this delightful festive fun read.

A wonderful cosy book to curl up on the sofa in front of the fire on a cold winter’s night.
This book had a bit of everything. Love, friendship, family all set around the Christmas holiday.
The characters’ little haunt over to Switzerland and the author’s descriptions of the place and Christmas markets gave me a real visual of what it would be like and made me want to visit.
A great story. Loved it.

A heartwarming Christmas story. Loved the village it was set in and instantly warmed to the characters right at the start. The description of both the village and their travels was excellent, and I particularly loved crazy dalmatian Doggo. A mix of tears and laughter along the way, a great book to get you in the Christmas Spirit.

Such a cute story! It did seem quite long, but kept me wondering how it would all play out. The details of travels were so in depth and I could picture it all in my mind!

So why is it that I love Sue Moorcroft’s books so much? First of all, there’s the world she creates – and this story begins in Middledip, drawing in the many readers who’ve read her earlier books (but never excluding those who haven’t yet had the pleasure of visiting), introducing a few characters regular readers will recognise, revisiting some familiar locations. This time much of the early action is focused on the pub, The Three Fishes, where Isaac is the relief manager while Tubb is away in Switzerland, and Lily (for reasons that soon become clear) works both behind the bar and in the restaurant.

And that pub setting brings in something else about her writing that I always enjoy, her meticulous research and the way she uses it to bring a setting to life – from the preparations for Christmas and interactions with the customers to the realities of a publican’s life, both at the Three Fishes and the failed glitzy bar that Isaac used to run.

The reasons why Lily is in Middledip provide an original and very different background storyline – her unconventional parents (two mothers – and the whole idea so well handled), her need to find the rest of her family, her close relationship with “sister” Zinnia rarely without its fireworks or larger explosions. Sue Moorcroft’s books always have an edge of something a little darker, an unexpected complication (or several) – but always perfectly judged, the story-telling never losing its lightness, always focused on the convincing developing romance at the story’s heart, never without a splash of humour. There’s always a happy ending, once the many obstacles that arise have been overcome – but I really enjoy that extra touch of depth and complexity, always realistically handled.

Her characters are always excellent – in this book, both Lily and Isaac won my heart (and that happy ending was a long time coming, and often in considerable doubt). But I very much liked the supporting cast too – Isaac’s family as well as Lily’s (his mother particularly well drawn), the threat from his former girlfriend (and the unexpected way in which it was developed), every single member of the singing group individually drawn with their own dramas and concerns. And then there’s the wonderful Doggo, Isaac’s dalmatian – should you ever doubt that a dog can be a fully rounded character, he’s the proof you’ve been looking for, and an absolute joy with his every intervention.

But if it’s Christmas you’re looking for… well, once the action moves to Switzerland, you couldn’t really ask for more. Again, the author’s research comes strongly to the fore – coming after a road trip through which you live every moment, the descriptions are just stunning. The scenery, the markets, the food, the music, the cuckoo clocks, and all that snow – I’ve never been, but she certainly involves all the senses as she brings the setting so vividly and perfectly to life.

There’s the world of work too, wholly successfully woven in – the convention, the stand for the promotion of British food that Lily helped to design, the question marks about the future direction of her life. And Switzerland really is the perfect backdrop against which to develop her relationship with Isaac, and to work through some of those complex family issues, with a perfect balance of joy and heartbreak.

This book was excellent – more than enough Christmas content for the most ardent fan of the festive season, a wholly satisfying romance, but also an excellent and well-developed story, superbly told in Sue Moorcroft’s unique style. Highly recommended by me… I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Lily has grown up in a somewhat unconventional family, with her sister and two Mums. They are all very different, but Lily feels as though she doesn’t belong, especially after hearing the news that her Mum had an affair which resulted in her pregnancy with Lily.

Since learning the news a few years ago, Lily has hunted down her half brothers and, unbeknown to them, is working for one of them in a small village pub. When the opportunity arises to meet her other half brother in Switzerland Lily jumps at the chance. She and her fellow choir members plan a trip to Switzerland to perform, unfortunately her plans don’t exactly work out.

Will Lily finally feel like she is wanted? And will Love blossom in the snow capped mountains?


This is the first book I have read by Sue Moorcroft, but certainly won’t be the last.

What a magical read! You are taken on a beautiful festive journey all the way to snowy Switzerland from the village of Middledip. There is a mystery to uncover as Lily tries to unravel some family secrets and plenty of romance bubbling under the surface. I loved the descriptions of the seasonal traditions, seeing it through Lily’s eyes. However, there is more to this read than a fluffy romance. There are some surprising and dark themes, with contemporary relevance.

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

Thank you for approving me for this title! This is the first holiday novel I read and it was the perfect start to my holiday season. Every year I read holiday books but this story felt more developed and relatable!

I honestly thought I had read books by this author before. But, shamefully despite this author having written lots, this is my first book by her! It sounds and looks like it’s the perfect book for this time of year! Not only is it set at Christmas time, but there is plenty of the white stuff to go around as well! Lily and her sister Zinnia are sisters that have been brought up in a less than conventional family having two mums! When Lily suddenly discovers that she was the result of an affair as opposed to the one night stand that she always believed, she decides to go and seek her father’s side of the family all the way out in Switzerland…

I was drawn to this book initially by the colourful cover – blue skies, white snow-capped mountains – what could look better!! I loved Lily and her sister Zinnia, and was really surprised by their two mums, something which you don’t often see in a book of this type! Obviously, they’ve all had to deal with the issues which comes along with having two mums, but yet they’re still a really close family. I felt for Lily though when she finds out that her father wasn’t who she thought he was, and how this changes her relationship with everyone.

The story was enticing right from the beginning and if the prospect of Switzerland, snow and Christmas festivities wasn’t enough to draw you in then the descriptions of all the amazing food should do it! I could imagine myself at the Christmas markets with all the wonderful sights and smells just by reading parts of this book! Of course, it is a romance and it was great to follow the building relationship between Lily and her love interest, Isaac! The course of true love never runs smoothly, but Isaac is very good looking so perhaps he can be forgiven for any hiccups along the way.

The storyline flowed well and kept me hooked into the story right to the very end! It was a lovely heart-warming read, with plenty of dramas along the way to equal out all the festivities!! And of course, I couldn’t not mention Doggo the Dalmatian who probably isn’t the only character who will steal your heart, but most definitely the only four legged one!! Great story, lovely characters, wonderful location - highly recommended!!