Member Reviews
Let me give you a definition of a pointless exercise - finding fault in a Sue Moorcroft novel.
For her Christmas story this year, we're back in the welcoming fold of Middledip, Sue's fictional village where quite a few of her stories are set, or touch upon. Warm, welcoming, A White Christmas on Winter Street delivers exactly what is says on the tin and instantly finds itself on my list of books to reread at that time of year from now on.
Principally the tale of Sky and Daz who don't get off to the best of starts, so far as their relationship goes as they go head to head over the same item at an auction. Sky's in need of a new start and it turns out that finding herself in the middle of such a clos community is exactly what she needs. Gradually, she warms to those around her as, without intending to, she discovers a warm, giving side to her personality she hadn't been aware of.
A multi-generational tale, AWCOWS cracks along at just the right pace and, indeed, I found this a very hard book to put down. The characters, in this readers opinion, are beautifully written and Middledip has never been more enticing. I'm not going to tell you anymore about them, other than old, young, in-between, they all just...fit. The secondary stories are all integral to the main plot, with not a word out of place. Hard decisions are made, old relationships are rekindled though, and quite rightly, not everything turns out as that person wishes, but that's real life for you.
We should all have a Christmas in Middledip!
My thanks to Avon and Netgalley for allowing me the pleasure of reading this ARC.
I’ve always enjoyed Sue Moorcroft’s Christmas novels in previous years so I was looking forward to reading this latest one. Unfortunately I was disappointed. The first few chapters didn’t grab me and pull me into the story. I found the characters boring, with no real depth to them. I didn’t like the odd, random names given to them like Sky and Daz, and felt the names didn’t suit the characters. I found Sky really irritating and the constant references to living a “greener” life were a real turn off. There were far too many of them and they became repetitive and didn’t add anything to the story. I liked the characters of Daz (despite the name) and Wilf and their relationship was lovely and well portrayed.They saved the story for me.I also felt sorry for Lewis and he was far more interesting than some of the other characters like Abi and Minnie, who seemed very superficial.It finally got interesting about three quarters of the way through as Sky and Daz’s relationship developed but I didn’t get a Christmassy feel from it, The ending was predictable and a little abrupt. It’s an ok read for the winter but not as engaging as Sue’s other Christmas books. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.
Another winning novel from fabulous author, Sue Moorcroft. I absolutely adored, A WHITE CHRISTMAS ON WINTER STREET. It stars pretty Sky Terran who is out of work. She worked inexhaustibly for her foster brother's company. Then, he falls in love with a woman who shames his background. Thus, he does a 180, turning his back on Sky. Angry about the betrayal, Sky's resigns from her job. Instead, she buys an enormous old home she is crazy about. It's in Middledip, a neighborhood she used to call home. Will she make friends easily, since she is used to relying on herself?
She meets a handsome guy, Daz, in the tight-knit neighborhood. She begins to dismantle the protective walls she built, that kept her from trusting others. As her guard comes down, and all the friendly neighbors ply her with food, she begins to feel part of the pack. She explores a romantic relationship with Daz. However, Daz's ex unexpectedly turns up, destroying the intimacy that they have built.
Sky is enchanted with the closeness of the community. There is a festive Christmas contest that includes the houses in town decorating the outside for the holiday. They all get in the spirit and decorate their homes. Will Sky and Daz rekindle their romance as exes and problems threaten to tumble it all down?
A WHITE CHRISTMAS ON WINTER STREET is a heart-warming festive story that will draw you in. This is a special story written with a lot of soul. I loved the familial bonds woven throughout. It tugged at my heart strings with its dramatic events and romantic spirit. The beauty of the story shines through the camaraderie of neighbors lending a hand to those in need. There are unique characters, betrayal, family, forgiveness, love and loss. The story is deftly plotted so you wonder how it all ends. Surprises pop up when you least expect it! Definitely put A WHITE CHRISTMAS ON WINTER STREET on your holiday to buy list!
So very merry and heartwarming! Sue Moorcroft’s latest, A White Christmas on Winter Street, has all of the ingredients I love in a Christmas-themed romance, including well developed, interesting and quirky characters, a charming small English village setting, an abundance of snow and holiday decorations and treats, a gorgeous old house, and Christmas spirit demonstrated in a myriad of acts of love, friendship, sense of community and generosity, by adults and children alike. Sky Terran, the novel’s independent and strong protagonist, has had a hard knocks life, and seeks to put down roots in the town in which she was happiest during her childhood, returning to the village of Middledip a few weeks before Christmas - and just in time to join her Winter Street neighbors in a decorating contest for charity. Reading the ensuing story felt like drinking a large mug of hot cocoa on a chilly eve while curled up in a comfy, cozy chair, with Christmas tree lights twinkling in the background and Christmas tunes softly playing nearby. Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.
This was a really heartwarming Christmas story. I liked the wintery setting of this story. A great way for Sky to get to know her new neighbours by getting involved in a competition to have the best street decoration competition. Christmas is such a magical time and was just that on Winter Street.
Seriously what is there not to like in this book, Christmas lights, an old house, snow and happiness. Absolutely love it. Characters were superbly written, lots of sub plots going on, issue's sensitivity tackled. Brilliant
One minor author point, would someone so sensitive to the environment still use plastic based crackers? Personally I love crackers but it might annoy some. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy
I really like this book. It tells the story of how Sky fulfills her dream to return to the village she was brought up in. She had a foster mother that she loved dearly and her time there was so special to her. Another foster child Freddy, there at the same time had taken her under his wing and she thought of him as her brother. I like the fact that they had remained close and had such a good relationship. A jealous girlfriend spoilt this so her return to Middledip was with mixed feelings. I love the new people she meets and how soon she becomes a member of the village once again. There are many ups and downs happening in the community and Sky is happy to become involved and help wherever she can. She has a love of animals and the planet and her outdoor christmas decorations for a competition reflect this. With family, friendships and romance I would recommend reading this book at any time of year.
Every time I read a new book by Sue Moorcroft I think to myself, this is the best book she has written! I did that again after finishing A White Christmas on Winter Street. Ms. Moorcroft captured how the Christmas season should be in this wonderful story. A close knit community is at the core of it, and it is much needed by the main female character, Sky. She was raised in foster care due to a parent that failed at being a good mom. Her father is unknown.
This book is a return to Middledip. Some characters and businesses of previous books by Ms. Moorcroft are mentioned and it is nice to remember them from past books. The Corner house, which Sky buys is a character unto itself. I can easily picture this grand place and wish I could lend a hand in tackling the overgrown shrubbery!
Sky is ecocentric and that is a big part of the theme of the book. Without being preachy, Ms. Moorcroft shows the many ways that we all can do our part to help the planet. I love the idea to make nature friendly decorations for the garden, and plan to make some fat cakes for the winter.
I adore stories with characters of the older population and that is another reason I love this book so much. Nan Heather and Marietta are two characters that I want to be friends with! I do believe in families that are made by the people that love you, not necessarily by blood. It took Sky many more years than it should have, but within these pages, she finds her family.
I focused on Sky in my review, but there is so much going on in this book. Can you forgive someone close to you for doing the wrong thing? Can you find the blessings that you still have when quite a bit is taken away? Can you walk away to benefit a loved one, when it will cost you so much? Many difficult decisions are faced by the characters and I think the world would be a much better place, if real people acted as most of the characters did.
I recommend this book very highly and hope readers will pick it up to read.
A huge thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
A fantastic return to Middledip where Christmas is always a magical time. Sky spent the happiest part of her childhood in Middledip so when she has the chance to return she jumps at it. When she meets Daz and Wilf they teach her to open herself up more and she starts to feel a part of the community. A lovely festive read
This book was a did not finish (DNF) for me. I made it about halfway through before I decided to stop. Neither the characters nor the plot were particularly compelling to me. It seems to be written more as a Hallmark movie-type script than a novel.
This is my first Christmas theme book of 2022 and although I read it while in the middle of a heat wave in the UK, the Christmas atmosphere seeped into my body.
A White Christmas on Winter Street is a perfect cosy read that filled me with Christmas spirit. The story oozes the importance of family, friends and community support and love. Set in the village of Middledip in Cambridgeshire, Sky Terran returns to the place where she has happy fond memories. Sky quickly makes new friends and her natural community spirit helps in convincing some of the other residents who are wary of her. Sky’s character is lovely and I warmed to her straightaway.
I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely Christmas romantic novel. My thanks to Net Galley and the publishers Avon Books UK for the digital ARC.
Another fantastic feel good Christmas novel that returns us to Middledip with sweet yet flawed and complex but appealing characters.
Wow, wow, wow! I absolutely adored this book, it's the perfect Christmas tale of village life and restarting somewhere new - a perfect read for a winter's afternoon and losing yourself in it. The characters are lovable and likeable, we could all do with a move to Middledip. A fantastically written book, absolutely 5 stars and will be recommending it to all of my friends!
A Christmas book full of everything you could possibly need……. Snow, cookies, Christmas trees, Christmas lights, roasted chestnuts, romance, family, arguments, misunderstandings and friendships! Sue Moorcroft knows how to give us what we want! Perfect festive read (even in August) and so lovely to visit Middledip again.
Loved this book! Loved the characters! The storyline had such a nice cozy. Christmas feel to it. I didn't want the story to end!
Another excellent read by Sue MoorCroft. A lovely intertwining of friends, family, neighbours and past and present in this book. A warm and unputdownable story.
I have read all of Sue Moorcroft’s books and didn’t think she could give me another favourite, but she has!!!
Really enjoyed A White Christmas on Winter Street. It has all the Christmas touches – lights, presents, cookies, but it has so much more besides. I soon got swept up in the worlds of Sky and Daz, both of whom became so real as I was reading.
Loved being back in the village of Middledip and enjoyed the mentions of familiar characters and places. It quickly becomes evident that Sky relates to young Wilf as she recognises some of the challenges he is dealing with. Sky has many issues from the past and recent past, but has not allowed these to dampen her generosity of spirit. Daz too finds it hard to refuse a person in need even if that is at a personal cost to himself.
Loved the story, loved the journey and want to get some Christmas solar lights already!
Another beautiful Christmas Celebration from Sue Moorcroft! I absolutely loved this gorgeous story, redolent with Christmas colours, flavours, scents and a wonderful feel-good factor. Full of very likeable, interesting characters, and set in lovely Middledip, reading this book was a Christmas present to myself. Sky is a complex character, life has left its mark on her, leaving her with massive trust issues. Her life is so wrapped up with Freddy her foster brother, her closest friend and confidante. Daz is a kind man, always happy to help, but with issues of his own. A recently ended relationship has left him not sure of what he wants - until he crosses paths with Sky! There are some gorgeously quirky characters in this story - Marietta is a delight - and Nan Heather hurt my heart! I just wanted to hug Wilf, he’s a darling. As the story unfurls, I found myself completely immersed in the lives of the characters, and loved the fabulous descriptions of their lives, and the village. The Christmas Competition brings out the best in some - and the not-so-great in others - which I really enjoyed., The glorious colours leapt from the pages, the lights twinkled at me, and Oh, those Christmas scents, evoking that wonderful, feel-good festive spirit. There is a darker side to this story, which is very sensitively handled, and I found myself smiling and crying at times. I read this book in one day - I couldn’t put it down - and it left me with that warm, comforting, loving feeling that Christmas always brings. I can’t recommend this gorgeous book highly enough!
I REALLY loved this book, such a gorgeous uplifting read. It’s set in Middledip so that’s a definite thumbs up for me, and I fell in love with Sky, Wilf and Daz instantly. Sue has such a talent with words, she sets the scene so that you actually feel you are there, creates realistic characters that jump off the page to draw you into their lives and her stories are always so much more than a romance. Sue is a real talent and her stories are always a treat.
Sue Moorcroft has done it again with yet another brilliant book. Sky Terran and her foster brother Freddy work together. They were fostered together by Nan Heather in the Cambridge village of Mendip. He is the closet person that Sky has ever thought of as family but when he meets Minnie their relationship changes. Sky then purchases The Corner House in Mendip and makes a new life for herself and meets Daz……… I won’t say anymore except that this ticks all the boxes for me. Thank you to Avon Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review