‘A Christmas Baby at Goodwill House’ is the 7th book in the "Goodwill House" series, set in southern England in WW2.
The characters from earlier in the series are back, and this book focuses primarily on the widowed Lady Joanna Harcourt who has found herself unexpectedly pregnant by her RAF pilot lover John Sergeant. A hasty marriage is arranged, and we follow the next few months as both Joanna & John struggle to adapt to their new situation with excitement and trepidation. Joanna is excited for her new arrival but sad to be leaving Goodwill House behind as she moves to a new property to start the next phase of her life. John is still on active duty, and every flight could be his last.
I liked that there were several strands to the story, and it’s not all “happy ever after”, but the more difficult issues are dealt with sensitively & appropriately. It was also good to catch up with some of the family & friends from earlier stories. Joanna’s eldest daughter Sarah is happily married and continuing her medical studies, the twins Liza & Joe are growing up and looking to their own futures, Jean the cook has become much more “friend” than “staff” and even the formidable Lady Elizabeth Harcourt, Joanna’s mother-in-law, has softened.
Overall, this is a delightful addition to the series, where we have followed a family through many ups & downs as they navigated a new and different life that was thrust upon them by the war. It’s been an emotional read at times, and it will be sad to see the series come to an end … though this book does leave a few unanswered questions about what happens next so I wonder if an 8th book will eventually be forthcoming?

I loved reading about the goodwill house family again. Follow them through hard times, and good times. I do love the series, but this book felt a little bit like a filler up. If you know what I mean. Like the book had to be written, but with no enthusiasm
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

What an amazing series this has been from beginning to end. We have followed the family of goodwill House though they're trials and tribulations its been a huge mixture of emotions, sadly its all coming to and end and I will miss them greatly. Its been a true privilege reading this series.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this emotional book

oh my goodness me where to start with this lovely book

this is mainly the story of john and joanna aka lady harcourt and their journey

it starts as they mean to go on with a wedding.... there is so much to this story that i dont want to spoil for others but its a culmination of events, the highs and lows and even a few tears will be spilt before the ending

this has been a lovely series to read and i cant wait to see what else this author brings out next

This latest, and sadly last instalment of the Goodwill House series focuses mainly on Lady Joanna Harcourt and Flying Officer John Sergeant. Joanna is preparing for the future of becoming a wife and mother again, but with John still flying on missions there is uncertainty about how things will turn out. If I’m honest I did find Joanna a little irritating this time round but not really sure why! Along with catching up with the other members of the household we meet characters from the RAF. This had plenty of drama, both in the air and on land, and as with the previous books this flows well. This is a great series and a shame that this is the last one as I’d have loved to hear what happens to the family after the war but all good things must come to an end.

A Christmas baby is sadly the final book in the goodwill house series, I have enjoyed each and every book in this series, so sadly a little disappointed that we didn’t find out how the family fared with the end of the war, did John survive etc. I feel the ending was rushed and it’s left a lot of unanswered questions, maybe there’s hope for another? A good read of a great series.

With being told that this was the last book in the series I limited myself to reading so much a day to make it last longer! Once again there are lots of twists and turns and things you did not see coming. I was, however, a bit disappointed and felt short changed when I had finished the book. After such an amazing series it felt that this title was somewhat rushed and at parts unrealistic. On finishing the book I was left with so many questions unanswered not least did John survive the war? (as Pearl Harbour had only just happened it felt like half the war was missed and dismissed - DDay hadn't even happened) It feels like there should be more to address some of the most important dates in UK history and complete the family story.

Thank you to Net Galley for giving me the chance to read the title before publication and for the author for creating the series.

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion

This is the final instalment from Goodwill House - I have read them all - and though obviously it is part of a series - and the context would be better - its possible to read this as a standalone book.

As usual its well written and well researched. I learnt a lot about how the RAF worked in WW2 which I hadn't known before which I found very interesting.

The characters have become well known to me - I think I would have liked to have known more about John's previous life but there is enough to get a flavour and to understand why he thinks and acts like he does. I love the fact that his name ' Sergeant' gives such opportunities for humour. It feels a bit like meeting up with old friends.
There is of course sadness as to be expected with elderly relatives and in Wartime.

For a change the end was not particularly rushed - but finished off this series in a great way - while perhaps allowing for maybe further adventures from the now extended family.

I loved this series and will certainly look out for more titles from Fenella J Miller

Loved this book it took me 2 days to read it it is that good.
So glad John was safe.
It's a brilliant addition to the series it fits perfectly with how the story is and has been going all the way through the other books.
This one is sad near the end but then happy.
I'm glad John made it back for the birth.
Hope there's going to be a few more in this series as I could read these books all the time

What a beautiful way to close the chapter at Goodwill House.
I felt at home from page one, characters instantly recognisable. It was lovely to concentrate on the goings on within the house this time, while following Joanna’s progress through her pregnancy.
That said, it was interesting reading about life with the RAF as John continued with his dangerous life as a pilot.
Lady Elizabeth Harcourt my favourite character from the beginning.
Makes a lovely relaxing read. Recommend, worthy of all ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have read the other books in this series and was glad to be accepted for the next instalment. Really fun reads

Another great installlemnt from the Goodwill House family.
This book focuses on the now married and pregnant Joanna. She has a hard time with all the goings on at Goodwill House and her newly husband John Seargent. Well written and love how there is mini stories within the main story. Looking forward to more adventures of the Goodwill house residents.
Highly recommended book to lose yourself in with a cuppa and a few hours. I read this in one sitting couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to me.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Omg what a brilliant finale to this series loved the characters didn’t want it to end

Can’t wait to read more by this author read it in bed last night just love that you feel like you are in the story as it feels so real when reading