This is the fourth and final book in the Railway Lane series by Alison Sherlock. Although they are written to work as standalone novels, they really do make more sense if you read them in order. Plus they are all really enjoyable!

In this story we get Libby and Ethan’s story. Childhood best friends who fall out due to a lack of communication. Factor in Ethan’s commitment issues following the example set by his mother, and it is hard to see them being able to sort out how they both feel. It’s clear to everyone around them that they belong together. They just need to be able to see that for themselves.

I loved the way Libby came to the realisation of what Ethan meant to her, and set out to make sure Ethan understood, although he needed to get closure on his past himself.

I really enjoyed Libby’s business venture, making luxury chocolate truffles which sounds so much more fun than flying around the world as a flight attendant. I also fell in love with Ethan’s kitchen with its marble topped island and walk in pantry. It was the kitchen of my dreams!

After all of the time in the previous books it was wonderful to see that the steam train renovated by Bob and his father Eddie was finally ready to make journeys along the track. The organised trips sounded so perfect with a halloween trip and a themed Christmas train.

If you know the previous books, chaos is never far away, especially with Ethan’s cousin Dodgy Del ideas on how to help never quite working out.

Winter Magic on Railway Lane is a magically festive read that will have you craving a steam train journey followed by a hot drink and some homemade truffles.

Winter Magic on Railway Lane by Alison Sherlock

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Globetrotting Libby Jacobs has lost her job but is looking forward to spending more time in her home village of Cranfield.

She dreams of turning her chocolate making hobby into something more permanent. There’s only one problem - Ethan Connolly.

Despite being soul mates growing up, Libby hasn’t been close to Ethan since their disastrous date at the school prom. But now he’s back and he has just what Libby needs… a large kitchen! But can they even bear to be in the same room together?

Ethan never stays in Cranfield too long as it reminds him of his parents’ terrible marriage. But when disaster strikes, he’s forced to stay and help realise his grandad’s dream of a Christmas train. Can the whole village help Ethan create a seasonal spectacular in time?

Can Libby confront her secrets and realise her dreams?

And can Ethan ever stop running from his past and trust his heart?

My Opinion

Winter Magic on Railway Lane is the fourth book in The Railway Lane series and whilst it can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the series in order. The book takes us through Halloween and Christmas so is perfect for reading over the holiday season. I am really enjoying this series, the town seems so charming and the characters are very welcoming.

There is plenty to enjoy in both this book and series so why not hop aboard and see where Railway Lane takes you.

Rating 4/5

So happy to visit Railway Lane once more
With a second chance romance and more to explore.
There's also the community doing all they can
To repair the steam train - it's years since it ran!

A story where friendship and community are key
Showing asking for help is fine, I'm sure you'll agree.
New opportunities and a second chance, too,
And dreams shared that just might come true.

With chocolate truffles needed by the thousand
Libby is certainly going to need a hand!
Her childhood sweetheart and so much more
Returning home too will be hard to ignore!

There are secrets, accidents, and memories, too,
But can folks move from the past on to something new?
Disasters, dreams and working together
Can the community help heal others for ever?

With family dramas from the past and now
Is there a chance of dreams coming true somehow?
A gorgeous read from beginning to end
One in which I was delighted my time to spend.

For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

I was so excited when i saw that this book was going to be Libby and Ethans story and couldn't wait to get stuck in.

After Libby loses her job and moves back to Cranfield. She decides to make her dream of being a chocolatier a reality, to do so she needs a large kitchen.....and this is where things take a turn for Libby as Ethan is also back and he has exactly what she needs....a large kitchen. Its just that after a disastrous date years ago they aren't exactly best friends!

Such a lovely festive read with some mouth watering descriptions of chocolate highly recommend!

I just loved this book so much that once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. I loved all the characters in this book and the positivity in this book that helped others in the book. It also shows that everyone needs help once in a while and you should never be afraid to ask for help from family and friends as it’s actually a very brave thing to do as no one should have to struggle if you have people who love you.

I would highly recommend this book if you love a wonderful Christmas book that makes you wish that you can be there too.

I would like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book early.

I enjoy holiday books, and this one takes us through Halloween and Christmas. Having read one of the other books in the series I was familiar with some of the characters but always look forward to meeting new ones too.
I love the location this takes place in, so charming and how exciting to once again return to Railway Lane and its charming cottages. Being made redundant at work ha s Libby Jacobs with her feet firmly planted on the ground as she was an airline flight attendant and now, she's not. Returning home doesn't leave her with a lot of down time as she had thought it would. She decides to pursue her dreams of becoming a chocolatier. Her former childhood friend and past love Ethan is also home again, and he has just what she needs, a large kitchen to pursue her dreams of chocolate making. As memories surface from times past can this second chance at love really work or will it drift away like those first snowflakes? Reading about the steam engine and its resurrection was so much fun and it really makes me want to take a train trip.
We see a depth to the characters as they weigh their options and don't just jump into getting back together again. The romance was sweet. I enjoyed the holiday descriptions. Though this is the last book in the series I look forward to seeing what the author will come out with next.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Another lovely book by this author and I loved the two main characters this time, Libby and Ethan. As always a good storyline told with warmth and humour so that you fall in love with the village and characters and want to live there. Perfect book for curling up in front of a fire with

It was so great to be back in Cranfield again and even more amazing to see the train actually running. I was so happy for Bob and Eddie on their maiden journey, so many years spent fixing it up finally paid off.

This was a book that really tugged at my heart. I loved the Libby and Ethan romance, including their secrets that they choose to keep just for them, more than that, I really loved the heart that went into some of the other characters. Phillip, Libby’s dad was a great character and I really felt for him, he felt embarrassed and stuck because of his stroke, and it was amazing to see him step out of his own shadow and flourish and bring so much to the community. I really enjoyed Eddie too, a great character that wants to reminisce his great love but also has to accept new limitations due to his health.

The descriptions were simply magical of the lights and the scenery and the train, I could really imagine that I was there and feel the frost biting at my nose. An amazing read, certainly not to be missed.

This charming romantic read is the fourth book in the Railway Lane series. Admittedly, I haven't read any of the previous books, but after this, I may be interested in reading the others.

The protagonist, Libby, was a lovely character. I identified with some elements of her personality, including her reserved nature, and her love of chocolate. In fact, Libby loved chocolate so much that she hoped to pursue a career as a chocolatier.

I liked the fact that we were given Ethan's perspective on the situation, and I found him a charming character. I also warmed to the village setting of Cranfield. The writing in general had a comforting, cosy vibe, and it seemed like the ideal read to warm your heart on a chilly evening.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

I’d been looking forward to this book since the moment I realised that it would be Libby and Ethan’s story. Having appeared in previous books as supporting characters, I was hopeful that they would have a chance for happiness. Even though Libby was too independent, and Ethan would never settle down in his hometown, we all know that plans can change in a heartbeat.
Libby has always led people to believe she was a high-maintenance, high-life girl who did not want to settle down. The truth differs, and she is happiest when she closes her hotel room door and curls up with a book about being a chocolatier. Her only concession to slowing down is her desire to take her hobby of making chocolate and create a business that would provide her with security for the future. If she were to implement her plans, she would need her Dad’s confidence to improve and to find a suitable kitchen.
Ethan has purchased the Old Schoolhouse but has done very little to convert it into a home. He doesn’t see any urgency as he works on significant contracts overseas and is not planning to live in Cranfield; he is simply investing in property.
Without paraphrasing the synopsis, the steam train, which has been an additional character since the first book, proves to be a catalyst in finally getting the two most stubborn characters to examine their feelings. Of course, there is plenty of opportunity for the previous characters to influence their decisions and also enjoy some amazing chocolate concoctions.
This series has a wonderful warmth that has characterised it. It continues along the length of Railway Lane, finally drawing a beautiful bow around this delightful community. The romance is gentle when it happens and delivered in such a gorgeous package that it would be impossible not to be caught up in the magic.
I’m sorry to leave Cranbridge, but I'm already looking forward to discovering where Alison Sherlock will take us next.

Such a shame, I found this story too predictable and boring. I guessed the ending very quickly in the story. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

This was my first Christmas book and it was read on a very hot holiday in Turkey 🇹🇷
It was wonderful to be whisked away to a winter wonderland and to catch up with everyone on Railway Lane.
This time we are with Libby, whose world is turned upside down with a job loss. Living and caring for her dad, she decides to try to live her dream and become a chocolate truffle maker. To achieve this she has to seek help from her childhood crush, and against her wishes he steps up and back into her life once more.
It was entertaining to witness them reconnecting, and seeing Libby being supported by her friends and the community.
Fabulously festive, it certainly made me long for snow and chocolate in equal measure.

Thanks to netgalley and publishers for an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion in return. A thoroughly enjoyable festive feeling story with lovable characters, fabulous friendships and family dynamics. There are so many things I liked about this book but one of my favourite parts was the Halloween train journey. A really enjoyable read.

Being back in Cranfield feels like coming home. Seeing those familiar faces, reading the heartfelt words that Alison Sherlock is known for, and with this book set over the autumn and winter months in the beautiful village gave me all the feels.
The community around the railway is just a brilliant setting for these stories - kind and supportive, each of the characters rally round when needed.
I loved Libby’s story. The relationship between her and her dad so complicated, both had been hiding their grief and pain for too long. It was wonderful seeing her gain confidence again, and the chemistry between her and Ethan was just- wow!
A second chance at love seemed out of reach for them both but …

After losing her job as a flight attendant Libby returns to home village of Cranfield.where she shares a house with her father. Desperate to find a job to help support herself and her father the opportunity arises to make her hobby as a chocolatier into a paying occupation. The only problem is that she will have to ask Ethan, with whom she had been friends since school until he left her heartbroken at the prom, to use his large kitchen to make the chocolates in.
This book has all the ingredients for the type of book that I really enjoy, a small community, friends and obstacles that must be overcome with the occasional hint of humour, danger and, of course, romance. I liked Libby, Ethan was more difficult but as the story developed the reasons behind his distrust of love and romance are revealed. Throw in a stream train and there is plenty to enjoy in this book and definitely recommended for those who enjoy small town romances.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

The story is about Libby and Ethan. Both have also been in previous books.

During their school days, they were friends, always together. But since the prom date went horribly wrong, they’ve both focused on their careers, which were away from the village and only returning for small amounts of time.

But, Libby is now unemployed and whilst looking for another job, decides to try making chocolate, which she loved doing, and hopefully earn some money. In order to make a lot more to sell, means she needs a bigger space, and the only place that has a big kitchen is where Ethan lives.

They both begin to share the space Ethan is leaving soon so Libby doesn’t think it’ll be a problem. But, then Ethan’s grandad gets ill, meaning Ethan will be staying longer.

The village residents unite helping Ethan make his Grandads dream come true, to restore the Christmas train exactly as it was once.

I was happy to find out why Libby and Ethan have never got on since the prom. can Libby and Ethan forget the past and admit their feelings for one another.

It was lovely to see how the community come together, just like they have done in other stories of the village, changing it completely.

Will Libby and Ethan finally clear their differences?

I shall miss the villagers, characters old and young.

I highly recommend this book and the series.

This is the fourth, and final, book in the Railway Lane Series from Alison Sherlock. The books in this series are set in the small village of Cranfield and concern events in the lives of some of its inhabitants. The village was adversely affected by the closure of its station many years ago, but thanks mainly to the characters in these stories, new life is gradually being breathed into it. I have enjoyed watching its development in previous books and am looking forward to seeing what is to come in this new addition to the series.

This story focuses on Libby Jacobs and Ethan Connolly, both born and bred in Cranfield. In their youth they were inseparable, until a disastrous date on prom night, after which both followed careers which took them away from the village for most of the time. When Libby loses her job, she decides to try to make a living out of her chocolate making hobby. Scaling up the process means she needs a larger kitchen, and the only one available unfortunately belongs to Ethan, who is between contracts and unusually living in the village for a few months. Sharing the kitchen is not as difficult as the pair feared, but when Ethan’s grandad falls ill, it looks as though Ethan may have to stay longer than planned. In fact, the whole village is brought together in spectacular fashion when Ethan decides to make his grandad’s dream come true and resurrect the Christmas train which used to run from the station. In the midst of the preparations, can Libby and Ethan forget the past and admit their feelings for one another.

This was a wonderful final chapter in this series. Libby and Ethan have featured in all of the other parts, but in minor roles, and there has always been the mystery about why they disliked each other. I was pleased to find out what had happened in their past and was willing them to get together throughout this book. Once again, through Ethan’s determination to get the Christmas train up and running for his grandad, the reader sees the power of community, which is always evident in stories about Cranfield, and which has turned the village around as the series progressed. It has been heart warming to witness developments as new characters have been introduced to the area and the village has gradually woken up. I shall certainly miss all of the villagers who have become like friends as I read each successive book. I can heartily recommend this book and the whole series to anyone wishing to escape to this little village for a few hours.

This was a lovely read, quite predictable but lovely all the same. Very well written, lovely descriptions of places and people so you can get a real sense of who you’re reading about. I’m going to try and find some more of this author’s books to read now as I enjoyed her writing so much.

Oh my gosh I absolutely loved this book!!! I can not get over how adorable this is. It was just the sweetest thing. I loved this sweet story.

A very sweet story, emotional in places and intriguing in others.
The story starts with Libby as she makes her way back to her home town and all the emotions that comes with returning to somewhere you’ve been running from your whole life.
She soon realises that this is where she needs to be as she embarks on a journey of self discovery throughout the story, the help of her best friends shows her that reconnecting with a former love interest is the right thing to do.
I loved the emotion weaved throughout the story, the difficulties between Libby and her father, the way they reconnected towards the end was incredibly touching.
The main story aside from Libby and her former love was the restorations of an old steam train belonging to the village. I love steam trains and Christmas so this was a perfect book for me.