A collection of short stories set around Christmas, perfect for snuggling up with on the dark winter nights. Each story involves ordinary people going about their lives, perhaps getting ready for the Christmas festivities, rushing around, feeling the pressure of life’s ups and downs and unexpected events.

They’re quite short stories and all end with something for us to take away. Don’t judge, be grateful for what you have, etc. Above all, the message is that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light somewhere if you look hard enough.

At the end of the book, many of the characters from the stories come together for Christmas to celebrate together. I won’t go into detail but it brings a warm conclusion to the series of stories, perfect for a Christmas theme of kindness and sharing. The only thing I would say, if you’re like me and have a terrible memory for names, perhaps you might like to make a note of the characters names from each story so that when you get to the end, you remember who everyone is as I struggled a little recalling how everyone related to each other.

All said, this would make a lovely gift for Christmas.

Winter Lights is a series of short stories based around the fictional town of Henford and some of its denizens. For me, the building connections which I discovered as I read each story were a large part of my enjoyment of them, as I recognised characters already encountered and began to understand how their stories linked.
Deborah Jenkins is an accomplished and fluent writer, and there are sentences that are so immaculately phrased that they bring the scene to vibrant life. She does not flinch from the realities of life: there is trouble and tragedy here, and the stories are not cosy. Nevertheless, overall they demonstrate humanity and heart, and a pervading sense of hope, which makes them both memorable and a joy to read.

A wonderful read a book of short stories each told from one characters point of view.Each story short in length tells a story of the characters life issues.Each story is separate but at the end to celebrate Christmas people will come together.#netgalley #winterlights

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book, it was such a wonderful read and very festive. I love the way this author has such a beautiful way with words and the story really flows so majestically throughout and covers a multitude of emotions throughout.
Definitely a book that I will read again and again and it will sit on my pile of festive favourite reads.

Having enjoyed Deborah Jenkins' novel "Braver," I was keen to read this book. It is a collection of short stories which take place in the run-up to Christmas, focusing on the inhabitants of a small town. The underlying theme is looking for light even in dark situations and the challenges of life. This is a great book for the holiday season, ideal for dipping into, and it is an encouraging and uplifting read.