The Christmas Market by Linda McEvoy
As someone who considered changing her name to Holly Christmas I was thrilled to get a chance to read The Christmas Market before it hit the shops. I hate to say this, I know it’s completely overused but genuinely……this is a hug in a book. Its full of romance and swooning and baubles and lights and family worries and bullies who get their comeuppance (spoiler alert, but all bullies get their comeuppances in festive novels) and fashion and drama. I will add though, like puppies, this a novel that is not just for Christmas.
In short Jas has moved home after a failed relationship with a brat (that’s the grr bit) and moves into her Granny’s house who has died (that’s the sad bit). She desperately wants to turn her millinery hobby into a profitable business and decides that the Christmas Market in Ballyclane is the place to do it. (that’s the action part). She bumps into Niall Hamilton a handsome rich devil of a lad and the sparks literally bounce off the pages (don’t need to tell you that’s the romance part) and along with a motely crew of locals and some not so local they devise a plan to get the market up and running again. Trust me when I tell you, you will be imagining young Niall in his toolbelt knocking up a few holly garlands.
When Jas’s arch nemesis arrives back in town, she calls in the reserves in the form of two fabulous fashionistas who add designer bag loads of sparkle to the proceedings. I won’t give the ending away, but you will let out a little cheer, you will feel all warm inside and you will not be disappointed.
Linda McEvoy has a knack for dialogue, a super sharp wit and a real grasp of family dynamics that makes The Christmas Market far more than a jolly festive read. It is shockingly relatable for anyone who may have had either a mother or a sister, I had both so I know what I’m talking about. The conversations bounce off the pages and every character has a place and a purpose. At one point I googled “Christmas Market Ballyclane” in the hope I could visit – alas that’s a no.
The setting is fab-u-lous and the Christmas descriptions are cozy and comforting without being over the top and schmalzy. I loved it. All of it. Grab a mug of hot chocolate laced with brandy, a chocolate orange and settle in for a lovely afternoon with Jas, Shane (my favourite) sexy Amélie, nasty Tracey (there’s always one) and the rest of the gang from Ballyclane. Trust me I know Santa and this year I will be asking him for one of Jas’s bucket hats.
(c) Nora Mathers
Order your copy of The Christmas Market by Linda McEvoy online here.
