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“Fred Hallow-Hart isn’t in love with the idea of returning home to Pine Bluff. But after a bad breakup and a subsequent eviction, she’s fresh out of options. God knows she loves her mum and her eccentric aunts—and who could forget their Christmas Cracker family business?—but she’s always felt a little out of place in her small town.”

I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Jenny Bayliss

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Jenny Bayliss is the queen of cozy Christmas magic. Every year I wait impatiently for her newest book, knowing it’ll be a warm and comforting read. Each book is unique, with endearing characters and charming towns. I’ll Be Home for Christmas was no exception, with so much holiday delight and goodwill that I couldn’t stop smiling while reading.

The story follows Fred Hallow-Hart, a 35-year-old woman who has made the tough decision to move home for a while after a break-up and loss of her job. And while Fred grapples with the reality that she’s returned to the life her teenaged-self left behind, the town she left is ready to welcome her with open arms. The town is known for their Christmas market, and the majority of the story is either in the Christmasified town or Fred’s family house that’s even more decked out in holiday decorations. There’s Christmas events in every scene, from running from Krampus to making Christmas crackers to drinking luxury hot cocoa.

But underneath the Christmas shell, there’s a very tender and vulnerable story. Fred and her mother Bella have had a tumultuous relationship, as have Fred and her childhood best friend, Ryan. And now that Fred’s back for the foreseeable future, she is forced to confront some harsh truths she’s been hiding from.

I really enjoyed this book specifically because it isn’t like a Hallmark movie. Instead of being over-the-top optimistic and sweet, Bayliss creates realistic stories that showcase growth and development from the characters. The unconditional love of the families in this story, along with their encouragement to dig deeper and make personal changes, is what sold this book for me. 

Thanks to Netgalley and GP Putnam for the free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!