I love the run-up to the Christmas season, and not just for the decorations, the purchasing of gifts and the general festive cheer that engulfs everyone at this time of year, even when it's freezing outside. Nope, I also love the selection of Christmassy reads that arrive on my doorstep, and this year has been no exception. In fact, there's never been a better time to curl up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and a delightful holiday-themed book.
When I was sent Home for Christmas by Cally Taylor, I was immediately excited. Her first novel, supernatural tale Heaven Can Wait, is one of my favourite chick-lit books to date so I'd been eagerly awaiting her next. And as expected, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Home for Christmas is a romantic tale about Beth Prince; dreamer, girlfriend to Aiden and loyal worker at the local, slightly run-down Picturebox Cinema. Beth loves her job and has always harbored great plans for the Picturebox; plans which have remained untouched by the cinema's elderly owner. And it's not only her marketing ideas that have seemingly gone unloved - no man has ever told Beth that he loves her. Not even Aiden, leaving Beth newly-single.
Meanwhile, Matt has been given the task of trying to buy out the Picturebox Cinema for his demanding boss, who intends to take over the building with their cinema chain. Having recently split from his crazy ex-girlfriend who's determined to get him back, Matt walks into Picturebox and straight into conversation with Beth...
Soon it's agreed that the Picturebox is to be sold to Matt's company, and one lucky member of staff will gain a managerial job, which is Beth's dream. But faced with a team-building and interview weekend in Wales, Beth isn't sure that she'd be cut out for it. Even if she IS being coached on career-winning mantras by her business-savvy mother.
After a series of embarrassing moments involving work and Aiden, Beth feels almost ready to give up. Things aren't going entirely well in Matt's personal life, either. And as the pair become friends, life seems to be looking up for both of them. But will they get what they're looking for in life...especially in time for Christmas?
I loved this book from the start and couldn't put it down. Cally has a wonderful way with storytelling and I felt for Beth from the beginning. The book is written in third person though from both Beth and Matt's point of view, giving the book a more personal feel. Beth's time at the interview weekend was hilarious (although I did feel sorry for her!) but I won't spoil the fun!
However, I did find this book somewhat predictable; it's a love story, of course, and romantic tales can often be predictable. I had guessed what was going to happen early on in the book, although that didn't stop me from reading it all rather quickly! It became too addictive.
Home for Christmas is very different from Heaven Can Wait, which will always remain one of my favourites. This latest offering doesn't top the first, but it's still a fantastic, heartwarming and funny read that's simply perfect for a winter night in. Looking forward to the next one, Cally!
Rating: 5/5
