Christmas at the Vicarage
ByRebecca Boxall
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Readers` Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
andreai
This is a romantic Christmas story that I enjoyed. It is the story of Rosamunde and her failed love life. It is told by alternating between the present and her past.
Rosamunde has decided to return home to Potter's Cove in Devon after an absence of 15 years. She left following traumatic events and now she thinks she's finally able to face the past and return. She arrives in Potter's Cove at the vicarage to stay with her father at Christmas time. In the story we meet her sister Rachel who in married with two children, her father Bertie who is the vicar, her best friend Kizzie and Kizzie's brother Benedict. They all play a part in both the past and the present. There is also the housekeeper Mrs. G. who is like an honorary mother to the girls as their mother died when they were very young. Grandmother DuPont also makes several appearances in the story as the strict grandmother who helped raise the girls. In the present, Rosamunde strikes up a friendship with Benedict. As children he was the annoying brother who tagged along, but now he is the gay best friend who goes shopping, dining and just hangs out having fun. As we read about Rosamunde's past, you can't help wishing that something turns out for this character. She is strong, witty, caring and needs some good luck.
This was a warm and delightful read. I especially liked the structure of the book that had chapters alternating between Rosamunde's present and past. It was a good way to cover all the events in her life and story. It also created enough tension and suspense to keep the reader interested. As I got closer to the end of the book, I could not stop reading. I wanted to find out how this was going to end. It is great to see the characters develop and build over the course of the book, revealing more about their own lives. There are several twists that I was not expecting in the book and I very much enjoyed it. The scenes about the Christmas Nativity, the casting of it, and the actual production were very enjoyable and full of the Christmas spirit. To those of you that did not finish this book, I say you did not give it a chance and missed out on a great read.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The comments are my unbiased opinion.
Rosamunde has decided to return home to Potter's Cove in Devon after an absence of 15 years. She left following traumatic events and now she thinks she's finally able to face the past and return. She arrives in Potter's Cove at the vicarage to stay with her father at Christmas time. In the story we meet her sister Rachel who in married with two children, her father Bertie who is the vicar, her best friend Kizzie and Kizzie's brother Benedict. They all play a part in both the past and the present. There is also the housekeeper Mrs. G. who is like an honorary mother to the girls as their mother died when they were very young. Grandmother DuPont also makes several appearances in the story as the strict grandmother who helped raise the girls. In the present, Rosamunde strikes up a friendship with Benedict. As children he was the annoying brother who tagged along, but now he is the gay best friend who goes shopping, dining and just hangs out having fun. As we read about Rosamunde's past, you can't help wishing that something turns out for this character. She is strong, witty, caring and needs some good luck.
This was a warm and delightful read. I especially liked the structure of the book that had chapters alternating between Rosamunde's present and past. It was a good way to cover all the events in her life and story. It also created enough tension and suspense to keep the reader interested. As I got closer to the end of the book, I could not stop reading. I wanted to find out how this was going to end. It is great to see the characters develop and build over the course of the book, revealing more about their own lives. There are several twists that I was not expecting in the book and I very much enjoyed it. The scenes about the Christmas Nativity, the casting of it, and the actual production were very enjoyable and full of the Christmas spirit. To those of you that did not finish this book, I say you did not give it a chance and missed out on a great read.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The comments are my unbiased opinion.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
lana
Christmas at the Vicarage is the first novel by Rebecca Boxall. Set in a small town on the Devon, England, coast, this is the story of Rosamunde Pemberton and her homecoming after fifteen years of world wandering. Some times it's homesickness, other times emergencies, but in Rosamunde's case it is a recurring dream that brings her back to Potter's Cove.
When Rosamunde arrives at the vicarage she is warmly greeted by Bernie Pemberton, her father and the vicar. Although the home overall is as she remembered, she finds her old room has been redecorated and it is apparent that the hand of Mrs. G, the longtime housekeeper, has worked magic in the old room. Mrs. G's warmth for this family is felt throughout this tale.
As Rosamunde reconnects with family and friends, we begin to learn of her life before she began her journey. In a well woven story intertwining past and present, each thread is interlaced to explain the events leading up to this special Christmas. Once again Bernie, Rosamunde, and her sister, Rachel, are together after so many years.
As preparations for the holidays unfold, Rosamunde assists her father in casting the nativity play, visits her childhood friend, Kizzie, and joins Kizzie's brother, Benedict, on shopping expeditions. As relationships redevelop, Rosamunde learns much about herself and those she cares for. It is not long before Rosamunde draws on these life lessons as she opens her heart and truly comes home.
This well written first offering by Rebecca Boxall, although told during the holiday season, is so much more than a holiday read. The depth of character development, the intricate story evolution, the entertaining writing style are all traits of a seasoned author rather than a premier work. I expect we will be seeing many more good things from Ms. Boxall, and highly recommend this book
When Rosamunde arrives at the vicarage she is warmly greeted by Bernie Pemberton, her father and the vicar. Although the home overall is as she remembered, she finds her old room has been redecorated and it is apparent that the hand of Mrs. G, the longtime housekeeper, has worked magic in the old room. Mrs. G's warmth for this family is felt throughout this tale.
As Rosamunde reconnects with family and friends, we begin to learn of her life before she began her journey. In a well woven story intertwining past and present, each thread is interlaced to explain the events leading up to this special Christmas. Once again Bernie, Rosamunde, and her sister, Rachel, are together after so many years.
As preparations for the holidays unfold, Rosamunde assists her father in casting the nativity play, visits her childhood friend, Kizzie, and joins Kizzie's brother, Benedict, on shopping expeditions. As relationships redevelop, Rosamunde learns much about herself and those she cares for. It is not long before Rosamunde draws on these life lessons as she opens her heart and truly comes home.
This well written first offering by Rebecca Boxall, although told during the holiday season, is so much more than a holiday read. The depth of character development, the intricate story evolution, the entertaining writing style are all traits of a seasoned author rather than a premier work. I expect we will be seeing many more good things from Ms. Boxall, and highly recommend this book
Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher (2015-12-01) :: Lavender Road (Lavender Road 1) :: The French Gardener: A Novel :: September :: Unflinchingly honest tales of the search for life - and fulfillment beyond the Starship Enterprise
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
muniza
Christmas at the Vicarage is told in alternating chapters of the present with Rosamunde returning home after a 15 year absence and going back into her past when she met the man who would be the love of her life and how that relationship and her life changed. In many ways it is a story of sadness and the loss of the dreams of youth. As I was reading I couldn’t help but wonder just how many “Rosamundes” there are in the world, living a half life caught between the past and the present. I suspect far too many. In the end, Rosamunde did find love, perhaps surprising her at what was right under her nose all these years.
I had trouble connecting with the characters in this story. And because of that lack of truly caring what happened to them I found that while I didn’t hate this story, I also didn’t love it. I believe I fall somewhere in the middle of a tale of sadness and hope that fell short on the hope part for me and an ending that just wasn’t what I thought was coming. And that feeling is on me, not the author. Not every reader is going to connect to every story they’ve read.
*I received an e-ARC of Christmas at the Vicarage from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
I had trouble connecting with the characters in this story. And because of that lack of truly caring what happened to them I found that while I didn’t hate this story, I also didn’t love it. I believe I fall somewhere in the middle of a tale of sadness and hope that fell short on the hope part for me and an ending that just wasn’t what I thought was coming. And that feeling is on me, not the author. Not every reader is going to connect to every story they’ve read.
*I received an e-ARC of Christmas at the Vicarage from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
purvesh
My Thoughts On The Book: Having been to England, Ireland, and Wales I discovered many great authors while plundering around in local book stores. I find that I absolutely adore any book set in the U.K. and I am also a sucker for Christmas novellas, stories, and novels. At first I thought the book was a slow starter. I could not get into the storyline at all. But, I kept pushing on and eventually I was caught up in the action. The images were very clear and the characters were fun and humanistic. I will definitely read this author again.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from Netgalley as part of their Blogging Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from Netgalley as part of their Blogging Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
yukisawa
Christmas at the Vicarage; not so much a Christmas book as it is the story of Rosamunde Pemberton a woman who, despite not living in a fantasy book, is obviously cursed.
Seriously, no one is this unlucky, before we even hit the halfway point her mother is dead, her boyfriend is dead and the pregnancy he left her with has miscarried. It’s tragic, really tragic. By tragic I mean the joke kind, not the actual disastrous kind, Rosamunde just trips from one situation to another I’m half convinced she spends the time we don’t see her running through her house smashing mirrors and flinging salt around. Most books could be entirely about just one of the things that happen to her, but the author doesn’t seem to know how to write any kind of emotional responses, everything is just ‘sad’ then we move on. Seriously it takes her about five pages to recover from a miscarriage. I felt no sadness for what happened to her at any point because I can’t have any empathy with a cardboard cut-out.
This is the book’s biggest failing really, and it’s not exclusive to the “sad” moments either, everything is just stated. I’ll give a small example, early on Rosamunde and her friend are walking to the shops and the book just says ‘they argued about this [something silly, like the parking] the whole way’. This is just one example of many, why are we not privy to these conversations? We’re excluded from seeing how these characters interact, how they might tease each other or be overly sensitive. We’re told one characters supposed to be annoying but I never found him particularly irritating, it’s not enough to just tell a reader they should be annoyed. I genuinely knew nothing personal about anyone, I was always aware I was reading about someone, rather than experiencing their story.
This book also breaks one of the cardinal rules of fiction ‘Is this the most interesting point in the character’s life?’. I don’t think so. Rosamunde spends 15 years of her life travelling the world yet that’s just mentioned it passing in an anecdote about monkeys in Borneo, yet we’re stuck listening to “hilarious” village anecdotes about sheep being dying from poison, children vomiting rotten eggs and her father owning fishing equipment despite not knowing how to fish. Strange sense of humour…
Could I read the story about the monkeys instead, please?
The story’s told in two parts, one part Rosamunde’s present life at 40 and having returned from her travels and the other in the past explaining the tragic series of events that led her to travelling in the first place (we sadly never get the story that intersects these two moments in time). If asked to pick the better story I’d say the past is superior to the present, if only by virtue of actually having a point to the whole thing, and being free of random sheep death. But I still wouldn’t recommend it.
Like all that isn’t enough, Boxall seems to have a really weird view of gay people. One of the “hilarious” stories we’re subjected to is that a lesbian couple is going to play Mary and Joseph, it’s a bit unorthodox, yes, but I don’t get the joke, I just think it’s a nice thing. I was genuinely convinced through most of the book that one main ‘gay’ character was going to be “cured” by the end – I will give the author credit and say she doesn’t go that far, but what does end up happening is only a few shades less insulting. If you still aren’t convinced, I’ll just lift a quote quickly; “Are you sure you’re not gay?… I mean, for a start, you like shopping!”. Is this a joke? I honestly can’t tell. I must say it didn’t read like one. How dated is the idea that men can enjoy shopping without also enjoying bratwurst?
If you’re still determined to read this book, go ahead, I can admit it’s not the worst thing I’ve ever read. But I would certainly not recommend it.
Seriously, no one is this unlucky, before we even hit the halfway point her mother is dead, her boyfriend is dead and the pregnancy he left her with has miscarried. It’s tragic, really tragic. By tragic I mean the joke kind, not the actual disastrous kind, Rosamunde just trips from one situation to another I’m half convinced she spends the time we don’t see her running through her house smashing mirrors and flinging salt around. Most books could be entirely about just one of the things that happen to her, but the author doesn’t seem to know how to write any kind of emotional responses, everything is just ‘sad’ then we move on. Seriously it takes her about five pages to recover from a miscarriage. I felt no sadness for what happened to her at any point because I can’t have any empathy with a cardboard cut-out.
This is the book’s biggest failing really, and it’s not exclusive to the “sad” moments either, everything is just stated. I’ll give a small example, early on Rosamunde and her friend are walking to the shops and the book just says ‘they argued about this [something silly, like the parking] the whole way’. This is just one example of many, why are we not privy to these conversations? We’re excluded from seeing how these characters interact, how they might tease each other or be overly sensitive. We’re told one characters supposed to be annoying but I never found him particularly irritating, it’s not enough to just tell a reader they should be annoyed. I genuinely knew nothing personal about anyone, I was always aware I was reading about someone, rather than experiencing their story.
This book also breaks one of the cardinal rules of fiction ‘Is this the most interesting point in the character’s life?’. I don’t think so. Rosamunde spends 15 years of her life travelling the world yet that’s just mentioned it passing in an anecdote about monkeys in Borneo, yet we’re stuck listening to “hilarious” village anecdotes about sheep being dying from poison, children vomiting rotten eggs and her father owning fishing equipment despite not knowing how to fish. Strange sense of humour…
Could I read the story about the monkeys instead, please?
The story’s told in two parts, one part Rosamunde’s present life at 40 and having returned from her travels and the other in the past explaining the tragic series of events that led her to travelling in the first place (we sadly never get the story that intersects these two moments in time). If asked to pick the better story I’d say the past is superior to the present, if only by virtue of actually having a point to the whole thing, and being free of random sheep death. But I still wouldn’t recommend it.
Like all that isn’t enough, Boxall seems to have a really weird view of gay people. One of the “hilarious” stories we’re subjected to is that a lesbian couple is going to play Mary and Joseph, it’s a bit unorthodox, yes, but I don’t get the joke, I just think it’s a nice thing. I was genuinely convinced through most of the book that one main ‘gay’ character was going to be “cured” by the end – I will give the author credit and say she doesn’t go that far, but what does end up happening is only a few shades less insulting. If you still aren’t convinced, I’ll just lift a quote quickly; “Are you sure you’re not gay?… I mean, for a start, you like shopping!”. Is this a joke? I honestly can’t tell. I must say it didn’t read like one. How dated is the idea that men can enjoy shopping without also enjoying bratwurst?
If you’re still determined to read this book, go ahead, I can admit it’s not the worst thing I’ve ever read. But I would certainly not recommend it.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
ashley sweetman
This book has some really good writing and the story and main character are entertaining enough, but it is certainly not the cosy Christmas read that one would first believe when looking at the cover.
I liked the main character and learning about her life and that of her family, but the swapping back and forth between the present and the past quickly grew tiring. I didn't feel like the author spent enough time in the present and on Rosamunde's current relationship to fill in the romance requirements for a book of this sort.
Overall, I didn't think it was a bad book at all, but it wasn't what I was expecting and had less to do with Christmas and winter as a whole than I figured it would.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided by Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I liked the main character and learning about her life and that of her family, but the swapping back and forth between the present and the past quickly grew tiring. I didn't feel like the author spent enough time in the present and on Rosamunde's current relationship to fill in the romance requirements for a book of this sort.
Overall, I didn't think it was a bad book at all, but it wasn't what I was expecting and had less to do with Christmas and winter as a whole than I figured it would.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided by Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
annie bartok
This is a lovely, gentle read about past loves, current friendships and future relationships. Rosamunde returns to her family home and her father after 15 years' travelling and the book follows her teen and twenties and her first love, interspersed with her life back at the Vicarage.
It is a warm and affectionate look at village life, which was very funny at times - the nativity play being one example. Rosamunde becomes close to her friend Benedict, but feels secure with him because he is gay.
Her sister Rachel is the polar opposite of Rosamunde and the contrast makes for a lively sibling relationship.
I enjoyed this book and will read more of Rebecca's books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is a warm and affectionate look at village life, which was very funny at times - the nativity play being one example. Rosamunde becomes close to her friend Benedict, but feels secure with him because he is gay.
Her sister Rachel is the polar opposite of Rosamunde and the contrast makes for a lively sibling relationship.
I enjoyed this book and will read more of Rebecca's books.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
jenni
I received a copy from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rosamunde left her village fifteen years ago after a personal tragedy and is returning now at Christmas time. The story alternated chapters in the present with looks at the past, beginning with her adolescence up to her departure from England. It took reading through more than half of the story for me to become truly interested in her history and her love affairs. It did move along rather slowly.
It was also a story of second chances and love and reconnecting with the ones left behind, a heartwarming story for the holiday season.
Rosamunde left her village fifteen years ago after a personal tragedy and is returning now at Christmas time. The story alternated chapters in the present with looks at the past, beginning with her adolescence up to her departure from England. It took reading through more than half of the story for me to become truly interested in her history and her love affairs. It did move along rather slowly.
It was also a story of second chances and love and reconnecting with the ones left behind, a heartwarming story for the holiday season.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
aj lewis
This was a comfortable and charming read for me, reminiscent of Rosamunde Pilcher's style of weaving the threads of the past into the present day's events. As Rosamunde Pemberton returns to the family home in Potter's Cove after a fifteen year absence, we learn about the events that shaped her and brought her to her present point of decision. The friends and family we meet along the way bring depth and warmth to her story of love and loss and growth through the experiences of life.
My thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy.
My thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
dionne delli gatti
Don't expect this to be about Christmas or really about a vicarage- but do read it as a lovely warm novel of love and the families we make for ourselves. Rosamunde, Benedict, Bernie, and the rest are well formed characters you'd like to sit down with in the pub for a drink, Not to party but to chat. There are enough twists in this to keep you guessing. It's well written- clearly Boxall liked her characters as much as I did. THanks NETGALLEY for the ArC! Highly recommend!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
matthew lavin
I so enjoyed this book. Potter's Cove seems like a peaceful, pleasant place to llve. To be as carefree as everyone seems to be would be wonderful! It ended on such a positive note that I didn't want to put it down. A real good, feel good story for the Christmas season
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
charly
While the steady pace of the storyline kept me interested the ending was a surprise. A great read for cold night. Don't miss this very entertaining book.
I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
scotty scarberry
The characters are wonderful, with the twists and turns of parallel love (actually) stories keeping the pages turning. I couldn’t put it down, opening the cover like an exciting gift on Christmas morning, and then devouring the story like a hot mince pie at a carol concert! Loved the ‘80s nostalgia too, and now happily have the taste of Discos and the music of A-ha! in my head. Look forward to more from this author :D
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
juli cheer
Complex characters and relationships make this first novel a lovely surprise. These people drew me in and captivated me. The gradual revelation of the past interspersed with the present gently rounded out the story.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
joanna
Lots of adjectives, beautiful settings, and characters who like each other. But this was a hard-to-stomach tale in light of the Christmas story and its redemptive purpose. Left feeling like I needed to wash it out of my mind. People, can we stop pushing the gay agenda in every venue?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
sskacan
Complex characters and relationships make this first novel a lovely surprise. These people drew me in and captivated me. The gradual revelation of the past interspersed with the present gently rounded out the story.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
nastaran bisheban
Lots of adjectives, beautiful settings, and characters who like each other. But this was a hard-to-stomach tale in light of the Christmas story and its redemptive purpose. Left feeling like I needed to wash it out of my mind. People, can we stop pushing the gay agenda in every venue?
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
deyel fallows
Stopped reading the book @ 12%. Don't read books that have gays involved, and especially selecting two women to play Mary and Joseph, and then laughing about it. Very poor taste. The first 12% of the book was boring, anyway. Definitely do not recommend. Will not purchase any future books by this author. Gave this one star, only because a star is required to submit review.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
lisa alvarado
Loved it - it reminded me of a Rosamunde Pitcher novel. Full of charming and lovable characters and a great story that kept my interest from beginning to end. Enjoyed reading it during this Christmas Season!! Delightful!!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
siouxsie
Rosamunde grew up in a vicarage. Bernie, her father, is the vicar of Potter's Cove. Rosamunde left her friends and family behind because of a broken heart and after fifteen years it's time to finally come home. It's close to Christmas and Rosamunde is at the heart of the village's preparations. Seeing her father and friends again brings back a lot of old memories, both happy and sad. Is Rosamunde strong enough to live with them this time and is there a future for her in the village that makes so many things she'd rather not think about come to the surface? Will her Christmas be a good one?
Christmas at the Vicarage is a beautiful story. It can be read as a holiday novel, but as a large part of the story is about everything Rosamunde went through before she came back at Potter's Cove, the book can easily be read as a general novel as well. Part of the story is set in the present, it starts in November and covers Rosamunde's return to Potter's Cove. The other part is a recollection of her turbulent past. I loved the combination of the two. Rosamunde is an interesting main character. She feels deeply and loves with all her heart. She's kind, caring and honest and she's very smart. Rebecca Boxall makes her come to life incredibly well by thoroughly describing her character traits and making her story both moving and intriguing at the same time.
Christmas at the Vicarage has a fantastic setting. Potter's Cove is a wonderful village and the vicarage is at the center of it. It's active and it's a place filled with charm and warmth. It's welcoming and homely, which is a great basis for a romantic story. There's sadness in Rosamunde's life, but there's also much positivity. She's a fighter and even though she went through a lot she's still hopeful about the future. I shed quite a few tears while I was reading this moving story, but there were also plenty of moments that made me smile. I love it when I feel so many different things when I'm reading a story.
Rebecca Boxall is a skilled narrator. She combines the exact right atmosphere with a fast-paced and fascinating story. The main characters have distinct personalities that are being described with a lovely sense of humor. It's obvious that Rebecca Boxall really likes them and that made the story both charming and extra special for me. The ending is fitting and endearing, which made the fabulous experience complete. I highly recommend Christmas at the Vicarage, it's an amazing book.
Christmas at the Vicarage is a beautiful story. It can be read as a holiday novel, but as a large part of the story is about everything Rosamunde went through before she came back at Potter's Cove, the book can easily be read as a general novel as well. Part of the story is set in the present, it starts in November and covers Rosamunde's return to Potter's Cove. The other part is a recollection of her turbulent past. I loved the combination of the two. Rosamunde is an interesting main character. She feels deeply and loves with all her heart. She's kind, caring and honest and she's very smart. Rebecca Boxall makes her come to life incredibly well by thoroughly describing her character traits and making her story both moving and intriguing at the same time.
Christmas at the Vicarage has a fantastic setting. Potter's Cove is a wonderful village and the vicarage is at the center of it. It's active and it's a place filled with charm and warmth. It's welcoming and homely, which is a great basis for a romantic story. There's sadness in Rosamunde's life, but there's also much positivity. She's a fighter and even though she went through a lot she's still hopeful about the future. I shed quite a few tears while I was reading this moving story, but there were also plenty of moments that made me smile. I love it when I feel so many different things when I'm reading a story.
Rebecca Boxall is a skilled narrator. She combines the exact right atmosphere with a fast-paced and fascinating story. The main characters have distinct personalities that are being described with a lovely sense of humor. It's obvious that Rebecca Boxall really likes them and that made the story both charming and extra special for me. The ending is fitting and endearing, which made the fabulous experience complete. I highly recommend Christmas at the Vicarage, it's an amazing book.
Please RateChristmas at the Vicarage
Starting in 2014 and going back and forth in time from 1978 as Rosamunde remembers living in the Vicarage with her sister and father after her mother died. She thinks of her first love, of how her life may have been, if circumstances had been different.
The Vicarage sounds a wonderful place to live, everything happens there, from holding the auditions for the grown-ups nativity to lovers meeting. I really wanted to live there! It's a kind of cosy, blanket that wrapped around me. All the goings on are watched over by Rosamunde's lovely father, the vicar, who is the most gentle, patient, funny, kind man.
This is a really enjoyable and unpredictable story, keeping me guessing as to why Rosamunde had come back home now, I kept turning the pages not knowing what to expect next. A heartwarming read, perfect for the festive season.