All I Want For Christmas by Clare Lydon is a must-read Christmas novel. It will fill you with holiday cheer and make your heart sparkle with twinkly lights.
It is the story of Tori who, exactly a month before Christmas, decides that all she wants for Christmas is someone to love. This ensues in a delightful romantic romp through bad dates, missed opportunities and long lost loves returning to her life.
Tori and her best friend, Holly, take us on a great romantic roller coaster set to the background of Christmas in London.
The Characters
Each character is memorable and brilliant from Tori and her idealistic view on finding love to her more down to earth mother who makes a few appearances. Even the returning love interest is quite a memorable character.
If there is one thing that Lydon does well it’s create a range of fantastic, interesting and entertaining characters.
A particularly special side character was London herself. The novel had scattered moments where one got to experience Christmas in London. This left me wanting to take a trip to the old city, just so that I too can experience it.
The Writing Style
Lydon’s pacing is perfect. Her story flows from one brilliant moment to another and I couldn’t put it down. Every detail brings you closer to the characters and the place.
This is, admittedly, the first of Lydon’s books that I have read. The others were all reviewed by my wife, Tamara. And if this is how Lydon always writes then she may very well end up on my favourite authors list. She is already on Tamara’s which is quite the achievement.
The Pros
It is such a well thought out story with the most beautiful character growth fuelled by memorable, sometimes laugh out loud funny, sometimes cringe-worthy moments.
The Cons
The only con is that you don’t own this book yet. Go buy it. Right now. It will become a favourite Christmas read.
The Conclusion
Why haven’t you bought it yet? Gosh. Go on. Really.
It is brilliant, fantastic, awesome. Seriously, though, it really is a really great read and you should treat yourself to an early Christmas gift.
Excerpt from All I Want for Christmas by Clare Lydon
“You know what I really want for Christmas?” I said.
Holly sunk lower on the bench. “A minute ago, it was nothing, but do tell.”
“I want a girlfriend. Last year I didn’t have one, but that was okay because it was too soon after Amy. But this year is different. This year, I want to share my favourite time of year with someone special. I want to really enjoy the holidays.”
I heard Holly grin – her jaw always made a noise when she did. “You want a girlfriend for Christmas?”
“I do.”
“Well that’s easy enough,” she said.
I sat up and looked at her. “Is it?”
She nodded. “Sure. We just make you a billboard, drop you in the middle of Oxford Street and away you go.”
I scowled. “I’m being serious.”
She smiled. “So am I.”
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Series
Bits and Bobs
- ISBN number: 9780993321283
- Publisher: Custard Books
- Clare Lydon Online
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