Books Read & Giveaway: Judy Astley - It Must Have Been the Mistletoe

Thea’s parents decide to host a big family Christmas in a house by the sea… even though they are, in fact, about to split up. Thea herself is newly single - her sister and brother are both settled, with children, homes and a future. But Thea’s boyfriend has ditched her in favour of his pedigree dogs, and Thea can’t decide whether or not she minds. 

There will be copious food and drink, holly and mistletoe, lots of bracing walks and a wintry barbecue on the beach. If it seems an odd way to celebrate the final break-up of a marriage and the Moving On to new partners, no- one is saying so. But then no-one had anticipated that the new partners might actually turn up to complicate the sleeping arrangements. 

As Cornwall experiences the biggest snowstorm in living memory, the festive atmosphere comes under some strain. Will Thea manage to find some happiness for herself? Will the mistletoe work its magic on them all?

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It Must Have Been the Mistletoe is my first true festive read this year and what a delight it was.  First off can I say how stunning is the cover, the designers have done a great job and this is a book that I certainly would have picked off the shelf to read if I hadn't have been fortunate to have been sent a proof copy to review.

Mike and Anna's children, Thea, Jimi & Emily, didn't know what to expect when they were invited to to the family home for an announcement... but they certainly didn't expect their parents to announce that they were splitting up after forty years together but that they also wanted the whole family to spend one last Christmas together in a remote cottage in Cornwall.

For newly single Thea Christmas is going to be a painful reminder of what she has lost so understandably she's not looking forward to being part of a big family gathering, whilst younger sister Emily is so stressed that she's unable to relax and be grateful for everything she does have.

I thought the concept was great, how often in real life do we see acrimonious break ups so the idea of Mike and Anna mutually deciding to call time on their marriage but remain as great friends and part of each others lives was fabulous. And what better way to create happy memories for the whole family than to have a picture perfect break away by the Cornish coastline.

Although It Must Have Been the Mistletoe is a character driven story featuring the whole family, from Mike and Anna as grandparents to their children and grandchildren, Thea was certainly my favourite and the one I could relate to most and the one I was most willing to find what she was looking for.

If you're looking for a fabulous festive read this winter then this book is perfect for you as it includes everything you could hope for in a festive story, drama, misunderstandings, but most of all it wouldn't be a festive read without a little romance...

If you fancy some festive cheer and would love to make It Must Have Been the Mistletoe one of your Christmas reads then you're in luck as thanks to the lovely Tess at Transworld Books I have 3 copies to give away to followers (sorry UK & Ireland residents only). 
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