Publisher: 13th October 2022 by Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Penguin
Pages: 364 pages
Genre: Christmas, contemporary, romance, Iceland
My Rating: 3.5 cups
Synopsis:
Four friends
Twenty-five years ago, Freya and her three best friends created a bucket list. The future seemed bright, full of hope and most importantly guaranteed . . .
One promise
Now they are travelling to Iceland in memory of the friend they've lost, determined to fulfil her dream of seeing the Northern Lights at Christmas.
A life-changing adventure
They didn't count on an avalanche leaving them stranded! Handsome local, Pétur, comes to the rescue, showing them how the community survives the hard winter. With Christmas approaching, Freya and her friends throw themselves into the festivities, decorating and cooking for the villagers using delicious local ingredients.
But will the Northern Lights appear so they can honour their friend's wish? And can Freya's own dreams come true, this Christmas?
My Thoughts
Who do you turn to when you are in search of a ‘breather’ book … you know the type .... one that whisks you away where new ventures are to be had? Jo Thomas of course! And for this trip we kick off the Christmas cheer with a trip to Iceland! Yup … seeing the Northern Lights and learning all about Icelandic culture was one trip I didn’t know I needed. Thanks Jo! Her books are always an immediate teleport to exceptional locales.
‘We may be remote here, but we live with nature. We look out for our neighbours and Mother Nature. She’s our closest neighbour. We work with her and she provides for us. It’s a mutual agreement .’
There is much to love about a Jo Thomas book … all the requisites are there of course …. idyllic location, gourmet cuisine, romantic love interest … but Jo always adds those extra elements that take this genre to the next level. Firstly, Jo takes readers to what I would consider the ‘real’ Iceland, a small village experiencing frigid temperatures yet a window into nature at its most raw and beautiful and a community watching out for each other. There is even a sub plot with regards to the environment which was a worthy inclusion. Secondly, there is culture, customs and cuisine on almost every page that in itself is an eye opener. Finally, this is a book full of life lessons and pep talks to set even the most lost person on the right path.
‘It wasn’t about seeing the Lights. It was about seeing the bigger picture. Taking time to work out how we want to live the rest of our lives.’
On a personal level, I did find this book a little too heavily laden with advice that it became a bit preachy. Stereotypes and cliches that caused a wince or two. It also is a little repetitive with various characters overly concerned and caught up in their ‘lesson’. Still, for those readers who need a light and uplifting tale, look no further. Friendship, loyalty and love are at the forefront in this tale where an enforced snow-in provides the time out from life for people to reexamine and reconnect in a unique setting.
‘Now, this is living my best life . . .’ I say. ‘Sometimes you have to take time to stand and stare to realize what’s been and where you want to go.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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