I love Christmas! The best thing about the evenings drawing in for Winter is the large number of Christmassy books that land on my Kindle. Some from authors that I know and love, and others – like this one – from writers that I haven’t read before. And honestly looking at her back catalogue I can’t believe that I haven’t read any of Baker’s books before.
Elodie Martin runs the family toy store and like many retailers finds it really hard to get into the festive spirit. In fact, you could go so far as to call her a Grinch. This year is even harder than normal. Her beloved grandad is normally the resident Santa in their grotto but this year, following a stroke, he is having to pass the baton on to someone new. Jim was everyone’s favourite Santa Claus so it is really tough for both Elodie and the business.
In desperation she posts a job advert on the bulletin board in the local supermarket and finds – the appropriately named – out of work actor Nick Winter. He’s far too young for the role but Elodie doesn’t have a choice as it is so last minute and has to hope that Jim can whip Nick into shape as a believable Father Christmas. It is really important that the grotto is a success as the profits from that keep the business going throughout the rest of the year, and Elodie has made a ridiculous wager with her arch rival Callum Ashley, owner of the local department store. Losing the bet could put her out of business.
Santa Maybe isn’t just your average holiday romance. It is a really poignant journey through a life straddled with pain and loss but realising that the sadness doesn’t have to take over. It is OK to be happy. I really enjoyed the storyline and was surprised by the depth of the emotional response that it evoked in me. The main cast of characters all feel like firm friends by the end of the book and I think that it is one that I’ll re-read a bit nearer to the festive season. Plus you’ll learn a load of Christmas trivia from Nick who loves Christmas so much!
Supplied by Net Galley, Head of Zeus and Aria Fiction in exchange for an honest review.
UK publication date: Oct 13 2022. 365 pages.
Categories: Book Review
angelnet69
Prolific reader, enthusiastic theatre and movie-goer and ex-Olivier Awards judge who spent twenty years working in the music industry in London. Sharing my house with a gorgeous cockapoo called Harry who has taken over completely.
I love sharing my favourite books with friends - nearly always spoiler-free as I hate reading a synopsis of the whole book in other reviews.
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