Book review: Coming Home for Christmas by Jenny Hale

*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*

WOW, what a brilliant and warm Christmas story! I first heard about this book on twitter and was really excited to read it. So many of my friends out there were already on a search for some great Christmas stories (yes, in September) and all of them were talking about this debut. After checking the blurb I was certain I was going to enjoy it. After all, I’m a huge sucker for Christmas reads and romance stories. BUT, ‘Coming Home for Christmas’ exceeded my expectations! It’s a beautiful story that will warm your heart and instantly get you in festive mood. Don’t believe me? Read on…

The story is centered around Allie, who just lost her job and moved back with her parents in Virginia where she needs to start from scratch. Her sister Megan tells her she has a client who is offering the perfect job – living in a dream mansion and being the in-house manager of the Ashford house.It’s not really Allie’s dream job but after much convincing from her sister, she finally decides to take it. The Ashford house belongs to the wealthy but pretty much disjointed Marley family. Though beautiful and huge, the house is nothing but a weight to Robert Marley and the main reason why he wants to sell it. For handsome but stubborn Robert, the house is just a reminder of the great tragedy that ruined the lives of the Marleys. After meeting the rest of the Marleys, Allie finds out she has more important things than manage a household. Could it be she has the chance to bring back a family together?

OMG, there are just so so many things I loved about this book.
First, the characters! Guys, let me tell you, I’ve read so many books yet I can’t actually recall reading a book with so many loveable characters. Strange but true! I’m usually pleased when I get to connect with one or two of them, but Jenny Hale did it! She made me care for all of her characters who were brilliantly portrayed. Honestly, I can’t make up my mind who I love more, Allie, Robbert, old and oh so wise Pippa or Kip the flirt? I can’t decide no matter how hard I try, they are all memorable and lovely. Even Robert, the biggest Scrooge in modern history made me fall for him despite his stubbornness and attitude.

But what I loved the most is probably the fact this is not yet another romance story. Coming Home For Christmas is a mesmerizing story about what really matters in life – family. The big tragedy that torn the Marleys apart was definitely the most emotional part and as much as I tried, I couldn’t help but shed few tears. Marleys have their ups and downs and despite being incredibly rich and disjointed at the beginning, you can feel they deeply care about each other. They are not snobbish (though one would expect that) and despite being so rich, they respect their employees, which made me love them even more.

The romance part was gradually built, and that’s just another thing that made this book feel more real. Coming Home For Christmas is definitely a warm and beautiful read. With Christmas coming soon, I think it’s the PERFECT time to read it. Strongly recommended for all HEAs addicts:)

My rating: 4/5

Buy it on amazon.com and amazon.co.uk
Find Jenny Hale on her site, twitter and facebook