Review - The Christmas Village by Melissa Ann Goodwin

The Christmas Village by Melissa Ann Goodwin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Blurb From Goodreads

When 12-year-old Jamie Reynolds comes to his grandparents' Vermont home for Christmas, he just wants things to go back to the way they were before his dad disappeared. Time and again he is drawn to Grandma's miniature Christmas Village, where he imagines that life is perfect. Late one night, the village comes to life before his eyes, and his fantasy of escaping into it becomes very real indeed. Jamie discovers that the village is called Canterbury, where the year is 1932. He becomes fast friends with Kelly and Christopher Pennysworth, and is taken in by Ida, who runs the local boarding house. But he also makes a dangerous enemy of the mysterious and menacing Jim Gordon, whose return to town is nothing but trouble.

As Jamie desperately races against time to find his way back home, he is suddenly faced with a terrifying choice: to go ahead with his plan to leave, or to stay and help his friends, at the risk of never going home again

My Review

Jamie is going through a tough time for a 12 year old. After his fathers actions put his family to shame Jamie and his mum leave their town to spend Christmas with his grandparents and get away from it all. His Grandparents have their Christmas decorations up with one beautiful piece, a town complete with figures and it's own story. Jamie wishes he could be part of the beautiful wee town and before he knows it his wish comes true.

Oh what a stunning, beautiful wee story! I loved it. Had work not got in the way I would have devoured it in one sitting. It is beautifully wrote, very simple to follow and most important (for me) just about every question I had was answered.

Not only is it a magical journey for Jamie it is also a journey of self discovery, friendship and a path to adulthood. If I had to class this book in a genre I would say Young Adult but also for adults to enjoy. There is something for everyone in this lovely story. I think as a child you can identify with Jamie and as an adult it takes you back to your childhood and some of the magic you may have found yourself wishing for when fairies where still a possibility.

It is definately a book I will be recommending to adults and kids and will revisit it again, 4/5 for me ad I would certainly read this author again. Available on the kindle for £2.60 and on paperback for £8.43.

Thank you so much to the author for introducing me to this beautiful story and giving me the chance to review it.

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