Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

Oct 24, 2012 Zarina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe is a seasonal read telling the story of two estranged friends who for reasons beyond their control are forced to temporarily swap house. They reluctantly settle into the for them foreign places and after a bumpy start they start to learn more about themselves and discover what is truly important in life.

Laurie is a fashion designer in the bustling city of London. Consumed by her career it's not uncommon for her to arrive at the office as early as 7.30am. However, her...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Kirsty Maclennan rated it 5 of 5 stars

It’s the first of December and I can’t think of a better way to start your countdown to christmas than with the wonderfully festive ‘Meet Me Under The Mistletoe’

Abby Clements brings us two strong female characters in the form of career minded Laurie and family minded Rachel.

Friends since childhood their lives have taken them on different paths but through the odd email or text message they still remain connected and when Laurie has a problem at work and Rachel’s mother in law needs hospital trea...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Jennifer Joyce rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'd been looking forward to reading Meet Me Under The Mistletoe ever since I saw an image of the gorgeous cover, which is even more beautiful and sparkly in real life. I love Christmas and Meet Me Under The Mistletoe has lots of festive charm, from Bea's Countdown To Christmas (which I long to own) to the Reindeer Wonderland (which I long to go to). There is a diverse range of characters in the book; Lily, Laurie's downstairs neighbour who is warm and loving but misses her own family and Siobhan...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Megan Readinginthesunshine rated it 5 of 5 stars

I’m a very Christmassy person, I start talking about Christmas in August and I literally can never wait to put all my decorations up as soon as it hits December. One thing I especially love as a reader is books with a Christmas theme, and so as soon as I saw Abby Clements new book I could not wait to start it!

We open the story at the start of a very big morning for Laurie. At the fashion label she works at, the handbag that Laurie has been in charge of for months has its release date on that ver...more I’m a very Christmassy person, I start talking about Christmas in August and I literally can never wait to put all my decorations up as soon as it hits December. One thing I especially love as a reader is books with a Christmas theme, and so as soon as I saw Abby Clements new book I could not wait to start it!

We open the story at the start of a very big morning for Laurie. At the fashion label she works at, the handbag that Laurie has been in charge of for months has its release date on that very date. Full of excitement, she rushes into work to await its delivery. But when a mistake happens, her career comes crashing down on her. Told to take a few months off ‘as a break’, Laurie is devastated.

Up in Yorkshire is Rachel, married to the handsome Aiden, and a mum to two children, teenager Milly and little Zak. She is living the perfect life with a loving family, and preparing for Christmas. All of a sudden, Rachel’s mother-in-law Bea falls ill and needs urgent treatment in London.

When childhood friends Laurie and Rachel get in contact again, a house-swap falls into place, with some interesting and surprising results.

I really really enjoyed Meet Me Under The Mistletoe. The story was a lovely read, and I found that I could go along with the story at a pace that suited me, I liked how easy it was to read, I liked the themes that were incorporated in, and I liked the warm happy feeling that the story left me with long after I had finished.

Although there are essentially two separate stories – Rachel’s chapters and Laurie’s chapters – Abby Clements manages to cleverly and subtly blend them in with each other, and this allows the story to flow at a beautiful pace. I liked in particular that there was a contrast between the two ladies, Laurie being a single workaholic who is used to the busy streets of London, and Rachel being a devoted mother who loves the easy pace of country life and home-baking. I really enjoyed seeing how both of these characters coped when thrown into each other’s lifestyle, and it was very compelling to read. I felt myself connecting with both Rachel and Laurie – I laughed at their mishaps, I cringed with them when they found themselves in embarrassing situations, and I really felt for them during the hardships too. I LOVED my time with them, as I felt myself travelling on his journey with them, and I was quite sad to finish the story and leave Laurie and Rachel behind.

The descriptions of the two settings are brilliant. Yorkshire in particular, and the small villages within, are depicted as picturesque, beautiful, homely little places, and I was immediately drawn in by its charm. With the added Christmas theme, I even felt warm and Christmassy as I was reading, and I think it was a perfect setting for the book.

Abby Clements has created a wonderful story, and one thing I particularly liked about Meet me Under The mistletoe was that not only were the main characters developed, but the supporting characters were also very well-written and came across as very real and lifelike – I can not fault a single character. Milly, Rachel’s daughter, was very well-written and even though I’m not a teenager myself, I found I could relate to her and I understood her. Up in Yorkshire, Diana, Joyce and co. came across so well, their personalities shone from the pages so much that I almost felt that I was Laurie stood in the room with them, and after reading this book, I’m very keen to visit Yorkshire again!

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe is warm, it is light-hearted – though there are a few surprises and twists to keep you hooked! This story is the perfect one to help ease you into the mood for Christmas, and to be a gentle reminder that not only is it nice to have a change of scenery every now and again, but so long as you have family, friends or people you love around you at Christmas, then life really is beautiful.
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Jan 05, 2013 Maureen Reil rated it 5 of 5 stars

Having just taken down the decorations for yet another year only to be left with a bland house or so it seems without the glitz and glamour of fairy lights and tinsel, it was perfect timing that I also came to the end of my 'Christmas reads' for 2012. And I was so glad that it was this book that I chose to finish on. It is the story of a couple of old school friends whose lives went in very different directions with one (Rachel) becoming a wife and stay-at-home mum to two children and the other...more Having just taken down the decorations for yet another year only to be left with a bland house or so it seems without the glitz and glamour of fairy lights and tinsel, it was perfect timing that I also came to the end of my 'Christmas reads' for 2012. And I was so glad that it was this book that I chose to finish on. It is the story of a couple of old school friends whose lives went in very different directions with one (Rachel) becoming a wife and stay-at-home mum to two children and the other (Laurie) becoming a workaholic designer of fashion accessories who has put her love life on the back burner whilst she concentrates on her career. Rachel's mother-in-law becomes extremely ill and the family have to travel to London to seek special medical treatment and Laurie's job is suddenly taken away from her when she is told to take a break by her boss after a huge mix-up at work. So the two women agree to swap homes for the time being and that is the start of them 'finding' themselves when forcefully taken out of their comfort zones, as Laurie goes up to a lovely little village in Yorkshire and gets involved with the local community whilst Rachel and family get to know the friendly neighbors in the flats in which they're staying. The chapters tell each of their journeys in turn and all the while they manage to remain in contact with one another as secrets are revealed and issues resolved. It made for wonderful characterization and ongoing story-lines as it was not clear exactly who would end up meeting someone under the mistletoe for most of the novel, which in my opinion made it less predictable than most in this genre.
And I was happy to end on a high after reading Meet Me Under The Mistletoe, for I was left with that fuzzy feeling which comes from relating to something that warms the cockles of your heart and I sure need that alright, because the boiler is playing up as I write this seeing as it has decided lately when and where I will be warm, not me. Anyway, back to the great debut book by Abby Clements because if this is the way she intends to carry on with her writing career, then I for one will be guaranteed more fantastic chick-lit novels from this author in the future and I can't wait for more treats, festive or otherwise.
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Dec 09, 2012 Fiona rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love being able to curl up in front of the fire with a glass of mulled wine and a Christmas read so was delighted when Lindsay asked me to review this book for her blog.

The story is told mainly through the eyes of Rachael and Laurie, childhood friends who have chosen very different paths in their adult lives.
Laurie is a fashion designer in a London firm, a work- a -holic she puts work in front of everything else in her life. A mistake that will cost the firm a lot of money forces her into an u...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Jessica (Jess Hearts Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Christmas is by far my favourite time of the year and as soon as Halloween is over with I allow myself to start getting a little bit excited for it! This means starting on my festive chick-lit books that I look forward to reading all year and at the very top of that pile this year was Meet Me Under The Mistletoe and so on November 1st I pulled this one down from the shelf and prepared myself for a heart-warming festive read and this book certainly delivered!

The book begins on November 20th with...more Christmas is by far my favourite time of the year and as soon as Halloween is over with I allow myself to start getting a little bit excited for it! This means starting on my festive chick-lit books that I look forward to reading all year and at the very top of that pile this year was Meet Me Under The Mistletoe and so on November 1st I pulled this one down from the shelf and prepared myself for a heart-warming festive read and this book certainly delivered!

The book begins on November 20th with chapters alternating between Laurie and Rachel two very different leading ladies. Laurie and Rachel were best friends during high school but over the years have fallen out of touch as life has taken them down separate paths. Laurie is a city girl who works for a big fashion company in London and Rachel lives in the countryside and is a stay at home mum. But when things start going wrong in both women’s lives during the countdown to Christmas, life throws them back together again when they agree to do a house swap to take a break and get their affairs in order. Needless to say the plot has a similar feel to that of the Christmas movie The Holiday which is one of my all-time favourites and if you’re a fan of that film I think that you’ll enjoy this book’s theme too.

I love when books have more than one main character and I thought that it worked particularly well for this book. Prior to reading, in other reviews I read that you’re either a Laurie or a Rachel kind of gal and I’d definitely say that I’m a Laurie. That’s not to say that I disliked Rachel I just connected with Laurie more and enjoyed her chapters the most. I think that having two very different heroines works in this books favour because whether you’re single or have a family, are a city girl or a country bumpkin, there is a lovable heroine for all to relate to.

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe was the perfect book to get me in the festive mood and is a brilliant read for this time of year. The beginning starts off as pretty much your usual chick-lit and the Christmas spirit builds as the book goes on leading up to and finishing on Christmas day, but will the girls be home and have their problems sorted in time for Christmas?

I finished this book with a big grin on my face and it left me with a warm Christmassy glow long after I put it down. Meet Me Under The Mistletoe was the perfect book to kick off this year’s Christmas reading with, and what I enjoyed about it most was that unlike a lot of chick-lit novels I had no idea who either girl was going to end up kissing under the mistletoe! This was a sparkling, fun, Christmas story that fans of the genre won’t want to miss!(less)

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Oct 25, 2012 Vicky rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, chick-lit, read-in-2012

Originally reviewed at: http://www.booksbiscuitsandtea.co.uk/...

If you’re looking for an easy and charming read for the Christmas season, look no further – Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, Abby Clements’s debut novel, will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. It’s a light and entertaining read that would make a perfect Christmas present or a great read the week before Christmas Day. Even though it’s only October and snow, Christmas trees and fairy lights are still nowhere to be seen, Laurie a...more Originally reviewed at: http://www.booksbiscuitsandtea.co.uk/...

If you’re looking for an easy and charming read for the Christmas season, look no further – Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, Abby Clements’s debut novel, will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. It’s a light and entertaining read that would make a perfect Christmas present or a great read the week before Christmas Day. Even though it’s only October and snow, Christmas trees and fairy lights are still nowhere to be seen, Laurie and Rachel’s story made me feel like I was sitting in fire-lit living room with the lingering smell of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg filling the air. On top of a witty storyline, the book has a festive, cheerful atmosphere which I really enjoyed.

While lots books from this genre tend to be quite predictable, I was relieved to find that Meet Me Under the Mistletoe is not one of them. There are so many chick lit books out there (usually about love triangles) where you can figure out the ending before the book has even started but Clements’s book was definitely a pleasant surprise. The plot was very well written, full of twists and turns and I seriously couldn’t predict what would happen next. The characters are likeable, the plot is original and very enjoyable and I’m not exaggerating when I say I read it in one day. Also, in addition to the fact that the book has a stunning (and very sparkly) cover which I absolutely adore, it also includes two bonus Christmas recipes that are featured in the story. How creative is that?

The book has a third person narrator but it’s divided into two parts – one chapter is about Rachel, the next one is about Laurie and so on, which I particularly liked about this book. Laurie is a brilliant character and she even reminded me of myself a little bit. She’s the typical city girl who lives on takeaway food, whose cooking skills are limited (or let’s just say non-existent) and whose countryside surviving skills are even worse than her ability to cook. Now, give this woman a pair of high heels and designer clothes clearly unfit for the countryside and put her in a cottage with no central heating or anything remotely modern and you’re guaranteed a real good laugh. Laurie’s attempts to fit in this small community is hilarious and I thoroughly enjoyed this side of the story.

The only thing I wasn’t particularly keen on was the writing itself. While I enjoyed the plot, I found dialogues and some descriptive parts rather bland. It’s not as bland as to put you off and as I said I loved the book itself, but I do think it could have been better. And by better I mean a bit wittier, funnier or more realistic in terms of how the characters talk to each other and how the third person narrator tells us what’s going on in their minds. For there were times when I was trying to put my finger on what was missing and the only explanation I managed to come up with is that it’s a bit… simple and fluffy. Something was missing for me and I think it was that extra bit of spark, humour and realism from the writing and the dialogues. At the same time, it has a very warm and festive feel to it which is always a plus.

All in all, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe is a great debut and a light, entertaining read for winter nights. I would recommend it if you like this genre or if you’re looking for some Christmas reads. And don’t forget to try the recipes after reading the book! That’s exactly what I’m planning to do.(less)

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Oct 29, 2012 Rea Sinfield rated it 5 of 5 stars

I seem to be hooked on the up and coming Christmas reads, is that bad when it is only October? Meet me Under the Mistletoe is Abby Clements debut book and the cover is beautiful with it’s shimmering sparkle that instantly catches your eye I was hoping the storyline would win me over as much as the cover had!

Childhood friends Laurie and Rachel's lives have taken very different paths since they picked up their A-level results together. Laurie is living in London and dedicated to her career, keepin...more I seem to be hooked on the up and coming Christmas reads, is that bad when it is only October? Meet me Under the Mistletoe is Abby Clements debut book and the cover is beautiful with it’s shimmering sparkle that instantly catches your eye I was hoping the storyline would win me over as much as the cover had!

Childhood friends Laurie and Rachel's lives have taken very different paths since they picked up their A-level results together. Laurie is living in London and dedicated to her career, keeping track of her friends on Facebook.

Rachel is seemingly living the family idyll in a cottage in Yorkshire - except she worries her marriage is starting to show cracks. When Rachel's mother in law falls ill and needs treatment in London, and Laurie decides she needs to get away for a break, a house swap falls into place. Soon Rachel is braving the mean streets of London while trying to keep her family together, while Laurie tries to figure out how to work an Aga and befriend the locals - and forget the man who seems intent on breaking her heart.

Will their relationships survive this test? And will they make it home in time for Christmas?

Each chapter in this book alternates between our two main characters Laurie and Rachel which allows us to get to know each of the characters in turn. I loved both of the characters but I found I could relate more to Laurie’s character, being a business woman myself it is hard to get the work and personal life balance right, which is what Laurie is finding impossible but then having said that I was a little worried when I first met her character as she seemed to be blinded to this fact and so came across as a very cold and hard character but as the book progresses her character mellows and becomes more loveable. Rachel is a very warm and nurturing character from the start of this book and she is a joy to read, I just seem to be missing the maternal bone in my body which is why I preferred Laurie!

I was surprised that there wasn't more interaction between the two friends although both of their storylines are cleverly weaved together so it doesn't fell like two completely different stories. The storyline was enjoyable and easy to follow and I loved the shocking realisation towards the end of the book which I didn’t see coming.

There was a nice little touch of festivity to this book so makes it a perfect read for this time of year but because it is not overloaded with festivity it will be suitable to read all year around.

This was a great début by Abby Clements, I will be looking forward to more books by this author in the future.(less)

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Nov 12, 2012 BestChickLit.com rated it 5 of 5 stars

Now this, ladies and gentlemen, is what you call chick lit: two polar opposite female protagonists, small picturesque village, atmospheric festive London, deliciously manly men all embroiled in high-emotion dramas.

The writing style is confident and smooth, meaning Meet Me Under The Mistletoe goes down as easily as a hunk of chocolate cake washed down with a cuppa. The plot almost splits into two, telling separate stories, but also cleverly interweaves to keep the basis of the concept together, a...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Agi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-releases, 2012

First of all, the cover of the book is just F - A - N - T - A - s - T - I - C. I am such a sucker when it comes to such covers, so sweet and festive, and so, so nice.
Then, the book itself have me hookes from the very first page to the very last one. It was a fabulous read. I don't know why, because maybe the plot was not the most ambitious, but it was written in such a pleasant, warm and emotional way. Very likeable characters, very nice people, very likeable problems. I loved Rachel and Laurie,...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Kevin I Heart.. Chick Lit rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
www.chicklitkevinxx.blogspot.com

I was so thrilled when I got this book in the mailbox the other day. It was like Christmas came early and with the stunning cover and heartwarming to boot, it really felt like Christmas in October! So instead of studying for my finals, I started on it straight away and I never regretted! But before I discuss about Abby Clements's fabulous debut novel, can I point out that the cover is absolutely stunning! Initially, the cov...more Review originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
www.chicklitkevinxx.blogspot.com

I was so thrilled when I got this book in the mailbox the other day. It was like Christmas came early and with the stunning cover and heartwarming to boot, it really felt like Christmas in October! So instead of studying for my finals, I started on it straight away and I never regretted! But before I discuss about Abby Clements's fabulous debut novel, can I point out that the cover is absolutely stunning! Initially, the cover was light green, almost like pistachio and the design team managed to revamp it and look at that cover, you lot!

As I've mentioned countless times, I love debut novels. They are written by new, fresh and yet-to-be-discovered talents out there. So it's almost an adventure for me every time I read a novel by a debut author. And glad to inform you that Abby Clements's new book - Meet Me Under The Mistletoe - is one hell of a book. It's such a compelling book, heartbreaking at times and so warm, it could thaw the coldness during a quiet snowy winter day.

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe is about to former best friends who were inseparable but after fifteen years or so, the both of them lead different lives. Laurie, the one who used to be the outcast, unpopular with only Rachel as her friend, living in London and working as a fashion designer for Seamless whereas Rachel, happily married to her high school sweetheart, Aiden with two children in tow, living in Skipley. Although both women are so far apart, geographically, but at some point, their paths will cross unexpectedly, with the magic of friendship and Christmas, both women are set for something life-changing.

Okay, let's do characters! Laurie, workaholic, always busy and recovering from a failed relationship with one of her best friends, Jay. After a disaster at work, she finds herself in the little village called Skipley, house swapping with Rachel. Then there's Rachel, mother of two, loving wife and daughter-in-law to the lovely Bea, who has to go to London because of Bea's medical treatment, living in Laurie's place. Honestly, at the beginning, I couldn't stand Laurie because she was proving rather difficult to be likeable. But as the story progresses and she becomes a warmer and better person, a whole lot better than the snob she was. Regarding Rachel, I don't have anything to say much but to tell you what a cool mum she is. Supportive wife, loving mother and a total sweetheart.

The book is divided between Laurie and Rachel, where you can read about what a lovely albeit small village Skipley is, compared to the busy, vibrant and happening London city. The setting of the book really worked for me as it contrasted the calm, peaceful environment of Skipley with the hustle and bustle of London. For me, it was the chick lit, modern version of The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse but with a twist!

It's a proper pick-me-up during lonely wintry nights when you've decide for a night-in. The perfect companion. I couldn't recommend this book enough if you are a fan of Julia Williams. This will make your Christmas even sweeter with its heartwarming contents.

You can order it here on Amazon or here on Book Depository.

Rating : 5/5(less)

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Dec 17, 2012 Carly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe really is a remarkable debut from Abby Clements that is full of warm hearted fun and has a lot of sparkle throughout. What I enjoyed the most was the 2 ladies separate stories, while they are best-friends they couldn't be more different. I enjoyed different things about the 2 leading ladies - Laurie, I think went on the biggest journey throughout the book and she learns so much about herself. Rachel, she has a real homely feel about her, which I love. The author has...more Meet Me Under the Mistletoe really is a remarkable debut from Abby Clements that is full of warm hearted fun and has a lot of sparkle throughout. What I enjoyed the most was the 2 ladies separate stories, while they are best-friends they couldn't be more different. I enjoyed different things about the 2 leading ladies - Laurie, I think went on the biggest journey throughout the book and she learns so much about herself. Rachel, she has a real homely feel about her, which I love. The author has found the perfect balance throughout, keeping things light and fun while still putting in tough situations and lots of emotion. The storyline has a little bit of everything and is brought together so wonderfully by the author, who's writing style is fabulous and highly engaging. I could easily recommend this easy, festive read to everyone.

Rachel and Laurie have been friends from childhood but with life and distance between them they have sort of grown apart over the years. Laurie lives in London and has a high powered job in the fashion world. Rachel lives in the countryside and has 2 wonderful children and a loving husband. But when Rachel's mother-in-law takes ill and has to attend a hospital in London, she asks Laurie would she mind if they came to stay with her. Laurie suggests that they house swap, that way Rachel and her family could be close to the hospital and Laurie could escape her disastrous work mistake and her broken heart!

Will Rachel's family come out the other side of some terrible family news? Can Laurie overcome her broken heart and make herself relax and take a break for a change?

Well, the ending is a really feel good one and I was overall very pleased with the outcome! I love the twists, turns and shockers that fill this storyline and there really was never a dull moment while reading. I can honestly say that I will be picking up Meet Me Under the Mistletoe again - maybe next Christmas, as it has really gotten me in the festive spirit!

Carly :)
http://fictionfascination.blogspot.co.uk (less)

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Jan 14, 2013 Abbey Liddle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourite-chick-lit-reads

Original Review on:http://missbookworm23.blogspot.co....
Title: Meet Me Under The Mistletoe
Author: Abby Clements
Publication Date: 25th October 2012
Publisher: Quercus

Childhood friends Laurie and Rachel's lives have taken very different paths since they picked up their A-level results together. Laurie is living in London and dedicated to her career, keeping track of her friends on Facebook.
Rachel is seemingly living the family idyll in a cottage in Yorkshire - except she worries her marriage is sta...more Original Review on:http://missbookworm23.blogspot.co....
Title: Meet Me Under The Mistletoe
Author: Abby Clements
Publication Date: 25th October 2012
Publisher: Quercus

Childhood friends Laurie and Rachel's lives have taken very different paths since they picked up their A-level results together. Laurie is living in London and dedicated to her career, keeping track of her friends on Facebook.
Rachel is seemingly living the family idyll in a cottage in Yorkshire - except she worries her marriage is starting to show cracks.
When Rachel's mother in law falls ill and needs treatment in London, and Laurie decides she needs to get away for a break, a house swap falls into place. Soon Rachel is braving the mean streets of London while trying to keep her family together, while Laurie tries to figure out how to work an Aga and befriend the locals - and forget the man who seems intent on breaking her heart.
Will their relationships survive this test? And will they make it home in time for Christmas?

Out of all the Christmas Reads that came out in 2012, I decided I had to leave this one to last and I was so glad i did! First time I saw this cover I knew I would enjoy it and i loved the cover, it was very glittery and sparkly just like how i love about a Christmas book hehe!
This is the first book by Abby Clements and I enjoyed it so much!

We meet Laurie and Rachel, childhood friends but taken very different paths, Rachel is married with two kids and is living in Yorkshire in a cute little cottage, she starts to worry that her marriage is starting to show bad cracks..
Laurie is living the high life in London with a great payed job who is dedicated to her career but keeps a track of her friends on Facebook.
I loved this book so much, the chapters flick from Laurie to Rachel which you get to warm up to the characters and meet them both busy in life when suddenly Rachel's mum falls ill quickly and needs urgent treatment in London. Rachel and Laurie get in touch and suggest about swapping places.. I loved this idea because it reminded me of the film "The Holiday" which starred Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet.

I loved both of the Characters, they both seemed so lovely even though they both seem to have complicated lives. My Favourite character would have to be Laurie though, I felt like I could relate to her and warmed up to her more with being a single girl myself and dedicated to my career just like Laurie herself.However I don't live in London lol. I did Like Rachel's character though as well with the closeness of her family and how she was trying to keep her marriage together.

This is a brilliant read which will have you smiling and laughing but also have a few tears run down your face as well lol. It was a shame we didn't get to have more chapters of Laurie and Rachel actually catching up properly. I just loved the chapter at the end on Christmas Day, was great...don't want to say too much hehe!

Im so glad I chose to read this Christmas book last as I loved it so so much and I think everyone must read it as you will all feel warm and snug reading this. It is definitely a light hearted easy read which will leave you with warm fuzzy feelings.
I will certainly be wanting to read more books by Abby Clements. She is a splendid author! Roll on her next book now hehe!(less)

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Nov 23, 2012 Chelsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

My immediate thought after reading was that this book reminded me of the movie called “The Holiday” starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude Law. Two strangers who desperately need a break from their daily lives end up swapping houses and lifestyles for a few days. Only in this book the switch happens between two long lost friends whose lives have taken some unexpected turns. One of the friends, Rachel, is a mother to two children and needs some medical answers and relief for her...more My immediate thought after reading was that this book reminded me of the movie called “The Holiday” starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude Law. Two strangers who desperately need a break from their daily lives end up swapping houses and lifestyles for a few days. Only in this book the switch happens between two long lost friends whose lives have taken some unexpected turns. One of the friends, Rachel, is a mother to two children and needs some medical answers and relief for her mother-in-law, Bea. The other friend, Laurie, is a high end fashion designer who has recently lost her touch and possibly her heart. This story is set with a holiday theme in mind, and that makes it all the more enchanting.

I loved reading about Rachel and Laurie and how they each adjusted to the other's home and everything that essentially came with it, including Rachel and Laurie’s variety of eccentric, yet warm neighbors. At the start of the novel I could tell that each of the characters were in their own little rut and needed a pick me up. I saw two different characters by the end of the novel and was really happy that a change of scenery and a new cast of characters could help each woman mend what needed mending. The chapters do countdown to Christmas, and lots of warm holiday festivities take place closer to the end. I can’t tell you how pleased I was that this story was set around Christmas because I just don’t think that it would have read the same being set in a different season.

I have to admit that I was Team Laurie. I don’t know why but I just liked her chapters better and I felt that I could really relate to her, but I still loved Rachel and her enormous love for her family. I was just rooting for Laurie to find love or some type of happiness that could help keep her mind off Jay (heartbreaker) and help get her career back on track. She was a big city kind of gal and much more accustomed to the fast paced lifestyle. I love books like this one where I feel really, really connected to one character. I think this shows the author’s ability to write to all different types of personalities.

This book really helped to build my Christmas spirit and really set the mood for the upcoming holiday. I fell in love with all of the characters and honestly reading this book was like taking a mini break for myself. I enjoyed following them all of their brief holidays away from home!

***Many thanks to Lucy, at Quercus, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review***
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Jan 03, 2013 Irene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Really loved this book. Didn't know quite what to expect when I chose it. The stories of Laurie and Rachel were that engaging I couldn't put the book down ... finished reading it in the early hours of the morning.

A great Christmas story thats not schmalzy like some can be. Its a festive tale of two friends who don't keep in touch as often as they should until ... won't say anything more but would definitely recommend this as one to read.

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Jan 24, 2013 Karen Gooderham rated it 5 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this book - this is a really chic-lit book. Rachel and Laurie were childhood friends but there lives took different paths. Laurie lives and works in London for a high flying fashion company. Rachel lives in Yorkshire with her husband and two children.

It is the lead up to Christmas and things are not going to good for Laurie at work so she is given some unexpected time of work. Rachel's mother-in-law is not well and needs to go into hospital in London. So they both swap houses.

Laur...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Book-shelf Shelf rated it 4 of 5 stars

For a first book this is fabulous, a real dream of a book. A quick read with heartwarming stories that gives the true meaning of Christmas. The characters in the two places are adorable and soon catch the readers heart, as well as Laurie and the Murray family.
A book that dreams and Christmas movies are made of, loved every page an cant wait to read the next book of Abby's.

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Mar 02, 2013 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars

didnt think id enjoy this one being a christmas book but it was awesome. great characthers brilliant friendships. not read any by this author before but will again

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Mar 23, 2013 Fiona Harper added it

This was a sweet Christmassy story that definitely built momentum this further I read.

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Dec 27, 2012 Leigh Mitchell rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this, it wasn't overly Christmassy though it was set in December.

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Dec 17, 2012 Hristina rated it 3 of 5 stars

It's more like 3.5 stars, I think is nice book, but I have read better books. It was easy and nice and I liked it.

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Dec 29, 2012 Liz Balaam rated it 4 of 5 stars

A nice heartwarming little Christmas book.

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Nov 16, 2012 Daniëlle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, favorites

Een schattig, grappig en leuk boek waar je niet bij na hoeft te denken. Het is een chicklit die plaats vindt rond Kerstmis. De personages zijn stuk voor stuk heel erg leuk. Ik wilde het boek eigenlijk niet uitlezen, zo leuk vond ik het.
Ook nice: er staat een recept in voor kerstkoekjes.

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Jan 06, 2013 Rachel Hawes rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, chick-lit, kindle

Last Christmas themed novel til November :(

1 like · like · see review

Dec 03, 2012 Kat rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book by Abby Clements and reading this I didn't think it was. Her writing is really good and this book is very thought out. It made me crave to have a big family one day to spend Christmas with and to do some baking during the festive time. At first I didn't warm to Laurie but as the book went on I became to like her more. I liked her relationship with her Rachels daughter Milly. I look forward to reading more from Abby.

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Dec 28, 2012 Lorenzio Phillibuster Fireworks rated it 3 of 5 stars

It took me a long time to get into it, but the ending was full of fun HEAs for all.

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Nov 25, 2012 Faye added it

Was very excited to read this book and it is definitely one to be read to get you into the christmas spirit. Review will follow soon :D

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Nov 27, 2012 Rachel Miller rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Easy and enjoyable read to ease you into the Xmas spirit!

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Dec 31, 2012 Catherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Read my review on my blog here... http://vintagefrills.wordpress.com/20...

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title link	preview: Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
avg rating	preview: Meet Me Under the Mistletoe Goodreads rating: 4.02 (93 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15733854-meet-me-under-the-mistletoe?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348588910l/15733854.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15733854-meet-me-under-the-mistletoe?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Abby Clements[/url]

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

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