A Very Vintage Christmas

An Unforgettable Christmas #1

by Tilly Tennant

The fairy lights are up and shoppers are flooding the snowy seaside promenade. It’s going to be a busy month at Forget-Me-Not Vintage, a magical shop with a warm heart where every item has a story to be told.

With bright red hair and an infectious smile, Dodie is a hopeless romantic and absolutely one of a kind, just like the pieces in her shop.

When Dodie finds a love letter in the pocket of an old woollen coat, she makes it her mission to deliver it to its rightful owner. Following the address, she manages to persuade the handsome but reluctant new tenant, Edward, to help her with her search.

As the story of the letter unfolds, Dodie is there, as always, to pick up the pieces and make things right. But who will be there for her when her own love story needs a helping hand?

Is it too much to dream of a happy ending like the ones in the black and white movies she adores?

If you’re looking for a sweep-you-off-your-feet romance that will warm you through and through then the door to Forget-Me-Not Vintage is always open. Perfect for fans of Jane Linfoot, Debbie Johnson and Jenny Colgan.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit, Holiday, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2017

About the author

Tilly Tennant was born in Dorset, the oldest of four children, but now lives in Staffordshire with a family of her own. After years of dismal and disastrous jobs, including paper plate stacking, shop girl, newspaper promotions and waitressing (she never could carry a bowl of soup without spilling a bit), she decided to indulge her passion for the written word by embarking on a degree in English and creative writing, graduating in 2009 with first class honours. She wrote her first novel in 2007 during her first summer break at university and has not stopped writing since. She also works as a freelance fiction editor, and considers herself very lucky that this enables her to read many wonderful books before the rest of the world gets them.

Tilly is represented by the wonderful, gorgeous Peta Nightingale at LAW.

Reviews

[Melisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet Christmas tale set in the beach town of Bournemouth.


The main character, Dodie, was someone I could completely relate to - I too am a vintage loving gal and my dream is to open a vintage shop one day. I enjoyed the description of her shop and the Christmas-y feel to the story, however I have a few issues that left me slightly unsatisfied.

First, poor Dodie, who has the kindest, most genuinely loving heart, seemed to be walked all over by everyone and took it in stride - her best friend doesn't speak very kindly to her, her boyfriend seems more interested in sex than sharing a life with her and understanding her, and everyone puts themselves before her. I felt sorry for her but at the same to wanted to say, wake up!

Also, I would have loved to have learned more about the history of the letter. I felt as if Dodie was constantly searching for answers to the mystery, but didn't get very far which was unsatisfactory for the reader. It was an abrupt finish to the storyline without learning a great deal of information. I think the author could have taken this aspect a bit deeper.

Indeed this is a sweet tale, it just wasn't particularly my cup of tea.

2.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Tilly Tennant for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

What would you do if you found a love letter written during World War II? Would you track down the owner of the letter or just throw it away and move on?

Dodie, a vintage store owner, found such a letter. She immediately made it her mission to return the letter to its owner. In the process, her life as well as that of those she encountered along the way, was forever changed.

This is a cozy and heartwarming story about family and second chances. I didn't quite warm up to Dodie, but the rest of the characters were endearing. Overall, it’s a sweet story that takes place during Christmas time but isn't heavy on the festivities.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an endearing and sweet book. Just right for this time of year! Could easily be made into a Hallmark movie.

Dodie, is a kind hearted owner of a Vintage Clothing shop in the charming sea side town of Bournemouth. It's Christmas time and the town is all aglow. She receives some new inventory in her shop. As she is unpacking the merchandise a beautiful green coat catches her eye and she tries it on. As she admires it she puts her hands into the pocket and feels something. It's an old love letter written by a man named George (off fighting a war in France) to his sweetheart Margaret. Written in 1944. It touches her heart. She begins a quest to find the owner of the coat or her family. I loved that part of the story. It kept me wondering and yearning for answers. Perhaps my only disappointment is that some things did not quite come to light.

Still an engaging and heart-warming tale. I'd like to thank NetGalley, and Bookouture for allowing me the opportunity to read this advanced reader's copy.

[Melindam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Netgalley Arc received by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Overall verdict: a lovely, entertaining read and some really good characterisation that points beyond the chick-lit genre by author Tilly Tennant. A bit thin on the Christmas Tinsel, but warms you heart & soul nevertheless.

3.5 stars

First of all, let me tell you that I am very much a Christmas-Crazy Person and proud of it.



So of course, come September I already start indulging in the Christmas's-just-around-the-corner-feeling and fall for books with lovely Christmas covers, just like this one.

Also when I buy a book with a Christmas cover, I want the content to match, so you cannot offer me too much of literary twinkling christmas lights, mulled wine, gingerbread, eggnog, logfires, winter wonderland, tinsel, present-wrapping, tree-dressing and what-not. So JUST BRING IT ON.

I just mention this, because much as I liked the story of A Very Vintage Christmas, I felt Christmas to be rather sidelined. It was there, like low, pleasant background music, but I would have preferred more volume.

Still, aside from this "complaint", this is a really nice book.

Dodie, a lovely, warm-hearted and quirky girl-next-door, runs a vintage clothes shop in Bournemouth. She is struggling a bit to make ends meet, but is not willing to give up on her dreams. She has a boyfriend (sort of), but they seem to be a world-apart.
One day she finds a love-letter in the pocket of one a vintage coat purchased at an auction. The letter dates from 1944 and Dodie is so touched by it as well as the possible fates of the lovers that she decides to try and find the family whom it may belong.
During this "quest" she meets Ed, who agrees to help, and kinds as he seems, he has a past to deal with.
The only serious hitch of the story is Dodie's boyfriend Ryan, who is as obnoxious and uncaring as she is lovely & I just couldn't believe there were any stakes to their almost non-existent relationship. The ensuing "drama" about Dodie needing to choose between 2 men felt fake and out of proportions.
The character I really took a shine to was Dodie's best friend, Isla, and I am happy to see that she gets her own Christmas story in A Cosy Candlelit Christmas.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is also available on my blog:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...

When I first saw A Very Vintage Christmas and read the blurb, I had a good feeling about this and I was in no way disappointed, other than by it having to end. I loved this story, and feel a little sad that I’ve already read it, as I think as far as Christmas stories go, this one is going to take some beating. Really hoping I’m not underwhelmed by other Christmas books I read this year now.

This book is about a young woman who runs her own vintage shop, and one day discovers a really old letter from a man to the love of his life in the pocket of a vintage coat. The story follows the impact discovering such a letter has on Dodie and those around her. Are a few words between loved ones many years ago enough to change the course of her own life as well as others? Read the book to find out.

What I loved about this book is that it wasn’t just a romance. I adore Christmas books, but as the years go on, it seems increasingly difficult to find Christmas books that aren’t just romances set in December. I read Christmas books for the magic, compassion, charity, hope, friendship, family, festive cheer, perhaps a little mulled wine, and I’m pleased to say this book had all of those things. Yes, this is a romance, but it is also so much more than that.

I loved Dodie, and would definitely have been friends with her. I’ve dyed my hair all sorts of colours over the years. My natural colour is a mix of mousy and ginger, but my own ginger has turned a shocking white these days, so now I’m quite boring and just dye it all ginger, to make up for mine having turned white and also so I don’t have contrasting roots like I used to with the more vibrant reds, pinks and purples I used to dye it. I attempted turquoise about a decade ago, but it faded to pale green and I ended up looking like Orville. Not one of my finer moments, but one I think Dodie would have been amused by.

I also appreciated Dodie disliking the word ‘babe’. I agree completely. The word makes me cringe and the husband is banned from calling me it under any circumstances. I’m feeling myself going the same way with ‘darling’, thanks to The Hotel Inspector.

I also related to Dodie’s anxiety and depression. Life is too short and precious, and it was actually the death of my grandma just under a year ago, that changed the course of my own future, as I realised I couldn’t live down in Cornwall forever. I’m no longer truly happy down here, and need to be nearer family and friends, so now have plans to move back up to Yorkshire when the husband leaves the Navy in about five years. Of course, I will aim to make the most of the few years I have left down here, but the dream of moving back up north is what drives me and keeps me going.

I loved Dodie’s grandma. What a fun character she was. She did make me giggle. I also loved Nick, the homeless man too. There really were some great characters in this book.

This book also brought back memories, as my dad had a Monkees album on LP, which I loved playing as a child. Such catchy tunes. Also, my mum won the Butlins leg competition too, but in Skegness when she was in her late thirties. I was very young at the time, and it was so funny in my eyes seeing complete strangers looking at my mum the next day, recognising her as the winner of the competition the previous night.

A Very Vintage Christmas made me laugh, cry, feel sad and also filled me with that happy warm fuzzy feeling inside. I do love a story that can put me through all the emotions and this was a delight to read. If you want a Christmas story with romance plus a whole lot more, then this is the book for you. If I could give this more than 5 stars I would.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading author, Tilly Tennant. What a delightful read and since I am not British it was so fun seeing the way they speak in written word. It added such a delightful charm to it. Perfect for the fireplace with your hot cup of cocoa you will get lost in this story. It's a true delight from the fairy lights in Dodie's Vintage dress shop to the small town charming cafe's and friendly neighbors. Throw in Dodie's eccentric grandmother and Nick, the friendly town's homeless man,Ryan, Dodie's boyfriend and Ed. Dodie finds an old letter in a coat pocket that comes into her vintage clothing store and it starts her on a journey to find a relative of the letter's recipient to return the letter to. This journey consumes her and takes a lot of her time. The journey was fun to read about and the twists and turns were not what I was expecting. Great story plot! Can't wait to read more by this author!
Pub Date 28 Sep 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Liina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dodie owns a vintage store and when she finds a letter in the pocket of an old coat, she decides to find the owner of the letter. The address on the envelope leads her to a man called Edward. Ed wants to help Dodie and together they'll try work out the solution to find  the owner of the letter. Spending a lot of time together makes them get to know each other more and the feelings are slowly growing, even though Dodie has a boyfriend and Ed's past is still lingering in the present. Dodie has to figure out to whom her heart belongs and also solve the letter mystery.

I very much enjoyed reading  about Dodie's life, it was a beautifully written Christmas story with a little bit of the mystery in it. I loved how the plot slowly built up the background for the second book and I'm definitely looking forward to reading that one as well. I think the vintage store setting was unique and perfectly fitted with Dodie's personality and interests. A beautiful story that has a beautiful cover.

[Chelle - FlowerChildReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dodie Bright is a warm, thoughtful, slightly eccentric girl who owns a vintage shop in the seaside English town of Dorchester. She’s the kind of person who sees the humanity in others regardless of any possible gain for herself. I was smitten with her immediately! Her story is a lovely holiday tale that will leave you in the mood for your favorite old movies, ready to sing carols, and string the lights. Get ready for the kind of nostalgia you get from your warmest and fondest seasonal memories.
While unpacking some clothes for her vintage clothing shop Dodie finds a letter written in 1944 in the pocket of a coat from ‘George’ to ‘Margaret’. She is so overwhelmed by the devotion and emotion expressed she decides she must return such a personal item to either Margaret or her family. With no other information, and a faded address, Dodie doesn’t have much to go on and follows her only lead to the street address. Here she meets a rather curmudgeonly, but oddly willing to help, Ed Willoughby. Dodie finds a partner in her quest in Ed, and she can’t quite explain the match, or his seemingly hot and cold reactions towards her. She has a boyfriend, Ryan, she’s trying to navigate her own feelings towards, so she tries not to put a lot of thought into it. Ryan isn’t a great match for Dodie, so we understand her motivation for not sharing this part of her life with him. Ryan’s not a bad guy, they simply aren’t a great fit. As the story progresses we are drawn into both a mystery and romance beautifully woven together.
Tilly Tennant does a wonderful job crafting this sweet holiday story. The characters have depth, no one is all good or all bad even if their actions are unlikable. There are some minor secondary storylines that are left hanging. Perhaps these are addressed in the next book (which I most certainly will be reading!). I definitely recommend A Very Vintage Christmas for anyone who enjoys holiday stories, contemporary fiction, or romance.
I received an advanced reader copy (eGalley) from Bookouture through NetGalley. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a simply delightful story, which surprised and pleased me in equal measure. It certainly is a book that encompasses the spirit of good will that is generally around in December, without being overtly Christmassy.

By which I mean, although its set in December, and Christmas does feature, its not the main focus. The focal point of the book is the letter that is found in a woolen coat that Dodie finds, while sorting out a new order of vintage clothes for her little shop.

She can't help but read it and is struck, as I am by just how romantic a story it tells, and Dodie becomes determined to reunite this letter with the family of either of the people involved. Only a few small things, she knows the address from 1944, only first names and the first letter of the lady's surname. Not an easy task!

Early in her search she meets Edward who against his better judgement ends up not only helping Dodie, but seems to keep bumping into her about town. Yet Dodie has a boyfriend, Ryan, although even early on I wasn't too convinced by their relationship.

There are three other characters of note for various reasons. Dodie's gran - every single time she was featured I was laughing, she is the sort of gran who continually has different classes on, seems to know everyone and yet feels slightly dotty at the same time!

Isla is Dodie's best friend, and is going through some big things herself. which I won't mention, as I am looking forward to getting to know her properly in Tilly Tennant's second Christmas book for this year.

Nick is the last character who is definitely worth mentioning, he pops up from time to time, but due to his situation, he gives a bit more of a serious / real tone to the book, reminding you that its not just Christmas decorations and presents at this time of year, but for others Christmas is a whole different ballgame.

A Very Vintage Wedding is such a wonderful book, that had me smiling, laughing at times, but also almost had me feeling emotional too. It has a great premise, and with Tilly Tennant special kind of writing magic you have a charming book, and I can't wait for A Cosy Candlelit Christmas.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Tilly Tennant is quickly becoming one of my go to authors when I’m looking for a lighthearted read that I can really escape into. I loved her From Italy with Love series and was so excited when I found out she was releasing a Christmas book! I know many of you think I’m a bit insane for already being all Christmas crazy but though this is set during the holidays, it’s not overwhelmingly Christmassy. It’s sort of there in the background and does play a part, but it’s not in your face, so any Grinches out there, don’t ignore this one because it has Christmas in the title, grab it because it’s such a fun, feel good book!

Sweet Dodie is the main character and I just adored her, she marches to the beat of a different drum but she was adorably charming and so kind. She’s an enormously giving individual and her small acts of kindness warned my heart. Her gran was an absolutely lovely addition to the story, she’s flaky and flighty but has a heart of gold. Isla is Dodie’s best friend and though her part was small, I really enjoyed their friendship and am so happy she’s getting her own book as the next installment in this little gem of a series. There are also some delicious male characters to swoon over which is always a treat.

I loved the little bit of a historical vibe this book had between Dodie owning a vintage store and the letter she finds that was written during World War Two, there was a throwback to a different time even though this was set in the present day. This was a sparkly, festive magical read with wonderful characters and an engaging plot. Tennant always manages to sweep me away to a new place and I loved the charming town where this was set and could easily picture it all clearly thanks to her vivid descriptions and vibrant writing style. Add this one to your Christmas reading list and keep your eye out for book two next month!

[Silvia Devitofrancesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Dodie ama il gusto del passato tanto da aver aperto un negozio vintage dove vende abiti e oggetti di seconda mano. Il Natale si avvicina assieme alla tradizionale ricerca del regalo perfetto e Dodie si sta preparando a proporre alle sue clienti qualcosa di vissuto e inusuale. Un giorno, mentre è intenta a sistemare un cappotto appena arrivato in negozio, s’imbatte casualmente in una antica lettera conservata all’interno di una tasca. Si tratta di una lettera scritta nel lontano 1944 da un certo George indirizzata a una certa Margaret. Incuriosita, la giovane decide di rincorrere il passato e di cercare eventuali eredi ai quali restituire la lettera. Si reca all’indirizzo indicato sulla busta, ma, com’era prevedibile, non vi abita nessuno che possa avere un qualche legame con i due. Grazie all’aiuto dei sociali e di Edward, colui che adesso vive lì dove viveva Margaret, Dodie pian piano scoprirà la verità in un crescendo di scoperte che non avrebbe mai potuto immaginare.

“Sei solo… tu. Ecco cosa hai fatto. Sei… Non ho mai conosciuto una come te.”

La cittadina marittima di Bournemouth nel Dorset, in Inghilterra, si sta preparando al Natale. Nonostante il negozio di Dodie non rientri tra quelli presi d’assalto e gli affari non vadano a gonfie vele, la giovane è ugualmente felice poiché è riuscita a realizzare la sua passione. Dodie ha una vita tranquilla, assolutamente normale: trascorre le serate guardando vecchi film, ha una nonna un po’ sopra le righe, una migliore amica fantastica e Ryan, un fidanzato dal carattere decisamente particolare. Il loro è un amore che ha scadenze fisse, orari e giorni prestabiliti nei quali incontrarsi, non vi è poi così grande spazio per i sentimenti, le romanticherie e le sorprese.

Edward, al contrario, rappresenta tutto quello che una donna desidererebbe da un uomo. Attento, amante della conversazione, premuroso, forse ciò che sarebbe ideale per Dodie, la cui esistenza è diventata alquanto monotona. Pagina dopo pagina man mano che gli eventi legati al ritrovamento della misteriosa lettera procedono, il rapporto tra i due assume nuove sfaccettature che potrebbero regalare interessanti sorprese.

Lo stile della prosa è semplice e scorrevole. L’autrice narra gli eventi con grande trasporto riuscendo a conquistare l’attenzione del lettore, il quale segue le vicende con interesse e curiosità di scoprire se il miracolo di Natale auspicato da Dodie possa realmente avverarsi.

Un romanzo dolce e delicato. Una lettura tra passato e presente che riscalda il cuore.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dodie is a lovely individual character who owns a vintage shop. When she finds a letter written in the war years she wants to make sure that it gets back to it's recipient as it must hold special memories. She makes her investigations and this leads her to finding a lovely new man. I loved the whole idea of tracing Margaret.
I could imagine myself looking around the Vintage shop and chatting to Dodie. I love books that really make you feel a part of the whole story.

[Terri Wino · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to round this one up to 3 stars. I guess I expected a little more from this book and it fell a little short for me. The story wasn't all that exciting, which I could have overlooked if not for the fact most of the characters seemed rather wishy-washy for most of the book, and downright irritating a few times.

I don't really think there was much of a romance in this book either, other than a bit of rushed plot at the end of the book.

So this one was just "okay" for me.

[Carlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dodie Bright has accepted that her friends see her weird, that she spends more time in clothing the same age as her gran, and that her boyfriend doesn't really fit in with her world. She focuses her time on making her vintage clothing business a success, the sentimental value of everything meaning so much to her. When she discovers a letter in a coat's pocket she finds herself caught up on a quest to discover the letters owner. She instead finds Ed, the house's current owner, and together they get caught up in the love-letter. The romance of the letter seeps into everyone's lives, making Ryan more interested in Dodie and Ed newly interested in Dodie and Dodie confused and a bit lonely. The cold weather and joyous singing brings about a change though and she ends the holidays with the one she's meant to be with and an answer to the letter's mystery.

What a sweet story, the kind that's a great read for anytime of the year not just the holidays. I wanted to read Tilly Tennant's A Very Vintage Christmas after being attracted first by the cover, and then by the blurb. I love books about finding old letters, about past and present mixing together, and about anything vintage. Dodie Bright comes from a different era, better suited in vintage fashion amongst her store's treasures. I loved her outlook on life, her friendship with Isla and her gran, and more than that, I loved her slow recognition of wanting something more out of romance and in the person she doesn't expect. Ryan, her somewhat boyfriend, just didn't fit in, but that seemed to be the point. Ed, on the other hand, was fantastic. I wanted him to myself. Then there's the love letter, a story that tugs at your heart string, and really could have been fleshed out even further. It has all the romance readers could want from a sweet romance, with a bit of a backbone from its vintage connected adventure.

A Very Vintage Christmas flows in a natural way, it's not too long, but does cover a lot of ground with its story about finding the family of a letter from the 1940's. Its a tale that's cozy and warm, more Women's Lit than holiday romance though. I really liked this charming story and can't wait for a chance to read Isla's story, A Cosy Candlelit Christmas.


ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Supriya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quiet, comforting read with a strong sense of nostalgia. With its charming seaside setting, vintage shop magic, and a love story sparked by a forgotten letter, it delivers exactly what a cozy read should: hope and just enough sparkle ✨ A lovely pick if you’re in the mood for something calm and softly romantic rather than overt in any way.
4 stars 🌟

[Ari Zapata · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to love it. It had such amazing reviews, but boy oh boy... Just couldn't get into it. Didn't click with the characters and it was so extremely slow!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book has Christmas in the title, it is not so much about Christmas, it just takes place at that time of the year. Having said that, I really enjoyed this book. It was just what I wanted curled up in a chair on a crisp evening. Tilly Tennant kept me turning the pages to see what was going to happen in Dodie's life.

This book is about a young woman, Dodie, who runs her own vintage shop, after moving closer to her gran when her grandad dies. While unpacking a box she purchased by auction, she discovers a really old letter from George to the love of his life, Margaret V. in the pocket of a vintage coat. The story follows the impact of discovering this letter on Dodie and those around her. Will she find the letter writer or the intended recipient? How does one go about this search? How does this impact Dodie? This book answers these questions and more.

There were several things I liked about this book. First of all Dodie, the main character. She was a caring, fun, eccentric and alive character that I would love to be friends with. She was also a bit of a feminist in that she did not like being referred to as "babe" and wanted to be independent. It took her awhile to get a backbone in some situations, but she does do it. I also liked that this was not just a romance. It was a book about life, being yourself, helping others, being loyal, helpful and standing up for yourself. There is an underlying message about mental health and PTSD that is subtle but is a great message that needs to get out there without being preachy. Then there are the other characters that make this book both funny and serious. Dodie's gran is an eccentric older woman that wants to live life to the fullest. She made me laugh when I read about all the things she tried, as well as her interactions with her granddaughter. I loved Dodie’s grandma. What a fun character she was. She did make me giggle. I also loved Nick, the homeless man too. There really were some great characters in this book. Isla, Dodie's best friend was so different from her, but they were there for each other when it was needed. I hope we read more about her in future books. Ed, the male character who was dealing with so many issues, helped Dodie to see how special she really was. All great characters that added to the story.

A Very Vintage Christmas pulled me along on a wonderful ride. I felt a gamut of emotions while reading this book. Again, this is a wonderful story that is more than just a romantic Christmas story. Pick it up, I am sure you will enjoy it. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[MetLineReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read centred around a vintage clothes shop and the hunt for the people in a letter found in the pocket of an old coat.

I didn't think the first chapter was necessary (and had to read it twice to get into the book) but apart from that this was a fun, interesting and fast read.

Didn't feel Christmassy until towards the end - my first Christmas book of 2017!

[ItaPixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice story,even if Christmas is not yet in the full swing we can easily breath a Christmas atmosphere through the pages of this book.

I loved the heroine so much,I'd like to be her friends,to hug her and try every article showed in her vintage shop.
Dodie is just too good for this era.It seems like everyone mistreats her but she doesn't let anything to bring her down and when an old love letter comes into her hands she is determined to find the person who wrote it and to give it back.

I enjoyed to follow Dodie during her journey and I can't wait to read Isla's story.

[Sonia Donelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/u...

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super all round full on romantic read in every possible sense. I love the word vintage it has a classy ring to it and I feel that if I looked the word up I would find that the definition of it would be, “a young woman with bright red hair and an infectious smile.” Dodie is everything vintage from the clothes that she wears, to her shop and even the old black and white movies she swoons over an unhealthy number of times. Her high-light though has to be the delivery of her new, or should I say, old clothes, which she lovingly unpacks and drools over very dreamily.
Occasionally she discovers the secrets of the past in the pockets but nothing like she finds in the beautiful green coat with fur collar. A letter from the past that will take Dodie on an incredible life changing mission, not just for her but for others too.
I am still glowing from reading this beautiful story, this isn’t just a romantic story, this is the meaning of romance, a story from the past that gives you those gooey moments, the knees that could just give way and mostly the imagination of what it was like  to grab happiness back in 1944 in the war years. This is the spirit of romance.
Tilly Tennant captures the whole caboodle. Even in present day romance still blossoms over three generations, with Dodie’s gran being one of my favourite characters. She definitely has a sparkle in her eye and the energy to bag a bit of romance for herself too. She made and smile and laugh, what a super outlook on life!
Sometimes people can fall in love with the idea of being in love and so Dodie’s life is put to the test. This is the perfect book to curl up with as the nights draw in, a wonderfully written book that makes you warm inside and giddy on the outside, all topped off with Christmas.
I wish to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC of this book which I have honestly reviewed.

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved Tilly’s books that I have read in the past and was looking forward to indulging in the one of the many Christmas Themed books I have at the moment (it’s never too early right?). The cover is to die for and gives it that Christmassy feel however although the book is centered around Christmas time it’s not too much overkill which I liked. Dodie is a little quirky, she dyes her hair all sorts of colours and owns and runs a Vintage clothing store in town. She finds a letter in among some bits she has brought but all she has is the name of the people who wrote and received the letter and an address. Considering it was in 1944 she has her work cut out but wants to know more about the people involved.

On her quest to find out more she meets Ed who somehow gets involved in her search. Other notable characters were Dodie’s friend Isla, her slightly kooky Gran and even Nick, the homeless guy who Dodie talks to. Dodie's Gran definitely stole the limelight for me and it was hillarious listening to her regular updates on what 'classes' she was attending! It took me a few chapters to get into the story but once there I was completely enthralled.The story of the Wartime romance adds another level to this book and for me made it so much more interesting as it intertwines with Dodie's life. Overall this is another great book by Tilly and what makes it even better is knowing there is another installment soon! A Cosy Candlelit Christmas is being released in October 2017 and features Isla who is seen in this story. I can’t wait to get started on it!

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly delightful, heartwarming story from start to finish with lots of Christmas cosy feeling moments throughout.  Lovely, likeable characters and the perfect location/setting which I thought was well described and I truly felt like I was there in Bournemouth. I even loved the idea of the Christmas charity dip, not sure I'd be brave enough to do it though.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing how each of their stories developed as the story progressed. I especially loved the connection between Dodie and Isla, that really is how best friends should be.

As for the letter that Dodie finds, and the secrets/mystery behind it, it was truly heartfelt and emotional, there may have been a tear or two and that's all I'm going to say as wouldn't want to let any spoilers out of the bag so to say.

The whole storyplot, the characters and everything about this book was all so very well written, which is no surprise as author Tilly never fails to deliver. Having read a few of her books to date, I can very much vouch for that. Just love her books.

On that note, I'm looking forward to reading her next book already.

[Maranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever dance to your own drummer but refuse to learn a new beat? Tilly Tennant's Dodie is one of these people. Dodie loves old movies, vintage clothes, oldies music and does not seem to want to give up on a boyfriend that is past his expiration date. Sentimental of days gone by is why Dodie owns a vintage clothes store. Like a kid with a new toy all clothes are mended, washed, and made ready for another journey. The discovery of a love letter in the pocket of a green coat drives Dodie to pursue a mission to return it to a family member. Being a genealogist I was caught up in the steps taken to track clues with very little information other than the couple's first names -"Margaret and George". Cast of interesting characters make this pleasure to read. "A copy of this book was presented by Bookouture via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. "Comments here are my honest opinion."

[Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Vintage Christmas is the first book in the An Unforgettable Christmas series followed by A Cosy Candlelit Christmas. Whilst I enjoyed both books in the series, A Very Vintage Christmas was definitely my favourite as I related to Dodie from the start - she is a very likeable character, the sort of person you would want as your best friend in real life!

A Very Vintage Christmas introduces us to Dodie, a young woman who is pursuing her dream of owning a vintage shop - her passion is everything vintage so is thrilled to be running a vintage based business. There are two stories running parallel; first up is Dodie's love life. She has a relatively long distance relationship with Ryan and they are struggling to see each other as much as they would like due to their work commitments and the distance although Dodie seems a bit confused as to whether there is any longevity in their relationship....and that is before she meets the lovely Edward. 

The other story (arguably the main story) commences when Dodie is checking through her latest haul of items and she comes across an old letter from a gentleman seemingly to the love of his life in the pocket of a beautiful coat. However Dodie has very little contact details to go from but is determined to return the letter to its rightful owner. 

There are some wonderful characters in this book; we have Isla, Dodie's best friend who is always there in times of crisis (generally with a Chinese - my type of friend :) !!) who we learn more about in A Cosy Candlelit Christmas. A regular visitor to Dodie's shop is her eccentric gran who adds more than just a touch of humour to the book. 

Dodie's compassionate side really comes out through her interactions with Nick who is living on the streets, she often purchases too much hot food so she can drop some off to him. There is a real warmth to this friendship which is built upon mutual respect. 

I can't actually articulate how much I loved this book, the scenes in it are beautiful and the backdrop of Christmas makes it all the more beautiful....also I fell a bit in love with Edward myself, he's such a wonderful character - a true authentic gentleman. 

This is a beautifully written, heartwarming story which is perfect for the festive season - this book is best read all cosy on a chilly day with a hot chocolate...a heavenly combination!  

Highly recommended - A Very Vintage Christmas is a must read book for the festive season! 

[Maearle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book. All though it has a Christmas theme it is secondary to the story so it would be pleasant to read outside of the Christmas season. I enjoyed the plots and the characters, all of it was believable and relatable.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful read! Every time I read a book from Tilly Tennant I am having a really good time. Tilly Tennant became one of my favorite authors, every story she writes is different from the others, you never read twice the same kind of stories. I just love that so much. "A very vintage Christmas" was a very lovely read. I loved the fact that the main character is working in a vintage clothes shop, I loved the way she loves every thing vintage, that she loves her quiet evenings and that she is very interested in finding the owner of this love letter she found in the pocket of this beautiful vintage coat she has in her shop. I also loved the romance in this book and the twist at the end. Everything was perfect! I recommend this book 100%!

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was totally delightful and a perfect Christmas read full of romance. An easy read with an excellent start and great characters. Dodie owns a vintage shop and when she puts her hand in the pocket of a coat she got to sell in her shop she finds a love letter written many years ago and she's determined to find the lady it was written for or someone from the family. She goes to the house that it was addressed to but there is a new tenant called Edward but he says he will help. She also has a boyfriend but he's not right for her and she begins to fall for someone else but can the story of the letter unfold and can she pick the pieces up and can she find true love and forget her old boyfriend or not. Well worth reading a beautiful read.

[Brianna | briannas_books · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Very Vintage Christmas was the perfect book for a relaxing end of the year read. It had all the dynamics I love including an unexpected romance. I loved the values of helping others and caring for things from the past. However one thing I found difficult to like was how whiny the main character was at times. She had an odd way of thinking little things were the biggest problems even though other people in the story had it worse. Even with that I still liked the book and am thankful to the publisher for giving me the arc to read and review

Disclaimer: I received this arc in exchange for my honest review through netgalley. This is entirely my own opinion.

[Bron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute and fun christmassy read. This one was perfectly cosy with some fantastic characters.