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Moonlight on the Thames
Worlds collide when two strangers meet at Waterloo station. It's a moment they'll never forget. Perfect for the fans of Milly Johnson.
Christmas is a joyous time, but not everyone is merry and bright.
Nicola is a rising star at the top of the corporate ladder, but her personal life is a disaster. Her office affair has lost its allure, and the last thing she wants to think about is Christmas. A night of cancelled trains and festive Christmas carols at Waterloo Station is just about the last straw...
Dmitri loves conducting his pop-up choir during the festive season, meeting people, and spreading joy and cheer around London. But he carries deep secrets from his past that robbed him of his dream to become a concert pianist.
Can their hearts and souls be unlocked by music and moonlight and will they discover the healing power of love?
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2018
1148 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Westwood
21 books124 followersLauren Westwood is my pen name for writing women's fiction. Thanks for taking the time to look me up and I hope you enjoy my books, which are a blend of romance, mystery, and romantic suspense.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
Here are a couple of things that I'd like you to know about the real me, not the social media me:
I try very hard to write books that people will like and want to read, and I take a lot of pride in my work. It can take up to 1000 hours to write a book from beginning to end. I am unfortunately not able to make a living as an author, so I have a day job working as a lawyer. I also have three children.
Your honest ratings on goodreads are very important to me, and I try to take comments on board - both good and bad. I know that there are a lot of books out there, and that your reading time is precious. Thank you in advance if you choose to read my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
November 11, 2018
I admit that when I first looked at Moonlight on the Thames, I assumed it would be another cozy holiday story – and it is that – except there is far more to this book than first impressions would lead you to believe!
Moonlight on the Thames by Lauren Westwood is an intriguing tale of two star crossed strangers who meet by chance at Waterloo Station. Dimitri, formerly of Russia, is leading a “pop up choir” in a round of carols to entertain the passengers as they change trains. Nicola is a corporate star who in the middle of a bit of a romantic crisis with a co-worker and has no time to waste on the holidays, much less carolers in the middle of the station. As she makes a scene in front of everyone, she comes face to face with Dimitri and she is, at once, enchanted – as is he. But this pair brings with them a lifetime of baggage overflowing with abuse that neither has been able to entirely cope with. It’s the holidays and it will take a holiday miracle to bring these two together.
Miracle on the Thames is beautifully written, whose characters are fully dimensional and enchanting. Dimitri has suffered so much abuse in his lifetime that it appears impossible for him to love again or faith in people. As a former rising star in the music world, Nicola melts his hardened exterior to allow the music to flow from scarred hands once more. Nicola, through Dimitri’s kindness for his fellow man, his hope and his music, feels herself beginning to have emotions that she thought she never would experience again. All of this is told with such incredible empathy that I literally cried with pain and joy throughout its telling. Through the use of a Russian fable, Firebird, and through the music – which you can listen to via a special link, Dimitri and Nicola’s story unfolds in beautiful, lyrical prose. It an astonishing read, especially for someone who was expecting a “cosy romance.”
I highly recommend Moonlight on the Thames and hope you will make time for it this season.
Moonlight on the Thames by Lauren Westwood is an intriguing tale of two star crossed strangers who meet by chance at Waterloo Station. Dimitri, formerly of Russia, is leading a “pop up choir” in a round of carols to entertain the passengers as they change trains. Nicola is a corporate star who in the middle of a bit of a romantic crisis with a co-worker and has no time to waste on the holidays, much less carolers in the middle of the station. As she makes a scene in front of everyone, she comes face to face with Dimitri and she is, at once, enchanted – as is he. But this pair brings with them a lifetime of baggage overflowing with abuse that neither has been able to entirely cope with. It’s the holidays and it will take a holiday miracle to bring these two together.
Miracle on the Thames is beautifully written, whose characters are fully dimensional and enchanting. Dimitri has suffered so much abuse in his lifetime that it appears impossible for him to love again or faith in people. As a former rising star in the music world, Nicola melts his hardened exterior to allow the music to flow from scarred hands once more. Nicola, through Dimitri’s kindness for his fellow man, his hope and his music, feels herself beginning to have emotions that she thought she never would experience again. All of this is told with such incredible empathy that I literally cried with pain and joy throughout its telling. Through the use of a Russian fable, Firebird, and through the music – which you can listen to via a special link, Dimitri and Nicola’s story unfolds in beautiful, lyrical prose. It an astonishing read, especially for someone who was expecting a “cosy romance.”
I highly recommend Moonlight on the Thames and hope you will make time for it this season.
December 12, 2018
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Jules had what many people would consider the perfect life: a perfect husband, a perfect house and three perfect children – and therefore took it upon herself to appear busy and stressed at all times.
Her penguin jumper had a white pompom stuck on the back – the penguin’s tail. Not that real penguins had tails like that. The jumper was probably made in some sweatshop in Bangladesh by women chained to sewing machines who’d never even seen a proper picture of a penguin, let alone a real one.
When she caught sight of him, he could tell from her face that he must look like an old shoe that had been chewed by a dog and spat out again. Which was better than he felt.
For a brief moment, her life had been shaken up like a snow globe and filled with magic.
… it was as if she was experiencing the world for the first time. The colours looked brighter; the people were people, not simply obstacles to be avoided on public transport.
Chrissie put her hands on her hips. Even the appliqué reindeer on her Christmas jumper seemed to look annoyed.
My Review:
This was an angsty holiday tale, fraught with tragic histories, regrets, guilt, anxieties, personal pain, and tension. Both main characters were heavily marked with scars, although where Nicola’s were internal, Dmitri’s were equally distributed inside and out with PTSD. I held my breath they would not damage each other further as Dmitri was so fragile and Nicola so full of anger and hostility, she was difficult for me to care for initially as she was so cold, selfish, and basically abhorrent. Both characters were fascinatingly complex, deeply damaged, and brilliantly crafted. And the music – oh my heart, I’ll never be able to listen to Chopin or Rachmaninov again without remembering this heartrending tale. Ms. Westwood certainly made me earn that hard-won, well deserved, and highly desired HEA, but it was well worth the effort.
In addition to the new additions to my Brit Word List of bursary (scholarship) and chivvy (hurry along); I have learned a new manner of drinking tea as Dmitri enjoyed his strong black tea with one spoonful of strawberry jam, I’d never heard of that before. I’m going to have some while I listen to Chopin’s Nocturnes one more time.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
Jules had what many people would consider the perfect life: a perfect husband, a perfect house and three perfect children – and therefore took it upon herself to appear busy and stressed at all times.
Her penguin jumper had a white pompom stuck on the back – the penguin’s tail. Not that real penguins had tails like that. The jumper was probably made in some sweatshop in Bangladesh by women chained to sewing machines who’d never even seen a proper picture of a penguin, let alone a real one.
When she caught sight of him, he could tell from her face that he must look like an old shoe that had been chewed by a dog and spat out again. Which was better than he felt.
For a brief moment, her life had been shaken up like a snow globe and filled with magic.
… it was as if she was experiencing the world for the first time. The colours looked brighter; the people were people, not simply obstacles to be avoided on public transport.
Chrissie put her hands on her hips. Even the appliqué reindeer on her Christmas jumper seemed to look annoyed.
My Review:
This was an angsty holiday tale, fraught with tragic histories, regrets, guilt, anxieties, personal pain, and tension. Both main characters were heavily marked with scars, although where Nicola’s were internal, Dmitri’s were equally distributed inside and out with PTSD. I held my breath they would not damage each other further as Dmitri was so fragile and Nicola so full of anger and hostility, she was difficult for me to care for initially as she was so cold, selfish, and basically abhorrent. Both characters were fascinatingly complex, deeply damaged, and brilliantly crafted. And the music – oh my heart, I’ll never be able to listen to Chopin or Rachmaninov again without remembering this heartrending tale. Ms. Westwood certainly made me earn that hard-won, well deserved, and highly desired HEA, but it was well worth the effort.
In addition to the new additions to my Brit Word List of bursary (scholarship) and chivvy (hurry along); I have learned a new manner of drinking tea as Dmitri enjoyed his strong black tea with one spoonful of strawberry jam, I’d never heard of that before. I’m going to have some while I listen to Chopin’s Nocturnes one more time.
December 12, 2018
5☆ A Poignant, Warm and Enchanting Festive read, that oozed Romance.
Moonlight on the Thames is a poignant, warm and enchanting festive read, that oozed Romance.
From the first few chapters I was drawn in and hooked. I love books that can get you that engrossed so quickly.
I must admit it did have me cringing and giggling at times by some of the antics.
Nicola is having an affair with a married man. When she gets stood up at the train station only to find out all the trains are delayed, she's angry and understandably irritated.
It's on that same platform she angrily bumps into Dimitri.
He is leading a choir and spreading festive joy to those around.... well that is all accept Nicola, who angrily tells them to shut up, kicking over their bucket and making a scene.
But as ever Dimitri is calm and polite back to her, leaving her bewildered, enchanted and intrigued by this mysterious man.
The two are deeply flawed characters, but can there chance encounter restore their faith in love, romance and christmas or are they doomed just like the trains.
Moonlight on the Thames is more than just a Romance, it's about connections, destiny, tragedy, loss, heartbreak, self acceptance, letting go, finding love, friendship, learning to trust and the joy of music.
(which I have to mention accompanied with the book is a fantastic music playlist that just makes this book even more special).
The Characters are deeply flawed, endearing, strong and unique you can't help routing for them to have their HEA.
Moonlight on the Thames is an emotive and absorbing read that's beautifully written, it touches the heart and pulls the reader in.
If you enjoy reading enthralling love stories that are irresistibly warm and Romantic, with a festive sparkle then you will really enjoy this captivating story.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...
Moonlight on the Thames is a poignant, warm and enchanting festive read, that oozed Romance.
From the first few chapters I was drawn in and hooked. I love books that can get you that engrossed so quickly.
I must admit it did have me cringing and giggling at times by some of the antics.
Nicola is having an affair with a married man. When she gets stood up at the train station only to find out all the trains are delayed, she's angry and understandably irritated.
It's on that same platform she angrily bumps into Dimitri.
He is leading a choir and spreading festive joy to those around.... well that is all accept Nicola, who angrily tells them to shut up, kicking over their bucket and making a scene.
But as ever Dimitri is calm and polite back to her, leaving her bewildered, enchanted and intrigued by this mysterious man.
The two are deeply flawed characters, but can there chance encounter restore their faith in love, romance and christmas or are they doomed just like the trains.
Moonlight on the Thames is more than just a Romance, it's about connections, destiny, tragedy, loss, heartbreak, self acceptance, letting go, finding love, friendship, learning to trust and the joy of music.
(which I have to mention accompanied with the book is a fantastic music playlist that just makes this book even more special).
The Characters are deeply flawed, endearing, strong and unique you can't help routing for them to have their HEA.
Moonlight on the Thames is an emotive and absorbing read that's beautifully written, it touches the heart and pulls the reader in.
If you enjoy reading enthralling love stories that are irresistibly warm and Romantic, with a festive sparkle then you will really enjoy this captivating story.
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/1...
August 14, 2018
4.25 Stars.
Uplifting yet at times sobering, Moonlight on the Thames introduces us to Nicola and Dmitri, two strong, wounded souls, each coping the best they can with the hands life dealt them in their younger years. And then fate in all her romantic glory steps in, showing them that with the right person, Christmas really can be the most wonderful time of the year.
Her heart had been locked up for years, the sign firmly turned to closed.”
After their pretty rocky introduction to one another on a station platform, you‘d never imagine that Dmitri and Nicola were destined to be. Nicola was admittedly a difficult woman to warm to: through her own choice she’s something of a loner, very much all work and no play aside of her love for her sister and the fact she has spent the past three years sleeping with her married colleague. Dmitri was the very opposite, I adored him from the moment we met him and whilst he guards himself, refusing to let a woman get close for his own reasons, he has a huge heart and is surrounded by people who clearly think the world of him.
It is possible. To have a good life and a strong relationship. To no longer be a victim but a survivor.”
That chance meeting at Waterloo is the beginning of a story incorporating self-acceptance, discovery and love and, in Nicola’s case, a degree of self-redemption. And as she and Dmitri get to know one another and lay old ghosts to rest, it becomes evident that each is the missing piece to the other’s puzzle.
You need to find your own happiness and grab it with both hands.”
This wasn’t a flawless read—there was a bit of a lull in the middle for me and some of the characters I found a tad overly judgemental, particular Nicola’s younger sister—but overall Moonlight on the Thames is an engaging, character-driven story combining the real with the incredibly romantic, and whilst it may not be your general festive offering, that’s what made this the book it was, leaving you entirely satisfied when you flick the final page. I’ll definitely be checking out more of Lauren Westwood’s writing.
You are who you are.”
Copy received courtesy of Aria via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Uplifting yet at times sobering, Moonlight on the Thames introduces us to Nicola and Dmitri, two strong, wounded souls, each coping the best they can with the hands life dealt them in their younger years. And then fate in all her romantic glory steps in, showing them that with the right person, Christmas really can be the most wonderful time of the year.
Her heart had been locked up for years, the sign firmly turned to closed.”
After their pretty rocky introduction to one another on a station platform, you‘d never imagine that Dmitri and Nicola were destined to be. Nicola was admittedly a difficult woman to warm to: through her own choice she’s something of a loner, very much all work and no play aside of her love for her sister and the fact she has spent the past three years sleeping with her married colleague. Dmitri was the very opposite, I adored him from the moment we met him and whilst he guards himself, refusing to let a woman get close for his own reasons, he has a huge heart and is surrounded by people who clearly think the world of him.
It is possible. To have a good life and a strong relationship. To no longer be a victim but a survivor.”
That chance meeting at Waterloo is the beginning of a story incorporating self-acceptance, discovery and love and, in Nicola’s case, a degree of self-redemption. And as she and Dmitri get to know one another and lay old ghosts to rest, it becomes evident that each is the missing piece to the other’s puzzle.
You need to find your own happiness and grab it with both hands.”
This wasn’t a flawless read—there was a bit of a lull in the middle for me and some of the characters I found a tad overly judgemental, particular Nicola’s younger sister—but overall Moonlight on the Thames is an engaging, character-driven story combining the real with the incredibly romantic, and whilst it may not be your general festive offering, that’s what made this the book it was, leaving you entirely satisfied when you flick the final page. I’ll definitely be checking out more of Lauren Westwood’s writing.
You are who you are.”
Copy received courtesy of Aria via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
October 17, 2018
Nicola is dreading the Christmas season, and encountering a group of carolers taking over Waterloo Station is about all she can take. However, after heckling the group of singers, she can’t get the handsome choir master, Dmitri, out of her head. As their paths continue to cross, traumatic pasts unfold while romance blossoms.
Author Lauren Westwood has a stunning command of this world she’s crafted, and the result is a novel that reads almost operatic. These characters and their lives are heightened, and their trajectories soar just like Dmitri’s music. Westwood does not shy away from tragedy and how individuals would naturally respond to those events even years later. But that’s exactly what makes the sprouting relationship between Dmitri and Nicola so compelling and rewarding.
And it’s certainly a whirlwind along the way. Usually it’s so hard to create a character both highly flawed and highly sympathetic, but Westwood manages this with both Nicola and Dmitri. There were a few points where I was frustrated by their choices, but they were justified. It’s not a light, easy romance by any stretch, and that was a pleasant surprise for a holiday read.
Overall, this is a hauntingly beautiful novel.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
Author Lauren Westwood has a stunning command of this world she’s crafted, and the result is a novel that reads almost operatic. These characters and their lives are heightened, and their trajectories soar just like Dmitri’s music. Westwood does not shy away from tragedy and how individuals would naturally respond to those events even years later. But that’s exactly what makes the sprouting relationship between Dmitri and Nicola so compelling and rewarding.
And it’s certainly a whirlwind along the way. Usually it’s so hard to create a character both highly flawed and highly sympathetic, but Westwood manages this with both Nicola and Dmitri. There were a few points where I was frustrated by their choices, but they were justified. It’s not a light, easy romance by any stretch, and that was a pleasant surprise for a holiday read.
Overall, this is a hauntingly beautiful novel.
Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
September 10, 2018
3 - "You need to find your own happiness…" Stars.
If you are looking for a story set around two broken, lonely souls, who although from opposite sides of the spectrum in pretty much every way, come together over the course of Christmas in London, then this is a book that will be right up your street.
Her life had been shaken up like a snow globe and filled with magic…
Lauren Westwood is a new author to me, and after reading the synopsis of Moonlight on the Thames I knew I wanted to give her a go. Nicola and Dmitri are very interesting characters, both of them battling demons of their pasts, you get a sense early on that there is more to this pair than you initially see, and although they are ‘present’ they generally hold themselves apart from the people they are interacting with, for many reasons, which are all revealed as the story between them progresses.
People joined the choir for different reasons… and at different stages of life.
I must admit I found this book pretty heavy going on the story-line and far too dragged out in its telling especially for a book being marketed as a Christmas read. The middle third in particular seemed to go on forever and not really achieve much in the way of development.
Both characters are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff in their pasts, and their current lives are kind of unravelling around them as well, so a chance meeting on the main concourse of Waterloo Station between them yields unexpected results.
It was better than being alone…
I almost forgot that this story was set around Christmas for most of it, I’ll be honest and say it was far heavier than I was expecting, or than I generally want in my Christmas reading. If you are looking for light and fluffy, this is not the one for you. If you are looking for something a little grittier, with a couple dealing with some pretty dark issues with a light sprinkling of seasonal magic in the latter stages then give it ago.
I’d definitely read more from the author in future, but maybe not when I am looking for Christmas fluff to give me the sparkly feels of the season.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
If you are looking for a story set around two broken, lonely souls, who although from opposite sides of the spectrum in pretty much every way, come together over the course of Christmas in London, then this is a book that will be right up your street.
Her life had been shaken up like a snow globe and filled with magic…
Lauren Westwood is a new author to me, and after reading the synopsis of Moonlight on the Thames I knew I wanted to give her a go. Nicola and Dmitri are very interesting characters, both of them battling demons of their pasts, you get a sense early on that there is more to this pair than you initially see, and although they are ‘present’ they generally hold themselves apart from the people they are interacting with, for many reasons, which are all revealed as the story between them progresses.
People joined the choir for different reasons… and at different stages of life.
I must admit I found this book pretty heavy going on the story-line and far too dragged out in its telling especially for a book being marketed as a Christmas read. The middle third in particular seemed to go on forever and not really achieve much in the way of development.
Both characters are dealing with some pretty heavy stuff in their pasts, and their current lives are kind of unravelling around them as well, so a chance meeting on the main concourse of Waterloo Station between them yields unexpected results.
It was better than being alone…
I almost forgot that this story was set around Christmas for most of it, I’ll be honest and say it was far heavier than I was expecting, or than I generally want in my Christmas reading. If you are looking for light and fluffy, this is not the one for you. If you are looking for something a little grittier, with a couple dealing with some pretty dark issues with a light sprinkling of seasonal magic in the latter stages then give it ago.
I’d definitely read more from the author in future, but maybe not when I am looking for Christmas fluff to give me the sparkly feels of the season.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
December 9, 2018
Captivating, tender, and romantic!
Moonlight on the Thames is a charming, festive tale about the importance of lending a hand, confronting the past, taking risks, learning to trust, embracing the future, and being true to one's self.
The prose is poetic and impassioned. The characters are hesitant, secretive, and wounded. And the plot sweeps you away into an engaging, touching tale about life, loss, friendship, family, heartbreak, trauma, tragedy, forgiveness, unconditional love, and the magic of music.
Overall, Moonlight on the Thames is another enchanting, uplifting, emotive story by Westwood that is beautifully written, positively beguiling and so much more than just another feel-good holiday read.
Thank you to Lauren Westwood and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
Moonlight on the Thames is a charming, festive tale about the importance of lending a hand, confronting the past, taking risks, learning to trust, embracing the future, and being true to one's self.
The prose is poetic and impassioned. The characters are hesitant, secretive, and wounded. And the plot sweeps you away into an engaging, touching tale about life, loss, friendship, family, heartbreak, trauma, tragedy, forgiveness, unconditional love, and the magic of music.
Overall, Moonlight on the Thames is another enchanting, uplifting, emotive story by Westwood that is beautifully written, positively beguiling and so much more than just another feel-good holiday read.
Thank you to Lauren Westwood and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this story that features 2 characters who aren't perfect but tragedies in their past explain their insecurities and reluctance to trust people. And they both deal with their pasts in different ways - Nicola is all about work, creating an image that her successful lifestyle fulfills her, whilst having very little belief in herself as she's treated appallingly by the married man she's had an affair with for 3 years. And Dimitri throws himself into working with the choir and charity work - putting others before his own happiness at times, despite his sister supporting him to start thinking of himself for a change.
When a chance meeting brings these two characters together, the sparks fly almost instantly but they are so down on themselves as people that they take a while to admit their true feelings and find the happiness they both deserve.
I loved how relatable both characters are in this book and once they'd thrown off their pasts and woke up to their often destructive behaviour, it really brought them out of themselves and let them follow their dreams!
It's not all a light and fluffy read as some of the things they'd been through are discussed but it still made for a engrossing read and I look forward to reading more from this author in the past.
When a chance meeting brings these two characters together, the sparks fly almost instantly but they are so down on themselves as people that they take a while to admit their true feelings and find the happiness they both deserve.
I loved how relatable both characters are in this book and once they'd thrown off their pasts and woke up to their often destructive behaviour, it really brought them out of themselves and let them follow their dreams!
It's not all a light and fluffy read as some of the things they'd been through are discussed but it still made for a engrossing read and I look forward to reading more from this author in the past.
September 6, 2018
The Blurb :
Nicola is a rising star at the top of the corporate ladder, but her personal life is a disaster. Her office affair has lost its allure, and the last thing she wants to think about is Christmas. A night of cancelled trains and festive Christmas carols at Waterloo Station is just about the last straw...
Dmitri loves conducting his pop-up choir during the festive season, meeting people, and spreading joy and cheer around London. But he carries deep secrets from his past that robbed him of his dream to become a concert pianist.
Can their hearts and souls be unlocked by music and moonlight and will they discover the healing power of love?
My Thoughts :
I have to start by saying this has such a beautiful cover, it is one of the best festive scenes I have seen. It just calls out to you and what better place to be than London with Big Ben in the background.
Nicola and Dmitri meet at London’s Waterloo Station. Nicola’s train is late and she is not happy. She is caught up in the crowd of people trying to listen to a Christmas choir on the station platform conducted by Dmitri and Nicola is not shy to tell everyone what she thinks.
This couple couldnt be more different, with Nicola being a career woman who lives to work, she hasnt many friends and is only close to her sister. Nicola also is having an affair with a work colleague.
Dmitri, is so far removed from her lifestyle. He is from Russia and enjoys music and his choir. He is loveable instantly and is a very kind man. Can they these two opposites attract?!
This was a bit of a slow start for me and at times I found the choir and singing elements a bit boring but I enjoyed the developing relationship between this couple and seeing if they can both overcome their own heartaches and issues.
Lauren Westwood gives vivid descriptions throughout which transports you right to the scene on the page. There is lots going on to keep any reader entertained.
Looking forward to her next release.
Nicola is a rising star at the top of the corporate ladder, but her personal life is a disaster. Her office affair has lost its allure, and the last thing she wants to think about is Christmas. A night of cancelled trains and festive Christmas carols at Waterloo Station is just about the last straw...
Dmitri loves conducting his pop-up choir during the festive season, meeting people, and spreading joy and cheer around London. But he carries deep secrets from his past that robbed him of his dream to become a concert pianist.
Can their hearts and souls be unlocked by music and moonlight and will they discover the healing power of love?
My Thoughts :
I have to start by saying this has such a beautiful cover, it is one of the best festive scenes I have seen. It just calls out to you and what better place to be than London with Big Ben in the background.
Nicola and Dmitri meet at London’s Waterloo Station. Nicola’s train is late and she is not happy. She is caught up in the crowd of people trying to listen to a Christmas choir on the station platform conducted by Dmitri and Nicola is not shy to tell everyone what she thinks.
This couple couldnt be more different, with Nicola being a career woman who lives to work, she hasnt many friends and is only close to her sister. Nicola also is having an affair with a work colleague.
Dmitri, is so far removed from her lifestyle. He is from Russia and enjoys music and his choir. He is loveable instantly and is a very kind man. Can they these two opposites attract?!
This was a bit of a slow start for me and at times I found the choir and singing elements a bit boring but I enjoyed the developing relationship between this couple and seeing if they can both overcome their own heartaches and issues.
Lauren Westwood gives vivid descriptions throughout which transports you right to the scene on the page. There is lots going on to keep any reader entertained.
Looking forward to her next release.
October 27, 2018
Nicola has a very busy life, climbing the corporate ladder she doesn't have time for anything else..... apart from perhaps her married lover...... so when she comes across Dmitri and his pop up choir singing Christmas carols she is very definitely not in the mood and takes out her bad temper on them. Dmitri had his own problems and has never managed to fulfil his ambitions of being a consert pianist but he loves his choir. When Nicola realises how badly behaved she was she seeks out Dmitri to apologise, little knowing that this act will change both of their lives
A great story I loved the way the characters grew as we gradually learnt of their back stories and how they helped each other overcome their pasts and move on. Another lovely book by this author
A great story I loved the way the characters grew as we gradually learnt of their back stories and how they helped each other overcome their pasts and move on. Another lovely book by this author
September 4, 2018
It was the cover that first appealed to me most about this book as it is such an alluring and beautiful cover, so festive looking too.
I have literally fallen in love with this book, was a truly wonderful heartfelt read from start to finish. It was so much more than a romance story, had lots going on and I was pretty much glued to the pages throughout and couldn't turn the pages quick enough.
I loved getting to know the two main characters Nicola and Dmitri and learning about their own stories and seeing how/if their relationship becomes serious or not.
The setting of the book, being London was perfect, made me want to hop on a train and visit straightaway, so as to experience the sights and joys of ice skating, walking round the market and all the other things that Dmitri showed to Nicola throughout the story.
So final words, having read a couple of Lauren's books previously, I am happy to report that she is a wonderful author, has such a amazing way with words that just keeps you wanting more and the way she writes her characters and how they develop throughout a book, really makes them come alive.
If you haven't read a Lauren Westwood book yet, then all I can say is don't delay any further, as I can highly recommend her books as truly heart-warming, entertaining and delightful reads.
I have literally fallen in love with this book, was a truly wonderful heartfelt read from start to finish. It was so much more than a romance story, had lots going on and I was pretty much glued to the pages throughout and couldn't turn the pages quick enough.
I loved getting to know the two main characters Nicola and Dmitri and learning about their own stories and seeing how/if their relationship becomes serious or not.
The setting of the book, being London was perfect, made me want to hop on a train and visit straightaway, so as to experience the sights and joys of ice skating, walking round the market and all the other things that Dmitri showed to Nicola throughout the story.
So final words, having read a couple of Lauren's books previously, I am happy to report that she is a wonderful author, has such a amazing way with words that just keeps you wanting more and the way she writes her characters and how they develop throughout a book, really makes them come alive.
If you haven't read a Lauren Westwood book yet, then all I can say is don't delay any further, as I can highly recommend her books as truly heart-warming, entertaining and delightful reads.
December 25, 2018
While the writing is gorgeous and the musical resonance is as resplendent as the very lovely sense of place, this novel had a darkness to it that off-set what I was looking for in a holiday read.
Don't get me wrong, I love some depth to my Christmas reads and this is certainly not the last time I will visit this new-to-me author; but neither of the lead characters truly captured me and while both did develop over the course of the story, it was not quite the experience I was hoping for.
I truly had difficulty warming up to the heroine and while the tortured Russian conductor is Rachel catnip, the pursuit of sex-as-commodity and the description of physical and yet unemotional connection contrasted with what I usually find fulfilling in Christmas romances.
Extremely well-researched and wonderfully told, it was just the unexpected sadness to the story (a matter of my own opinion and current preference) that kept me from falling into it as deeply as I had hoped.
Don't get me wrong, I love some depth to my Christmas reads and this is certainly not the last time I will visit this new-to-me author; but neither of the lead characters truly captured me and while both did develop over the course of the story, it was not quite the experience I was hoping for.
I truly had difficulty warming up to the heroine and while the tortured Russian conductor is Rachel catnip, the pursuit of sex-as-commodity and the description of physical and yet unemotional connection contrasted with what I usually find fulfilling in Christmas romances.
Extremely well-researched and wonderfully told, it was just the unexpected sadness to the story (a matter of my own opinion and current preference) that kept me from falling into it as deeply as I had hoped.
September 6, 2018
What a book! 5 stars out of 5 for me! So beautiful, magical, poetic, lovely and yet also a bit sad for some parts. I read this book really fast, I couldn't put it down. The book is really well and beautifully written. It's not the typical "Christmas chicklit", it's so so so much more than that! I really urge you all to read it!
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October 23, 2018This is called a feel-good Christmas read! and I was hoping for some christmassy froth with a delicious romance and plenty of seasonal cheer. In some respects I was disappointed.
First things first:
This is heavily 'Christian' with lots of carols - including words - and churchy stuff. If you don't like religious aspects you may be put off by the sheer 'godly cheerfulness' of it all.
The characters are a mixed bag. Nicola the successful business woman, Dmitri the choirmaster, , Dmitri' sister (who was lovely), Nicola's sister (for whom I had the utmost sympathy) and various colleagues and friends.
I cheered for Nicola when she got arsey at the station, and I loved the way she was written. Dmitri was a little too 'damaged' for me. His story was also eeked out a tiny pinch at a time which I found frustrating, whereas it was fairly easy to work out Nicola's backstory.
But the real problem I had with this was the darkness. EVERYONE seemed to be hiding something - and we were left with a whole gamut of angst and misery that left very little room for cheeriness. Even Nicola's sister was damaged.
I actually enjoyed the story despite the fact that Dmitri's tale was very confused in a way, but my problem is that this is called a 'feel-good' story and makes no reference to the sheer bleakness of some events and the way they are all happily resolved at the end without any real effort.
I honestly don't know what to rate this book. There should have been some warning of 'triggering' events but there were some lovely touches in the story - although I thought Nicola was an idiot to think any charity shop would take her cast-off knickers. But the bleakness that ran throughout the story left me feeling rather depressed at the end. So for now I am leaving this unrated.
If you enjoy hefty Christmas stories with damaged characters and topics that could be triggering to some readers, you may well enjoy this.
First things first:
This is heavily 'Christian' with lots of carols - including words - and churchy stuff. If you don't like religious aspects you may be put off by the sheer 'godly cheerfulness' of it all.
The characters are a mixed bag. Nicola the successful business woman, Dmitri the choirmaster, , Dmitri' sister (who was lovely), Nicola's sister (for whom I had the utmost sympathy) and various colleagues and friends.
I cheered for Nicola when she got arsey at the station, and I loved the way she was written. Dmitri was a little too 'damaged' for me. His story was also eeked out a tiny pinch at a time which I found frustrating, whereas it was fairly easy to work out Nicola's backstory.
But the real problem I had with this was the darkness. EVERYONE seemed to be hiding something - and we were left with a whole gamut of angst and misery that left very little room for cheeriness. Even Nicola's sister was damaged.
I actually enjoyed the story despite the fact that Dmitri's tale was very confused in a way, but my problem is that this is called a 'feel-good' story and makes no reference to the sheer bleakness of some events and the way they are all happily resolved at the end without any real effort.
I honestly don't know what to rate this book. There should have been some warning of 'triggering' events but there were some lovely touches in the story - although I thought Nicola was an idiot to think any charity shop would take her cast-off knickers. But the bleakness that ran throughout the story left me feeling rather depressed at the end. So for now I am leaving this unrated.
If you enjoy hefty Christmas stories with damaged characters and topics that could be triggering to some readers, you may well enjoy this.
December 11, 2018
This is the first book I've ever read of Lauren Westwood and it was a great Christmas story. And a perfect ending for my blog tours of 2018, because I felt it was emotional, funny, romantic, thought provoking, relaxing and exciting at the same time and in an amazingly written book. I really enjoyed reading this book and I was captivated since the first time I read the blurb and saw the cover, until I started to read it and right to the very end.
The author gave us the classic opposites attract kind of romance, that she made it fresh with the humor, strong background story in each characters past and the Christmas feel. Christmas to me is a bittersweet holiday, but I still love it and it's still my favorite holiday. So, as I was reading this book I could feel not only the characters feelings, but also the Christmas spirit and the good, the bad and everything in between that comes with life and that touches our way of dealing with problem or circumstances.
The characters were amazing. They were intriguing and had strong personalities. I could almost feel like I was in the room dealing with them and interacting, and at some points I wished I as in the story so I could say a couple of things or just laugh with them, beat some sense into their minds, or just hug them. And that means to me it had some realism and interactivity in the storytelling and it felt genuine.
I could tell you a lot about the main characters and the plot, but I would be as cryptic as the blurb, and I think you guys should just take a chance and go on this journey with Nicola and Dmitri, and learn about the past, the present and imagine their future. And you will also met amazing secondary characters that are pillars to the main characters, or that just bring an element of dynamic to the interaction of every character in this book.
Overall, I loved it and I can't wait to read more of Lauren Westwood's books so I can keep understanding more of her amazing writing style, because from this one I can tell that she has a special touch that makes the words have magic, because I felt like I was in the same emotional journey and living with the characters.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Lauren for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]
The author gave us the classic opposites attract kind of romance, that she made it fresh with the humor, strong background story in each characters past and the Christmas feel. Christmas to me is a bittersweet holiday, but I still love it and it's still my favorite holiday. So, as I was reading this book I could feel not only the characters feelings, but also the Christmas spirit and the good, the bad and everything in between that comes with life and that touches our way of dealing with problem or circumstances.
The characters were amazing. They were intriguing and had strong personalities. I could almost feel like I was in the room dealing with them and interacting, and at some points I wished I as in the story so I could say a couple of things or just laugh with them, beat some sense into their minds, or just hug them. And that means to me it had some realism and interactivity in the storytelling and it felt genuine.
I could tell you a lot about the main characters and the plot, but I would be as cryptic as the blurb, and I think you guys should just take a chance and go on this journey with Nicola and Dmitri, and learn about the past, the present and imagine their future. And you will also met amazing secondary characters that are pillars to the main characters, or that just bring an element of dynamic to the interaction of every character in this book.
Overall, I loved it and I can't wait to read more of Lauren Westwood's books so I can keep understanding more of her amazing writing style, because from this one I can tell that she has a special touch that makes the words have magic, because I felt like I was in the same emotional journey and living with the characters.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Lauren for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]
December 10, 2018
Looking at the cover of this book I'd anticipated it being a cosy festive romance but, having read it, I have to say it is so much more, including living after abuse and serious injuries.
Both main characters have experienced trauma in their lives and neither have come to terms with it, they are successful at what they do. It is only after their initial dramatic encounter do either of them start to take steps to move forward with the hope of romantic love in their lives. It is a moving story where their heartbreaking background stories are slowly revealed as the two get to know each other. There's music, revelations, secrets, family and surprises in this heartwarming story which has a fantastic ending for all concerned.
I initially didn't particularly like Nicola but she definitely grew on me once I learnt why she was behaving as she did and how she developed during the course of the story with the help of Dimitri's constant kindness and care for everyone he meets. His music is a magical element and I enjoyed how the Firebird Russian fable is used throughout the story. This is a beautiful and very different story of accepting the past, forgiveness, taking what's good in your life and making it great by being open to taking a chance on love despite previously being hurt.
This is a moving festive read that I requested and was gifted a copy of, without obligation. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review after doing so.
Both main characters have experienced trauma in their lives and neither have come to terms with it, they are successful at what they do. It is only after their initial dramatic encounter do either of them start to take steps to move forward with the hope of romantic love in their lives. It is a moving story where their heartbreaking background stories are slowly revealed as the two get to know each other. There's music, revelations, secrets, family and surprises in this heartwarming story which has a fantastic ending for all concerned.
I initially didn't particularly like Nicola but she definitely grew on me once I learnt why she was behaving as she did and how she developed during the course of the story with the help of Dimitri's constant kindness and care for everyone he meets. His music is a magical element and I enjoyed how the Firebird Russian fable is used throughout the story. This is a beautiful and very different story of accepting the past, forgiveness, taking what's good in your life and making it great by being open to taking a chance on love despite previously being hurt.
This is a moving festive read that I requested and was gifted a copy of, without obligation. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review after doing so.
December 20, 2018
Such a beautifully written book about two broken souls who were brought together to help one another heal. Honestly, I wasn’t too excited about reading this at first. I have bad experiences with British Writers who somehow make their female protagonist a little quirky. They call it comedy. I call it bat shit crazy and roll my eyes. But this was nothing like that. There’s a strong female protagonist and a male protagonist with a beautiful soul. And you know how Eat Pray Love and Da Vinci Code take you on a journey? So does this one - through London and Richmond - like I’m transported back to these cities and towns and can feel it coming off the pages as I read. Most books I read I find I don’t need to know lots of the information provided and I skip a few paragraphs. But this is one of those few that I’ve read and read every word. I devoured this book. Thank you for this brilliant book.
December 13, 2018
A dark story about loving and leaving our demons
The story is written well. Two people meet in a train platform. They’re drawn to each other but their relationship will reveal their greatest secrets and force them to face the images in their nightmares. The story is quite dark and I’m not sure I’d call it a Christmas tale though it does remind us that the things of the season - love, family and forgiveness - will always have value.
The story is written well. Two people meet in a train platform. They’re drawn to each other but their relationship will reveal their greatest secrets and force them to face the images in their nightmares. The story is quite dark and I’m not sure I’d call it a Christmas tale though it does remind us that the things of the season - love, family and forgiveness - will always have value.
October 16, 2018
An unusual and far from predictable love story.
January 25, 2019
Just when the holidays ends.. I also read the last page of that sweet romance. It was nice, a good romance, a deeper back story, a wonderful setting. Just four stars instead of five because even if everything was really good I never become fully attached to the two main characters as I hope I wound. I could never explain why.. maybe it was just me because I can't find any flaw in the book!
August 14, 2018
December 1st and the countdown to Christmas has started. This day, Dmitri conducts his church’s “pop up” choir at London’s busy Waterloo Station. For Nicola, Christmas is not a time to celebrate, her train is late, and she is not happy to be caught up in the crowd of people moving closer to enjoy the festive music and singing. All Nicola wants to do is get on the train and go home. And she is not shy about letting Dmitri and everyone else who is listening, know this.
Dimitri and Nicola both have dark secrets, hidden heartaches, and unresolved issues. They come from different backgrounds, live in different worlds, have both made mistakes, and are both seeking...something. Dimitri is from Russia, loves music, gives freely of his time to others. Nicola works in the fast-paced, high-powered private equity world and holds others very much at arm’s length. That they meet at all is serendipitous. But meet they do. And the story that follows is wonderful.
I’m not a huge fan of contemporary romance, but as a British ex-pat , I was captivated by both the cover and the blurb. I wanted this book if for no other reason than to visit London again, even if vicariously. This is not your typical “boy meets girl and they fall in love” read. This is a beautifully written story, with real depth, both the main protagonists having interesting back-stories. One of many highlights for me was the recognition running throughout that it is not only blood that makes up families and that we need to reach out and take that helping hand when offered.
Moonlight on the Thames is not all goodness and light. The story is full of wonderfully joyous moments, love, fellowship, true caring and understanding. Those moments are offset by tough family situations, the dark side of human nature, and the under-belly that exists in any and all large cities. By turns, it is incredibly uplifting and deeply disturbing. At times, almost magical, at times brutally realistic. I have to admit that I cried at the end.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book to lovers of romance and thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this wonderful read. I will be looking for more from Ms. Westwood.
Dimitri and Nicola both have dark secrets, hidden heartaches, and unresolved issues. They come from different backgrounds, live in different worlds, have both made mistakes, and are both seeking...something. Dimitri is from Russia, loves music, gives freely of his time to others. Nicola works in the fast-paced, high-powered private equity world and holds others very much at arm’s length. That they meet at all is serendipitous. But meet they do. And the story that follows is wonderful.
I’m not a huge fan of contemporary romance, but as a British ex-pat , I was captivated by both the cover and the blurb. I wanted this book if for no other reason than to visit London again, even if vicariously. This is not your typical “boy meets girl and they fall in love” read. This is a beautifully written story, with real depth, both the main protagonists having interesting back-stories. One of many highlights for me was the recognition running throughout that it is not only blood that makes up families and that we need to reach out and take that helping hand when offered.
Moonlight on the Thames is not all goodness and light. The story is full of wonderfully joyous moments, love, fellowship, true caring and understanding. Those moments are offset by tough family situations, the dark side of human nature, and the under-belly that exists in any and all large cities. By turns, it is incredibly uplifting and deeply disturbing. At times, almost magical, at times brutally realistic. I have to admit that I cried at the end.
I have no hesitation in recommending this book to lovers of romance and thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this wonderful read. I will be looking for more from Ms. Westwood.
September 19, 2018
“You are who you are”
An interesting premise around which to build a holiday story that combines hope, choices, chances and a dash of courage to come out the other side. I’ll be honest and say up front that the ‘perfect’ life that Nicola claims she has – high-flyer up the corporate ladder, all of the associated stresses and pressures – and the addition of a long-term relationship – with a married co-worker made her difficult to engage with – particularly since she seems to be more invested in her own plans. She’s a loner, with only one actual relationship that is solid – with her younger sister – a judgmental yet not wholly ‘clued in’ character, Nicola was difficult to like with walls and self-delusions up to her chin: actually that part fit her well as one would have to be deluded to carry on a three-year affair with a married co-worker. And, things aren’t getting better for her anytime soon: it’s the build up to Christmas – she’s got no interest (not really) in the holiday, and to make things EVEN worse the trains aren’t running and there is a loud and happy choir of carolers right where she needs to be.
Dmitri is the conductor of this little pop-up choir, and the choir has been his connection to all things music for ages. Dmitri is quiet and contained, with a huge set of secrets and dreams that are unfulfilled- but a woman isn’t in his plans, despite the instant interest he has for Nicola. This first chance meeting is inauspicious, but will lead them both into paths unimagined as the story moves forward. Dmitri, for his part, was far more the star of the show here, even as he holds his broken dreams close while sharing his love of music and sharing himself with the people he encounters. Even though he is the quieter type, he does engender loyal friends who will (and do) go to great lengths for him to find happiness – just none of them actually see Nicola, at least not as they first encountered her – as worth him or the effort.
Slowly these two work on a friendship on their next encounter – Nicola still manages to be much more prickly than necessary -but Dmitri is one who looks beyond that – hoping to find her softer side. I can’t say that I felt she ever redeemed herself for herself, but she did make some progress – even if her ‘friends’ and particularly her sister were the ‘judge everyone around us’ types – rather than work to actually sort out their own issues. I just felt mired in the slower lulls of the story, and the vast amounts of work that I was required to do to find Nicola worth caring about in her own right. I’m not saying that affairs and adultery doesn’t happen – but there is a certain level of immaturity and selfishness that resides deep in the character of someone who takes that route and won’t bother to look beyond the confines of being the side-piece – and I don’t believe that enough was done here to make Nicola a person who had truly done that self-examination to make choices that would move her on. Dmitri was lovely and his loss of a dream without allowing it to crush his love for music and the people who enjoy it was a far more empathetic and engaging character – and his search for a purpose and a road into hope and happiness was easy to cheer on and enjoy – the moments that were magical and atmospheric (and there were those) didn’t always balance out or override the almost brutally realistic moments that kept this story grounded and not entirely overloaded with that ‘holiday’ feeling.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
An interesting premise around which to build a holiday story that combines hope, choices, chances and a dash of courage to come out the other side. I’ll be honest and say up front that the ‘perfect’ life that Nicola claims she has – high-flyer up the corporate ladder, all of the associated stresses and pressures – and the addition of a long-term relationship – with a married co-worker made her difficult to engage with – particularly since she seems to be more invested in her own plans. She’s a loner, with only one actual relationship that is solid – with her younger sister – a judgmental yet not wholly ‘clued in’ character, Nicola was difficult to like with walls and self-delusions up to her chin: actually that part fit her well as one would have to be deluded to carry on a three-year affair with a married co-worker. And, things aren’t getting better for her anytime soon: it’s the build up to Christmas – she’s got no interest (not really) in the holiday, and to make things EVEN worse the trains aren’t running and there is a loud and happy choir of carolers right where she needs to be.
Dmitri is the conductor of this little pop-up choir, and the choir has been his connection to all things music for ages. Dmitri is quiet and contained, with a huge set of secrets and dreams that are unfulfilled- but a woman isn’t in his plans, despite the instant interest he has for Nicola. This first chance meeting is inauspicious, but will lead them both into paths unimagined as the story moves forward. Dmitri, for his part, was far more the star of the show here, even as he holds his broken dreams close while sharing his love of music and sharing himself with the people he encounters. Even though he is the quieter type, he does engender loyal friends who will (and do) go to great lengths for him to find happiness – just none of them actually see Nicola, at least not as they first encountered her – as worth him or the effort.
Slowly these two work on a friendship on their next encounter – Nicola still manages to be much more prickly than necessary -but Dmitri is one who looks beyond that – hoping to find her softer side. I can’t say that I felt she ever redeemed herself for herself, but she did make some progress – even if her ‘friends’ and particularly her sister were the ‘judge everyone around us’ types – rather than work to actually sort out their own issues. I just felt mired in the slower lulls of the story, and the vast amounts of work that I was required to do to find Nicola worth caring about in her own right. I’m not saying that affairs and adultery doesn’t happen – but there is a certain level of immaturity and selfishness that resides deep in the character of someone who takes that route and won’t bother to look beyond the confines of being the side-piece – and I don’t believe that enough was done here to make Nicola a person who had truly done that self-examination to make choices that would move her on. Dmitri was lovely and his loss of a dream without allowing it to crush his love for music and the people who enjoy it was a far more empathetic and engaging character – and his search for a purpose and a road into hope and happiness was easy to cheer on and enjoy – the moments that were magical and atmospheric (and there were those) didn’t always balance out or override the almost brutally realistic moments that kept this story grounded and not entirely overloaded with that ‘holiday’ feeling.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
December 23, 2018
After a particularly hard day, Nicola just wanted to go home, enjoy a glass of wine and have some time to sulk alone. She hasn’t been enjoying her job lately and her married office fling seems to be one-sided, fizzling out at an exponential rate. But her plans get halted when her train back home is cancelled and she’s trapped, listening to a group of Christmas carolers. Nicola may or may not have said a few rude comments to the carolers about wanting some peace and quiet. But the handsome conductor of the group was nothing but nice to her, making Nicola feel like a real Scrooge.
Nicola can’t stop thinking about the group of carolers, her actions and the conductor. So she tracks down the conductor at the church where they practice in order to apologize. His name is Dmitri and he is just as handsome as Nicola remembers. She apologized and as her “penance” he offered to take her around for the day, doing Christmas-y activities.
Dmitri has been a choral director for many years after leaving Russia at the age of 18. He was supposed to become a concert pianist, but a tragedy got in the way of his dreams. And now he hasn’t played piano much since, never living out his full potential. But he has his choir, he loves to teach and he always enjoys the spirit of Christmas, and he has told himself that that’s enough for him.
Nicola, on the other hand, appears to be living the dream with her hot shot job. But she absolutely hates the holiday season and can’t help but display that to everyone around her. For some reason, though, she can’t wipe the smile from her face when she spends the day with Dmitri. They have an instant connection. And maybe, just maybe, he could make her happy.
But Dmitri is harboring some deep pain about his past and prevents himself from truly enjoying his life. He won’t allow himself to get close to a woman, let alone fall in love with them. Opening himself up to love means opening himself up to pain, which he isn’t willing to do.
What Dmitri doesn’t know is that Nicola also has some demons from her past that haunt her, thus causing her deep disdain for Christmas.
Nicola and Dmitri are two damaged souls who could overcome their pasts to experience a once-in-a-lifetime love. But that means they’d need to overcome the biggest obstacle of all: themselves.
Moonlight on the Thames by Lauren Westwood is a touching holiday story. What I love about this book is that it isn’t a traditional Christmas story that’s predictable, light and fluffy. This story is more hard-hitting with dynamic characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would love to read more by this author. 4.5/5 stars.
Nicola can’t stop thinking about the group of carolers, her actions and the conductor. So she tracks down the conductor at the church where they practice in order to apologize. His name is Dmitri and he is just as handsome as Nicola remembers. She apologized and as her “penance” he offered to take her around for the day, doing Christmas-y activities.
Dmitri has been a choral director for many years after leaving Russia at the age of 18. He was supposed to become a concert pianist, but a tragedy got in the way of his dreams. And now he hasn’t played piano much since, never living out his full potential. But he has his choir, he loves to teach and he always enjoys the spirit of Christmas, and he has told himself that that’s enough for him.
Nicola, on the other hand, appears to be living the dream with her hot shot job. But she absolutely hates the holiday season and can’t help but display that to everyone around her. For some reason, though, she can’t wipe the smile from her face when she spends the day with Dmitri. They have an instant connection. And maybe, just maybe, he could make her happy.
But Dmitri is harboring some deep pain about his past and prevents himself from truly enjoying his life. He won’t allow himself to get close to a woman, let alone fall in love with them. Opening himself up to love means opening himself up to pain, which he isn’t willing to do.
What Dmitri doesn’t know is that Nicola also has some demons from her past that haunt her, thus causing her deep disdain for Christmas.
Nicola and Dmitri are two damaged souls who could overcome their pasts to experience a once-in-a-lifetime love. But that means they’d need to overcome the biggest obstacle of all: themselves.
Moonlight on the Thames by Lauren Westwood is a touching holiday story. What I love about this book is that it isn’t a traditional Christmas story that’s predictable, light and fluffy. This story is more hard-hitting with dynamic characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would love to read more by this author. 4.5/5 stars.
September 14, 2018
I have a confession to make- yes I know another one. Prior to being invited to take part in the blog tour for ‘Moonlight On The Thames’, I hadn’t actually come across Lauren Westwood before. Sorry Lauren. Well Lauren, I have certainly heard of you now. I absolutely loved reading ‘Moonlight On The Thames’ but more about that in a bit.
I have to say that at first I didn’t like the character of Nicola and on more than one occasion I felt like slapping her across the face with a wet fish. Her attitude stinks. She is a workaholic, who is sleeping with her married boss. She is desperate to get home but her train is cancelled. As a result she cuts through Dimitri like a knife through butter. The way she speaks to him and his pop up choir is inexcusable. All they are doing are singing Christmas carols and she has a go. As time went on I found myself thawing towards her a little bit and overall I did like her. I thought that she was tired from all the work and commuting that she had to do and something was bound to snap. It did and Dimitri felt the full force of it. I also think that Nicola was frustrated at her chaotic personal life and she is angry at herself for sleeping with a married man. She does seem to have rather a lot of pent up anger. Dimitri came across as a nice man, who is very friendly and exceedingly tolerant. He has lived in the UK for some years now and he has adapted really well. It soon becomes clear that something happened to him in his past which affected him greatly and still affects him to this day. We don’t find out exactly what had happened all at once but clues are dropped throughout the book and eventually we get to know what happened. Dimitri has a sort of chaotic personal life too. He works as hard as he can with his choirs and he doesn’t have a girlfriend. Instead he has meaningless one night stands with women. It’s clear to see why Nicola and Dimitri are soon drawn to each other. Both of them have been hurt in the past and they have built a wall around themselves to protect themselves. These walls are not easily broken down. Both of them are that dedicated to their work that they don’t have much time left for a personal life or for romance. Both have made mistakes but they seem to have learnt from them. I was just hoping that they would get together. As to whether they get together or not- well you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out because I am not going to tell you.
It took me next to no time at all to get into the story at all. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the story and her writing style just encourages you to read on. Before you know what is happening, boom you are addicted to the book. At least that’s what happened to me anyway. If I had to put the book down for any reason, then I counted down the time until I could pick it up again. When I first checked how much I had read, I was stunned to realise that I had cleared over a third of the book. I was enjoying the story so much that I didn’t realise how quickly the pages were turning and before I knew what was happening, I had finished the book, which I was so disappointed about. The author uses such vivid descriptions that if I closed my eyes I could easily imagine that I was walking by the River Thames with snow in the air and the temperatures to match. The colder weather seems like a relief given how warm it has been lately. This book is so well written that I began to interact with it. I know, it’s a work of fiction but if I get into a book and I think anything of the characters, then I start to talk to the characters as if they can hear me and I shout random words at the book. This last point gets me some weird looks on the bus I can tell you.
‘Moonlight On The Thames’ is a beautifully written book which is certainly addictive reading. The characters are realistic and you can’t fail to warm to them and hope that they find the happiness that they so deserve. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. Prior to this book, I hadn’t come across Lauren Westwood before but now that I have, I fully intend to track down her other books and read them as soon as I can. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I have to say that at first I didn’t like the character of Nicola and on more than one occasion I felt like slapping her across the face with a wet fish. Her attitude stinks. She is a workaholic, who is sleeping with her married boss. She is desperate to get home but her train is cancelled. As a result she cuts through Dimitri like a knife through butter. The way she speaks to him and his pop up choir is inexcusable. All they are doing are singing Christmas carols and she has a go. As time went on I found myself thawing towards her a little bit and overall I did like her. I thought that she was tired from all the work and commuting that she had to do and something was bound to snap. It did and Dimitri felt the full force of it. I also think that Nicola was frustrated at her chaotic personal life and she is angry at herself for sleeping with a married man. She does seem to have rather a lot of pent up anger. Dimitri came across as a nice man, who is very friendly and exceedingly tolerant. He has lived in the UK for some years now and he has adapted really well. It soon becomes clear that something happened to him in his past which affected him greatly and still affects him to this day. We don’t find out exactly what had happened all at once but clues are dropped throughout the book and eventually we get to know what happened. Dimitri has a sort of chaotic personal life too. He works as hard as he can with his choirs and he doesn’t have a girlfriend. Instead he has meaningless one night stands with women. It’s clear to see why Nicola and Dimitri are soon drawn to each other. Both of them have been hurt in the past and they have built a wall around themselves to protect themselves. These walls are not easily broken down. Both of them are that dedicated to their work that they don’t have much time left for a personal life or for romance. Both have made mistakes but they seem to have learnt from them. I was just hoping that they would get together. As to whether they get together or not- well you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out because I am not going to tell you.
It took me next to no time at all to get into the story at all. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the story and her writing style just encourages you to read on. Before you know what is happening, boom you are addicted to the book. At least that’s what happened to me anyway. If I had to put the book down for any reason, then I counted down the time until I could pick it up again. When I first checked how much I had read, I was stunned to realise that I had cleared over a third of the book. I was enjoying the story so much that I didn’t realise how quickly the pages were turning and before I knew what was happening, I had finished the book, which I was so disappointed about. The author uses such vivid descriptions that if I closed my eyes I could easily imagine that I was walking by the River Thames with snow in the air and the temperatures to match. The colder weather seems like a relief given how warm it has been lately. This book is so well written that I began to interact with it. I know, it’s a work of fiction but if I get into a book and I think anything of the characters, then I start to talk to the characters as if they can hear me and I shout random words at the book. This last point gets me some weird looks on the bus I can tell you.
‘Moonlight On The Thames’ is a beautifully written book which is certainly addictive reading. The characters are realistic and you can’t fail to warm to them and hope that they find the happiness that they so deserve. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. Prior to this book, I hadn’t come across Lauren Westwood before but now that I have, I fully intend to track down her other books and read them as soon as I can. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
October 16, 2018
This is a really lovely holiday romance about two very lonely, isolated, troubled people brought together by...magic? Holiday spirit? Lack of holiday spirit? Dmitri is a Russian choir director, leading his volunteer choir through rousing Christmas carols in a busy train station one evening during rush hour when Nicola is rushing through at the end of a very bad day. She's crabby, there's a storm, all the trains are delayed and she hates Christmas...She loses her temper and behaves badly, he smiles and wishes her a Happy Christmas and every one moves on. But she can't forgive herself for snapping, and she ends up seeking him out to apologize--a decision that will ultimately change both their lives forever. I really loved this. The characters are very well developed, especially our two main characters, but even many of the ancillary characters have depth. Both Dmitri and Nicola are hiding painful histories, and both wear masks when they face the rest of the world. These are flawed, damaged people. They each have different ways of dealing with their pain--Dmitri sacrifices and tries to help others; Nicola is an ice queen, 100% focused on her job, and keeps men at a distance, preferring to dally with married men or casual one night stands. But somehow, these two lonely souls connect, and even those first brief moments leave their mark. I loved seeing how people's perspective can change, how their focus can change with just a small push in a different direction. No, all your problems don't magically fade away, and everything is not suddenly fixed...but change can and does happen quickly at times, and little changes can make big differences. Watching these two people find their way through their challenges, and seeing them help each other and improve each other was really special. This is not a "light" holiday romance, there are serious issues dealt with here--but it's overall a very positive and uplifting holiday romance. I really loved it. I look forward to seeking out more work from this author.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
September 3, 2018
When Nicola meets Dmitri, a choir instructor at a Waterloo Station carol concert, she does not know what to think of him. She works in a London business and is close to her sister and had an office affair, but otherwise lives a quiet life.
She hears him playing the piano at a church and things don't get off to a great start. Then, as the story moves on, there are some incredibly tender, friendly moments between Nicola and Dmitri.
Moonlight on the Thames is such a sweet, vivid fast-paced romance set in London at Christmas.
Both Nicola and Dmitri are lost souls and have secrets in their pasts. I was hooked on this book and everything flows seamlessly. I was captivated by the mention of the places in the book, from
Reading (where I got my university degree) Richmond-Upon-Thames (near where I was born).
From the beginning, the book is a real journey across London, with many mentions of key tourist attractions and the atmosphere of London at Christmas. It really resonated with me because I love London anytime, but especially at Christmas.
Moonlight on the Thames is a very magical romantic book about starting again, taking risks in life and love as well as deciding where your future lies.
Through Dmitri, we get a huge idea of Russia and life there compared to England (he moved to London with his family when he was 17). The moments between he and Nicola are so powerful but are they destined to be together? I was rooting for them both.
The book is a 5-star read. We really get an idea of the characters' feelings and I sped through the book. It is a wonderful feel-good novel.
This is the second Lauren Westwood book I reviewed after Finding Dreams.
Blog tour on September 12th 2018. Thanks to Lauren Westwood and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
She hears him playing the piano at a church and things don't get off to a great start. Then, as the story moves on, there are some incredibly tender, friendly moments between Nicola and Dmitri.
Moonlight on the Thames is such a sweet, vivid fast-paced romance set in London at Christmas.
Both Nicola and Dmitri are lost souls and have secrets in their pasts. I was hooked on this book and everything flows seamlessly. I was captivated by the mention of the places in the book, from
Reading (where I got my university degree) Richmond-Upon-Thames (near where I was born).
From the beginning, the book is a real journey across London, with many mentions of key tourist attractions and the atmosphere of London at Christmas. It really resonated with me because I love London anytime, but especially at Christmas.
Moonlight on the Thames is a very magical romantic book about starting again, taking risks in life and love as well as deciding where your future lies.
Through Dmitri, we get a huge idea of Russia and life there compared to England (he moved to London with his family when he was 17). The moments between he and Nicola are so powerful but are they destined to be together? I was rooting for them both.
The book is a 5-star read. We really get an idea of the characters' feelings and I sped through the book. It is a wonderful feel-good novel.
This is the second Lauren Westwood book I reviewed after Finding Dreams.
Blog tour on September 12th 2018. Thanks to Lauren Westwood and Aria for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
August 26, 2018
This was a case of cover love for me at first (just wow!); I then read the synopsis and knew I had to read the full book.
The story of Nicola and Dmitri was a slow burner initially for me but I feel like that suited their relationship. I did not like Nicola's character at first, but grew to totally admire her, however not in a corny bad-goes-good kinda way! I feel like we were expected to follow her journey and almost change opinion of her.
This was not the light-hearted, almost 'fluffy' Christmas romance you would typically expect from this genre. There were hard-hitting issues for both main characters that were superbly dealt with, never being brushed under the carpet or rushed to a too-soon happy conclusion and this helped me feel them grow through their painful pasts. Some of the themes could easily make people think twice about prejudices and how misjudged others can be. It was excellent to see how Nicola transformed because of Dmitri's sad past, no major spoilers but I think we need more characters like her going into charity shops! Definitely one of the lighter moments in this enjoyable read.
I loved to read about Dmitri thinking about his Russian homeland - he was almost poetic in the descriptions and transported me right there as it was so evocative at times. I also cannot wait to look up some of the music mentioned as I can absolutely imagine Dmitri playing and putting literally his heart and soul into the performance.
Overall this book is 4/5 stars - a heart-warming, believable and vivid read. I will be looking up more of Lauren's work!
My many thanks to Aria via NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Nicola and Dmitri was a slow burner initially for me but I feel like that suited their relationship. I did not like Nicola's character at first, but grew to totally admire her, however not in a corny bad-goes-good kinda way! I feel like we were expected to follow her journey and almost change opinion of her.
This was not the light-hearted, almost 'fluffy' Christmas romance you would typically expect from this genre. There were hard-hitting issues for both main characters that were superbly dealt with, never being brushed under the carpet or rushed to a too-soon happy conclusion and this helped me feel them grow through their painful pasts. Some of the themes could easily make people think twice about prejudices and how misjudged others can be. It was excellent to see how Nicola transformed because of Dmitri's sad past, no major spoilers but I think we need more characters like her going into charity shops! Definitely one of the lighter moments in this enjoyable read.
I loved to read about Dmitri thinking about his Russian homeland - he was almost poetic in the descriptions and transported me right there as it was so evocative at times. I also cannot wait to look up some of the music mentioned as I can absolutely imagine Dmitri playing and putting literally his heart and soul into the performance.
Overall this book is 4/5 stars - a heart-warming, believable and vivid read. I will be looking up more of Lauren's work!
My many thanks to Aria via NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2018
I really, really didn't like this book. The only saving grace for it was I didn't abandon it partway through and I was VERY tempted to. It is the Festive Season so though so in the spirit of goodwill to all men I did read it through to the bitter end and, to be entirely fair, I did enjoy the last 20% of the book substantially more than the rest of it.
The plotting is patchy throughout and there is an attempt to build suspense in the story but in a very clumsy way so you find yourself not really caring about the backstories of the characters, or what ultimately happens to them. The drawing out of the reveal over the damage to Dmitri's hands is perhaps the worst example of this - it is referenced numerous times but we have to get well past the halfway point to find out what the problem is. In fact, Dmitri is a very poorly realised character in the book and, for me, he felt almost racially profiled (maybe a touch extreme there but come on - Russian and loves nothing more than playing piano and drinking tea with preserves to sweeten it - and that more or less sums the whole character up).
Nicola is a slightly fuller character on the page. I will admit that the changes she goes through throughout the book are the best bit about it and probably the only thing that kept me reading to be honest. Unfortunately this was not enough to make me actively enjoy the read.
The plotting is patchy throughout and there is an attempt to build suspense in the story but in a very clumsy way so you find yourself not really caring about the backstories of the characters, or what ultimately happens to them. The drawing out of the reveal over the damage to Dmitri's hands is perhaps the worst example of this - it is referenced numerous times but we have to get well past the halfway point to find out what the problem is. In fact, Dmitri is a very poorly realised character in the book and, for me, he felt almost racially profiled (maybe a touch extreme there but come on - Russian and loves nothing more than playing piano and drinking tea with preserves to sweeten it - and that more or less sums the whole character up).
Nicola is a slightly fuller character on the page. I will admit that the changes she goes through throughout the book are the best bit about it and probably the only thing that kept me reading to be honest. Unfortunately this was not enough to make me actively enjoy the read.
August 26, 2018
This is my first Lauren Westwood Book and I really enjoyed it... I can't wait to read the other one's.
Beautiful and haunting romance of two broken people who make each other whole at Christmas time.
The two main characters are Nicola (work driven corporate person) and Dimitri (Russian/works with music and choirs), so completely different people.
Nicola was admittedly a difficult woman to warm to: through her own choice she’s something of a loner, very much all work and no play, beside her love for her sister and the fact she has spent the past three years sleeping with her married colleague.
Dmitri was the very opposite, I adored him from the moment we met him and whilst he guards himself, refusing to let a woman get close for his own reasons, he has a huge heart and is surrounded by people who clearly think the world of him.
There was an air of underlying sadness throughout the story, certainly not an upbeat Christmas themed story, but one that made you think more about the hardships people have gone through to get to where they are now. But also about how things can be overcome - as in this story, both characters found happiness in the end just by a chance meeting in a railway station which totally transformed both their lives.
The more I got into the story the more I just kept on reading.
A book that has a beautiful ending!
Beautiful and haunting romance of two broken people who make each other whole at Christmas time.
The two main characters are Nicola (work driven corporate person) and Dimitri (Russian/works with music and choirs), so completely different people.
Nicola was admittedly a difficult woman to warm to: through her own choice she’s something of a loner, very much all work and no play, beside her love for her sister and the fact she has spent the past three years sleeping with her married colleague.
Dmitri was the very opposite, I adored him from the moment we met him and whilst he guards himself, refusing to let a woman get close for his own reasons, he has a huge heart and is surrounded by people who clearly think the world of him.
There was an air of underlying sadness throughout the story, certainly not an upbeat Christmas themed story, but one that made you think more about the hardships people have gone through to get to where they are now. But also about how things can be overcome - as in this story, both characters found happiness in the end just by a chance meeting in a railway station which totally transformed both their lives.
The more I got into the story the more I just kept on reading.
A book that has a beautiful ending!
September 11, 2018
I seriously loved this book…
This story tells the journey of two very different people (or very similar, depends on how you look at it) finding their way to each other and also finding the way to themselves. She works in firm that negotiates deals between companies and he is a Russian musician managing a very busy choir, among other activities. They cross paths when one of them is having a not very good day and snaps at the choir in a train station (we are allowed to have bad days or bad memories associated to Christmas, right?), and things evolve quite a lot from there.
Personally, I liked how each character felt real in their own journey and how each one had flows and very private experiences to overcome. All of it is wrapped in a London scenery (spoiler alert: London is beautiful during Christmas time and this book made me feel like I was in all the places they visited) with some day to day experiences like impatient commuters and Christmas carols.
You should absolutely read it if you enjoy romance, character development, snowy weather and… London.
**A free ARC copy of this book was provided in exchange for honest feedback.
This story tells the journey of two very different people (or very similar, depends on how you look at it) finding their way to each other and also finding the way to themselves. She works in firm that negotiates deals between companies and he is a Russian musician managing a very busy choir, among other activities. They cross paths when one of them is having a not very good day and snaps at the choir in a train station (we are allowed to have bad days or bad memories associated to Christmas, right?), and things evolve quite a lot from there.
Personally, I liked how each character felt real in their own journey and how each one had flows and very private experiences to overcome. All of it is wrapped in a London scenery (spoiler alert: London is beautiful during Christmas time and this book made me feel like I was in all the places they visited) with some day to day experiences like impatient commuters and Christmas carols.
You should absolutely read it if you enjoy romance, character development, snowy weather and… London.
**A free ARC copy of this book was provided in exchange for honest feedback.
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