Christmas at the Farmhouse

by Rebecca Boxall

"A heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking story of family, friends and the festive season. A wonderful Christmas read." Victoria Connelly, bestselling author of The Rose Girls.

As the anticipation of Christmas builds in the Nielsen family’s cosy farmhouse, Jo, Magnus and their grown-up children begin to congregate for a hybrid Danish-Jersey festive season, each with a surprise of their own – though the surprise that arrives over Christmas is the most life-changing of all.

Fifty years earlier, in 1969, Susan Jones finds herself being pursued by Mr Jenners, her former English teacher, and at the age of seventeen is packed off to a Home for Unmarried Mothers in London by her uncompromising father. As Christmas approaches, all she can do is desperately hope to be rescued, but will anyone be able to reach her in time?

The two timelines of this festive story gradually weave together in a tale that examines whether love and hope can eventually triumph over even the deepest sadness.

Rebecca Boxall is the award-nominated author of five bestselling novels – Christmas at the Vicarage, Home for Winter, Christmas on the Coast, The Christmas Forest and Christmas by the Lighthouse.

Genres: Christmas

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2020

About the author

Rebecca Boxall was born in East Sussex in 1977 and grew up in a bustling vicarage always filled with family, friends and parishioners. She now lives by the sea in Jersey with her husband, children and cat. She read English at the University of Warwick before training as a lawyer and also studied Creative Writing with The Writer's Bureau. She was nominated for the Romantic Novel Awards in 2020.

Rebecca's books have all become bestsellers, two of them reaching No. 1 on the UK Kindle charts, proving popular with readers interested in seasonal novels that are feel-good but touch on some serious issues too. For more information please visit www.facebook.com/christmasatthevicarage or www.rebeccaboxall.co.uk.

About Christmas at the Vicarage:

"I was inspired by Rosamunde Pilcher, my favourite author, whose books I've re-read again and again. There's something so gentle and soothing about her books and I wanted to try to write something similarly feel-good. They always say write about what you know and so I decided to focus on vicarage life as I grew up in a village parish as the daughter of an eccentric vicar. When my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer it was the final push I needed to write a book based on life at a vicarage, with a character inspired by him (the vicar, of course!). He read the book in draft but sadly died before it was published."

Reviews

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Farmhouse is a beautifully written novel that was both heart wrenching and heart warming. I loved the writing, the characters, the gut punching story that broke my heart but was hopeful and exactly what I need for a wonderful Christmas story that put me in a great mood to start the holidays. A quick read that really was impactful as it was compelling - true to the time period and well researched by the author.

Boxall wrote a dual timeline story set in 1969 and then the present fifty years later during Christmas time in 2019. The story begins with Susan - young, naive and only seventeen when the unlikely happens that causes her to be sent away to a Home for Unwed Mothers. Post-war England society along with a very strict father sealed Susan's fate with her child being taken away from her and sent for adoption.

Fifty years later, we come to Jo and Magnus' story in Jersey at their farmhouse during Christmas, and their large loving family while they prepare for the festivities. A fun relatable family with their own issues to contend with but somehow able to manage through understanding and love for each other.

I am still reeling from this beautiful Christmas novella and the stunning story and characters I will certainly miss. I highly recommend this compelling read I know will warm your heart that is perfect for the holidays.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas at the Farmhouse features a dual timeline, with both stories running simultaneously—Susan in the late 1960s and Jo and her family in the present.

Susan was an only child and her strict father ruled the small household. Her parents were not sociable and stuck their own traditions. Susan meets Robin through a creepy ex teacher and when she becomes pregnant at seventeen there’s no question as to what will happen. She is forced to go to a Home for Unmarried Mothers against her will. Her father cares more about his reputation and what people will think than he does about his daughter.

In the present on Jersey, Jo and Danish husband Magnus are preparing for a large family festive season with their four children and several grandchildren.

'Growing up as an only child of kind but conservative parents, with Christmas always a quiet and fairly basic affair, I made three resolutions at the age of thirteen — that I’d have a large family, live in a cosy farmhouse, and make a great big fuss about Christmas every single year.'

Jo had achieved her resolutions and was happily looking forward to this Christmas with her family around her. It turned out to be an eventful time, with surprises, some awkward moments and one very carefully laid out plan bringing much joy.

Susan’s story couldn’t be more different. Her job at the bakery after she left school was about to alter her life in ways she could never have imagined. It’s hard to grasp the cruelty perpetrated by nuns running the infamous mother and baby homes, as late as the 1970s.

The two timelines flowed together seamlessly as the story unfolded, the poignancy of one juxtaposed with the happiness of the other. Characters are well drawn and engaging, the writing easy to read.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s December 2019. Jo Nielsen is busy preparing for the Christmas holiday. She and her husband, Magnus, are happily anticipating spending the holidays with their adult children and their families. They didn't expect each member of their family to come with a surprise to shake up their quiet holiday plans.

Back in 1969, Susan Jones fights off the unwanted attention from her former English teacher. The next thing she knows, she’s having a baby and her domineering father sends her to a Home for Unmarried Mothers. She prays that she will be rescued before having to put the baby up for adoption.

This story alternates timelines between the present and 1969. The reader is taken through Susan’s journey as well as the Nielsen family’s journey. It is a touching, sweet story of hope, family, friendship, regrets, sadness and joy. This story grabbed onto my heart and wouldn’t let go. I truly cared about each character.

It was a quick read for me. I enjoyed every minute of it. I found myself both crying and smiling. These are characters that stayed with me even after I finished the book. It's the perfect book to read at Christmas.

If I rated books higher than five stars, this would be one of those. It’s going on my best of 2020 list. I never read anything by this author before, but I’ll be sure to read her backlist and future books. I’m now a fan.





FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Cathryn Northfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-warming and moving tale, the perfect cosy Christmas read.

There really are only great things to say about this story. I absolutely love Rebecca’s books; they are so easy to read, so well-plotted and they always give you all the feels!

This story is told from two perspectives and two timelines, Susan back in 1969 and Jo in 2019.

Susan is just 17 when she finds herself being sent away to a home for unmarried pregnant women, by her terribly strict father. We follow what happened before Susan went to the home, right up to when she leaves. She is a wonderful character and I found myself rooting for her all the way. As a mother, I put myself in her situation and my heart really did go out to her.

Jo and her husband Magnus are preparing for a big family Christmas at their cosy farmhouse on the beautiful island of Jersey. Their children and grandchildren are their world, and they can’t wait to have them all home to celebrate the festive season. With a few surprises here and there, it is certainly set to be an eventful Christmas. They really are a close-knit family full of genuine love and care, which helps make this book so heart-warming.

I cried happy and sad tears over this beautifully written story. I couldn’t put it down and I didn’t want it to end. I could quite happily carry on reading about the lives of these characters. I love the setting and the descriptive writing meant I could imagine everything perfectly in my head.

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a book by Rebecca Boxall, so light that fire and grab yourself a copy, you won’t be disappointed!

Thank you so much to Rebecca for my ARC of this book.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is quite short in length (206 pages) but it packs a punch. It is more than just a cosy festive read, it has plenty of light and dark and really keeps you captivated by the storyline. In fact I was so emotional by the end of the novel that I found it hard to see the words through my tears.

Christmas at the Farmhouse is a story of two halves that come together in one emotional finale. Back in the late 1960’s young Susan’s life was quite confined with her controlling parents. However, she did have an escapism with her part-time job in the bakery. When someone who should know better pays her attention Susan is initially flattered and likes the freedom of talking with an adult. However, life becomes dangerous and disturbing for Susan but light from an unexpected source brings her hope and happiness. Nonetheless, fate was to pull another blow her way and Susan is ripped apart from this joy she has made.

Fifty years later we are in Jersey at a farmhouse that sounds so homely. To a large extended family that are as unconventional as they come. As Christmas Day approaches new shocks and changes to various members of the family are announced but the surprise that Jo has so thoughtfully planned brings a much needed clarity to one member of the family.

Christmas at the Farmhouse is a time-slip novel with a coming of age storyline centred around the unjust of certain rules of life post war England. At times the story is endearing and at others it’s darkness provokes fury within the reader but the finale will unravel your emotions entirely. Charming, thought-provoking and highly emotive.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Farmhouse is an absolutely stunning tale that is really several stories in one, we flit between two time periods, which normally I dislike, but in this book the author is done an absolute amazing job of combining them all together, so it flows seamlessly.

The first part of the story is set in Sussex in 1968/9, where Susan is forced into sacrificing everything in the name of her family's reputation, leaving Susan to lose everything she loved. The second part of the story is set in 2019 in Jersey (The Channel Islands), and we meet Jo, Magnus, and their family, who is facing Christmas treading on eggshells around grown-up children, whose lives are changing and don't always get along while trying to keeping Christmas for the grandchildren. But there is are surprises coming that tie these two times together, and truly bring a special kind of harmony for Christmas at the Farmhouse.

I can only say that Christmas at the Farmhouse is a truly stunning book and a must-read for every Christmas!

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy a dual narrative and as the two timelines in this novel come closer together, the focus on family becomes ever stronger. I must admit to being a little blindsided by the story and enjoyed the outcome very much. Life in 1969 seems a mile away from Jo's present day life and you cannot help but feel for Susan, whose innocent teens are so disrupted, The contrast between Susan's rather cold family and the slightly chaotic homelife which Jo has built is clear. Jo's children are all now grown up but bring their different situations home for Christmas- so different to the straightlaced life in Susan's home.
There are some emotional moments in the story and a good deal of suspense at one point but overall, the themes of love and hope prevail. I enjoyed the story very much with its ultimately comforting tone and I thought the pacing and interweaving of the two storylines were strong parts of the novel. All the characters stand out with their own personalities and all add something to the story.
In short: Family ties endure
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo's ideal Christmas is at her lovely farmhouse, full of the people she loves. Christmas 2019 is full of secrets and surprises. A festive insight into family, in all its diversity and true Christmas spirit. Another historical tale plays out in 1969, one of naivety, narcissism and terrible betrayal and loss. The contrast is evident, but what is the connection?

This is a poignant relatable story which takes you on an emotional journey with all its highs and lows. The characters are believably flawed, and you care what happens to them. The festive customs add authenticity and the final revelations are heartwarming and uplifting.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

[Jane Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww, this was a lovely book - I enjoyed it. A real feel-good story. It was told simply and straightforwardly but the characters were well drawn and the story was interesting and kept you going.

[Renda Fury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became a hardcore Rebecca Boxall fan after reading Christmas at the Vicarage, which quickly became my favourite book. I can say that about each and every one that she has released since then, and Christmas at the Farmhouse is no exception.
The subject of adoption in the 1960’s is dealt with very well and makes for an emotional read. The two intertwining timelines blend together beautifully into a wonderful and creative story. Rebecca has the ability to create characters that are so real and relatable that I find myself talking to them as I read. Luckily I prefer to read alone!
I highly recommend Christmas at the Farmhouse. Just be sure to have a box of tissues handy.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dual-timeline story set in both 1969 and then 50 years later at Christmas time 2019. Seventeen year old Susan gets pregnant in 1969 and as an underage daughter of a tyrant father, she is forced to move to a home for unwed mothers. Upon her child's birth, the baby is whisked away at her father's direction and she never sees her baby again. In alternating chapters we meet Jo and her husband Magnus. Parents of four and grandparents of four, they are a large, loving family. As the reader gets to know them, I realized that there is a bit of dysfunction in every family, but they loved each other, forgave each other and supported one another.

You know there is a connection between these two stories and when it is all revealed, it was wonderful. I enjoyed this sweet Christmas story. It is not without it's sadness; Susan's story is terrible, although true to the time period. I appreciated the research that Rebecca Boxall did into the Mother and Baby Homes as well as the movement for an adoption apology by the British Government. She lists some references at the back for further reading if you wish. This was an uplifting story as there is a reunion and a lot of happiness, forgiveness, second chances and family love all packed into this relatively short novel. A wonderful Christmas read. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a little confession to make- yes another one. Although I have a couple of Rebecca’s books on my ever increasing ‘to be read’ mountain, I haven’t actually read one yet…………until now that is. I read the synopsis for ‘Christmas At The Farmhouse’ and it certainly sounded like an intriguing read and then some. Well I can definitely say that it was an interesting read, which I really enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this book. In fact the synopsis alone was enough to grab my attention and the story within the covers of the book sealed the deal as it were. ‘Christmas At The Farmhouse’ isn’t particularly long in length so I seemed to race through it at a rate of knots. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and the page numbers became a blur. I was intrigued by a couple of the characters and I had to know how the story panned out for both of them.
‘Christmas At The Farmhouse’ is brilliantly written. The author has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Rebecca has the knack of making the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves. That’s how I felt at any rate. The story is written using two different timelines. One timeline focuses on events as they happened in the past to a girl called Susan, whilst the other timeline focuses on present day events and how they affect a lady called JO and her family. I did wonder if the use of two different timelines would prove to be confusing but I needn’t have worried because the chapters interlinked really well and the story flowed seamlessly as a result. Had I realised how flipping good Rebecca’s books are, I would have read them all way before now. I liked the way in which she described the characters so vividly and realistically that they seemed to jump off the page and they seemed just as real as you and I. I was gripped by the story from start to finish.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Christmas At The Farmhouse’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Rebecca’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little longer than a novella, a little shorter than the average novel – but for the story that unfolds between its pages, I thought the length (just over 200 pages) was absolutely right. And although I say “the story”, there are really two – the 60s story of Susan, despatched by her unfeeling father to a home for unmarried mothers, and the contemporary story of Jo, Magnus and their family as they prepare for a traditional Danish Christmas at their Jersey farmhouse.

The stories are gently told – the reading is easy, and the writing really lovely – and, although you might wonder how it’s going to happen, converge really satisfyingly towards the book’s end. When two stories are so very different, it’s sometimes easy to favour one over the other, and perhaps want to focus more on the one you prefer – there’s no such issue here, as both threads are extremely well told and unfold quite comfortably side by side. There are some really nice contrasts drawn between the moral standards of the 60s – that awful focus on reputation and what other people might think – and today’s greater tolerance where all the complicated family relationships really fail to raise an eyebrow.

Susan’s a particularly well-drawn character, her first person telling of the story particularly touching when the only thing she’s really done wrong is to be a little naive, but with such far-reaching consequences. Jo’s really likeable too – very much the anchor for her complicated family, while presenting as an interesting character in her own right. The emotional touch to the whole book is perfect, heartbreaking at times but never overplayed – and I will admit I really was a bit teary towards the end as the stories played out to their conclusion. But the whole book left me with a wide smile on my face – and as it’s so full of love and hope, a rather lovely warm feeling around the heart.

It’s very different from the other Christmas books I’ve read – but I really did rather enjoy it. I’d be very happy to read more from Rebecca Boxall, and to recommend her writing to others.

[KT · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was drawn to this novel because of the dual nature of the storyline and the promise of an emotional ride with Susan’s tale. I am a sucker for Call the Midwife and the blurb reminded me of the many heart-breaking pregnancies it shows. From the beginning the reader is thrown into heartache with Susan being forced to give up her much wanted baby. This connected me to her and I needed to keep reading to see how things came to be and what happened next. The two timelines are told in alternate chapters and highlight a big contrast between naïve Susan preparing for birth and Jo preparing for a large family traditional Christmas with unexpected surprises from all family members. Jo’s family is full of warmth, and the descriptions of mouth-watering food and festive traditions made me want to spend Christmas at theirs this year but it was Susan’s timeline I was constantly drawn to. It could have been a book on its own. The subject is well researched and sensitively told.

This is the first novel I have read by Rebecca Boxall and am pleased to discover she has a back catalogue of Christmas books to explore. Farmhouse at Christmas is an enjoyable, cosy but emotional read which explores family connections, reactions to unmarried mothers in history bundled to together with warm festive cheer

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read and cherished all of Rebecca's books. Always set at Christmas and not nearly often enough (!), I love that they always address love, loss, romance, relationships and reality. Not all family life is perfect but in her books she takes on the issues head-on and the books all leave you feeling good and warm inside in the end. And they are perfect for Christmas. In Christmas at the Farmhouse, there are parallel stories set 50 years apart. Susan's story is of a 17 year old English girl who accidently gets pregnant and back in 1969 she cannot marry without her father's permission. He sends her to a Catholic home for unwed mothers and she has no rights. I have read about these places before and they will tear your heart out. Babies are taken from the mothers immediately and given up for adopt. The poor girls have no choice. The second story is set in 2019 and revolves around a big family sharing Christmas at the cozy farmhouse (on the Island of Jersey) of the parents and they have their own angst and love and dramas this Christmas, but the mother has a couple of surprises up her sleeve that ties everything together wonderfully. No spoilers. Read it yourself this Christmas!

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is so Christmassy that you can almost smell the chestnuts roasting and Christmas lunch gently steaming in the Aga. Throughout this gentle drama there is a lovely feel of family, true, this is definitely a family with secrets, but when it counts they all pull together, with parents, Jo and Magnus, doing their best to keep their Jersey-Danish family traditions alive.

It's not all about the here and now as there's also an intriguing story arc which features teenage mother, Susan, who on discovering that she is pregnant in 1969 is sent off to have the baby at a home for unmarried mothers, a story which is both poignant and heartbreaking in equal measure. The author does a wonderful job of bringing these two stories into sharp focus, I was equally interested in joining in with Christmas at the Farmhouse with Jo, Magnus and the family as I was in travelling with Susan on her rather sad story in the 1960s.

The author writes well and builds up towards the Christmas surprise with a lovely light touch, making Christmas at the Farmhouse such a cosy, warmhearted, festive read.

[Fee (Ebook Addicts) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Farmhouse is one of those short, feel good, heart warming stories that you can't help but love.

Told in duel timelines from 1969 and 2019 we have Susan who ends up getting pregnant and then dealing with being sent to a home for unmarried mothers by her tyrant of a father who wouldn't let her marry in order to keep the child. Its hard to imagine that this is what happened only 50 years ago, being forced to give up your baby because you weren't married, I really connected with Susan and I was riveted by her tale.

In 2019 we are watching the Nielsen family get ready to celebrate Christmas in their cosy farmhouse, only Jo has a surprise for her husband Magnus that is going to both timelines together.

You can see where it is headed and I was every so emotional reading Sue reconnecting with her son Magnus, it truly was a heart warming read.

5 stars

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and Rebecca Boxall for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Christmas at the Farmhouse is a dual timeline story that will leave you with a smile on your face and cozy a feeling in your heart. We alternate perspectives from Susan in 1969 and Jo in 2019 until finally both stories intertwine just in time for Christmas.

This certainly was a heartwarming story of love and loss. As I drank it down I found myself having all the feels. Susan's story made me so sad while I was reading it. I found myself really hoping things were going to turn out different for her. The writing is simply beautiful. Boxall paints a beautiful picture of family, pain and finally healing. I absolutely adored this book.

I feel like fans of feel-good Hallmark Christmas movies would enjoy this book.

You can find this and all my other reviews at https://fourmoonreviews.blogspot.com

[Lisa Lige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looooooove! I just discovered this author and I can not get enough of her books. She is smart And so creative with the very best twists to all her books. I just started with this book and have gone on to read a book of hers a day!!!All Christmas of course. I highly recommend her! 10 out of 10!!! So excited to read more!!!

Super amazing author!
Creative and thoughtful plot.
Characters are endearing in all her books. I love her writing so much I find myself reading two of her books at a time.

[Kathie Kuehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice Christmas story. There are 2 stories that, at the end of the book, merge into one. One story thread starts in 1963 with a young girl, Susan who becomes pregnant at 17 and is forced by her father to immediately give up her baby. The other story takes place at Christmas, 2019 and centers around happily married couple Magnus and Jo and their 4 adult children, in-laws and grandchildren. At the end of the book both story lines merge to provide a heartwarming end to this “cozy” story. Nothing deep; just a nice holiday story!

[Janet East · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story.

Wow. Read in less than a day. Beautiful moving story. A real family sage. I have years it's so emotional to read.
I loved the feeling of being part of a family at my favourite time of the year.

[David Laflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woke up early this morning and decided to read this novel.
Once I started it I could not put it down and read it all the way through in one sitting.
Two stories with a common theme that comes together very nicely at the end of the book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Have read all of Rebecca's books and this one just as good love her Christmas stories can't wait till the next one

[Heide Horan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming. A perfect read for this time of year.

[Mrs C P Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable festive fun

I recommend this as a lovely story well told about family. Set at Christmas this is a great festive read.

[patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!!

This was such a heartwarming story that I couldn’t put down. I really enjoy Rebecca’s writing. Give it a read, you won’t regret it!

[Mrs Zoe Horwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Lovely and sad all at the same time. Hard to imagine such barbaric happenings. Well-written looking forward to reading more of her books.

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

not exactly a Christmas story

This was a good story. It felt more of a redemption story then a Christmas story though. If your looking for something trust puts you deep in the Christmas spirit, I’d skip this.

[jennie bowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Another fantastic Christmas book by Rebecca Boxall. I love her books, this follows the journey of Susan in the late 1960's and Jo in the present time