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Coming Home
For a mother and her three daughters, this Christmas is a time to sort out secrets--and find hope for the future . . .
As a young girl, Carmen Appleton loved Christmas, but a simple knock at the door was all it took to change things. Her father left home that fateful Christmas Eve and all that was left in his place were painful memories.
Now, for the first time in years, Carmen is ready to embrace Christmas again. For the sake of her family, she's determined not to dwell on the past and to make this year one to remember.
Her daughters, Rosina, Violetta, and Leonora, are all hiding secrets of their own though, ones that they dread their mother finding out about. With time running out to resolve them, will this year be another Christmas ruined--or will the Appletons finally get their happy ever after?
As a young girl, Carmen Appleton loved Christmas, but a simple knock at the door was all it took to change things. Her father left home that fateful Christmas Eve and all that was left in his place were painful memories.
Now, for the first time in years, Carmen is ready to embrace Christmas again. For the sake of her family, she's determined not to dwell on the past and to make this year one to remember.
Her daughters, Rosina, Violetta, and Leonora, are all hiding secrets of their own though, ones that they dread their mother finding out about. With time running out to resolve them, will this year be another Christmas ruined--or will the Appletons finally get their happy ever after?
- GenresChristmas
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2021
92 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Dixon
22 books173 followersPublished by Bloodhound Books
Author of -
Over My Shoulder, They Don't Know, The Secrets of Tenley House, Liars, #MeToo, Blame. The Other Woman, Coming Home, Resistance, Birthright, Venus Was Her Name, A Good Mother, Rosie and Ruby, Anna, Tilly, Grace, Destiny, The Complete Destiny Series Box Set, The Suspense Boxset.
All titles available on Amazon -
amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00I1YV2RM
Author of -
Over My Shoulder, They Don't Know, The Secrets of Tenley House, Liars, #MeToo, Blame. The Other Woman, Coming Home, Resistance, Birthright, Venus Was Her Name, A Good Mother, Rosie and Ruby, Anna, Tilly, Grace, Destiny, The Complete Destiny Series Box Set, The Suspense Boxset.
All titles available on Amazon -
amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00I1YV2RM
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 30, 2021
It’s almost Christmas and Carmen Appleton, her 3 daughters and their families are excited, they are all going to be together again to celebrate this year at Appleton Farm the family home and business, nothing and no one can put a stop to this celebration….
What Carmen doesn’t know is that all 3 daughters have massive life changing things going on, things that need dealing with before they wreck lives and futures
Set in the now and also in the past we learn of Carmen’s history and why Christmas Eve means so much to her, we also learn about the 3 daughters and how the problems they face have arisen
I so want to tell you ALL about the story but as a teaser lets say secrets, revenge, forbidden love, long lost Dad’s, recent war heroes, a career to make you blush, marital abuse, threats and blackmail/extortion are just some of the subjects covered, now this may sound a heavy list but the author has managed to include all this yet bring a relaxing Christmas feel to the book, the mix is ingenious and works really well with baubles, trees, decorations, food and love aplenty
I must mention Sylvia as well, Carmen’s Mum, no longer with the family but her legacy lives on and is a fiery, no nonsense strong and shall we say opinionated woman, a great character to behold and enjoy
Thia family drama ends well with some unexpected twists and turns and it really is a fine Crimbo book for pre, during or after the celebrations
10/10
5 Stars
What Carmen doesn’t know is that all 3 daughters have massive life changing things going on, things that need dealing with before they wreck lives and futures
Set in the now and also in the past we learn of Carmen’s history and why Christmas Eve means so much to her, we also learn about the 3 daughters and how the problems they face have arisen
I so want to tell you ALL about the story but as a teaser lets say secrets, revenge, forbidden love, long lost Dad’s, recent war heroes, a career to make you blush, marital abuse, threats and blackmail/extortion are just some of the subjects covered, now this may sound a heavy list but the author has managed to include all this yet bring a relaxing Christmas feel to the book, the mix is ingenious and works really well with baubles, trees, decorations, food and love aplenty
I must mention Sylvia as well, Carmen’s Mum, no longer with the family but her legacy lives on and is a fiery, no nonsense strong and shall we say opinionated woman, a great character to behold and enjoy
Thia family drama ends well with some unexpected twists and turns and it really is a fine Crimbo book for pre, during or after the celebrations
10/10
5 Stars
November 2, 2021
Patricia Dixon is bang on the money with this festive offering. If you like a festive read that is not drowning in tinsel, you will find there is a good balance between bucket loads of hot chocolate, but also family dramas. There are secrets, relationships and sorrow in this book that I found equally interesting and absorbing.
I always marvel at how writers can turn their hands to different genres – and manage to do this successfully. Dixon is a fantastic example of this and I have found all her books that I have read to be contrasting but also equally involving! Honestly, it took several chapters for me to feel completely connected with the narrative and I think this is because Dixon throws a lot at the reader in a short space of time. Not only do we have Carmen, the protagonist, and her flashbacks and present day situation, but also her three daughters – and their flashbacks and present circumstances. It was a bit muddling at first and took me a while to identify the different characters and what their story was. However, once that was properly established then, well, I found I could not stop reading. I was completely absorbed by the drama unfolding before me and could not stop because Dixon kept giving extra surprises that I hadn’t foreseen.
All of the women are interesting characters and I liked how Dixon explores a range of issues in this novel. From being a single mother across the decades, to addiction and even family pressures, there is a lot here that I think readers can relate to. In addition, Dixon carefully acknowledges the impact of the pandemic. It was not like reading a piece of news and doom and gloom but, actually, a voice that I could hear and understand: Dixon has written from her readers and for her readers based on the trying experiences that the virus has had on us all. I thought this was just another example of Dixon’s great writing skills.
If you haven’t guessed by now, I do have a lot of love for this author and I really enjoyed this Christmas treat! The countdown to Christmas is on in this story but there is clearly a lot to do before the big day. I could not predict how the characters would be able to confront their inner demons and find peace yet, Dixon creates a plot that is both intriguing and pacey. True, there is a lot of chat, but I think this just makes the characters more realistic.
As the story progressed, I loved how the title increased in significance. At first, I thought it was just a reference to a family being reunited after such a difficult year but, with the developing story, it soon becomes clear that there is far more to this. The emotional release of sharing burdens are combined with physically returning to a place of importance; not only this, establishing key relationships as a ‘foundation’ for a New Year is also relevant to the title. I always love a book that has a title with depth and I think this is a good example.
Exploring family dynamics, there are enough secrets here that I was unsure how the characters would respond. Yet, as you would expect from a festive novel, love prevails, and I found the closing scenes to be particularly emotional and heart-warming. Despite this, the Epilogue was a complete surprise, showing the writer returning to the thriller/suspense genre with a final curveball that I had not anticipated. A great read, this should tickle those who are desiring a Christmas book that isn’t too heavy on snow and Santa.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I always marvel at how writers can turn their hands to different genres – and manage to do this successfully. Dixon is a fantastic example of this and I have found all her books that I have read to be contrasting but also equally involving! Honestly, it took several chapters for me to feel completely connected with the narrative and I think this is because Dixon throws a lot at the reader in a short space of time. Not only do we have Carmen, the protagonist, and her flashbacks and present day situation, but also her three daughters – and their flashbacks and present circumstances. It was a bit muddling at first and took me a while to identify the different characters and what their story was. However, once that was properly established then, well, I found I could not stop reading. I was completely absorbed by the drama unfolding before me and could not stop because Dixon kept giving extra surprises that I hadn’t foreseen.
All of the women are interesting characters and I liked how Dixon explores a range of issues in this novel. From being a single mother across the decades, to addiction and even family pressures, there is a lot here that I think readers can relate to. In addition, Dixon carefully acknowledges the impact of the pandemic. It was not like reading a piece of news and doom and gloom but, actually, a voice that I could hear and understand: Dixon has written from her readers and for her readers based on the trying experiences that the virus has had on us all. I thought this was just another example of Dixon’s great writing skills.
If you haven’t guessed by now, I do have a lot of love for this author and I really enjoyed this Christmas treat! The countdown to Christmas is on in this story but there is clearly a lot to do before the big day. I could not predict how the characters would be able to confront their inner demons and find peace yet, Dixon creates a plot that is both intriguing and pacey. True, there is a lot of chat, but I think this just makes the characters more realistic.
As the story progressed, I loved how the title increased in significance. At first, I thought it was just a reference to a family being reunited after such a difficult year but, with the developing story, it soon becomes clear that there is far more to this. The emotional release of sharing burdens are combined with physically returning to a place of importance; not only this, establishing key relationships as a ‘foundation’ for a New Year is also relevant to the title. I always love a book that has a title with depth and I think this is a good example.
Exploring family dynamics, there are enough secrets here that I was unsure how the characters would respond. Yet, as you would expect from a festive novel, love prevails, and I found the closing scenes to be particularly emotional and heart-warming. Despite this, the Epilogue was a complete surprise, showing the writer returning to the thriller/suspense genre with a final curveball that I had not anticipated. A great read, this should tickle those who are desiring a Christmas book that isn’t too heavy on snow and Santa.
With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2021
Yet another great read from Patricia Dixon. A stunning book cover too. A more than wholesome Christmas story. The great characters who as so believable make this story so true to life. The lead up to the Appleton family Christmas is fraught with complications . Carmen, the mother, is unaware of her 3 daughters different problems. I enjoyed the separate chapters for each daughter. It felt like a cliffhanger waiting to read the next chapter of their story. The humour and banter is such a pleasurable part of the story, but so are the emotional aspects, I shed a tear or two. Not just a lovely Christmas story but a lovely,lovely book which would be a pleasure to read at any time of the year. I just have to mention Granny Sylvia, who’s character I loved, and a prime example of the fabulous characters this author creates.
November 23, 2021
I always look forward to a Patricia Dixon book because I know that it will be a great read. This one was no exception but, with a festive feel. The characters interested me and I love the fact that the book dealt with each characters backstory so that the reader would know who was who. A lovely book for the festive season.
December 17, 2021
Great family saga
This is a wonderful book spanning several generations of women from one family, their relationships past and present. It is a wonderful book of family loyalty and lies that could ruin the family ties but that ultimately bring them closer together. A wonderful feel good read.
This is a wonderful book spanning several generations of women from one family, their relationships past and present. It is a wonderful book of family loyalty and lies that could ruin the family ties but that ultimately bring them closer together. A wonderful feel good read.
December 31, 2021
When Carmen was a little girl her one Christmas eve her life changed forever after a knock at their door. She didn't see her father again. She is now widowed and a successful business woman with three daughters Rosina, Violetta and Leonora. They each hold a secret that could threaten Christmas. Carmen also decides following her mothers death she decides to start looking for her Dad in the new year. A delightful story of a family living with secrets and lies.
November 2, 2021
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites by her. This is a holiday story that has a twist of suspense and mystery added to it. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters from the beginning. This is a fast paced story that I found to be engaging and hard to put down. It is a story about a family that has secrets that could ruin their Christmas or bring happiness. What happens next you dont want to miss. This is a great story that has twists and turns that left me wanting to know more. I enjoyed the growth of the characters as well as the growth of the plot throughout the story. This is a well written story where the author's use of details made the story feel real. I truly enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
October 21, 2021
I wasn’t entirely sure about “Coming Home” by Patricia Dixon when I first started reading it. It was written in conjunction with the last 18 months so a lot of “key words” were mentioned and it’s not something I want to read in books, books are for escaping the real world….
However… my lovely book friend Mark Fearn urged me to keep reading… and boy am I glad I did!
This is my first read from Patricia Dixon and (apart from the pre-mentioned topics) I absolutely loved it. The characters are so “real” that they almost jump out of the pages into the real world, they’re definitely people I’d like to come into contact with.
A great festive read which kept my mind occupied for a few days. I must read “Blame” as it sounds a great read too.
So Thank you to Mark for “insisting” I give it a good go!
However… my lovely book friend Mark Fearn urged me to keep reading… and boy am I glad I did!
This is my first read from Patricia Dixon and (apart from the pre-mentioned topics) I absolutely loved it. The characters are so “real” that they almost jump out of the pages into the real world, they’re definitely people I’d like to come into contact with.
A great festive read which kept my mind occupied for a few days. I must read “Blame” as it sounds a great read too.
So Thank you to Mark for “insisting” I give it a good go!
October 16, 2021
Another brilliant book from Patricia Dixon.
This is a heartwarming book that will definitely get you in the mood for Christmas.
Carmen and her three daughters all have secrets that they want to share, but all of them want to wait until after Christmas before they tell each other what’s happening. They don’t want to spoil Christmas, as it has a special place in all their hearts.
I loved all the female characters and really wanted things to work out for them.
Each one of the sisters is having a crisis but they don’t want to ruin the celebrations with their problems.
There’s some lovely moments towards the end of the book and I admit to shedding a few tears of happiness.
This really is a lovely book and I’d highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a heartwarming book that will definitely get you in the mood for Christmas.
Carmen and her three daughters all have secrets that they want to share, but all of them want to wait until after Christmas before they tell each other what’s happening. They don’t want to spoil Christmas, as it has a special place in all their hearts.
I loved all the female characters and really wanted things to work out for them.
Each one of the sisters is having a crisis but they don’t want to ruin the celebrations with their problems.
There’s some lovely moments towards the end of the book and I admit to shedding a few tears of happiness.
This really is a lovely book and I’d highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
November 21, 2021
I couldn't put this book down and have been looking for a follow-up but with no success. It's a lovely family story that holds your attention all the way through.
October 21, 2021
This was a brilliant book that had so many underlying aspects that kept you guessing what was going to happen next and how the lives of carmen and her daughters and their friends and lovers were intertwined which all cleverly underpinned the main storyline which was uncovering the real events that happened on that Christmas back in 1969 and how the events and secrets of that day have shaped the future for Carmen and her life. This was an addictive read and had me hooked from the start once I had started reading I couldn’t put it down as wanted to know what happened next and it was all brought together by the end. I would love a sequel to see where these characters lives go next.
October 23, 2021
I make no secret that Patricia Dixon is one of my favourite authors. She is one of those writers with a gift of really making you feel though her words, and this story is hands down my favourite of hers.
What singles this out from other festive reads is the meatiness of some of the subjects broached. It’s not a heavy or depressing read. It still has all the feels, but you get pulled through the wringer with her characters, on tenterhooks wondering if things will work out and they will get a happy ending.
This book plays with an ensemble cast, where each character has their own storyline going on, and there is love, laughter, tension, anger, sadness and frustration as we accompany the various members of the Appleton family on their journeys, with Dixon masterfully weaving twists and turns through the narrative, as she threads everything together.
Such a hugely enjoyable read and worthy of more than five stars. If you pick up one book this Christmas, make it Coming Home. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
What singles this out from other festive reads is the meatiness of some of the subjects broached. It’s not a heavy or depressing read. It still has all the feels, but you get pulled through the wringer with her characters, on tenterhooks wondering if things will work out and they will get a happy ending.
This book plays with an ensemble cast, where each character has their own storyline going on, and there is love, laughter, tension, anger, sadness and frustration as we accompany the various members of the Appleton family on their journeys, with Dixon masterfully weaving twists and turns through the narrative, as she threads everything together.
Such a hugely enjoyable read and worthy of more than five stars. If you pick up one book this Christmas, make it Coming Home. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
December 26, 2022
Really loved hearing about the family and was amazing twists
October 31, 2021
I received a free ARC and absolutely loved this book. This was first Patricia Dixon book I have read and now I feel compelled to buy her other novels.
I was gripped from the first couple of pages and couldn’t put it down. Patricia cleverly weaves a story from different perspectives and adding in topical and current events without subtracting from the plotline. The story centres around a very strong family of women who are likeable and vulnerable in equal measures. Everyone has their deep secrets and problems which are eventually resolved with family and loyalty being the driving themes even if everyone left communication right until a critical point. What I most loved about this book is that although I was certain about who characters may turn out to be or who did what I was very wrong and and I especially loved the twist at the very end. I also could relate to the life moments when you try and ask a departed loved one or a higher being for guidance or advice when seemingly dealing with a hopeless situation and needing something would happen in your favour.
A delightful read and highly recommended. We all do wish for that perfect Christmas with our wishes coming true.
I was gripped from the first couple of pages and couldn’t put it down. Patricia cleverly weaves a story from different perspectives and adding in topical and current events without subtracting from the plotline. The story centres around a very strong family of women who are likeable and vulnerable in equal measures. Everyone has their deep secrets and problems which are eventually resolved with family and loyalty being the driving themes even if everyone left communication right until a critical point. What I most loved about this book is that although I was certain about who characters may turn out to be or who did what I was very wrong and and I especially loved the twist at the very end. I also could relate to the life moments when you try and ask a departed loved one or a higher being for guidance or advice when seemingly dealing with a hopeless situation and needing something would happen in your favour.
A delightful read and highly recommended. We all do wish for that perfect Christmas with our wishes coming true.
December 31, 2021
coming home
A slow start, but enjoyed the ending. Needs to be read quickly or you lose track of the different characters.
A slow start, but enjoyed the ending. Needs to be read quickly or you lose track of the different characters.
November 2, 2021
Carmen’s father Geordie left home on Christmas Eve when she was only six years old and his affair with another woman was exposed. She has never seen or heard from him since, after all that was the deal he made with her mother Sylvia. That hasn’t stopped him thinking of his beloved daughter every year since, nor hoping one day that she will find him. Sylvia was an incredibly strong and determined woman, and those genes certainly were passed down to Carmen, when her abusive older husband conveniently died in a terrible car accident, leaving her pregnant with two small daughters already. She found the strength to move on, rebuild the crumbling house and turned the farm around over the years into a highly successful business venture including garden centre, farm shop and cafe. The icing on the cake was the wonderful love she found with her project manager Bern who is finally moving in with her after twenty years. Now all she wants is to have a magical family Christmas to bury all the unhappy memories she had of it as a child for once and for all. She has three daughters. The youngest is Leonora, working as a successful chef in a hotel and planning to open her own bistro at the farm, she lacks the guts to dump her controlling fiancé Caspar so she is having an affair with her ex behind his back. Middle daughter is Violetta, supplementing her income from her share in a bakery with a dodgy side-line and now panicking as her secret looks like being exposed. Eldest is Rosina, with four lovely children and a smashing husband, she helps to run the garden centre but has a terrible problem which leaves her open to blackmail. All these secrets are well hidden from the family. Carmen has no idea how her daughters are suffering and sees Leo as happy and settled, Rosie as loyal and trustworthy and Vi as open and honest. Poor Carmen. At a time in her life when she has worked so hard for years and now should be able to take it easier, she is still the one looking after everyone else and their problems. With her beloved mother now dead, is there anyone in her life she can truly rely on? Will Carmen’s dream of a wonderful family Christmas all together make these three women become stronger and take charge of their lives?
This is an engrossing and endearing story of family and the ties that bind them together, with some darker aspects of human life thrown into the mix.
Christmas isn’t about the food and the films, or the toys and the tinsel. The very first Christmas was about the ultimate gift of love and that’s the message coming through in this story about a family where love overcomes all the obstacles thrown in their paths. 5*
This is an engrossing and endearing story of family and the ties that bind them together, with some darker aspects of human life thrown into the mix.
Christmas isn’t about the food and the films, or the toys and the tinsel. The very first Christmas was about the ultimate gift of love and that’s the message coming through in this story about a family where love overcomes all the obstacles thrown in their paths. 5*
October 20, 2021
Patricia Dixon, you had me at the front cover!
As I turned over the first page of “Coming Home” I immediately knew I was not reading one of those average Christmas novels. If you look closely, you can see BLOCKBUSTER written all over it!
It is Christmas Eve 1969 in Tilbury, London. I can see the tree twinkling away and feel the heat from the fire in the grate. I can smell the mince pies cooking, but most of all I can sense a little six year old girl’s happiness turning to sorrow when she hears the knock on the door that heralds the worst day of her life.
Manchester 2021. This year Carmel is determined that the Appleton Family Christmas will be a joyous celebration. Despite grieving for her mother and still coming to terms with the sudden death of her husband, she wants her three daughters and five grandchildren to sit around the table, pull crackers, tell jokes and eat the lavish meal she has cooked. She has also made a decision and cannot wait to tell everyone.
The Appleton family reminded me a little of my favourite book of all time, “Little Women”. The Appleton girls and their mother pull together just like the March family did. Each of Carmel’s daughters are hiding something which is causing them heartache and despair. Is Christmas the right time to make a decision, to take action or should they wait until after the big day? Always there though to “lend an ear” or a “helping hand” are the other members of the family. This is what is at the heart of this book “family” and to me this is the self- same story that Louisa M Alcott was telling all those years ago.
Patricia Dixon has written a very deep, moving and haunting portrayal of how far people will go to protect those they love. She has also thrown a light on how people’s perceptions have changed for the better over the last 50 years.
This is one book I am actually going to listen to in the run up to Christmas. It will be playing in the background as I prepare the Christmas dinner and sip my sherry – which is obligatory at this time of year! It is the only way I can think of to remain a part of the Appleton Clan, as I am not in the least ready to let them go.
As I turned over the first page of “Coming Home” I immediately knew I was not reading one of those average Christmas novels. If you look closely, you can see BLOCKBUSTER written all over it!
It is Christmas Eve 1969 in Tilbury, London. I can see the tree twinkling away and feel the heat from the fire in the grate. I can smell the mince pies cooking, but most of all I can sense a little six year old girl’s happiness turning to sorrow when she hears the knock on the door that heralds the worst day of her life.
Manchester 2021. This year Carmel is determined that the Appleton Family Christmas will be a joyous celebration. Despite grieving for her mother and still coming to terms with the sudden death of her husband, she wants her three daughters and five grandchildren to sit around the table, pull crackers, tell jokes and eat the lavish meal she has cooked. She has also made a decision and cannot wait to tell everyone.
The Appleton family reminded me a little of my favourite book of all time, “Little Women”. The Appleton girls and their mother pull together just like the March family did. Each of Carmel’s daughters are hiding something which is causing them heartache and despair. Is Christmas the right time to make a decision, to take action or should they wait until after the big day? Always there though to “lend an ear” or a “helping hand” are the other members of the family. This is what is at the heart of this book “family” and to me this is the self- same story that Louisa M Alcott was telling all those years ago.
Patricia Dixon has written a very deep, moving and haunting portrayal of how far people will go to protect those they love. She has also thrown a light on how people’s perceptions have changed for the better over the last 50 years.
This is one book I am actually going to listen to in the run up to Christmas. It will be playing in the background as I prepare the Christmas dinner and sip my sherry – which is obligatory at this time of year! It is the only way I can think of to remain a part of the Appleton Clan, as I am not in the least ready to let them go.
October 15, 2021
Oh wow! A beautiful, clever read to treasure. Carmen was only six and it was just before Christmas when a woman entered their house, spoke to her mother and then left with her father. Fifty years later Carmen has three daughters of her own and has built a very successful business up around a garden centre. However all has not been rosie in her life. Her husband was violent to both her and her eldest daughter but was killed in an accident when she was expecting her youngest. Present day and each daughter has their own issues with life one way or another but the women are strong and there is a close bond- however divulging secrets could shatter this for life. Each daughter has woven herself a web with good intentions and doesn't want to involve the family they treasure so dearly.
I was quickly drawn into this- there is a warmth and comfort in Patricias books- and then there isn't- in a good way if that makes sense (read it and you’ll hopefully understand what I mean). What begins as a family drama where you get to know the characters warts and all, you know there is just something beneath the surface lurking waiting to rear its ugly head. It does of course as this is a psychological thriller but there's nothing too murky and in fact I found love shining through the pages in the face of adversity. This resonated with me (far too long a story to tell here) . Let's just say it has made me look forward to Christmas and to treasure what I am fortunate enough to have. It's not the material things that count in life- its those around you- whether they be family or friends that make the difference and this comes across so much it made me shed a tear. A treasure of a read and one I will remember for a very long time. Loved it doesn't do it justice............5** one of my books of the year.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
I was quickly drawn into this- there is a warmth and comfort in Patricias books- and then there isn't- in a good way if that makes sense (read it and you’ll hopefully understand what I mean). What begins as a family drama where you get to know the characters warts and all, you know there is just something beneath the surface lurking waiting to rear its ugly head. It does of course as this is a psychological thriller but there's nothing too murky and in fact I found love shining through the pages in the face of adversity. This resonated with me (far too long a story to tell here) . Let's just say it has made me look forward to Christmas and to treasure what I am fortunate enough to have. It's not the material things that count in life- its those around you- whether they be family or friends that make the difference and this comes across so much it made me shed a tear. A treasure of a read and one I will remember for a very long time. Loved it doesn't do it justice............5** one of my books of the year.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
October 19, 2021
If you want a saccharine sweet, sitting by a log fire, snow outside Christmas book, then this is not for you. However, if you want a book that grips you from the start, draws you in to family dramas and shows how the love and strength of family can conquer all, then this is most definitely for you.
The story, without giving too much away, starts with six-year-old Carmen, who like all children was so excited about Christmas. It was Christmas eve in Tilbury, and the excitement was building until the knock on the door and the strange woman who took her father away. Christmas was suddenly over, as was life as Carmen knew it when her mother packed just a few things and took her to Manchester.
Over the years Carmen married and had three daughters, Christmas was always worrying for her, although she made it as lovely as possible for her girls. In a loveless marriage herself, it was something of a relief when Carmen became a widow, and her mother helped the family in her own special way.
Now Christmas was almost upon them again, her mother had died, but gave her blessing before she did, for Carmen to find her father. Putting that to one side, she was determined, despite her sadness at losing her mother and the girls grandmother, to have a real family Christmas for her three daughters, their partners, her grandchildren, and her loving boyfriend. They would all be together for a happy festive time, However she had no idea that each of her girls were unhappy, that they were each holding onto their own deep secrets which were threatening their very lives.
This is such an emotionally charged book, one that you just can’t put down. It shows the bond between a mother and her children and how far someone will go to help family. Like all of Patricia’s amazing books, there are many twists in the plot. This is a fantastic story and one that had a very surprising ending.
The story, without giving too much away, starts with six-year-old Carmen, who like all children was so excited about Christmas. It was Christmas eve in Tilbury, and the excitement was building until the knock on the door and the strange woman who took her father away. Christmas was suddenly over, as was life as Carmen knew it when her mother packed just a few things and took her to Manchester.
Over the years Carmen married and had three daughters, Christmas was always worrying for her, although she made it as lovely as possible for her girls. In a loveless marriage herself, it was something of a relief when Carmen became a widow, and her mother helped the family in her own special way.
Now Christmas was almost upon them again, her mother had died, but gave her blessing before she did, for Carmen to find her father. Putting that to one side, she was determined, despite her sadness at losing her mother and the girls grandmother, to have a real family Christmas for her three daughters, their partners, her grandchildren, and her loving boyfriend. They would all be together for a happy festive time, However she had no idea that each of her girls were unhappy, that they were each holding onto their own deep secrets which were threatening their very lives.
This is such an emotionally charged book, one that you just can’t put down. It shows the bond between a mother and her children and how far someone will go to help family. Like all of Patricia’s amazing books, there are many twists in the plot. This is a fantastic story and one that had a very surprising ending.
October 17, 2021
I wasn’t sure about this as I’m not a Christmas book reader but this is much more than a Christmas book. It’s a family saga, full of lies, secrets, betrayal and sadness; but also love, truth, support and happiness. Full of wonderful characters with all the frailties of human beings. Mistakes made but resolved.
Briefly, when Carmen Appleton was just 6 years old her parents had a dreadful row on Christmas Eve and her beloved father left home; she never saw him again. Her mother took her to Manchester and they built a new life there. Now Carmen is a widow with three grown up daughters, Rosina, Violetta, and Leonora. Her mother has died and her last words gave Carmen ‘permission’ to find her father, something she hadn’t felt able to do before. Christmas is coming and Carmen is preparing to welcome all her family, daughters, partner and her grandchildren. But Carmen doesn’t know that all her girls have secrets. Secrets they want to share with her…
This is an emotional read written from various points of view and in different timelines, but it still flows seamlessly. Although this isn’t a thriller there are certainly a few twists and turns that I didn’t expect. I though I had the whole thing sussed out but I hadn’t. This really is a great book to read at Christmas (or any other time) and a packet of tissues nearby might be a good idea. A lovely read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, when Carmen Appleton was just 6 years old her parents had a dreadful row on Christmas Eve and her beloved father left home; she never saw him again. Her mother took her to Manchester and they built a new life there. Now Carmen is a widow with three grown up daughters, Rosina, Violetta, and Leonora. Her mother has died and her last words gave Carmen ‘permission’ to find her father, something she hadn’t felt able to do before. Christmas is coming and Carmen is preparing to welcome all her family, daughters, partner and her grandchildren. But Carmen doesn’t know that all her girls have secrets. Secrets they want to share with her…
This is an emotional read written from various points of view and in different timelines, but it still flows seamlessly. Although this isn’t a thriller there are certainly a few twists and turns that I didn’t expect. I though I had the whole thing sussed out but I hadn’t. This really is a great book to read at Christmas (or any other time) and a packet of tissues nearby might be a good idea. A lovely read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 21, 2021
This is a family Christmas Drama. I was slightly wary of it thinking it would be sloppy affair which it certainly wasn't. It is a book filled with suspense and drama and excellently put together by the author
The story starts on Christmas Eve 1969 when a young girl called Carmen has her Christmas ripped apart when her Dad walks out of the family home never to return. Fast forward to current day and Carmen is now a successful business woman with three daughters and grandchildren. She is planning a big family Christmas to beat all others. What she doesn't know is that each of daughters has a secret which threaten to ruin their mother's plans.
Patricia Dixon describes each character in such great detail you feel as though you know them personally. Although the story goes back and forth through time it does not detract from the reading pleasure. It runs seamlessly from chapter to chapter. The characters range from wholesome to downright nasty. As you'd expect from this author there are twists and turns aplenty.
Although this is described as a Christmas novel it can be enjoyed whenever you read it. It is easily a 5* book.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book and I've reviewed it voluntarily.
The story starts on Christmas Eve 1969 when a young girl called Carmen has her Christmas ripped apart when her Dad walks out of the family home never to return. Fast forward to current day and Carmen is now a successful business woman with three daughters and grandchildren. She is planning a big family Christmas to beat all others. What she doesn't know is that each of daughters has a secret which threaten to ruin their mother's plans.
Patricia Dixon describes each character in such great detail you feel as though you know them personally. Although the story goes back and forth through time it does not detract from the reading pleasure. It runs seamlessly from chapter to chapter. The characters range from wholesome to downright nasty. As you'd expect from this author there are twists and turns aplenty.
Although this is described as a Christmas novel it can be enjoyed whenever you read it. It is easily a 5* book.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book and I've reviewed it voluntarily.
October 20, 2021
What a lovely, lovely Christmas story. I love Patricia Dixon’s writing. From the very beginning the description of Carmen’s dramatic Christmas as a six year old really pulled me into the story as it was so atmospheric. As time moved on to present day I absolutely adored the Appleton family. As each character developed and we learned about their secrets, the story made me laugh and cry in equal measure. So many great, strong characters. I could picture them all. I particularly loved Granny Sylvia. What a woman!
I will definitely read Coming Home again nearer to Christmas to get the full festive experience.🎄
This genre really is my favourite, I love domestic drama.
I found it made the story more real to me that the Appleton’s garden centre was set in Gawsworth, as Gawsworth Hall is one of my favourite venues for outdoor concerts.
I was privileged to have an ARC of this wonderful book. It’s a real “Christmas cracker”!
I will definitely read Coming Home again nearer to Christmas to get the full festive experience.🎄
This genre really is my favourite, I love domestic drama.
I found it made the story more real to me that the Appleton’s garden centre was set in Gawsworth, as Gawsworth Hall is one of my favourite venues for outdoor concerts.
I was privileged to have an ARC of this wonderful book. It’s a real “Christmas cracker”!
October 25, 2021
This is a story of family and a story of a family coming together at Christmas.
Carmen’s childhood Christmas back in 1969 left her devastated when her father walked out on her and her mum. Never wanting to really celebrate the season before, this year she is determined to be surrounded by her daughters, grandchildren and their respective others.
It is a generational story of Appleton women, their losses, their loves and their lives.
Every family has gone through its ups and its down and her three daughters all have things going on in their own lives; a lot of which they are keeping from her.
The girls not wanting to spoil their mothers wish of a family Christmas can they come together to make it happen.
The author draws you in completely to each of the characters lives.
It’s not a twinkly sparkly Christmas story, but a Christmas story full of dramas and love. A story that is heart-warming, and will have you smiling and crying.
Just what we all need at Christmas.
Carmen’s childhood Christmas back in 1969 left her devastated when her father walked out on her and her mum. Never wanting to really celebrate the season before, this year she is determined to be surrounded by her daughters, grandchildren and their respective others.
It is a generational story of Appleton women, their losses, their loves and their lives.
Every family has gone through its ups and its down and her three daughters all have things going on in their own lives; a lot of which they are keeping from her.
The girls not wanting to spoil their mothers wish of a family Christmas can they come together to make it happen.
The author draws you in completely to each of the characters lives.
It’s not a twinkly sparkly Christmas story, but a Christmas story full of dramas and love. A story that is heart-warming, and will have you smiling and crying.
Just what we all need at Christmas.
November 2, 2021
I usually wouldn’t read a Christmas story, but this one was so much more than that, with skilfully drawn characters that were very relatable. I was drawn in by the prologue, which introduces us to Carmen as a young girl in 1969, and captured the mood of the times perfectly.
All Carmen has ever wanted for her family since that long-ago Christmas Eve is the perfect Christmas. After a year of disappointments and family gatherings restricted, Carmen is determined to make this Christmas the best it can be. Her three adult daughters want her to have this magical Christmas, in spite of the dangerous secrets all three are keeping, in hopes of fulfilling this wish for their mother.
This is a story of suspense, family saga, and yes, a warm and loving Christmas story.
It culminates in a satisfying ending, that left a smile on my face. Then I read the epilogue, which was initially shocking but ultimately extremely satisfying.
All Carmen has ever wanted for her family since that long-ago Christmas Eve is the perfect Christmas. After a year of disappointments and family gatherings restricted, Carmen is determined to make this Christmas the best it can be. Her three adult daughters want her to have this magical Christmas, in spite of the dangerous secrets all three are keeping, in hopes of fulfilling this wish for their mother.
This is a story of suspense, family saga, and yes, a warm and loving Christmas story.
It culminates in a satisfying ending, that left a smile on my face. Then I read the epilogue, which was initially shocking but ultimately extremely satisfying.
October 1, 2021
Carmen Appleton nee Wilson will never forget what happened on Christmas eve 1969 at just six years old her heart was broken.
Appleton farm Cheshire December 2021 and she is still suffering nightmares of that night now a widow with three daughters five grandchildren and three dogs in a six bedroom house, Christmas this year is going to be so different to the last. The covid pandemic hit everyone hard it was a holiday they want to forget, everyone is coming home to Appleton farm Carmen will make sure of that.
This book was so enchanting , it's all about family as we are taking on a journey in all the characters rollercoaster lives. and are joined together as one, I enjoyed every chapter it's a perfect seasonal read for all, with one special guest at the table. The Wilson Appleton family are now complete as one.
this book was wrote with love and left me a happy Booklover, 5*****
Appleton farm Cheshire December 2021 and she is still suffering nightmares of that night now a widow with three daughters five grandchildren and three dogs in a six bedroom house, Christmas this year is going to be so different to the last. The covid pandemic hit everyone hard it was a holiday they want to forget, everyone is coming home to Appleton farm Carmen will make sure of that.
This book was so enchanting , it's all about family as we are taking on a journey in all the characters rollercoaster lives. and are joined together as one, I enjoyed every chapter it's a perfect seasonal read for all, with one special guest at the table. The Wilson Appleton family are now complete as one.
this book was wrote with love and left me a happy Booklover, 5*****
October 20, 2021
This is a story which will make you smile, laugh, cry and even get a bit angry at times : it is Patricia Dixon at her best! The story opens on Christmas Eve 1969 when Carmen, the main character, was 6. I was 7 that year and the description of how the houses were decorated and the plans for Christmas Day just brought memories flooding back to me especially the box of dates ( I still cannot stand them!). The story ebbs and flows between Carmen and her offspring from her childhood to her current day Christmases effortlessly. Patricia definitely has the craft of story telling down to a fine art, as you are there with the characters and going through a whole gamut of emotions. A highly recommended read.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
October 30, 2021
This is definitely not your usual Christmas novel - it's gritty, full of characters with strong opinions, there are secrets and lies galore, and it is basically just fabulous!
The story starts at Christmas in London in 1969, and the book jumps between then and modern day Manchester, feeding us snippets of information from both time periods. The reader slowly puts together the story of Carmen and her 3 daughters - they all have secrets to share, but will their family understand?
I love Patricia Dixon's writing, so jumped at the chance to read this one. I initially struggled to get into it, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. I laughed at times, I sobbed at others, I felt warm and fuzzy at yet more. It took me through the wringer emotionally, and I loved it!
The story starts at Christmas in London in 1969, and the book jumps between then and modern day Manchester, feeding us snippets of information from both time periods. The reader slowly puts together the story of Carmen and her 3 daughters - they all have secrets to share, but will their family understand?
I love Patricia Dixon's writing, so jumped at the chance to read this one. I initially struggled to get into it, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. I laughed at times, I sobbed at others, I felt warm and fuzzy at yet more. It took me through the wringer emotionally, and I loved it!
October 21, 2021
I knew as I read the first chapter that I would be captivated. Patricia Dixon has written another corker of a book!
The first chapter sets the expectation of Christmas and you feel the sadness when Carmen is let down.
The book is full of strong women characters as Carmen, helped by her mum Sylvia, brings up her three girls in an area near Manchester.
She owns a garden centre so there is all the excitement of that at Christmas as well as the ups and downs of her daughters’ relationships.
Patricia always paints a picture on her writing that draws you in and makes you feel part of the story.
The first chapter sets the expectation of Christmas and you feel the sadness when Carmen is let down.
The book is full of strong women characters as Carmen, helped by her mum Sylvia, brings up her three girls in an area near Manchester.
She owns a garden centre so there is all the excitement of that at Christmas as well as the ups and downs of her daughters’ relationships.
Patricia always paints a picture on her writing that draws you in and makes you feel part of the story.
December 6, 2021
The opening is a menacing and brilliantly executed recurring nightmare of childhood abandonment. From there the story swings artfully between the various family members as each one grapples with their secret and they wait for the worst to happen, seeing no escape. Tensions rise as Carmen, the mother, hopes for the 'best ever' family Christmas while each daughter approaches their feared cusp. But her children are good people although struggling with poor past choices and it is impossible not to share their desire for a way out of their dilemmas.
This is a story that is expertly woven, with enough darkness to make the light of Christmas shine brightly.
This is a story that is expertly woven, with enough darkness to make the light of Christmas shine brightly.
December 12, 2025
Carmen Appleton is determined to have a wonderful Christmas celebration with her three daughters and their families. Life has not been easy for Carmen. She was widowed from her abusive husband, Sebastian, when she was expecting their youngest daughter, Leonora. She pulled herself up by her bootstraps and built a successful business on their Appleton farm. She is a take charge kind of woman and her girls adore her. This year finds all of the girls dealing with serious issues.
This was a great story that kept me turning the pages. The plot moved along at a good pace and the characters were delightful. I enjoyed it a lot.
This was a great story that kept me turning the pages. The plot moved along at a good pace and the characters were delightful. I enjoyed it a lot.
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