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Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross
No one loves Christmas more than editorial assistant Eve Pilkins.
But when her boss hits her with a huge deadline on Christmas Day, it looks like Eve's favourite time of the year might be cancelled. Armed with as much enthusiasm as she can muster, she travels to the coldest part of England, tasked with ensuring brooding author Edward Priest finishes his latest novel on time.
The festive spirit is at Cranberry Cross is as dark as the house itself, without a fairy light in sight looks like only a Christmas miracle can save this one, will Eve be up to the task?
But when her boss hits her with a huge deadline on Christmas Day, it looks like Eve's favourite time of the year might be cancelled. Armed with as much enthusiasm as she can muster, she travels to the coldest part of England, tasked with ensuring brooding author Edward Priest finishes his latest novel on time.
The festive spirit is at Cranberry Cross is as dark as the house itself, without a fairy light in sight looks like only a Christmas miracle can save this one, will Eve be up to the task?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2022
309 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
August 11, 2022
I don't even really know how to review this. What on earth.
From the blurb:
Based on the blurb, I was anticipating a fluffy Christmas romance where the scroogy writer learns the meaning of Christmas and love and helps the FMC do something idk.
• This was incredibly depressing. There's surprise kids in this - neglected, emotionally damaged kids. The 7 year old buries dolls in the snow to rescue them because she is so lost. The teenager hides in a tower not talking to anyone. Cosy.
• I liked Eve, generally. She was a solid character.
• I did not like Edward. He was incredibly selfish and a terrible parent. This is acknowledged in text, but isn't super well addressed.
• I did not buy into the light speed romance because Edward sucked.
• Eve fixed everything in this book. It was super unbalanced - Edward did nothing for her. There should be an exchange of something, but no, Eve fixed his writing and his contracts and his family etc, and he does absolutely nothing except chain her to her evil boss. Unreal.
• The cheating. Unacknowledged by literally everyone except the NOT EX WIFE! They weren't divorced!! She is not an ex!!!!
• I cant believe this Jane Eyre'd the wife. That's how this is resolved? A house fire?
• The writing on the whole was quite readable, and I did enjoy some of the meta writing commentary.
I wish, flora
Overall, this was an absolutely perplexing read. I found the blurb to be wildly misleading. Not cozy, not romantic, not very Christmassy...
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All the opinions are my own.
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
From the blurb:
An absolutely charming and uplifting Christmas love story of hope, forgiveness, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Based on the blurb, I was anticipating a fluffy Christmas romance where the scroogy writer learns the meaning of Christmas and love and helps the FMC do something idk.
• This was incredibly depressing. There's surprise kids in this - neglected, emotionally damaged kids. The 7 year old buries dolls in the snow to rescue them because she is so lost. The teenager hides in a tower not talking to anyone. Cosy.
• I liked Eve, generally. She was a solid character.
• I did not like Edward. He was incredibly selfish and a terrible parent. This is acknowledged in text, but isn't super well addressed.
• I did not buy into the light speed romance because Edward sucked.
• Eve fixed everything in this book. It was super unbalanced - Edward did nothing for her. There should be an exchange of something, but no, Eve fixed his writing and his contracts and his family etc, and he does absolutely nothing except chain her to her evil boss. Unreal.
• The cheating. Unacknowledged by literally everyone except the NOT EX WIFE! They weren't divorced!! She is not an ex!!!!
• I cant believe this Jane Eyre'd the wife. That's how this is resolved? A house fire?
• The writing on the whole was quite readable, and I did enjoy some of the meta writing commentary.
‘Your heart just exploded,’ Flora announced taking the stethoscope off his chest. ‘You’re dead now.’
I wish, flora
Overall, this was an absolutely perplexing read. I found the blurb to be wildly misleading. Not cozy, not romantic, not very Christmassy...
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All the opinions are my own.
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
November 28, 2023
It's like a good 3.75 for me ❄️ Not as Christmassy, as Id like but overall written well, has short chapters and goes by fast. I just feel like there were many dark and morbid topics in the book that don't quite work in a holiday romance (?!) 🤷🏼♀️ But overall, I quite enjoyed it 🫶
August 6, 2022
I received an ARC of, Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross, by Kate Forster. I really enjoyed Eve's character, but I did not like Edward at all. This book was a little depressing actually, for a Christmas story.
November 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this tale. The characters were interesting and varied. It also was not too festive and I thought this made this Christmas read that more different.
It is difficult to not sympathise with the protagonist, Eve, when her work circumstances are revealed. She clearly works for a horrid boss and has been trapped into sacrificing her Christmas plans in order to save her job (and plenty of others in the office), and make sure a famous writer meets their next deadline. For someone like Eve, who loves Christmas and, bizarrely, her and her twin brothers’ birthdays are all on Christmas Eve, this new plan is met with plenty of disgruntled mutterings. To make matters worse, when Eve finally meets Edward, he proves to be arrogant, conceited and, worst of all, lazy about his writing. How on earth is Eve going to extract his new novel from him when the writer in question is barely at his desk?
But there is so much more to this story than Eve’s work deadline. Edward’s family matters are entwined with this plot and this was another element where Forster tugs on the heartstrings of her readers. Estranged from his wife, his daughter, Flora, is clearly struggling with her mother’s absence, playing bizarre games that often find her digging up dolls from the snow in the garden. Eve can see how the family is suffering and understands how this has had an impact on Edward’s writing. The more time that Eve spends at Cranberry Cross, the more she begins to learn about this household, taking on far more responsibilities than just author babysitting.
As this part of the story unfolded, I grew even more interested in the characters. I thought they were all so varied and different. For example, Eve doesn’t just love books, but is an amazing singer and plays the guitar very well – even to the point that she used to be in a band as a teenager. Her outlook towards life isn’t soppy and dippy; she has strength of character that comes from having to stand up for herself with her boss’s bullying. When readers are introduced to Eve’s family, this interesting characterisation continued and I loved reading about her parents and the evidently loving household that she grew up in. It really adds to the warmth you expect from a read set at Christmas.
But really, this book isn’t overly Christmassy, so if you are considering when would be a good time to sit down with this story, then now is as good a time as any! The setting of Cranberry Cross is so haunting that it would make for a perfect Halloween read and, if it wasn’t for the large amounts of snow, I would have thought this book taking place at another time of the year. I liked exploring the grand house with Eve and my imagination went wild, especially when Eve ends up working in a very delightful snug. Envious!
My only criticism with this book was that I didn’t always connect with Forster’s writing style. At times I thought the sentence structures to be awkward or repetitive. This had me re-reading parts because I got thrown by the repetition that could have been avoided. Although only a minor negative, it was this aspect that meant it was not an amazing read.
I enjoyed the variety that this story presents, particularly with the characterisation. There is so much more to the plot than Eve’s work commitments and I liked seeing how her presence has such a positive influence at Cranberry Cross.
With thanks to Aria Fiction for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is difficult to not sympathise with the protagonist, Eve, when her work circumstances are revealed. She clearly works for a horrid boss and has been trapped into sacrificing her Christmas plans in order to save her job (and plenty of others in the office), and make sure a famous writer meets their next deadline. For someone like Eve, who loves Christmas and, bizarrely, her and her twin brothers’ birthdays are all on Christmas Eve, this new plan is met with plenty of disgruntled mutterings. To make matters worse, when Eve finally meets Edward, he proves to be arrogant, conceited and, worst of all, lazy about his writing. How on earth is Eve going to extract his new novel from him when the writer in question is barely at his desk?
But there is so much more to this story than Eve’s work deadline. Edward’s family matters are entwined with this plot and this was another element where Forster tugs on the heartstrings of her readers. Estranged from his wife, his daughter, Flora, is clearly struggling with her mother’s absence, playing bizarre games that often find her digging up dolls from the snow in the garden. Eve can see how the family is suffering and understands how this has had an impact on Edward’s writing. The more time that Eve spends at Cranberry Cross, the more she begins to learn about this household, taking on far more responsibilities than just author babysitting.
As this part of the story unfolded, I grew even more interested in the characters. I thought they were all so varied and different. For example, Eve doesn’t just love books, but is an amazing singer and plays the guitar very well – even to the point that she used to be in a band as a teenager. Her outlook towards life isn’t soppy and dippy; she has strength of character that comes from having to stand up for herself with her boss’s bullying. When readers are introduced to Eve’s family, this interesting characterisation continued and I loved reading about her parents and the evidently loving household that she grew up in. It really adds to the warmth you expect from a read set at Christmas.
But really, this book isn’t overly Christmassy, so if you are considering when would be a good time to sit down with this story, then now is as good a time as any! The setting of Cranberry Cross is so haunting that it would make for a perfect Halloween read and, if it wasn’t for the large amounts of snow, I would have thought this book taking place at another time of the year. I liked exploring the grand house with Eve and my imagination went wild, especially when Eve ends up working in a very delightful snug. Envious!
My only criticism with this book was that I didn’t always connect with Forster’s writing style. At times I thought the sentence structures to be awkward or repetitive. This had me re-reading parts because I got thrown by the repetition that could have been avoided. Although only a minor negative, it was this aspect that meant it was not an amazing read.
I enjoyed the variety that this story presents, particularly with the characterisation. There is so much more to the plot than Eve’s work commitments and I liked seeing how her presence has such a positive influence at Cranberry Cross.
With thanks to Aria Fiction for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2022
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This is my first book by Kate Forster and I am obsessed with this book. I absolutely love it and cannot recommend iit enough. It's a sunshine-grumpy trope and I absolutely am now a fan. This book follows a reclusive author with two children , a disturbed ex wife and a housekeeper that grows on you and the sunny always happy editor sent to help him finish the book. I enjoyed the setting, the book references and the secondary characters. It's a perfect book to get you into the Christmas Spirit.
This is my first book by Kate Forster and I am obsessed with this book. I absolutely love it and cannot recommend iit enough. It's a sunshine-grumpy trope and I absolutely am now a fan. This book follows a reclusive author with two children , a disturbed ex wife and a housekeeper that grows on you and the sunny always happy editor sent to help him finish the book. I enjoyed the setting, the book references and the secondary characters. It's a perfect book to get you into the Christmas Spirit.
August 13, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! I went into this story expecting a happy Christmas one, but it was a bit depressing for me. I did not like Edward at all, and I felt sorry for the little girl. Sometimes I liked Eve, but didn’t connect to her like I should have.
December 11, 2025
3.5 stars
September 18, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for an advanced readers copy of Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross.
With just a glance at the cover, I was eager for a warm and cheerful Christmas novel. I was expecting a lighthearted Christmas-themed book, but the story was a little more somber. This book follows a few characters whose characters had been developed well. We have Eve, who is an editorial assistant who is trying to achieve her dreams of becoming an editor herself, and Edward, an author who seems to be a bit of a prick with writers block. Edward also had two children who had been neglected for a decent amount of this book. As the book progressed, I was glad to see the difference in each character’s attitude and felt it was written very well. Eve was a light that lead Edward and his children out of the darkness. Eve’s mom taught her well.
Overall I enjoyed this book, it was my first read by Kate Forster and I am excited to dig into some of her other titles.
With just a glance at the cover, I was eager for a warm and cheerful Christmas novel. I was expecting a lighthearted Christmas-themed book, but the story was a little more somber. This book follows a few characters whose characters had been developed well. We have Eve, who is an editorial assistant who is trying to achieve her dreams of becoming an editor herself, and Edward, an author who seems to be a bit of a prick with writers block. Edward also had two children who had been neglected for a decent amount of this book. As the book progressed, I was glad to see the difference in each character’s attitude and felt it was written very well. Eve was a light that lead Edward and his children out of the darkness. Eve’s mom taught her well.
Overall I enjoyed this book, it was my first read by Kate Forster and I am excited to dig into some of her other titles.
September 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It’s fun and cozy and full of Christmas cheer. But don’t be fooled. It’s not just the typical light, frothy romance. Serious issues are dealt with as well. It’s a bit of a hard road to the HEA!
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria booms for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria booms for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 28, 2024
Намерихме се в точното време с тази прекрасна история. Прочетох я за ден, интересна ми беше. Имаше си от всичко и ми хареса, въпреки предвидимия сюжет (като всички останали коледни книги)
July 30, 2024
I didn't realize that Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross was a story about an author and editor, but as I got into this one, I really enjoyed that plot line. Eve Pilkins is an editorial assistant, who is desperately trying to do whatever she can to get a promotion to junior editor. Her boss, Serena Whitelaw gives her a job, she is to travel to Cranberry Cross, the home of author Edward Priest, to make sure he finishes his new book on time. This means she will not be able to celebrate Christmas with her family. When she arrives, she finds Edward with barely anything written and, it is a different genre. She works with him and becomes enmeshed with his family as they work to finish the book, and maybe save his family.
The first thing I want to say is that the book is set around Christmas, but otherwise, it is not very festive. I liked the characters, especially Eve. She is wonderful. Not only is she smart and a great editor, doing most of her bosses work, but caring, loving, talented and more. As we got to know Edward's family, daughter Flora and stepson Myles, who were both a bit angry, bizarre, and dealing with the abandonment by their mother, we saw how Eve worked her magic with them. I loved Eve's family and how they rally around to help her and Edward's kids. Really, the only person in this book I disliked was Serena. She is the kind of boss that takes advantage of her employees and takes all the credit. Lies to them, dangles things in front of them, then snatches them away. This was a story of trust, family relationships, trying new things and yes, falling in love. I found it more of a dramatic story than a happy festive Christmas story, but it was still enjoyable. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Helen Keeley and I enjoyed her performance. Several reviewers mentioned that they didn't connect with Kate Forster's writing, but perhaps by listening to this one, I was able to connect to the characters well.
The first thing I want to say is that the book is set around Christmas, but otherwise, it is not very festive. I liked the characters, especially Eve. She is wonderful. Not only is she smart and a great editor, doing most of her bosses work, but caring, loving, talented and more. As we got to know Edward's family, daughter Flora and stepson Myles, who were both a bit angry, bizarre, and dealing with the abandonment by their mother, we saw how Eve worked her magic with them. I loved Eve's family and how they rally around to help her and Edward's kids. Really, the only person in this book I disliked was Serena. She is the kind of boss that takes advantage of her employees and takes all the credit. Lies to them, dangles things in front of them, then snatches them away. This was a story of trust, family relationships, trying new things and yes, falling in love. I found it more of a dramatic story than a happy festive Christmas story, but it was still enjoyable. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Helen Keeley and I enjoyed her performance. Several reviewers mentioned that they didn't connect with Kate Forster's writing, but perhaps by listening to this one, I was able to connect to the characters well.
November 3, 2022
Well on the surface, this is a lovely, festive, uplifting read. There are lots of festive touches as Christmas approaches and some heart-warming family scenes. However, delve a little deeper and you will find some dark themes as poor parenting, depression, addiction all have their effect on the story. There are lots of layers in this story, as Eve tries to cajole Edward past his writer's block and then sets about editing his work. She has her own dreams for the future and has been at the mercy of a bullying boss for too long. I also appreciated the gothic references which chimed perfectly with a writer living in the isolated Hall.
You are also shown two contrasting pictures of family life. Eve's family may not be well off financially but they are close knit and affectionate to each other. Her father has always supported his wife and being a father is very important to him. In contrast, you have the dysfunctional family of Edward Priest. Although he too loves his children and wants to be a good father, he has also been wrapped up in his own career and in some ways ignored their needs. With an absent mother who inflicted damage on the family, it takes Eve's clear-sighted take on listening to a child's needs to bring the family together. This is such an enjoyable read with plenty to make you think and enough romance to make you smile.
In short: can love conquer all?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
You are also shown two contrasting pictures of family life. Eve's family may not be well off financially but they are close knit and affectionate to each other. Her father has always supported his wife and being a father is very important to him. In contrast, you have the dysfunctional family of Edward Priest. Although he too loves his children and wants to be a good father, he has also been wrapped up in his own career and in some ways ignored their needs. With an absent mother who inflicted damage on the family, it takes Eve's clear-sighted take on listening to a child's needs to bring the family together. This is such an enjoyable read with plenty to make you think and enough romance to make you smile.
In short: can love conquer all?
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book
December 28, 2022
3,5/4
I thought this would be like an easy-to-read, cheesy book version of a Hallmark movie. And it started as such. However, it became a bit depressive and even dramatic at times in the middle and at the end, which I’m not opposed to. Well, maybe some parts where over the top but overall this was a surprisingly interesting read.
I liked the main character, Eve, but was not a fan of Edward. Something about the fact that he didn’t really contribute to Eve’s efforts icked me. The love part seemed one-dimensional. I liked his kids, though.
Overall a quick story that reads well and can be devoured in a day or two.
I thought this would be like an easy-to-read, cheesy book version of a Hallmark movie. And it started as such. However, it became a bit depressive and even dramatic at times in the middle and at the end, which I’m not opposed to. Well, maybe some parts where over the top but overall this was a surprisingly interesting read.
I liked the main character, Eve, but was not a fan of Edward. Something about the fact that he didn’t really contribute to Eve’s efforts icked me. The love part seemed one-dimensional. I liked his kids, though.
Overall a quick story that reads well and can be devoured in a day or two.
November 19, 2025
Красива книга, която ти топли душата заради любовта, с която лекува. Харесва ми как главната героиня помага на хората и не съди. Харесва ми и атмосферата, както и всички референции към Джейн Еър и може би леко Гордост и предразсъдъци. Главният герой дава истинска енергия на писател, което също много ми харесва. А това, че главната се занимава и с музика, направо издига книгата в сърцето ми до топ 5 книги за годината, тъй като в нея има всичко, което обожавам - книги, писане на книги, разговори за книги и музика.
November 29, 2025
2.5*
Започна добре - коузи, спокойна история, после обаче мелодрамата ми дойде малко в повече, диалозите бяха доста стерилни, а и коледния нюанс всъщност не беше много коледен като че ли. Холмарска романтична история - нито нещо уау, нито нещо твърде скучно.
Започна добре - коузи, спокойна история, после обаче мелодрамата ми дойде малко в повече, диалозите бяха доста стерилни, а и коледния нюанс всъщност не беше много коледен като че ли. Холмарска романтична история - нито нещо уау, нито нещо твърде скучно.
December 27, 2025
Уютна, топла, идеална за коледните дни.
December 23, 2024
Доста лека и бърза за четене, но без особена коледна атмосфера.
December 16, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this cozy rom com. While you pretty much know the ending, it's delightful and not exactly as you expect and maybe a little clichéd but in a delightful way.
December 11, 2022
After a stressful week I needed something to take my mind off everything and to get me back into the festive frame of mind and Kate Forster’s new book, Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross, did just that. Within the first chapter I just knew that I was going to love this book. There was just this instant feeling of familiarity and it felt like I was completely engulfed by Eve and her story. The brief time that I had to stop reading for one reason or another I just wanted to be back at Cranberry Cross as I was eager to see what would happen next. Yes, it may not be the most overtly Christmas book that I have so far read this Christmas reading season even though it is set in and around Christmas but still I loved every minute of this story. The book has a gorgeous and inviting cover but despite this there are some dark, detailed and realistic themes explored. That’s not to say this book is all doom and gloom. There is a lovely balance between light and shade and you come to empathise and root for all the characters as they are each developed so well. So, I feel you get a lot more than you would expect from a book with such a whimsical and festive cover.
Eve Wilkins has what many book lovers would believe to be the dream job. She works in a publishing house in London as a publishing assistant and has high hopes that she will soon receive the promotion she so richly deserves and therefore become an editor. Eve’s passion for all things books, reading and editing shines through right from page one and her enthusiasm and expertise is there in plain sight for all to see. I loved her as a character from the get go. Her passion, commitment and love for what she was doing made me admire her but life is not throwing Eve the opportunities and positive reinforcement that she needs to make her feel like she is doing a good job. In spite of the fact that she clearly is.
Serena is her boss and instead of being a force for good and building people up and recognising the good things they do and the things people are capable of in particular Eve, Serena is in fact the complete opposite. She was like the evil queen wielding a knife over Eve’s head. It’s evident she is a bully. She is full of lies and empty promises and Eve has become more liker her slave rather than a valuable assist to the team and her potential and capabilities have not been given a chance to shine. Serena is domineering and gets Eve to do everything that she doesn’t want to do and in turn Eve feels under pressure to comply to her boss’ every whim and need, for fear of her being fired. The final straw comes when Eve is ordered to miss Christmas celebrations with her family and travel to the home of well renowned author, Edward Priest, at Cranberry Cross.
Eve is devastated that she will miss the most special time of year with her family especially as Christmas Eve is both herself and her younger twin brothers birthdays and the family really goes all out for celebrating. But Eve really has no other choice because if Edward does not deliver his latest book in time than many jobs including hers within the publishing company will be gone and there is no way that she would have that on her conscience. All Eve wants for Christmas is a new job (as she has reached boiling point when it comes to Serena and her ways) and to spend the season with her family. The way things are going both wishes seem more distant than ever. As Eve travels to Cranberry Cross, an isolated and creepy manor house, she wonders what awaits her. She has no idea of the life changing journey she is about to undertake. Books have always been her escape but this time around her love for her chosen profession may or may not just tip her over the edge the more she discovers what is going on at Cranberry Cross.
Edward lives at Cranberry Cross with his young daughter Flora. His wife Amber left him to live the highlife in LA but the more the story develops we learn things weren’t all that cut and dry and there are a lot of demons swirling around the inhabitants of the house which seems so full of sadness, loneliness and heartache. The themes of poor parenting, addiction and depression soon make themselves apparent and this is what I meant when things are darker than one would expect from this kind of book. But yet, Kate Forster does a very good job of backing up when certain characters are experiencing the above-mentioned themes. Things could have ventured into very heavy territory but Kate skilfully navigated away from this but at the same time the points she was trying to make came across well and allowed the reader to develop empathy for all the characters involved and those that you may have been against or nor that overly keen with in the beginning. Well you will do a complete 360 by the time you reach the end of the book. The housekeeper Hilditch was a brilliant character. She was there as a support system and mother figure to Edward and she does reveal a few surprising things about herself along the way. She blows a bit hot and and cold towards Eve but you can tell that’s simply because she wants to protect Edward. She comes across as having a gruff exterior but really I could sense that deep down she was nothing more than a pussy cat as opposed to a lioness protecting her cubs.
There was a Jane Eyre type vibe off this book for some parts of it and I thought oh is this just going to be too familiar and formulaic. At some junctures it was and just seemed that little bit too cliched but then in other ways I was surprised. As for Edward, initial thoughts would lead you to believe he is mysterious and enigmatic. Step back a bit and you’d find him to be rude, arrogant, intimidating and entitled and to be honest you wouldn’t be that far wrong and Eve thinks the exact same. She feels she has been sent to do a job and that once it's done she can get back to her family and hopefully take a further step up the career ladder.
But the more she gets to know Edward and his family she can’t but help be dragged (not kicking and screaming may I add) into their family dynamic. As she learns why Edward has been so slow to get going with his recent book she starts to understand the way his mind is working and that all is not as it seems both on a personal and professional level. Eve is fierce, smart and not to be underestimated and I was cheering her on as she stood up to Edward once she got to the source of the problem. She is wise, clever and passionate about her job and she lays things on the line for Edward and gives him the confidence to keep going. She sets a strict schedule for him and will read everything that he is writing.
As Edward works away by day Eve’s thoughts turn to other people at Cranberry Cross and to say Flora and her escapades are a little creepy are an understatement. Eve digs more than a little deeper and a surprise occurs that sets in motion a whole series of events that sees her come out of her shell and do the best for those around her. You just wish she could do the same when it comes to her own career. I loved the spark that Eve had about her and yes there may have been a dysfunctional set up at Cranberry Cross but Eve can see beneath this exterior and perhaps a Christmas miracle will occur after all? There are so many layers to this story that are peeled back once the reader has some patience. Of course, some romance does have to feature in a book of this nature and yes to me it seemed a little rushed but then there were a few twists and turns thrown in that leave you wondering will happiness be found at all? Will Edward complete his book on time? Will Flora call a halt to her creepy antics and most importantly of all will Eve find the fulfilment and happiness she so richly deserves?
Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross was the perfect anecdote from all the stresses and strains that we can experience at this time of year. All the characters go on such an emotional journey of exploration and learn lots of valuable life lessons along the way. Eve may have initially been more than reluctant to have her Christmas plans up scuttled but in fact she gets a lot more than she bargained for and maybe destiny was always calling her in the direction of Cranberry Cross. I’ve loved the last number of Kate Forster’s books and I feel she deserves a lot more recognition and for her books to reach a wider audience. I didn’t want to leave when this story ended, even though Kate did wrap things up well. The themes throughout the book were well tackled despite the difficult subject matter and at times this does become an emotional read but there are many glimpses of happiness along the way. Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross is a gem of a read and is one that you should definitely not let pass you by. Make sure to firmly place it on your Christmas reading list this year. In the meantime, I’ll patiently wait for a new book from Kate, which in fact is not that far away as Fly Me to Moongate Manor publishes in April of next year.
Eve Wilkins has what many book lovers would believe to be the dream job. She works in a publishing house in London as a publishing assistant and has high hopes that she will soon receive the promotion she so richly deserves and therefore become an editor. Eve’s passion for all things books, reading and editing shines through right from page one and her enthusiasm and expertise is there in plain sight for all to see. I loved her as a character from the get go. Her passion, commitment and love for what she was doing made me admire her but life is not throwing Eve the opportunities and positive reinforcement that she needs to make her feel like she is doing a good job. In spite of the fact that she clearly is.
Serena is her boss and instead of being a force for good and building people up and recognising the good things they do and the things people are capable of in particular Eve, Serena is in fact the complete opposite. She was like the evil queen wielding a knife over Eve’s head. It’s evident she is a bully. She is full of lies and empty promises and Eve has become more liker her slave rather than a valuable assist to the team and her potential and capabilities have not been given a chance to shine. Serena is domineering and gets Eve to do everything that she doesn’t want to do and in turn Eve feels under pressure to comply to her boss’ every whim and need, for fear of her being fired. The final straw comes when Eve is ordered to miss Christmas celebrations with her family and travel to the home of well renowned author, Edward Priest, at Cranberry Cross.
Eve is devastated that she will miss the most special time of year with her family especially as Christmas Eve is both herself and her younger twin brothers birthdays and the family really goes all out for celebrating. But Eve really has no other choice because if Edward does not deliver his latest book in time than many jobs including hers within the publishing company will be gone and there is no way that she would have that on her conscience. All Eve wants for Christmas is a new job (as she has reached boiling point when it comes to Serena and her ways) and to spend the season with her family. The way things are going both wishes seem more distant than ever. As Eve travels to Cranberry Cross, an isolated and creepy manor house, she wonders what awaits her. She has no idea of the life changing journey she is about to undertake. Books have always been her escape but this time around her love for her chosen profession may or may not just tip her over the edge the more she discovers what is going on at Cranberry Cross.
Edward lives at Cranberry Cross with his young daughter Flora. His wife Amber left him to live the highlife in LA but the more the story develops we learn things weren’t all that cut and dry and there are a lot of demons swirling around the inhabitants of the house which seems so full of sadness, loneliness and heartache. The themes of poor parenting, addiction and depression soon make themselves apparent and this is what I meant when things are darker than one would expect from this kind of book. But yet, Kate Forster does a very good job of backing up when certain characters are experiencing the above-mentioned themes. Things could have ventured into very heavy territory but Kate skilfully navigated away from this but at the same time the points she was trying to make came across well and allowed the reader to develop empathy for all the characters involved and those that you may have been against or nor that overly keen with in the beginning. Well you will do a complete 360 by the time you reach the end of the book. The housekeeper Hilditch was a brilliant character. She was there as a support system and mother figure to Edward and she does reveal a few surprising things about herself along the way. She blows a bit hot and and cold towards Eve but you can tell that’s simply because she wants to protect Edward. She comes across as having a gruff exterior but really I could sense that deep down she was nothing more than a pussy cat as opposed to a lioness protecting her cubs.
There was a Jane Eyre type vibe off this book for some parts of it and I thought oh is this just going to be too familiar and formulaic. At some junctures it was and just seemed that little bit too cliched but then in other ways I was surprised. As for Edward, initial thoughts would lead you to believe he is mysterious and enigmatic. Step back a bit and you’d find him to be rude, arrogant, intimidating and entitled and to be honest you wouldn’t be that far wrong and Eve thinks the exact same. She feels she has been sent to do a job and that once it's done she can get back to her family and hopefully take a further step up the career ladder.
But the more she gets to know Edward and his family she can’t but help be dragged (not kicking and screaming may I add) into their family dynamic. As she learns why Edward has been so slow to get going with his recent book she starts to understand the way his mind is working and that all is not as it seems both on a personal and professional level. Eve is fierce, smart and not to be underestimated and I was cheering her on as she stood up to Edward once she got to the source of the problem. She is wise, clever and passionate about her job and she lays things on the line for Edward and gives him the confidence to keep going. She sets a strict schedule for him and will read everything that he is writing.
As Edward works away by day Eve’s thoughts turn to other people at Cranberry Cross and to say Flora and her escapades are a little creepy are an understatement. Eve digs more than a little deeper and a surprise occurs that sets in motion a whole series of events that sees her come out of her shell and do the best for those around her. You just wish she could do the same when it comes to her own career. I loved the spark that Eve had about her and yes there may have been a dysfunctional set up at Cranberry Cross but Eve can see beneath this exterior and perhaps a Christmas miracle will occur after all? There are so many layers to this story that are peeled back once the reader has some patience. Of course, some romance does have to feature in a book of this nature and yes to me it seemed a little rushed but then there were a few twists and turns thrown in that leave you wondering will happiness be found at all? Will Edward complete his book on time? Will Flora call a halt to her creepy antics and most importantly of all will Eve find the fulfilment and happiness she so richly deserves?
Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross was the perfect anecdote from all the stresses and strains that we can experience at this time of year. All the characters go on such an emotional journey of exploration and learn lots of valuable life lessons along the way. Eve may have initially been more than reluctant to have her Christmas plans up scuttled but in fact she gets a lot more than she bargained for and maybe destiny was always calling her in the direction of Cranberry Cross. I’ve loved the last number of Kate Forster’s books and I feel she deserves a lot more recognition and for her books to reach a wider audience. I didn’t want to leave when this story ended, even though Kate did wrap things up well. The themes throughout the book were well tackled despite the difficult subject matter and at times this does become an emotional read but there are many glimpses of happiness along the way. Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross is a gem of a read and is one that you should definitely not let pass you by. Make sure to firmly place it on your Christmas reading list this year. In the meantime, I’ll patiently wait for a new book from Kate, which in fact is not that far away as Fly Me to Moongate Manor publishes in April of next year.
November 27, 2022
oh wow oh wow oh wow! I loved that book so much!!!! First time for me to read a book by Kate Forster and it won't be the last!!!! To be honest I didn't think i was going to enjoy it that much when i started the book but really quickly I realized that i had between my hands a very different book and I absolutely loved the storyline, the characters and everything in between! Thsi book can be read all year round and not only around Christmas time. 4 stars out of 5 for me!
September 11, 2022
The old saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. Christmas Eve at Cranberry across by Kate Forster is the perfect example of this. I assumed when I picked up this book that it would be another typical Christmas/ Holiday read. Boy was I mistaken. This book is much heavier than I anticipated. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. However, there are topics that I was not expecting. Some of the biggest being: mental health, addiction, verbal abuse, abandonment, etc.
As a huge fan of Christmas/ Holiday books I was excited to see that this book dared to dive deeper. Foster took a risk by not going the corny route. For many, Christmas/ Holiday’s are reminders or triggers of family failings. Thus, this book delivered a more realistic look at a family just trying to survive.
Those of us who are suckers for romance are not to be left out. Forster does provide a conventional love story. You will get all the feels as you read about Edward and Eve. But, if I am being honest, the one I enjoyed the most, was the love story of creating your own family.
Special thanks to NetGalley.com and Aria & Aries for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
As a huge fan of Christmas/ Holiday books I was excited to see that this book dared to dive deeper. Foster took a risk by not going the corny route. For many, Christmas/ Holiday’s are reminders or triggers of family failings. Thus, this book delivered a more realistic look at a family just trying to survive.
Those of us who are suckers for romance are not to be left out. Forster does provide a conventional love story. You will get all the feels as you read about Edward and Eve. But, if I am being honest, the one I enjoyed the most, was the love story of creating your own family.
Special thanks to NetGalley.com and Aria & Aries for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
August 27, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for an advance copy of this title for review. All opinions are my own.
In Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross, Christmas lover and editorial assistant Eve finds herself on assignment for her Grinch of a boss, tasked with ensuring that taciturn best-selling author Edward finishes his latest manuscript. Upon arriving in Cranberry Cross, Eve finds that nothing with Edward, his house, or his family is what it initially appears to be, and she and Edward must work together to finish the manuscript and give his children a Christmas to remember.
Having read and very much enjoyed other books by Forster, I was so pleased to receive this ARC. I totally got sucked in by the characters of Cranberry Cross. I loved Eve, Flora, and Myles and how they all grew and found happiness. In fact, their relationships and interactions were some of my favorite parts in the book. Edward definitely grew on me as the book went on and readers see him transform from cruel and mistrustful to happier and more open, but I still never connected with him quite as much as I did the other characters. Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross’s storyline definitely takes some unexpected turns in the third act, and I’m not sure all of these melodramatic plotting choices really came together for me—but that’s also probably a matter of personal taste. For readers who are looking for a festive cozy read with shades of Jane Eyre, I think they will find a lot to like in this one. 3.7 stars.
In Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross, Christmas lover and editorial assistant Eve finds herself on assignment for her Grinch of a boss, tasked with ensuring that taciturn best-selling author Edward finishes his latest manuscript. Upon arriving in Cranberry Cross, Eve finds that nothing with Edward, his house, or his family is what it initially appears to be, and she and Edward must work together to finish the manuscript and give his children a Christmas to remember.
Having read and very much enjoyed other books by Forster, I was so pleased to receive this ARC. I totally got sucked in by the characters of Cranberry Cross. I loved Eve, Flora, and Myles and how they all grew and found happiness. In fact, their relationships and interactions were some of my favorite parts in the book. Edward definitely grew on me as the book went on and readers see him transform from cruel and mistrustful to happier and more open, but I still never connected with him quite as much as I did the other characters. Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross’s storyline definitely takes some unexpected turns in the third act, and I’m not sure all of these melodramatic plotting choices really came together for me—but that’s also probably a matter of personal taste. For readers who are looking for a festive cozy read with shades of Jane Eyre, I think they will find a lot to like in this one. 3.7 stars.
August 9, 2022
A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Aria and Aries for providing me with a free Arc in exchange for an honest review.
I was delighted with this festive read. It's a slow burn romance set -for the most part- in a big mansion, where our main character Eve is sent to check on renowned writer Edward Priest. She comes to find a man as cold and quiet as his home and he hasn't even started the first draft of a book he should be nearly finished with by now. In fear of losing her job and during the most beautiful time of the year at that, Eve sets herself on a mission to help him get back to work but quickly finds herself emotionally entwined with Priest and his bizarre situation.
"Christmas Eve at Cramberry Cross" is reminiscent of old winter classics but with a modern twist. There are many direct references to brittish favourites as well like "The turn of the screw", "The secret garden" or "Pride and prejudice" and it's very self aware. I enjoyed that it was dramatic but not too sappy. It even gets pretty dark and mysterious at times but you can of course expect loads of warmth and tenderness!
3.5 stars, this book would make for a good stocking stuffer!
I was delighted with this festive read. It's a slow burn romance set -for the most part- in a big mansion, where our main character Eve is sent to check on renowned writer Edward Priest. She comes to find a man as cold and quiet as his home and he hasn't even started the first draft of a book he should be nearly finished with by now. In fear of losing her job and during the most beautiful time of the year at that, Eve sets herself on a mission to help him get back to work but quickly finds herself emotionally entwined with Priest and his bizarre situation.
"Christmas Eve at Cramberry Cross" is reminiscent of old winter classics but with a modern twist. There are many direct references to brittish favourites as well like "The turn of the screw", "The secret garden" or "Pride and prejudice" and it's very self aware. I enjoyed that it was dramatic but not too sappy. It even gets pretty dark and mysterious at times but you can of course expect loads of warmth and tenderness!
3.5 stars, this book would make for a good stocking stuffer!
August 31, 2022
The main reason I requested this book was because I loved the author's 'Starting Over at Acorn Cottage' and really liked 'Finding Love at Mermaid Terrace'.
With this book, to be honest, I was losing my patience as things between the protagonists seem to happen too fast for my liking but I'm glad I stayed patient, as it got really interesting, sometimes mysterious after a few chapters. I loved the characters ―each of them has a significant role to play. Loved Donna particularly, apart from Eve of course. Myles is also a very interesting character. I didn't really dislike Edward but he seemed irresponsible. Eve solves all his personal and professional problems, which seems too much sometimes.
Just like her previous books, the author has a very engaging writing style.
Things that bothered me: most things in the book seemed too convenient.
Not a delightful story but overall, after a few chapters, I really enjoyed reading this book.
With this book, to be honest, I was losing my patience as things between the protagonists seem to happen too fast for my liking but I'm glad I stayed patient, as it got really interesting, sometimes mysterious after a few chapters. I loved the characters ―each of them has a significant role to play. Loved Donna particularly, apart from Eve of course. Myles is also a very interesting character. I didn't really dislike Edward but he seemed irresponsible. Eve solves all his personal and professional problems, which seems too much sometimes.
Just like her previous books, the author has a very engaging writing style.
Things that bothered me: most things in the book seemed too convenient.
Not a delightful story but overall, after a few chapters, I really enjoyed reading this book.
September 22, 2022
Wow! This book totally surprised me and blew me away. I became so enthralled I couldn’t stop reading, Myles and Flora really captured my heart and just had to know how Edward and Eve were going to get them through everything. Eves heart was amazing and I really enjoyed her energy and positive outlook, her family were great too, her mum was so open, loving and supportive.
The twists and turns in this book really hooked me and the story slowly unfolding and shaping was lovely to read.
Merged review:
Wow! This book totally surprised me and blew me away. I became so enthralled I couldn’t stop reading, Myles and Flora really captured my heart and just had to know how Edward and Eve were going to get them through everything. Eves heart was amazing and I really enjoyed her energy and positive outlook, her family were great too, her mum was so open, loving and supportive.
The twists and turns in this book really hooked me and the story slowly unfolding and shaping was lovely to read.
The twists and turns in this book really hooked me and the story slowly unfolding and shaping was lovely to read.
Merged review:
Wow! This book totally surprised me and blew me away. I became so enthralled I couldn’t stop reading, Myles and Flora really captured my heart and just had to know how Edward and Eve were going to get them through everything. Eves heart was amazing and I really enjoyed her energy and positive outlook, her family were great too, her mum was so open, loving and supportive.
The twists and turns in this book really hooked me and the story slowly unfolding and shaping was lovely to read.
October 8, 2022
Eve Pilkins who works for a publishing house is sent to check on the taciturn writer, Edward Priest by her boss, the Grinch who is Serena Whitelaw. Christmastime is very dear to Eve and it's also her birthday on Christmas Eve. Edward's home is a mansion on a country estate in Cranberry Cross, Northumberland so Eve reluctantly heads off there, after being threatened with redundancy.
A delightful story, though it does contain some heavy topics. A varied assortment of characters really zhooshes up this tale. Very highly recommended.
This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Aria & Aries via NetGalley.
A delightful story, though it does contain some heavy topics. A varied assortment of characters really zhooshes up this tale. Very highly recommended.
This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Aria & Aries via NetGalley.
September 5, 2022
A warm and cozy Christmas romance with gothic undertones. Cranberry Cross gave me all the Jane Eyre feels but way less intense. Just sweet and festive. I loved Eve's character but she's almost too good to be true. I was hoping she'd get her happy ever after. All of the characters are endearing and I want to spend Christmas at the Pilkins' house this year!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
August 19, 2022
I loved this book that envelopes loss, struggle, grief, angst, friendship and romance. The Christmas setting only makes it more lovely. There's an overbearing unethical boss that sends this editor assistant to inspire an author to speed up his book writing which is not an easy task. The characters are strong and well written. The story warms the heart.
August 19, 2022
Thank you, NetGalley for a pre-release of this novel.
What a wonderful and endearing Christmas novel. In a way, it reminded me of the Christmas version of Beauty and the Beast. A grumpy overbearing man, a woman stuck in his castle, the possibility of true love? Go pick up a copy - you'll love it!
What a wonderful and endearing Christmas novel. In a way, it reminded me of the Christmas version of Beauty and the Beast. A grumpy overbearing man, a woman stuck in his castle, the possibility of true love? Go pick up a copy - you'll love it!
September 29, 2022
Well this wasn’t the schmalz I thought it would be. It was a refreshing bleak, sad, dark look at a family in the grips of illness, addiction, neglect and more. It was a fast read and enjoyable and I was cheering Eve and her family on as they became the bedrock of stability. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
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