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Monday, August 26, 2024

Winter Magic on Railway Lane by Alison Sherlock - Book Review

Series: The Railway Lane #4 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 29th August 2024

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/wintermagicsocial

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210431585-winter-magic-on-railway-lane

Genre: Small Town Romance

4 Stars

One Liner: Heartwarming and sweet

Book Blurb:

Join the residents of Railway Lane for one last magical adventure…

Globetrotting Libby Jacobs has lost her job but is looking forward to spending more time in her home village of Cranfield.

She dreams of turning her chocolate-making hobby into something more permanent. There’s only one problem - Ethan Connolly.

Despite being soul mates growing up, Libby hasn’t been close to Ethan since their disastrous date at the school prom. But now he’s back and he has just what Libby needs… a large kitchen! But can they even bear to be in the same room together?

Ethan never stays in Cranfield too long as it reminds him of his parents’ terrible marriage. But when disaster strikes, he’s forced to stay and help realize his grandad’s dream of a Christmas train. Can the whole village help Ethan create a seasonal spectacular in time?

Can Libby confront her secrets and realize her dreams?

And can Ethan ever stop running from his past and trust his heart?

Perhaps the magic of winter on Railway Lane might just give Libby and Ethan a second chance after all...

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My Thoughts:

The story comes in the third-person POV of Libby and Ethan.

I’ve been waiting for Libby and Ethan’s story since I read the first book in the series. It makes sense to wait until the end to write theirs. They needed to let go of a lot to move on.

The book covers autumn and winter (starts sometime in August and the main story ends at the end of Jan).

The focus is not just on the couple but their families and the community as well. The MMC had to learn to step up and take responsibility, while the FMC had to learn to ask for help when she needed it. I could understand Libby’s determination to do everything on her own.

Despite being a cozy read, it covers themes like broken families, secrets, health concerns, lost jobs, career risks, and second chances. The MMC has much learning to do, mainly about himself and getting rid of the toxicity dumped on him by his mother.

The side characters are, as always, quite involved in the plot and play an active role. Paddington is back too, showing his silent furry support whenever necessary.

The setting is, of course, beautiful. I think this series covered the lovely village in all major seasons. I could relocate there maybe… if it existed and someone sponsored a ticket. ;)

The pacing is steady and keeps the story moving. I like how all relationships come under the spotlight. It’s not just about Libby and Ethan realizing they are meant to be. It is also about mending their relationships with their family and allowing their people to provide support when necessary.

Dodgy Del also has a bigger role this time. I won’t say what he does. It’s for you to find out!

To summarize, Winter Magic on Railway Lane is a beautiful conclusion to the series and a satisfying read if you want a cozy read. While the book works as a standalone, those who read the series can see the growth of the main characters.

I look forward to the author's next series.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

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About the Author – Alison Sherlock


Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold village.

Follow the Author: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.sherlock.73

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/AlisonSherlock

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonsherlockauthor/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AlisonSherlockNews

Bookbub Profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alison-sherlock

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This has been a stop on the #WinterMagicOnRailwayLane blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources. (@rararesources) Thanks for stopping by! 


 

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