Christmas By Candlelight by Karen Swan

Back of the Book

Snowed in for the holidays…

It’s three days before Christmas and just starting to snow… Against her better judgement, Libby Pugh has been persuaded by her best friend to stop in on their university reunion on her way back from a wedding in North Yorkshire with her boyfriend, Max.

The host is Archie Templeton, the playboy of their group, who has finally inherited his father’s title and estate – even if the latter is more stately heap than palace. Libby is surprised at how good it feels to catch up with old. The night is a great success but when they come to leave, the road is now impassable and she and Max are given a bed for the night.

At first being snowed in with old friends is rather lovely – they spend he next day is spent in high spirits as they wait for the local farmer to clear the snow. But as the hours pass and he doesn’t come, everyone grows restless. Christmas is two days away and everyone has plans, other places to be. Then the power goes out . . .

By the fireside and by candlelight, the old friends must hunker down together as they await help. They reminisce about times past, good and bad. But as the cracks in their relationships, old and new, start to show, Libby is confronted with a truth she has long tried to deny . 

“Christmas By Candlelight” by Karen Swan is a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of the holiday season with a perfect blend of nostalgia, friendship, and unexpected twists. The story unfolds three days before Christmas when Libby Pugh finds herself snowed in at a reunion with old university friends. What starts as a joyful gathering takes an unexpected turn when the group is stranded due to the impassable snow-covered roads.

The setting, with its snowy charm and the idyllic estate of Archie Templeton, sets the stage for a cozy and intimate holiday experience. Swan’s vivid descriptions paint a picture of a stately heap turned into a winter wonderland, creating a delightful backdrop for the unfolding drama.

As the characters grapple with being snowed in and facing the uncertainty of the situation, the narrative takes an intimate turn, exploring the complexities of their relationships. By the flickering candlelight and crackling fireside, the friends find themselves confronting both the joys and challenges of their shared past. The power outage becomes a metaphor for the cracks in their relationships, old and new, laying bare truths that have long been buried.

Swan skillfully weaves together a narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The story is not just about Christmas cheer; it’s about rediscovering connections, facing truths, and finding warmth in unexpected places. The characters come to life with depth and authenticity, making it easy for readers to empathize with their joys and sorrows.

“Christmas By Candlelight” is a perfect read for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the magic of the season while reflecting on the power of friendship, love, and the resilience of the human spirit. Karen Swan’s storytelling prowess shines through, making this novel a delightful addition to your holiday reading list.

Thank you so much to Chloe D at Pan Macmillian for my gifted copy. Unfortunately, my real life took me away from my fictional world. I am late with my review and send my apologies to Ms Swan and Chloe.

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