Christmas at Thornton Hall by Lynn Marie Hulsman was meant to be a light romantic book with a Christmas setting that would help to put me in the festive mood. Unfortunately, the main character annoyed me with her constant dithering. It was obvious which of the three men who were pursuing her she should choose – not the cheating boyfriend, not the rich married man but the likeable Edward who worked as a chef like her and set her senses swimming. So why did it take her almost 400 pages to figure this out.

First she was dithering about her career choice. She loved being a personal chef and was gaining an excellent reputation for her skills, but she was thinking about chucking it all in, returning to the states and going back to school to become a therapist. Secondly, career choice aside, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to stay in England or move back to the States. And of course thirdly there was were the romantic complications which frankly, had me yawning.

The setting, a luxurious country home was interesting but it was peopled with such an odd assortment of guests and help that I would have simply wanted to get away. Between the battling gay butlers, the round heels chambermaid, the snarky daughter of the house, the flamboyant actress, and the uninvited ex-boyfriend, there was more than enough tension to go around.

I had a hard time accepting the love aspect of the story as Juliet spend so much time fantasizing about all the men in her life, to my mind she needed a therapist more than a love interest. Other than the descriptions of the gourmet food that Juliet prepared, this book just didn’t work for me. ( )

I thought this was a standard Christmas/Holiday romance when I began reading. It actually wouldn't meet my qualifications for that as it doesn't concentrate on the winter holiday and isn't a light romance. But what it is, is an interesting book, about a woman and her love life, but also about her finding her own identity and becoming happy with herself. It's also about Thornton Hall, its family, and its servants, and that is a sweeping story in and of itself. I grew attached to these characters while reading the book and really enjoyed spending time with them. I plan to look for more books by this author.

(Provided by publisher) ( )

Jane Hunt Writer First Steps

Jane Hunt Writer Book Reviews

When I read the blurb for Christmas at Thornton Hall I was intrigued.

Juliet is a professional chef with a clientele that includes the rich and famous. Life seems perfect; right down to the designer corporate lawyer boyfriend who appears to be on the verge of popping the question. Then she discovers her boyfriend isn't exclusive and realises her house of cards is built on shaky foundations.

Christmas alone seems unavoidable so when she is offered a live in job at a country house she jumps at the chance even though it will bring her up close and personal with the residential chef Edward and the man who hired her Jasper the lord of the manor in waiting. Will she survive Christmas?

There are a host of supporting characters who are realistic and enhance the story and a plot with some surprising twists and turns. Christmas at Thornton Hall is a story of country house cuisine and living, self realisation and saucy romance, an enjoyable festive read.

I received a copy of this e-book from Harper Collins Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review. ( )