I wish it could be Christmas every day

by Milly Johnson

I do like to read Christmas themed books in December. It helps set the mood for the forthcoming festivities and gives a warm and fuzzy feeling, particularly when you can hunker down, snuggle up in a cosy blanket, hot drink in hand and just take five minutes out of the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. I like to have a happy story with snow, Christmas trees and a little bit of Christmas magic and this book, ‘I wish it could be Christmas every day,’ by Milly Johnson, does not disappoint.

Set in the depths of North Yorkshire, a group of six people find themselves caught in an unexpected ferocious snow storm, just before Christmas. Sat Navs offer no help in locating where they are, but by one means or another, they all end up in the quaintly named tiny hamlet of Figgy Hollow. There is little there – a row of small holiday cottages and an Inn.

Successful property developer Bridge is the first to find her way to Figgy Hollow. Having looked around and found the Hamlet completely deserted, she uses a screwdriver to break into the Inn, to shelter from the storm. The Inn is obviously in need of some repair, but is dry and seemingly well stockedwith supplies, as if the proprietor is expecting big business over the Christmas period. She is soon joined by efficient PA Mary who has been driving her boss to a very important meeting, a meeting that could secure a big deal for his scone making business. Jack, her boss, is rather uptight, a workaholic and following in the footsteps of his father who was an old school business man. He has no idea that Mary has held a torch for him for the 4 years she has worked as his PA. In fact, he barely notices her at all.

Charlie and Robin are on their way to a luxury holiday in the Highlands. They have a specific reason for going there and Robin wants it to be absolutely perfect for his husband Charlie. And finally, there is Luke, Bridge’s ex husband, who was supposed to meet up with her so that they could sign and exchange papers to further their divorce. A successful business owner, running a booming Vegan food company, he is moving on with his life.

Over the period of a few hours, they arrive and hunker down until the storm passes. They are lucky to have warmth, food and drink available to them and although there are no phone signals, they have Radio Brian to keep them company with his homely show filled with traditional Christmas tunes and jokes.

It is soon clear that they won’t be going anywhere for some time and they all settle together to create a warm and fuzzy, traditional Christmas. The strangers share secrets and confidences and a camaraderie is soon apparent. The story is moving in many ways and describes all the different characters in such a way that you feel you know them and despite their faults, it isn’t long before you are liking them all and hoping for a happy ending. It is captivating, motivating, hilarious and sad in equal quantities, all mixed in with a little bit of Christmas ghostly magic.

I actually felt quite sad when the storm finally passed and the characters packed up their cars and made their way back home. I wanted their idyllic Christmas to continue for longer! But just when the story appears to be over, a tragedy brings them all back together for one final time, and the reader is given a tantalising glimpse of what the future might hold.

One of the characters, Charlie, has a lot of wise life sayings, two of them being: ‘Life is what we make it,’ and ‘Living well in the here and now is enough.’

Wise words for all of us to benefit from.