Is this another cozy Christmas read waiting to happen?
The Queen’s Sandringham estate is teeming with holiday cheer and history, at least that’s the plan for BBC reporter Olive Carter as she attempts to navigate the male-dominated world of broadcasting. But she hides a truth – her daughter was born out of wedlock. A secret weighing heavily on her. Olive yearns for success in this cutthroat field, but hiding her true identity and caring for her daughter are top priorities.
Her path crosses with Jack Devereux, an American chef who’s found solace and a calling after the war in England. He is a man who knows his way around a kitchen, and he’s working to fill the Queen’s holiday celebrations with flavor. The two men met briefly at a VE Day celebration years ago. Now, their paths are set to intersect again.
They meet every Christmas during a five-year span of time – but fate never seems to align them for anything more than fleeting moments. Both Jack and Olive carry scars from their pasts. Jack is still grieving the loss of his wife, while Olive struggles to achieve her dreams while raising her daughter alone. The novel delves into their emotional journeys as they navigate life’s complexities while also reconnecting.
Jack’s love for food shines through in this tale – his culinary creativity infuses traditional English dishes with a touch of New Orleans magic. His passion adds an exciting dimension to the story.
As Olive and Jack journey toward each other, their past connections come back, leading them closer to a hopeful future. Their second chance blossoms amidst the backdrop of Christmas traditions in England. As they navigate the complexities of their hearts, both must overcome personal challenges before finding that elusive HEA. The novel offers an engaging exploration of romance that blends timeless holiday magic with a touch of modern-day heartache.