Review of 'Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane' by Kate Hewitt

Review of Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane by Kate Hewitt

Release date: October 6th, 2023

Publisher: Bookouture

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REVIEW

Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane by Kate Hewitt is a well-written spirited pre-Christmas read that centres around a family dealing with many abrupt changes, traumas and trials. This novel covers various life stages with potential issues from the youngest child to the oldest grandparent. I was totally invested in each character and unable to put this book down!

The tone of this second offering of the Bluebell Lane series is a little sombre at times. It reflects on life’s unexpected curveballs. I felt sadness, frustration and concern for the characters as they dealt with numerous heartaches and setbacks. The topics are not light. For this story deals with some serious issues such as mid-life crises, marital dissatisfaction, self-harm, bullying, fear of new relationships, spousal grief and health issues— to name a few. But the positives are rekindling of love and rediscovering passions that include both personal and professional.

I loved reconnecting with the family members of Bluebell Lane. In the first book, Michael, Ellie and their children moved from United States to Wales. They have been there now for two years. A lot has happened in that time since Michael’s job redundancy. He came home to help his mother run the Inn. Although they have all managed the huge adjustments of moving across the sea from one country to another, and the Inn has survived under their care, things aren’t as great as they could be. The latest word from his sister Sarah, the accountant, is that the finances of the business are not good. They are barely getting by. If they wish to continue, they must find a solution.

Ellie decides to have a family meeting to put their heads together. They come up with a viable plan that involves keeping the Inn open over Christmas and offering some special holiday activities. Ellie has arranged for a publicity feature but the photographer and journalist will be arriving in two weeks. There’s a sense of panic to make it happen in time. They all must pitch in to create a mock up of a gorgeous festive setting: special family events, attractive trimmings and delicious Christmas foods.

They all work together for the Inn’s Christmas makeover and have a little extra help from an old friend of Gwen’s late husband. John is back visiting his daughter and waiting on the birth of his first grandchild. But in the mean-time he’s eager to get involved in a project. Using his landscape experience and woodcarving talents he adds some extra sparkle to the Inn. And while he’s there, a few subtle sparks ignite between Gwen and him as well. But are either of them ready to move on from their late partners? There is a gentle and suggestive nod to what might come in the future.

Although this story shows how trying to save the Inn brings the family together in unity for a while, there is trouble brewing underneath. There’s serious discord in Sarah and Nathan’s relationship and their children are having great difficulties, too. This part of the story was quite heartbreaking. As for Ellie and Michael, there’s an unexpected surprise that will alter their family. In fact, there will be lots of shifts in each household with jobs, schools, professions and even for the Inn. How will they all manage?

Even though other events occur that shake things up even more, Christmas and honesty are the magic ingredients that bring healing and happiness to them all. I enjoyed Kate Hewitt’s Christmas at the Inn on Bluebell Lane and heartily recommend it. This is a great addition to the first novel and offers a positive open ending. Hopefully there are more stories coming from this interesting family! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.