This year, Christmas isn’t going to plan … and that might be the best gift of all.

If you’re looking for a Christmas read that feels like wrapping yourself in a cosy blanket with a mug of hot chocolate, The Best Christmas Ever by Sarah Morgan is a wonderful choice. In fact, as a true Sarah Morgan fan, I may even go as far as to declare this my favourite of all of her books so far.

When a fierce snowstorm leaves a group of strangers stranded at the home of Mabel Miller, a reclusive children’s author who would much rather spend Christmas alone with her cats, the festive season takes an unexpected turn. Mabel’s peaceful plans are soon disrupted by a family with two young children and two work colleagues with a complicated history. As the group finds itself thrown together, unexpected friendships begin to blossom, old wounds come to the surface, and Christmas starts to look rather different from the quiet holiday Mabel had planned.

Sarah Morgan has a real gift for bringing people together and exploring the complicated relationships that shape our lives. Beneath the beautiful snowy setting and festive charm, this is a story about grief, loneliness, family expectations, second chances and the courage it takes to open your heart again. Each character arrives carrying their own worries and struggles, and watching them gradually lower their defences is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the story. There are secrets to unravel and romances to blossom…

The novel also captures the pressure that can come with Christmas: the desire to make everything perfect, the expectations of family, and the feeling that everyone else is having a happier time than you are. Sarah Morgan gently reminds us, with the very premise of the book, that the best moments often happen when life refuses to follow the plan.

Of course, there’s plenty of festive magic, warmth, humour and romance along the way. The snowbound setting creates a wonderfully cosy atmosphere, while the different personalities bring both emotional depth and lighter moments to the story. And, there are books…and a very special library.

My verdict: The Best Christmas Ever is a heartwarming, feel-good festive novel about finding connection in the most unexpected places. It’s a lovely choice for fans of Sarah Morgan, Christmas fiction and stories that celebrate love, friendship, family and fresh starts. A reminder that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be truly special – sometimes, the best memories come from the plans that go completely wrong. This is not hugely heavy on Christmas and can be read all through winter (and maybe even into Spring!).

About the Book

Mabel has no intention of celebrating Christmas. Living alone in her beautiful old house in the woods, she’s happier keeping the world at a distance.

Brooke has planned every detail of a magical family Christmas at her parents’ house. But when a fierce snowstorm forces her, her husband and their two daughters to take shelter in Mabel’s home, all her careful plans are turned upside down.

Also stranded are Izzy and Jason, two colleagues with unfinished business and undeniable chemistry. Izzy is hiding a lonely heart behind a bright smile. And Jason may be the one man capable of breaking through her walls.

Suddenly, Mabel finds herself hosting the last thing she wanted: a full house for Christmas. Then the chaos, laughter and warmth begin to work their quiet magic. As the snow falls and the fire crackles, this snowbound group discover that family can be found in the most surprising places.

Because sometimes the Christmas you never planned is the one that changes everything …

About The Author

Sarah Morgan is a #1 Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction. She has sold over 25 million copies of her books, and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe.  Her books have been translated into 28 languages and have earned her starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and Library Journal.

Sarah lives near London, and when she isn’t reading or writing she loves spending time outdoors, walking or riding her mountain bike. She frequently stops to take photographs, much to the annoyance of her family.

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