When sisters Addie and Susanna receive invitations to a memorial for their Aunt Gayle, they’re heartbroken to learn the woman who raised them has passed away. But arriving on Anchor Island, they’re met with the shock of their lives: Gayle is alive and well, busily preparing her own ‘Celebration of Life’ at her beloved pudding bar, The Sweet Life Café.
Agreeing to stay for the event, the sisters begin sorting through their late father’s belongings, reopening wounds they thought long buried, and forcing them to reflect on their lives since leaving the island. Addie is struggling as a single mother, torn between love for her son and doubts about the life she can give him. Susanna’s marriage is crumbling, and being back on the island only reminds her why she couldn’t wait to escape.
But as Gayle prepares gooey brownies, steaming lattes and delicious cakes for her customers, and for her big event, she is hiding secrets of her own – including one that could change everything the sisters thought they knew about their family…
Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge yet: Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree – tired and lacking in sparkle! 🎄💝
Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he’s given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick…
But when Thea steps into Nick’s world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?
As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick’s thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas… is Nick! ✨
This is a gentle festive romance that blends small-town charm with the warmth of second chances. The story follows Thea and Nick, childhood friends who reconnect at Christmas and slowly realize that their bond runs deeper than friendship.
The childhood-friends-to-lovers trope is handled well here, making their romance feel believable and heartfelt. Flashbacks to their teenage years add depth, showing why their connection stands the test of time. This made their relationship development far more authentic than the typical “insta-love” often found in seasonal romances.
While the overall tone is cosy and light, the obligatory third-act breakup felt unnecessary and slightly contrived, especially with the return of Thea’s ex. That subplot added little and was quickly forgotten. On the other hand, Thea’s children, particularly her thoughtful daughter Cora, brought warmth and maturity, providing an endearing family dynamic.
Some of the most enjoyable scenes are the quieter moments in the farm shop, which capture the festive spirit beautifully.
Overall, it is a sweet, heartwarming read—perfect for cosy winter evenings with a hot drink in hand.
My Sanctuary 