The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Beth Moran

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Beth Moran throws the reader directly into Mary’s situation: alone in a cottage in the middle of Sherwood Forest, in a snowstorm, about to give birth. The reasons for this are hinted at, but the action is fixed on Mary’s understandable panic. Finally a taxi arrives, driven by Beckett who is clearly going to be a significant player in the book. Fairly unfazed by the situation, he sweeps Mary up and makes for the nearby hospital but road conditions make getting there impossible. Seeing lights on in a Church, he decides that’s a better option than Mary giving birth in his car and goes to ask for help. The baby is born safely and Mary is well taken care of by the Church people, not only then but in the days ahead.

In fact the Church, unusually in a book of this type, has a central role, something I enjoyed. There is an interesting congregation of characters and these people are the supporting cast in the book, providing wisdom, humour and background. Mary’s back story is slowly unwound and we discover more about Beckett and his life too. It is clear from the start where the action is heading but that doesn’t make the journey there any less enjoyable. The ending is perhaps a little contrived but it feels real, and Mary and Beckett’s relationship moves at a believable pace.

Although the book is set over and around Christmas, it’s not overly festive and it felt quite acceptable to be reading it in July! I enjoyed the Christian world view of the author which is genuine but subtle. There’s a strong of community with all its flaws as well as its joys. I’d recommend it wholeheartedly. Thanks to Boldwood Books for the review copy.