New novel by David M. Barnett out now from Orion Publishing
David Barnett is a writer this reader has followed for several years, he is a writer of genuine warmth and kindness, always showcasing the good of his characters writing stories about generosity of spirit and positivity in this age of shaming and blaming.
It is only fitting then that Barnett has written a Christmas story about community, reminiscent of such Capra-corn (Frank Capra films where the good wills out).
The story revolves around our feisty independent female lead, Molly, who returns to her small Northern settlement, Merry-le-Moors, after a bad year in the big smoke of London. She has lost her job and just gone through a heartbreaking end to a promising relationship. She moves back in with her Dad, Jack, who runs the local village mobile library. A source of comfort to many in the town who come in for the warmth of the vehicle as much as the friendly nature Jack dispenses.
Molly jumps in with both feet, helping to organise the books and soon the library has a new lease of life owing to the influx of youth. There follows funny entanglements about the letters left in books and mistaken identities which is a mainstay of British humour stemming back to Wodehouse and up to date with Richard Curtis.
Molly falls for a council officer, Harry Pink, who threatens the closure of the library and the service it provides the community. This leads to a will-they, won't-they romance culminating in life changing decisions for all.
Previous books by Barnett have this mild political comment running in the undertow of his narrative, but his strength of honest characters being depicted is a joy to watch and devour in reading.
A real gem of a little book by Barnett in time for the festive season. For fans of The Holiday, It's A Wonderful Life and Last of the Summer Wine, there is something for everyone in this Christmas page-turner.
Out now from Orion Publishing and available on Amazon now
My thanks to Compulsive Readers for the review opportunity
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