Kiltie’s Advent Book Calendar – 7th Dec

A Year and a Day by Isabelle Broom; Published by Penguin

Pages (e-book) – 416

The Blurb:

Welcome to a city where wishes are everywhere.

For Megan, a winter escape to Prague with her friend Ollie is a chance to find some inspiration for her upcoming photography exhibition. But she’s determined to keep their friendship from becoming anything more. Because if Megan lets Ollie find out about her past, she risks losing everything – and she won’t let that happen again . . .

For Hope, the trip is a surprise treat from Charlie, her new partner. But she’s struggling to enjoy the beauty of the city when she knows how angry her daughter is back home. And that it’s all her fault . . .

For Sophie, the city has always been a magical place. This time she can’t stop counting down the moments until her boyfriend Robin joins her. But in historic Prague you can never escape the past . . .

Three different women. Three intertwining love stories. One unforgettable, timeless city.

My Review:

This was a gorgeous book telling the story of three women, all at different points in their life, who find themselves coming together as friends while on holiday. The interaction between the ladies is beautifully done and each story is quite unique to the character – the older lady, Hope, who finds herself at a crossroads in her life, the almost thirty-something, Megan, who is clinging to her independence for all she is worth and the mid-twenties girl, Sophie, whose whole life revolves around her beloved fiance.

The stories weave in, out and around each other so beautifully and you really warm to all the characters. I found myself wanting the best outcome for each in the same way I would for my closest friends.

The tales unfold around the glorious backdrop of the beautiful city of Prague and the author clearly knows it well for her descriptions are breath-taking and you almost feel as though you are standing right there in the city. I loved how she shared the city’s secrets and I really do hope I get to visit one day to see it all for myself. This book is so detailed, I may take it instead of a tour guide!

This book is a smidge longer in length than most Christmas offerings but you barely notice this as you are glued to the pages and turning each one with speed, anxious to find out what is about to happen next. Nor is it deep with its descriptions – I can assure you it is not. Ms Broom gives enough detail to tantalise the taste-buds and make us feel we are standing by the side of her characters but it’s not too much to be boring.

This book was a delight to read and I enjoyed it very much. It was my first outing with an Isabelle Broom offering but it won’t be my last. I look forward to reading more in the future.

Available in e-book and paperback on Amazon