Milly Johnson could give a masterclass on how to write beautiful, uplift fiction and with this book she totally excels herself.
Let the Bells Ring Out is the sister title to her original Christmas story I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day. This was the first Milly Johnson book I ever read and I was smitten from the beginning.
I was thrilled when she announced she was writing another Christmas book and I can honestly say it did not disappoint.
The book is the story of seven strangers all travelling at Christmas who get caught in a snow storm and end up on a luxury train together over the Christmas period.
Each character has a story they are carrying of love, loss and grief and they come together to find their way through this.
When I’m reading a Milly book I always feel I know her characters – they feel like real people with real issues.
There are some parallels with the original book but it is definitely a new, fresh story and the characters are all totally different.
Radio Brian is back though – to my relief and adds a bucketload of charm to the whole story as does the beautiful setting and fabulous atmosphere she creates.
You do have to suspend your belief with this book to an extent, something I don’t usually like to do but honestly Milly holds your hand through it all and her brilliant writing just makes it such a joy.
I loved this book from start to finish. I cried four times and laughed out loud more times that I can remember.
It is packed to the rafters with heart warming emotion, romance and meaningful storylines as well as a huge dollop of Christmas spirit.
If you’re going to read one book this Christmas – make sure it is this one it was bliss from beginning to end. I really did not want to get off the train and leave the characters behind.