This is my first read by this author and it certainly wont be the last time either. I was sceptical because i dont like to read sad stories and this has been my second read enduring a recent novel mixed with the facts from the times of war. It hasnt put me off at all and i really loved it. I couldnt put it down once i read chapter 4 or 5. I stayed up until 3 am to finish it because i couldnt leave it and where do you leave it.... at a chapter discussing the war era or a chapter of nervewrecking recent days.... So i finished it whole.
The story of Queenies life was extremely different to the renct lifestyle of Libbys so this is what made it so good and readable. you have Queenie the child of a family who is writing a journal for whatever reason she has.... lucky for her it is needed to set a story staright in the recent times of 2016. Their struggles is beyond what you can imagine so anyone who thinks life is hard now, take a step back and read this.
Then in 2016, there is Libby, the mother and soul of running the house and everyones lives, she has a vicar husband who she does all his paperwork for as well as her own busy job. Then you have Liam, selfish party goer who thiks life isnt for being afe but by taking drugs and causing everyone heartache, then you have Amy, the bride zilla who cannot sort out her own wedding arrangements and has mum to do them for her as well. Then theres the young Milo, who is in trouble for sexting..... can life get any more problematic? yes her best friend stella has given her the cold shoulder after her mum died in hospital giving out some words from her past... fake because this is where the war times journal is used to clarify all that mix up and in the end theres a big happy festive christmas for all.
It was wonderfully writeen because otherwise i would have put it down or wrote an ok review. I would have bought this too. So i thank Netgalley for the chance to read this and i will look forward to her next book.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2149495373?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

There are times when I think books choose me to read them rather than the other way around. Christmas on the Coast, by Rebecca Boxall, is exactly one such book. I was looking for a simple holiday read, nothing too heavy, when the cover of this gem caught my eye. I quickly learned, however, that while the story takes place in December, it is far from a cute little holiday tale.

The story is told from two perspective: one set in present day Jersey, Chanel Islands and told by Libby, a Vicar's wife, who is frantically preparing for the holidays, her daughter's wedding, keeping up with her own work and two very needy sons. The alternating half is told through a family journal written during the Nazi Occupation of Jersey in 1941.

I, of course, must be the only person in the world that did not know that the Chanel Islands were occupied during the war. While the journal is fiction, it is based upon a found diary from Jersey. The author has done extensive research and has included a Bibliography for further reading. This section of the book is utterly fascinating!

In the present, Libby is in turmoil with her family who is far too needy and with her dearest friend, who suddenly is no longer speaking to her based on a family grudge about which neither woman previously knew existed. The stress and anger threatens to ruin the holidays for everyone. However, after reading the journal, learning the truth, comparing lives in the present with those during the occupation, everyone realizes that forgiveness and peace are far more important than decor and feuds.

The history in this book is phenomenal but not overpowering. The war theme is present and realistic without being so dark that you will not read it. The message itself is one of hope and peace which is ideal for the season and for the world today. If you only read one holiday book this season, I wholly recommend this one.

Thanks so much to Netgalley, Rebecca Boxall and Lake Union Publishing for my copy of this holiday treasure.

A story of family, friendship and old grudges.
Libby and Stella have been friends since primary school, but after hearing a story from her dying mother, Stella breaks the friendship.
Told in 2016 by Libby and from a 1941 journal kept by Libby's great aunt Queenie, this is both a modern tale and a slice of history.
I found this an interesting read which told some of the social history of occupied Jersey and would recommend this for readers who are looking for more than a Christmas hea.

I enjoyed the past to present way this book was written. The story line was well written and enjoyable. I had trouble with the spelling errors in the book however the book may have been translated. The spelling issues did not take away from being able to enjoy the book. I enjoyed the long time friendship and would have liked more of that aspect in the book. Overall it was an enjoyable book.

Believe it or not, Libby is actually dreading Christmas this year, now that her best friend Stella has turned against her. When her father gives her the diary of her great-aunt Queenie, she gets immersed in the entries and can't stop reading. The diary takes place in the winter of 1941, during the Nazi occupation of Jersey. Can she forgive her friend and rediscover the magic of Christmas?

Family, friends, love and duty all combine to bring a wonderful story. Christmas is the vehicle but the story is so much more. I loved it.

This is not another, cute, cozy Christmas romance, but rather a sobering look into one woman’s family history. Libby is trying to do it all, as a cop, a mother and the wife of a vicar on the island of Jersey, she has plenty on her plate. Now her best friend, Stella has suddenly cut her off, saying only that it has to do with some old family grudge. It’s only when Libby’s father shares the diary written by her great-aunt Queenie during the Nazi occupation of the island, that Libby begins to understand. War makes people do things they never would under normal circumstances and Libby is desperate to make Stella understand what happened in hopes they can regain their friendship. I really liked this story, so few people know anything about the Nazi occupation of Jersey during the war, and Boxall’s story makes the people, the island and that terrible time, come to life