The Christmas Lights is a dual timeline story set in present day, with the stories of Instagram influencers Bo and Zac and their photographer/manager Lenny, as well as in 1936 with Signy, a 14 year old daughter of a farming family in Norway. Bo and Zac are in Norway to promote a new clothing line and are staying in the home of Signy and her grandson Anders. There are a lot of secrets in this book, Signy's, Anders' and Bo's, that come out as the story progresses. Bo and Zac never have a ‘real’ moment to themselves, everything is staged. Their whole life is out there for everyone to see, but that is to be expected based on the life they have chosen. Lenny is always there, he was a part of their lives that often made Bo feel uncomfortable and I thought was a bit creepy at times. He was also like an invisible part of their lives that could often be forgotten. Bo is getting tired of the whole thing and realizes that there is more to life than this and she is tired of feeling like a prop and always being on stage. Anders seems to understand her better than Zac does, but what is he hiding? There is also a stalker storyline, that had Bo frightened and not sure which way to go. Could Bo have a life in Norway with Anders? Who and where is the stalker?

This was a coming of age story for Signy, as well as a self-actualization story for Bo. Both of these women had secrets and were just trying to live and be happy. Signy became like a therapist for Bo, listening to her and giving her wise words to consider. I wasn't sure what to think of Bo's and Zac's relationship. It seemed staged for the camera, yet as real as either of them could feel towards someone else in their situation. I liked the backstory of Signy's life and how the crevasses caused tragedy in the past. This was an extremely atmospheric story, with the cold, isolation and darkness. It was a Christmas themed romance with added mystery and suspense. I am not really into social media, so the insights into the world of Instagram influencers and the price of all that fame, with its trolls and cruel comments was interesting. I still don't understand why people would want to put their life on display that way. It was a beautiful setting with cliffs, waterfalls, and northern lights, that reminded me of my daughter's time living in the far north. Overall this is a romantic suspense story with a mystery, secrets and how social media can affect someone's life, all set at Christmas. Not really a festive Christmas story, but enjoyable all the same.

A story of today and yesterday, and the powerful secrets that can shape our lives. Who can you trust, who can you believe? Excellent characters and a story of learning to be true to yourself.. The setting in Norway definitely adds to the drama. I always look forward to a Karen Swan book to read before Christmas every year, and this is one of the best so far.

Karen Swan is one of my auto-buy authors. If her name is on, it I’ll read it. This has never steered me wrong, except with her last book which just wasn’t for me. Thankfully, The Christmas Lights is the Karen Swan I know and love! The Norwegian setting was a huge draw for me, especially as that is where the historical portions of the story are set. I am fascinated by the history of the region and what it was like for my ancestors. My great-grandfather was Norwegian and I kind of feel a connection to the lifestyle and the landscape. I live in the Canadian Rockies so it’s not too far off! I had a good feeling that I was really going to enjoy this book and it ended up being my favourite of her books yet!

At the risk of sounding like a miserable Grinch, I don’t love Christmas, I don’t love romance and at first glance those two things seem to be the core of this book. I find there’s a lot more depth than just these superficial elements. This story, like all her other books, is actually is more about a woman finding her strength and learning to follow the path that leads to the life she wants, even if she doesn’t know it at first. Strong female characters are stock in trade for Swan’s books and while Bo starts out not entirely likable and a bit silly and weak-willed, she finds her voice and comes out the other side. Of course this is a romance so she doesn’t come out alone! I won’t give away any spoilers but I feel like she chose the right man and the right lifestyle.

Signy is the other main character and she features in both the historical sections and the present. She seems to be a totally different type of person from Bo but as the story progresses they find a lot in common. The historical storyline was absolutely beautiful and horrifically brutal at the same time. Seeing Signy as a young girl and the trials she faced fleshed out her character and helped me understand her as an old woman. If possible I loved her even more after learning her story! Weaving in the story of her grandson and his rocky journey towards happiness was very touching and eventually fulfilling. Overall, the ending is a real tear-jerker but a triumphant one. Just like a good romance should be, it’s ultimately a happy ending. Dang, does this mean I like romance now? My cold, dead heart must have grown two sizes today. Thank Karen Swan for taking the humbug and the grouchiness out of this Grinch. If she can warm my heart she can charm anyone!

Thank you to Pan Macmillan for providing an Electronic Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley for review.

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS by Karen Swan is a beautiful, magical Christmas story, but with secrets and intrigue. It is a great holiday read. Not your average sappy twinkly holiday story. It has great writing and character development,