DECEMBER BOOK CLUB: ALI MCNAMARA’S 'IT ALWAYS SNOWS ON MISTLETOE SQUARE'

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Image: Hachette Australia

Our December Book Club pick is Ali McNamara’s It Always Snows on Mistletoe Square.

It Always Snows on Mistletoe Square by Ali McNamara is an enchanting tale that leaves you desiring the thrill of magic at Christmas. 

I’m so pleased I read this book before Christmas, as it only enhanced the festivities. The feeling encapsulated within this book was one that truly spoke to me. It had this nostalgic aura that transported you in more ways than one. Essentially we’re given time travel through different timelines, connected through the house and characters within it. 

There was this old world charm, in a modern setting, mixed with elements such as found family and romance. I absolutely adored the storytelling element within the book. Everything was woven together in a perfect tableaux. It captivated your imagination and created such beautiful scenes that stay with you. Yes there were situations that had to be worked through, but you felt like you were there with these characters working through it all, alongside them. 

The ability to combine so many elements within one story and create layers that connect these characters made this a story I would love to see on screen. I’ve mentioned Kate & Leopold before, but if you enjoyed that movie you’ll love this book. For some reason I’m also reminded of Belle’s Enchanted Christmas. Perhaps it has to do with how the past informs the present. 

Framed within a modern setting, Mistletoe Square is Christmas magic in the form of a book. From the descriptions of the Christmas tree, to the ornaments, to the snow falling in the square you’re given details that enhance every scene. I also found myself reflecting on the themes and messages present within the book. Even when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about this book. 

I especially love how it celebrates women and connection and I loved the element of fate and timing in this story. It’s something that was both charming and heartwarming. This is a book I’ll be revisiting again. 

Ali McNamara’s It Always Snows on Mistletoe Square is available through Hachette Australia.