"Meet Me Under the Mistletoe" by Abby Clements

Laurie and Rachel were inseparable growing up but as they became adults their lives took two very different paths.  Laurie is a dedicated career-girl, living and working in London, with very little time for much else.  Rachel is living in a beautiful cottage in Yorkshire, spending her days caring for her family, though she worries that her marriage may be in trouble.

When Rachel’s mother-in-law falls ill, the family has to head to London for her treatment.  And when Laurie makes a major mistake at work, she decides that it is probably best she get away from it all for a bit.  They come up with a plan to swap houses in the weeks leading up to Christmas.  But as we all know, life doesn’t always go as planned.  Will their relationships be able to survive the holidays and most importantly, will they make it home in time for Christmas?

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe is the first novel by chick-lit writer Abby Clements, who has since written three more novels.  Told in alternating chapters between the women, this is a fun, light novel that is perfect for curling up with while the snow falls outside.

The house swapping part of this book was such a joy, especially considering I would love to live in both places!  Whether London or Yorkshire, Clement describes the settings so well you feel as though you are right there discovering the cities with the characters.  

This book has a great cast of characters, from the main characters to the supporting ones they meet along the way.  The contrast of the career woman and family woman is something that is done often in novels but it doesn’t feel boring or already done in this book.  In fact, though this novel may sound like something done before, it doesn’t have that feel.  And after reading it, I was surprised to find out that it’s a debut novel because of how polished it is.  

The beautiful cover of this book shows you exactly what it feels like - it is warm, cozy, and festive.  If you’re looking for a holiday read that will help you escape the stress of the season, this is perfect.  I read this book last year while on my Christmas vacation in a ski village and it captured the surroundings perfectly.