Christmas at Hollybush Farm by Jo Thomas


Christmas at Hollybush Farm 

by Jo Thomas



Christmas at Hollybush Farm was published on 9th October 2025 by Penguin. 

My thanks to the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review and to 

Random Things Resources for inviting me on the tour.






Synopsis



Jemima Jones is driving home to her family's magical hill-top farm for Christmas…

And on arrival, she soon learns that her dad has been keeping a secret – all is not as it seems, and Hollybush Farm is struggling to make ends meet! Worried about losing the childhood home she loves, Jemima must pull on her winter wellies and get stuck in.

Amid the chaos of chasing after escaping sheep and organising the Christmas tractor run, Jemima begins documenting her slice of farming life on social media. As she builds a supportive online following, she also forms an offline connection in the shape of charming, retired rugby player Llew, her very own Santa's helper.

With a sprinkle of festive cheer and a dash of goodwill, might the community pull together to help save the farm in time for Christmas?









My Thoughts 


I love Jo’s books and “Christmas at Hollybush Farm is no exception to that. Jo’s narrative and depiction of her characters and the situations and settings that they find themselves in is brilliant. Her writing flows , pulling you into the developing storyline whilst she adds , and removes, characters as the plot develops. 

You will be drawn to Jem’s lovely personality ; though at first you may wonder about her and question what she sees as important in life and her judgement about certain people. There were times when I wanted to say “ Really !!!!, come on get a grip and follow your gut . What I really loved about the story was the importance of a community that pulls together in times of need and is there for each other when they need help and support.

A lot of what you read will also make you realise how much of it applies to what is happening with farming and small independent shops around you and can be treated in some ways as a reality check.

Saying that, this is a book to relax with and , if you are like me, to read in one long sitting after which you are left with a lovely cosy warm hug of a feeling.


About the Author



Jo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, including time at Radio 4's Woman's Hour and Radio 2's The Steve Wright Show.


Jo's debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller and won both the RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the Festival of Romance Best eBook Award. Her book Escape to the French Farmhouse was a #1 bestselling eBook.


Jo loves to explore new countries and discover the food produced there, both of which she thoroughly enjoys researching. Jo lives in Pembrokeshire with her husband and three children, where cooking and gathering around the kitchen table are a hugely important and fun part of their family life.

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