Driving Home For Christmas by Emma Hannigan

Driving Home For Christmas by Emma Hannigan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Christmas at Huntersbrook House is a family tradition and this year it's even more important as, with mounting debts and insufficient income from the livery yard, it looks like the Craig family might have to sell their beloved family home.

Pippa, Joey and Lainey are the three grown up Craig children who, caught up with their own lives in Dublin, are, as yet, unaware of the problems facing Huntsersbrook.

Joey is starting to wonder if his controlling, fitness-mad girlfriend really is the one for him. Lainey, the family worrier, is doing her best to ignore her ex's recent engagement while also trying to look out for her sister Pippa whose frivolous lifestyle is about to catch up with her.

As the Christmas season approaches, the Craig family need to do some soul-searching and what better place than around the fire at Huntersbrook House.

One thing's for sure, this is a Christmas none of them will forget. But will it be their last at Huntersbrook or will they manage to save the family home?

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To tell the truth, the fact that this story is set in/near Dublin, Ireland, was a large part of the draw for me. Who doesn't love a good Irish yarn?

We meet Holly and Paddy Craig and their three adult children as they're preparing themselves for another Christmas at Huntersbrook House, their family's home for generations. However, what the kids don't realize is that it may be their last.

What I loved about the characters was that they all have their own strong personalities and slowly, I came to feel like I really knew them. They virtually became good friends and I was rooting for each them as they grew and learned from their (big!) mistakes. Their story will warm your heart, boost your Christmas spirit, and give you a whole new appreciation for your own family.

As far as Holiday stories go, this was one of the best I've read this year... just don't expect a quick read. It moves along at a slow but steady pace, allowing for character and plot development. Believe me, the storytelling is richer for it.


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