Clare Swatman
Last Christmas I gave you my heart…
Looking up at the departures board in Heathrow airport, her flight to New York boarding soon, Bea Preston knows that getting on that plane changes everything. Her life in London has grown stale, her relationship with boyfriend Dom has run its course, and New York has always been her dream. But it’s a risk – she’ll miss her parents, her friends, her job.
What if Bea could live both lives? In one she goes back home for Christmas, and in another she heads to the Big Apple. Would her fate remain the same, or can one decision really change everything? And will Bea get one happy ending – or two…
My Review:
Clare Swatman’s Last Christmas offers an intriguing “what if” premise, exploring how a single decision can diverge into two vastly different life paths. The dual-timeline structure adds a layer of complexity that fans of reflective storytelling may appreciate. The story invites readers to ponder life’s pivotal moments through the lens of Bea, whose choices ripple into two parallel lives. At its heart, the book captures themes of love, resilience, and the sacrifices we make for those we care about.
While the emotional weight of the narrative caught me off guard, it’s evident that the bittersweet undertones will resonate with many readers who appreciate a reflective, thought-provoking read. Though not quite the Christmas escape I initially expected, the book challenges conventional holiday storytelling with a deeper, more introspective approach.
The publisher’s readalong was a highlight, providing thought-provoking questions and discussion points that enhanced the reading experience. While some aspects of Bea’s journey felt repetitive to me, others may see these moments as a poignant reminder of life’s constants, regardless of the paths we take.
Last Christmas might not have been a personal favorite, but it offers a unique and reflective take on life’s choices, which could appeal to readers who enjoy heartfelt, introspective fiction.
The Author:
Clare Swagman has an author website where you can find out all you need to know about the author and the books.
Clare can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and Threads
The Book:
Title: Last Christmas
Publication Date: 27 August 2024
Number of pages: 346
Purchase Link: Amazon and currently available on Kindle Unlimited
The Review:
I took part in the #LastChristmasReadalong organised by Boldwood Books over three days in December.
All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites, such as Amazon, Goodreads, LoveReading, StoryGraph, and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.
Tags: #ClareSwatman #LastChristmas #LastChristmasReadalong #BoldwoodBooks #December2024
MoMoBookDiary 
Leave a comment