The Gingerbread Christmas Village

Book Review: A Festive Delight: The Gingerbread Christmas Village by Kiley Dunbar

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars

The Gingerbread Christmas Village by Kiley Dunbar is a heartwarming and enchanting tale that captures the essence of the holiday spirit. Set in the picturesque Cotswold hamlet, this book takes readers on a delightful journey filled with gingerbread, love, and the magic of Christmas.

At the center of the story is Margi, a spirited woman in her sixties who has dedicated her life to organizing the annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit and grotto. However, interest in the event has been waning, and Margi finds herself contemplating selling her home and leaving the village behind. Determined to make this year's gingerbread village the best yet, Margi teams up with her old friend Izzy, her niece Lucy, and Fern, a shy young farmer's daughter. Along the way, she also finds unexpected support from Patrick, the school caretaker.

One of the highlights of this book is its charming setting. Dunbar skillfully brings the Cotswold hamlet to life, painting vivid descriptions of the gingerbread exhibition and grotto. The author's attention to detail is evident, immersing readers in a world of sugary delights and festive decorations. It's impossible not to feel the magic of Christmas while reading this book.

The characters in The Gingerbread Christmas Village are likable and well-developed. Margi shines as a strong and determined protagonist who is not afraid to pursue her dreams. Her journey towards rediscovering her spark and Christmas spirit is relatable. The supporting characters add depth to the story, each bringing their unique personalities and challenges to the mix. Lucy's determination to find love for her aunt adds a touch of humor and warmth to the narrative.

The writing style is engaging and flows smoothly, making it an easy and enjoyable read. Dunbar's ability to create emotional connections between the characters and the readers is commendable. The book is heartwarming without being overly sentimental, striking a perfect balance between romance and family dynamics.

I absolutely adore the cover of this book. Its festive charm perfectly captures the essence of what lies within its pages. Moreover, the festive good feelings that permeate throughout the story make it an ideal read for the holiday season. This book is a perfect way to kickstart your festive reading, filling your heart with warmth and joy.

In conclusion, The Gingerbread Christmas Village is a delightful tale that celebrates love, friendship, and the magic of Christmas. With its charming setting, well-developed characters, and enchanting storyline, this book is bound to leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. If you're looking for a festive read that will transport you to a world of gingerbread wonders, then this book is a must-read for you.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

This is a wonderful, heartwarming story of friendship, community and showing love comes around at any age. 
My husband and I have decorated a gingerbread house almost every year since we started dating, and it's a tradition we kept up with our kids. This story holds a special place for me. 
Margi is ready to give up on the gingerbread grotto. Each year brings less money to keep it running and fewer visitors. And just when it comes together it all falls apart. But through new friends and community support it might just come together 
I got caught up in the lives of the characters and the events of the book. The author brings mixes in different generations showing how each generation is alike, but also different. I loved how the traditions are being passed on in the story and grew in a much bigger way than expected. 
This was a wonderful way to start my holiday reads. 
Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to be part of this tour.