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Broclington #1
Summer's Christmas
Bringing the spirit of Christmas to a summer’s day …
Summer by name and summer by nature – that’s how people describe Evelyn’s happy, outgoing daughter. Even if her favourite time of year is actually Christmas!
But Summer has gone through more than any eight-year-old ever should, and that’s part of the reason Evelyn is leaving everything behind to return to her childhood home in the village of Broclington; just her, Summer and Summer’s best friend – a Shiba Inu dog called Tilly. Unsurprisingly, Evelyn is hesitant to let anyone else in, although local vet Jake Macpearson seems intent on winning her trust.
When Evelyn receives the news that every mother dreads, it’s Jake who comes to the rescue. With the help of the Broclington community, could he be the man to bring festive magic to August, and make all of Evelyn and Summer’s Christmases come at once?
Summer by name and summer by nature – that’s how people describe Evelyn’s happy, outgoing daughter. Even if her favourite time of year is actually Christmas!
But Summer has gone through more than any eight-year-old ever should, and that’s part of the reason Evelyn is leaving everything behind to return to her childhood home in the village of Broclington; just her, Summer and Summer’s best friend – a Shiba Inu dog called Tilly. Unsurprisingly, Evelyn is hesitant to let anyone else in, although local vet Jake Macpearson seems intent on winning her trust.
When Evelyn receives the news that every mother dreads, it’s Jake who comes to the rescue. With the help of the Broclington community, could he be the man to bring festive magic to August, and make all of Evelyn and Summer’s Christmases come at once?
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2021
About the author
Ella Cook
6 books18 followersElla’s been obsessed with books since she was a toddler. She decided to become a writer as soon as she realised that stringing letters together in the right order could actually be a career.
She grew up in the outskirts of London, where fairies lived at the bottom of her Grandma’s garden, so it isn’t surprising that she still looks for magic in everyday life – and often finds it.
When she’s not living in a fantasy world of her own creation, she writes bids and develops programmes for children’s services. She lives in rural Warwickshire (where there are probably more fairies) with her husband who is ever loving and understanding, and makes her gallons of tea in magical cups that can keep drinks warm for whole chapters.
Throughout lockdown, Ella’s spent a lot of time cleaning (who hasn’t), crocheting rainbows, and writing. She’s got two new novels in progress – but did take a few breaks to write a stories (featuring a lot more dinosaur poop and talking animals than her usual style) for some very special youngsters spending birthdays in shielded lockdown.
She grew up in the outskirts of London, where fairies lived at the bottom of her Grandma’s garden, so it isn’t surprising that she still looks for magic in everyday life – and often finds it.
When she’s not living in a fantasy world of her own creation, she writes bids and develops programmes for children’s services. She lives in rural Warwickshire (where there are probably more fairies) with her husband who is ever loving and understanding, and makes her gallons of tea in magical cups that can keep drinks warm for whole chapters.
Throughout lockdown, Ella’s spent a lot of time cleaning (who hasn’t), crocheting rainbows, and writing. She’s got two new novels in progress – but did take a few breaks to write a stories (featuring a lot more dinosaur poop and talking animals than her usual style) for some very special youngsters spending birthdays in shielded lockdown.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 26, 2021
With Evelyn’s eight-year-old daughter Summer in remission, they left their home and the dreadful memories behind and moved to the small village of Broclington to live with Evelyn’s mother Linda. Summer was a happy child, bubbly and mature for her age – what she had been through was indelibly printed on everyone’s minds. Summer’s best friend Tilly, a Shiba Inu dog – that people thought was a fox – was a constant by her side. When Tilly needed urgent medical attention, Evelyn rushed her to vet Jake Macpearson, who was another kind and empathetic person. Soon, Summer and Evelyn were good friends with Jake, Summer had begun school again, and she’d made some new friends.
But when Evelyn’s worst fears came true, Evelyn didn’t know how to go on. Jake, his long time friend Nick and the whole village immediately got behind Summer and her family to hold Christmas in August. Summer’s Christmas was an enormous event – but would it help? Could the magic of that special event be their answer?
Summer’s Christmas by Ella Cook was a feel-good, heartbreaking, emotional, heartwarming roller-coaster ride and I loved it! Summer is an adorable child, funny, mature and childish all at the same time, while Tilly was totally cute. The folk of Broclington were generous, hard working and happy to help in any way they could, and they did. I’ve read one other by Ms Cook, Beyond Grey, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I have no hesitation in recommending Summer’s Christmas highly.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
But when Evelyn’s worst fears came true, Evelyn didn’t know how to go on. Jake, his long time friend Nick and the whole village immediately got behind Summer and her family to hold Christmas in August. Summer’s Christmas was an enormous event – but would it help? Could the magic of that special event be their answer?
Summer’s Christmas by Ella Cook was a feel-good, heartbreaking, emotional, heartwarming roller-coaster ride and I loved it! Summer is an adorable child, funny, mature and childish all at the same time, while Tilly was totally cute. The folk of Broclington were generous, hard working and happy to help in any way they could, and they did. I’ve read one other by Ms Cook, Beyond Grey, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I have no hesitation in recommending Summer’s Christmas highly.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2021
I really loved this story. It hooked me from the start and I read it in one sitting. Wonderful characters and world building with the village of Broclington and it’s badger meaning and tie ins. I’m not normally keen on giving children potentially life threatening diseases but it’s done well and while it is a big focus of the story it doesn’t become the story and it’s one of positivity and hope.
I could actually see this as a feel good film. Evelyn is a strong female lead, learning to love again, moving home and her daughters health as well as finding a job. She’s quite the role model dealing with so many things. I loved Jake. For all the help he gives them helping Summer with her Christmas he never once takes over. It’s a rare male hero I can’t find much fault with. Does anyone know where I can find my own 🙂
Great book, feel good story and thoroughly recommend
I could actually see this as a feel good film. Evelyn is a strong female lead, learning to love again, moving home and her daughters health as well as finding a job. She’s quite the role model dealing with so many things. I loved Jake. For all the help he gives them helping Summer with her Christmas he never once takes over. It’s a rare male hero I can’t find much fault with. Does anyone know where I can find my own 🙂
Great book, feel good story and thoroughly recommend
August 17, 2023
4.5 out of 5 stars
September 17, 2022
Am I excited about this book or what?
When I first read Ella Cook’s debut; Beyond Grey, I was completely blown away, that book spoke to me on so many levels and it still makes me well up just remembering it. I was a weeping snivelling teary mess, if you have read it you will know why, if you haven’t – why not? Do go and grab yourself a copy as that book is one of my recommended reads, it’s utterly beautiful as is this one!
Anyway, let’s return to this book which really opens the emotional floodgates, it will stay with you long after finishing, this is the ultimate tear-jerker and one which will be re-read so many times over.
This is all about
Summer’s Christmas is full of heartbreak, emotion, love, family and a community coming together to make a Christmas wish come true (even if Christmas was being held in August). I loved, loved, loved how Broclington village came together how the people worked so hard and were always happy to help and lend a hand. This is the kind of village we all want to live in, where everyone knows everything and lends a hand.
I really got behind the characters, Evelyn is a wonderful woman and mother, she has the world on her shoulders and yet there is still lightness and laughter. She is guarded and when she gets the ultimate devastating news she feels as though her entire world has been dragged from beneath her, I really love how the community she left behind has now embraced her and welcomed her back with open arms. Her daughter Summer is a sweetheart, she is determined and always smiling like her name she is full of sunshine and smiles despite her health and I adore the relationship between the little girl and her beloved dog Tilly, that gorgeous bond between owner ad dog warmed my heart as a dog mam I related to that even more. And then we have gorgeous, generous, kind, thoughtful, caring and joyful Jake the local vet, oh my heart has burst I’m a soppy mess!!
If you didn’t know before the waffle, I loved this book, I loved the story the characters the emotion the setting. There isn’t anything I didn’t like, Ella Cook writes the most beautifully heartbreaking stories, ones that will last a lifetime!
When I first read Ella Cook’s debut; Beyond Grey, I was completely blown away, that book spoke to me on so many levels and it still makes me well up just remembering it. I was a weeping snivelling teary mess, if you have read it you will know why, if you haven’t – why not? Do go and grab yourself a copy as that book is one of my recommended reads, it’s utterly beautiful as is this one!
Anyway, let’s return to this book which really opens the emotional floodgates, it will stay with you long after finishing, this is the ultimate tear-jerker and one which will be re-read so many times over.
This is all about
Summer’s Christmas is full of heartbreak, emotion, love, family and a community coming together to make a Christmas wish come true (even if Christmas was being held in August). I loved, loved, loved how Broclington village came together how the people worked so hard and were always happy to help and lend a hand. This is the kind of village we all want to live in, where everyone knows everything and lends a hand.
I really got behind the characters, Evelyn is a wonderful woman and mother, she has the world on her shoulders and yet there is still lightness and laughter. She is guarded and when she gets the ultimate devastating news she feels as though her entire world has been dragged from beneath her, I really love how the community she left behind has now embraced her and welcomed her back with open arms. Her daughter Summer is a sweetheart, she is determined and always smiling like her name she is full of sunshine and smiles despite her health and I adore the relationship between the little girl and her beloved dog Tilly, that gorgeous bond between owner ad dog warmed my heart as a dog mam I related to that even more. And then we have gorgeous, generous, kind, thoughtful, caring and joyful Jake the local vet, oh my heart has burst I’m a soppy mess!!
If you didn’t know before the waffle, I loved this book, I loved the story the characters the emotion the setting. There isn’t anything I didn’t like, Ella Cook writes the most beautifully heartbreaking stories, ones that will last a lifetime!
August 31, 2021
Evelyn moves in with her Mum, back to Broclington where she grew up, with her 8 year old Daughter Summer and their dog Tilly following the break up of her marriage. Summer however has been through so much at a tender age having had neuroblastoma (a type of cancer) but is in remission.
Evelyn and Summer first meet Jake, the local vet, when Tilly is tied up outside the grocery store and there is an instant chemistry between Evelyn and Jake and after developing a friendship after a while they start a relationship. Then tragedy strikes and Summer’s cancer returns but this time it is deemed inoperable and Evelyn has to face the fact that she will lose her precious Daughter. But Jake adores Summer and ensures that she knows she is just as important in his life but Evelyn feels that she just needs to concentrate on Summer 100% and does not have time to have a relationship.
Summer is an adorable, intuitive, strong and happy child who is very rarely without her loyal dog Tilly be her side, Tilly who adores Summer and will snuggle up with her to make her feel better.
Jake however is not prepared to give up the fight to save Summer and does his own research finding a Doctor in Boston who is prepared to help Summer and the treatment has a very high success rate, there’s only one problem the cost. Can the community pull together and raise the funds needed to help Summer and even if they do would it be successful?
This book took me through a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter and tears but is a story of strength and hope and relationships (and a loyal Shibu Inu), a fantastic read that I would strongly recommend.
Thank you to Choc-Lit for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own.
Evelyn and Summer first meet Jake, the local vet, when Tilly is tied up outside the grocery store and there is an instant chemistry between Evelyn and Jake and after developing a friendship after a while they start a relationship. Then tragedy strikes and Summer’s cancer returns but this time it is deemed inoperable and Evelyn has to face the fact that she will lose her precious Daughter. But Jake adores Summer and ensures that she knows she is just as important in his life but Evelyn feels that she just needs to concentrate on Summer 100% and does not have time to have a relationship.
Summer is an adorable, intuitive, strong and happy child who is very rarely without her loyal dog Tilly be her side, Tilly who adores Summer and will snuggle up with her to make her feel better.
Jake however is not prepared to give up the fight to save Summer and does his own research finding a Doctor in Boston who is prepared to help Summer and the treatment has a very high success rate, there’s only one problem the cost. Can the community pull together and raise the funds needed to help Summer and even if they do would it be successful?
This book took me through a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter and tears but is a story of strength and hope and relationships (and a loyal Shibu Inu), a fantastic read that I would strongly recommend.
Thank you to Choc-Lit for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own.
September 1, 2021
If this book doesn't give you ALL THE FEELS , then there is something seriously wrong with you!! I found this to be so emotional, fun, touching, heartwarming.... and everything in between! OOh and it mixes Summer with Christmas - the best of both worlds if you ask me!
Evelyn and her daughter Summer are moving back to live with her mum after some devastating news about poor Summer and her health. It has made Evelyn realise she needs a little more help, and who better to have on hand than Mum! Having dealt with Summer and her ill health on her own for years, thanks to scumbag Charlie!, it's nice for her to be moving back to a place she loved. And with Tilly the dog in tow, she is soon being accepted back into the community with warmth.. Jake the local vet especially seems smitten, with all of them!
Summer is one of those children that never lets anything get her down! She's such a little fighter and I loved her bond with Tilly and her can do attitude! I think she gets that from her mother!
And when she receives more devastating news, the power of community shows itself in spades as a Christmas festival is planned in the height of the Summer months and everybody mucks in, not least Jake who set everything in motion!
This was such a wonderfully uplifting read, full of sweet characters and I was sad to leave them all behind!
Evelyn and her daughter Summer are moving back to live with her mum after some devastating news about poor Summer and her health. It has made Evelyn realise she needs a little more help, and who better to have on hand than Mum! Having dealt with Summer and her ill health on her own for years, thanks to scumbag Charlie!, it's nice for her to be moving back to a place she loved. And with Tilly the dog in tow, she is soon being accepted back into the community with warmth.. Jake the local vet especially seems smitten, with all of them!
Summer is one of those children that never lets anything get her down! She's such a little fighter and I loved her bond with Tilly and her can do attitude! I think she gets that from her mother!
And when she receives more devastating news, the power of community shows itself in spades as a Christmas festival is planned in the height of the Summer months and everybody mucks in, not least Jake who set everything in motion!
This was such a wonderfully uplifting read, full of sweet characters and I was sad to leave them all behind!
August 8, 2021
When I saw this book's title mentioned (after the author's short story in the Sunny Summer Treats anthology), I wondered if it meant Christmas in summertime (like maybe in Australia) or a Christmas story about a character named Summer. As it turns out, it's... kind of both and not exactly either - it's set in England in August, so it's not the official Christmas, but a special christmassy fete for a little girl (named Summer) who missed the previous year's Christmas celebrations due to a terrible illness.
Now, "terrible illness" is something I really don't like to read about, so I must say there are scenes in this book I really wouldn't want to read again. But everything else was lovely - the romance between Evelyn (Summer's mother) and Jake, cute scenes with Tilly the dog, and of course Summer's Christmas fete - so I did enjoy most of the book, after all.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Now, "terrible illness" is something I really don't like to read about, so I must say there are scenes in this book I really wouldn't want to read again. But everything else was lovely - the romance between Evelyn (Summer's mother) and Jake, cute scenes with Tilly the dog, and of course Summer's Christmas fete - so I did enjoy most of the book, after all.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2021
Second book by Ella Cook, and as interesting a read as her first. This one has a very direct plot line, arrowing through from start to finish, a set of excellent characters that you can really relate to, and a direct appeal to your emotions from practically the first page. The story revolves around Summer, a young girl with a serious medical condition, which is in remission at the beginning of the book She and her mother, Evelyn, have moved back to Evelyn’s hometown after the collapse of her marriage.
Both Evelyn and Summer are taken with the local vet, Jake, who checks over their pet dog Tilly. Evelyn and Jake are getting on very well, up until the moment when Summer’s illness recurs, when Evelyn (a nurse) withdraws into herself while looking after her sick child. Jake and the whole community get behind an effort to raise money for Summer’s treatment abroad.
Ella Cook writes very well, handles the emotional content of the story superbly, with an excellent sense of humour. All in all, a very good second outing, with, I’m sure, a lot more to come from this talented young writer.
Both Evelyn and Summer are taken with the local vet, Jake, who checks over their pet dog Tilly. Evelyn and Jake are getting on very well, up until the moment when Summer’s illness recurs, when Evelyn (a nurse) withdraws into herself while looking after her sick child. Jake and the whole community get behind an effort to raise money for Summer’s treatment abroad.
Ella Cook writes very well, handles the emotional content of the story superbly, with an excellent sense of humour. All in all, a very good second outing, with, I’m sure, a lot more to come from this talented young writer.
October 29, 2023
Touching and uplifting
Evelyn returns home to her mother in Broclington after the break-up of her marriage. Her daughter Summer is in remission after chemotherapy and together with her dog, they settle in to the village. As she gets used to her new life, while Summer’s father cuts them out of his life completely, Evelyn finds a new job and a friendship with Jake the local vet. When Summer’s cancer returns Evelyn has to do face up to a lot of things . Jake and the village pull together and offer support and hope.
A standard formula - horrible ex, sick child, hero boyfriend and courageous mother - done well. Some tear-provoking scenes and a lovely uplifting tale of how a community can pull together, as well as the promise of romance. It left a warm, fuzzy feeling. Just let the story embrace you.
Evelyn returns home to her mother in Broclington after the break-up of her marriage. Her daughter Summer is in remission after chemotherapy and together with her dog, they settle in to the village. As she gets used to her new life, while Summer’s father cuts them out of his life completely, Evelyn finds a new job and a friendship with Jake the local vet. When Summer’s cancer returns Evelyn has to do face up to a lot of things . Jake and the village pull together and offer support and hope.
A standard formula - horrible ex, sick child, hero boyfriend and courageous mother - done well. Some tear-provoking scenes and a lovely uplifting tale of how a community can pull together, as well as the promise of romance. It left a warm, fuzzy feeling. Just let the story embrace you.
December 25, 2023
I had not read anything by Ella Cook before but this was a perfect reminder of what the holiday season should be about. It was the ideal read for a break from the frantic rush to spend money on unwanted gifts and remember family is all that matters and health is a gift.
Evelyn’s daughter Summer is in remission and they’ve moved back to Evelyn’s hometown with her mother. There is some romance but Summer’s illness is of primary concern. It’s a story that made me sad, cry, hopeful and satisfied. The setting in a small village in the UK was lovely. The local Vet was interesting and Summer’s dog was very much part of the story. There are many interesting characters including the selfish and self centered ex husband. It’s a short and easy read full of good will and a community of giving residents.
Evelyn’s daughter Summer is in remission and they’ve moved back to Evelyn’s hometown with her mother. There is some romance but Summer’s illness is of primary concern. It’s a story that made me sad, cry, hopeful and satisfied. The setting in a small village in the UK was lovely. The local Vet was interesting and Summer’s dog was very much part of the story. There are many interesting characters including the selfish and self centered ex husband. It’s a short and easy read full of good will and a community of giving residents.
August 31, 2021
This seemed like a pleasant interlude, with the story unfolding nicely as we went along – right until it all burst into flames, and I not only cried but sobbed and had to put it down for a few minutes to get myself together! Just like a Disney film, there had to be a sad bit (Bambi’s mother dies!) I think this illustrates how involved I became in the story, and I did have to read it all in one sitting, so that was another late night/early morning. Thank goodness it ended well and my reading wasn’t in vain. If you enjoy an emotional ride – then this is one for you, enjoy!
August 31, 2021
A heartrending emotional story of a mother with an eight year old daughter with terminal cancer. Evelyn is devoted to Summer but when she moves back home and meets Jake, the local vet, she can't allow herself to fall in love as she needs all her energy for Summer..... but Jake has other ideas and they all include Summer can he win her heart through her daughter?
A beautiful story that is a real tearjerker, well written and with lovely characters showing a community really pulling together to help
A beautiful story that is a real tearjerker, well written and with lovely characters showing a community really pulling together to help
November 4, 2023
It Made Me Laugh and it Made Me Cry!
When Evelyn's marriage broke up and with her daughter summer in remission from suffering from cancer, Evelyn decided to return to her home village of Broclington to live with her mother while she gets on her feet again. While out on a walk their dog is bitten by an adder and is rushed to the vet, Jake. There is instant attraction between Evelyn and Jake but before they can really get to know each other, Summer is taken ill again. This is a lovely book which made me laugh and cry. I have just downloaded book 2.
When Evelyn's marriage broke up and with her daughter summer in remission from suffering from cancer, Evelyn decided to return to her home village of Broclington to live with her mother while she gets on her feet again. While out on a walk their dog is bitten by an adder and is rushed to the vet, Jake. There is instant attraction between Evelyn and Jake but before they can really get to know each other, Summer is taken ill again. This is a lovely book which made me laugh and cry. I have just downloaded book 2.
August 31, 2021
This is a very hard review to write without giving too much away. It is a great book which kept me reading far longer of an evening than I intended! You will feel Evelyn's story on so many levels. A recently single mum who moves back to live with her mother in the village she grew up in, she rapidly becomes part of the community, as does her daughter Summer. The story goes from there,laughter, tears and romance. A real immersive story which leaves you with a lovely warm feeling.
October 9, 2021
Summer is only 8 and recovering from chemotherapy. When local vet comes into their lives he is determined to help them put their suffering behind them. This is a very comforting classic love story . Yet in the face of adversary it is a story of determination, perseverance and hope. It was, for me, a welcome escape from the terrible situation we are all going through as well as a reminder that all is not necessarily doom and gloom. Full of magical moments and visual enchantment.
August 31, 2021
Summer’s Christmas was a really lovely rollercoaster of emotion that had me smiling in places and crying in others. I was totally wrapped up in Evelyn and Summer’s stories. And Jake was such a great hero, I fell in love as soon as we met him and couldn’t put this book down. Thank you Ella for another great story.
September 3, 2021
I don't read books that have the potential to upset me. When I saw this story included a child with a serious illness I began reading with trepidation. However, this is really a very positive story about never giving up hope. Both the human and the animal characters are believable, realistic and interesting. If we are lucky there will be more visits to Broclington.
November 9, 2023
Great romance
What a beautiful heartfelt story. One of tenderness and care that is so loving and touching it's amazingly good and exciting.
What a beautiful heartfelt story. One of tenderness and care that is so loving and touching it's amazingly good and exciting.
November 18, 2023
Wow . What a stunning book. Slightly romantic all the characters I fell In love with.
November 19, 2023
My kind of story
I liked this book so I bought the next one as soon as I had finished this one. Lots of tears.
I liked this book so I bought the next one as soon as I had finished this one. Lots of tears.
December 9, 2023
Very emotional read!
December 22, 2023
Best Christmas story I think I’ve ever read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews