A page turning historical fiction novel that's guaranteed to warm your heart, perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin!

Will her spirits be lifted this Christmas?

Despite the hardships of wartime, Iolanthe Inverdale is determined to make the best of things. With her new job at The Allanby Cross Gazette, working alongside Jenny and Eleanor, Iolanthe feels like she's found a new sense of purpose.

But as winter sets in and the strain of war begins to show, it’s clear that not everyone in Allanby Cross is coping. And when Iolanthe befriends Archie Atkinson, a young evacuee who is struggling so far from home, she knows she has to help.

Through their work at the Gazette, Iolanthe and her friends set out to bring some much-needed cheer to their community. Yet with the paper under pressure and the future uncertain, Iolanthe must find the courage to do more than simply put on a brave face. Because sometimes, offering hope to others means taking a risk yourself…

© Lesley Eames 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026