The Santa Suit by May Kay Andrews – Review #NetGalley

The Christmas reads have most definitely begun! By the way, I’d definitely recommend you add this to your festive reads this year.

When newly-divorced Ivy Perkins buys an old farmhouse sight unseen, she is definitely looking for a change in her life. The Four Roses, as the farmhouse is called, is a labor of love—but Ivy didn’t bargain on just how much labor. The previous family left so much furniture and so much junk, that it’s a full-time job sorting through all of it. 

At the top of a closet, Ivy finds an old Santa suit—beautifully made and decades old. In the pocket of a suit she finds a note written in a childish hand: it’s from a little girl who has one Christmas wish, and that is for her father to return home from the war. This discovery sets Ivy off on a mission. Who wrote the note? Did the man ever come home? What mysteries did the Rose family hold?

Ivy’s quest brings her into the community, at a time when all she wanted to do was be left alone and nurse her wounds. But the magic of Christmas makes miracles happen, and Ivy just might find more than she ever thought possible: a welcoming town, a family reunited, a mystery solved, and a second chance at love.

Available on Amazon.

The Christmas sparkle is huge in this story and I loved every page of it. The frosty weather is described in just enough detail to make the reader want to share in the next round of hot drinks. The decorations around the town are charming but not as delightful as the descriptions of the vintage decor and festive lights of the old farmhouse. And of course, we do have the story of that elusive Christmas miracle!

Our main character is the sweet-hearted Ivy who starts her life over, after a messy divorce, in a home once occupied by a family with the biggest Christmas spirit.

Ivy plans to have a quiet Christmas all alone except for her trusty Punkin and the girls (her brood of baby chicks). Fate has very different ideas for this lady and certain people make their presence felt in her life.

The relationships Ivy forms are one of my favourite parts of this story. There’s a possible new best friend (who has her own cute romance story going), a charming but lonely older gentleman, a business associate and, of course, a love interest. The connections between several of these people are revealed as we delve into the story.

As for that letter found in the Santa suit? Well, we’re not kept in suspense for too long but how the present day aspect unfolds is quite lovely.

Honestly, The Santa Suit is rich in Christmasy joy. I absolutely enjoyed it and strongly recommend it for those who who love a feel-good seasonal tale. I give this story 4.5/5 festive shots.