“From the end of November onwards, stepping out into Covent Garden is magical and as soon as December first hits, it’s positively enchanting.” (Citation page 167)

Content

Mathilde „Tilly“ Hunter loves her work as a make-up artist at London Metropolitan Opera and she is very talented and really qualified for her job.  But to get the career advancement she is hoping for, she needs to be familiar with modern technologies and computers und the new smart, attractive IT director Marcus Walker, who does not feel the vivid magic of the theatre world, has to train her. How could they work together successfully, when Tilly is just joking about her definitely missing computer-gen and for her the old card system is still perfect enough to manage the inventory? Then her life is near to shattering and she has to grow up, open her eyes to her problems and take things seriously.

Theme and Genre

This romantic Christmas novel is about family, friendship, love and life, and about beautiful London during Christmas time when Covent Garden, smelling of cinnamon and mulled wine, if full of lights and joy. An important theme is working with a leading opera company, opera, ballet, artists and the support team behind any performance on stage.  

Characters

The characters are well described, loveable and understandable, and the development of artistic, sassy, but always caring Tilly makes her even more likeable.

Plot and Writing

Tilly, the first-person narrator, tells the story. It takes place in London in the weeks before Christmas. The beautiful, festive atmosphere with snow slowly covering London, as well as the buzzling flair of theatre performances, are described in such a colorful and lively way that, while reading, the related pictures and feeling spring immediately to mind. The mixture between thoughtful and funny scenes guaranties pleasurable reading.

Conclusion

A funny, interesting and heartwarming Christmas story, the perfect read for a relaxed festive season.