For the past two years, Evie Taylor has lived an invisible existence in London, a city she hoped would bring sparkle to her life. But all that is about to change. For winter has brought a flurry of snow and unexpected possibilities.
Hidden away in the basement of Hardy's - once London's most elegant department store - Evie manages the stockroom of a shop whose glory days have long since passed.
When Evie overhears that Hardy's is at risk of being sold, she secretly hatches a plan. If she can reverse the store's fortunes by December 26th - three weeks away - and transform it into a magical destination once again, she might just be able to save it. But she's going to need every ounce of talent and determination she has. In fact, she's going to need a miracle.
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews This story is set in a classic British department store, which seems to have lost it sparkle. in it's heyday it was the top store of it's kind. Everyone loved Hardy's. we begin on the 1st December and each chapter counts down to Christmas stating how many shopping days are left. I loved this. as each chapter passed my Christmas spirit increased. I absolutely LOVE Christmas and Christmas shopping. this store sounded like the kind of Christmas I used to watch in films. Films like Miracle on 34th Street.
I didn't understand Evie at first. She seemed to be stuck in this dead end job and she wasn't happy. None of the staff knew her actual name and just seemed to see her as someone to unload their problems on. I soon realised that Evie was a bit broken. After her ex unexpectedly dumped her she crumbled. she didn't know what to do. By fading into the background she attempted to prevent herself from being hurt again. One day she decided she was fed up of being invisible and wanted to be noticed.
When she hears of the problems with the store and how they have 3 weeks to increase their profits or the store will close she just has to do something. this store means everything to her. When she was a child her parents would take her here every year and these trips meant the world to Evie. She just couldn't face the thought of Hardy's not being around any more. So she set about anonymously remaking parts of the store.
I don't want to ruin the book too much but Evie's little helpers are the best. I loved each and every one of them.
This book was excellent. A fantastic example of Christmas Chicklit at it's best. It has everything that will make you warm and fuzzy on a cold winter night. This has definitely got me in the mood for Christmas.
