Avon Books Week Day Four: It's a Wonderful Life by Julia Williams

Day Four of Avon Books Week and it's all about Julia Williams latest book It's a Wonderful Life. I am thrilled to be able to share my review with you and as usual there is a chance to win a copy of her book.

It's a Wonderful Life has got to be one of my all time favourite films, so when I saw Julia's latest book was so entitled this, this was just one of the reasons that I just had to read. I have been lucky to read many of Julia's books and this was another one that didn't disappoint.

There are just some authors whose writing immediately draws you in and you find yourself not wanting to put the book down, and that is always what I find with Julia's stories. I don't know how she does it but she makes you feel like you are part of the story and a part of me doesn't want it to end.

Beth has every she could possibly want in life, a lovely house, husband, children and job as writer and illustrator, so why is she so discontent with her lot in life? Her husband Daniel has just started a new job as Head Teacher at a new school and has the major task of bringing it up-to-date. But with family life catching up with him, can he be a good teacher and Father at the same time? Beth's sister Louise has been dumped yet again. She thinks that Beth has got the perfect life with her success and wonderful family, but is the grass always greener?

Is it possible to fall in love with all of the characters? I loved how this was split between Beth, her husband Daniel and her sister Louise. I thoroughly enjoyed reading from all their different perspectives and seeing how their stories intertwined. It kept up a nice flow in the story and I was eager to follow up one from the other. I think it is so important to make your characters as believable as possible in stories and these characters felt so real to me. Julia manages to capture and get across their true thoughts and feelings and put them into words that many a time you can relate to.

Similar to the film It's a Wonderful Life, Julia gets you thinking about your life and how you shouldn't take things for granted, no matter what it is that you are going through at any point in time. 

Although not entirely Christmassy from start to finish, it has that Christmas vibe throughout about family coming together and taking the time to realise the important things in life and enjoy it. I really felt like I have taken something great away from reading this and I think the next time I am wishing for something more, I will take a step back and appreciate what is good in my life.

Heartwarming pure escapism. I once again thoroughly enjoyed Julia's new book and I cannot wait for her next one.

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