The mutual love and respect between two young men and their stepmother is the beacon of hope for the dysfunctional family at the centre of this story. Jago has masterfully created a lovable and realistic pair of heroes and very effectively positions the reader as a member of ‘Team Holly’ as the story begins to unfold.
This book serves to remind us that neither families nor individuals are perfect, and that those fractures that are often easier to overlook at other times of the year often come into acute focus at Christmas.
Its dark themes add depth and gravity to this powerful story, beautifully crafted with wonderful writing that draws the reader into the family home and holds them there, a silent witness of awkward, painful and tender moments alike.
‘Team Holly’ is fully deserving of a shiny Gold Acorn.
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