Rating: 4.5🌈

On Circus Lane by Lily Morton is another one of this author’s fantastic heartwarming Christmas stories.  The second novel, Merry Measure, was released first in December 2020, and is the hilarious holiday story of Arlo Wright, the younger brother. And I love it.

But it had been several years since I’d read it so I approached On Circus Lane with fresh eyes and as though the characters were completely new to me.  After a reread, I think this is the best way to go into the book because Bee and Tom Wright were secondary characters in Merry Measure and I love their personalities and characters so much more here . 

As they roam around the snow covered streets of Edinburgh, peering into the tiny alleyways and decorated shops that Morton vividly describes, we become deeply connected to this complicated marvelous couple. As with all her books, Morton has visited and traveled the same pathways that her characters take so the incredible sights and experiences of their journey come alive through the author’s own eyes as her imagination. It’s so beautifully written and charming.

Layered into the charming holiday landscape are the perfectly executed characters of Bee Bannister and Tom Wright.  Bee is that slowly unfolding gift of hidden depths, adolescence painful secrets, and unimaginable intelligence wrapped up in a lovely quirky man who trusts few and has an unlimited appetite for knowledge.  I adore him .  Tom Wright, with his unusual family background and his parents romantic love story, is the perfect companion and character whose own journey to love is one that fits in so beautifully that the reader is along with them emotionally each step forward.

Secondary characters like Sal and Ivy, Frank and awful boyfriend Stephen are just as well crafted, full of energy and personality. We love them, root for them, and even dislike one of them ,it’s a complete cast of recognizable people that add to a warmhearted romance full of the sights and atmosphere of the holiday season in Edinburgh. 

In short, a fabulous story and a must read this year.

Wright Brothers series:

On Circus Lane #1

Merry Measure #2

Buy link:

https://getbook.at/OnCircusLane

Blurb 

The first time Bee Bannister met Tom Wright, he couldn’t stand him. 

Everything about the man aggravated him—his perfect hair and body, his confident arrogance, and the way he looked straight through Bee. 

Which is why it’s such an unpleasant shock to find that he’ll be sharing space with him while on a Christmas holiday with friends in Scotland.

However, as the days fly by and snowy Edinburgh begins to work its magic on him, Bee discovers that sometimes first impressions can be very misleading. Tom is kind and funny, and somehow, rather than looking through Bee, he actually sees and likes all of him.

The two men grow closer, but will Bee follow his heart or his head when the holiday ends? And can relationships that start so badly ever lead to love?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a festive romantic comedy about enemies to lovers and the magic of Christmas. 

This is the first book in the Wright Brothers series.

• Publication date: December 17, 2024
• Language: English
• Print length: 262 pages