Review: Home is where the heart is...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 4, 2013
Coming from a large family myself, I immediately warmed to the O’Reilly clan. Pauline Barclay’s ‘Next Christmas Will Be Different’ drew me in from the first page. A truly heart-warming story turning around Mary O’Reilly and her grown family coming together to celebrate Christmas, I felt less like a voyeur watching proceedings as the various generations slipped into their traditional roles under ‘Nana’s’ roof, more like a member of the family sitting alongside them. Reading this short, sweet story felt like coming home. It’s a lovely reminder of what it means to have family you can share that special time of year with; of how, no matter the distance or differences between you, you can easily fall into familiar step with your loved ones. A reminder also, perhaps, to appreciate them while you have them, especially Mum. The antics of the men were so typical I just had to smile. I sincerely hope I can visit the O’Reilly family again next year – and that nothing at all is different.