& my first experience as a BETA reader
© Victoria Jane, 2025.
Something totally new for me, being a beta reader aka getting to read a copy of a book before it’s published and released! A general definition of a beta reader is for them to give feedback on a draft from the perspective of an average reader.
I signed up to the applications to be a beta reader for Victoria Jane’s newest book, a Christmas novella through her instagram and was absolutely over the moon to be selected.
So important things first, the book will be released on 1st December 2025 making it the perfect start to your festive TBR list! Also this will be a review with no spoilers as the book hasn’t been released yet I don’t want to give too much away.
The story focuses on Holly who suddenly has to return home after years away to help her family with their small business. Willow Grove is a world away from her flat and PR job in central London, but family comes first.
She’s juggling life in her 20’s making her super relatable as a character and there’s certain quotes within the book that stop and make you think outside of the book.
Holly finds herself returning to her small town, seeing old friends and an ex boyfriend and seeing a life she was desperate to be away from but it might actually turn out to be exactly what she needed.
The book gives perfect Hallmark movie, small cosy town vibes right from the start but with the difference of it being set in England, which is refreshing to other books in this genre. There is definitely British style humour sprinkled throughout also which adds to the story and enjoyment of reading about these characters lives.
Main themes I took away from the story are:
- Self aware female main character
- A slower pace of life
- Happiness is different for everyone
- Close family relationships and changing dynamics
- High school sweethearts
- Second chances
- Popular culture references
- Full circle moments in life
- It’s ok to change your mind
I read this book so quick I absolutely loved it, it’s the perfect length where you get enough detail to invest in the story and characters but still a quicker read; which again makes it perfect to read as the busy Christmas period gets underway.
I was really impressed with and enjoyed Victoria’s writing style. Each character has depth, the descriptions and tone of the settings and story really help to visualise stepping into Willow Grove.
I can honestly say this is a perfect book for me to read, a definite stand out. I would 100% have chose this is if I was browsing the shelves in a book shop. I had no notes and nothing I thought could be changed about any details, characters or plot.
My only comment was a potential addition of a bit more detail about one topic (don’t want to mention what because hello spoiler alert haha) but that was me just wanting to know more as a reader because I felt invested and enjoyed it so much.
There is definitely potential for these characters to be revisited in another book in my opinion and I think it would make a great little series set in Willow Grove.
I gave this a 5 star rating on my good reads and highly recommend this as your next read to be festive and cosy as soon as December starts!
You can find all the information you need by follow Victoria on Instagram @victoriareadsandwrites or TikTok
I personally would just like to say a huge thank you again to Victoria for giving me the opportunity to be a beta reader and for being so lovely and helpful during the whole process!
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