It was my pleasure to stay in with lovely Freya North recently to chat about her new novella Christmas at Flora’s House. You’ll find that conversation here. I was thrilled when Freya sent me a copy of Christmas at Flora’s House and am delighted to share my review today.
Published on 6th November 2025, Christmas at Flora’s House is available for purchase in the usual places, but LIMITED EDITION COPIES – each personally signed at Freya’s kitchen table – are available directly from Freya here.
Christmas at Flora’s House
On the windswept dunes of the Isle of Harris in the wild and beautiful Outer Hebrides of Scotland, is a small white house with a big history. These days, Flora’s House is a holiday home – the perfect base for visitors from far and wide to explore the stunning and often dramatic landscape.
Arriving with one suitcase for clothes and another for their own decorations, retired couple Maggie and Roger have booked Flora’s House for the festive season. It’s their first trip to the island and their first Christmas away from home – but where does Roger disappear to on his long walks? And why is Maggie so taken with one particular member of staff at the local shop?
Christmas is coming: a time for family and togetherness, for joy and forgiveness. Out there, high on the hills and deep in the heather, across the shimmering lochs and hidden in the waves, this Christmas will soon become unlike any Maggie and Roger have had before.
My Review of Christmas at Flora’s House
Maggie and Roger have booked Flora’s House on the Isle of Harris for Christmas.
Christmas at Flora’s House is a wonderful read. Firstly, the Isle of Harris itself is so clearly depicted it is as if the reader has been transported there in the car with Roger and Maggie’s Christmas decorations. I adored descriptions of the landscape and the warm sense of community created through Freya North’s evocative writing. The manner in which the weather changes and alters the landscape is the perfect accompaniment to Maggie’s changing moods. I also fully appreciated the boundary of the Christmas timeframe, because it gave a satisfying structure to events.
Those events are actually quite ordinary – putting up decorations, some walks, a bit of sightseeing and shopping with a meal or two. And that is the huge success of this story. Maggie’s first person narrative could belong to any one of us, making everything here totally relatable and all the more affecting as a result.
Whilst Roger has an enticing enthusiasm and love of life that is so attractive, initially I was unsure how I felt about Maggie. She is petulant, quick tempered and seems unreasonably angry with Roger. However, as the narrative unfolds, Maggie’s reasons for being as she is become clear. Indeed, I found the impact of those reasons hit me like a physical blow. I was completely undone by Christmas at Flora’s House and frequently found tears slipping down my face. From being uncertain about Maggie, I ended loving her unreservedly.
I also thought Shona was a superb creation. Her physical appearance belies her character and I thought it was very touching to show how often we erroneously judge those by what they wear or how they style their hair. Indeed, Christmas at Flora’s House might be a novella, but its themes are every bit as profound and affecting as any full length book. The story is a beautiful exploration of how we can get out of step with ourselves, but more importantly, how we can also find ourselves again through the enduring power of love.
I adored Christmas at Flora’s House. It reminded me of the importance of kindness towards others, of making memories and of being present enough to make the most of every moment of life. Don’t miss this little gem of a book.
About Freya North
Freya North’s novels explore the emotions and complexities of everyday relationships and families. First published in 1996 with her ground-breaking debut Sally, Freya has written 15 further bestsellers including the highly acclaimed Little Wing and The Unfinished Business of Eadie Browne. Translated into many languages, Freya won the Romantic Novel of the Year award for Pillow Talk and has been short-listed for others. A sense of place is central to Freya’s writing. Never a backdrop, always a leading character, locations featured in her novels include New England, France, British Columbia, North Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Norfolk, Freya’s own county of Hertfordshire and of course the Outer Hebrides.
Freya holds degrees in History of Art from the University of Manchester and the Courtauld Institute, London. She lives on a small farm in Hertfordshire with her dogs, horses and sheep. She enjoys ceramic classes and road cycling and loves to connect with her readers.
For further information, visit Freya’s website, follow her on X @freya_north or find Freya on Instagram and Facebook.
English (US) · 