The annual Wheaton gingerbread exhibit (a model village made of gingerbread) and grotto has been an important part of the sleepy Cotswold hamlet’s Christmas celebrations for decades.

For years the gingerbread exhibition drew visitors from across the region but recently, interest has been dwindling. The gingerbread grotto needs to be rehomed or close forever. Sixty-four-year-old Margi, the event’s founder, has had enough of village life (and its total lack of eligible men) and is planning to sell up and head to Birmingham to live closer to her niece.

She has lost her spark and her Christmas spirit and decides this will be her last gingerbread village, but despairs when she finds her only support is her old friend, Izzy, her niece Lucy, and Fern, the shy young farmer’s daughter. Oh, and Patrick, the gorgeous, reliable school caretaker. As if this wasn’t enough, Lucy is determined to get Magi out dating again and persuades her to try some online dating apps but Margi’s had her heart broken too many times and wonders if she has just missed her chance.

Can they save the Gingerbread Grotto and can Margi get her spark and her Christmas spirit back?

A cosy, totally feelgood seasonal listen that will have you smiling. The perfect listen to snuggle up to and have you feeling festive! Fans of Jenny Colgan and Trisha Ashley will love this audiobook.

© 2025 Kiley Dunbar (P) 2025 DK Audio