Nottingham, 1906

Marietta Stelle longs to be a ballerina but, as Christmas draws nearer, her dancing days are numbered - she must marry and take up her place in society in the New Year. But, when a mysterious toymaker, Dr Drosselmeier, purchases a neighbouring townhouse, it heralds the arrival of magic and wonder in Marietta's life.

After Drosselmeier constructs an elaborate theatrical set for her final ballet performance on Christmas Eve, Marietta discovers it carries a magic all of its own - a magic darker than anyone could imagine. As the clock chimes midnight, Marietta finds herself transported from her family's ballroom to a frozen sugar palace, silent with secrets, in a forest of snow-topped fir trees. She must find a way to return home before she's trapped in Everwood's enchanting grip forever.

In the darkness of night, magic awaits and you will never forget what you find here...

Tropes:
🎄 Finding the magic of Christmas
❤️ True love
☃️ Festive fun!

'The perfect winter fairy tale' Sarah Morgan, The Christmas Escape

'A deliciously dark retelling of The Nutcracker' Jennifer Saint, Atalanta

'Sumptuous and spellbinding' Heidi Swain, Underneath the Christmas Tree

'Beautifully spun and wildly imagined' Cari Thomas, Threadneedle

'Enchanting! The perfect Christmas treat' Veronica Henry, Christmas at the Beach Hut

'Transported me to a magical world' ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

'A great winter read' ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

'A story in which you can lose yourself' ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

'I was drawn into this book from the very first page' ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

'A must-read for the Christmas season' ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

'Enchanting and full of wonderful adventure' ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

'Will sweep you off your feet' ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

'A fairy tale for grown-ups and absolutely perfect for Christmas' ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️