Barrington Magic is a warm, heartfelt return to one of my favourite country towns. Christmas is almost here, and little Evie Scott who is “almost six”, is determined to find proof that Santa is real. Her mum Samantha and partner Jamie are doing everything they can to give her the magical Christmas she’s dreaming of, but Evie isn’t the only one hoping for better things.

Young vet Freddy Campbell has finally come home after two difficult years away, knowing she broke Lucas Anderson’s heart and unsure if he’ll ever truly forgive her. After a harrowing time with someone new, she understands the mistakes she’s made and just hopes they can at least be civil. It has been lovely to watch this character evolve from an unlikeable, selfish girl to a mature young woman.

With Barrington struggling through drought, local businesses are doing it tough. Young business owner Hanna Tucker is pushing the Chamber of Commerce to think outside the box to attract visitors and keep the local economy going. When her boyfriend Harry puts his own spin on one of her ideas and announces a new business of his own, the town is set alight with fresh energy and festive spirit. As I read the real town came alive in my mind and made me wish I was there for Christmas.

I love Christmas and I love Barrington, and I’ve enjoyed every book in this series from award-winning author Susan Mackie. I couldn’t love this book more. It’s a beautiful story, and it was so lovely to be back in Barrington catching up with everyone and seeing where their lives are now. The characters feel more like old friends than fictional people on the page.

I especially adored the narration from little Evie throughout this very special story. Her voice adds something new and unique to the book and brings an extra layer of heart and magic.

Barrington Magic is the perfect read to bring some sparkle to the festive season – full of hope, community, and the true spirit of Christmas.

It’s a lovely, simple, and quick read with a strong Christmas feeling. I had Christmas music playing as I read, and it added a lovely holiday feeling.

The story is set in Barrington one year after One Good Man. Little Evie, who is almost six, wants proof that Santa is real. Her mum, Samantha, and her partner Jamie want to make sure Evie has her first truly magical Christmas.

There are also other emotional stories happening in the town. Frederica comes home after two years, hoping she and Lucas can at least be friendly after their breakup. The drought is hurting local businesses, and everyone in Barrington is trying to keep things going.

My favourite moment in the book was when they read the letter to Santa. It was such a simple scene, but it made me teary because it felt real and very touching. Sometimes, the smallest moments are the most powerful.

Barrington Magic is a perfect short read for the holiday season.

Loved the book.

Amazing Aussie author who stories wrap around your heart

I was privileged to have the chance to read Susan Mackie Author new book Barrington Magic before it is released on 21 December. It is a beautiful lovely read capturing everything about Christmas magic, believing in christmas and its magic has always been in my heart and this book was pure christmas joy. There was no way I was putting this book down until I had finished. There was laughter coming from me as well as tears of joy.

It continues on in the Barrington series, a series I love in an area that is close to my heart. If you have not read any of the Barrington series that is ok because this book can be a stand alone as well.

The book focuses on bringing christmas magic to a small town that has been struggling in drought. The community gathering together as a united front to help their town and provide magic for others.

It also focuses on some emotional stories that tug on your heartstrings. Little Evie who we met in One Good Man, wants to believe Santa is real and is needing proof. Her lovely mum Samantha and partner Jamie want to give her this and make Christmas special for this little girl who has never experienced a magical christmas. Frederica comes back to town and after breaking Lucas’s heart before is hoping to make amends with him.

I cannot say which is my favourite part as I love it all, but Evie’s letter to Santa is so beautiful and heartwarming it brought tears to my eyes.

Barrington magic is just perfect for the holiday season and holiday read. Now I cannot wait to receive my physical book for my library at home.

This story narrated by Lucy Goleby was a really good listen and I couldn’t put it down finished it in 2 days.

Rose and Angus were attracted to each other but there were twists and turns to get to their HEA but was really glad they persevered and fought for it. There was mystery and drama but they made it through it all to end up together. I have never read a book by Susan Mackie before but hope to get a chance to listen to another in the future. I was given a complimentary copy of this audiobook and left a voluntarily review for this audiobook.

Kim

Harriet Murray, wife of Drum Murray is caught out by Meggie Hamilton dashing a book she has been reading under a file under her desk. As Harriet is pregnant, Meggie jokingly asks if she is reading yet another natural childbirth book. Harriet admits that no, it isn't but it is a book by an Australian author and she simply can't put it down. Later in Debbie Tait's coffee shop, Coffee Is My Calling, best friends Rose, Debbie, Meggie and Harriet further discuss the book and so the decision is made to form a book club (or girl-possie as their men nickname it) with the name of The Barrington Book Club.

They decide to meet once a month, leaving their respective children with the husbands, and the aim is to initially meet to discuss books written by Australian authors first of all. The girls are joined at each meeting by other close friends Melanie, Nicole, Laura and Francis. Happy and carefree evenings are enjoyed by all women with food, wine, coffee and the warmth and love of the company of each other.

As Debbie is also pregnant and wishes to stand back a little from daily work in the cafe, after interviewing for a prospective Manager for the business, the job is offered to Millie who also joins with the others in the Book Club.

Over a period of twelve months, apart from reading and discussing twelve books, much happens in the township of Barrington. Businesses are rearranged or change hands and the women discover that all pregnancies are not the same and, being the close friends that they are, the things they each experience are openly discussed. Also within this time, four babies are born, new friendships and relationships are formed and life continues enclosed in the comfort and peace of a small country town.

When tragedy strikes one of their own, the town is in turmoil and all the love and strength of close friends is needed in a way that none of them could have seen coming.

This is Book #8 in the Barrington Series and I have been with this community from the very beginning with Book #1, Charlie's Will. I have loved coming back to catch up with these women and their men whom I regard as friends. I have laughed and cried with them, love the delight of the children who have come into each story and I very much hope that we will have many more stories about Barrington from one of my favourite authors, Susan Mackie.

This is the review I posted for the original paperback copy of Susan's book The Barrington Book Club. Recently I received my copy of the Special Edition Hardcover of the book and I immediately fell in love with the presentation of the book and once again the story. Country life and love, the fabulous girl posse and the beautiful men who support them. What is there not to love!!

i am enjoying your books so much Susan - I dread the day when anotehr is not available to purchase.

keep sharing your incredible talent x

I have already purchased and read the paperback version but f this delightful book along with the rest of the series. I just love them all. This particular edition is just stunning and a collectible that I will always cherish 🌸

Totally relatable characters told in a fun way, hooked till the last word of last book

All books interesting and realistic

Susan’s books are a wonderful escape into a less hectic world.

Coffee is my Calling is the perfect light, comfort read when you want a little pick me up. A cute little romance with a happy ending that makes you feel good and brightens up your day.

A good story which has made me want to read the earlier books in the series.

Love it!! All the Barrington books are amazing. "One Good Man" is my favourite!!