Book Review: Miracle on Regent Street by Ali Harris

For the past two years, Evie Taylor has lived an invisible existence in London, a city she hoped would bring sparkle to her life. But all that is about to change. For winter has brought a flurry of snow and unexpected possibilities. Hidden away in the basement of Hardy's- once London's most elegant department store- Evie manages the stockroom of a shop whose glory days have long since passed.
When Evie overhears that Hardy's is at risk of being sold, she secretly hatches a plan. If she can reverse the store's fortunes by December 26th- three weeks away and then transform it into a magical destination once again, she might just be able to save it. But she's going to need every ounce of talent and determination she has, in fact, she's going to need a miracle.

This book is simply magical! I started in yesterday and finished it first thing this morning, I just didn't want to put it down.
Ali Harris has written a wonderful story about love, family, loyalty, friendship and most importantly following your dreams. Evie Taylor is instantly likeable; she has worked in the stockroom of Hardy's for more than two years but most of the staff don't even know her real name. This all changes when Evie learns that Hardy's is under threat. She comes up with a plan to save the store but to do this she is going to have to leave the stockroom and show everyone what she's really made of.
Throw into the mix Joel, the gorgeous American who has come to review Hardy's accounts; Sam the delivery guy who would perhaps like to more than good friends; her sister who is convinced that her husband is having an affair and a father that Evie feels she will never please. There are so many lovely characters in this book, especially those who work in the store; it is great to see how Evie brings them all together.
Hardy's is at the centre of the book and I loved imagining how it would look as Evie worked her magic. I couldn't help thinking that this book would make a great Christmas film; it's such a heart-warming story with lots of magical elements.
I can't recommend this book enough, Ali Harris's writing is superb. Don't let the book's festive theme put you off reading it in the new year. Reading it at Christmas time is a bonus but it would still be a great read at any time of the year. I was also very excited to read that Ali has a new book out in 2010 called The First Last Kiss, if it is anywhere near as good as this one then we are in for a treat.

Dot Scribbles Rating 5/5

Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of this book to review, it is available now.