When Christmas Lights Are Blue

By: Harper Fox

Narrated by: Tim Gilbert

Rob and Karan are a great couple, but they're tearing apart under the pressures of modern life. They both work as paramedics for the NHS, and just before Christmas, their plans for the future are in jeopardy.

Rob knows he's on thin ice with the man he loves more than anyone else in the world, and he's at a loss to fix it. The job is getting tougher, and Karan, who's of Sikh descent, is facing violence on the streets in the wake of Britain's decision to leave the EU. Financial problems, hostile families on both sides.... Their troubles seem insoluble.

An emergency callout stops them on the brink of a final and heartbreaking row. In a forest on the bleak northern hills, Rob loses control of the van in the snow. The only gleam of light comes from a strange, lonely house among the trees. Lost, cut off from the world they know, can they find their way back to one another? It's the longest night of the year, and spirits are abroad among the pines....

©2016 Harper Fox (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

second chances with a twist

I got this audiobook because I became a fan of the author and narrator when I listened to the Tyack and Frayne series. It was an interesting tale that plays a trick on the reader who is expecting that one thing happened, and instead it is something very different. There are bad past decisions, and misunderstandings that end up with a second chance and a little paranormal twist. I really enjoyed it.

Beyond words...

What an excellent short story. The tie in with what is going on in the world and how it impacts a couple on the brink of indecision. This story is chock-full of insight and wisdom and if one can garner what Harper Fox is attempt to give, makes this a must listen. Great story by Harper Fox and great narration by Tim Gilbert. Remember, we are not promised more than "now".

Another great romance, this time sans sex!

I love, love, love Harbor Fox‘s writing! I have listened to dozens of her books, and I loved this one just as much as — if not more than — any of the others. It combines her theme of the supernatural with her heart-wrenching depiction of love even at it’s most painful. I cried many times while listening to this short audiobook. It’s the only book I’ve ever listened to by Fox that didn’t have any sex scenes. I didn’t mind the absence of sex with the focus on love, and it just goes to show that the greatness of her writing is so much more than her sex scenes.

Short but excellent

Established couple with relationship in trouble, snow/holiday shenanigans, a tiny bit of paranormal, and so much emotional angst.

This is the kind of holiday related romance I'd read again and again.

when. CHRISTMAS Lights Are BLUE

That most unexpected and unique Christmas ghost story i have ever heard a truly right up there with TWILIGHT ZONE A MUST READ HOPE YOU EBJOY IT AS I DID

Beautiful Christmas narration!! Loved it!

This wonderful short story by Harper Fox chronicles the hours between a couple on the brink of breaking up.

Both men are paramedics who are called out on a 999 call. When they reach the house, they find a mysterious photo album and begin retracing their relationship.

The ending is a surprise, although Fox ably leads you there with plenty of clues. This is a fantastical Christmas tale for sure!!

HEA for your holiday pleasure along with an MC of color and Brexit bashing!

Great christmas tale

Where does When Christmas Lights Are Blue rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

it's up there somewhere..

What about Tim Gilbert’s performance did you like?

He is one of my top 3 narrators. I could listen to him for days :)

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When everything comes together near the end.

Any additional comments?

Just that I love Harper Fox books and I hope I get to hear Tim Gilbert again soon.

Yes

Harper Fox and Tim Gilbert are the dream team. Short but very sweet. I was sucked in almost immediately. The way the story unfolds and the characters are revealed is touching and unique. I love Harper Fox’s ability to weave the other-worldly with down to earth themes.

Love the narration

This short story is set just before Christmas during one wintry and cold night. Rob and Karan, both paramedics, are called out on an emergency when suddenly everything changes. Things take a dangerous turn when Rob loses control of the ambulance. Then it turns for the strange, down memory lane of the love they shared. The good and the bad.

I couldn't quite get a grip on the story, or at least it took me almost the entire book to know what was really going on. I spent too much time actively trying to hang on, figure out what was going on and not enough time to really listen or enjoy the story. It wasn't a bad story but I feel like it wasn't ideal as an audiobook. I'm guessing there were some kind of visual cues for change in timeline etc in the print version, but it was a bit muddled while listening - and not to any fault of Gilbert's or Fox. It's just that some books works better in print, and this is one of them.

I love Tim Gibert's narrations, he was absolutely brilliant narrating the Tyack & Frayne series and he did a wonderful job with this novella as well. I love his voice and accent, I can happily listen to it all day so a book under two hours wasn't nearly enough for my tastes.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes.

Good short story

I enjoyed the story. Lost track a little at times but overall thought it was nice . With an interesting twist.