Aboard a plane bound for Australia, two strangers find themselves confessing their fears and laughing each other into courage; Nick and Janet meet at the Sydney Fish Markets . . . everything seems perfect, what could go wrong?; and Ethel is assured by her family that this year the usual massive Christmas organisation won't be left entirely up to her, that this year it will be different.

This charming collection of Maeve Binchy's much-loved Christmas stories features new delights and old favourites. Warm, humorous, sad and happy, these tales, set in Australia and around the world, show Maeve Binchy weaving her storytelling magic. With wisdom and generosity, she draws us into the lives of families, friends, lovers and the lonely. After reading This Year it will be Different, you'll want to visit them all over again.