Among this year’s most quietly brilliant releases is Upon a White Horse by Peter Ross, a book that captures the beauty, fragility, and resilience of life in a way that makes it an ideal Christmas present.
Peter Ross, acclaimed author of A Tomb With a View and Steeple Chasing, has made his name exploring the overlooked corners of British life – churchyards, communities, and traditions that others might walk past without a second glance.
His writing, though steeped in history and mortality, is full of warmth, wit, and compassion.
In Upon a White Horse, he once again leads readers through a series of essays and encounters that explore what it means to be human – to remember, to hope, and to find meaning in unlikely places.
It’s the sort of book that lingers long after the last page has been turned – reflective yet uplifting, comforting without ever being sentimental. That makes it a particularly good gift at Christmas, when many of us naturally turn inward, thinking about loved ones, memories, and the stories that shape us.
Ross’s prose is elegant and deeply humane. He notices things others miss: the quiet dignity in grief, the humour in hardship, and the light that flickers even in the darkest places. His writing has been compared to James Rebanks and readers who liked The Shepherd’s Life will find plenty to love here.
So, if you’re tired of buying socks or shortbread tins, consider giving Upon a White Horse this Christmas. It’s a gift that invites thought and reflection – perfect for curling up with on a winter’s evening beside the fire, cup of tea in hand.
My wife's opinion: "One of the best books I have read this year."
In short:
Why it’s a great Christmas gift: beautifully written, full of heart, and quietly inspiring.
Perfect for: lovers of British life writing, history, faith, and reflective storytelling.
Mood: contemplative, warm, and full of quiet wonder.
Peter Ross doesn’t just tell stories – he helps us see life more clearly. And in the glow of Christmas lights, that’s a gift anyone can cherish.
If you wish to order this book please use this link to our Amazon Shop https://amzn.to/3J2I1bH where you can buy it at 23% off the published price.