At the heart of this collection is a set of well-known hymns, arranged with thrilling descants and imaginative harmonisations by Sarah MacDonald. They will enhance the singing of hymns at carol services and Christmas concerts.

All of the carols are composed by women, including Charlotte Baskerville, Esther Bersweden, Kerry Boyle, Eleanor Daley, Tamsin Jones, June Nixon, Sarah MacDonald, Sasha Johnson Manning, Stephanie Martin, Yshani Perinpanayagam, Electra Perivolaris, Ghislaine Reece-Trapp, Lucy Walker and Alison Willis. The range of styles is distinctive and diverse with a mix of accompanied and unaccompanied works. Women authors represented in the edition include Sharon Grenham-Thompson, Frances Harper, Edith Nesbit, Christina Rossetti and Yshani Perinpanayagam.

The anthology contains original pieces and appealing arrangements of classic carols. Most of the items are newly composed and published for the first time. Overall, the music will enrich and enliven the Christmas experience, providing rewarding repertoire for choirs of all abilities. Carols of Our Time also includes a listing of readings and repertoire relevant for A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, as well as suggestions for seasons other than Christmas.