Review for Mistletoe on 34th Street by Lisa Dickenson

Mistletoe on 34th Street 
by Lisa Dickenson 
Publisher: Sphere
Release: November 3rd 2016
Genre: Christmas, Women’s Fiction
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis: 

"Olivia has never experienced a snow-covered, 'traditional' Christmas before. Having grown up in a family that chose winter sun over decking the halls, she's not sure what all the fuss is about. So when she and her colleagues are stranded in New York after a work trip, Olivia is perfectly happy spending the holiday season in the Big Apple.

Jon, Olivia's friend, on the other hand is desperate to get home in time for his big family get-together. Nevertheless, determined to make the best out of the situation, he sets out to show Olivia how enchanting Christmas in New York can be. And when handsome New Yorker Elijah is added to the mix, could the magic of the season finally be working its charm on Olivia? As 25 December draws closer, Olivia suddenly finds herself with a decision to make: who does she really want to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas?"

Review 
Mistletoe on 34th Street is the perfect book to read over the festive season and has quickly become one of my new all-time favourite Christmas books! With snow, New York and a will-they-won’t-they romance it warmed my heart and made me feel all Christmassy.

The book follows Olivia who is in New York just before Christmas on a work trip but as heavy snow falls in the UK all flights back home are cancelled and she is left stranded in New York with her colleagues over Christmas. Olivia has never experienced a traditional Christmas before, with her family preferring to head off to sunnier climes as soon as the weather turns colder and so her work friend Jon sets out to show Olivia how wonderful Christmas can be in the most magical city in the world. As Olivia begins to fall in love with Christmas and her heart opens to new possibilities, she wonders if the man she’s meant to kiss underneath the mistletoe has been right in front of her all along.

Olivia was such a likeable heroine, I warmed to her immediately and became more and more invested in her story as the book went on she’s definitely the kind of person you’d want as a friend and I loved her work empowering young girls and women. Jon is everything I want in a romantic hero, he’s the loyal and kind friend who pines for the girl only to be overlooked, I was rooting for Olivia to notice him and realize how perfect they would be together. Their love story is incredibly sweet and I loved following their romantic adventure in The Big Apple seeing the sights and discovering the magic of Christmas.

Mistletoe on 34th Street delivered everything that I look for in a Christmas story and is a book that I have recommended to countless people since reading it. It is funny, festive and feel-good providing some much needed winter escapism! If you only have time for one Christmas book this year, make it this one.

Christmas With Chrissie Manby

Today I have Chrissie Manby on the blog talking about her new Christmas book A Fairy Tale For Christmas and how she celebrates Christmastime. So grab a hot chocolate, turn on your Christmas playlist and spend Christmas with Chrissie Manby...

1.) What can readers expect from A Fairy Tale for Christmas?
Christmas cheer and classic British comedy. A Fairy Tale for Christmas follows the members of an amateur dramatic society as they rehearse and perform in a production of the pantomime Cinderella. There’s plenty of mayhem behind the curtains and lots of romance too as Kirsty, who is playing Cinderella, finds herself torn between her own Prince Charming, director Jon, and single father Ben, who is roped in to play Buttons.

2.) How do you get into the festive spirit to write your Christmas stories? 
I burn orange and spice scented candles and eat mince pies, if I can get hold of them. Since the supermarkets seem to start stocking their Christmas food in September now, it isn’t hard!

3.) If you could play any part in the NEWTS pantomime what would it be?
I’d like to play the Fairy Godmother. You get a good outfit and you’ve got the audience on your side. I suppose I should say Cinderella but I’ve always thought of her as a bit of a drip. Fancy marrying a man who could only recognise you by the size of your feet!

4.) Can we expect any more stories from the Bensons in the future?
I hope so. Falling Leaves and Fireworks, which came out in October, is a novella featuring the Bensons at Halloween and Bonfire Night. Next year, I’m planning to at least put out a Christmas short featuring the gang. Maybe a novel, if I can write quickly enough!

5.) What’s your favourite thing about Christmas? 
My favourite thing about Christmas is spending time with my family. Dad died suddenly at the end of August, so this year it’s more important than ever for the rest of us to get together. I know we’re going to miss him terribly.

6.) Do you have any Christmas traditions? 
Every year I try to persuade my brother-in-law that we should set up a company called ‘Christmas Crappers’, selling crackers with rubbish presents inside them. Then we remind ourselves that crackers always have rubbish presents inside them. Does that count? I also always hate the John Lewis ad. The music. The mawkishness. Ugh!

7.) Favourite Christmas food and drink? 
Whatever my mum and my fabulous sister Kate are cooking! I love satsumas too.

8.) Favourite Christmas movie?
Got to be White Christmas for me. My favourite thing to watch at Christmas however has to be the Christmas episode of The Royle Family in which Denise and Dave defrost the turkey in the bath.

9.) Favourite Christmas song? 
For a weepy, I love The Coventry Carol. For a party, I love The Waitresses’ Christmas Wrapping. 

10.) What does Christmas mean to you? 
That’s a big question. A time to draw your loved ones close and wish for Peace On Earth even if it seems increasingly unachievable? How about that?

 A Fairy Tale For Christmas is available to buy in all good bookshops now. 

 Add A Fairy Tale For Christmas on Goodreads here 

 Follow Chrissie on Twitter @chrissiemanby

Christmas With Lisa Dickenson

Today I have Lisa Dickenson on the blog talking about her new Christmas book Mistletoe on 34th Street and how she celebrates Christmastime. So grab a hot chocolate, turn on your Christmas playlist and spend Christmas with Lisa Dickenson...

1.) What sparked the idea for Mistletoe on 34th Street?
I love New York at Christmas (I mean, who doesn’t?) and so when I decided to do another Christmas book it seemed like a natural fit. The actual storyline however was inspired by my own stay in New York in December of 2010, when my (then boyfriend) Phil and I were on the last stop of a year-long round the world trip. He proposed on our “last night”, but then the UK had a huge snow storm and we were stranded in NYC with Christmas Day, which we’d been so looking forward to getting home in time for, creeping closer and closer.

2.) How do you get into the festive spirit to write? 
I listen to soooooo many Christmas songs! Christmas music is the soundtrack to many of my summer months while I try and conjure up images of twinkling lights and crunchy snow. It helps that I do love a bit of Nat King Cole and Mariah, though.

3.) If you could spend Christmas in New York what would you get up to? 
I would walk around Central Park – a lot – because it’s peaceful and beautiful and great for people-watching. I’d go to Rockefeller Plaza and see all the angels because it’s my favourite part of New York during the holidays. And I’d eat absolutely everything because a) American food is yummy, and b) if you can’t stuff your gob at Christmas, when can you?

4.) What are some of your favourite books/movies set in New York?
I adore Home Alone 2 and Elf for the Christmas in NYC factor, but I also love How To Marry A Millionaire and Catch Me If You Can. Book-wise, I Heart New York by Ms Kelk or The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld.

5.) Which of your characters would you most like to kiss underneath the mistletoe? 
I couldn’t possibly; my leading men are all taken ;)

6.) Do you have any Christmas traditions? 
Oh lots, I love Christmas traditions! I love to watch all the Christmas movies, listen to all the music, eat all the chocolate oranges and see as much family as possible.

7.) Favourite Christmas food and drink? 
Chocolate oraaaaaanggggggge and mulled wine, pleasezz and thank youzz.

8.) Favourite Christmas movie?
Muppet’s Christmas Carol and It’s A Wonderful Life and Home Alone (soz for choosing three)

9.) Favourite Christmas song? 
I can’t decide on just one for this question either! I love Sleigh Ride, Last Christmas, Let It Snow, All I Want for Christmas Is You, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, and (wildcard) Santa Tell Me by Ariana Grande.

10.) What does Christmas mean to you? 
It means being kind. No matter your religion, your political views, your beliefs, your loves, it’s just about coming together and being kind to each other. And eating chocolate for breakfast.

 Mistletoe on 34th Street is available to buy in all good bookshops now. 

 Add Mistletoe on 34th Street on Goodreads here 

 Follow Lisa on Twitter @LisaWritesStuff

Christmas With Cathy Bramley

Hello everyone! Last Christmas I hosted a new festive feature "Christmas With..." and it was so popular that I decided to bring it back again in 2016. Once again it's time to get into the Christmas spirit by snuggling up with some Christmassy reads so I am inviting some lovely authors who have Christmas books out this year to come on the blog and have a little chat with us about all things festive!

Today I have Cathy Bramley on the blog talking about her new Christmas novella Comfort & Joy and how she celebrates Christmastime. So grab a hot chocolate, turn on your Christmas playlist and spend Christmas with Cathy Bramley...

1.) What made you decide to return to the Plumberry School of Comfort Food at Christmas? 
I love all the locations of all my books, but there is something about the village of Plumberry and the cookery school that has really stuck with me. The chance to go back and see how all the characters spent their Christmas was too good an opportunity to miss!

2.) How did you get into the festive spirit to write? 
Ha, good question! The weeks I chose to write this book were the hottest we'd seen in England for years! I made a Christmas playlist on Spotify and played it in my office, in the car and even when I was cooking to get in the mood!

3.) If you could spend Christmas with your characters what would you get up to? 
I'd get Tom cooking the dinner, Mags mixing up one of her cocktails and I'd sit down by the fire with Verity for a good old chat!

4.) Which festive food would you most like Verity to whip up for you?
Mince pies! I love mince pies but mine always burst and the mincemeat always bubbles over the lid. Perhaps I'm adding too much brandy to the mix...?

5.) What’s your favourite thing about Christmastime? 
Oh gosh, can I only choose one thing? Okay, well I'd have to say getting together with my family on Christmas Eve, when all the shopping and wrapping has been done and we know we've got a lovely day to look forward to together.

6.) Favourite Christmas movie?
The Holiday. I could honestly watch this on a loop. I love everything about it (except Jack Black - wrong choice)

7.) Favourite Christmas song? 
It used to be 'Last Christmas' by Wham! Now I like to cry buckets at 'Wherever you Are' by the Military Wives Choir

8.) What does Christmas mean to you? 
For me it's a family time, a chance to switch off from normal life and relax and have fun together. I can't wait...

 Comfort & Joy is available to buy as an e-book now.

 Add Comfort & Joy on Goodreads here

 Follow Cathy on Twitter @CathyBramley

A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas Blog Tour

Welcome to my stop on the A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas Blog Tour! Today I have a guest post from author Darcie Boleyn on Christmas memories. Enjoy!

Christmas Memories by Darcie Boleyn 

One of my earliest Christmas memories is of making sweet mincemeat with my grandmother. She lived in a small terraced house with a tiny kitchen, so we had to drag her foldable table into the centre of her living room in order to have enough space to work. 

My grandmother, or Granny as I called her, was a tiny lady. I’m only five foot but she was even smaller. She’d been a primary school teacher and a deputy head teacher, but she retired well before I arrived. Despite years of dealing with children under twelve, Granny had more patience than anyone I have ever known.

My Granny had an old-fashioned grinder that she attached to the side of the table and we passed a variety of ingredients through it. It wasn’t easy, as we had to turn the handle and it became tiring after a while, but we kept going until we had a large bowl full of sweet, fragrant minced fruit. She added a generous amount of brandy and spices and the mincemeat was almost ready.

The final product was then spooned into jars that we sealed with wax paper and string and secreted away at the bottom of her pantry (yes – she had a pantry!) for a few months to mature.

The whole process took the best part of a Saturday afternoon but it was really enjoyable. I loved spending time with my Granny and preparing for Christmas in advance; it built up the excitement that led to my magical childhood Christmases. These days, I try to capture similar experiences with my own children and I hope that one day I might be lucky enough to do the same with my grandchildren. Time is so precious and we all lose loved ones at some point, but memories and traditions help keep those we’ve lost alive.

Thanks for this touching post Darcie.

Don't miss the rest of the blog tour!

Review for Comfort and Joy by Cathy Bramley

Comfort and Joy by Cathy Bramley 
Publisher: Transworld
Release: October 13th 2016 (ebook only)
Genre: Chick lit, Women's Fiction, Christmas
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"It’s been a busy year for Verity Bloom at the Plumberry School of Comfort Food, but Christmas Eve is finally here. With delicious treats all wrapped up and the ingredients packed away, Verity is looking forward to a relaxing few days with her new boyfriend.

Good food, family and friends – it’s a simple recipe for true comfort and joy, and all Verity’s friends in the village are full of excitement about the holidays too.

But the weather has other plans in store… Relentless rain leads to a power cut that spells disaster for many of Plumberry’s residents. It’s starting to look like this year’s celebrations could be a total washout.

With dreams of a perfect Christmas dashed, will the last of the festive cheer be swept away in the downpour? Or can the cookery school create a Christmas miracle for everyone Verity holds dear?"

Review 
I make it a rule to not read any Christmas stories before November but I could not resist diving into Cathy Bramley's festive little number in October!

Comfort and Joy is a Christmas short story featuring the cast from The Plumberry School of Comfort Food a book that I read and loved earlier this year. It was so lovely to catch up with all of my favourite characters and find out where life has taken them since we parted ways.

Our main character Verity Bloom is looking forward to taking a break from the Plumberry School of Comfort Food over the holidays and spending Christmas day snuggled inside with her new boyfriend Tom. But it seems like the weather has other ideas as heavy rain lashes down leading to flooding and power cuts, meaning that for the residents of Plumberry, Christmas is canceled. Can Verity and the Plumberry School of Comfort Food save the day and bring Christmas to an entire village?

I loved every moment reading this book, I wasn't expecting to feel Christmassy so early into the season but this book put me in the festive spirit! I loved the sense of community, kindness and sharing that is explored in this story, all essential ingredients in the true meaning of Christmas. 

Comfort and Joy does exactly what it says on the packaging, whether you're in the mood for Christmas yet or not Cathy Bramley's short story will make you feel cosy and happy bringing a smile to even the most hardened of Scrooges faces.

Review for A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig 
Publisher: Canongate
Release: 16th November 2015
Genre: Christmas, Children’s
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"You are about to read the true story of Father Christmas.
 It is a story that proves that nothing is impossible.

 A Boy Called Christmas is a tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and a boy called Nikolas, who isn't afraid to believe in magic."

Review 
Have you ever wondered how Father Christmas became Father Christmas? I mean, how did a human come to live with Elves anyway? And how did the idea of delivering presents to children all across the world on Christmas Eve come about? Matt Haig takes us on a magical journey through the snowy landscape of Finland to find out how a boy called Christmas became the big man in the red suit that we all know and love as we discover the story behind the magic.

Nikolas lives in a small one-roomed cottage, exists on mushroom soup and has a doll carved out of a turnip for a best friend. Despite living a hard life he’s an optimistic, happy child who keeps magic alive in his heart. When Nikolas’s father goes on a quest to find a real-life Elf for the King, Nikolas is left with his horrible Aunt who takes what little joy is left in his life and crushes it. When his father doesn’t return home Nikolas sets off to find him and so begins his journey in becoming the person he was always meant to be.

What struck me about A Boy Called Christmas is how much thought and imagination Matt Haig has put into this book. Throughout a 265 page story he has created a magical new origin on how so many of the things we know and love about Christmas came to be.

Matt Haig’s writing is utterly enchanting and made me feel like a child on Christmas Eve again. What I loved about this book is that, magic aside, at the heart of this story is a message about the importance of goodness and passing that goodness on to others be it in a present or something as simple as a kind word. The moral of passing happiness on was so wonderful to read about.

In my opinion every household should have a copy of A Boy Called Christmas to read, not just for this Christmas, but for ones to come. A Boy Called Christmas has the potential to become a new Christmas classic and part of a new tradition for a new generation in the way that books such as ‘The Night Before Christmas’ and ‘The Snowman’ were for me growing up. Pick up this book and discover the next big thing in Christmas.

Review for Snowflakes on Silver Cove by Holly Martin

Snowflakes on Silver Cove by Holly Martin 
Publisher: Bookouture
Release: 29th October 2015
Genre: Christmas, Romance
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself…

Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance.

As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George.

But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas?"

Review 
After really enjoying the first book in this series set in White Cliff Bay ‘Christmas at Lilac Cottage’ I was really excited to pick up this next book. What I like about this series is that the two books can be read in any order as they’re told at the same time and other than a few cameos the stories aren’t really connected.

Snowflakes on Silver Cove follows Libby who’s been living in White Cliff Bay whilst she researches and writes her next novel. There’s only one problem: she’s struggling with writing the romance that she’s famous for.

Meanwhile Libby’s best friend George is struggling to pluck up the courage to ask his dream girl out on a date after a knock to his confidence after his last relationship.

Determined to help each other out, the two friends decide to go on a series of romantic practice dates over Christmas. But with George harbouring secret feelings for Libby can these fake dates turn into a romance straight out of Libby’s books in time for Christmas?

Libby and George have the kind of relationship that I love to read. Libby writes about your typical romantic heroes but George is the boy next door type that never gets to play the love interest in these sorts of romances. He’s not your stereotypical dream boat but he has a big heart and his love for Libby shines off the pages. I loved George and was rooting for him with the hope that Libby would see what a lovely guy she has in front of her.

I was surprised to find that as well as Libby and George the book also follows another couple in White Cliff Bay, Amy and Seb. Although I enjoyed their story I felt like Libby and George really outshined them. Their story didn’t connect with Libby and George’s at all and so I don’t really know why it was included in this book. I think it would have been far better if Amy and Seb’s story was released as their own separate book.

Despite being set at the same time as ‘Christmas at Lilac Cottage’ this book didn’t leave me feeling quite as cosy and Christmassy as the first book but there’s just enough festivity here to satisfy people going into this for a Christmas read. Overall I have loved spending Christmas in White Cliff Bay and would love to read more books from Holly Martin set in this gorgeous seaside town.

Colour Me Mindful

 

Colour Me Mindful by Anastasia Catris 

Over the past year I’ve really gotten into the adult colouring book craze. With my anxiety there’s not much that allows me to escape from my thoughts and relax, if my anxiety is really bad I find that even reading a book doesn’t help because I can’t concentrate on it, but colouring is a great hobby that helps me unwind, be creative and do something that is just for me.

Recently I’ve been loving three books in the Colour Me Mindful series by Anastasia Catris and those are the Butterflies, Enchanted Creatures and Seasons editions. There are so many brilliant colouring books out there at the moment but what I like about this particular series is how small they are, they’re perfect for popping in your handbag and are a comfortable size to colour on your lap if, like me, you like to do a bit of colouring in front of the television. I find that I can colour one of these pictures in an evening which is lovely because I do get a bit bored if I’m colouring the same thing in for weeks at a time.

My colouring from Enchanted Creatures

What I love most about this series is that it offers something for everyone. There are six books out in total so far with each of them having a different theme. My personal favourite is Enchanted Creatures which is full of fairies, unicorns, dragons and other wondrous things that I loved to colour when I was a little girl. I find that this one really opens my imagination and is perfect for anyone who loves fantasy.

At the moment I’ve found myself reaching more for the Seasons edition which has lots of beautiful Christmas themed pictures to colour in. I think that what makes Seasons so brilliant is that unlike the other Christmas and Winter themed colouring books I’ve seen around it won’t be made redundant once Christmas is over. This little book is packed full of gorgeous artwork capturing all four seasons and special occasions throughout the year such as New Year, Halloween and Easter. I haven’t seen another colouring book like this one and think it’s perfect for all year round.

My colouring from Seasons

For only £4.99 each I think that these colouring books are excellent value for money and would make brilliant stocking fillers if you have somebody who loves colouring to buy for this Christmas. Or if like me you’d love to do some Christmas and Winter themed colouring this season. I’ve found that putting on some Christmas songs and colouring a festive piece has quickly become one of my favourite ways to unwind from the stress of Christmas.

When the colouring craze first started I didn’t really think it would be for me but I’ve quickly become addicted. If you’re someone who finds it hard to relax I’d really recommend giving them a go. I’ve seen a few people knock colouring as a “pointless hobby” but I think that’s what’s great about it. It’s so nice to do something that is just for you and purely for fun that’s both creative and relaxing and I’ve loved getting lost in the imagination of Anastasia Catris.

My colouring from Butterflies

 The Colour Me Mindful series is available to buy now 

Copies received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

 Check out my colouring in on Instagram

Follow Anastasia Catris on Twitter @acatris

Christmas With Keris Stainton

Today on the blog lovely UKYA author Keris Stainton is taking part in my festive feature Christmas With so grab a hot chocolate, turn on your Christmas playlist and get ready to spend a magical Christmas with Keris...

Christmas With Keris Stainton

1.) What made you decide to write a Christmas book for children?
It didn't actually start out as a Christmas book, but my editor thought it had Christmassy potential and asked me to Christmas it up. As soon as she said that, I knew she was absolutely right, not least because I had the original idea - and made the first notes - at Disneyland Paris at Christmas. So it was always a Christmas book, even if I didn't realise it until it was pointed out to me.

2.) How did you get into the festive spirit to write?
I have a Christmas playlist on Spotify. I also have a Disney Christmas playlist. There's a song they play at Disneyland Paris called Chante C'est Noel and that gets me in the spirit straight away. (It's also good for kitchen-dancing.)

3.) If you could wish for anything this Christmas what would it be?
Health and happiness for family and friends, of course. And I'd quite like to bump into Harry Styles while 1D are on their hiatus. I want to give him a copy of Counting Stars, cos he's in the acknowledgements.

4.) What’s your favourite thing about Christmas?
Bailey's. I can only have it at Christmas because otherwise I'd honestly put it in my coffee in the morning. Also fairy lights. I have some up all year round, but at Christmas I hang them everywhere. 

5.) Do you have any Christmas traditions? 
We try to make new Christmas traditions all the time. We go to a Victorian Christmas fair every year (and I usually have my first mulled wine of the year) and we also like to go the a local garden centre that has lovely gifts and amazing lights and decorations. And we usually have a mince pie there too.

6.) Favourite Christmas food and drink?
Argh. ALL the food and ALL the drink. I absolutely loved mulled wine. And mince pies. I've never really got on with Christmas cake or Christmas pudding though, which is odd for me since I pretty much eat everything.

7.) Favourite Christmas movie?
Elf. I love watching it with my boys. And Nativity. The bit when he reads the children's letters to Santa breaks my heart every single time.

8.) What does Christmas mean to you?
Family. We used to have huge family Christmas parties as a child and we don't do that anymore - and I miss it - but we try to make Christmas as fun and memorable as possible for our two boys. Some of my best memories are of childhood Christmases and I hope the same for them.

 Lily and the Christmas Wish is available to buy now from all good bookshops 

 Add Lily and the Christmas Wish on Goodreads here 

Follow the author on Twitter @Keris

Snowed in for Christmas Blog Tour: Christmas With Claire Sandy

For my stop on the Snowed in for Christmas blog tour author Claire Sandy is taking part in my Christmas blog feature 'Christmas With...' answering some questions about all things festive! So grab a hot chocolate, turn on your Christmas playlist and spend a White Christmas with Claire Sandy...

Christmas with Claire Sandy

1.) What made you want to write a Christmas book?
I was born wanting to write a Christmas book. I am pro-Christmas; violently so. I would march on Downing Street if my right to obliterate my house with tinsel was taken away. I've always savoured Christmassy scenes in books, loving how the stories glow on the page. When I had the opportunity to bring out my own, I knew there must be turkey and snow and flirting; pinning down that special hyper-happiness of Christmas Day on the page was a thrill and I can only hope readers agree with me.

2.) How did you get into the festive spirit to write? 
Hmm. Well, this is where the glow dims a bit. It would be wonderful if I'd written the book over Christmas, mince pie in one hand, wonky paper crown on my head, but books take months to write and this one came to life in late spring and early summer. I stuck a list of festive words above my laptop - random ones like tingle and snowballs and enchantment. Plus of course Baileys and indigestion. When in the thick of writing a scene, I was lost in a wintry wonderland, snow all around, the tip of my nose a Rudolph red and my soul serene. Then I'd look up and realise the sun was shining into my study, and flowers were brazenly growing in my window box. Usually I welcome these signs of renewal but right then all I could do was mourn the vanished whiff of sprouts.

3.) If you could get snowed in anywhere where would it be? 
I'd get snowed in in a log cabin. I have no desire to go skiing - obviously I'd break both my legs and at least one of my husband's - but I do have a yen to snooze in front of an open fire as the snow banks up against the windows of a timber house. Being snowed in is as much a state of mind as anything else; I'd relish the opportunity to switch off. If it was impossible to go anywhere I'd have to be satisfied with what was on hand. It goes without saying that there's a full fridge in my snowed-in fantasies.

4.) How would you spend a day snowed in with your loved ones? 
Hmm. Do all of my loved ones have to be there? I mean, I love them (hence their title) but that doesn't mean I want to be snowed in with them. I'd probably spend the day avoiding them... 

5.) What’s your favourite thing about Christmas?
EVERYTHING. How can you make me choose? It's like asking if somebody has a favourite child. In no particular order my favourite Christmas things are: drinking champagne for breakfast; stockpiling talc; turkey sandwiches; cracker jokes being funny due to champagne for breakfast; chocolate as far as the eye can see; old films on the TV; gravy; Yule Log; a good row and a good making up.

6.) Do you have any Christmas traditions?
I have many, thank you for asking. Christmas Eve = smoked salmon for me and Him, after we put our daughter to bed. Even though He (and I don't mean God by the way, I mean my other half) doesn't like smoked salmon. Another must is my father-in-law coming round at midnight to dress up as Santa and bumble into my little girl's room with a sack of presents. Christmas isn't Christmas unless we eat stuffing made to my mum's recipe, and lay out clementines studded with cloves, and have at least one bout of fisticuffs over the remote control.

7.) Favourite Christmas food and drink?
From the twentieth December I move into a Quality Street tin and don't emerge until New Year's Day. As for a tipple, I'm all about fizz.

8.) Favourite Christmas movie?
If I'm wearing my Intelligent hat (it doesn't fit too well) I'll say, with a pious expression, "It's a Wonderful Life". If I'm wearing my far more comfortable Big Kid hat, I'll answer honestly with "Elf".

9.) Favourite Christmas song? 
That's easy. I have no choice; I have to say Mistletoe and Wine. Yes, I know, Cliff sings it like a nun in a jock strap, but my father in law wrote it, so...

10.) What does Christmas mean to you? 
Christmas means to me what it means to you. It's a bright beacon in the midst of winter's gloom, a celebration. It's permission to be sentimental, to cry over the people you've lost, to feed the ones you have. It's the best and silliest time of the year.

 Snowed in for Christmas is available to buy now from all good bookshops 

 Add Snowed in for Christmas on Goodreads here 

Follow the author on Twitter @berniestrachan 

 Follow the rest of the blog tour!

Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Jumper Blog Tour: Christmas With Debbie Johnson

For my stop on the blog tour for Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Jumper author Debbie Johnson is taking part in my new Christmas feature 'Christmas With...' answering some questions about all things festive! So grab a hot chocolate, turn on your Christmas playlist and spend Christmas with Debbie Johnson...

Christmas with Debbie Johnson

1.) What made you want to write Christmas books?
I have always loved writing stories – and I have always loved Christmas, so it was a good fit! When I had the idea for my first HarperImpulse book – Cold Feet at Christmas, which came out last year – I was walking my dogs across a field in a huge snow-blizzard, and it all felt so mysterious and full of potential – like anything could happen! Plus Christmas is such an emotional time of year – sometimes good, sometimes bad – that it seems the perfect occasion for some wish fulfillment! My Christmas is focused around my kids now, but I do remember when I was single, how I’d always hope for a bit of Christmas romance – a kiss under the mistletoe, meeting someone at a party, a special encounter on a night out! I do write books that aren’t set at Christmas, but I love the romance opportunities that the festive period brings – heightened feelings, a focus on hopes and dreams, plus of course the very dodgy Christmas jumpers!

2.) How do you get into the festive spirit to write? 
That can be tough – Christmas Jumper was written in the summer, and during an especially hot part of the summer! I was wearing sandals and T-shirts and Maggie and Marco were wrapping up warm in boots and gloves! Music helps – listening to Christmas albums is an excellent way to put yourself in the mood!

3.) What are your favourite Christmas stories?
I think THE Christmas story is actually a fantastic one – we’ve all seen nativity plays a million times, but really, if you sit down and really think about that tale, it’s amazing. I’ve had three babies, and I really can’t imagine riding around on a donkey at the end of my pregnancy, and then not being able to find a place to rest. It’s the original and the best, I suppose! But I also love some of the wonderful children’s Christmas stories that are out there like The Snowman and the Little Matchgirl. For myself, I always love a bit of Bridget Jones at Christmas!

4.) Which fictional character would you like to kiss underneath the mistletoe?
Hmmm...purely fictional, maybe Han Solo, before he met Princess Leah (as I wouldn’t want to tread on her toes!)? Or James Bond, Daniel Craig era.

5.) What’s the worst Christmas jumper you’ve ever seen?
It was one I saw at a party that was a 3D turkey – all the turkey’s legs and bits and bobs were dangling down the front of the man’s chest; to be honest, it looked absolutely obscene!

6.) What’s your favourite thing about Christmas? 
Spending time with my family, when everyone is switched off from work/school/real life – and focused on being at home, enjoying each other’s company! Christmas is like a very welcome break from reality.

7.) Do you have any Christmas traditions?
We have a few. We go and choose our Christmas tree from the same place – a garden centre in the suburbs of Liverpool – on or around December 1. I usually go into a zen-like state of trance as I wander around, looking at almost identical pine trees until one ‘speaks’ to me – although not literally. I’d get really worried if that happens. We also let all three of the kids choose a new decoration – which means that our tree, like Maggie’s, looks like a drunken elf has vomited all over it! We’ve been going there since the kids were tiny, and the staff always remember us. We also go to a service at our local church called Christingle on Christmas Eve, which involves carols and sweets on sticks stuck into oranges, and that is always lovely – sometimes Christmas Eve is actually nicer, because of the sense of anticipation. It’s the calm before the storm, and doesn’t involve batteries, Phillips head screwdrivers or cooking!

8.) What does Christmas mean to you? 
For me, at this stage in my life, a perfect Christmas is all about family – seeing the excitement on my children’s faces in the morning; sharing a meal with loved ones; celebrating all that is good in our lives. It’s a time to count our blessings and be thankful – which is very easy to forget in the insanity that lead up to it! If the cooker broke or the dogs ate the turkey (both very feasible scenarios in my house), I’d still be happy if we were all healthy and together. In Never Kiss A Man in A Christmas Jumper, Maggie is facing up to her first Christmas alone – and although she tries to stay strong about it, that is also one of my worst nightmares. Having a young family is chaotic – but does make for the best Christmasses ever!

9.) Do you treat yourself to a reward once you finished writing/published a book?
I usually just sit back, take a big sigh of relief, and put something fab on the telly! I know that sounds boring, but I have to try and avoid the TV when I’m on deadline – working from home is fraught with perils, and the goggle box is one of the main distractions! I once got lost in a Netflix boxed set of an American sports drama called Friday Night Lights for weeks on end...so being able to grab a coffee, sit on my own and watch something entertaining is brilliant – it’s a chance to enjoy the fruits of someone else’s imagination, rather than just using my own!

 Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Jumper is available to buy now 

Add Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Jumper on Goodreads here 

Follow Debbie on Twitter @DebbieMJohnson 

 Follow the rest of the blog tour!

Christmas With Cressida McLaughlin Author of A Christmas Tail

If you follow my blog then you'll probably know by now that I love Christmas in a big way and one of my favourite things to do during the countdown to Christmas is to snuggle up with a festive read. This year I decided to take it a step further and do a festive feature between now and Christmas getting some lovely authors who have Christmas books out this year to come on the blog and have a little chat with us about all things Christmassy and festive!

To debut this feature I have Cressida McLaughlin on the blog today talking about her book, what puppy she'd like to find underneath the Christmas tree and how she celebrates Christmas. So grab a hot chocolate, turn on your Christmas playlist and spend Christmas with Cressida McLaughlin.

 Christmas with Cressida McLaughlin

1.) A Christmas Tail was first released as four novellas. Did you know when starting this series that the final story would end at Christmas? What made you decide to conclude the series at this time of year?
Yes, when I started the Primrose Terrace series, I knew it would end at Christmas. Each story roughly covered a season, starting with spring, and Christmas seemed the perfect time to tie all the storylines together and for Cat to have her happy ending. There’s nothing more magical than a Christmas romance.

2.) How did you get into the festive spirit to write? 
I was writing the last part of the book in the hot, sultry August weather, so it was particularly hard to feel wintry! I put all my fairy lights on, and found a Christmas radio station so I could listen to Wham, Mariah Carey and Slade while I was writing. Once I got immersed in the story it was much easier, and I was quite surprised (and a bit disappointed) when I stopped writing for the day and discovered that I wasn’t in my woolly penguin socks, hibernating from a snowstorm.

3.) Which fictional character would you like to kiss underneath the mistletoe?
Oooh, my favourite kind of question! But also the hardest to answer, because how can I pick just one? It would either be John Thornton from North and South, or Ross Poldark. They’re both a bit brooding, but I’m sure they’d be excellent kissers, and would look lovely with snowflakes in their dark hair. What a lovely daydream.

4.) What would your dream puppy be to find underneath the tree this Christmas?
A cockapoo! I love them. I keep looking at photos, and “cockapoo puppies to buy” pages on the internet. They are the most adorable breed of dog.

5.) Favourite Christmas food and drink? 
Pigs in blankets are so delicious, and I love a traditional turkey dinner. Drink would be mulled wine or champagne. There is never a bad time for champagne, but it’s extra delicious drinking it next to a twinkling Christmas tree with your loved ones around you.

6.) Favourite Christmas movie?
Elf. It’s hilarious and romantic and magical and it leaves you with the warmest glow. You know you can really get into the festive spirit when Channel 4 shows Elf.

7.) Do you have any Christmas traditions?
My family always have boiled eggs with soldiers on Christmas morning. It’s a tradition handed down on my dad’s side of the family, and now I can’t imagine having anything else.

8.) What’s your favourite thing about Christmas?
Do I have to narrow it down? I love snuggling up inside with my family, I love the colour and twinkle of Christmas lights. I love that everything sparkles, and I love London at Christmas. I love walking in the cold, with a woolly hat and scarf, and seeing the decorations and glow in windows, imagining everyone safe and warm and celebrating inside. Sigh. Is it December yet?

Thank you so much for sharing your Christmas with us Cressida! As a proud cockapoo owner I very much approve of your choice of puppy!

A Christmas Tail is available to buy from all good bookshops now. 

 Add A Christmas Tail on Goodreads here 

 Follow Cressida on Twitter @CressMcLaughlin

Review for Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin

Christmas at Lilac Cottage 
by Holly Martin 
Publisher: Bookouture
Release: 23rd September 2015
Genre: Christmas, Romance
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review



Synopsis:

"Penny Meadows loves her home – a cosy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen.

When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded.

As Penny gets to know Henry, she realises there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore…

While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of?"

Review 
Christmas at Lilac Cottage was my first Christmas read of 2015 and was a great way to kick off my festive reading giving me everything I could want in a cute, cosy, Christmas story. This book made me laugh out loud and gave me the warm fuzzies when I was only a few chapters in which is always a good sign!

The book follows Penny, a lovely woman with a tragic past who is facing another Christmas alone in her lilac cottage in the seaside town of White Cliff Bay. Penny is lonely and looking for a bit of companionship and so she rents out her annex to Henry and his teenage daughter Daisy for Christmas in the hope of making friends. But Christmas is a magical time of year, and if Penny and Henry can let go of the ghosts of their past, love might be in the air.

I absolutely loved Penny, Henry and Daisy - they were each such warm, lovable characters that you wanted the best for especially after the heartache of their pasts. They really delivered a wonderful message about family which is especially important at Christmas time.

I also loved how this book was festive from beginning to end. The book radiated Christmas from the small things like Penny’s cosy little cottage to bigger things such as the ice carving contest. You truly get in the festive mood whilst reading this book.

The romance between Penny and Henry was the perfect balance of sweet and sexy. My only complaint is that I felt things moved very quickly between them. Using the L word after only knowing each other for a week was a bit too much for me and I’d have preferred a slower burning romance over time.

Christmas at Lilac Cottage was my first book by Holly Martin and it certainly won’t be my last. I’m happy that I have a second White Cliff Bay novel ‘Snowflakes on Silver Cover’ ready waiting for me. If it’s anything like this one it’ll be the perfect feel good Christmas read!

The Twelve Books of Christmas

November 6th may be early to start thinking about Christmas for some people, but as a book blogger I've been receiving lots of Christmas books for review over the last few weeks and I find that if I don't start reading and reviewing them as soon as November 1st hits I'd never get through them all before Christmas!

I think that more Christmas books have been released this year than ever before and so for today's post I decided to share with you the twelve books on my TBR that I'm the most excited to read this Christmas for anybody looking for some festive reads to add to their reading piles.

Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin 

So, I'm cheating a little bit by including this one because I'm currently reading it but I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far and I'm looking forward to reading the rest, so it counts! This book made me laugh out loud and gave me the warm fuzzies when I was only 10% in on my Kindle. The characters are so warm and likeable and I love the town of White Cliff Bay. This is a feel-good Christmas romance about a woman called Penny who rents her annex out to a man and his daughter over the Christmas period, and of course with a dash of Chirstmas magic love is in the air! I think this'll be perfect for anyone looking for a festive romance. There's also a second book set in the same town that's out now 'Snowflakes on Silver Cove' that you can jump into after!

One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggot 

This one has been getting some wonderful reviews from my blogger friends already so I'm very excited to read it! This festive treat is set in New York as Hayley takes her daughter to try and find her dad. I've always wanted to visit New York at Christmas and sadly it hasn't happened for me yet so I'm looking forward to going on horse-drawn carriage rides through central park with Hayley and her daughter this Christmas instead!

Make A Christmas Wish by Julia Williams 

If the cute, festive romances mentioned above aren't for you and you'd like something a little more sentimental then Make a Christmas Wish could be perfect for you. This reminds me of a book I read and loved called 'The Dead Wife's Handbook' which makes it very appealing to me. This story follows Livvy who died last Christmas, in the months since her death she's floated on the edge of the afterlife because she's not ready to leave her son and husband behind just yet. This Christmas she's been given one last magical chance to put things right for her family before leaving them for good. This sounds like the kind of book that will make me cry and hold on to my loved ones a little bit tighter this Christmas.

Every Time a Bell Rings by Carmel Harrington 

Don't put the tissues away just yet! I have another Christmas weepy here! Every Time a Bell Rings is inspired by the Christmas movie classic 'It's a Wonderful Life' and follows a similar theme. Belle and her partner Jim are foster parents and although they're not supposed to they've grown particularly attached to little Lauren who's now ready to go back to her mother. Unable to cope Belle finds herself standing on The Ha’Penny Bridge and wishes she'd never been born. But little does she know an angel is listening whose ready to show her that life is for the living. This is a must read for anyone who loves 'It's a Wonderful Life' and is looking for a little magic this Christmas!

Lily and the Christmas Wish by Keris Stainton 

I love Keris' YA books and was really excited when I heard that she had written a Christmas book for children. The book itself sounds very sweet - the little town of Pinewood are celebrating Christmas this year by putting up a Christmas tree and asking all of the town's people to hang a Christmas wish on the branches. But after a storm blows in the wishes get granted but mixed up! Lily, her brother and her pug must sort out the wishes or else nobody in her little town will get what they want for Christmas this year. I'm planning on getting this for my seven year old cousin for Christmas and it sounds so sweet that I'm going to have to get a copy for myself too!

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig 

So when Stephen Fry blurbs a book saying "Matt Haig has written the most evergreen, immortal Christmas story to be published for decades" you better believe that I'm going to want to read it! This is another children's book although this is aimed for the middle grade market. I really don't know much about it other than it's beautifully illustrated by Chris Mould and is about a boy who isn't afraid to believe in magic. I think this will be a brilliant book for anyone, of any age and did I mention it is blurbed by Stephen Fry? BECAUSE IT IS!

All Wrapped Up by Holly Smale 

Moving on up to YA books, this Christmas we have a Geek Girl special from Holly Smale. This is a Geek Girl short Christmas story that takes place between books one and two. I love Harriet Manners and can't wait to spend Christmas with her and her friends and family. This is one of the only YA releases I could find that is out this year which I think is a real shame. I'd love to see more Christmas YA on the shelves but in the meantime I will be cherishing this one!

A Wedding at Christmas by Chrissie Manby 

Another family that I can't wait to spend Christmas with this year is the Benson's! This is the fourth book in the 'Proper Family' series and I can't wait to catch up with this lovable family that after four books I've grown very attached to! I won't say too much about this one as it's part of a series, other than to say that I'm very much looking forward to attending a certain couples wedding!

The Winter Wedding by Abby Clements 

If you're in the mood to attend a white wedding this Christmas but haven't read the 'Proper Family' series then look no further than standalone The Winter Wedding! I love Abby's books and her debut 'Meet Me Under the Mistletoe' is one of my all-time favourite Christmas reads so I'm very excited for another winter book from her. This is about a wedding planner who dreams of finding her own happy ending this winter all whilst juggling the stress of planning two very different weddings!

A Christmas Tail by Cressida McLaughlin 

This sounds like such a me book as it's about two of my favourite things dogs and Christmas! This is a bind up of the four Primrose Terrace novellas. This series follows Cat - Primrose Terrace's dog walker and ends with the final story taking place at Christmas. If you love dogs this sounds like the perfect read for curling up on the couch with your dog at your side this Christmas.

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Lisa Dickenson 

This is another bind-up of books that was first released as short novellas. It's one of the first Christmas books I heard about and got excited for this year. After breaking up from her long-term boyfriend Claudia suddenly finds herself spending Christmas alone and so she decides to embark on a new adventure and have twelve dates before Christmas to discover who she is and what she wants in life and love.

The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin 

I've wanted to read Rebecca Raisin's books for a while and when I first heard about The Little Bookshop on the Seine - the first book in her new trilogy - I knew this was where I had to start! This book features books, Paris and Christmas. Seriously, what more could you want from a book? The story is about bookshop owner Sarah who decides to exchange bookshops with her Parisian friend for six months. Needless to say I'm very excited to follow Sarah's bookish adventures in Paris over Christmastime! 

 So those are the twelve books that I'm the most excited to read during the build up to Christmas this year. Hopefully I've added a little something for everyone and there is something here that you like the look of. 

Keep your eye on the blog for plenty of festive reviews and posts in the upcoming weeks!