I have been reading a lot over the past few months, and I have compiled a short-list of some books that you may enjoy during this festive season. For these winter months, there is nothing more enjoyable than sitting in front of the fire with a hot chocolate while enjoying a good book.
"The Country Village Christmas Show" by Cathy Lake
Bonnier Books, released 29 October, 2020
This book follows the life of divorcee Clare as she moves back in with her recently-widowed mother and large German Shepherd dog in Little Bramble village. The story focuses on Clare and local vet Sam and his sister who has lasting mobility challenges due to an accident. The story of Clare and Sam and a blossoming relationship is the focus of the story with a short back story about a Christmas show to bring community together. The story is cute in places and held a lot of promises, but I felt it dwelled a little too much on the back story of Clare and Sam and their struggles with trust and loss. It's a good read, but it could have been better.
My review: 7/10
"Together by Christmas" by Karen Swan
Pan Macmillan, released 29 October, 2020
Set in Amsterdam, this novel focuses on Lee, who had been a journalist on the front line, and her young son. The novel has a lot of dimension for a Christmas story, and it really helps you to understand the run up to Christmas that is celebrated in the Netherlands. The story starts with a mystery book left in the bicycle basket and then ends up understanding the back story for Lee and her budding relationships with those around her. The book gave me a sense of the celebrations in Amsterdam and made a good read.
My review: 9/10
"The Winter Garden" by Heidi Swain
Simon & Schuster, released 1 December, 2020
Freya's circumstances change before the winter hits, and she leaves as caretaker of an estate to a new estate in Nightingale Square where she quickly makes friends with the others while working on the Winter Garden. However, there is one man that she does not seem to connect with - artist and sculptor Finn. The story focuses on Freya and her blossoming relationship with the people at her new home while they create this winter garden trail for guests. This book is a perfect winter read; it's less about Christmas, but it is a perfect winter romance book.
My review: 9/10
"Christmas at Lock Keeper's Cottage" by Lucy Coleman
Boldwood Books, released 3 September, 2020
Tollie owns the canal boat that attracts guests for festive fun each year, and his grand-daughter Immi arrives on the scene and wants to make it more special this year. However, a blizzard threatens to cancel their festivities, and Immi's boyfriend Gray is out of the area. The community must come together to make the most of it and to stop the blizzard ruining their plans. Overall, I felt that this book was slow-paced and dragged in places. The ending of the book had the festive Christmas mood, but the beginning and middle was a bit of a struggle to keep interest.
My review: 6/10
"Miracle Creek Christmas" by Krista Jensen
Shadow Mountain Publishing, released 8 September, 2020
Riley moves to a small town to start work as n art teacher. Mark is a firefighter who suffered serious burns to his face and body on the job. He soon bonds with Riley over artwork, in particular as his mother was an artist. He convinces her to help finish his mother's artwork for the nativity. Mark suffers chatting to her since the fire has made a lasting impression on him physically and psychologically. This book does not have a strong Christmas mood, but it is a nice romantic story with characters that learn how to accept each other.
My review: 8/10
"Snowball's Christmas" by Kristen McKenagh
Kensington, released 29 September, 2020
Told from the perspective of the white fluffy kitten named Snowball, this story follows Snowball's human family - Mrs. Tilly (owner of the guest house) and Emily (cook of the guest house). When Mrs. Tilly's newphew Lukas arrives, he starts to make repairs and wants his aunt to sell up and retire. Emily wants to own her own bakery. Snowball attempts to get the two together, even though they often argue and do not realise that they need each other. Again, I did not find this one to be too Christmassy, but a cat as the main character is a little unique in the story.
My review: 5/10
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