Alba in bookland

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over there at The Broke and the Bookish. And who doesn't love a good list?

This week’s topic is our Top Ten Reads of the year. I've read 110 books this year so it took me a while to decided the ten best ones. The stories are all very different and unique (from different genres too) but somehow, they have all managed to stay with me during this eventful year. Here's my selection:

The Silk Merchant's Daughter by Dinah Jefferies. This was my first book by Dinah Jefferies and it won't be the last for sure. What an amazing and captivating story it was. I love the kind of books that transport you to another place, to another time (one you have no idea about) and make you part of it.

The Missing by C.L. Taylor. Another amazing psychological thriller from C.L. Taylor. It is so cleverly written and so absorbing that I completely forgot about everything else while reading it. Unmissable.

Our Song by Dani Atkins. An unmissable read. Heartbreaking but uplifting, it takes you on a journey where emotions play a big part. The four main characters are complex and layered. They feel so vivid, like they are part of your life.

In Her Wake by Amanda Jennings. For me, this was the psychological thriller of the year and definitely the author's best yet. It held me captive in its atmospheric pages for hours and I just kept telling myself one more chapter until the early hours of the morning.

My Map of You by Isabelle Broom. On her debut novel, Isabelle Broom takes us to the incredibly beautiful Greek island of Zakynthos. Only for this setting, you need to pick this book. And then, once you've picked it, you will discover one of the most well crafted stories you have ever read.

The Last Night by Cesca Major. I was completely blown away by Cesca Major's debut, The Silent Hours, so I started this book with really high expectations. I'm happy to report that it surpassed my expectations. The Last Night is an atmospheric read with so many layers and details. It captured me from the first page and kept me glued to it until the last word.

A Boy Made of Blocks by Keith Stuart. This story stole my heart. It has a lot of fun moments but it also portrays the difficulties and struggles that a family with an autistic child must face. I'm sure it'll be an eye-opener for many and will leave no one indifferent. Since finishing it, I have been recommending this book to anyone who will listen. Definitely worth a read.

The Plumberry School of Comfort Food by Cathy Bramley. I have reached the conclusion that Cathy Bramley cannot write a book I don't fall in love with. I have loved every single word this woman has written so far. With glorious food, lovable characters, a highly entertaining story, lots of surprises and such a fun setting, The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is the book you've been looking for.

The One We Fell in Love With by Paige Toon. Paige Toon has done it again. What a marvelous and unexpected story! As soon as I heard that this story was about identical triplets, I knew we were in for a unique and fun story. But the actual story completely surpassed my expectations.

The Girl from the Savoy by Hazel Gaynor. I found this story fascinating: Historical Fiction at its best, with captivating characters and a stunning setting. It's also a very well researched story with many layers that delivers a lot more than you might expect. A gem of a book.

This year I've invited several authors and book bloggers for a fun Christmas Interview. My next guest is author Cheyanne Young.

Would you rather spend Christmas on a turquoise water beach with a cocktail in your hand or in the Polar circle surrounded by husky puppies?

Normally I’m not a fan of cold weather (as a Texan I don’t even understand cold weather), but I’m not a drinker and I ADORE puppies so I’ll chose the Polar circle!

If you had to choose a book for a kid who's not a big reader as a Christmas present, which book would you choose? And for a teenager?

For a kid, I’d choose The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. It was my absolute favorite book as a child, and it made me seek out other books to love.

For a teenager, I’d pick Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne. It’s got action, excitement, thrill, romance, and teenagers banding together to save each other. I adore this series and think it would be great for a reluctant reader.

Is there a movie or a book you always revisit during the holidays?

I probably watch the movie Elf about a dozen times during the holidays. (Maybe more than a dozen times, if I’m being honest.) I even bought a life-sized inflatable Elf for my yard this year. I don’t tend to revisit books because the holidays are my downtime from writing and I use it to jam in as many last minute TBR reads as possible for the end of the year.

What's the Christmas new release you are most looking forward to?

The Twelve Days of Dash and Lilly by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan! I loved the first book and the second one just arrived in my mailbox and I can’t wait to get to it.

Would you like to write a Christmas story yourself?

I already did! Christmas at Mixon is a Christmas short story in my Motocross Me series. It’s free online, and it works as a standalone story if you haven’t read the series. Here’s a link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29557193-christmas-at-mixon

Connect with Cheyanne Young on:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NormalChey

Web: https://cheyanneyoung.com/

This year I've invited several authors and book bloggers for a fun Christmas Interview. My next guest is author Jaimie Admans:

Would you rather spend Christmas on a turquoise water beach with a cocktail in your hand or in the Polar circle surrounded by husky puppies?

In the polar circle surrounded by husky puppies! There’s no contest for me! I’m British, Christmas is supposed to be cold! I wouldn’t know what to do with heat on Christmas Day! I’m one of those people who love the winter and loathe the summer anyway, I can’t stand being too hot and even our drizzly British summers get too hot for me, I look forward to autumn and winter all year, so Christmas on a beach would be my idea of a nightmare! Also, husky puppies! Who could say no to husky puppies?!

If you had to choose a book for a teenager who's not a big reader as a Christmas present, which book would you choose?

It would kind-of depend on the person. I love reading YA books, so I’d try to choose something that was relevant to their life and whatever they were going through at that time, anything they could find a connection with in the book. Failing that, I’d go for something like The Hunger Games series, it’s got something for everyone and appeals to different ages and interests, so I don’t think you could go wrong with something like that.

Is there a movie or a book you always revisit during the holidays?

Many, many, many! I always watch favourite Christmas films every year. Not so much with books because there are always so many fabulous new festive releases each year that I haven’t got time to read them and re-read old favourites, but it’s not that I don’t want to! Christmas movies are one of my favourite things about the season! I countdown the days until the Christmas movie channels come on and watch as many as I can, I love all those Lifetime/Hallmark/Channel 5 TV movies, but one of my favourite Christmas traditions is that every year we curl up and watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, Gremlins, and The Santa Clause, at the very least!

What's your ultimate comfort food for Christmas?

Hah! A better question would be what isn’t my ultimate Christmas comfort food? I eat everything at Christmas. I’m trying to diet most of the year, but come mid-December, the diet is forgotten about until January! I love the chocolate that I don’t get the rest of the year, like Ferrero Rocher – they’re my favourites, and everyone knows that, so I usually end up with tons of them, not that I’m complaining! It wouldn’t be Christmas without a tub of Quality Street and Cadbury’s Roses, a tin of chocolate biscuits, and some Christmas cake! I also love it when the supermarkets bring out their bags of fresh nuts – every year I can’t wait to get my nutcracker out and smash up some walnuts and hazelnuts!

Who's your Favourite Christmas Villain:

- The Grinch

- The angry elf in Elf

- Old Man Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life

- Scrooge in a Christmas Carol

The Grinch! They’re all pretty good villains, but I’ve just bought a pair of Grinch socks so I have to say him! I also rewatched the film this weekend and I absolutely adore Jim Carrey, so The Grinch is definitely my top Christmas villain!

Thanks so much for having me! I love all things Christmas and really enjoyed doing this!

Connect with Jaimie on:

Web: http://www.jaimieadmans.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/be_the_spark

Facebook: http://facebook.com/jaimieadmansbooks

About Christmas Wish Come True:

All I Want for Christmas by Gina Rochelle

Ditching her faithless fiancé, schoolteacher Isabella plans to spend the holidays alone. But when she unintentionally inspires a young pupil to make an impossible wish, she joins forces with his – totally gorgeous – uncle to put things right! Could two wishes come true this Christmas?

Dreaming of a White Wedding by Misty Shaw

When Scarlet discovered her husband-to-be in a passionate clinch with her bridesmaid, she called off her Valentine’s wedding and ran away to London. But when her sister asks for her help, she can’t refuse…even if it means coming face-to-face with her ex – the man she never stopped loving!

Christmas Every Day by Jaimie Admans

Emma loves bumping into Gorgeous Dog Walker, Nick, every evening. But when he ends up in a coma (partly her fault), she ends up taking care of ‘his job’…and his dog! Emma stopped believing in Santa years ago, but this Christmas her world is about to be turned upside down!

Christmas Wish Come True is a gift for you this December, snuggle up by the fire, leave the stresses of Christmas shopping behind you…and relax!

Amazon | Amazon UK

Today I review a new festive story by Geralyn Corcillo, A Drakenfall Christmas. This novella of about 180 pages if the continuation of a love story between a Lord of the Manor and her American wife:

Title: A Drakenfall Christmas (Drakefall #2)

Author: Geralyn Corcillo

Published: October 16th 2016

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: In the spring, Mark and Maisy fell in love in the story "Upstairs, Downstairs… and the Lift in Between." Months later, the magic of Drakenfall is still in the air, and spiced with cinnamon and mistletoe as Mark and Maisy welcome guests and get involved in kerfuffles with staff as they celebrate their first Drakenfall Christmas together.

In an uncharacteristic turn, unflappable house manager Glynis Ferry seems to be getting her duster ruffled every time she catches sight of Shaun Fletcher, the new head groomsman. And Pippa Taylor, a whirling dervish of a domestic, works below stairs to make the magic happen for everyone else, but will there ever be enough magic left over for her? There will if most worthy valet Kafi Cholo has anything to say about it, as he tries to spin holiday magic every which way. But his best laid plans always seem to go awry, even with Maisy helping out as his faithful sidekick.

But what about his grandest of schemes, set to take flight at the Drakenfall Christmas Ball? He's depending on guest Jamie Tovell, who's depending on guest Lea Sinclair. And even if everything goes off without a hitch, will the secret Maisy's been hiding from Mark all season pop up at the most inopportune moment to set everything asunder? It's a Drakenfall Christmas… topsy turvy, but generously sprinkled with laughter and lavishly frosted with romance.

Review: I always find Geralyn Corcillo's stories a lot of fun and above all, very original; and A Drakenfall Christmas is no different in that sense. Set in an impressive English Manor turned resort, this novella tells the story of many characters. At first, I found the whole thing a bit confusing, with so many characters into play and all of them with their own story and background: there's the lord of the manor and his new wife, several members of the staff, some guests and even a story line set in the past that talks about a curse.

But as I started figuring out who was who and what their role in the story was, I started enjoying this story a lot more. It's kind of crazy and chaotic but it does work as a whole. All story lines end up merging for a glorious ending and I was left really satisfied after finishing it.

All in all, I think that A Drakenfall Christmas is a festive and fun story full of love and packed with drama that you can enjoy in an afternoon and with a hot chocolate in your hand. It will definitely make you forget about everything else!

I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

This year I've invited several authors and book bloggers for a fun Christmas Interview. My next guest is author Jennifer Joyce:

If you could go anywhere in the world to celebrate Christmas, where would you go?

After watching Home Alone 2: Lost In New York as a kid, I always wanted to spend Christmas in New York, which we did in 2011. It was amazing to see the huge tree at Rockefeller Center and my kids loved seeing Santa at Macy’s. We also got to spend Christmas Day at Central Park Zoo and have a ride around the park snuggled under a blanket in a horse and carriage. I’d love to go back again!

And what would be the last place you'd want to be stuck during Christmas?

I think being stuck in an airport. Being delayed is always a pain, but imagine being stranded over Christmas – no thank you!

If you had to choose between Disney World and The Wizarding World of HP for a visit during Christmas, which one would you choose?

Disney World, every time (sorry HP fans).

If you had to choose a book for a teenager who's not a big reader as a Christmas present, which book would you choose?

My teenager (who is a big reader anyway) recently devoured Nerve by Jeanne Ryan. She went into it hesitantly, but was soon hooked and wanted everyone to read it afterwards!

Favourite Christmas gif?

There are so many fantastic Christmas gifs, but it’s got to be an Elf one. After a thorough search, I’ve decided on the ‘smiling is my favourite’ one.

Jennifer Joyce is a writer of romantic comedies who lives in Manchester with her husband and their two daughters. Her latest novel, The Wedding Date is out now. You can find out more about Jennifer and her books on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenniferjoycewrites

Twitter: www.twitter.com/writer_jenn

Blog: www.jenniferjoycewrites.co.uk

About The Wedding Date

Delilah James, singleton and smoothie-addict, has six months to find a date for her oldest friend’s wedding. Oh, and to prove to her ex, best man Ben, that she has totally moved on since he dumped her out-of-the-blue nine months, eight days and seventeen hours ago…

So, with her two BFFs playing Cupid, Delilah launches herself into the high-tech, fast-paced and frankly terrifying world of dating. Luckily there’s the hot new guy at work, Adam Sinclair, to practice her flirting on – even if, as a colleague, he’s strictly off-limits!

Yet time’s running out and date after disastrous date forces Delilah to tell a little white lie – and invent a fake boyfriend! But will her secret crush on Adam ruin everything? Does she even care about Ben anymore? And is it too late to untangle her web of lies and take a real date to the wedding…?

Amazon | Amazon UK

This year I've invited several authors and book bloggers for a fun Christmas Interview. My next guest is the book blogger Rachael, from Books inter alia.

Hi Rachael and welcome! Tell me, would you rather spend Christmas on a turquoise water beach with a cocktail in your hand or in the Polar circle surrounded by husky puppies?

Oo, that's tricky! I don't do particularly well with the cold. But, as it is Christmas and I don't quite understand how Christmas can be properly achieved in hot climates, and as there are puppies involved, it would have to be the arctic circle. Bring on the layers and the hot chocolate!

If you had to choose a book for a kid who's not a big reader as a Christmas present, which book would you choose?

This is going to be a very uninspired answer as I am sure a lot of people say the same but ... Harry Potter. I am a massive fan, and I really can't think of a more exciting series to get people into reading, especially if they are a bit younger, then they can grow up with the series. Or possibly a collection of Christmas-themed short stories such as 'My true love gave to me', edited by Stephanie Perkins. Short story collections are less intimidating than full-length novels, and as it's Christmas, they're potentially more likely to want to read something with the same sort of feel and theme.

Is there a movie or a book you always revisit during the holidays?

I always, always watch Elf during the Christmas season; usually more than once. It makes me laugh, its fun, easy to watch and never fails to put a smile on my face. I only watched Arthur Christmas for the first time last year, but I have a feeling that I'll be rewatching that at some point as well. As for books, It's only the past few years that I've looked for Christmas specific books, so I can't say I'll be reaching for any particular book again this year. That being said, I did read one of Giovanna Fletcher's Christmas Novellas last Christmas Eve, before I went to sleep, and really enjoyed the story and the experience, so I think I'll try and replicate that this year.

Favourite Christmas cover?

This is another difficult one, purely because I don't own, or even know of, that many Christmas books. What did spring to mind was the copy of 'The Night before Christmas' my parents used to read to me. But, even that cover is hard to remember, I've even been trawling Goodreads/google to try and jog my memory, but I've had luck yet. What I do remember is that it was hardback, mostly blue and white - sky and snow, I'm guessing - and had the most incredible illustrations. I wonder where it's gone?

What's the 2017 new release you are most looking forward to?

Now this I do know the answer to: The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon. The release date isn't until the 1st of March, and as I came to the series when the first one was already out in paperback, and I am really fussy about my shelves, I can't decide whether to get the hardback so that I have it, or wait until the paperback is released so that it'll fit in with the rest of the series ... the problems of a book lover, or is it just me? hahaha

Thank you so much for joining us today Rachael! You can connect with her on:

Blog address – www.booksinteralia.com

Twitter - @ReDewhurst

Today's book review is for the festive A Miracle at Macy's. I got this book earlier this year but I wanted to wait until December to enjoy its Christmas atmosphere. I love NY at Christmas!

Title: A Miracle at Macy's

Author: Lynn Marie Hulsman

Published: December 17th 2015 by HarperImpulse

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: One lost dog. Two lonely hearts. A Manhattan Christmas full of magic.

Shy homebody Charlotte is planning her usual quiet Christmas celebration: Turkey for two for her and her beloved pet dog Hudson. Only, this year, little Hudson decides to take matters into his own paws and give his favourite human a holiday adventure she’ll never forget.

When Hudson runs away the week before Christmas, Charlotte is devastated. She’d rescued him from the trash years before and gave him a place in her home – and her heart. But with the help of uptight Englishman Henry, Charlotte ends up on a magical treasure hunt around Manhattan to find her furry, four-legged bestie.

Spotted in Central Park as one of Santa's Little Helpers, or last seen in the arms of a supermodel in Times Square, Hudson leads Charlotte and Henry on a very merry dance around the Big Apple, where love, (or should that be Christmas?!) actually is all around.

Review: Who would have thought a dog can have so much fun in New York on its own? Seriously, I want to go to NY on Christmas time and do everything little Hudson does! What a character!

Hudson is Charlotte's best friend and only family, except for a workaholic aunt. So when he disappears only a few days before Christmas, she is devastated. Charlotte's aunt sends a gorgeous Englishman, Henry, to help find him. From that moment, they start looking for him non-stop.

I had so much fun with this story! I especially loved going around New York and the festive atmosphere that the author managed to create. It was a nice reminder that there are good people all around and that magic can happen. It definitely had the key ingredient for a Christmas movie.

It's true though that the story dragged a bit too much for me. I was really curious about Hudson's whereabouts for most part of the book but after a while I kind of lost interest in this particular story line. To compensate this though, I think that Lynn Marie Hulsman created a really cute love story that kept me wondering until the very end.

This is definitely a story to put you on the mood for Christmas, especially if you love New York and dogs. So if you are looking for a bit of Christmas magic, this is your story!

Rating: 4 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over there at The Broke and the Bookish. And who doesn't love a good list?

I haven't done a Top Ten Tuesday for a while but I think this week’s topic is really interesting. So I wanted to join again. With the year almost over, it's time to look the new title for next year. So many of my favourite authors have already announced new books! I'm really excited to read these ones:

White Lies and Wishes by Cathy Bramley - January 2017

Cathy Bramley is one of my all time favourite authors and I have read and loved every single book she has published. So I'm really excited to read her latest one: With hidden issues, hidden talents, and hidden demons to overcome, new friends Jo, Carrie and Sarah must admit to what they really, really want, if they are ever to get their happy endings.

Pre-order now!

New York Actually by Sarah Morgan - February 2017

The Queen of Romance is back with a brand new novel! I always know that Sarah Morgan is a safe bet. Her stories are always enjoyable and well crafted and this one sounds really intriguing: Molly and Daniel think they know everything there is to know about relationships…until they meet each other that is…

Preórder now!

A Song for Tomorrow by Alice Peterson - February 2017

Another favourite author alert! Alice Peterson's stories are so emotional and unique, but also up-lifting and full of life. Definitely one of my most anticipated books of the year, I cannot wait for this one: Alice has been told not to follow her dreams. So has Tom. But when fate has already dealt a tough hand, it’s time to stop listening to everyone else and only follow their own hearts.

Pre-order now!

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella - February 2017

A new stand-alone story by Sophie Kinsella, do I need to say anything else? Sophie Kinsella is the reason why I started this blog, so a new book by her is always a major event! Plus, it sounds amazing: Katie Brenner has the perfect life: a flat in London, a glamorous job, and a super-cool Instagram feed. OK, so the truth is that she rents a tiny room with no space for a wardrobe, has a hideous commute to a lowly admin job, and the life she shares on Instagram isn’t really hers.

Pre-order now!

Before the Rains by Dinah Jefferies - February 2017

Dinah Jefferies writes really detailed and interesting Historical Fiction. I always learn a lot with her books and I cannot wait to discover India in the 1930s with her new book. A romantic, heart-wrenching tale of love against the odds from the Number One Sunday Times bestselling author.

Pre-order now!

The Escape by C-L. Taylor - March 2017

When I think of psychological thrillers, I always think of C.L. Taylor. I've read all her books and she has not disappoint with any of them. I can't wait what she has in store for us with her new one: When a stranger asks Jo Blackmore for a lift she says yes, then swiftly wishes she hadn't. The stranger knows Jo's name, she knows her husband Max and she's got a glove belonging to Jo's two year old daughter Elise.

Pre-order now!

The Little Breton Bistro by Nina George - March 2017

I completely fell in love with The Little Paris Bookshop last year, so I cannot wait to get my hands on Nina George's new book! Marianne Messman longs to escape her loveless marriage to an uncaring husband - an artillery sergeant major named Lothar. On a day trip to Paris, Marianne decides to leap off the Pont Neuf into the Seine, but she is saved from drowning by a homeless man. While recovering in hospital, Marianne comes across a painting of the tiny port town of Kerdruc in Brittany and decides to try her luck on the coast.

Pre-order now!

This Love by Dani Atkins - March 2017

Another book I fell in love with this year is Our Song by Dani Atkins. That story really got to me and her new book sounds even better: Sophie Winter lives in a self-imposed cocoon - she's a single, thirty-one year old translator who works from home in her one bedroom flat. This isn’t really the life she dreamed of, but then Sophie stopped believing in happy endings a very long time ago, when she was fifteen years old and tragedy struck her family.

Pre-order now!

Practice Makes Perfect by Penny Parkes - June 2017

Penny Parkes recently announced she is publishing next year the continuation to Out of Practice, which I thoroughly enjoyed this year. I'm already looking forward to seeing how the story continues: The Practice at Larkford has suddenly been thrust under the spotlight – and its nomination as a ‘NHS Model Surgery’ is causing the team major headaches.

Pre-order now!

The Once in a Blue Moon Guesthouse by Cressida McLaughlin

Cressida McLaughlin is back with a serialised novel again. I always find her stories so cosy and relatable! I usually wait for the full paperback to come out so I can enjoy the full story at once but if you want to get started with it, the first part is out later this month!

Pre-order now!

And that's it! So many amazing books are coming our way in the new year, I really cannot wait! Now tell me, which books are you looking forward to?

This year I've invited several authors and book bloggers for a fun Christmas Interview. My next guest is Kerry Drewery, author of Cell 7.

Hi Kerry and welcome. Tell me, would you rather spend Christmas on a turquoise water beach with a cocktail in your hand or in the Polar circle surrounded by husky puppies?

Absolutely in the Polar circle surrounded by husky puppies! I've been lucky enough to have been to the Artic Circle and it is the most magical beautiful place. I also love to snowboard so I could do that while I'm there.

If you had to choose a book for a teenager who's not a big reader as a Christmas present, which book would you choose?

Crikey, that's a hard one. I think it depends on the person and what kind of thing they like. I suppose it might be good to show them that books can be 'different' and push boundaries in how they tell stories, so I might go for Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.

Is there a movie or a book you always revisit during the holidays?

Gremlins! So good, such good fun, and Christmassy too!

What's your ultimate comfort food for Christmas?

My favourite Christmas comfort food is warm mince pies with a BIG dollop of brandy butter. The best way is to give them about 20 seconds in the microwave, then peel the lid back and put the brandy butter inside so it all melts! I make myself wait until December though.

Who's your Favourite Christmas Villain:

- The Grinch

- The angry elf in Elf

- Old Man Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life

- Scroonge in a Christmas Carol

Ooo...Christmas villain...hmmmm...I think I'd go for The Grinch. I am a massive Dr Seuss fan!

Thank you so much for joining us today Kerry! You can connect with Kerry on:

Blog address – https://kerrydreweryauthor.wordpress.com/

Twitter - @KerryDrewery

Cell 7 is out now with Hot Key Books. Get your copy now here!

Blurb: A world where justice and the fate of those accused of murder is decided by the public, but has moved on from the Roman Gladiator 'thumbs up or thumbs down' public vote, to a public vote by telephone. If you are voted innocent you are set free; if you are voted guilty you are committed to death by electric chair. Those awaiting their sentence reside in ever decreasing cells, getting smaller each day, until Day 7 and Cell 7, where they hear their fate.

This year I've invited several authors and book bloggers for a fun Christmas Interview. My next guest is the book blogger Lainy, from So many books, so little time.

Can you tell us your Favourite Christmas story from your childhood?

My favourite Christmas story isn't even Christmas themed to be honest. But every single Christ,as Eve we would sit down and watch The Land Before Time (yes the dinosaur movie). Christmas Eve was always last minute rushing to get presents, the rest of the tree sorted and then we went to midnight mass. The only time we had calm was sitting watching it, was always a lovely time, the smell of tinsel and everyone together cosy, I still love that movie as an adult.

If you could go anywhere in the world to celebrate Christmas, where would you go?

I would love to go to Las Vegas, it is one of my fav holiday destinations and would love to see it at Christmas. The Americans always do everything bigger and better and Vegas is a playground for adults, I think it would be perfect!

And what would be the last place you'd want to be stuck during Christmas?

I think as long as you have food and the people you love I can't imagine anywhere you wouldn't love. Maybe somewhere where the temperature goes below zero as I hate the cold but even then, if would be huge blankies, candles and if it was snowing it would look pretty beautiful anyway.

What's your ultimate comfort food for Christmas?

It has to be turkey surely. You look forward to it all year round, have the gigantic dinner with all the trimmings and then for days you have turkey casserole, turkey fried rice, turkey soup, love it!

Favourite Christmas Villain:

- The Grinch

- The angry elf in Elf

- Old Man Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life

- Scroonge in a Christmas Carol

I have only seen two of the above movies and I wouldn't pick any of them to be honest (sorry) I do really enjoy Bad Santa and Billy Bob Thorntons character, he is a riot and everything you shouldn't do and be at that time of the year brilliant. Also the 2nd one is out soon :D hurrah xxx

Thank you Lainy for joining us today! Connect with Lainy on twitter: @smbslt and check out her blog: http://www.alwaysreading.net

This year I've invited several authors and book bloggers for a fun Christmas Interview. My next guest is the book blogger Joanne, from Portobello Book Blog.

If you could only get one present this Christmas, what would you ask for?

I would love to find a voucher under the tree for a day spa visit (or even better, a spa weekend) to Stobo Castle, just outside Peebles. I've been a few times and love it but it's most definitely a treat!

What's the most disappointing present you've ever had?

When I was very little I went to see a department store Santa. As I left I was offered a choice of presents, one of which was a doll's house. Imagine my disappointment when I got home and realised it was actually just stickers you could put on a cardboard box to make a doll's house!

If you had to choose a book for a teenager who's not a big reader as a Christmas present, which book would you choose?

My own teenage girls enjoyed the Mazerunner and The Hunger Games books. They also like Rainbow Rowell and John Green so I'd recommend any of those.

Is there a movie or a book you always revisit during the holidays?

There are several films I watch every year at Christmas: It's A Wonderful Life (of course!), The Polar Express, Love Actually and When Harry Met Sally. I don't normally re-read any particular book at Christmas but was very moved last year by Carmel Harrington's Every Time A Bell Rings (loosely inspired by It's A Wonderful Life) and I may well revisit that this year.

What's the 2017 new release you are most looking forward to?

Oh goodness, I haven't really looked very far ahead yet. I have a copy of John Byrne's The Heart's Invisible Furies which I'm really looking forward to - it comes out in February. And I am very much looking forward to William Nicholson's Adventures in Modern Marriage which is out in January. I've been sent a copy of The Uncommon Life of Alfred Warner in Six Days by Juliet Conlin which is also due out in February and looks wonderful.

Thank you so much for joining us today Joanne! You can connect with Joanne on:

Blog address – portobellobookblog.com

Twitter - @portybelle

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/portobellobookblog/

My next festive book review is for Joanna Bolouri's third book, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. I'm a big fan of Joanna's work so I was over the moon to get my hands on her latest. Spoiler alert: she did not disappoint at all!

Title: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Author: Joanna Bolouri

Published: October 27th 2016 by Quercus

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: A hilarious and heartwarming Christmas comedy. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Tracy Bloom & Chrissie Manby.

Thirty-eight year old Emily has a satisfying job, fab friends, an amazing car and, most importantly, a wonderful flat, exactly 411 miles away from the judgemental, batshit crazy, interfering family she reluctantly sees twice a year. In fact, the only minor stress in her life is her twenty-something neighbour Evan and his penchant for flirting, loud music and even louder sex... but he's nothing she can't handle.

Emily also has a boyfriend called Robert and it's going really well. So well, in fact, that this year Emily is hoping to take him home for Christmas to meet her family. Finally she won't be subject to five days of nosy questions from her parents and pity looks from her younger married siblings.

But when Robert breaks up with her a week before Christmas, Emily is gutted. How on earth is she going to face her family now? Enlisting the help of party boy Evan (in exchange for one month's rent and the use of her convertible) Emily is determined to take Robert home for Christmas come hell or high water, even if it isn't the real Robert...

Review: I absolutely adore Joanna Bolouri's novels. She always manages to create the most amazing stories. Stories I could read for hours and still be left wanting more. And The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is no different. Emily is just hilarious. I want an Emily in my life. I really warmed to her and was rooting for her from page one, especially with such a crazy family.

Her family was actually a great addition to the story. I had so much reading about them. They were not the most supportive and welcoming family but they made for great entertainment. And they actually managed to surprise me more than once.

The whole idea for the book was a bit bonkers: Evan, Emily's younger and definitely sexual active neighbour, pretends to be Emily's boyfriend during their Christmas celebrations. But surprisingly, it worked so well! Evan was fun and a great guy and the more we discovered about him, the more I liked him. His relationship with Emily was never boring, they fought like cat and dog but the chemistry between them was palpable. I never knew which way their interactions would go, something that kept me glued to the pages of the book for hours.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year is a great book: original, fun and with Joanna Bolouri's special witty touch. The characters are spot on and the festive spirit is definitely there. I can only praise this story and I recommend it to absolutely everyone. One not to be missed, just go and get yourself a copy. You are in for a treat!

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

This year I've invited several authors and book bloggers for a fun Christmas Interview. My third guest is blogger Jenny in Neverland:

What’s your approach to decorating the Christmas Tree: go big or don’t go / less is more?

Our house isn’t very big so we’ve had a kinda small fibre-optic white Christmas tree for a few years which sounds like a cop-out, I know! But me and my mum always spend a while decorating it and we usually go for a pink and silver theme. This year we’re going pink and gold instead -- upon my request! So we don’t “go big” but we do make an effort in regards to decorating the Christmas tree! We’re both very very tidy and organised though so it has to look smart!

Is there a movie or a book you always revisit during the holidays?

I always watch The Muppets Christmas Carol on Christmas and it’s usually on TV every, single Christmas day so that’s useful! I think that’s the best Christmas film ever. I also love Four Christmases with Reese Witherspoon, I think that’s so funny and a good choice for a more modern type of Christmas movie!

If you had to choose a book for a kid who's not a big reader as a Christmas present, which book would you choose?

Ooh this is a difficult question. I suppose it depends if it’s a girl or boy and what age they are. And whether they would enjoy more serious books or not. If so, I’d recommend The Age of Miracles or The Book Thief for a Young Adult aged person. For a younger kid, it has to be any Jacqueline Wilson book right?

What's the most disappointing present you've ever had?

Oh blimey I don’t know - probably socks! Nobody needs more socks but always gets them!

Who played Santa Claus the best:

- David Huddleston in the classic Santa Claus

- Richard Attenborough in the remake of Miracle on 34th Street

- Edmund Gwenn in the original Miracle on 34th Street

- Edward Asner in Elf

I am very, very, very ashamed to say that I have never watched any of these movies so I absolutely couldn’t judge. Please don’t hate me! I will try and make an effort to watch at least one of these this year!

Thanks so much Jenny for stopping by! Connect with Jenny on her blog, Jenny in Neverland or on twitter, @jennymarston_xo.

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