Alba in bookland: A very bookish Christmas

Today I am sharing with you my review for A Gift from the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson. Don’t miss out on the new Comfort Food Cafe novel and return to Budbury for a Christmas to remember.

Title: A Gift from the Comfort Food Café (Comfort Food Cafe #5)

Author: Debbie Johnson

Published: October 18th 2018 by HarperCollins

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Christmas has never been Katie Seddon’s favourite time of year. Whilst everyone else shares memories of families coming together and festive number ones, the soundtrack to Katie’s childhood wasn’t quite so merry.

But since she moved to the village of Budbury on the gorgeous Dorset coast, Katie and her baby son have found a new family. A family who have been brought together by life’s unexpected roads and the healing magic of a slice of cake and a cupful of kindess at the Comfort Food Café.

This year, Katie’s new friends are determined to give her a Christmas to remember, and with a gorgeous newcomer in town, Katie’s Christmas wish for a happy home for her son might just come true.

Review: I love the Comfort Food Café. I've completely fallen in love with this series, its characters and of course, the cosy setting. Like the previous four stories in this series, this book can be perfectly read as a stand-alone as it has its own independent story, but I would highly recommend reading all the books, as each one of them is a real treat. And the big cast of characters can be a bit overwhelming for new readers.

This time, the focus falls on Katie. She has appeared a bit in previous books, but we just know that she is a single mum to a very active toddler and that she spends some afternoons in the Café. With this story though, we immediately discover Katie's past: coming from a very disrupted family, all her life she has been trying to escape, but she has never been sure of where to escape to.

Now she has something that she has never had before: people to rely on. Budbury's residents are a big family and they are determined to welcome Katie and her son with open arms. Something that might not have the desired effect on Katie herself...

As usual, author Debbie Johnson balanced the sadder and harder parts in Katie's story with the more humorous scenes perfectly. It's a story that can made you cry in one page and then make you laugh out loud in the following one. And of course, for fans of the series, it's a real treat to catch up with our favourite characters.

The only thing I didn't enjoy as much as in the previous books was actually the main character. Katie is a difficult character to like, especially at the beginning, as I couldn't understand some of her actions. But as the story unfolded, I also saw her change and evolve, which was very enjoyable.

But all in all, this turned out to be a magical story and the setting around Christmas was perfect to put me on the a festive mood. Definitely a story to enjoy on the run up to the holidays with a hot chocolate and some Christmas treats!

Rating: 4 stars

I would like thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Heidi Swain's new festive book, Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland, is the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

Title: Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland

Author: Heidi Swain

Published: November 1st 2018 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: After calling of her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Little does she know, Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course...

Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the eccentric Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. But Hayley isn’t the only new resident at the hall. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, and he quickly makes an impression on Wynbridge’s reformed good-girl.

As preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart. Under the starry winter skies, will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself?

Review: I have read and enjoyed several books by Heidi Swain, but I didn't read Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair (her first book set in Wynthorpe Hall) last Christmas. So for me, all the characters in Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls were completely new.

At the beginning, I struggled a bit with so many of them. But Heidi Swain made a great job of explaining who was who and pretty quickly, I was completely immersed in their story. Wynthorpe Hall is quite a pretty special setting and I completely understand now why so many people fell in love with this place with the last book. And its inhabitants are just as special.

This story focuses in the housekeeper of the Hall, Hayley. Inspired by the love of her friends Anna and Jamie, she has fallen in love herself and is about to celebrate her engagement party. But she (and we) soon realize that her Prince Charming is a bit too charming with other girls...

I loved getting to know Hayley. She wanted to present herself as this tough girl who doesn't care about love and is not hurt by the actions or the comments of other people. But under this façade, she has a huge heart and is ready to help her friends with everything she's got. She was a really complex characters that felt very real.

Then we had Gabe, who arrived at Wynthorpe Hall with a suitcase full of secrets. I was really curious about him and he surprised me more than once. I think the story evolved at the right pace, keeping us readers in our toes, always doubting what would happen to them next.

But Hayley and Gabe's story was not the only thing going on... the Hall was getting ready for the perfect Winter Wonderland, which sounded just magical. And all the secondary characters had their role to play in it. Readers of Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair will be happy to catch up with their old favourites too!

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls is a heart-warming story with a good dash of Christmas magic. With interesting characters and a beautiful setting, it's the perfect read to get into the festive spirit!

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

One Perfect Christmas and Other Stories is the perfect Christmas gift for fans of Paige Toon, as it includes all the enovellas and short stories that she has written about her characters. Perfect to catch up with some old favourites.

Title: One Perfect Christmas and Other Stories

Author: Paige Toon

Published: October 3rd 2018 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: One year after movie star Joseph Strike swept schoolteacher Alice off her feet, they are spending Christmas together in snowy Cambridge. But despite the romantic setting Alice can't help but question whether life in the spotlight is really what she wants. Will a Christmas provide some perspective? Or will the life she’d be leaving behind be too much to lose?

In this irresistible collection, bestselling author Paige Toon reunites a much-loved cast from across her fifteen novels, including Johnny Be Good, The One We Fell In Love With and Thirteen Weddings. Fall in love with nine witty and heartfelt romantic stories, published in print for the very first time.

Review: One thing I love about Paige Toon books is how she always tries to link new characters with old ones, so we know that with every new story we will probably read about some old favourite.

And this is even more the case with this collection of short stories and novellas. It gives us readers the chance to catch up with most of her characters. For me, it feels a bit like opening a tiny window to this special world where all the characters live together, overcoming new challenges, growing their families, falling in (or out of) love... So I basically read the whole book in one sitting, with a huge smile on my face.

A few of the stories in this collection have been published before as enovellas and some others were part of the Hidden Paige. If you are wondering what it is, here is a short description:

The Hidden Paige is an email newsletter featuring exclusive free content, including occasional short stories about key characters, insight about Paige's writing, event news and offers.

This newsletter always brightens my day when I get it, so if you haven't subscribed yet, then I would definitely recommend it!

So it's quite possible that you have read some of these stories before, as I myself had. But having them all together, in paper, was like discovering them all over again. There is also a brand new story related to The Longest Holiday, which even brought a couple of tears to my eyes. This book is a real treat and I would definitely recommend it to all Paige Toon readers.

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.

Title: A Christmas Tail (Primrose Terrace Series #1-4)
Author: Cressida McLaughlin
Published: November 5th 2015 by Harper
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: This book was first published as an e-serial Primrose Terrace Parts 1-4. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Lucy Dillon and Debbie Johnson.

Catherine ‘Cat’ Palmer realizes that bringing an adorable puppy into work is a bad idea, especially when it gets her the sack. Deciding it’s the perfect opportunity to launch her dog-walking business, Cat enlists the help of flatmates Polly and Joe. After all Primrose Terrace, the street where they live, is full of home-alone hounds.

Getting to know the owners and their precious pooches isn’t all plain sailing, but soon Cat is making friends, particularly with sexy Mark and his Collie, Chips. But is he the right man for her?

With her talent for misadventure, Cat’s new life starts to show some cracks, and when one of the street’s loveable schnauzers gets ill, it looks like this Christmas could be turning into a dog’s dinner. But Cat has never given up on anything in her life – and this is one Christmas that’s definitely worth saving…

Review: A Christmas Tail was first published as a serialised enovel earlier this year. I read the first part and enjoyed it a lot but, when it was announced that it was going to be published as a whole in paperback, I decided to wait and enjoy it all at once. I am glad that I did because, first, the paperback is gorgeous with its glittery cover and, second, because the story is just great.

The idea behind the book is really original. Cat, our heroine, after losing her job decides to build her own business as a dog walker. Soon she starts meeting all the dogs and their owners in the beautiful neighbourhood around Primrose Terrace. I really enjoyed reading about all the dogs, they were fantastic characters on their own and each one of them had its own treats and unique personality. And then, there were their owners, who all had their own problems and complications and made for a really fun and varied story.

The story takes place during almost a whole year and as the seasons pass, Cat keeps gaining confidence on her new business. However, her curiousity makes her be a tiny bit too interested in her clients' lives. This creates some problems in the community but soon we realise that Cat always acts from her heart and just wants to help whenever she can. She really is a fantastic character.

Also very interesting is the love triangle between Cat, her sexy but mysterious neighbour and dog owner, and her new roommate. I had a favourite from the beginning and I was glad to read how the triangle ended how I hoped!

As I said, the story takes place during the year but as Christmas approaches, the story builds up for a great ending. The last part of the book, that cover the festive period, was definitely my favourite one. The whole community work together to make this time special and it left me in the perfect festive mood.

A Christmas Tail is a fantastic that I can only recommend. It's perfect for the holidays but also for any time of the year as the story is full of surprises and great characters. All dog lovers will absolutely love it and I'm sure that anyone else will also enjoy it greatly.

Rating:

Title: A Christmas Kiss
Author: Vicky Pattison
Published: October 22nd 2015 by Sphere
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Amber Raey is working all the hours God sends as assistant to one of the country's top fashion designers, and her boss is a complete nightmare. Amber's dream is to launch her own fashion line one day so, for the time being, she just has to grin and bear it. And then opportunity comes knocking and Amber's suddenly on the fast track to the top.

The parties, the glamour, a whirlwind romance - Amber loves every second of her new life. But there's more to this world than its glossy exterior suggests, and when a face from Amber's past reappears, she finds herself in real trouble. With Christmas fast approaching, Amber is drifting further and further away from her family and friends. Can she get her life back on track before it's too late for a merry Christmas?

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

Review: Earlier this year I read Vicky's debut, All That Glitters, which I really enjoyed. So I picked up A Chrismtas Kiss ready for lots of fun, humour, love and great characters and I was not disappointed. Similarly to her debut, Vicky writes about a quite down to earth girl, Amber, and catapults her to fame and fortune. But if All That Glitter was all about hairdressing, A Christmas Kiss is all about fashion. Amber is an assistant to a famous designer but her tasks are basically dog sitting and carrying coffee, so when a major fashion house approaches her with a real designer job she is over the moon.

But all that glitters is not gold. Soon she finds herself as the star of all gossip magazines and blogs and her live spirals a bit out of control. Luckly, Amber is not alone in this journey. I certainly liked her roommates and good friends Jess and Tom. They added such a fun spark to the story and you could tell their bond was strong. Also at work Amber found some allies, especially her new boss Alejandro. He was wise and kind and had infinite patience with her.

I really enjoyed reading about all the glamorous locations in the story, especially about New York fashion week. That must be really frantic and crazy and I think Vicky Pattison did a great job describing it all. And then there's the romance line in the story. A mega famous American sweeps Amber off her feet with grand gestures and trips to the most romantic places but what is real and what is not in such a crazy world?

The only thing that disappointed me a little about this novel was that I was expecting something a bit more festive but the story takes place during a whole year and only a small part over the holidays. But this didn't stop me from enjoying the story. It certainly guarantees lots of laughs, romance and great doses of friendship. So if you are looking for a cute quick story to enjoy during the holidays, A Christmas Kiss might be perfect for you!

Rating:

Title: Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Jumper
Author: Debbie Johnson
Published: November 5th 2015 by Harper Impulse
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: You’ve seen Mark Darcy in the reindeer jumper his mother gave him, now meet Marco Cavelli in this season’s Christmas knit!

For single mum Maggie, Christmas has always been a family occasion – her daughter Ellen filling the house with her bubbly warmth and mistletoe, her dad Paddy having one too many festive tipples, and the traditional family Christmas tree looking like a drunken elf vomited a rainbow all over it.

But this year, with both Ellen and Paddy away for the holidays, Maggie’s facing a truly blue Christmas – alone with nothing but a bottle of Baileys and an M&S turkey dinner.

Until walking the snowy streets of Oxford, Marco Cavelli quite literally crashes into her life – and, complete with broken leg, becomes her unexpected houseguest. All dreamy brown eyes and 6’5” of gorgeousness, the man is hotter and more delicious than a freshly baked mince pie.

Though Maggie always thought it’s a truth universally acknowledged that you never kiss a man in a Christmas jumper?

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

Review: The first thing that caught my eye of Never Kiss a Man with a Christmas Jumper was the fun and colourful cover. And also, the fab title. After reading the blurb, I knew it was the kind of book perfect to enjoy in a cold afternoon with a hot chocolate and with my best Christmas Jumper and I was not wrong. It's such a fun and cute story! I devoured it in one sitting and it left me with a huge grin on my face after finishing it.

Maggie is a lovely character. After having a daughter when she was 16, she has always focused on her and her work (making the most wonderful wedding dresses) so when she spots a gorgeous dad with a silly Christmas jumper on the park all she allows herself is to dream about him a bit. But circumstances (and a bike accident) force them to spend a lot of time together. The hot dad turns out to be a hot uncle and we soon discober that he is sweet, considerate and all round a good guy. Maybe perfect for lonely Maggie?

One of the things I most enjoyed of the story was its setting. Imagine the lovely city of Oxford covered in Snow and looking beautiful for Christmas. I could totally picture it all while reading and wished I lived closer to go and stroll by the river, just like Maggie and Marco.

As I said, both Maggie and Marco are fantastic characters. You quickly warm to them and enjoy their banter. Wishing the best for both of them, pushing them to share their true feelings. Plus, their respective famílies are also cute and fun.

Never Kiss a Man with a Christmas Jumper is a sweet story with emotional moments that warm you inside and also with lots of laughter and banter. I can only recommend it for the holidays. And maybe kissing a man with a Christmas Jumper is not such a bad idea?

Rating:

Title: Christmas Ever After (Puffin Island #3)

Author: Sarah Mogan

Published: October 22nd 2015 by MIRA

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Skylar Tempest has never understood Alec Hunter’s appeal. So what if he’s a world-renowned historian? He’s also cynical, aloof and determined to think the worst of her. So when a twist of fate finds her spending the lead-up to Christmas with Alec and his family, she’s not expecting the season to be either merry or bright.

Alec has learned the hard way not to trust beautiful women—and Skylar is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. But as he watches her throw herself into his family’s festive chaos, Alec realises there is far more to this blonde bombshell than meets the eye.

With Christmas around the corner, Alec and Skylar return to Puffin Island, a tentative bond forged between them. Neither intends to fall in love but as the nights become darker, and the fire between them grows hotter, could this be the chance for Alec and Skylar to find their own happy ending?

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

Review: I love Sarah Morgan's Christmas books. They always put me on the perfect festive mood. So when I was offered her latest to review, I couldn't resist. I have to admit though that I haven't read the first two books of the series, but I was told that it could perfectly be read as a stand-alone. And the truth is that I had no problems in immersing myself in the story. Some of the characters had their own stories in the previous books but it only made me want to pick up the others books more. Puffin Island certainly sounds like a fantastic place, even covered in metres of Snow. I can only imagine how cool it must be in summer.

Now to the story. Skylar is a fantastic character. So strong and determined to make her own life and her dreams come tue. Even if her family disaprove. I loved that her story and Alec's started in beautiful London. Alec definitely wasn't Sky's biggest fan at the beginning but soon you could feel the chemistry between these too was too obvious to avoid. I also enjoyed a lot their visit to Alec's family. They were such a lovely bunch. And their traditional Christmas was perfect.

As Alec and Sky's story progressed and they grew closer, I could only root for them. They made such a perfect coulpe and it was so infuriating that they woulnd't see it. It definitely had me turning pages non-stop to know more and more about them. Luckily, their lovely friends in Puffin Island could see it and pushed a bit in the right direction.

If you are looking for a fantastic and romantic read to put you on the mood for the holidays then I highly recommend you pick Christmas Ever After. It has all the elements that make a festive read great: family, romance, cute dogs, lots of food, great friends and some bad weather that make you seek refuge in a warm and cosy place. What else can you ask for?

Rating:

Hi Becca and welcome to Alba in Bookland's Christmas Feature. Here's your first question: Best Christmas present from your childhood?

Oooh, great question! There were so many presents that I loved, but I think, if I remember rightly, my toy kitchen was my favourite. You know the ones! You’ve got your oven, your cupboards, your sink and your fridge. Not forgetting the food that kept me entertained for hours upon hours. I served chips and eggs, and tea in a teacup poured from my teapot, all handed over to Mum of course, then I’d wait eagerly for her to eat up and sip imaginary tea. It was brilliant, I absolutely loved that kitchen.

Do you have any ideas to write a Festive read in the future?

Oh, I would LOVE to write a festive story, so fingers crossed! Christmas is my favourite time of year, and it’s also swiftly followed by New Year and then my birthday which makes it even more exciting. I’m a sucker for twinkly lights, anything cinnamon scented, wrapped presents and Christmas music, so if I had the chance to use my love for Christmas in a novel I would jump at it, but we shall see!

A Christmas book recommendation for this year

Oh, gosh, this is difficult because there are just SO many, but I’ve got to say that Holly Martin’s White Cliff Bay stories, Christmas at Lilac Cottage & Snowflakes on Silver Cove have been magical! They’ve got it all. The romance, the festivities, the fun and the snow! Perfect books to add to any Christmas reading lists this year.

Favourite Christmas cover

Again, SO DIFFICULT! I absolutely adore Samantha Tonge’s My Big Fat Christmas Wedding and Claire Sandy’s Snowed in for Christmas. In truth though, I love them all and really can’t bear to pick just one favourite, sorry Alba!

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 really loved Richard Attenborough in the remake of Miracle on 34th Street. That film is just adorable, and he did a great job of playing Santa I thought!

Thanks for having me on your blog, Alba! It’s been fun answering your questions, and if possible, I’m even more excited for Christmas now! Becca x

Thank you Becca for stopping by and answering all my festive questions! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Becca blogs at the fantastic Becca's Books and has recently published her debut novel Return to Bluebell Hill with Carina:

As sweet and satisfying as strawberries and cream! This British summertime, get out in the garden with Rebecca Pugh’s sparkling debut novel.

Home is where the heart is…

Jessica McAdams has never belonged anywhere; never truly felt at home. Of course, what did she expect from parents who never made her feel welcome in her own house? Leaving her life in London to return home to the charming country village of Bluebell Hill is harder than she thought. Especially as she never considered she’d be returning under such heart wrenching circumstances…

Clearing out the stunning and imposing Bluebell House after her parents’ death is difficult for Jessica—they never had the best relationship and now it’s too late. Yet spending time in the house that was never a home, having afternoon tea with dear old friend Esme—and sharing hot, sizzling kisses with delectable gardener Rueben!—opens Jessica’s eyes to the potential of Bluebell House… Could this big old, beautiful manor really be her forever home? Is Bluebell Hill where her heart is, has always been?

Jessica soon dares to dream of her very own home with delicious Rueben by her side. But when a deep, dark secret of Bluebell House is unearthed, Jessica’s world is turned upside down…

Will Jessica ever find where her heart truly lies?

An emotional tale of self-discovery, taking chances and romance! Rebecca’s unique British voice feels like coming home again and again.

Welcome to Bookish Recipes, a feature on the blog where I cook or bake a recipe from a book I have loved and share the result with you. This week's recipe is inspired by the book How to Stuff Up Christmas by Rosie Blake. I absolutely loved this one. It is one of the best festive books I've read in a while and it's full of laughters, food, romance and crazy geese, what else can you ask for?

In the book, Eve is a total disaster in the kitchen so she has to relay on her best friend, Daisy, to cook for her. Daisy makes this delicious chocolate biscuit cake and when I saw that Rosie had added the recipe for it, I decided to try it myself as it sounded so yummy!

1) Melt the dark chocolate, syrup and butter in a a glass bowl on top of boiling water. When it's smooth, take it off the heat.

2) Break up the digestive biscuits (here Rosie suggests to put them in a carrier bag and use a rolling pin to bash them, I tried without the carrier bag and it was not a good idea... but well it worked).

3) Add the biscuits to the mixture and put o a baking tray. Let it rest on the fridge.

4) Once it's set, melt the white chocolate and pour it on top of the mixture. Then add the decorations, Rosie suggests Maltesers, but in the supermarket I went, they didn't have any. So I opted for smarties.

5) Put back in the fridge to set. Before serving it, take it out the fridge for a while. Otherwise, it'll be difficult to cut it (true fact) and enjoy!

It's a really sweet cake. My nieces (and I) loved it! Thanks Rosie for sharing this fab recipe!

About the book:

Title: How To Stuff Up Christmas

Author: Rosie Blake
Published: November 5th 2015 by Corvus
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: 'Tis the season to be jolly. Unless you've found an intimate picture of another woman on your fiance's phone...

Eve is heartbroken after discovering her fiance is cheating on her. Being surrounded by the joys of Christmas is more than Eve can bear, so she chooses to avoid the festivities by spending Christmas alone on a houseboat in Pangbourne. Eve gets an unexpected seasonal surprise when handsome local vet Greg comes to her rescue one day, and continues to visit Eve's boat on a mission to transform her from Kitchen Disaster Zone to Culinary Queen.

But where does Greg keep disappearing to? What does Eve's best friend Daisy know that she isn't telling? And why is there an angry goose stalking Eve's boat?

A hilarious and heart-warming novel about Christmas, catastrophes and cooking, containing exclusive Christmas recipes, from the talented Rosie Blake.

Read my review of How to Stuff Up Christmas here