This year, for my Christmas feature, I've invited several authors and book bloggers for a fun Christmas Interview. My first guest is fantastic author Heidi Swain:

Hi Heidi and welcome to Alba in Bookland. First of all, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hello Alba! Thank you so much for inviting me along to chat about all things festive and bookish! My name is Heidi Swain and I am an author of ‘feel good fiction’ signed to Simon and Schuster. I live in the lovely county of Norfolk and I’m a huge fan of the festive season.

Your latest book, Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair, is about a girl who is not a big fan of Christmas herself. Tell us a bit more about her and what sparked this idea.

Being such a massive fan of Christmas and having been a part of some beautiful country house celebrations myself, my author brain began to wonder what it would feel like to be excluded from the planning and partying, the present buying and the tree trimming and then, in walked Anna.

Readers of the book will know that Anna has a tragedy in her past which has blighted her ability to want to join in with anything to do with the festive season and I decided I was going to help her. Sending her to Wynthorpe Hall and the welcoming embrace of the eccentric family who live there was my way of, hopefully, giving her the sort of Christmas I love and want everyone to be a part of.

Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair is a Top Ten Sunday Times Bestseller, how did you feel when you found out about this?

Ecstatic, amazed and overwhelmed pretty much sums it up. The week before it made the Top Ten it had reached number 13 but I didn’t allow myself to hope that it would get any higher. The Sunday Times Bestseller list was one of my Top Goals so the thought of reaching it so soon felt impossible really.

I was in Norwich, having coffee with a friend when my phone started going bonkers – emails, messages, texts and missed calls all flooded in and I told myself I wouldn’t look at any of them until I got home. The temptation was too much however, and I was sitting in the gathering darkness in my little Fiat in the park and ride car park when I plucked up the courage to call my lovely editor, Emma. 

She was absolutely over the moon – Sleigh Rides hadn’t only managed to reach the Top Ten, it was number 5! It was the best moment of my career so far!

Now that Christmas is fast approaching, let's talk Christmas presents. Which book is on top of your wish list this year? 

That’s an impossible question to answer, however with so many fabulous festive titles being published this year I wouldn’t mind retreating to a cosy, little cottage in the middle of a wintery landscape to read them all.

But, if you really are going to push me on this, I would definitely be happy to see some new Trisha Ashley books in my stocking and there’s a stunning hardback edition of A Christmas Carol which is part of the Penguin Clothbound Classic series that I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on. I read it every year without fail and this edition is simply divine!

Do you ever make your own gifts for your loved ones? 

Not anymore, I’m afraid. I used to when the kids were younger, but with so many extra things going on now I’ve got out of the habit. I always try to include some locally made crafts and gifts in with my buying but it has been a while since I made anything myself. I sew little projects and bake, make chutney and so on throughout the year, perhaps I should start planning to make a few things well in advance of the big day so I have something truly unique to wrap up? Ask me again next year and I’ll endeavour to have a different answer.

What's your favorite Christmas comfort food?

Another tough question! The list could be long and varied, butI do love it when the stilton and crackers come out. Throw in a nice juicy apple and a glass of port to go with it and I’m one very happy author.

And finally, if you could spend Christmas anywhere in the world, where would you like to go?

I’m a real home bird so my own home suits me fine for Christmas day, but a festive trip to New York in the run up, followed by a grand country house hotel to see in the New Year, would be right up my street. No dishes, no laundry, no stress… wonderful.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a relaxing New Year!

Today I am delighted to welcome author Anna Bell on the blog. Her latest book, It Started with a Tweet, is out in ebook next week and in paperback later next month. Today Anna has stopped by to answer all my bookish questions. I also have a giveaway for 3 paperback copies of this fun story. Scroll to the bottom of the post to enter!

Hi Anna and welcome to Alba in Bookland. First of all, could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Thanks for having me Alba! I’m Anna - I’m a British writer of romantic comedies who lives on the edge of the French Pyrenees with my lovely husband, two energetic toddlers, a lively labrador and five chickens. 

Your new book, It Started with a Tweet, is about media-obsessed Daisy, who goes on a digital detox after an online disaster. What sparkled this idea?

My starting point was that I wanted to write a book where people could fall in love in a more old fashioned way. To me there’s nothing more magical than a handwritten letter and I desperately wanted the two main characters to write to each other. I started to think what would drive people to write each other notes in our digital era - and that’s when the detox idea was born. 

I've seen on Twitter and you also started a digital detox yourself recently. Why did you decide that? Is this something that you would recommend to everyone?

Absolutely, do it! When I started writing the book, I began by researching the topic of digital addiction and I found it fascinating to find out how people’s behaviour changed when their devices were taken away. It really made me question not only my use of technology but also my children’s too. We detoxed as a family for three days and the results were amazing. With my phone and iPad firmly out of the way, no one seemed to miss it - least of all me. It made me feel free. It’s hard to explain, but I felt like no one was judging what I was or wasn’t doing. It allowed me to enjoy my time with my family without always thinking that there was something else in the room that needed my attention. Have a go - it’ll make you realise how much time you waste on your phone! 

Tell us a bit more about Daisy, do you think your readers will relate easily to her and her media obsession?

Daisy’s a workaholic who follows the mantra work hard, play hard and her whole life is played out on social media. When she has her phone (and her job) taken away from her she really has to learn who she really is and what she actually wants from life. I think that most of us are guilty of spending too much time on social media and I think readers will sympathise with her obsession. I also think they’ll be able to feel for her when her phone’s been taken away and the lengths she’d go to get it back. I’m sure we can all think of times when we’ve found ourselves offline and are desperate to connect again. 

What's your favourite social network? And what is the one you use the most to interact with your readers?

I love the simplicity of Twitter with it’s bitesize information. It’s where I find most of my recommendations for books and I love it when watching TV programmes when it’s more fun to read people’s reactions to the show rather than the show itself. I also find it really easy to use Twitter to talk to my readers and I love tweeting with them. My guilty secret is that I’m also addicted to Instagram stories- I have no idea why I find the ordinary bits of people’s lives so fascinating, but I spend ages watching them. 

What books do you currently have on your to-be-read pile?

I’ve just started reading The Belle Savage by Philip Pullman. I adored the His Dark Materials trilogy and I could not wait to dive back into the world of Lyra. I’ve also got Marian Keyes The Break to read after. I’ve never been disappointed with one of Marian’s books and I’ve heard great things about this one too. 

And finally, what can we expect from you next?

I’m currently writing a book about two old friends who made one of those if we’re not married by the time we’re thirty pacts - and they end up deciding to put the pact into action. It’s a love story in reverse with them slowly finding out what happens when the honeymoon’s over.

About the book:

Title: It Started with a Tweet

Author: Anna Bell

Published by Zaffre

ebook: December 7th 2017 

paperback: December 28th 2017

Amazon | Amazon UK

In his long-awaited return, John Green, the acclaimed, award-winning author of Looking for Alaska and The Fault in Our Stars, shares Aza’s story with shattering, unflinching clarity in this brilliant novel of love, resilience, and the power of lifelong friendship. 

Title: Turtles All the Way Down

Author: John Green

Published: October 10th 2017 by Penguin

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Sixteen-year-old Aza never intended to pursue the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but there’s a hundred-thousand-dollar reward at stake and her Best and Most Fearless Friend, Daisy, is eager to investigate. So together, they navigate the short distance and broad divides that separate them from Russell Pickett’s son, Davis.

Aza is trying. She is trying to be a good daughter, a good friend, a good student, and maybe even a good detective, while also living within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts. 

Review: Let me start by saying Turtles All the Way Down is a brilliant book. Given that John Green is a really famous writer and that his last book was a smashing success, expectations for this one were really high, to say the least. So I went into it with quite an open mind but I instantly realised we were in for a very special ride. 

In this story, we get to meet Aza, her mum and her circle of friends, especially her best friend, Daisy. Aza is a highly interesting character. She suffers OCD and as you read about her and her ever-tightening spiral of thoughts, you really understand what she is going through and how it is affecting her life. I really think that John Green paints a really clear picture of what suffering a mental illness feels like (for the person suffering and for the people around them), which I am sure will open many eyes. 

Once again, teenagers in this story are very mature and really intelligent, discussing complex concepts and wondering about the universe and the meaning of life. I've read already a few reviews that say that this makes them less real or relatable but for me it's quite the contrary. I enjoyed immensely reading about them and learning about their struggles, their fascinations and dreams and I think many young readers will relate easily with these characters. 

On first sight, the plot for this story is not really complex, two girls trying to gather clues about a famous disappearance. But everything that happens around it, the characters, their conversations, their interactions, their struggles, their inner worlds... is what makes this book so special.

For me, this book is a winner and a must-read. It's definitely different from John Green's previous books but so so good. I am sure this book will touch many readers.

Rating: 5 stars

I haven't done a Bookish Recipe in a while, but while I was reading the fantastic The Lemon Tree Café by Cathy Bramley, I felt inspired to bake again. In this story there is a lot of delicious food, especially cake, which reminded me of my mum's lemon cake. She is a great baker and this is her signature cake (I don't even know how many times I brought this cake to school for fairs and celebrations) so I asked her for the recipe and tried my hand at it. 

It turned out quite delicious, even if I have to say, not as delicious as my mum's (probably because I left it in the oven a few minutes too much or maybe because she has a special touch, who knows?) but I definitely recommend this recipe. It's quick, easy and you get a light and fluffy lemony sponge. Perfect for when life gives you lemons 😉 

Ingredients: 

- 4 eggs 

- 1 lemon yogurt (125 g)

- 1/2 cup oil

- 1 1/2 cups flour

- 1 cup sugar

- 10 g baking powder

- finely grated zest 1 lemon

1) Heat oven to 200º C and lightly oil a 18cm round x 5cm deep cake tin. 

2) Mix the eggs with the yogurt and the oil. Add the sugar and mix again. 

3) Add the flour, baking powder and lemon zest. You can also add a couple of spoons of lemon juice to make it more lemony. 

4) Briefly and gently stir with a spoon so everything is just combined, without overmixing. 

5) Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the top. Turn oven to 180º C and bake for 40 mins or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. 

6) Dust with icing sugar. 

About the book: 

The Lemon Tree Café is a charming and heart-warming story that will make you laugh but that will surprise you too. Definitely the perfect read for a crispy weekend, to be enjoyed with a good Italian coffee and a big piece of lemon cake.

Blurb: The Lemon Tree Cafe was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.

When Rosie Featherstone finds herself unexpectedly jobless, the offer to help her beloved Italian grandmother out at the Lemon Tree Cafe – a little slice of Italy nestled in the rolling hills of Derbyshire – feels like the perfect way to keep busy.

Surrounded by the rich scent of espresso, delicious biscotti and juicy village gossip, Rosie soon finds herself falling for her new way of life. But she is haunted by a terrible secret, one that even the appearance of a handsome new face can't quite help her move on from. 

Then disaster looms and the cafe’s fortunes are threatened... and Rosie discovers that her nonna has been hiding a dark past of her own. With surprises, betrayal and more than one secret brewing, can she find a way to save the Lemon Tree Cafe and help both herself and Nonna achieve the happy endings they deserve?

Today's review is for Sweetpea by C.J. Skuse. I discovered this author with her YA novels, but this time, she brings us an adult crime story... and what a story! Read my thoughts on it:

Title: Sweetpea

Author: CJ Skuse

Published: November 2nd 2017 by HQ Stories

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: The last person who called me ‘Sweetpea’ ended up dead…

I haven’t killed anyone for three years and I thought that when it happened again I’d feel bad. Like an alcoholic taking a sip of whisky. But no. Nothing. I had a blissful night’s sleep. Didn’t wake up at all. And for once, no bad dream either. This morning I feel balanced. Almost sane, for once.

Rhiannon is your average girl next door, settled with her boyfriend and little dog…but she’s got a killer secret.

Although her childhood was haunted by a famous crime, Rhinannon’s life is normal now that her celebrity has dwindled. By day her job as an editorial assistant is demeaning and unsatisfying. By evening she dutifully listens to her friend’s plans for marriage and babies whilst secretly making a list.

A kill list.

From the man on the Lidl checkout who always mishandles her apples, to the driver who cuts her off on her way to work, to the people who have got it coming, Rhiannon’s ready to get her revenge.

Because the girl everyone overlooks might be able to get away with murder…

Review: Well, well, well... this was not what I was expecting! Don't get me wrong, Sweetpea is fantastic but it took me quite for surprise. After reading and loving the dark and atmospheric YA novel The Deviants last year, I was expecting a really tense read with secrets and lies aplenty. But instead we get this really REALLY dark story which turns out to be quite humorous and no lies at all, only the plain truth.

Basically Sweetpea is the diary of Rhiannon, a serial killer. And we get to know her with no filters. Everything that goes through her mind ends in the diary and as you can imagine, she has some really extremely dark thoughts. From the thrill she gets from killing, her interactions with her weird colleagues, her sexual activities and fantasies, to her love for her dog and Sylvanian Families, she talks about everything. 

She is definitely a character almost impossible to connect with, but somehow, you kind of like her. For example, in every entry, she lists people she would like to kill and some of those entries are just hilarious. Seriously, if I had one of those lists myself, I would agree with her more than once. 

It's also so refreshing to get this uncensored view of her life. It's quite shocking at the beginning, as there's blood, LOTS of it, and violence, and sex, and disturbing thoughts, and disturbing actions... but once you get into the story, it's highly entertaining. Definitely not recommended for the faint-hearted or for younger audiences though.

Although the book is quite long, at around 500 pages, things keep happening at quite a fast pace and there are several characters that play a big role in Rhianon's life, so you don't get bored. My only con would be probably the last part of the story, as it all got a bit too much for me. 

Definitely recommended for fans of dark humour or for readers looking for something different, out of the ordinary.

Rating: 4 stars

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