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Last Christmas by Clare Swatman

Sep1

A Sliding Doors Moment

Last Christmas by Clare Swatman is a beautiful dual timeline novel that I really loved.

The novel takes place during the first decade of the twenty first century. The reader drops in on each Christmas as well as having a bitesize catch up for the previous year.

Last Christmas is a novel with a difference as we experience a sliding doors moment. When faced with a life changing decision would we choose path A? Or path B? Would the final outcome be the same? Or totally different? Both paths take similar but different routes. The novel alternates between ‘Go’ and ‘Stay’.

The choices run parallel. The leading players are the same but the choices provide some very different outcomes.

This is a novel about love and life, family and friendship, and the choices we make.

Dividing time between London and New York, the reader ‘experiences’ two very different Christmases. There is no doubt that snow, lights and Central Park definitely produce the more romantic of the two options to the reader. Weighed against that is the small family Christmases in London. Where would you choose to spend Christmas?

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The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan

Mar11

Deliciously Wonderful

The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan is an absolutely charming, contemporary feel-good novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. Although there is the word ‘Christmas’ in the title, this is a book that can be enjoyed all year round. The action is set in early December but the focus of the book is on friends and family.

We drop in on three lifelong friends who are taking a vacation in a quaint inn in Vermont for a week discussing books. We hear of the background of the three – the workaholic, the broken-hearted and the soon-to-be empty nester. All three are facing challenges but are united by their love and support.

We also meet the innkeeper who is struggling with sudden loss and is a young widow with a five year old daughter. “Grief never leaves you.” Grief paralyses, there is no end as she tries to fulfill her husband’s dreams for the inn. “She was the caretaker of his dreams.” But his dreams and his way are not the only way. The young widow needs to find her way.

Our upbringings shape us. A character has never known her father. This has made her ultra independent and afraid to show her emotions. No one has penetrated her hard outer shell until… an encounter with a delightful five year old.

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The Magic Faraway Tree: A Christmas Adventure by Jacqueline Wilson

Feb27

Re-visiting My Childhood

The Magic Faraway Tree: A Christmas Adventure by Jacqueline Wilson is a most charming novel that will appeal to everyone aged eight years and over.

Once more Jacqueline Wilson has transported the adult reader back to their childhood, whilst simultaneously introducing the next generation to the magic that is the Faraway Tree. There is the timeless appeal of Moonface, Silky, the Angry Pixie etc.

The reader joins the characters for a festive fayre as we delight in a winter wonderland, walking on fresh snowfall, just perfect for a new adventure. This is the second book in the series.

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A Christmas Tail by Cressida McLaughlin

Jan4

Absolutely Delightful

A Christmas Tail by Cressida McLaughlin is an absolutely delightful contemporary novel that will make you smile. The title is misleading – although Christmas is celebrated at the end of the book, the novel covers the whole year.

We follow the lead character, Cat, who is an enthusiastic, novice dog-walker as the book opens. Life is chaotic and never dull with Cat around. The dogs all have their unique personalities and endear themselves to the reader.

Cat is a very charming leading lady. She has a huge heart and is a ‘fixer’ but sometimes this lands her in hot water.

There is the pantomime villain in the story who turns out to be misguided and not so bad after all.

Within the tale there is conflict between those who love dogs and a few who don’t – but are determined to spoil life for others.

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