Review ~ A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Stories by Charles Dickens..

Alma Books
2016

Ebenezer Scrooge is a lonely, miserly old man who hates Christmas, which he dismisses as “humbug”. One Christmas Eve, however, he is visited by a series of ghosts who reveal to him the innocence he has lost, the wretchedness of his future and the poverty of the present, which he has so far ignored. This experience teaches Scrooge the true meaning of the holiday and leaves him a transformed man.

With its memorable cast of characters such as Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is the most heart-warming of seasonal tales, a timeless classic that continues to enchant readers around the world and a lesson in charity and hopefulness that is as powerful today as when it was first written in 1843.

----

For me no Christmas is complete without reading A Christmas Carol. No-one can conjure a Victorian Christmas like Dickens, who with his unique perspective, brings the story of Christmas to glorious life. We all know the story of how the miserly and cantankerous, Ebeneezer Scrooge is made to realise the importance of human kindness and, of how, at the end of his journey he is changed irrevocably into a nicer person.

But it must also be remembered that Dickens wrote other Christmas stories, of which A Christmas Carol is but one. In this volume we are also given..

The Chimes ( 1843)

The Cricket on the Hearth (1845) 

The Battle of Life (1846)

The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain (1848)

This is a really lovely version and what I find important these days is that the font is a good size for comfortable reading . All too often classics stories are spoiled by much too tiny a font - publishers take note !!

Also included in this version are a few photographs of Dickens and his family along with notes on Dickens's life and also on Dickens's works which I found to be really interesting and informative.

Available from Alma Books and all good book shops.

My thanks to Will at Alma Books for my review copy of A Christmas Carol and other Christmas stories.

Hear Hear Some Christmas Cheer from Audible...

With Christmas getaways, shoppers and commuter traffic, the festive period is one busiest times of the year. Last year alone over 14 million drove home for Christmas and with journeys on some roads taking almost three times longer than normal, festive entertainment is a travel essential. With this in mind, the editors at Audible have compiled a list of the ultimate Yuletide audiobooks to keep the festive spirit alive in a traffic jam, in flight, or after you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped.

Please see below for Audible’s top picks this Christmas

A Christmas Carol: An Audible Original Drama
Author: Charles Dickens 
Narrated by: Various cast

Jenna Coleman, Miriam Margolyes, Derek Jacobi, Brendan Coyle and Roger Allam are amongst the celebrity voices coming together this Christmas in a brand new multi-cast dramatization of Charles Dickens’ ghostly Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol.

The festive tale has been released as a free gift to members.

A Boy Called Christmas

 Author: Matt Haig

 Narrated by: Stephen Fry

 £9.19 (free for Audible members)

You are about to listen to the true story of Father Christmas. It is a story that proves that nothing is impossible. If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. It is most certainly not for you. Because this audiobook is full of impossible things. Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin....

The idea for the series came when Matt Haig’s son asked what Father Christmas was like as a boy. A Boy Called Christmas is a tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and an 11-year-old boy called Nikolas, who isn't afraid to believe in magic.

The Girl Who Saved Christmas

Author: Matt Haig

Narrated by: Carey Mulligan

£9.19 (free for Audible members)

If magic has a beginning, can it also have an end? When Amelia wants a wish to come true she knows just the man to ask - Father Christmas. But the magic she wants to believe in is starting to fade, and Father Christmas has more than impossible wishes to worry about. Upset elves, reindeers dropping out of the sky, angry trolls and the chance that Christmas might be cancelled.

Midnight Gang

Author: David Williams

Narrated by: David Walliams, Peter Serafinowicz, Morwenna Banks, Nitin Ganatra, Ellen Thomas

Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for...the Midnight Gang. That is when their adventures are just beginning....

The Midnight Gang tells an extraordinarily heart-warming and, of course, funny story of five children on a hospital ward and on a quest for adventure. It is a story of friendship and magic - and of making dreams come true.

Listeners are set to be utterly spellbound by this heartfelt story that will bring magic to everyone's Christmas.

Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days

 Author: Jeanette Winterson

 Narrated by: Jeanette Winterson, Imogen Church

£14.99 (free for Audible members)

New York Times best-selling author Jeanette Winterson brings together 12 brilliantly imaginative, funny and bold Christmas tales. For the 12 Days of Christmas - a time of celebration, sharing, and giving - she offers these 12 plus one: a personal story of her own Christmas memories.

 From trees with mysterious powers to a tinsel baby that talks, philosophical fairies to flying dogs, a haunted house and a disappearing train, Winterson's innovative stories encompass the childlike and spooky wonder of Christmas. Perfect for listening to by the fire with loved ones or while traveling home for the holidays. Enjoy the season of peace and goodwill, mystery, and a little bit of magic courtesy of one of our most fearless and accomplished writers.

A Christmas Feast and other stories

 Author: Katie Fforde

 Narrated by: Jilly Bond, Rita Sharma

 £19.99 (free for Audible members)

A delicious Christmas feast of short stories from the Sunday Times number one best-selling author of A French Affair and The Perfect Match.

Add some extra sparkle to your Christmas by joining Katie Fforde for a perfect romantic Christmas feast of short stories. Collected together for the first time and including one brand-new story. Make your Christmas wishes come true....

 The Night Before Christmas

 Author: Clement C. Moore

 Narrated by: Jeff Bridges£6.39 (free for Audible members)

Academy Award Winner Jeff Bridges' iconic voice brings the beloved holiday classic story "The Night Before Christmas" to life.

Celebrate the holiday season with the only audiobook of "The Night Before Christmas", read by Jeff Bridges. No other narrator brings Santa and these merry scenes to life quite like Mr. Bridges - it's an instant Christmas classic! Create a new family tradition as you add this audiobook to your holiday activities leading up to December 25th.

Letters from Father Christmas

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

Narrated by: Derek Jacobi

£5.99 (free for Audible members)

Can you imagine writing to Father Christmas and actually getting a reply?

Every year, the children of J.R.R. Tolkien would write to Father Christmas, and the letters they received told wonderful stories of his adventures at the North Pole.

These humorous tales are brought to life by Derek Jacobi as Father Christmas, John Moffatt as Polar Bear, and Christian Rodska as Ilbereth the Elf, complete with specially composed music.

 Find out more about Audible  by clicking here

My thoughts about listening to

  

I enjoyed listening to Carey Mulligan read The Girl Who Saved Christmas. She has a nicely expressive voice and conveys the story in an entertaining away which should appeal to children and also to adults who listen along with the story. I thought the story was exciting, there seems to be lots of adventure. There is also lots of Christmas magic which is combined with stories of trolls and pixies. And of course, there is also Father Christmas who needs so much help from Amelia who, throughout the story, is a wonderful feisty protagonist .

The narration runs over 5hrs and 20 minutes, so it's a story that could be listened to over several nights or to break up a long journey. I found that I could easily listen to the story in short bursts and still pick up the story when I returned to it.

Nice Christmas elements, exciting content. Overall, the story will appeal to those who like Christmas adventure with a smattering of nostalgia.

My thanks to Audible for the opportunity to listen to this story and also to Midas PR

Review ~ A Fairy Tale for Christmas by Chrissie Manby

Christmas Read

Hodder
2016

The blurb..

What could be more magical at Christmas than a fairy tale come true?

It's the festive season and the members of the Newbay Theatre Society, more commonly known as the NEWTS, are preparing to put on a show. Being cast as Cinderella is the realization of a dream for newcomer Kirsty, not least because she hopes starring in a panto under the direction of her boyfriend Jon will bring them closer together.

But Kirsty soon learns that it's not all glitter and good cheer behind the scenes at the amateur theatre as bitter rivalries nurtured through decades, wardrobe mishaps and suspicious near-fatal accidents threaten to derail the production. And then there's Prince Charming himself. Will working together with Jon bring Kirsty her happy ever after... or reveal their love to be nothing but a 'showmance'?

With Christmas just around the corner, it's going to take more than a Fairy Godmother to get Kirsty and her cast-mates to the ball.

My thoughts..

Set in the fictional seaside town of Newbay, the town looks forward every year to its annual Christmas pantomime and this year local boy Jon returns to produce the event with decidedly interesting consequences. Following Jon to Newbay is Kirtsy his long suffering girlfriend who puts her own life on hold so that Jon can fulfill his dreams. But behind the glamour and the glitz of the festive season, Kirsty finds that playing the lead role of Cinderella doesn't necessarily guarantee that she will find her perfect man....or does it?

What then follow is a delightful story about the trials and pitfalls of producing a pantomime and of all the angst that goes on behind the scenes, which I thought was especially well done. The author writes well and makes sure that all her characters get equal attention, however, some of the supporting cast I liked more than others and from the start I knew who was going to be Kirsty's Mr Right but that didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of a lovely story.  I especially enjoyed seeing how Ben and Thea’s story played out as their father / daughter relationship was such a joy to read. Within the novel as a whole, there are some really nice moments of light and shade, which make the story all the more poignant.

There's something quite lovely about this modern day Christmas fairy tale which stays with you long after the last page is turned.

Best Read with ...one of Judy's mince pies and a cinnamon spiced latte...

About the author

Chrissie Manby is the author of twenty romantic comedies including A Proper Family Holiday, The Matchbreaker and Seven Sunny Days. She has had several Sunday Times bestsellers and her novel about behaving badly after a break-up, Getting Over Mr Right, was nominated for the 2011 Melissa Nathan Award.

Chrissie was raised in Gloucester, in the west of England, and now lives in London.

Follow on Twitter @chrissiemanby

My thanks to Hodder for my review copy of this book

Review ~ The Christmas Court by Joanna Courtney

Christmas Reading

Pan
2015

The blurb..

The Christmas Court by Joanna Courtney is a festive historical short story from the author of The Chosen Queen.

King Edward's royal court has gathered at Westminster to welcome William of Normandy to England. As the ambitious Norman duke takes his place amongst the English lords, rumour and speculation are rife. It appears that William has an ulterior motive for making his timely visit to his childless royal cousin . .

100 pages.

My thoughts..

Sometimes at this time of year with so much preparation in the run up to Christmas it can be difficult to settle down to some reading time which is why this beautifully written novella is the perfect kind of Christmas reading. Short and sweet, with a gloriously authentic feel, this medieval story combines all that is good about this author's writing.

King Edward's royal court in December 1051 comes alive in the imagination. The crispness of yule and the warmth of cracking log fires combine to form the backdrop to a delicious romance which warms the heart and feeds the soul. Lady Freya. and her bubbly companion, Alodie find that life at the royal court is as sumptuous and rich as they hoped it would be and for a few glorious days, before her arranged marriage, Lady Freya can lose herself in gaiety and merrymaking... that is until she catches the eye of a handsome Norman knight who turns her ordered world upside down.

Rich in historical detail and alive with all the curiosities of life at one of the greatest royal courts on earth, this story is a joy to read from start to finish.



Best Read With ...Hot roasted chestnuts and a cup of honey sweet wassail..



About the author





Follow on Twitter @joannacourtney1


Amazon


The Christmas Court is currently 98p on kindle

My thanks to Jess at Macmillan for my e-copy of The Christmas Court

Review ~ Jungle Rock by Caroline James

Christmas Read

RamJam Publishing Compmany
2016

The Blurb..

Handsome young chef, Zach Docherty is feeling the heat. Following an exposé in a national newspaper his fiancée Poppy Dunlop, has broken their engagement. Heartbroken at the thought of life without Poppy, Zach drowns his sorrows and when his agent suggests that Zach becomes a contestant in a reality TV show, Jungle Survival, he reluctantly agrees. Plunged deep in the jungle, into a bizarre mix of talent and trials, Zach meets glamour model, Cleo Petra, and the cameras go crazy.

Will Zach survive and be crowned Jungle King?

Or will his latest exploits push Poppy further away...

My thoughts..

As always Caroline writes with great warmth and wit and in this novella she again shows just how quickly she can bring her characters to life. There is much that is topical in this story and there is a nice feeling of authenticity in the way the story progresses especially if you are  fan of the TV series I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here...

Coming in at 80 pages, the story is light and easy to read, and I think that's sometimes just what is needed at this time of year, especially when the whole Christmas razzmatazz cranks up to high, sometimes, it's just oh so nice to sit back with a gingerbread latte, kick off your shoes and let the whole world drift on by.

For those who have read Caroline's previous books you will notice a welcome return of some of the characters but don't despair if you haven't, as this story easily stands alone and can be read with no prior knowledge.


Jungle Rock is a joy to read from start to finish and a perfect antidote for Christmas Stress..


Best Read with.. A spiced gingerbread latte, preferably tucked away in a quiet corner somewhere warm and cosy...

About the Author

Caroline James lives in Cheshire and spends her time writing romantic comedy, climbing mountains and running a consultancy business. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, The Society of Authors and a Feature Editor for an online magazine. Caroline writes short stories and contributes articles to many publications.

Caroline's new novella, Jungle Rock, is available now to download for just 99p

Find on Facebook 
Follow on Twitter @CarolineJames12

My thanks to the author for sharing her book with me

Review ~ Christmas for the Halfpenny Orphans by Cathy Sharp

 Christmas Reading

Harper
2016

The book blurb...

Little twin sisters, Sarah and Samantha are all alone in the world. When their mother died giving birth to Sarah, she was blamed for the death by her father and her learning difficulties serve only to make him more angry and violent towards her. Now he’s finally abandoned them both and they’ve found sanctuary at St Saviour’s Children’s Home in London’s East End. It seems they’re doomed to be separated; no one wants to take Sarah on, but life apart will break their hearts.

Alice, a former worker at the home who is now a mother and happily married to Bob, finds her happiness under threat when a face from the past reappears. Jack Shaw, East End bad boy, has always been Alice’s weak spot but is she really about to throw everything away?

Angela Morton has her hands full; she’s now in sole charge. But with Christmas approaching, and more than one orphan in desperate need, St Saviour’s is crying out for a miracle.

My thoughts...

This is now the third book in the Halfpenny Street series of novels and whilst each book is written to stand alone, there are characters and situations which are mentioned, which have been in the series from the start. That said, I thought that the story started well, with some nice characterisation and enough detail about St Saviour's Children home to whet my appetite.

The story of two abandoned children who run away from home certainly gets the book off to an interesting start, and when combined with the other story threads, a theme of determination against all odds starts to develop. Christmas for the Halfpenny Orphans is light and easy to read and the characters are nicely portrayed. The way of life at St. Saviour's with all its many complications is well described and the story is both sad and heart-warming in equal measure showing people at both their best... and worst.

It is obvious that the author clearly enjoys writing this series and this shows in the way she lovingly describes her characters so that they become real in the imagination. I am sure that fans of this series who have previously invested in the story and characters will find much to enjoy in this latest novel.

Best Read with..a nice glass of sweet sherry and a warm mince pie..

About the Author

Cathy Sharp is happily married and lives with her husband in a small Cambridgeshire village. They like visiting Spain together and enjoy the benefits of sunshine and pleasant walks, while at home they love their garden and visiting the Norfolk seaside.

Cathy loves writing because it gives pleasure to others, she finds writing an extension of herself and it gives her great satisfaction. Cathy says, ‘There is nothing like seeing your book in print, because so much loving care has been given to bringing that book into being.’

Thanks to Harper for my review copy of this lovely Christmas saga

Review ~ Christmas at Lilac Cottage

Christmas Read

White Cliff Bay #1
Zaffre
2016

The book blurb..

Penny Meadows loves her cosy cottage with its stunning views over the snow topped town of White Cliff Bay, but not even the roaring log fire can keep her heart from feeling frozen.

That is until dashing Henry and his daughter Daisy arrive for the festive season. And between decking the halls and baking mince pies, penny realises there is more to Henry than meets the eye.

With sleigh bells ringing and fairy lights twinkling, the Christmas ball is in full swing.

Will Penny be able to melt the ice and allow love into her heart? 

And will she finally have the perfect Christmas she's been dreaming of?

My thoughts..

On a cold and frosty day I decided to curl up in my favourite chair with a cup of hot chocolate and lost myself in the sugary goodness of Christmas at Lilac Cottage.

Penny Meadows is a trained ice sculptor whose world is sometimes as frosty as the ice blocks she so beautifully carves. Seemingly content with only the company of her aging dog Bernard she appears to be something of a lonely figure. Sure, she has good friends in the small community of White Cliff Bay, but since a failed relationship left her bruised she seems happy to live her life fairly solitary, that is, until the charming Henry and his teenage daughter Daisy come to rent the annex attached to her home at Lilac Cottage.

What then follows is an appealing story which looks at the trials and tribulations of relationships, not just between men and women, but also about fathers and daughters. The author writes well, and with wit and warmth she allows her characters to really come alive on the page.  The inevitable attraction between Henry and Penny is handled really nicely and there are some lovely light touches which show that the path of true love never runs smoothly. The inclusion of teenager Daisy into the mix gives the book an altogether different dynamic and alters the tone of the story, and gives an altogether different perspective on how adult relationships develop when there are teenagers to consider.

I really enjoyed this light and easy to read Christmas story and will certainly be returning to White Cliff Bay again.

Best Read with...Smooth and velvety hot chocolate and one of Holly's mince pie cakes...

More about the Author can be found by clicking here

Follow on Twitter @hollymartin00

My thanks to Emily at Bonnier Zaffre for my review copy of Christmas at Lilac Cottage

Review ~ Christmas at the Cat Cafe by Melissa Daley

Macmillan
2016

The blurb..

Christmas at the Cat Cafe is the wonderfully festive sequel to Melissa Daley's uplifting tale, Molly and the Cat Cafe.

The Costwolds' town of Stourton-on-the-Hill has its very own cat café. Resident cat Molly, and her kittens, live here in feline paradise, while owner Debbie serves the locals home-made goodies. But even in the most idyllic surroundings, things don't always go to plan . . .

When Debbie's heartbroken sister Linda arrives at the café, Debbie insists she move in. But Linda is not alone, and the cats are devastated with the arrival of Linda's dog, Beau. Sadly, Beau's arrival is not the only bombshell - now Molly's home is also under threat when a rival cat moves in on her turf.

With Christmas approaching, Molly is unsettled, barely roused by the promise of tinsel to play with. Fearing for her feline family she hopelessly stares out of the café window searching for an answer. Only a Christmas miracle could bring everyone together.

My thoughts..

Well after a review yesterday about a dog named Bertie it was only fair to Jaffa to review a story today about a cat named Molly.  So here's himself making sure I didn't renege on the deal... 

Molly the cat shares her life with her five kittens and her owner Debbie who all live together in the delightful Cotswold town of Stourton-on-the-Hill. Together they run the idyllically named Cat Cafe where tea and biscuits are dispensed with love and wisdom. When Debbie's's erratic sister, Linda arrives complete with her dog, Beau, in tow, well, you can imagine just how the dynamics of the cat cafe changes overnight.

What then follows is a delightful tale of how two very different sisters try to come to terms with each other's lives, whilst at the same time, the menagerie of animals who must now all live together under the same roof also need to try to get along as best they can. However, for Molly and her family of kittens this is never going to be easy and with Christmas looming and their comfortable home under threat, a Christmas miracle is going to be needed if they are all to stay together.

The author has written a lovely story with a real Christmas feel to it which I am sure will delight animal lovers. The cat cafe is one of those places where you really wish you could visit and Molly is the purrfect protagonist and wonderful at recounting the story in her own inimitable style.

It also warrants a mention that the book is delightfully presented with a festive cover that really  cries out "open me" and that each delightful chapter of the book is headed by a purrfect black and white line drawing of a cat. I think my favourite has to be the cat with the pot of tea !

This was my first visit to the Cat Cafe and I am sure that it won't be my last. I am hopeful that this talented writer will bring us more of Molly's adventures in future stories.

Best Read With...A Feline Fancy and  Pot of Earl Grey tea..

About the Author

Melissa Daley lives in Hertfordshire with her two cats, two children and one husband. One of her cats, Nancy, has a writing pedigree of her own and can be found on Facebook as Nancy Harpenden-Cat. Melissa was inspired by the Cotswolds town of Stow-on-the-Wold, which provides the backdrop for Melissa's novels.

Melissa Daley talks to Jaffareadstoo about Christmas at the Cat Cafe 

*The Kindle edition of Christmas at the Cat Cafe  is currently on a 99p promotion on Amazon UK

My thanks to Jess at Pan Macmillan for sending  me and Jaffa a review copy of this book.

Review ~ Bertie's Gift by Hannah Coates

I am delighted to feature the first of my Christmas Reads

Hodder&Stoughton
2016

A bit of book blurb..

This is the heart-warming, inspirational story of one cheeky little dog and his beloved sister, two grumpy cats, and a family at Christmas. Bertie is alone, devastated after his beloved sister and fellow beagle Molly is adopted, leaving him behind. When Bertie is taken in by the Green family, it seems he's finally found a place to call home...Yet Bertie swiftly realises that the kind and loving Green family is in crisis. After a tragedy two years ago, they've never recovered - and as Christmas approaches, grief is pulling them apart. Never has a four-legged friend been more in need - and brave, warm-hearted Bertie must rise to the challenge. Can he enlist the help of hostile felines Kitty and Rico to help him find Molly - and can bring the Green family back together again, all in time for Christmas?

Here are my thoughts..

After the initial few pages I completely forgot that I was reading this book from a dog's perspective. Of course, I had to hide the fact that this was a book about a D.O.G - Jaffa isn't over enamoured of his canine compatriots. But as ever, I have  a cunning plan and a nifty little book bag to hide the book from Jaffa's suspicious cat's eyes.

It must be said that I fell in love with Bertie from the beginning of this charming story which shares all that's good, and sometimes, bad about pet ownership.

The story starts off quite grim with Bertie and his sister Molly sharing a rather unpleasant existence with a number of other dogs and living with an owner who, since his wife died, can't really be bothered about any of them. When the dogs are taken to an animal shelter to be re-homed you can't help but form an emotional attachment to this brave little Beagle who cares so much for his sister Molly that you feel the loss when they are separated and taken away to live with  new people.

The story is warm and compassionate and sensitively portrays the world from Bertie’s unique perspective so that we get a distinctively canine view of the world with all its inherent dangers and complications. Bertie is such a lovely exuberant character that it’s hard not to fall completely in love with him. His liveliness is quite infectious and the goodness of his spirit not only helps to heal a fractured family and restore hope to a sad little boy, but also shows the power of friendship, the value of loyalty and the overwhelming bond of love which exists between pets and their owners.

However, much as I loved Bertie the Beagle, I was especially drawn towards  the two dastardly felines, Kitty and Rico, who show that cats are shrewd operators when it comes to the small matter of surveillance.

Bertie's Gift is a lovely heartwarming Christmas Read, just perfect reading for all animals lovers be they canine or feline..



Best Read with ...A spiced gingerbread latte and a delicious bite of stollen, heavy on the marzipan..

Follow on  the author on Twitter @BertiesGift

My thanks to Rosie at  the Hodder Press Office for my review copy of Bertie's Gift