Underneath the Christmas Tree - Heidi Swain

 

***The sparkling new Christmas novel from the  Sunday Times  bestselling author Heidi Swain!***

Wynter’s Trees is the home of Christmas. For the people of Wynmouth it’s where they get their family Christmas tree, and where Christmas truly comes to life.

But for Liza Wynter, it’s a millstone around her neck. It was her father’s pride and joy but now he’s gone, she can’t have anything to do with it. Until her father’s business partner decides to retire and she must go back to handle the transition to his son Ned.

When Liza arrives, she discovers a much-loved business that’s flourishing under Ned’s stewardship. And she’s happy to stay and help for the Christmas season, but then she has other plans. But will the place where she grew up make her change her mind? And can it weave its Christmas cheer around her heart…?

Underneath the Christmas Tree is the perfect festive read, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

PUBLICATION DATE: 28th October 2021 - PREORDER HERE

If ever a book was destined to be made into a cosy, heart-warming, fabulous, Hallmark Christmas move it’s this one. Heidi Swain delivers Christmas in true style here, I have to say it’s one of my favourite festive reads this year and one I know I will read again closer to the big day.

Wynter’s Trees sounds brilliant, and although I completely understand why Liza hasn’t wanted to be around, she’s missed out on so much. The festive magic is in the air, and it leaps off the page!

David, and son Ned, have been taking care of everything at the Christmas Tree farm since Liza’s Dads death but now with retirement in mind, David is keen to move on and let Ned buy his share. Liza is keen to move on also, and with a plan she finally returns, hoping to convince Ned to buy her share as well so she can fulfil her travel and career plans.

David and Ned are reluctant to have Liza sell, they truly believe she doesn’t want to really, deep down and set about making her realise what she will be losing. Magic must be in the air as slowly Liza is pulled back into the festive atmosphere; she genuinely starts to see the beauty of the season again and just how special Wynters Trees is.

Liza took a bit of warming up too, although I understood her reasons, I thought she was perhaps a little immature and hasty, and blinkered in her views, unwilling to listen to those that genuinely cared for her. She seemed very determined, but I liked that she met her match in Ned. The chemistry between the two was instant and undeniable.

I loved the craft huts and the great community it created – what a great idea and took me away to all the fabulous Christmas markets and craft fairs we see pop up in the run up to the season. Always nice to see some old characters pop up again, although it is completely a standalone book.

I could honestly rave about this all day; an absolute delight as always. You know you are in a safe pair of hands with Heidi; never failing to bring us wonderful characters, emotional heart warming stories with romance, community spirit and the ability to leave us feeling all warm and cosy.

A festive hug in book form... I cannot recommend this one enough!

Sunday Times Best-selling author with a passion for vintage, hearth & home.

Creating wonderful communities and characters. Find out more -

Website: https://heidiswain.co.uk/

Check out the blog: http://heidiswain.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterHeidiJoSwain

 

A Perfect Paris Christmas - Mandy Baggot

 Keeley Andrews knows more than anyone that you only live once. So when she receives an invitation to spend two weeks in Paris, all expenses paid, she jumps at the chance.

Ethan Bouchard has had the worst eighteen months of his life. He's ready to give up on everything, including his hotel chain. So when he meets Keeley, it simply isn't the right time.

As Keeley and Ethan continue to bump into each other on the romantic Parisian streets, they can't help but wonder whether this is fate telling them to let go of the past and leap into the future...

Head to Paris this Christmas and fall in love under the lights of the Eiffel Tower with best-selling author, Mandy Baggot.

My Review:
If you are a looking for a festive hug in a book; something to whisk you away and give you both heart warming and heart squeezing moments, then this is it. Perfect for cosy afternoons, ignoring the miserable wet, dreary weather. An escape via book form, Mandy Baggot always manages to whisk us away and give us brilliant stories, characters to adore and a smile from ear to ear.

With a host of characters that each bring their own special quality to love, I couldn’t pick a favourite. Instant chemistry between Keeley and Ethan, even with the added chaos of an escaped penguin. I was laughing at the thought. A classic Mandy Baggot book gives you a hero to love, this book is no exception you will fall in love as quickly as Keeley. Watch out for Pepe, your heart may just be stolen.

The references to living in a post COVID world were subtle but there i.e. anti-bacterial gel, distancing etc, I wasn’t bothered about this inclusion at all if I’m honest but can appreciate for some this may not be welcome.

The book does contain some quite deep and meaningful issues which show the fine lined balance between living a good life and actually fully living for the fun and adventure it should be; as its clearly shown how fragile life is. The difference in Keeley living her adventures after being given another chance and her friend Erica who is unable to have all the exciting adventures she desires (although she lives vicariously through Keeley).

It is a romantic treat, with heart and emotion. You will be left with the warm fuzzy feeling and definitely ready for the festive season. If you haven’t enjoyed any of Mandy’s books yet, treat yourself they are all wonderful and this is a perfect starting point!

About the author 

 

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer. The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into German, Italian, Czech and Hungarian. Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Mandy is a member of the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Follow Mandy:   

Facebook: @mandybaggotauthor

Twitter: @mandybaggot

 

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MpVrh4

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3072QtL

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3gOPHvv

iBooks: https://apple.co/2D35zuK

bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/2Ih3gXS

 

Follow Aria 

Website: www.ariafiction.com

Twitter: @aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction

Q&A with Katie Ginger

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog... Katie Ginger 

KATIE GINGER lives by the sea in the south-east of England, and apart from holidays to very hot places where you can sit by a pool and drink cocktails as big as your head, she wouldn’t really want to be anywhere else. Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay is her sixth novel. She is also the author of Spring Tides at Swallowtail Bay, Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay, Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage and the Seafront series – The Little Theatre on the Seafront, shortlisted for the Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the Year award, and Summer Season on the Seafront.

When she’s not writing, Katie spends her time with her husband and two kids, and their dogs: Wotsit, the King Charles spaniel, and Skips, the three-legged rescue dog. (And yes, they are both named after crisps!)

1.      What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

My favourite childhood book is Winnie the Pooh and the House at Pooh Corner. I’ve got an absolutely ancient copy in my bookshelf that no one’s allowed to touch because it’s falling apart!

 

2.      What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point? 

Although I was one of those kids who loved writing, I stopped for ages when I started working and had kids. Even though my ambition was secretly to be a writer, life got in the way and I just thought it was one of those things that would never happen. But then in 2014, I got made redundant and I decided that after years of being practical, I wanted to tap back into being creative, so I signed up for a novel writing course and fell back in love with writing.

I joined an online writing group too which taught me so much, and I found out I was okay at it! It gave me a real confidence boost.

Sadly, in 2017 my cousin died from cancer at just 25 and it was the wake-up call I needed to really try and make my dream of being a writer come true. I entered a Twitter pitch that HQ Digital were running and was lucky enough to get picked up.

 

3.      Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos? 

Definitely neat and ordered! Most of my house is a mess but I love a tidy workspace! It just makes me feel more in control and gives my brain room to be creative.

 

4.      What is the easiest and hardest part of the writing process? 

I think the easiest is having the idea and the hardest is writing that first draft. Editing can feel tough emotionally because you’re changing things you put a lot of effort into, but knowing it will be better at the end of it always gets me though!

 

5.      Which other authors are you influenced by?

So many! Sometimes I read other authors books and just wish I could write like that! I particularly love Sophia Money-Coutts, Jenny Colgan and Wendy Holden.

 

6.      What does literary success “look” like to you?

That’s a really good question! I think just knowing people are buying my books and enjoying them. I love it when readers get in touch or when I see someone has read my book, it really means the world to me. They’ve chosen to spend time with my characters and read my words and that blows my mind every single time!

 

7.      How do you select the names of your characters?

For my heroines, I love old fashioned names. I’ve had a Charlotte, Esme, Hetty and a Nell. I just love them! For the guys, I sometimes go for names that remind me of an actor or character. They can be hard to choose though sometimes!

 

8.      Do you hide any secret ‘messages’ in your book that only a few people will understand? 

Never! I’m just not clever enough for that! Sometimes I ask my friends if I can use an anecdote or something they’ve told me and they’re very kind and let me. My mum friends can probably recognise stories about our various kids!

9.      If your book was to be made into a film/TV programme, which actors would play which role? 

I absolutely adore questions like this! So for Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay, I see Nell as Anna Farris. I just love her in What’s Your Number? For Tom it’d have to be a long-haired but clean-shaven Tom Hiddleston!

 

10.  What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

With how awful 2020 has been I just want readers to enjoy being away from reality for a while. I try and tug at their heart strings a bit, but it’s always safe in the knowledge that things will work out in the end! And right now, I think that’s what we all need.

 

Lastly, Jenn (The Comfy Chair) likes to enjoy a good read snuggled up with a cup of tea and piece of cake... what cake or sweet treat would you suggest to accompany your book? 

A hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows and maybe even a flake!

Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay

Grab your cosiest jumper and escape to the beautiful Swallowtail Bay!

Christmas and romance are in the air and Nell is obsessed! She can’t stop watching her favourite Christmas romcoms and dreaming of the day when she meets her own romantic hero, especially as she is hosting the first ever wedding at her small hotel, Holly Lodge.

Nell’s best friend, Tom, has been in love with her ever since they met. But Nell has never seen him that way, and he’s always kept his feelings a secret in case it ruins their friendship.

After the opening of the glamorous Langdon Mansion Hotel in the bay, Nell’s hotel is struggling for survival and she must fight, with Tom’s help, to keep Holly Lodge open. Can the magic of Christmas help two old friends save Holly Lodge and open Nell’s eyes to a love that was always there the whole time?

Winter Wishes at Swallowtail Bay is the hilarious new romantic comedy from Katie Ginger, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Veronica Henry and Holly Martin!

Buy Links:

ebook: https://amzn.to/2Ni5ipv

paperback: https://amzn.to/3fwlz7L

For more about Katie, you can visit her website: www.keginger.com, find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KatieGAuthor, or follow her on Twitter: @KatieGAuthor..

Q&A with Victoria Walters

 Welcome to The Comfy Chair Blog... Victoria Walters, author of 'Hopeful Hearts at Glendale Hall.' 

About Victoria:

Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. Her moving debut novel THE SECOND LOVE OF MY LIFE was chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for an RNA award. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star. 

She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry (named after Harry Potter). Victoria is not only obsessed with books but loves buying slogan tops, mugs and notebooks, and posting them all on Instagram.

1.     What was your favourite childhood book/author? 

This is tricky as I was such a bookworm and I read so many books – some of my favourites when I was young were the Famous Five books, Roald Dahl especially Matilda, Tracy Beaker… when I was a little bit older I was obsessed with the Sweet Valley High books and I also loved Point Horror. When I was about twelve, I discovered Jane Austen and she is still my favourite to this day.

 

2.    What inspired you to start writing and how long has it taken you to get to this point? 
Just my love of books really. I was an only child and just loved reading. I think though the Twilight series gave me the real push to start – I was so hooked on that series and wanted to write a teen series myself. However, I couldn’t get my teen books published, and then I had the idea for what became my debut women’s fiction novel (The Second Love of My Life), and the rest as they say is history!

 

3.    Describe your writing space - neat and ordered or creative chaos? 
It’s neat to be honest and I’m not really a neat person but to be productive, I like my desk to just have my laptop and a notebook and a pile of the books I’ve written so far to inspire me. I also like to light a candle now the days are become darker earlier.

 

4.      What is the easiest and hardest part of the writing process? 

The best part for me is writing the first draft, I love just getting the story out on the page. I enjoy editing less and once you’ve read the book like five times, it can get a bit boring but I just try to focus on making it as best I can for readers.

 

5.      Which other authors are you influenced by?

I think I’ve been influenced by Jane Austen. With my Glendale Hall series, I like to include a letter in each book and that came from her books, often the male charters write a letter to explain themselves and I love that as a device. I also think she inspired my love of a romantic ending and happy ever afters.

 

6.      What does literary success “look” like to you?

I would love to have a Sunday Times bestseller or a TV or film made from one of my books but that feels like winning the lottery really. I would like to see the Glendale series grow and grow and maybe hit the top ten on the Kindle charts, that would be amazing. We’ve managed the top 100 so far…

 

7.      How do you select the names of your characters?

As Glendale is set in Scotland, I looked up popular names, and traditional Scottish names and picked ones that seemed to fit the characters really. It’s not easy though, male names are harder I think.

 

8.     Do you hide any secret ‘messages’ in your book that only a few people will understand? 

I definitely feed in titbits from previous books in my Glendale Hall series so if you read all the books you’ll get the little nods, I also use my favourite things in my books like movies or food or books that I’m sure you’ll notice, and of course there is that letter to look out for when you’re reading them!

9.     If your book was to be made into a film/TV programme, which actors would play which role? 

I find this so hard because I see them clearly in my head! I did kind of base the Minister of Glendale, Brodie, on James Norton who played Grantchester so that would be amazing if he took on the role.

 

10.  What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

Kindness, community, family, loyalty, believing in yourself, going after your dreams, that love comes in all different forms, and to try to always follow your heart. I hope that my books are uplifting and inspiring and leave you with a big smile on your face!

 

Lastly, Jenn (The Comfy Chair) likes to enjoy a good read snuggled up with a cup of tea and piece of cake... what cake or sweet treat would you suggest to accompany your book? 
I think a hot chocolate with lots of cream and sprinkles and some Scottish shortbread would work perfectly for the Glendale Hall books!

What happens when love takes you to unexpected places?

Heather Douglas appears to have it all. But living on a farm in the Scottish Highlands with her partner, Rory Fraser, all while bringing up their adorable toddler, Harry, isn’t easy. As a former librarian, Heather is worried that she’ll never fully fit into life on Fraser Farm. And after the death of her beloved mum five years ago, Heather feels lost, as well as guilty for holding back accepting Rory’s marriage proposal because she can’t imagine her wedding without her mother.

So when ex-boyfriend, Stewart, appears in the village of Glendale, it’s a shock to the system. The man who broke her heart years ago now has big plans for the neighbouring farm and wants Heather to be part of the development. Knowing that she’s living a very different life to the one they had planned at university leaves Heather wondering if she has made the right choices since she and Stewart broke up. Especially when things start to go very wrong on the farm ...

This Christmas, Heather will need to face her fears and let go of the past or risk losing everything. She will need love, faith, and a whole lot of hope

OUT NOW - AVAILABLE HERE 

Find Victoria on Twitter or Facebook

One Family Christmas - Bella Osborne

 

A big family. A whole lot of secrets. A Christmas to remember…

This year, Lottie is hosting one last big family Christmas at the home she grew up in – just like her Nana would have wanted.

But when her relatives descend on the old manor house, Lottie gets more than she bargained for. Every family has its secrets, but in this family, everybody has one!

So, between cooking a Christmas dinner, keeping tensions at bay and a stray dog out of mischief, she has plenty on her plate and not just misshapen sausage rolls and a frozen turkey. And then her first love shows up – nine years after he walked out of her life.

Can Lottie make their last family Christmas one to remember… for the right reasons?

Purchase Links

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B085XQXDB9/

Universal Amazon link - http://mybook.to/OneFamilyChristmas

KOBO - https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/one-family-christmas

My Review:

Time to get festive and for Lottie that means upholding long standing traditions, at least this one final time. Determined to uphold her Nana’s customs and Christmas traditions she sets about playing host before a surprise visitor leaves her feeling on edge, a houseful of family drama and a cat and dog that cause drama every way she turns.

What an absolute hoot, I loved this from beginning to end. Littered with sentimentality for years gone by and missed loved ones, it has plenty of laugh out loud moments that highly entertained – usually involved one furry friend at least. I really loved this family and fair play to Lottie – she really works hard to make everyone happy.

Her kitchen disasters are appreciated even if sounding inedible. I loved her relationship with her brother, he is always on her side which is good as at times I felt like she was treated like some servant catering to everyone else’s whims and fancies.

What I really enjoyed about this? Is that I could identify with parts, some of the mishaps and funny moments. I think this is what will appeal to so many readers, we aren’t given the picture-perfect Christmas that although often cute, just isn’t realistic. One Family Christmas is bound to remind most people of their own unique family Christmases.

So many characters can sometimes be confusing, but each had their own unique personality and place in the book it felt like you were right in the middle of this crazy but equally lovely family. I could see this as a fun filled, comedy Christmas film!

Family relationships are tested but this heart warming read will show that through all the ups and downs family can be there for each other. It’s a gorgeous, cosy read that will have you laughing one minute and feeling reminiscent the next. With forgotten love, missed family members and new chances at love being offered, this wonderful read can tick all the boxes.

I highly recommend this fun filled, festive treat! 

Author Bio:

Bella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full length novel. Since then she’s written six best selling romantic comedies and she’s been shortlisted three times for the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Bella's stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in The Midlands, UK with her husband, daughter and a cat who thinks she’s a dog. When not writing Bella is usually eating custard creams and planning holidays.

For more about Bella, visit her website at www.bellaosborne.com or follow her on social media.

Social Media Links:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/osborne_bella

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BellaOsborneAuthor/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bellaosborneauthor/

Rachel's Pudding Pantry - Caroline Roberts

Available here

Here's the blurb:

Primrose Farm is Rachel’s very own slice of heaven. Come rain or shine there’s always a pot of tea brewing by the Aga, the delicious aroma of freshly baked puddings, and a chorus of happy memories drifting through the kitchen.

But the farm is in a spot of trouble. As the daffodils spring, Rachel must plant the seeds of change if she wants to keep the farm afloat, and it’s all resting on a crazy plan. She’ll need one family cook book, her Mum Jill’s baking magic – and a reason to avoid her distractingly gorgeous neighbour, Tom . . .

Swapping their wellies for aprons, can Rachel and Jill bake their way into a brighter future? The proof will be in the pudding!

My Review:

YUM, YUM, YUMMY!

A delicious treat of a book from Caroline Roberts. Warning: you will scour every kitchen cupboard in sight for some kind of yummy goodness whilst reading this book.

From the start we are drawn into the lives of a clearly loving, warm, family unit – Rachel, Jill and of course, Maisy, I knew from the moment I started reading I only wanted good things to happen for them – I loved the special relationships between these characters, you really did get a sense of how much they loved each other.

The characters are down to earth, relatable and so easy to like – excellently written by Caroline. The community they are part of is very endearing, wonderful neighbours and friends who want to support and encourage, I'd love to be part of it myself. I was particularly keen on Tom, the farmer next door to Rachel and enjoyed how their relationship developed. It didn't feel rushed or forced at all. He was patient, kind and considerate, just what Rachel needs after everything they have been through.

I loved how descriptive this book is, whether about the tasty delights being created, the idyllic countryside setting or the increasing pressures of running a farm. Caroline's easy, flowing writing style made this a delight to read, it was a pleasure to sit and devour it in one sitting.

It's a wonderfully cosy book that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy! A must read for romance or baking fans. Honestly, I was sad to finish this book – imagine my delight to discover we will be going back for another visit.

I cannot recommend Rachel's Pudding Pantry enough. Treat yourself!

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

A Wedding at The Comfort Food Cafe - Debbie Johnson

Order here

Goodreads Blurb:

Wedding bells ring out in Budbury as the Comfort Food Café and its cosy community of regulars are gearing up for a big celebration…

But Auburn Longville doesn’t have time for that! Between caring for her poorly mum, moving in with her sister and running the local pharmacy, life is busy enough – and it’s about to get busier. Chaos arrives in the form of a figure from her past putting her quaint village life and new relationship with gorgeous Finn Jensen in jeopardy. It’s time for Auburn to face up to some life changing decisions.

Settle in for a slice of wedding cake at the Comfort Food Café – a place where friendships are made for life and nobody ever wants to leave.

My Review:

I LOVE this series of books. The Comfort Food Cafe has brought me, as a reader, so much joy. What wonderful, feel good stories, warm, lovable characters and a wicked sense of fun and friendship - we have been spoiled with these books and feel part of that much loved community so, it's only right  to feel a sense of grief creeping in knowing that this is our last visit.

And what a flourishing finale it is! I was hooked from the off - which isn't unusual, you can always count on Debbie for a cosy, engulfing hug of a book. I enjoy how we always get to focus on one of our much loved residents whilst still revisiting the lives of other characters.

Auburn, the former wild child, has seemingly settled in Budbury, found love with Finn and is almost at a place where she'd agree her life was going well. With shock revelations and a visitor that sends Auburn right back to the wild, reckless days she thought she'd moved on from, we see how she distances herself from the wonderful Finn, she contemplates how her life could be moving forwards and we see her as she starts to question her choices, is it too hard in Budbury and should she give in to the temptation  being offered?
 

This book is everything we would expect from the Comfort Food Cafe - friendship, love, community. Everyone in place to support each other and welcome new additions - whether they end up being for the good of our favourite characters or not.  I love how all of the characters have their own little back story and how it's interwoven into this one too.

Although it is the last in a series of books it works well as a stand alone, but I urge anyone to read the other books too because they are just as good as this.

A fantastic read to cosy up with, a gorgeous binge read or perfect for a holiday book.

Thank you to Debbie Johnson, Netgalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

A Wedding at The Comfort Food Cafe is out 7th March 2019.. 

Check out the review I posted for ' A Gift from The Comfort Food Cafe' by Debbie Johnson.