2018 - Falling back in love

As we are at the end of 2018 I wanted to reflect. Instead of listing my favourite books this year, I want to celebrate falling back in love with books and finding a community that I feel I'm hopefully becoming part of and absolutely loving! 

On the evening of January 1st 2018  I set myself some aims for the year ahead. Some I have not quite achieved, others I believe should be a continuous aim no matter the year but for me, the most important was what I put at number 4.

4. Read at least one book a month. 

Falling back in love with books :

One of my earliest memories is going to the library, my small chubby little hands selecting books and taking them home to read. I read to my Mum, I read to my nursery teachers but mainly, I read by myself. I was always at my happiest with a book in hand.  When my sister and I were young we shared a bedroom, we'd be sent to be at 7.30pm and out would come my book (working my way through childhood classics, Nancy Drew and then onto my Mum's Catherine Cookson books amongst many more). Hours later, I would still be reading when Dad came up to bed himself; I'd quickly hide my book under the covers as he came into turn off the light. I always thought I'd got away with it and he didn't have a clue. Looking back, he probably did know just never said anything.

Years ago I went through a very low and unhappy time, I lost my husband, Adrian, suddenly and unexpectedly. I became a widow at 27 years old and was totally shattered. The day before my husband died I had read a book by an author I loved, I won't say who or name the book, but the story centred around the character losing her husband suddenly and I remember being completely unable to comprehend how that would feel, I enjoyed the book but was unable to really connect with that character - little did I know less than 24 hours later I would. 

I know this will sound ridiculous but I blamed the book. How idiotic was I... to think that me reading a book caused something to happen, as though me contemplating such a devastating event had actually brought it into reality. I know this was just shock, grief and my own kind of crazy at play but I did think it, if only at my lowest, darkest times (when sleep deprivation was everything!) - I do realise how ridiculous it sounds, honest.

Grief broke me and for a long, long time I felt as though I was existing in a bubble. Nothing  held my interest anymore. I felt completely alien to myself, the things I had always found enjoyment in no longer did so, my ability to concentrate disappeared and my love for books just seemed to fade.  The one constant in my life, since being tiny, was my passion for books and reading but now I was not interested anymore and didn't feel I would be again. 

Fast forward a little. It's been years now.. my husband died in 2011 but it has taken me a really long time to get back to a version of myself I truly recognise. That's why this year has been so special. I have started reading again and I mean properly reading; the kind I always did, where books absorbed my interest and concentration so much the world around me disappeared. I began spending time in the library and finding comfort in books I have previously loved, authors I have adored. 2018 has been the year a massive part of the old me came back with a vengeance. 

It started with a visit to the library in July. I don't always pay attention to what books I'm picking up - I grab an armful and check out then I enjoy taking my time to look at my selections. This time I'd unknowingly selected a couple of authors I'd never read before. To say I devoured these books is an understatement, I'd read and placed holds on everything else I could find of theirs in the library by the end of the night.  From this I had an idea - what if I started a little blog so I could write up what I thought of the books I read? I didn't really have a clue what to do but jumped in and started this blog (I am still learning really... ) I started a twitter account (@thecomfychair2)  dedicated to the blog and with the hope of connecting with like-minded people and finding new authors.  

The rest is pretty apparent via this blog. I've read and reviewed more books this year than any year since my husband died. I have a TBR pile that is bigger than I've ever had been and it excites me to think about adding more. I'm discovering new authors all the time, I'm trying genres I wouldn't necessarily go near before. 
Plus I smashed my reading challenge on Goodreads (not started until way into the year!) Connecting with people on Twitter has been a highlight of the year. So many wonderful people, discussing books, promoting authors, supporting each other. I know realistically that I'm a little pebble in the ocean of great bloggers, book lovers etc but I enjoy the connections I have made so far and going into 2019 I am excited by what is to come. I can't wait to hear about new books, find more authors I haven't read before and hopefully make more like-minded 'friends.' 

I have two authors to THANK for being that spark back in July, that reignited my love of all things books (although plenty more have now helped to reinstall my passion for reading). I hope they don't mind me saying so and I don't want to embarrass them but I wanted to acknowledge their work, to show how their hard work does have an impact in ways they may not have realised.  Heidi Swain and Jane Linfoot - Thank you.  

Please check out their books and follow them on Twitter:
Heidi Swain - https://twitter.com/Heidi_Swain 
Jane Linfoot - https://twitter.com/janelinfoot

I have fallen back in love with reading, with books and I can't wait for the reads that 2019 will bring.

"Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light."

–Vera Nazarian

x

The Christmas Spirit - Susan Buchanan

The Christmas Spirit - Blurb

Christmas is coming, but not everyone is looking forward to it.
Rebecca has just been dumped and the prospect of spending the holiday period with her parents is less than appealing. Eighty- two-year-old Stanley lost his beloved wife, Edie, to cancer. How will he cope with his first Christmas without her? Jacob’s university degree hasn’t helped him get a job, and it looks like he’ll still be signing on come New Year. Workaholic Meredith would rather spend December 25th at home alone with a ready meal and a DVD box set. Can anything make her embrace the spirit of the season?

The enigmatic Natalie Hope takes over the reins at the Sugar and Spice bakery and café in an attempt to spread some festive cheer and restore Christmas spirit, but will she succeed?

Available to buy here:  http://amzn.to/1gcpTrc (UK) & http://amzn.to/KUArMU (US)

My Review:

If you are looking for a feel-good festive treat look no further. It is a heartwarming tale, an utterly charming story that will give you the warm and fuzzy feeling that is plentiful at Christmas time. 

With a lovely selection of well written characters you are drawn into each of their stories - they all face some sadness or problem but its a pleasure to read how they are interwoven into each others lives and how a special someone ensures they have a happier Christmas they thought possibly.

You can tell how unique Natalie is throughout and how she is instrumental in spreading her own Christmas magic for all the characters we grow find of.  I feel more could have been made of Natalie - she is so important to this story and although I like what I read of her, especially at the end, I feel like I wanted to know more. 

This book has it all - romance, humour and that special festive magic. It's a nice read, with a great pace. The descriptions of all Natalies special cakes will have you dreaming of cake; I'm definitely tempted to search for recipes of some! 

Looking for a quick read that will leave you with a warm feeling? Then I recommend The Christmas Spirit. 

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍
Thank you to Rachels Random Resources for the opportunity to review this book.

About the Author:

Susan Buchanan lives in Scotland with her husband and their two children. She is the author of four novels: Return of the Christmas Spirit, The Christmas Spirit, The Dating Game, and Sign of the Times. She is currently working on books five and six: The Proposal and Just One Day.

Susan is also a proofreader, editor and translator, and when not working, writing, or caring for her two delightful cherubs, loves reading, the theatre, quiz shows and eating out – not necessarily in that order!

Facebook – www.facebook.com/susan.buchanan.author

Twitter – susan_buchanan

Blog – Sooz’s journal – www.susancbuchanan.blogspot.co.uk

  Giveaway 

Win e-copies of Sign of the Times and The Dating Game 

(Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfillment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.
                                                          

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One Day in December - Josie Silver

Available on Amazon here 

Goodreads Blurb: A love story about what happens after you meet, or rather, don't meet the one. Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn't exist.But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there's a moment of pure magic...and then her bus drives away.

Assured they're fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year searching for him. She doesn't find him, not when it matters anyway. Instead they "reunite" at a Christmas party, when her best friend introduces her new boyfriend, Jack. 

What follows is ten years of friendship, heartbreak, missed opportunities, roads not taken, and destinies reconsidered.

Review:

One Day in December is one of those books that you start and within a couple of chapters you know you will not be putting it down - not for anything! The further into the book I read, the more involved I got and there was just no way I would, or could,  stop until the very last word.   

The story of Laurie and those she loves is engaging, frustrating yet heartwarming. You can identify the many ways one person can love and be loved - evident through the different relationships developed in this story. If you haven't had one 100% true love yet, or you have had several, if you have lost love or those that you love - you will identify with Laurie at some point in this book and that's what makes it utterly fantastic and will appeal to so many. This is not your typical love story; it isn't as simple as girl meets boy, they fall in love, something happens to break them but within a couple of chapters the book ends with them reconciled. One Day in December is full of love, all consuming and life-changing love but broken down with an interwoven tale of angst, heart break and loss.

I enjoyed the characters and though the focus is really on the situations they put themselves in, the characters are relatable and interesting, with none really pushing my buttons and annoying me like some can in other books. You grow with these characters, the time span of the story is over a decade - an emotional rollercoaster from the perspectives of Laurie and Jack.  You are given their inner most thoughts and feelings and entrusted with their heartbreaking secrets; you know they care deeply for each other as well as the other characters. 

Josie Silver balances angsty, emotional story lines with scenes of humour and light; some quirky moments alongside the ones that have you reaching for the tissues. It's a fairly short read, but it is perfect for a cold day in December; you can get cosy and enjoy the book.

I was happy with how the book ended, but I think I wanted more. I'm only being greedy (often happens when I enjoy a book)... I felt that I had come so far with the characters so the ending just wasn't quite enough , I longed to know how it all worked out - maybe fast forward a year and be given an epilogue of sorts. Maybe it's been left open for a return visit to these characters in the future?

"You tread lightly through life, but you leave deep footprints that are hard for other people to fill.

Thank you Josie Silver for giving us such a gorgeous book, full of heart and soul. I loved reading every word. It was emotional and definitely gave me moments where I could reflect on my own life and events within it that enabled a strong connection with the main character that I haven't had in many books this year. It is no surprise that Reece Witherspoons book club pick for December is One Day in December. It's truly deserved and I can only throw in my support and recommend this as one you definitely need to read.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

One New York Christmas - Mandy Baggot

Available to buy here

Confession time. This is my first Mandy Baggot book – although upon checking my TBR pile I notice I have a couple of others stowed away there, so let’s say they have been bumped up the pile towards the top (I can’t be the only one that piles her TBR pile in an order that she usually ignores right?)

One New York Christmas
Lara Weeks is looking forward to Christmas with her long-term boyfriend Dan until he drops a bombshell.

When best friend Susie persuades Lara to head to the Big Apple for a festive trip, will Lara find the answers she has been searching for and will she be ready to break-up or breakthrough this Christmas? Will Lara get her happy-ever-after with the man of her dreams?

What a treasure this book is! Set in ever exciting and completely entrancing New York, Mandy Baggot transports us via her descriptive writing and charming characters. If, like me, you’ve had an opportunity to explore NYC you will be taken back, recalling what its like on those tourist filled, busy streets, remembering the sounds and smells as well as those iconic views. If (like main character Lara) you haven’t yet adventured to New York this book will have you yearning to go!

Lara, our truck driving lead is comfortable with her life and her boyfriend Dan, but as Christmas approaches, he drops a bombshell that leaves Lara feeling not so merry and bright. I like Lara immediately – she’s direct and straight to the point, fearless but afraid in equal measure.  Lara is pretty kick ass really when I think about it – she flies off to somewhere she has only ever dreamed of, is left to her own devices A LOT in this massive, strange city, she climbs trees, rescues animals and stands up for the things she believes in. I related to the way Lara fell in love with NYC and her desire to explore more of the world in any way she can.

Our main male lead Seth is an actor, having known success (Lara is a fan before New York is even mentioned) he is now a jobbing actor on the hunt for his next big role and has his sights set on a role that is perfect for him. His best friend, now acting as his agent, starts something on Twitter that has unexpected consequences for all involved. Seth is kind, caring and gets swept away in Trent’s crazy, but well intended plans that lead him to a chance encounter with Lara. The connection between the two characters is instant, although they are from two completely different worlds. I enjoyed seeing how they developed and hoped that we could see each character get the happy ending they deserved. 

Mandy Baggot’s writing is descriptive and draws you in but it did take a few chapters to be fully invested but, once I was there was no stopping me - I read quickly as I was so keen to see how things were going for both Lara and Seth. The additional characters in this book are funny and you will like them – Susie and her boyfriend; Kossy, all the characters from the shelter, Trent; each adding something interesting to the story and helping Lara and Seth discover themselves (and each other!)  I feel like I would have liked to hear more about some of them, not a criticism more of me being greedy to have more.

I giggled a lot reading this book, especially thanks to some interesting animal escapades and was enticed to consider many new holiday destinations. I found it emotional in some places, especially in terms of Seth when he was searching for answers, not fully knowing if he really wanted to discover the truth. One New York Christmas is a fantastic read that will leave you feeling all warm and happy, it’s one book you need on your festive to read list. 
Thanks to Penguin Random House UK & Ebury Publishing for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review. 

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland - Heidi Swain

Available here on Amazon

After calling off 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. Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence and he quickly makes an impression on Hayley. With festivities underway, the pair find themselves drawn close 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.

Simply wonderful.

What an absolute gem of a book. A story that is just as gorgeous as the front cover - Heidi Swain (@Heidi_Swain) never fails to give us a book with all the ‘feels.’ (I was lucky enough to come across one of her books in the library during the summer and instantly bought everything she has written and devoured them all in a ridiculously short time!)

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at The Winter Wonderland is another festive trip to the wonderful Wynthorpe Hall and back to Wynbridge for a lovely catch up with characters we have previously fallen in love with. Although the books are connected by where they are set, it can be read as a standalone book – though I warn you that you will want to catch up on every other Heidi Swain book afterwards!

I loved Hayley’s character in Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair and was so pleased to see she got her very own book this time around. I love that she’s feisty, flirty and a proper little madam (although in a very lovable way), she deserves happiness and of course a real, true love.

Gabe – oh Gabe – what an absolute dreamboat! He is a fantastic leading man and perfect for our Hayley. Something is holding him back and I can see why Hayley feels like she gets mixed messages from him. As their friendship develops you are desperate for them to both get their act together and just love one another, but Gabe is holding back for a reason that may stop him ever getting close to Hayley or anyone.

This book is a definite festive treat. The Winter Wonderland sounds magical, you can imagine such a great adventure being at Wynthorpe Hall at this time of year. Plus, Angus. How could I leave out my favourite character! He is quirky and funny, providing many laugh out loud moments for me but he has a heart of gold. His devotion to making his ‘family’ happy as well as the villagers is heart warming and what makes Angus so fabulous. Everyone needs an Angus in their lives.

Heidi is one of my favourite authors, never failing to make me happy, have me in tears but then leave me with a heart full of love. She has created characters that feel like friends and places that feel like a place I would love to call home.

I read Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland in two sittings – simply because I wanted to stretch out the pleasure of the read. Get yourself a big hot chocolate and cinnamon swirl and snuggle up for this festive treat.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

A Gift from the Comfort Food Cafe - Debbie Johnson

Available from Amazon here 

Christmas has never been Katie Seddon’s favourite time of year. Her childhood memories aren't the type that fill her with happiness or nostalgia.  But since she moved to the village of Budbury on, Katie and her son have found a new family to be part of.  This family is a community of people, brought together by life’s unexpected roads and all seeking the healing magic that a yummy slice of cake and a cupful of kindness at the Comfort Food Café can provide. 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.

I am a massive fan of Deborah Johnson (@debbiemjohnson) and especially The Comfort Food Cafe series and so was especially excited to go back and see the wonderful familiar faces. It's a  full length standalone book, you really don't have to have read any of the previous Comfort Food Cafe books to enjoy it (if you have you will love catching up with everyone!). I do recommend going back and reading them though of course.

Finally this book brings in Katie, who has perhaps been on the edge of some of the other stories told about Budbury's finest. I'm so pleased we get to delve into her story but also having secondary narratives of our many of my old favourites.

The story touches on some sensitive and emotive issues and considers how a persons upbringing can affect future relationships. We see how Katie's childhood has damaged the relationship she had with Saul's father and continues to threaten all other relationships that Katie has tried her hardest to avoid building.  

Katie is a loner - a hard working and loving single Mum, but I find her to be very likable. I loved little Saul and the relationship they have is adorable. I can understand why she has built up a little wall around herself but was desperately willing her to start letting others in. The Comfort Food Cafe and its regular faces have the ability to make anyone feel better, whatever is happening in life -cake, tea and friendship is waiting to make things right.  

This is such a heart warming read. Definitely one to read all snuggled up with a big pot of tea and some fancy treats. I read it very quickly - devouring every moment. There are some lovely comedic moments in this romantic tale, I laughed out loud on a couple of occasions - especially when naming the cat!

As always Debbie Johnson has written with warmth and love, taking us back to a place fans hold dear. I, for one, would love to go to that cafe and see what unfolds. Such a fabulous book to escape with - Debbie never lets us down. I can't wait until March 2019 to get my next fix of The Comfort Food Cafe!

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

The Little Book Cafe: Tash's story - Georgia Hill

This is the first Georgia Hill book I have read (I'm sure it won't be the last). I read it in one sitting in about an hour and a half so a fairly easy book to pick up when you want something to delve into but maybe not commit a massive amount of time.

I have no prior knowledge of any of previous books so wasn't aware or familiar with the characters but I believe that if you have read previous titles you would be. I don't think it changes your enjoyment of this book, as a standalone it works well too. I didn't feel I'd missed out. This is the first in a set of three new stories and focuses on Tash.

Tash is in a relationship with Adrian and immediately, I realised this was not a woman in a happy relationship. She was off with friends, in a bad mood and really not a happy lady. You come to see how, although she loves the comfortable and lavish lifestyle Adrian can give her, she doesn't love him and in fact she comes to realise he isn't treating her that well at all. Possessive, controlling and demeaning - Adrian is not the type of man Tash wants to be with let alone marry.

Tash meets someone at the new book club in town, becomes friends and with their help, and a series of incidents Tash realises she needs to move on with her life in her own way.
After events take a really dark turn, Tash manages to escape and turns to the one person she knows will treat her well. 

Some aspects of the story annoyed me - the thinly veiled 'fat shaming' vibe of Tash towards Amy, "She could eat the whole picnic" - I felt were just mean and made me dislike her a bit. Not that I think she should go through all she does but it seemed she has turned into the bully she didn't like at school. Maybe projecting her own insecurities on others but I didn't really feel it necessary to be mean towards others.

Overall I liked it and would read all others by the author. There is a darker storyline than the pretty front cover may portray. It is an easy read with some decent characters.

I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.