Life has been extremely busy at Coffee Books and Cake Towers. Last week saw 12 of my husband's family come to stay for a very special birthday celebration. Pool was played, people hot tubbed and plenty of meals were enjoyed. In terms of a reading update, Les Miserables is going well. Angela and I are enjoying it far more than Anna Karenina which we read last year.

And in other news, the Classics Village Book Group turned one year old this week. We celebrated this by reading Jude the Obscure, enjoying fizz, cake and a quiz all about the books we had read over the year. Our village is also starting to plan for the King's Coronation, when I last checked there will be about 37 Bank Holiday Mondays in May. What is not to love?

Every now and then I have a look back at old posts and last night was having a chortle to myself at one January which saw me reviewing quite a large number of Christmas books. These were books that I had received for Christmas and obviously read in the Twixmas portion of the Christmas Holiday.

Read my review of The Winter Garden by Heidi Swain

This year, I feel I am doing better at reducing the amount of Christmas books I read in, oh I don't know June, but every now and then one will sneak through. Such is the case with my next review which is a gentle, fun read by Heidi Swain.

The Plot

When Paige turns up unannounced at Wynthorpe Hall, she discovers the place she knew when she was growing up has changed beyond all recognition.

One night while delivering library books and shopping to residents, she stumbles across an isolated cottage and meets Albert, its elderly and rather grumpy owner. She quickly realises there is more to Albert than meets the eye and the same can be said for the other man she can't seem to help running into, handsome but brooding Brodie.

Each of them has a secret and a desire to hide away from the world but with Christmas on the horizon, is that really the best way to celebrate the season?

My Thoughts

I'm very much enjoying getting in and discovering the novels of Heidi Swain and this one did not disappoint. Swain publishes books twice a year; Summer and just in time for Christmas. A Christmas Celebration is Christmas 2022's offering and it is a delight.

The first note to say is this is another int he series to feature Wynthorpe Hall. It can be read as a standalone novel, which is what I did, but if I'm honest there part of me that would like to read these in order. It was like being at a party when a popular guest walks in and you have no idea who they are. Maybe read these in order?

This is utterly charming. There is an underlying social message, looking after one's friends and neighbours, including those living alone. It stresses the importance of being part of a community. As I come to live in my own village I appreciate this so much.

Albert is a sweetie, at first grumpy and unfriendly but blossoming as he is taken back into the fold. The novel also holds a very important message about following your passions.

And there is the most enormous amount of Christmas goodness going on! Think winter events, Christmas lights being switched on, winter wonderlands, hot chocolates and a lady called Dorothy who bakes just like Mary Berry but in catering size proportions.

This was a very sweet and lovely read and if you are struggling to find your Christmas Spirit (in March!), then this will most definitely help.