Blog Tour: A Pear Shaped Christmas by Stella Newman

Today I am delighted to be part of the blog tour for Stella Newman's 'A Pear Shaped Christmas'.  The novella is out now and available from Amazon here.

Stella is author of Pear Shaped, and Leftovers, and her new book, The Dish is released next year.

Today Stella is talking to us about the distractions of Christmas.

The Distractions of Christmas by Stella Newman

I love my family, I love booze, I love eating too much and I love presents (both giving and receiving) – so theoretically Christmas should be my favourite time of the year.  But for whatever reason, it isn’t - and I find myself getting terribly bored and stir-crazy about halfway through Boxing Day.  Maybe this is normal?  I don’t know, but either way, this year I’ve prepared a list of distractions for myself - TV shows, books and a play – to get me through to the other side!  If you find yourself bored or at a loose end, you might enjoy some of these too.


TV

There’s been so much allegedly brilliant TV this year, which I’ve thought has only been so-so, or downright irritating:  The Missing, season 2 of The Fall (so sloooooooow).   Instead, I’ll be spending my hours in front of the box / computer screen, watching the following:

Transparent - on Amazon Prime.  A bold and brilliant comedy drama about a family in America, reacting to the revelation that their father is transgender.

Rewatching House of Cards, seasons 1 & 2 on Netflix.  This is quality TV: Robin Wright, playing evil personified, directed by David Fincher – what’s not to love?

Enlightened.  Another American comedy-drama.  I know precious little about this, but have bought the boxset on the basis that it stars Laura Dern as a 40 year old who returns home to live with her mother after a mini nervous breakdown.


Books

I’m going to reread Karen Joy Fowler’s brilliant We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves.  I’ve read around forty books this year, and this one was the one I enjoyed most.  It’s original and funny and sad, and anyone who’s part of a family should read it.

Also, I’ll happily browse the two most exciting cookbooks of the year – Justin Gellatly’s Bread, Cake, Doughnut, Pudding and Dan Doherty’s Duck and Waffle: Recipes and Stories.  I might not get round to actually making anything from either but I’d still get immense pleasure from just looking at the pictures and dreaming of all those lovely treats.

Theatre

King Charles III

If I hadn’t already seen it, and if I could be bothered to get out of my pyjamas during the days after Christmas Day, I would go to see King Charles III at Wyndham’s Theatre from now through till January.  It’s about what might happen once Prince Charles secedes to the throne, and it’s funny, sad and brilliantly written, with an amazing performance by Tim Piggott Smith.  Buy tickets via the Almeida’s website – they’re much cheaper, and try to sit in row Q.  Good legroom, a good view, and a bargain, (in theatre land terms, at least) at £20.



A massive thank you to Stella for taking time to tell us about her distractions. Do you find yourself feeling the same? Would love to hear how you distract yourself too.

Have a great Christmas!

Jill

The Kiss Before Midnight by Sophie Pembroke

Out now
Published by Harperimpulse
Purchase from Amazon here


The Blurb:

Heading home to Liverpool for Christmas, Molly Mackenzie isn’t just looking forward to the mulled wine and mince pies – she’s got high hopes for who she’ll find under the mistletoe this year!

Unable to forget the delicious near miss with her brother’s best friend, Jake, last New Year’s Eve, Molly’s got a new resolution at the top of her list: seduce Jake and get this crazy chemistry out the way before it has serious repercussions on the rest of the Mackenzie family.

Only Molly has underestimated the magic of the holiday season… The more stolen moments in the snow that she shares with Jake, the more determined she is to make it a whole lot more than just a kiss before midnight.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the festive warmth of a heart-meltingly romantic novella from Sophie Pembroke!


My Review:

I am loving all the Christmas stories around at the moment, and this is no exception. Its romantic, festive, and uplifitng. It definitely left me feeling that warm happy feeling, But it's also very touching, both from a loving family perspective, but also from following two people who obviously really care about eachother but both unsure.

Molly has moved to London and is about to go home for the family Christmas and new year. We meet her at the office drinks and telling her friend, under duress, about Jake and their kiss last New Year's Eve.

Ahh Jake. I loved Jake. He is best friends with Molly's brother, and has been part of their family unit for many years. He has lost his parents so spends Christmas Day and new year with their family. But things feel different this year after kissing Molly last year. He hasn't seen Molly since and has avoided her, but realises that he doesn't view her like a sister...definitely not!

Molly is also thinking along the same lines and with some encouragement from her friend she decides that she is going to seduce Jake over this break. This flirtation and seduction starts sooner than expected when he is roped in to collect her from the train station when bad weather affects the trains.

We spend much of the story watching the cat and mouse chase. They both very much want to take things further but the family are wary of what may happen, and Jakes motives. This continues until finally something happens.....but will it be a happy ending? I can't possibly tell!! It's worth reading to find out though!

My favourite character is Jake. I loved him from the start. Although portrayed as a nit of a player I didn't see that. I felt like he was vulnerable and genuine in his feelings. I felt so sorry of him as I could see that he was worried that he was imposing and out of place being there for Christmas. I just really liked him and wanted him to be happy.

I also enjoyed Molly. She felt like she could be a bit of a live wire with a naughty glint in her eye. But she was very well written in also showing her insecurity and questions. She seems like a great young lady who you would love to go out for a night with and just hang out with. I liked seeing her questioning her decisions, and it was well written in how things change and come together.

The family are so sweet in their traditions, and it did feel like I was viewing a family's perfect Christmas. All together, totally united and happy, making merry and joining together with family and friends to show how important they all are to eachother. It made me quote sad to think of those who dream of these scenes and are dreading their own Christmas for whatever reason.

This is a really enjoyable novella packed with fun, flirtation, love and family. I would recommend this book to get you all loved up and ready to enjoy the festive period. I will be looking out for more of Sophie's work - definitely!

Thank you to Harperimpulse who kindly provided a copy in return for an honest review.

Mistletoe & Mr Right by Lyla Payne

Out Now
Published by Bloomsbury USA
Purchase from Amazon here

The Blurb:

From USA Today bestselling author Lyla Payne, a snowy and heartwarming new adult romance . . .

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring … but lust refused to settle in for a long winter's nap.She might be all nestled, snug in her bed, by why, oh why, do visions of the wrong guy dance in her head?

Jessica, (not Jessie), figures that nothing could be better than a trip to the Emerald Isle for Christmas break. So she takes a flying leap and follows her boyfriend home for the holidays, not only sure that he will finally agree they're destined for each other, but also that Ireland will provide the perfect backdrop to the beginning of their happily-ever-after.

But it turns out his family—and his gorgeous ex-girlfriend—don't feel the same way, and even the family goat seems to be conspiring against her well-laid plans. The only person making the trip worthwhile is the very last one she should be thinking about, but Grady, the local farmhand, has a way of showing up when Jessica needs him most . . . and least.
USA Today bestselling author Lyla Payne wraps up the perfect holiday novella, ties it with a ribbon of romance, and tops it with a light dusting of snow. Perfect to curl up with under the tree. Just add hot cocoa!


My Review:

I love Christmas, romance, and Ireland. So when I read the blurb for this book I was drawn to it, and having now finished it I was right. Ok, so you can guess pretty early on how the story will end, it is cute enough, and with enough substance to keep you interested.

Jessica and Brennan have been dating for a few months and in Jessica's mind it is all very serious and going great. Brennan has gone home to Ireland for Christmas when unbeknown to him, Jessica decides that she will surprise him and fly over to spend the festive season with him and his family.

Oh dear....Jessica is not quite met with the welcome she expected. Infact things start off in quite a calamitous way when she hits the family goat with the car. That's before she has even reached the front door! To say that the family are surprised and underwhelmed by her arrival may be a slight understatement.

Hooray for Grady, the farmhand who sounds not only like a lovely bloke, but I can imagine him being easy on the eye too! He comes to the rescue from the start and with the immediate attraction between them you can almost write the perfect ending from early on.

What kept me interested wasn't just the attraction between agency and Jessica, but also watching how the family, and particularly Brennan were treating Jessica. I felt quite angry on her behalf that they didn't seem to have any interest in her, and that Brennan didnt stand his ground more with them. I felt he was a weak and not very likeable. I really wanted Jessica to tell him what he could do with the relationship.

To complicate matters even more up pop Katie, Brennan's ex girlfriend who the family all adore. She is also staying for Christmas which makes Jessica feel more awkward, particularly as she knew nothing about her. We get to know Katie more and question whether she and Brennan are actually over eachother.

I swung between feeling sorry for Jessica and the way she was being treated, and wanting to shake her for allowing Brennan and the family be so mean to her. I felt like I could empathise with both of these. I had no time for Brennan who to me was a total waste of time. I felt quite angry on Jessica's behalf.

My saviour was Grady. You can see that Jessica tries not to like him, or feel any attraction, but they seem like they would be perfect together. Ok, I may be biased from the way he is portrayed and the fact he is Irish, my ideal for a man! But he just came across as a really nice and genuine guy, better than that horrible Brennan.

I was quite closed minded and had made up my mind on what I thought of each of the characters, and what I found really clever in the book, was how a turn of events made me start to change my mind. I thought it was really skilfully done and I felt quite emotional reading it. This changed it from being a run of the mill love story to something a bit different for me.

I really enjoyed this novella. It wasn't too long so it didn't feel like it was strung. It packed a punch as it was fast moving.  It is very well written with some real thought and emotion put into each to the characters and how they interact and relate to eachother. The ending was lovely and it left me feeling warm and fluffy. An easy, uplifting story perfect for the Christmas period.

Thank you to Bloomsbury USA for providing a copy in return for an honest review.

The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown

Out now
Published by Harper Collins
Purchase from Amazon here


The Blurb:

Heartbroken after being jilted at the altar, Sybil has been saved from despair by her knitting obsession and now her home is filled to bursting with tea cosies, bobble hats, and jumpers. But, after discovering that she may have perpetrated the cock-up of the century at work, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and, just weeks before Christmas, runs away to the picturesque village of Tindledale.

There, Sybil discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, an emporium dedicated to the world of knitting and needle craft. But Hettie, the outspoken octogenarian owner, is struggling and now the shop is due for closure. And when Hettie decides that Sybil’s wonderfully wacky Christmas jumpers are just the thing to add a bit of excitement to her window display, something miraculous starts to happen…


My Review:

What an absolutely gorgeous book this is. I loved it! I have finished it with a warm, fuzzy, festive feeling...and a strong desire to move to Tindledale! My only disappointment is that there isn't another book in the series to read next (I so hope there will be in the future).

The main character is Sybil. She has been jilted at the altar, not only that, but her twin sister is involved. There is a major problem at work where she may have made a big big mistake. Life really isn't going well for her at all. Her one respite and enjoyment is knitting and she seems to have knitted items all over the place.

Things all seem to be too much for Sybil so she decides to escape London and visit her friend who manages a pub in the village of Tindledale. So, along with her dog Basil she packs a bag and leaves in haste. Things start of badly when the car breaks down and she has to get the train. Little does she know just how much the train journey and arrival in Tindledale will change her life.

She arrives in this remote village in vile weather and no idea where she is going. But straight away we start to meet the village folk who are the complete opposite of Londoners, and help her out. As soon as she arrives at her friends pub I felt the warmth of the characters and almost instantly wanted to transport myself there to join her. Her friend is away on a training course so she has to find her own amusement for the weekend. This brings me to my favourite part of the book.......her new friends and the spark it all brings back to her. Perhaps life can come good....

Lawrence runs the local B&B and when she books in he quickly becomes agony aunt and confidante. He has a large warm heart and I could imagine him just taking you under his wing and nursing your broken heart. He has a beautiful soul and I imagine a wicked sense of humour.

Sybil decides to wander round to the local haberdashery store to pick up some wool and needles. This is where she meets Hettie, an elderly lady who owns the shop. She is ageing and frail and the community are worried about her. They click and very quickly Sybil picks up on just how vulnerable Hettie is and wants to help her. It seems that Hettie has quite an exciting past but over the years life hasn't been as kind to her. Her business is failing and her nephew wants her to go into a home. The nasty nephew, and some bailiffs bring the boo, hiss baddies into the story. Sybil warms to Hettie and wants to help her turn things around. They start knitting together and as Sybil makes small changes the shop becomes (very quickly), a gathering place for the community who are roped in to help Hettie get back on her feet, as well as enjoying knitting and nattering!

Hettie has some very sad tales from her past and I felt quite emotional following her story. I wanted to join them, get to know her and make her smile and make life nice for her. Although vulnerable she has a very strong mask and is stoic which makes her even more admirable and likeable. I was desperate for her to be happy.

And I can't not mention the dashing village doctor, Dr Ben. Not only does he sound gorgeous but he is Irish.....perfect in my eyes!!! I have built up a clear image in my mind as to what he looks like. There is a spark between him and Sybil, but will they ever act on it, or get a chance to?

The story is set primarily around Hettie and her shop, and Sybil's quest to get it back on its feet. We also focus on Sybil discovering  what she really wants in life, and finding her feet again. It all felt very exciting and I was totally bought in to it. I actually want to get some knitting needles and wool and learn to knit after reading it. I loved the fresh ideas that Sybil came up with, such as launching an online website and store.

I loved the Japanese tourists who visit Tindledale every Christmas. They find out about the store and place an order which brings everyone together to be able to deliver in time. The reason for the order made me laugh out loud (I won't tell you why and spoil it for you).

There's a mixture of fun, but also emotion and soul searching about the future. I liked the balance and way it was handled. We see Sybil's sister turn up and things become alot clearer around what happened on her wedding day, and what her fiancé was really like. I really enjoyed seeing Sybil come out of her shell and develop the confidence to realise she is a lovely and worthwhile person who has to find out what makes her happy in life. It is something I am also working hard on, so it resonated strongly with me.

After reading this fantastic book I really want to move to Tindledale, or somewhere similar myself. I love the idea of village life and would happily live amongst them. This definitely helped me become so engrossed in this book. It is so well written I found myself totally hooked by the end of the first couple of chapters and found it hard to put down. It is beautifully written with what seems like genuine affection for the characters. I only hope there will be more books so we can visit them all again.

I would definitely urge you to go and pick up a copy, sit back and escape to the beautiful village of Tindledale. A wonderful and uplifting story.

Thank you to Harpercollins who kindly provided a copy in return for an honest review.

Guest post from Sophie King - Author of Do You Take This Man?

Hi there

I am delighted to have been asked to host some information, and a guest post for Sophie King, to co-incide with the publication of her new book 'Do You Take This Man?' which came out on 8th December. You may have heard of Sophie from her earlier book 'The School Run' which was very popular.

Featured in this post is the blurb for the new book, along with a guest post where Sophie chats about her first love, and what may seem bizarre...but how she came to be his bridesmaid. It is a really good read. Hope you enjoy.

Out Now

Published by Corazon

Purchase from Amazon here

Whats the book about?

Katie is getting married to Alec ... or is she? Have you ever wondered "what if..." you had made a different decision in life, and would things have gone down a totally different path? Would life have been better or worse? In "Do You Take This Man?" we follow Katie's two lives - what happens to her if she says "I do" and what happens if she stands up her groom. Katie's two separate realities are very different, but we also see how there are some things you can't avoid, whatever choices you make in life. In the tradition of the classic film "Sliding Doors", "Do You Take This Man?" will keep you gripped and guessing to the end!

A BRIDESMAID – TO MY FIRST TEENAGE LOVE

When I first met Chris at a school dance, aged 15, I never dreamed I would end up as his future wife’s bridesmaid! I thought Chris was the most handsome boy I’d ever seen. He actually had a moustache and had a lovely deep voice that made me melt.

In fact, our relationship was very innocent and went no further than a passionate kiss on top of Harrow on the Hill. It lasted three long months and I was heartbroken when it ended. But life goes on. Fast forward two years and I found myself going out with a friend of his.

By then, Chris was seeing a girl who became a friend of mine. Strangely, I didn’t feel jealous of her.  The four of us went out together and when I was eighteen, I got engaged to the friend. So too did Chris and his girlfriend. But the biggest surprise was when they asked me to be their bridesmaid!

Now all my life I’d wanted to be a bridesmaid. All my friends had, in turn, been dressed up in gorgeous dresses and followed sisters or cousins down the aisle. So at the age of twenty, I’d resigned myself to thinking it would never happen. You can imagine how excited I was when I finally realised my dream was about to come true!

There was just one problem. My straight hair. Both the bride-to-be and her mother were determined that my naturally blonde hair would curl for the day. Unfortunately, despite an entire can of hair spray and several sets of pin curlers, my locks refused to play ball. It almost made us late for the wedding ...

Eventually, however, we got there. And that was when it struck me. As the happy couple said their vows, I had a flash of that kiss on Harrow On the Hill. What, I asked myself, would have happened if we hadn’t broken up...?

I’ve no idea where Chris and his wife are now. I hope they’re together and happy. Meanwhile my own romantic life has had its ups and downs although now I’m settled. (Touch wood.) Mind you, one of my middle-aged friends is about to get married again. And I can’t stop hoping that I might be asked to be matron of honour ...

HAVE YOU GOT ANY FUNNY BRIDESMAID STORIES? IF SO, PLEASE EMAIL SOPHIE. sophie@sophieking.info  

A Christmas Horror Story by Sebastian Gregory

Out now
Published by Carina
Purchase from Amazon here


The Blurb:

On the night before Christmas, lock the doors to the house…

Forget the jolly old man in his red, big-buttoned suit. Because another creature is up on the roof, preparing for his annual visit to little children everywhere.

With a belt of knives round his waist, a writhing bag on his back and a Santa-sized appetite, he’s a little…different to the St Nick you might be expecting.

And you can leave out all the carrots and mince pies you like…but it’s you he’s after.
A horrid Christmas to all, and a terrible night.

Every white Christmas has a dark side. Don’t miss A Christmas Horror Story, the gruesomely festive new story from Sebastian Gregory.


My Review:

What a brilliantly dark story, very well written. Prepare to meet a horrible creature who for years has come along the night before Christmas and to steal children. He lands on the roof and searches for a way in to get hold of his prey and whisk them away. We flit between the past and present day as we watch him on his travels. His mark is a lump of coal which he leaves.

We start in the present day where we meet Katie, Emily and Jake who are at home on the night before Christmas Eve. Their Mother is a nurse and is caught up at work with bad weather forecast. However they remain hopeful that she is will make it home in time. Their Father died a year ago after being involved in an accident. Since then Jake has carried round a book called Tome of the Dark and Mysterious and appears to cherishing almost like a bible.

We move between present day and the past, which includes a visit to 1944 and the Second World War, and also an orphanage in 1833. Both visits take place on Christmas Eve and as we hear the jingle of the Christmas bells approach as a reader I was left in no doubt that rather than Santa being on his way, something darker and more evil was about to arrive.

We follow all the children in their desperate attempt to escape this horrible creature.  But much of the book revolves around Katie, Emily and Jake. As eldest sister Katie has to burden alot of responsibility for keeping them safe, but my little hero is Jake whose book and knowledge may just be what saves them from a nasty fate.

I have previously read The Boy in the Cemetery by Sebastian, which I loved. So when this book came out I knew I wanted to read it, and it hasn't let me down. I love his writing style which flows naturally and builds the tension as it comes to a climax. The books are very descriptive and I felt I could visualise this horrible creature which was on the prowl. I almost finished the whole thing in one sitting because I became so engrossed and just wanted to know what happens.

I fear I may still be a big kid at heart because I did actually come away wondering if there could be any element of truth to the story. I fell for it hook, line and sinker. This book wouldn't be for someone of a nervous disposition, or younger people. But it would be a good read for older teens, and adults too.

A great alternative to all the Christmas romance books out there. The story of this Christmas beast could stick and feature in word of mouth stories for years to come. We have had the Grinch, but this creature is far more sinister and I could easily read more about him.

I will be checking that I don't get a lump of coal in my stocking this year....if I do you will hear me scream in terror!

I would also like to comment on the cover, which is just brilliant. Carina really do come up with some of the finest book covers out there.

Thank you to Carina who provided a copy in return for an honest review.

Cover reveal Conditonal Love by Cathy Bramley

Purchase from Amazon here

BLURB

A takeaway, TV and tea with two sugars is about as exciting as it gets for thirty-something Sophie Stone. Sophie’s life is safe and predictable, which is just the way she likes it, thank you very much.

But when a mysterious benefactor leaves her an inheritance, Sophie has to accept that change is afoot. There is one big catch: in order to inherit, Sophie must agree to meet the father she has never seen.

Saying ‘yes’ means the chance to build her own dream home, but she’ll also have to face the past and hear some uncomfortable truths…

With interference from an evil boss, warring parents, an unreliable boyfriend and an architect who puts his foot in it every time he opens his mouth, will Sophie be able to build a future on her own terms – and maybe even find love along the way?

An introduction by Cathy Bramley 

I am thrilled to announce that a new ebook* edition of CONDITIONAL LOVE is being published by Transworld on Friday 5th December.

I first published CONDITIONAL LOVE myself on Amazon in October 2013 but now it has had the full Transworld treatment.

It is essentially the same story, with the same characters and the same happy ending. So what is different about it?

Well, I feel like my writing has developed since I first wrote it almost two years ago and so when Transworld very kindly gave me the opportunity to re-write it, working closely as usual with my editor, Harriet Bourton, I jumped at the chance. I took on board her editorial comments, sharpened up the narrative, tweaked some of the characters and generally I’ve given the book a more punchy, fast-moving feel.

I asked Harriet to share her thoughts about this new edition of the book in her own words:

I first read CONDITIONAL LOVE before I’d met Cathy. I’d seen her on Twitter talking to bloggers I follow and I was impressed by her cover for the book and the reviews she had, so I bought it and started reading. That one casual purchase led to Cathy’s deal with Transworld and a creative, fun and rewarding new author relationship. Some happy months later, Cathy and I set about looking at CONDITIONAL LOVE with a fresh eye. I thought the novel was wonderful, full of Cathy’s trademark warmth, comfort and good humour, but being an editor we can never leave well enough alone, and I had some ideas for how Cathy could squeeze even more out of the story. The heart of the novel is still the same, and the over-arching plot and characters too, but I think of this new refreshed edition of CONDITIONAL LOVE as being the high-definition version: brimming with colour and romance, sharp witted and lively from beginning to end, and impossible to resist once you’ve taken a glance!

I am delighted with what Harriet and I have achieved together this year and I hope readers will approve too. And of course the most exciting bit— is the sparkly new cover!

I must admit I was a bit nervous about having a new cover; I’ve had so much lovely feedback from people about the old cover with the red umbrella. But I needn’t have worried. Illustrator, Kate Forrester, who has designed all the Ivy Lane and Appleby Farm covers, has done an amazing job and honestly can’t stop looking at the new look CONDITIONAL LOVE.

What do you think?!

Cathy Bramley – Author Bio

Cathy Bramley is the author of the best-selling romantic comedies Ivy Lane, a four-part serialised novel (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter), and Conditional Love. Both are being published as paperbacks in 2015. She lives in a Nottinghamshire village with her husband, two daughters and a dog.

Her recent career as a full-time writer of light-hearted, romantic fiction has come as somewhat of a lovely surprise after spending the last eighteen years running her own marketing agency. However, she has been always an avid reader, hiding her book under the duvet and reading by torchlight. Luckily her husband has now bought her a Kindle with a light, so that’s the end of that palaver.

Cathy loves to hear from her readers. You can get in touch via her website www.CathyBramley.co.uk Facebook page Facebook.com/CathyBramleyAuthor or on Twitter twitter.com/CathyBramley