These I have picked out to be read to keep yourselves sane in the run up to the big day, as you plough through the lists in between the Christmas parties, wondering if you have enough chairs for Auntie Flo as well, who has decided she can come after all. Lovely though it is to have her…
This first has a twinkly cover, which evokes Christmas and because it’s set in New York it appeals to me, because I have been once, and will be going again with a grand daughter who has to have a serious and extensive operation in a couple of days. She and I intend to celebrate in the big apple once she is well enough.
Miracle on 5th Avenue. By Sarah Morgan.
A tale of love and the magic of the festive season that is the perfect relaxing read/switch off read in the run up to, or over Christmas.
Hopeless romantic Eva loves the holiday season, and is delighted to be spending looking after a beautiful New York penthouse this Christmas. Cynical crime-writer and mysterious owner of the penthouse Luke is not so in love with the winter months, after tragedy struck him one previous Christmas. When both are snowed in the luxury apartment after a freak snowstorm hits the city, Eva and Luke are drawn into each other’s worlds and a special bond forms between them… Will Luke finally let go of his past demons and accept the wonders and joy both Christmas and Eva can bring him?
Yep, go for this. It is a feel good book, sparkly and will set you up for stuffing the turkey.
Harlequin Mira pb £7.99
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
How clever is this idea:
Arthur Pepper is an elderly Yorkshire widower who is ruled by his daily routine after the death of his beloved wife. On the first anniversary of Miriam’s death, Arther decides to clear her wardrobe, and discovers a gold charm bracelet, one he has never seen before.
He sets off on a journey, charm by charm, a journey that takes him round the world, but also within himself. A true voyage of discovery. Such a lovely book, and one to consider with 2017 looming. It will remind you, or the lucky person who finds this in their stocking, that life is full of possibilities but you do have to go out and make it happen.
I love it. 2017 here I come.
Harlequin Mira pb £7.99
And for something gritty.
Cut to the Bone by Alex Caan
I really don’t like it when publishers say ‘for fans of ……. ‘ I know why they do it, so that you can categorise a debut author, but I still don’t like it. This book stands alone, and is for fans of Alex Caan.
You’ll chew your nails, and take turn the pages. A box of Christmas chocolates it is not, but it’s good to have something salty, sharp and a contrast to soft centres.
Full of tension, and up to date: one missing girl, two million suspects – I didn’t know what a vlogger was, which puts me in my place. Ruby is one, a rising star of YouTube who goes missing.
No-one believes there’s a problem, she’s an adult after all. Then along comes the video. DI Kate Riley, and her team become involved, but are they a trustworthy team?
Read it and find out.
Twenty7 pb £7.99