Ultimately, I feel like this book is about sharing the joy of Christmas, and it was definitely a magical read for me. If you're looking to add to your Christmas picture book collection I can't recommend it highly enough!

xo Bron

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Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis
Released Oct 2017 by Walker Books
Source: I impulse bought this one when I was shopping online (actually, it was when I was buying a copy of Animology, which featured in last night's post!) and it was recommended to me at the checkout!
Format: Hard cover picture book
Themes: Christmas, traditions

Obviously I read the book first. It is a relatively short novel, so I got through it in a single day. Honestly, I thought this was quite delightful! There are lots of things about it that are completely ridiculous, but in a fun way. I don't even know where to start with the plot, so here's what the Goodreads page says:


Ashley Davison, a graduate student in California, desperately wants to spend the holidays with her family in Seattle. Dashiell Sutherland, a former army intelligence officer, has a job interview in Seattle and must arrive by December 23. Though frantic to book a last-minute flight out of San Francisco, both are out of luck: Every flight is full, and there’s only one rental car available. Ashley and Dash reluctantly decide to share the car, but neither anticipates the wild ride ahead.

At first they drive in silence, but forced into close quarters Ashley and Dash can’t help but open up. Not only do they find they have a lot in common, but there’s even a spark of romance in the air. Their feelings catch them off guard—never before has either been so excited about a first meeting. But the two are in for more twists and turns along the way as they rescue a lost puppy, run into petty thieves, and even get caught up in a case of mistaken identity. Though Ashley and Dash may never reach Seattle in time for Christmas, the season is still full of surprises—and their greatest wishes may yet come true.


Look, I don't even know what it was about this book that made me like it so much. It was sweet and funny, and had kind of a different twist to what you usually see in a cosy Christmas romance. It is quite a romp, and I just found myself smiling as I read it. Also, as an aside, the actual physical book itself is quite lovely - it is a little hardcover, with a very pretty picture on the front.

Onto the film then! I don't recall really having done a book and Hallmark movie comparison before, although I think there are one or two I have both read and watched, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

Here's the summary of the movie, from the Hallmark website:

Based on a novel by Debbie Macomber, this yuletide movie tells the story of Ashley Harrison (Meghan Ory) and Dash Sutherland (Andrew Walker). She is a crafter based in San Francisco who is desperate to spend the holidays with her family in Seattle and Dash is also in a rush to get there. When Ashley inexplicably encounters a problem with her reservation at the airport ticket counter, she turns to Plan B and attempts to rent a car. But there’s just one vehicle left and Dash beats her to it. Reluctantly, Ashley takes him up on his offer to join him on the road trip. As the pair heads north, their adventures include car trouble, adopting a puppy and being secretly tailed by federal agents, who believe Ashley is up to no good. With a hint of romance gradually filling the air will these two fall in love or will their journey bring about an unexpected road bump to romance?

This movie had a few things going for it right from the start:
  - Andrew Walker is one of my favourite Hallmark actors
  - Meghan Ory plays one of the leads in Hallmark's tv series Chesapeake Shores, which I love.
  - There is knitting
  - And puppies

I actually kind of adored the film almost as much as the book! I thought that a few of the more unusual parts of the plot were less well dealt with in the film than the book, but I also loved that they were different enough that both were completely enjoyable - having read the book didn't take away from the movie at all. The movie was also very pretty - there were some lovely tree shots (like in the background of the promotional picture) and gorgeous decorations. I'd recommend either or both of these to anyone looking for a fun silly Christmassy romp (with puppies!)

xo Bron

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Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber
Published 2015 by Ballantine Books
Source: I was lucky enough to find both the book and movie at my local library (if you're in Canberra get on it!)
Format: Hardcover, 256 pages

Ok, first of all, can we please take a moment to admire that cover? It is probably my favourite cosy Christmas cover so far this year, and completely representative of the story inside.

Overall, I thought this one was moderately Christmassy. I mean, it's Christmas time and the Cosy Kettle is decorated, and there were loads of mince pies, but there was just some kind of Christmas spark missing for me. Similarly, I thought the characters were fun, but again something was just a bit flat. I did love the setting though!

I think one of the things that made it hard for me to connect with this one was that I just feel like the storylines about heart broken young women wanting to change themselves (into their sisters) is a bit overdone for me. Becca was so down on herself, and while I understand this is probably meant to make her approachable and relatable, it was just too much for me. I also found it quite repetitive (maybe it was a tiny bit too long?). My favourite parts were definitely the bits where Becca was enjoying herself - for instance shopping and getting her hair done with her book club friends.

This was really kind of "eh" for me, and I gave it 2.5/5 stars.

xo Bron
***

A Christmas Wish and a Cranberry Kiss at the Cosy Kettle by Liz Eeles
Out now from Bookouture
Thanks so much to Bookouture for providing a free copy for review (via NetGalley)

Last Christmas - Edited by Greg Wise and Emma Thompson
I mentioned this one earlier in the week when I was talking about nonfiction November. It is a collection of Christmassy pieces by a range of different people, and is a companion to the movie, which I'm also super keen to see. I was kindly sent this copy by Hachette Australia for review.

A Guinea Pig Nutcracker - Alex Goodwin
The lovely team at Bloomsbury Australia sent me this super cute book of guinea pigs posing in scenes from the Nutcracker ballet. This one will go in our bookish advent calendar.

Dashing Through the Snow - Debbie Macomber
It's no secret that I love Hallmark Christmas movies, and I thought this year it might be fun to choose one or two based on books, and both watch the movie and read the book. I was pleased to find my local library had both the book and the movie of this one - keep an eye out for more in the first week or so of December.

Let it Snow - John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle
This is another book/movie one - Netflix dropped the movie adaptation of this book in the past week or so. I have actually read this collection of 3 festive short stories before and thought it was completely charming so I'm totally up for a re-read before I watch the movie. I think I originally read this on my kindle, but have since picked up a gorgeous paperback edition secondhand.

The Christmasaurus and The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch - Tom Fletcher
Another potential re-read - I loved The Christmasaurus when I read it a couple of years ago, and so I was super excited to hear that there was a sequel coming out this year. When I happened across it in my local library it felt like a sign that I should pick it up. I'll likely buy my own copy when it comes out in an edition that matches my copy of The Christmasaurus.

The Christmas Party - Karen Swan
This looks like a classic Christmassy romance - a woman unexpectedly inherits a castle and finds not only a new home but also true love (I haven't read it yet, but that's the vibe I'm getting from the synopsis!). The cover on this one is lovely, and I'm looking forward to getting into it! The Christmas Party was sent to me for review by the team at Pan Macmillan Australia.

What do you think? Where should I start? And do you have anything festive on your November/December tbr?

xo Bron

Ok, it's only the first week of November, but I have contender for my favourite Christmas read of the year. This was such a lovely and festive story!

I have to admit I have a particular soft spot for Christmas books with a UK setting, and this one was done so perfectly - the little references to places (and foods!) really made it feel like England to me.
I also really enjoyed all of the references to Christmassy pop culture - especially the Christmas movie references.


I loved that the focus was as much on the family relationships as on Eloise and Cara's respective romances. The whole family dynamic was very sweet - although we don't see a whole lot of them throughout the book the parents reminded me a bit of the parents in Gavin and Stacey.

Another thing I really liked about It Won't be Christmas Without You was that it is pretty short. I know that might sound a bit weird, but when it comes to these sweet, cosy, Christmassy books I do like something that I can read in just a sitting or two.

I was interested to see the author, Beth Reekles, also wrote The Kissing Booth, which was adapted to a movie by Netflix. I really enjoyed the writing, and now I'm keen to check out her backlist.

Overall, I thought this was quite delightful, and I'd definitely recommend it if you're after a quick, cute festive read!

xo Bron

***
It Won't be Christmas Without You by Beth Reekles
Out now from Harper Collins
Source: Free ebook from Harper Collins via NetGalley

 
Twenty-seven-year-old Holly Devine has just had her heart well and truly broken. Hurt by the two people she loves the most, she flees to her eccentric Aunt Clara’s cosy cottage to hide away over the winter season. But kind, impulsive Aunt Clara has other ideas… She’s not about to see her favourite niece wallowing in sadness during the most wonderful time of the year. So, with the help of her close circle of friends and plenty of gin, she creates a handmade advent calendar for Holly.

Every day in December, Holly opens a new door and has a different task to complete. She soon finds herself asking out a complete stranger – gorgeous, cheeky pub landlord, Finn Jackson. But as handsome Finn gets involved in her festive challenges, Holly’s determination to avoid romance is put to the test. Still, Finn’s far too carefree and single for true love, isn’t he?

As Holly begins to embrace each day – a complete makeover, building the biggest snowman she’s ever seen, singing in a karaoke contest – Finn is there adding fun and laughter to every moment. Holly starts to realise that she can become the person she’s always wanted to be…

But a secret from Finn’s past threatens to turn Holly’s Christmas upside down and makes her question everything she has experienced in the last few weeks. Will Finn open up to Holly in time to show her how he really feels? And will she complete the advent calendar challenges and fall in love this Christmas?

Ok, we know that Christmassy stories - whether in books or on the screen - are filled with tropes and 'advent calendar activities' is one of my favourites! I really thought this was a very sweet story - with a few steamy scenes too. I enjoyed the alternating perspectives - they switch between Holly and Finn. I also really enjoy quirky characters and a snowy setting, both of which this book definitely delivered on.

I think this one does a really good job with the 'background' characters - as well as enjoying Aunt Clara's and her WI friends, I liked seeing the relationships of some of Holly and Finn's friends grow.

I gave this three and a half shining Christmas stars, and a generous helping of Aunt Clara's homemade gin!

xo Bron

***
The Christmas Countdown by Donna Ashcroft
Out now from Bookouture
Source: free ebook provided for review by Bookouture via NetGalley
Themes: Christmas, heartbreak, finding yourself, relationships
 

Of note, I have both Wrapped Up IN Christmas  AND Wrapped Up FOR Christmas on my list, as well as Christmas Cow Bells (in case anyone was wondering what was the deal with the cows on the cover!).

I think I'm going to start with The Christmas Countdown by Donna Ashcroft:


Twenty-seven-year-old Holly Devine has just had her heart well and truly broken. Hurt by the two people she loves the most, she flees to her eccentric Aunt Clara’s cosy cottage to hide away over the winter season. But kind, impulsive Aunt Clara has other ideas… She’s not about to see her favourite niece wallowing in sadness during the most wonderful time of the year. So, with the help of her close circle of friends and plenty of gin, she creates a handmade advent calendar for Holly.
Every day in December, Holly opens a new door and has a different task to complete. She soon finds herself asking out a complete stranger – gorgeous, cheeky pub landlord, Finn Jackson. But as handsome Finn gets involved in her festive challenges, Holly’s determination to avoid romance is put to the test. Still, Finn’s far too carefree and single for true love, isn’t he?
As Holly begins to embrace each day – a complete makeover, building the biggest snowman she’s ever seen, singing in a karaoke contest – Finn is there adding fun and laughter to every moment. Holly starts to realise that she can become the person she’s always wanted to be…
But a secret from Finn’s past threatens to turn Holly’s Christmas upside down and makes her question everything she has experienced in the last few weeks. Will Finn open up to Holly in time to show her how he really feels? And will she complete the advent calendar challenges and fall in love this Christmas?

The Christmas Countdown is out now from Bookouture, who kindly provided me with an ecopy (via NetGalley). Pop back next week to see what I thought!

xo Bron

The second book in your Kindred Ties series, Emergence, came out in 2018 (yay!). Can you please tell us a little bit about the series, and what inspired you to write it? 
 In the Kindred Ties series, a small percentage of the population has a rare gene mutation that allows them to communicate with animals, a mutation that has lain dormant and forgotten for millennia. As a solar storm brews, a small group of researchers discovers three teenagers with unique abilities, able to communicate with animals from each of the three major biomes: earth, air, and water. These teenagers are walkers, able to bridge our world and the spirit world, destined to bring Earth into balance. Yet they’re hunted by a powerful genetics organisation, the MRI, which will stop at nothing to control their powers. Trying to stay one step ahead of the MRI, the walkers must unlock the full potential of their abilities. Can they figure out the MRI’s plans before it’s too late? This series is inspired by my time at university studying science and working on organic farms in Europe and Australia, in addition to my love of the series Avatar: The Last Airbender!

Do you like to read seasonal books, and do you have a favourite Christmas story or book?
I’m always a sucker for Christmas at Hogwarts!

Is there a particular book you'd love to find under your Christmas tree this year? 
The Rift by Rachael Craw. I am PSYCHED.

Do you have a favourite book you've read this year that you'll be recommending (or giving as a Christmas present!) to everyone you know? 
Circe by Madeline Miller - I love Greek mythology, and this is such a beautiful and creative story. I can’t shut up about it!

Can you share a favourite Christmas tradition or memory? 
 Reading The Night Before Christmas with the family and leaving biscuits and milk out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve (plus a carrot for the reindeer).

Can you tell us a bit about what you are working on next?
I am currently busy with edits on Book 3!

***
Thanks so much to Marita for taking the time to answer my questions! Just between us, I can't wait to get my hands on book 3 of the Kindred Ties series! You can check out my (spoiler-free!) review of the series so far here.

Find Marita online here 

 First up one of my very favourite Christmas books - The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman. I first read this one a few years ago, and absolutely loved it! It's a story about a group of women who get together to swap cookies every Christmas, and it has all of the things I love in a story about women's friendships and lives.

I think the Gingerbread Man tea is perfect to go with The Christmas Cookie Club - probably for pretty obvious reasons! I really liked that you can actually taste the ginger in this, unlike some other ginger teas I've tried before - it makes it feel cosy and definitely Christmassy.

And for something a bit different to the usual wintry Christmas romances - Our Country Christmas, a collection of short stories by aussie romance authors, which I talked a bit about last week.


A big mug of hot tea just isn't quite right for an Australian summer story, so I followed  Tea Garden Co's tips to brew iced tea from their If Rudolph Was a Tea. It was so delicious - totally sweet and refreshing, but not too sweet. I had mine over ice and topped up with soda water, but I think it would be perfect with sparkling wine or even a bit of vodka! It's a really pretty shade of red, which makes it feel festive too!

I'd love to know if you try these, or if you have a favourite drink to go with your festive reading sessions!

xo Bron
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This post isn't sponsored, I just really love these teas from Tea Garden Co!
The links in this post are affiliate links, so if you purchase through them I'll earn a little bit too.
Our Country Christmas was kindly sent to me for review by Harlequin Books.

Most of the Christmas books I have read are set in the Northern Hemisphere, so I think it's super fun to find some with an Aussie summer setting. Christmas in Ghost Gum Springs is a really fun, short and sweet Christmas story set in rural Australia! It's a little bit spicy, but most of the book focuses on the main characters trying not to get together, so there is a lot of "will they/won't they".

I really enjoyed this one and gave it 3.5 stars. Because it's so short I think it's a good one if you're not sure that Christmas romance is for you and want to give it a try.

xo Bron

*** I received a free ebook from Escape Publishing (via NetGalley) in exchange for my review. All views are my own***

A couple of things! I’m working on another standalone, fairy-tale themed YA novel. This one is based on Cinderella, but in my story she’s faked her father’s death to save him from the conniving of her wicked stepmother and foil a treasonous plot that threatens the crown. I’m also working on a series set in 18^th Century London involving a cross-dressing runaway heiress and a dissolute viscount and magic and murder and general shenanigans. 

We all know I love a sweet snowy Christmas romance, but there is  special place in my heart for Christmas stories set in our Australian summer. I really enjoyed the festive collection of short Aussie romance stories Harlequin released last year (A Very Country Christmas - you can check out my review here), so I was thrilled to see they were releasing a new one this year.



Our Country Christmas is a collection of five Australian Christmas stories - I haven't read them all yet but have loved what I've read so far! Here's the description from the website:


***
Thanks so much to the team at Harlequin (Harper Collins) for sending me a copy of this one! One of the things I love about these collections is that they give me a taste of a bunch of authors I might not have read before - reading Darry Fraser's story in here has made me even more excited to read her new novel The Widow of Ballarat!

xo Bron

When a body turns up in a larger-than-life candy bowl filled with peppermints on the town square, Holly White is horrified to learn her best friend Caroline is the main suspect. Everyone in town, including Mistletoe, Maine’s sheriff, saw Caroline fighting with the victim on the night of his death. Worse, a custom kitchen knife, engraved with Caroline's initials was found with him.

Now, just ten days before Christmas, Holly’s up to her jingle bells in holiday shenanigans and in desperate need of a miracle. Juggling extra shifts at her family’s Christmas tree farm and making enough gingerbread jewelry to satisfy the crowd is already more than she can handle €•and now she has to find time to clear her best friend of murder. Add in her budding relationship with the sheriff, and a personal stalker dressed as Santa Claus, and Holly’s ready to fly south until springtime.

But her Sherpa-lined mittens come off when Caroline is taken into custody. Can Holly wrap up the case in time for Christmas…even after she gains the true killer’s attention?

I read (and reviewed, here) the first book in the series - 12 Slays of Christmas - last year and was quite charmed by it, so was pleased to see there was a new one out this year. As was the case then, I really enjoyed this! I feel like these books have exactly the right balance of Christmas-iness, romance, and whodunnit suspense for me. There's a relatively small cast of characters (presumably since it is so early in the series) who are all just quirky enough to be lovable but not annoying, and the town sounds amazing (please tell me there is a real life Mistletoe and Reindeer Games somewhere? I want to spend Christmas there!)

These books are quick, festive, & fun reads, and I'd recommend both to fans of cosy mysteries and Christmas. I gave this one 3 Christmas stars, a big much of coffee and plate of 'bling'ed gingerbread!

xo Bron

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