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The Christmas Spirit (2013)

by Susan Buchanan(Favorite Author)

4.5 of 5 Votes: 2

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Susan Buchanan

review 1: When Natalie Hope arrives to temporarily take charge at the Sugar and Spice bakery for the month of December whilst the owner Mrs Williams is recovering from an operation, she brings her own blend of charismatic charm and superb baking talents to tempt customers and to spread some happiness. Although they don't know it, four people who are feeling sad or lonely are in her sights. All the characters in this novella are superbly written and I couldn’t help getting involved with their lives and hoping for the best for them. They were all very different, from newly widowed Stanley to Sophie, a PA having to deal with her horrible boss, Meredith. This was a lovely heartwarming and charming story but without being sickly sweet. Natalie took charge of the bakery spreading her ... moreown special magic and I instantly fell under her spell. The daily cake selection sounded wonderful and I spent a lot of time with my mouth watering and wishing I could pop in for a cake and a latte. If you’re looking for a warm and magical read for Christmas that also has a touch of romance then I can highly recommend this one. It’s the perfect read to accompany a large slice of Christmas cake and a hot chocolate!
review 2: In need of help feeling Christmaaey? Then this is the book for you. Loved all the characters, very emotional book. INITIAL THOUGHTSApproaching this one I was hoping for a "feel good" Christmas themed read, hoping it wasn't too sickly sweet or predictable. I was looking forward to reading it, even though my mum was reading it and finding it slow moving for her tastes.MY REVIEWI received a free e-copy of this one in exchange for reading and reviewing and posting as part of the blog tour. The cover is bright and cheery looking with the Christmas Tree, the four silhouettes around the tree. I like the font style and colour effect on the title. So would I pick this book up from a shelf in a book store? Yes, I think I wouldThe main character in this book is a female called Natalie Hope. Natalie has arrived in Scotland to supply temporary cover whilst the older lady that owns the bakery called Sugar & Spice has an operation. Natalie is there to do a special job starting 1st December and ending the 24th December. Natalie is renting a cottage from the owner of the Sugar & Spice. Natalie gets to "help" just four people, to bring them some Christmas cheer. Though by the time I finished reading this book, I think she actually brought hope and Christmas cheer to a lot more than just four people.The other main characters in the book are Stanley, Meredith, Jacob and Rebecca. Stanley is an elderly gentleman who lost the love of his life, and is definitely not looking forward to Christmas. He is naturally missing her beloved wife Edith, whom he had been married to for 65 years. I have to admit to immediately loving this character and his wife Edith, they so reminded me of my own grandparents, I certainly had tears in my eyes at a few points within the book that were about Stanley. The next character is Meredith, who is basically a workaholic, she has a PA who she runs ragged and expects a lot from. Things change when she is forced to slow down due to her health. She rediscovers her family love as her sister takes her in and she spend Christmas with her family and see that there is more to life than work. I also believe that through "helping Meredith, that Natalie actually helps Sophie too.The third main character is Jacob, who has been unemployed and is very disheartened as he is sending out numerous job applications and receiving no replies or even acknowledgments back. Jacobs family are stinking rich, yet offer no help financially or in gaining employment. Jacob ends up being in the right place at the right time, so gains a job, and becomes a popular member of the community. Along with Jacob being "helped" he is then in a position to help his sister Tabitha, when she needs a supportive shoulder.The final and fourth person is Rebecca, she is depressed at having split from the man she thought she would marry. She is going through the whole tug of war over possessions and the home they have shared. Things do get a little worse before they improve for her.So I've introduced you to the main characters, hopefully without giving away too much about them. This book gives you a serious case of the "warm and fuzzies". It's heart warming, uplifting book which I really enjoyed a lot. I highly recommend reading this one. it'll put you into the Christmassy mood!So did I enjoy the book? I really did love it!Would I recommend the book? Yes, a perfect read for by the warm fireside when its cold and wintery outside!Would I like to read more about the characters in this book? Yes, I think I would, perhaps another holiday, like Easter or something just a novella maybe to catch up with the characters. Then again this book does end really well anyway.Would I like to read other books by this author? Ooo yes please! less

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