Wish Upon A Star by Trisha Ashley.

In this book we meet Cally and her young daughter Stella. Cally makes the decision to change her life by relocating to Sticklepond in order to save the money she needs to fly her daughter to America to have a life-saving operation.

Unlike other Christmas books I've read by Trisha Ashley, this book was less Christmassy, but packed full of community spirit with the whole village rallying together to raise the funds Cally needs.  There is a strong theme of friendship and a great big dollop of romance.  And as with all Trisha's books, you will read of characters that you've met in earlier books, and all her leading characters seem to have a wonderful relationship with food and bake non-stop which is lovely to read about if not really frustrating for someone on a diet!

There are also some recipes at the back of the book if reading all about Stella's stars and croqembouche has made your mouth water.

The back page blurb:
The perfect gift isn’t always under the tree…

Single mum Cally’s life is all about her little girl Stella. She’s resigned to the fact that the only romance she’s going to get is from the rom-coms she watches, and with her busy job and her daughter, she doesn’t have time to even think about love.

But life gets very tough when Stella gets sick. Balancing her job as a recipe writer and looking after Stella is all consuming, so when Cally meets handsome baker Jago the last thing she wants to do is fall in love, especially when she’s been badly burned by a Prince Charming from her past.
Can laid-back, charming Jago unlock Cally’s frozen heart and help her find true love and magic under the mistletoe?

Title: Wish Upon A Star
Author: Trisha Ashley

Callings Mrs Christmas by Carole Matthews.

Snuggle up beside your tree and read this wonderful story to get you feeling fabulously festive.

If you're looking for a heart-warming story packed full of Christmas cheer then you need to read this novel from the Queen of chick-lit Carole Matthews.

We meet Cassie Smith, who after being made redundant and struggling to find a new job decides to make her love of the Christmas season into a career and starts up a business to help people create their perfect Christmas.

There are loads of lovely characters in this book, from millionaire Carter to the wonderful Jim, Cassie's boyfriend.  Jim was my favourite character, he does a very honourable job working in a young offender's institute and is the perfect boyfriend, being loyal, reliable and romantic.

As always with Christmas books written by Carole Matthews you are guaranteed a story stuffed full of festivities, and this book really does get you in the mood for Christmas.  Not only does Cassie's Calling Mrs Christmas business means she's wrapping presents, decorating trees and organising Christmas parties; she also takes a trip to Lapland.  Reading about Lapland was so interested, it sounds amazing.  Then to top it off there's an idyllic family Christmas to end the story.

This books explores what Christmas might be like for people who have money to throw away compared to those who have nothing at all and really makes you think for yourself what the truly important things are at Christmas time.

There is friendship, romance and family relationships a plenty in this story, all tied together with very likeable characters.  A really heart-warming story.

The back page blurb:

Cassie Smith has been out of work for a while but she has an idea. Drawing on her love of Christmas, she begins charging for small things: wrapping presents; writing cards; tree-decorating. She's soon in huge demand and Cassie's business, Calling Mrs Christmas, is born.

Carter Randall wants to make Christmas special for his children, so he enlists Cassie's help, and his lavish requests start taking up all her time. Thank goodness she can rely on her loving partner Jim to handle the rest of her clients.

When millionaire Carter asks Cassie to join his family on a trip to Lapland, she knows she shouldn't go . . . Suddenly Cassie finds herself facing a heart-breaking choice that could change her entire life.

Title: Calling Mrs Christmas
Author: Carole Matthews

I Heart Christmas by Lindsey Kelk.

I love the main character Angela and I love Christmas so I just knew I would love this book and I was not disappointed.  Everything about this book was in keeping with the fantastic escapism that every I Heart book promises you.  Everywhere Angela goes it's guaranteed that mayhem with follow.  Reading about her adventures is so entertaining, it will have you laughing out loud.

I adore the 'I Heart' series of books and couldn't wait for the next instalment.  In this book we see Angela "Christmas the shit out of [herself]" (her words not mine!) and knowing what can happen when Angela gets involved, I just knew things would get exciting.

Not only is Angela taking on new challenges at work, she's also moving house, has unexpected house guests and plans to hit the New York Christmas scene hard!

We meet all of the much loved I Heart characters.  Once again Alex outdoes himself as the most romantic boyfriend you could wish for.  Jenny is full of life, opinions and pushiness and we see Louisa let herself go and enjoy all New York has to offer at Christmas.  We even see Angela's parents make an appearance.

Parts of this book are so so romantic I was melting whilst reading it.  And there is an obscene amount of festive loveliness sprinkled throughout the pages.

Angela might be ever so slightly crazy, definitely a bit neurotic and hopeless at dealing with problems but I adore everything about her.  She's a real hero in every book and an inspiration that no matter how badly things turn out, and how embarrassed you might feel, you can always carry on with your head held high.

This is a must read if you need an uplifting inspirational book absolutely chocced full of festive yumminess.

The back page blurb:

Angela’s planning her very own fairytale of New York…

• Enormous Christmas tree
• Eggnog
• Eccentric British traditions
• Gorgeous man

But Santa’s throwing her a few curveballs – new job (as if it’s not mental enough already), new baby-craze from her best friend Jenny, and Alex determined they should grow up and settle down. Once friends start turning up uninvited on her doorstep (and leading her astray), can Angela really have a merry little Christmas? So much for happy holidays – something’s got to give…

Title: I Heart Christmas
Author: Lindsey Kelk
I Heart Series #6

A Cinderella Christmas by Holly Kingston.

If you're looking for a light hearted Christmas novella that will make you giggle then you need to get your hands on a copy of A Cinderella Christmas.

It's a brilliant story based around the cast of a Christmas pantomime. The heroine of the story is the very loveable back-end-of-a-cow Lucy. She's down to earth of full of the everyday insecurities that plague us all. The other leading lady in the book is a diva and a nasty piece of work called Charmaine; not the type of person I would fancy for a friend, but enjoyable to read about non-the-less.

I loved Holly Kingston's writing style, it's so light-hearted and really easy to get into.  I was drawn into the story from the first few pages and really enjoyed reading the whole novella.

This novella has everything you could wish for in a festive read... it's full of Christmas sparkle, with big doses of humour, friendship and romance. And there's even an adorable little dog who dresses like an elf, for those of who like like a little canine influence in a story!

Oh and did I mention it's set in Manchester - which being a Mancunian I love :)

I look forward to reading more from Holly in the future.

The back page blurb:
This year’s Cinderella pantomime is the hottest production in town. What’s more, Lucy is starring alongside Ryan Aspall: famous TV actor, sex symbol and potential love of her entire life. One teeny problem – Lucy is tripping the light fantastic as … the back end of the comedy cow. Surely nothing kills a flirty moment quite like wearing a massive set of udders? 

At least she has the support of glamorous (if potentially flammable) Charmaine; a reality star diva of a Cinderella, who Lucy is completely fascinated by. But behind the fame and beauty, Charmaine is not all she seems. With more drama off the stage than on it, and everyone wanting to be star of the show, will Lucy find the confidence to make it out of the cow suit and into the spotlight this Christmas? 

Title: A Cinderella Christmas
Author: Holly Kingston

Buy A Cinderella Christmas here.

Just For Christmas by Scarlett Bailey.

If you want to read a Christmas book packed full of festive cheer then this is the book for you.

We meet Alex who moves from one end of the country to another in order to try and escape her recent heartbreak and troubled family life.  Unfortunately for Alex, it doesn't take long for her past to catch up with her.

Throughout this story Alex grows in confidence, from at first seeming quite vulnerable, she develops her sense of style, and takes confidence from her new relationships, becoming a much happier and fulfilled person.

The town Alex finds herself moving to, at first seems a little bit 'clicky' and I wasn't sure how Alex would be accepted by the locals but it soon becomes clear what a lovely, homely place Poldore is.

This book is stuffed full of Christmas romance, whether it's the town's nativity, several rather handsome men or the fake snow and friendships. (There's even a lighthouse!)  But there is also drama and moments that will make you want to cry.  And there are plenty of engaging characters who you will truly believe in.

Every little detail of this story is warm and engaging which makes it a wonderful page-tuning read.

The back page blurb:

When Alex Munro learns that the love of her life is getting married to another girl, all she wants is to be alone - and as far away from Edinburgh as possible.

Moving to a Cornish cottage, which comes complete with the world's scruffiest dog, Alex finds that her new neighbours are determined to involve her in their madcap Christmas festivities.

Then she meets her sexy neighbour Ruan - and somehow Alex doesn't want to be alone this Christmas after all. But having lost one fiancé, Ruan has no intention of letting anyone get close to him again...

Title: Just For Christmas
Author: Scarlett Bailey

Meet Me Under The Mistletoe by Abby Clements.

This was such a sweet story set at Christmas-time.
We meet Laurie who is a single London girl, living in a wonderful housing block which seems to be filled with lots of friendly neighbours.  She loses her job and feels in need of a break exactly the same time as her childhood friend Rachel needs to leave her cottage in the country and stay in London for a while.  The story sees Rachel and her idyllic family house swap with Laurie in the run up to Christmas.

This book reminded me a little of one of my favourite films, The Holiday, but despite drawing comparisons, Meet Me Under The Mistletoe is filled with it's own strong characters and unique plot twists.

I really enjoyed Abby's bubbly characters, it felt like each person who was introduced to the story was warm and engaging.  I loved that alongside the romantic storyline, this book was essentially a story of friendship that survives crossed wires and hurt feelings, and despite the fact that Rachel and Laurie are not always closely in touch with each other their friendship survives years.

You'll see dramas unfold around Rachel's daughter, her mother-in-law whilst Rachel is doubting the security of her marriage.  Meanwhile Laurie is trying to rediscover herself in a new town whilst having conflicting feelings over which man is right for her. 

There's a lot going on in this book, but it's very easy to follow, and really enjoyable to read.  It's filled with Christmas cheer, romance and friendship, a lovely chick-lit read.

The back page blurb:

Childhood friends Laurie and Rachel used to be inseparable - but their lives have taken very different paths since they picked up their A-level results together. Now thirty-five, they have all but fallen out of touch; glamorous single girl Laurie is based in London and dedicated to her career in fashion; Rachel seemingly living the family idyll in Yorkshire.

But when Rachel's mother-in-law needs urgent treatment in London, and disasters at work and in her love life mean Laurie needs to flee, a house swap falls into place. Soon gentle Rachel is far from the village bake sales, braving the city's mean streets while trying to keep her marriage and family together; while Laurie attempts to work an Aga, befriend the wary village locals - and forget the man who seems intent on breaking her heart. Will their relationships survive this test? And will they make it home for Christmas?

Title: Meet Me Under The Mistletoe
Author: Abby Clements

Short Stories: Last Christmas by Talli Roland.

This is a wonderfully festive novella by the fabulous Talli Roland.  I was literally hooked from the start of this story and couldn't stand it when I had to put the book down to leave for work, I was just desperate to hear about 'the proposal'.  

Lucy is a brilliant character, she's so carefree and is happy to take risks in order to move her life on from the heartbreak she has suffered in the past.  There are lots of loveable characters in this book and despite it being only a short story I feel I've really got to know them all.

On the Christmas side - this book was the perfect festive read, it started by describing London at Christmas in a way that made me want to run straight down there and join in with the festivities.  There were constant Christmas references throughout the story, and the story ends with the Christmas Party to rival all other Christmas parties.

Packed full of hope this is an inspirational story of 'moving on' and will leave you feeling warm, fuzzy and totally festive.

The back page blurb:
Eager to banish the ghost of Christmas past - when her boyfriend dumped her on the streets of Paris - Lucy is determined to have the best Christmas ever. She rallies friends and family for an epic celebration that just happens to fall on the same day as her ex's festive wedding. Furious at how she's been treated, Lucy can't help relishing the party v wedding smackdown. But when the wedding is threatened and only Lucy can help, can she find the spirit inside to save the day, or will this Christmas be even more disastrous than the last?

Title: Last Christmas
Author: Talli Roland

Buy Last Christmas here.

It Started With A Kiss by Miranda Dickinson.

Despite looking like a Christmas book this isn't a 'full-on' Christmassy tale like other Christmas stories.  The story starts at Christmas and then takes place throughout the following year.  Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that the story isn't magical; it's a lovely story with very like-able characters.

I would definitely read more of Miranda's books in the future.  They have everything you could want in a feel-good read; friendship, romance, a big chunk of optimism and a little bit of magic. 

I must admit that the fact that each page is edged in red I absolutely loved, and it added to that Christmassy feel and makes the book stand out from others on the shelf.

Title: It Started With A Kiss
Author: Miranda Dickinson.

Twelve Days of Christmas by Trisha Ashley.

As another of the Christmas books that I've read this year, I loved the fact that the entire story took place over Christmas, the twelve days in fact (unsurprisingly) and involved every aspect that I think you'd look for in a Christmas story.  As an added bonus it even included some very interesting snippets of cookery information/recipe ideas.

Much as with the other Trisha Ashley book I have read (Wedding Tiers) I enjoyed this book, but don't feel the need to rave to other people about it.  It was enjoyable but not fantastic.  It just missed that bit of mystery pulling you through the book, I guessed the ending and the story and the 'secret' that would be uncovered.  But the characters were likeable so it's well worth adding to your festive book list.

Title: Twelve Days of Christmas
Author: Trisha Ashley

With Love At Christmas by Carole Matthews.

...a book about family and friendship, I absolutely adored it.

In the past I have read one book by an author, enjoyed it, gone on to read more and been disappointed   So when I read 'The Only Way Is Up' by Carole Matthews earlier this year and loved it, I went out and bought a few more of her books but never got round to reading them.  I picked this one up hoping that I would enjoy it just as much; and I did, this is a wonderful book.  In fact it's now up there as one of my two favourite books of the year.

The story is a wonderful Christmas tale, but it's more than just a fluffy Christmas book; you'll read about life, death, births, marriages, illness but mostly it's a book about family and friendship; I absolutely adored it.

Carole's writing is beautifully detailed, she pulls you straight into the story and I felt just like I was there with the Joyce family sharing their Christmas.  I found myself unable to put the book down, but the more I read, the more I worried that I was just getting nearer the end... and I didn't want the pleasure of reading this book to stop.

I really would recommend this book, it's the perfect Christmas read and will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions.  On one page I was having to read the words through tears of sadness, before the next page literally had my laughing out loud.

I never read books more than once but this may become the exception to the rule, I can imagine snuggling up with this book every Christmas, a brilliant way to start the season.

Title: With Love At Christmas
Author: Carole Matthews

A Winter Flame by Milly Johnson.

I was really looking forward to reading this book and I wasn't disappointed at all.  It's a lovely, light-hearted book and fabulous to read at Christmas time as the story is based in a Winter Wonderland theme park.  It's magical, trust me!

As always with Milly's books the characters are very relate-able  funny and you route for them the whole way through the story.  Some of the characters crossover from Milly's last book, White Wedding - but if you haven't read that one, don't worry, you could read this book independently and it would all make sense.

The only problem with this book is that it has left me desperate to visit Winterworld - it seems like such a magical place; and I could definitely get married in the wedding chapel there.  If only it were real...

Title: A Winter Flame
Author: Milly Johnson