Published: November 2013 by Susan Buchanan
Category: Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Book Review
Christmas is coming, but not everyone is looking forward to it.
The enigmatic Natalie Hope takes over the reins at the Sugar and Spice bakery and café in an attempt to spread some festive cheer and restore Christmas spirit, but will she succeed?
Natalie Hope’s job only lasts a month each year, beginning on the 1st December and ending on the 24th. This year she is in Scotland and has chosen to help four people who are not looking forward to Christmas for one reason and another.
Stanley’s wife of sixty-five years had eventually succumbed to the cancer she’d battled on and off for five years and since her death is unable to summon up the enthusiasm to do much of anything. He is finding it hard to cope and can’t even face the thought of Christmas, a season his wife loved.
Meredith’s life consists of work, work and more work with little or no thought for those who work for her, expecting them to be as dedicated and hard working as she is herself. Sophie, Meredith’s PA, bears the brunt of her boss’ high expectations. Having once been married and let down badly, Meredith keeps her emotions under tight control.
Jacob is the product of absentee parents who, although extremely wealthy, believe their children should make their own way without and financial help. Jacob is finding it impossible to get a decent job since leaving university. He’d been on countless interviews without success and is now reduced to signing on.
Rebecca has a horrible shock when she’s dumped by her boyfriend, which means she’s facing a seven hour train journey to spend Christmas with her parents, a prospect she’s not looking forward to. Added to that she has no idea if she’ll be able to afford to keep her flat.
Every year on this day, December 1st, her raison d’être and her job, as such, began. it only lasted a month, but her personal deadline was always twenty-four days. The other week was to ensure there was no unfinished business.
Natalie hoped this Christmas would be a good one for everyone. If she had anything to do with it, as in the past, those she chose would have a Christmas to remember.
This sounds wonderful, Cathy. A lovely and happy story.
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It really is!
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Sounds like a perfect read for the season!
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It really is!
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This sounds like a lovely story. I have a stack of Christmas books I didn’t get to finish before Christmas, but I am putting this one down as a must read. Hugs, Cathy!
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I didn’t get through all my Christmas books either – went a little bit overboard! 🤗
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Me too! 😂❤️
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😆
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Lovely review, Cathy!! 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Lovely! Glad you enjoyed this one, Cathy.
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Thanks, Jonetta 🙂
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