Blog Blitz for The Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan

Thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the chance to be a part of the tour for this enchanting book.

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Christmas is coming, but not everyone is looking forward to it. 
Rebecca has just been dumped and the prospect of spending the holiday period with her parents is less than appealing. 
Eighty- two year old Stanley lost his beloved wife, Edie, to cancer. How will he cope with his first Christmas without her? 
Jacob’s university degree hasn’t helped him get a job, and it looks like he’ll still be signing on come New Year. 
Workaholic Meredith would rather spend December 25th at home alone with a ready meal and a DVD box set. Can anything make her embrace the spirit of the season? 
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?

Purchase Links

http://amzn.to/1gcpTrc(UK) & http://amzn.to/KUArMU(US)

With a title like The Christmas Spirit, you’d be expecting to find a book filled with Christmasy thoughts and activities… and you’d be right! But not just that, this story comes with Christmas pastry treats too.  The protagonist spreads her Christmas cheer from a little Scottish bakery and had my taste buds jumping up in anticipation. 

            I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the picturesque setting of Loch Lomond to the wonderful people in need of Christmas cheer.  Natalie Hope has the task of bringing hope and wonder to 4 people this Christmas, well 5, if we include Sophie… actually Natalie’s actions help a few extra people along the way come to think of it.  She’s a fun protagonist to read and her secret mission (one she’s had for a very very very long time) comes to an ultimately successful conclusion.  It’s the journey that’s delightful to watch play out. 

            This book is told from the Omniscient Narrator perspective.  It’s been a long time since I read a book that used this technique and I was pleasantly surprised.  I think each character is unique enough that the switching of perspectives is clear and seamless. 

            I found Stanley’s story to be particularly touching and really enjoyed seeing the light slowly seep back into his life.  Meredith was not particularly likeable and no full explanation is given for why she is the way she is, but her transformation is believable and welcome. Jacob and his sister find the magic of Christmas together and are determined to make new family traditions; Natalie certainly helps them along the way.

            Overall, this is a short, cute read that packs in Christmas delight on every page and brought more than one smile to my face.

I give this story 4/5 Christmasy espresso shots.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book courtesy of Rachel’s Random Resources.  All opinions expressed are my own.

*****~~~~~** GIVEAWAY **~~~~~*****

Giveaway – Win e-copies of Sign of the Times and The Dating Game (Open Internationally)

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*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Rafflecopter Giveaway Link

Author Bio

Susan Buchanan lives in Scotland with her husband and their two children. She is the author of four novels: Return of the Christmas Spirit, The Christmas Spirit, The Dating Game, and Sign of the Times. She is currently working on books five and six: The Proposaland Just One Day.
Susan is also a proofreader, editor and translator, and when not working, writing, or caring for her two delightful cherubs, loves reading, the theatre, quiz shows and eating out – not necessarily in that order!

Social Media Links 

Facebook – www.facebook.com/susan.buchanan.author

Twitter – susan_buchanan

Blog – Sooz’s journal – www.susancbuchanan.blogspot.co.uk