"Gentle humour, cosy warmth, and the delights of Christmas ensure this is the most gorgeous and uplifting relationship tale."
A fabulously perfect festive read that delivers oodles of heartwarming charm. This could easily be read as a standalone novel, but I do recommend starting with Happiness for Beginners as Christmas for Beginners continues the lovely story of Molly and Hope Farm. When I read the first few sentences: “One of the alpacas has eaten the Baby Jesus. I’m not sure which one. Frankly they all look the picture of innocence, but I know them better.” I knew I was in for a treat of a read. Carole Matthews takes the ‘up’ in uplifting and elevates it to a whole new level. She doesn’t shy away from the aches and pains of real life and it is this that makes her books so relatable. The characters of the farm animals ensure they sit front and centre, often eclipsing their human counterparts. Even here, in the middle of a freezing cold farm yard you can also discover humour, hugs, and merrymaking. Carole Matthews really is the most beautifully consistent writer and we just had to pop this into our LoveReading Star Books category. Christmas for Beginners is an absolute gift of a book and comes as highly recommended by me.
| Primary Genre | Romance / Relationship Stories |
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Festive farmyard frolics with Molly and her mottley crew of misfits. Christmas can't get more Fluffy than this can it?
The farmyard frolics turn decidedly festive in Carole's latest offering, Christmas for Beginners. Owner of Hope Farm Molly Baker and her support network of Bev and Alan have settled in well following the farm's relocation to pastures new (literally) but the issue of funding is never far from their minds. Gregarious Bev is on the case as ever and soon has the troops rallied for a Christmas Fayre event to be held at the farm. I mean, after the success of previous events what could possibly go wrong?
Molly's new romantic partner Shelby is significant by his absence - it's a wonder they are a couple at all as they are poles apart personality-wise but they do say opposites attract.... Read Full Review
A cosy, comfy read! Snuggle up warm and enjoy!
The thoroughly likeable and relatable Molly Baker, from Happiness for Beginners is back. It doesn't matter at all whether you read the first book about Molly and Hope Farm, just dive straight in! Molly runs Hope Farm for ill or abandoned animals, they also provide education opportunities for children who struggle in school. In the lead up to Christmas, the painfully shy Molly has to put her worries aside in order to raise money and do the best for the farm. She also has to deal with her absent partner, famous actor Shelby, and his struggling teenage son Lucas, as well as control and take care of all of the animals! This book was warm, cosy and comfy. Perfect to snuggle up with, maybe even with a hot chocolate or glass of wine at your side. Perfect escapism from the real world.... Read Full Review
A cosy Christmas read.
When it's dark outside and things don't seem all that great, the best thing to make yourself feel better is to snuggle up with a Christmas read. This was the perfect book for taking your mind off things. I loved Hope Farm and all its inhabitants (both human and animal), especially Molly and her step-son of sorts, Lucas. They have such a lovely relationship and both seem so real that you can't help but live through their trials and tribulations with them.... Read Full Review
