Christmas Gift Guide 2023 – Ideas for Readers

Published December 7, 2023 | By Laura

I do love a good gift guide as I personally find them so helpful when I’m stuck on what to get people and, as this is a blog for writers and readers, I wanted to share five items that I’ve found that I think would be perfect for the book lover in your life.

Penguin Book Print.

The first item is something that I’ve always wanted but never managed to get and that is this classic Penguin book cover print.

There’s something so timeless about these covers and there are so many to choose from, from Jane Austen to Graham Greene.

I think these would look so beautiful up on the wall and it’s a great way to share your favourite classic Penguin novel.

You can buy these prints from Penguin by clicking here.

Interesting Stories about Curious Words by Susie Dent.

What lover of books doesn’t love, well, a book? I’m a great fan of interesting words and came across this non fiction book from Susie Dent, known as the oracle from Countdown’s dictionary corner.

If your loved one is anything like me, I enjoy finding unusual words and their definitions and think this book is perfect for that. What do you think?

You can buy this book by clicking here and heading to The Literary Gift Company website.

Popsy Teacups Print Notebook.

Popsy Clothing is a brand I adore and I will always do what I can to spread the Popsy love. There is almost always a literature/bookish themed top available on the site. The tops are good quality, are so comfortable, are long and the best thing of all, the tops have POCKETS!!! I know!

However, the product I wanted to share is this beautiful Teacups Print Notebook. Maybe the bibliophile you know is wanting to make notes or is part of a book club and needs somewhere to make notes about their book of the month? Or they like making a note of passages, words or quotes they particularly liked.

This notebook is A5 and has 90 lined pages.

Click here to head over to Popsy Clothing.

The Book Lover’s 2024 Calendar.

Who doesn’t love a good Calendar and this one from the Calendar club is so pretty.

This square calendar has stunning illustrations of book covers from novels like Jane Eyre, A Catcher in the Rye and 1984.

It is a 12 month calendar and is a Monday start.

This product is going on my Christmas list.

You can get this from The Calendar Club.

Book Journal.

Finally, I wanted to share this book journal from Papier.

This is another brand I’ve used and loved in the past and this journal looks stunning.

It’s the perfect way to keep track of the books you’ve read. Like the notebook from Popsy I shared, this would be good if you’re doing a reading challenge and want to make notes on the books you read or it could be a great companion if you or a loved one are a member of a book club and want it to make notes for the catch up.

It also has a few pages to add your book wish list.

Whatever the purpose, this journal looks perfect.

You can buy it from Papier.

As with the writers gift guide, click here to read it, I hope you’ve found this list inspiring. Let me know in the comments below if there’s been a product mentioned that’s filled that hole in your present list.

Christmas Gift Guide 2023 – Ideas for Writers

Published December 6, 2023 | By Laura

It’s my favourite time of year again. National Novel Writing Month is done, the Christmas decorations are up and I’m singing Last Christmas very much out of tune.

As both an avid reader and writer, I love getting related items and I wanted to share some gift ideas for the writer in your life.

First up is a Writers Box.

This Writers Box looks fantastic and seems to have everything a writer might need to assist them in a good session getting those words written.

It includes a handmade notebook, coaster, bookmark, miniature handmade book of quotes from famous writers about writing. a pen and some treats. It looks perfect.

You can order this via Etsy.

Writing Workbook by Lucy Van Smit.

I don’t know about you, but I love a good Writing workbook. It’s a perfect thing to have if the brain needs a little time to fire up and having a prompt will help. This book is one I’ve not come across before and it would be on my list for sure.

This book aims to champion the journey a writer make take in their writing life. It asks the tricky questions, shares some secret practices, and inspires confidence. This isn’t a book about getting published, it’s about helping you find your writing voice, trust in your writing and creativity.

What about you? Do you like a good workbook?

You can buy it via Amazon.

Writing Magazine.

Continue reading →

Book Christmas Gift Guide 2021

Published December 15, 2021 | By Laura

As a book lover, you can never go wrong with a book for me under the tree.

In fact, a friend of mine and I have exchanged a book every Christmas Eve for the last few years and it’s a tradition I love. There are not many things I love more than to curl up with a new book around Christmas.

So, as the big day is approaching, I wanted to share a book gift guide – some recommendations for the bookworm in your life.

The first book on the list is a new edition of a bestseller.

Marian Keyes is due to release Again, Rachel next year. This is the follow up to her best-selling novel, Rachel’s Holiday.

The 25th anniversary edition was released by Penguin Michael Joesph and would be a perfect gift for Marian Keyes fans or someone who is yet to discover this wonderful author.

This edition features celebrations from authors including David Nicholls and Graham Norton, as well as an extract from Again, Rachel.

Rachel Walsh has been living it up in New York City. She spends her evenings talking her way into parties and then returns home in the early hours to her boyfriend, Luke.

Her sister showing up and taking her to rehab was not part of her plan.

She agrees. It’s all spas, jacuzzis and celebrities right? Sounds like a nice holiday.

Losing freedom and fun will be hard. Losing the love of her life will be harder.

I have not read this but that will have to change, especially with a sequel coming.

I am a big fan of Celia Imrie. She was in one of my favourite films, Bridget Jones’ Diary.

I was excited to hear that she’d written a novel. It sounds so intriguing.

Orphans of the Storm, released in August by Bloomsbury focuses on Marcella, Michael and Margaret as their paths cross on the RMS Titanic.

After three years of marriage, Marcella is determined to divorce her cruel and controlling husband, Michael.

Whilst awaiting a decision over the custody of their two young boys, Michael receives news that changes everything.

Meanwhile, Margaret, who has been touring Europe with friends is growing restless. She resolves to head home aboard the Titanic.

As the ship sets sail, they all soon realise that nothing will be the same.

Continue reading →

Novel Kick’s Book Club: The Gift by Cecelia Ahern

Published December 1, 2021 | By Laura

HarperCollins, Nov 2017

It’s December! It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the last month of 2021.

I know it’s been a bit of a strange year. I am really determined to find my Christmas spirit though.

December is my favourite month. Beautiful lights adorn buildings.

I get to have an advent calendar (which you’re never too old for.)

I can play Christmas music as much as I like and I finally get to put up the Christmas Tree, watch Christmas movies and most importantly sit down with my favourite Christmas themed novel.

Cecelia Ahern creates such magic in her novels that I get completely drawn into them. I’ve always loved this novel but over the last few years, it’s gained new meaning to me which is why it was chosen for this month’s book club.

The Gift by Cecelia Ahern follows Lou Suffern who wishes he could be in two places at once. His constant battle with the clock is a sensitive issue with his wife and family.

Gabe is the homeless man who sits outside Lou’s office. When Lou invites Gabe into the building and into his life, Lou’s world is changed beyond all measure.

A Christmas story that speaks to all of us about the value of time and what is truly important in life.

Continue reading →

Book Review: Christmas at Aunt Elsie’s by Emily Harvale

Published November 8, 2020 | By Laura

A distant relative. A blizzard. A Christmas of surprises.

Lottie Short isn’t looking forward to Christmas. Her boyfriend has dumped her and she’s also lost her job. Lottie and her beloved spaniel, Merry, are facing the festive season – and a bleak future, alone.

But a Christmas card and round-robin letter give Lottie hope. And as the first snowflakes fall, she’s on her way to the tiny seaside village of Seahorse Harbour to visit her distant aunt. She’ll stay in a cosy B&B and get some bracing, sea air. That might lift her spirits.

What she doesn’t plan for is a blizzard, her aunt taking a fall, or the dramas unfolding all around her. But at least there’s a warm welcome at Aunt Elsie’s cottage … and a roaring log fire in the village pub.

That’s not all that might bring a rosy glow to Lottie’s cheeks. Asher Bryant, the local vet is pretty hot, and Lottie also hits it off with another visitor to Seahorse Harbour. This festive season might be better than she hoped.

And when Lottie gets more than one surprise this Christmas, perhaps she and Merry won’t be spending the New Year on their own.

I was so pleased to be invited onto the one day blog blitz for Christmas at Aunt Elsie’s by Emily Harvale.

Reading Emily’s novels is like being under a warm blanket with a hot chocolate. Bliss. Although, maybe not Elsie’s hot chocolates. Those things sound lethal. LOL.

I’ve become such fan of Emily’s novels over the last couple of years and so I couldn’t wait to curl up with this latest book. The first in the Seahorse Harbour series, Summer at my Sisters is one of Emily’s books I’d not got around to reading (an oversight that will soon be rectified,) but I didn’t feel like I was playing catch up as Christmas at Aunt Elsie’s can be read as a standalone.

Continue reading →

Christmas Gift Guide 2019: Stocking Fillers for Writers and Readers

Published December 17, 2019 | By Laura

It’s that time of year. In fact, it’s my favourite time of the year.. Christmas.

I am one of those people who likes finding presents for family and friends. I will sit for hours trying to find the perfect something – a gift they would like.

As I have been doing my own shopping, I have found some perfect stocking fillers related to writing or books so I have put together a gift guide.

If you’re struggling to find a present for the writer or reader in your life (or, if you want to observe the law of Christmas present shopping where you should buy something for yourself as well as for others. OK, I made that up but it’s a nice tradition to start right?)

I have tried to find things that are under £20 so let’s get straight to the guide.*

Literary Cat Mug – The Literary Gift Company – £13.99.

Words can’t describe how much I love this mug and it is going on my Christmas list for sure. This mug features nine cat silhouettes and kitty related quotes from people like Emily Bronte, L.M Montgomery and Winston Churchill.

It’s so pretty and for anyone who wants to know, it’s microwave and dishwasher safe too. If, like me, you or your gift recipient is a writer, reader or cat lover (or all three,) this mug is perfect.

100 Books Scratch Bucket List Poster – Gift Republic via Not on The High Street – £12.99.

I love these type of posters and really want one. This one in particular compiles a hundred of the best novels and, if you’ve not already guessed, you can scratch off the books as you read.

This poster features classic novels like Murder on the Orient Express and Great Expectations to more recent books like The Help, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and The Handmaid’s Tale. This would make a great reading challenge for the new year if you or someone you know have wanted to read some of the greats but haven’t know where to begin.

Continue reading →

Novel Kicks Gift Guide For Readers

Published December 16, 2018 | By Laura

The tree is up and decorated, Christmas lights have taken over my house and the Christmas novels and mugs have come out.

As my favourite time of year approaches, I, like everyone else am Christmas shopping. I want to continue my tradition of doing a ‘book lovers’ gift guide (a writing themed one will come later in the week.)

If you’re still looking for a gift for the bookworm in your life, I hope the suggestions below may prove to be the perfect present.

First of all, for anyone you know (or for yourself as it is Christmas gift buying law that you should buy a present for yourself,) that is a fan of Twilight. It’s been ten years since the first film was released and to mark this occasion, a 11 DVD box set has been released (or 6 discs if you prefer Bluray.)

The Twilight Complete Collection 10th Anniversary Special edition includes the four movies and their bonus content. It also includes an additional three hours of bonus content including ‘Twilight Tour: Ten years on’ which is a tour around the filming locations with a cast member. As well as this, there are cast interviews, a red carpet feature and a talk with Stephanie Meyer.

It is the perfect Christmas present for any Twilight fan.

(The Twilight Complete Collection 10th Anniversary Special edition is out now on DVD and Bluray.)

I had a chance to briefly visit the British Library recently. Having never been before, I absolutely fell in love with the building. Having a look at their shop online, they have many things that would make perfect gifts for readers.

One thing I did pick up on my visit was The Christmas Card Crime. It is a collection of stories that explores the darker side of the festive season (I love this cover too.)

Other products include homeware and stationery. Letters To My Future Self caught my eye. This is a great idea and would make a lovely stocking filler.

Continue reading →

Book Review: Not Just For Christmas by Natalie Cox

Published November 26, 2018 | By Laura

Charlie hates the holidays, and this year is shaping up to be her worst yuletide ever.

Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her flat is out of bounds after a gas leak, and her mother has gone to spend Christmas in Melbourne with her fifth husband.

Finding herself single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie hesitantly agrees to dust off her wellies and spend the festive season in Devon, looking after Cosy Canine Cottages, her cousin Jez’s dog-care centre.

However, her plans for a quiet rural Christmas with only the four-legged friends for company are dashed as soon as she meets Malcolm the deaf Great Dane, Hugo, his gorgeous (but engaged) owner, and Cal, the undeniably attractive but unbearably haughty and patronising local vet.

I am very happy to be kicking off the blog tour for Not Just For Christmas, the new novel by Natalie Cox which is due to be released in paperback on 29th November by Orion.

Not Just For Christmas focuses on Charlie. Having just become single, she then has to move out of her flat when it gets damaged in a gas leak. Her mother is in Melbourne, her father in Russia, Charlie has no choice but to go and spend Christmas in Devon with her cousin, Jez. She soon finds herself alone though running Cosy Canine Cottages.

The setting for this novel drew me in to begin with. I love to visit Devon and this brought back memories of lovely holidays I have spent there and the friendliness of the residents.

Continue reading →

My Writing Ramblings: My Christmas Traditions

Published December 22, 2017 | By Laura

rp_Laura-Book-300x2251-300x2251-300x225-300x225-1-300x225-1-1-300x225-1-300x225.jpg As I get older, Christmas traditions have become all the more important to me.

When I was growing up, it was the magic of waiting for Father Christmas. We’d leave the milk and biscuits and we’d get so excited when there would be presents waiting for us under the tree in the morning.

My Mum would hide a stocking filler and give us clues to find it. Then my Grandparents would arrive at some point.

I still have the same level of excitement about Christmas. some of the old traditions are still there joined by some new ones.

Family must be involved in my day, even if I am working. I have been known to make an eighty mile round trip after a night shift on Christmas Day so I can spend time with family.

Most of my traditions usually begin on 1st December once National Novel Writing Month is over. This is when the Christmas music is transferred to the iPod, the Christmas themed mugs come out, the Christmas phone case is used, Heart Xmas is set in the car and this is when we buy our tree. A real tree can’t be beaten.

Once my husband and I have the usual ‘can you get the decorations from the loft’ conversation, he and I both decorate it with a Christmas film or music on in the background.

Continue reading →

My Favourites: Christmas Movies

Published December 21, 2017 | By Laura

scrooged Christmas is only a few days away. I can’t hardly believe it. This time of year is probably my favourite.

I love being able to snuggle up in warm pyjamas and slippers. The Christmas Tree, twinkle lights. I love it all. I even love the repeated Christmas music.

One of my traditions is watching Christmas themed movies (not that I need much of an excuse.) With it being the festive season, it got me thinking about which films I can’t have Christmas without. The danger with a question like this is that I could have gone on forever so, because I don’t like making things easy for myself, I have limited it to five. So, in no particular order, here are my favourites.

Scrooged (1985)

Staring Bill Murray and Karen Allen, this is my favourite adaptation of the Christmas Carol. It’s a film that has been part of my Christmas for a long time and it never gets old. At the beginning, Frank Cross is so easy to hate. He is horrible to everyone around him and oblivious to the needs of others.

There are some aspects to the story that have been adjusted or added to this film which keeps it fresh.

There are some laugh out loud moments, some heart-breaking moments (Norman,) and by the end, I’m always humming along with the cast when they sing ‘Put A Little Love in Your Heart.’

For me, it’s one of the perfect Christmas films.

The Holiday (2006).

This film focuses on two women who need to get out of their comfort zone and decide to swap lives over Christmas.

Awwwww, I adore this film. The four main cast members are just fantastic in this festive film about two women who are looking to escape their every day life and prove that going somewhere else for a while can be the best thing you ever do.

I have completely fallen in love with both houses for a start and would be hard pushed to be able to pick one if I was told that I could live in either Rosehill cottage or Amanda’s house.

Jude and Jack make lovely heroes. It’s funny, this is my favourite role of Jack Black’s and it’s not the kind of role he usually takes. I wish there was more Miles and Iris in this movie.

Plus, it came out a year before I got married to the day so it will always be a little bit special.

Nativity (2009)

This stars Martin Freeman and is such a sweet film. I am always impressed that it was mostly improvised and some of the kids are hilarious. There is something very original about this film. I will always cry at the end no matter how many times I see it. I can’t help it.

This movie brings back memories of when I was an angel in my school nativity ( I know, strange casting decision right. Haha.)

This film above all makes me feel festive and can put me in the best of moods.

Continue reading →

Christmas: My Gift Guide For The Reader or Writer in Your Life

Published December 7, 2017 | By Laura

Here’s my Gift Guide for 2017.

I can’t quite believe it’s time for another gift guide. It doesn’t seem five minutes ago that I compiled the one for last year. I love looking at people’s various gift guides as you’ll possibly come across the perfect present for someone.

This guide is for writers and readers and I’ve picked some things I know I would love to receive.

The first gift I have found is this fantastic Bespoke Book Subscription from The Willoughby Book Club.

There are options for a three, six or twelve month subscription. It’s tailored to the person getting the subscription so whether the book lover in your life is into romance, classics, mystery or sci-fi, this subscription has you covered.

It comes in a gift tin with details on how the subscription can be activated and each month, a new book will arrive gift wrapped.

What I absolutely love about this particular subscription is that for every one sold, Willoughby Book Club donates a new book to the Book Aid International charity.

These pencils I think would make a wonderful stocking filler for the reader and writer in your life. This very cute and colourful book lover pencil set are five 2B lead pencils.

Embossed with gold foil, each one has a different phrase: ‘Just one more chapter,’ ‘Read More Books,’ ‘I like Big Books,’ ‘I’d rather be reading,’ and finally the classic ‘Once Upon a Time.’

There’s also a handy eraser on the end of each pencil. These particular ones are available via The Literary Emporium.

Continue reading →

Competitions: Win a Signed Copy of Christmas Cakes & Mistletoe Nights by Carole Matthews

Published October 26, 2017 | By Laura

Carole Matthews is back with Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights which was released by Sphere on 19th October.

Thanks to Carole and Sphere, we have ONE SIGNED COPY to give away to one lucky winner.

Fay and Danny are madly in love and it’s all Fay’s ever dreamed of. But she left everything – including the delightful cake shop she used to run – to be with Danny on his cosy canal boat The Dreamcatcher. And as she soon finds out, making delicious cakes on the water isn’t always smooth sailing!

Then Fay gets a call from her friends, a call that sends her back to her friends and the Cake Shop in the Garden. It will be hard being away from Danny but their relationship is strong enough to survive . . . isn’t it?

Fay soon falls happily back in love with her passion for baking – especially now she’s on dry land again! – and starts to wonder if she ever should have left. With Christmas around the corner, Fay is determined that her friends will have a very merry time, but does that mean even more time away from Danny?

How To Enter:

Continue reading →

Phillipa Ashley Shares Her Favourite Christmas Scenes

Published December 1, 2016 | By Laura

I am delighted to be welcoming Phillipa Ashley back to Novel Kicks today. Phillipa’s latest book is very much festive themed and is called Christmas at The Cornish Café. It’s the second novel in the Cornish Café series and was released by Maze.

Christmas will be slightly less turbulent than summer, won’t it? Demi certainly hopes so.

She and Cal are keeping their fledgling relationship under wraps for now. But then Kit Bannen, a hunky, blond – and somewhat mysterious – writer arrives at Kilhallon Resort, and not everyone is charmed. Cal is sure that Kit is hiding something. But is he the only one guarding a secret?

Demi is busy baking festive treats for the newly opened Demelza’s cafe, but when Cal’s ex Isla arrives to shoot scenes for her new drama, Demi can’t help but worry that things aren’t quite over between them. Kit flirts with both women, fuelling Cal’s suspicions that Kit has hidden motives for staying on at Kilhallon. Then Cal has to go to London, leaving Demi and Kit to decorate the cafe for Christmas . . . all by themselves.

A storm is brewing in more ways than one. As surprises unfold and truths are uncovered, can Demi and Cal finally open up to each other about their feelings?

As it is nearly Christmas, Phillipa has shared some of her favourite Christmas scenes. Over to you, Phillipa…

Believe it or not, after 16 books and over a decade of writing, Christmas at the Cornish Café is my first ‘Christmas’ novel. Even though my debut novel, Decent Exposure, was made into the Lifetime movie, 12 Men of Christmas, it was never written as a Christmas book.

It was important to me that Christmas at the Cornish Café truly reflected the challenges my characters and the community might face in a small Cornish fishing village – and how people might pull together to help each other against all the odds. I hope you enjoy reading it. Now, here are some of my favourite scenes from seasonal books, films and TV.

The Carrs’ Christmas Box – What Katy Did at School

Continue reading →