Cathy’s Christmas Kitchen is such a gorgeous read! It is the perfect story to lose yourself in and forget the real world for a little while.

Cathy is an instantly likeable character, and you can’t help but feel for her. She is facing her first Christmas alone since the death of her mother, who she spent many years, selflessly, caring for. She has inherited their cosy cottage and her mother’s love, and natural flair, for baking. She works part time at a florist in the market and loves her job, but there isn’t much else going on in her life when we first meet her. That is until she goes along to a church coffee morning. Little did she know then how much this would eventually change her life!

I love that a church community is such a big part of this book. I am part of a church family and I found this aspect of the story very relatable. I did have to smile at some of the characters who seemed most familiar to me 😉 Brilliant writing and laugh out loud funny at times. I love it!

There are ups and downs within any church family, as with any family but, ultimately, they all pull together when needed. I love how this family embrace Cathy and encourage her to share her talent for cooking and baking with her local community.

Tansy is an interesting character. Not at all easily likeable but you can understand why she is how she is to a certain degree. It’s a testament to Cathy’s character how she perseveres in developing a relationship with her.

And as for Matt, well, he is just the most adorable bloke. I am not surprised in the least that Cathy is drawn to him so easily. They are so obviously made for each and I was routing for them the whole time. I have to admit to panicking when Cathy’s ex turns back up on the scene!

As well as being a love story, I enjoyed the friendships throughout this book especially the one Cathy shares with her boss. Having a good relationship with those we work with is priceless.

This is a lovely, lovely book and I thoroughly enjoyed every page. I’m sure you would love it too and I don’t think it really needs to be Christmastime to enjoy it either. Treat yourself now and cheer up your January!

*****

As the snow flutters down in the little village of Linnetford, escape to a cosy farmhouse kitchen, scented with the rich aromas of fruitcake and gingerbread, where a love of baking is about to unite two lonely hearts…

Cathy cooked at her mother’s side her whole life and could bake a fairy cake before she could ride a bike. Now she is facing her first Christmas without her beloved mother, she’s determined to use her memories for something positive. She decides to organise a weekly cooking class, sharing her mother’s precious recipes with other lonely souls.

There’s just one small spanner in the works: teenager Tansy, who attends Cathy’s classes even though she’s rude to everyone there and seems to hate every minute. Cathy is poised to ask Tansy to leave, but her uncle, physiotherapist Matt, begs her to give the teenager another chance. And Cathy can’t resist Matt’s sparkling hazel eyes and incredibly kind heart…

But just as Cathy is feeling she might find joy again, her ex returns to Linnetford, desperate for a second chance. With Matt becoming distant as his life gets more complicated, it seems so easy to return to the safe embrace of someone she knows so well. Can Cathy avoid the temptation of falling back in love with the man who broke her heart and let Christmas bring her the greatest gift – that of happiness?

Filled to the brim with sweet Christmas treats, Cathy’s Christmas Kitchen is the perfect book to enjoy curled up by the fire. An emotional feel-good read packed with heart and hope.

What everyone’s saying about Cathy’s Christmas Kitchen:

‘I’ve yet to find a book by this author which doesn’t warm my heart and leave me with a big soppy smile!!… was delightful… had me completely hooked and, once started, I couldn’t put the book down!… plenty of laughs… storyline was perfect, holding my attention and mesmerising me with Cathy’s story. A fabulous festive read, which I would definitely recommend!’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘One of my first Christmas reads of 2020 and I just adored this book… This is such a delightful read with great characters. It kept me wanting to turn the pages and I loved all the baking. A perfect Christmas read.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a wonderfully charming holiday themed book… fills you with Christmas cheer and warms your heart. The story really tugs on your heartstrings and has you feeling as warm and gooey as one of Cathy’s baked treats. I enjoyed how the book was filled with love, compassion, friendship and, especially, the spirit of Christmas. A beautiful holiday read…’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A fabulous real Christmas book full of fun Christmas thoughts and baking can highly recommend.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘What a treat! Perfect cozy little read-right up my alley! I was a huge fan and will definitely be reading more from this author!’ Goodreads Revivewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A nice feel good love story… I enjoyed it. Perfect for a curl up read on a cold weekend’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is a really cosy read and the story felt very fresh. … I really enjoyed the varied characters and the gentle storyline, the teenage character Tansy added a great depth to the story and a little good for thought.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Such a delightful read for the holidays, with everything going on in the world. Cathy Christmas kitchen it a hear warming feel good book. I highly recommend this book 5 star read…’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This is such a good read, full of joy, the smell of cakes, friendships and possibly a little love? A delight to devour in a few short hours.’ Goodreads Reviewer