The Magic Of Christmas by Trisha Ashley

I have just finished reading Trisha Ashley’s The Magic of Christmas. This book is an updated version of Trisha’s previous novel Sweet Nothings which I haven’t read so I was looking forward to reading this version after the great reviews I have read for Sweet Nothings.


Plot
Another deliciously seasonal and heart-warming tale from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Twelve Days of Christmas and Chocolate Wishes. In the pretty Lancashire village of Middlemoss, Lizzy is on the verge of leaving her serially unfaithful husband, Tom, when tragedy strikes. Good job she has welcome distractions in the form of her Christmas Pudding Circle, a circle of friends swapping seasonal recipes, and a simmering rivalry with cookery writer Nick Pharamond – a rivalry set to come to boiling point after he snatched the Best Mince Pie prize away from her at the village show. Meanwhile, the whole village is gearing up for the annual Mystery Play which takes place on Boxing Day. But who will play Adam to Lizzy’s Eve? Could it be the handsome and charismatic soap actor Ritch Rainford, or could someone closer to home win her heart? Whatever happens, it will certainly be a hard act to follow next year!

My Opinion
This is the third book I have read and reviewed this year as part of my Best Christmas Book 2011 competition. The cover is very festive and eye catching and the synopsis gives a great taster as to what to expect from the book.

The setting for the story is in an idyllic village which sets a cosy setting for the story. The characters in this book were all very believable characters, with Nick and Lizzy taking place as my favourite characters. The subtle chemistry between the two characters felt very endearing to read.

The storyline has a very charming and traditional feel to it and there were a few parts that were included in the storyline which gave a little more modern feel to it such as Lizzy’s son going off to University. The book did flow at a slow place and I did find at times my interest was starting to waver a little. What I really liked was the Christmas feel to this book with the villages Christmas Nativity and Christmas recipe swapping, as this is what I have been finding with all of the beautiful festive covers that when you read the book there is only a very brief mention of Christmas but this was not the case with this book.

I did find it hard to maintain my diet whilst reading this book as some of the recipes that are included in this book just sounded mouth watering and gave a nice additional touch to the book.

This is definitely one to give a try and it is at an incredible price on kindle at the moment which you can find here for £1.99. I did enjoy The Magic Of Christmas although I fell it is that type of book you must read but would only read once.
Thankyou to Trisha Ashley and to Avon for sending me a copy for review.