Kerstmis met Coco

Coco Pinchard #0.5

by Robert Bryndza

Robert Bryndza heeft deze novelle speciaal voor de kerstdagen geschreven, waarmee hij Coco Pinchard terug in de tijd laat gaan.

Zodra we de voordeur door stapten, kreeg ik het benauwd. De centrale verwarming stond op de hoogste stand, er hing een sterke geur van meubelpoets en alles had een doffe glans. Mam leek klaar om de strijd met Kerstmis aan te gaan, gekleed in een dure, rode nylon blouse met enorme schoudervullingen, een strakke zwarte kokerrok en gevaarlijk hoge zwarte stiletto's aan haar voeten. Ze gebaarde dramatisch dat ze aan het bellen was en wisselde de hoorn van oor zodat ik dichterbij kon komen voor een knuffel.

"Heb je het te warm lieverd? Ik had niet door dat je zo dik… aangekleed zou zijn. Anders had ik het haardvuur nog niet aangestoken."

"Het is prima", zei ik met mijn tanden stevig op elkaar.

Het is eind 1985 en de achttienjarige Coco studeert in Wales. Het liefst blijft ze daar, bij haar duivels knappe vriendje Daniel Pinchard, maar helaas heeft haar zelfingenomen moeder anders bepaald.

Speciaal voor de kerstdagen wordt ze thuis in Londen verwacht, waar haar moeder haar wil koppelen aan de zogenaamd 'meest geschikte man' die er Kenneth. Bij Coco beter bekend als de oersaaie zoon van hun familievrienden Adrian en Yvonne Rosebury, en niet geheel toevallig zullen juist zij bij de kerstlunch aanwezig zijn. Het kan niet anders, of dit feestje zal helemaal in de soep lopen. En dan hebben we het nog niet eens gehad over wat nog meer zal langskomen, zoals wat kippen, een wanhopig verliefde indringer en een nog niet ontmaskerde halve crimineel...

Robert Bryndza werd in Groot-Brittannië geboren en woont tegenwoordig in Slowakije. Hij is opgeleid tot acteur, maar stapte over op de schrijfkunst. Al zijn boeken, waaronder zijn thrillers met Erika Foster en Kate Marshall in de hoofdrol, werden wereldwijde bestsellers. Van Bryndza's boeken zijn ruim vijf miljoen exemplaren verkocht. Hij debuteerde met zijn boeken over Coco Pinchard, waarvan ruim twee miljoen exemplaren over de toonbank gingen.

Genres: Christmas, Chick Lit, Holiday, Fiction, Romance, Short Stories, Ebooks

Audible Audio

First published November 1, 2013

About the author

Robert Bryndza is an international bestselling author, best known for his page-turning crime and thriller novels, which have sold over seven million copies.

His crime debut, The Girl in the Ice was released in February 2016, introducing Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster. Within five months it sold one million copies, reaching number one in the Amazon UK, USA and Australian charts. To date, The Girl in the Ice has sold over 1.5 million copies in the English language and has been sold into translation in 30 countries. It was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery & Thriller (2016), the Grand prix des lectrices de Elle in France (2018), and it won two reader voted awards, The Thrillzone Awards best debut thriller in The Netherlands (2018) and The Dead Good Papercut Award for best page turner at the Harrogate Crime Festival (2016).

Robert has released a further six novels in the Erika Foster series, The Night Stalker, Dark Water, Last Breath, Cold Blood and Deadly Secrets, all of which have been global bestsellers, and in 2017 Last Breath was a Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Mystery and Thriller. Fatal Witness, is the seventh Erika Foster novel.

Most recently, Robert created a new crime thriller series based around the central character Kate Marshall, a police officer turned private detective. The first book, Nine Elms, was an Amazon USA #1 bestseller and an Amazon UK top five bestseller, and the series has been sold into translation in 18 countries. The second book in the series is the global bestselling, Shadow Sands, the third book is, Darkness Falls and the fourth, Devil’s Way has just been published.

Robert was born in Lowestoft, on the east coast of England. He studied at Aberystwyth University, and the Guildford School of Acting, and was an actor for several years, but didn’t find success until he took a play he’d written to the Edinburgh Festival. This led to the decision to change career and start writing. He self-published a bestselling series of romantic comedy novels, before switching to writing crime. Robert lives with his husband in Slovakia, and is lucky enough to write full-time.

You can find out more about Robert and his books at www.robertbryndza.com

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would make Santa’s belly shake when he laughs like a bowl full of jelly...HoHoHo 🎅🏻

this hilarious novella was the perfect appetizer to the cocoa Pinchard series... this book definitely wet my appetite and left me craving more....This book was the perfect blend of romance, humor, and Christmas... The characters in this story were absolutely delightful, but perhaps it was the turkey that stole the show....

Coco was absolutely fantastic I would love to be friends with the girl... Daniel was the perfect amount of bad boy... there two mothers were just perfect to play off each other, I really got a kick out of Daniel‘s mother Ethel! I mean what’s not to love about a book set in the 80s filled with aquanet, a turkey, and the Christmas dinner from hell! This book just made me smile the entire time, it also made me want to drop everything and dive into this series! And I truly would have if I didn’t have so many other books I need to get to...

Fantastic festive read that kicks off what looks like a must-read romcom series!

[Holly B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of humor, quirky characters, and Christmas dinner gone wrong!

I really enjoy Robert Bryndza's detective series, so I was excited to read this novella from his romantic comedy series.  It is book four and is a stand-alone prequel to the novels in  in the Coco Pinchard series.

I really enjoyed this cast of characters and Coco won my heart over. Coco attends a University and has come home for Christmas.  She knows it won't be easy introducing her new boyfriend, Daniel to her uppity and controlling mother.  Her mom has a certain "image" of what a proper boyfriend should be, but Coco isn't buying it.

When Daniel's family arrives for Christmas lunch at Coco's parents house, it is like Beverly Hillbillies meet The Housewives of a London family! The shenanigans had me laughing and trying to picture the entire chaotic scene.I wish I could say what happened, but I can't!  It was definitely a Christmas dinner not to be forgotten.

Such a fun, bubbly story full of humor. Grab the boxed set and enjoy all of Coco's adventures!
blog tour on 11/15/18

[Melisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Bryndza’s romcoms have been on my radar for quite awhile now but I’ve never found the time to squeeze them in (or any of the other books I own since I always seem to be reading ARCs! No complaining here though!). I am SO excited that I finally read the prequel of the series, A Very Coco Christmas and am honored to be on the blog tour. I will be certainly devouring the entire series after this!

If you didn’t guess it yet: I adored this book! There is something so incredibly refreshing about laughing out loud while you’re reading. It absolutely makes my day and makes me want to keep coming back for more. After all, we read because it’s an escape and we want to feel - and you will feel nothing but joy while reading this novella!

We’re introduced to Coco and her boyfriend Dan, right before they are headed home from university for the Christmas holiday. The year is 1985 (so good) and it shows here in its fashion, music, and automobiles.

There are pet turkeys and Christmas surprises and a whole lot of funny dialogue. You will be laughing with these characters, I promise you that!

Thank you to Sarah and Mr. Brynzda for a copy of this book - off to read the rest of the series now!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a big fan of Robert Bryndza's Erika Foster thriller series, I decided to give his lighter writings a go. This is a cute fluffy short novella that introduces the reader to Coco Pinchard, the heroine of the author's Coco Pinchard chick lit series. I finished this in two sittings today as I ate breakfast and lunch. There is nothing deep here, but there are some great laughs. My favorite parts were the scenes with Jean Paul Belmondo who is the turkey striving not to become Christmas dinner, and the rather disastrous Christmas dinner itself. Coco's boyfriend Daniel's mother Ethel is a great character and I hope there will be more of her in the Coco novels. She provides some winning LOLs and helps neutralize Coco's mother, who frankly is a real b***h (Coco's words, not mine, but she's right)!

I saw enough here to pick up the next book in the series. I will save it for when I need some levity after a killer thriller or a bad day. Recommended for all who would like a quick, light, humorous Christmas read.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read every one of this author's crime thrillers as they are published but I only just found out he writes romantic comedy as well! So just to dip my toe into the water I thought I would try this little Christmas novella.

It made an excellent introduction. Coco appeared as a student at Aberystwyth University in Wales and this was her first Christmas after meeting her boyfriend Daniel. Coco's mother is a snob and Daniel's works as a cleaner so when the two families get together for Christmas lunch things are pretty sure to go wrong. Very wrong in fact and very funny.

A delightfully entertaining little book which caused me to load book one in the series onto my Kindle immediately. I am looking forward to seeing lots more of Coco.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you know Robert Bryndza of the Erika Foster thriller series also wrote a series of rom coms?

A Very Coco Christmas is the zany and fun short story prequel to the Coco Pinchard series. This is where it all begins for Coco and Daniel.

Coco is visiting home in London for Christmas after one semester at university. She is completely in love with Daniel, a musician and not the sort of boy her mother approves of.

Coco’s mother has her sights set on someone else and invites him and his parents to the Christmas dinner.

In short, a series of hilarious events ensues involving a named turkey, Daniel’s mother and sister, and all the above folks I’ve named already.

This is just the type of quick read one needs over the holidays to let out some laughter and look on the bright side. I loved it and am ecstatic to be reading more of Coco’s stories!

Thanks to the author and Sarah at Book on the Bright Side Publicity for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story by the author “Robert Bryndza”, whom wrote the Erika Foster series that I had read this year, and thoroughly enjoyed.

“A Very Coco Christmas” is the introduction to his “Coco Pinchard Series”

A very different read from the Erika Foster books

This besides being a Christmas themed book, was a bit on the romantic side, which generally is not my venue at all.
However it is a funny little book, very well written, and enjoyable!

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Very Coco Christmas is a prequel in the Coco Pinchard series by British-born author, Robert Bryndza. Coco (Karen to her parents) has come home to England for Christmas after her first term at a Welsh University, with a boyfriend in tow. Daniel and Coco are in love, but Coco is pretty sure her snobbish mother, who already has the ideal man all picked out for her, won’t be pleased. Daniel’s carol-singing stunt at their door confirms this, and hard words ensue.

A far cry from his Erika Foster series, this short story gives an excellent taste of Bryndza’s earlier (and much more light-hearted) writing. Coco’s madcap antics combine with some quirky characters (including a turkey called Jean Paul Belmondo) to give the reader some almost-slapstick romcom. There are three full-length novels and another Christmas-themed short story to be enjoyed in this series. Great fun!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas holidays can be a crazy time of year, and Robert Bryndza shows just how zany things can get in his short story, A Very Coco Christmas (Prequel Short Story). Having read only his first two thriller novels, I wasn’t sure what to expect, although I was aware that he has also written romantic comedies. But what can happen when a college girl from an upper class family brings her boyfriend’s lower class family over for Christmas dinner? Will it be lovely, or will it spell disaster – with a capital D?

Karen, known to her university friends as Coco, is hopelessly in love with Daniel. The trouble is, she is leery of telling her parents about him, since she feels that they are snobbish and judgmental. Daniel, on the other hand, is happy to introduce Coco to his mother Ethel, who is one of those “what you see is what you get” kind of gals. I got a big kick out of Ethel. The other character I loved was John Paul Belmondo. I think I’ll just let you read the story to find out about him.

This little holiday tale is a fast read and is thoroughly enjoyable. I went from start to finish in one sitting with a single cup of tea! It brought many smiles and more than a few chuckles. Now I suspect I will have to read the Coco Pinchard series!

5 sparkly stars!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

When many people think of Christmas, they have in mind some idyllic holiday involving pleasant interaction with family and friends, festive decorations including cheerful fire and Yule log, good food, delightful music playing softly in the background, some time spent on not-too-taxing charity work, and so on. It's a non-sectarian commercialized version of peace on earth and good will to all.

This is the Christmas eighteen-year-old Coco is hoping for. But it's not the Christmas she's going to get, for alas, fate has other things in store. Instead of the ingredients for the ideal holiday celebration described above, what she has on her hands is a recipe for disaster.

Ingredients:

1 intelligent but sensitive teenager with issues and guilty secrets (think Adrian Mole, but slightly older and female).
1 charismatic boyfriend from the "wrong side of the tracks."
1 domineering and upwardly mobile mother (think Hyacinth Bucket, but younger).
1 submissive but caring father (think Richard Bucket, but younger).
2 fashionable guests with grumpy son in tow.
1 party crasher hovering flamboyantly in background.
3 lower-class relatives of boyfriend.
1 cuddly but independent turkey (think James Herriot, but kicked up a notch or three).

Pound, beat and mix ingredients until arms get tired. Place in bowl. Cover with crust of Murphy's Law. Pinchard Pinch hard around edges. Place on Kindle or bookshelf heated to room temperature. Read until done. Laugh your head off.

Serves as many as you like.

[Labijose · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just wanted something light and funny to read for Christmas. Light it was, (just about 85 pages), but funny, not so much. Just an occasional smile through the Christmas lunch. It’s my second Coco book. Don’t know if I will be reading any more of this stuff.

[Effie Saxioni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas story, full of funny moments. Light and enjoyable!
4/5 ⭐

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short novella in the humorous ‘Coco Pinchard’ series by the the versatile author Robert Bryndza. I really enjoy this authors Detective Erika Foster series and took a chance on this series. One a great surprise, books are packed with laugh out loud moments and a pleasant change from my usual genre of thrillers. Very funny characters, amusing plots ensuring a very entertaining read. I know it would have made more sense reading this at Christmas but I still enjoyed the read.

Coco is back home for Christmas and she is uneasy about introducing her new boyfriend to her family. Things are never straight forward where Coco’s concerned and the fun reaches new heights when her boyfriend Daniel and his family arrive at Coco’s parents home for Christmas lunch. There is so much fun and laughter in such a short book.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on This Chick Reads

*Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

A Very Coco Christmas is the prequel to the Coco Pinchard series and is a funny little book. With just bit over 50 pages, it's a quick yet very enjoyable read which even those who are not fan of novellas will like.

I'm not the biggest fan of novellas, however lately I've started to appreciate more these short reads, especially since I didn't have much time to read. However, this summer I read the third book in the Coco Pinchard series (Coco Pinchard, The Consequences of Love and Sex) and I knew I'm gonna enjoy this one too. I really really love Robert's writing and his sense of humour, it's fresh and effortless.

Coco Pinchard is sure one great character, and not the usual (stereotypical) chick lit heroine. In this novella, Robert goes back in time to where it all started, back when Coco was at the University and met her boyfriend Daniel. It's also the time when Karen became Coco and started to rebel against her family, especially her mother. There are just too many funny situations and this is more of a humourous book than a romantic one, which is why I love this series so much. Romance books have become too safe of a territory, so reading Robert's books has been really refreshing and just what I needed during some very exhausting days. They are the perfect books you need to relax and forget all about your every day problems.

However, there's one thing I really found bit annoying and that was Ethel's way of talking. As a character, I really like her, she's crazy (in a good way) and it will grow on you fast. However, her dialect or the way she talks was so so hard for me to follow. Sometimes, I'd had to go back, reading these sentences a couple of times just to understand what she was saying. I know what Robert wanted to achieve with this, and it's cute to a certain extent. But since I'm not that familiar with Brit dialects or slang, it was kind of hard to fully enjoy this novella and give it 5* instead of 4*. I actually had the same problem with #3 in the series, and this was also one of the reasons (if not the main one) for rating that one 4* too.

But, don't be discouraged by this, A Very Coco Christmas is indeed very Coco...and Coco is one of a kind. If you need a short, funny read with bit of Christmas sparkle, look no further.

[Ján Bryndza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas humour. Coco Pinchard at it's best. Especially her mother, such a character :-) Coco meets Ethel for the first time and of course there is huge drama and a turkey called Jean Paul Belmondo... :-)

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve not read anything by this author but while looking for a Christmas read I thought I’d give this a try. I’m so glad I did as this is a great wee read.

This is a lovely read that introduces us to Coco and some other characters. I found myself loving the characters and wanting to read more. Let’s not forget the turkey :) some great laugh out loud moments. I read this in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down.

I’ll definitely be reading more of Coco.

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Passable

Something to do on a wet lunchtime. Bit of nostalgia for simpler times. Don't think I will be bothering with the rest of the series.

[Jonathan Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is billed as a prequella to the hit comedy Coco Pinchard series and it was my first encounter with the character. I can say with certainty I’ll be encountering her again!

It’s a love-story-cum-farce set at Christmas but, unlike in some farces, I really warmed to these characters. They are well-drawn and very funny indeed. As events steam towards the suitably chaotic conclusion, I revelled in spending time with Coco and Daniel and their families, who meet to great comic effect. Hugely enjoyable and very Christmassy too!

Oh, and a turkey almost stole the show and my heart!

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hahahaha! What a hilarious and amusing read, and to think I was finished with this series just yesterday after having read, “Coco, The Consequence of Love and Sex”. This was a perfect holiday read, especially if your family is just as crazy and wild as my own. While “A Very Coco Christmas” was short, personally a little too short considering how much I was enjoying it, it was my favorite book in the series. I caught myself laughing at every page I turned, and once again, I feel in love with Coco and all the other witty characters. I rate “A Very Coco Christmas” 5 solid stars.

[La La · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. It is a simple story, but it has good bones, made a statement, and the ending was hilarious! It even made me want to keep reading about the other adventures of university student, Coco. It was set in 1985, and I was a college student at that time myself, so that was a plus.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a short novella that introduces us to Coco (AKA Karen). I knew Bryndza wrote crime thrillers (which I plan to read at some point!) but did not know he also wrote some chick-lit/romantic comedies! Needless to say I jumped at the chance to read it. This is my first Bryndza novel and I really enjoyed it!

A Very Coco Christmas is a great introduction to Coco or would be a great ‘look back’ at her earlier life if you already know her. I personally want to read the whole series now! I can tell Coco will be a character I will enjoy reading with the crazy adventures she is bound to go on!

This short story takes place in 1985 and she has just finished her first semester of college and goes back home for Christmas…. Christmas can be a crazy time of year for everyone and chaos ensues for Coco: She can really find herself in some ‘interesting’ situations! You will need to read this one to know what I mean! There is even a turkey in this story…. And he has a NAME!

If you are a fan of chick lit and fun yet crazy in a good way stories, give Coco a try! You will be sure to enjoy it!
~~~~
I received a copy for being on the blog tour.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Team Bryndza book, ‘Lost in Crazy Town’, I have likened to the fantastic Armistead Maupin ‘Tales of the City’ books and darn me if Robert Bryndza hasn’t pulled another one with Coco! Just like Mary Ann, Mouse, Brian, Mona and, (of course,) Anna Madrigal, Coco and her friends and dysfunctional in-laws have become almost like friends themselves. In particular, there is one instance in this short novella where I got the same thrill as I did on my first reading of ‘Tales of the City’ when a character, who had not really been described clearly or named, suddenly turned out to be Beauchamp Day or D’Orothea. No; it’s him (or her)! Towards the end of this story, Coco answers the front door and the character at the door only had to say his first name and I got inordinately excited because I recognised who he was!! I didn’t need the following exposition, I’d already got it! (I won’t say who, so as not to spoil it for any Coco fans yet to read this book.)

It did help me to make more sense of the first book in the Coco series, ('The Not So Secret E-mails of Coco Pinchard'). When I read that and reviewed it, I said that I didn't know what to make of Coco at first, it seemed like the author didn't really know who she was supposed to be and it was only when things started to go wrong for Coco, that I started to actually like the character, as she seemed to become more focused and consistent. This book clarified things for me - it was actually Coco who didn't really know what or who Coco was! I was torn between wanting to slap her, (as she seems to go around with her mind on other things all the time,) and cuddle her because it really brought back to me that feeling of breaking away from home to go to university and starting out on the journey to the adult you will eventually become. At times it was a little too close to my own experience for comfort - how did Robert Bryndza know that I didn't pick my college by which one offered the best course; I merely looked at a map and picked the ones furthest from home that offered a Graphics degree? (Although not for quite the same reason as Coco!)

But this smashing little book isn’t just for existing Coco fans. Yes, it is great to find out how Coco met her future husband and his family, (and the character at the door,) and while there weren’t any real laugh out loud moments for me, there are enough amusing moments to make it an enjoyable addition to the Coco series, but more than that, it’s just a blooming good story. It is by turns funny, appalling, (being reminded of the 1980s fashion faux pas, being someone who lived through them,) and romantic. There are some really beautiful, yet simple, descriptive parts, particularly when Coco is daydreaming off into her romantic world; for instance, the opening passage, when Coco’s romantic ruminations turn a windy, soggy Aberystwyth seafront, with its windblown Christmas lights into a magical backdrop with the rain-refracted lights transforming her shabby bedsit into a fairy-lit boudoir.

It is only a short and easy read, but I suggest, (as the first page is designed to allow you to send the book instead of a Christmas card and costing little more than a decent card,) do as I have done and buy several to send to your more bookish friends as Christmas cards. I promise you they’ll thank you for it, as this is perfect material for reading as you crack open the selection box on Christmas Day evening, after the relatives have left and you can relax!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fasten those seatbelts; we’re going back in time… all the way to 1985 where we meet an eighteen year old Coco as she returns home from University to spend Christmas with her parents in London.
Coco is not relishing the thought of returning home, especially as it means being apart from her gorgeous new boyfriend Daniel Pinchard (who she is pretty sure her mother wouldn’t approve of…)
Coco has been in the door less than five minutes when her controlling mother insults her and attempts to set her up with the awful Kenneth Rosebury.
However, an unforeseeable set of circumstances involving turkey’s (including one live one) lead Coco to being forced to introduce Daniel to her parents sooner than she anticipated as she invites him round for Christmas lunch. Although it’s not just Daniel who’ll be coming round to celebrate the big day, but his sister Meryl and his mother Ethel (complete with out-of-date pickled walnuts) will be sharing sprouts with Coco and her parents too…

If you read my blog regularly you’ll know that I love the Coco Pinchard series and I am a massive fan of Robert Bryndza’s writing and the trend very much continues with A Very Coco Christmas because I absolutely loved it (with tinsel on top!)
It was great fun to see a younger Coco and Daniel as they started their relationship as teenagers and it was also fascinating to see how Coco was when she was eighteen (I was delighted to realise that she is exactly the same as she is later on in life!) Things are just as crazy for Coco back in the 80s as they are in the modern day.
I also loved meeting Ethel for the first time and once again she has the BEST one-liners ever. That woman can do no wrong in my eyes and only she could call a turkey Jean Paul Belmondo…
This may only be a novella but so much is packed into it, a lot happens within these 83 pages and it’s an extremely satisfying story. There’s so much drama and so much comedy to this story, I really don’t know how Robert makes it all happen, but he does, and he does it exceptionally well. There’s the perfect blend of family, relationships, hilarity and love, as is the case with all of the Coco books, only with this one there’s an added extra…CHRISTMAS! Could it be any more perfect!?
My only criticism with this novel was that it had to end. Seriously, I love Coco so much I could just read about her all day every day and it was fantastic getting to know her when she was younger and getting the low-down on how things started with Daniel.
If you’re a die-hard Coco fan or have yet to discover the joy of Robert Bryndza’s books then this will appeal to you either way. It’s great to go back in time with these characters and at the same time it’s also a brilliant introduction to them all. If you only buy one Christmas story this festive season then make it this one, it’s the best 99p you’ll spend!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable Christmas read with lots of laughs :)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again Rob as wrote another brilliant book.
I love Coco and all her dramas and a very Christmas Coco does not disappoint it as everything I have come to love from this fantastically funny series starring the one and only brilliant Coco Pinchard.
In this novella we are taken to Coco’s past, while she was at college, back when her and Daniel had only just met and begun dating and before she became a writer. I loved the story of how she and Daniel started, the first time she met his mother was hilarious. Ethel as never failed to make me laugh and this was no exception. Other than Coco herself I think the other star of the show is John Paul the turkey. Yes you read right. The turkey, I am not going to say anything to give away his part in the story I’ll let you read about him yourself.
Reading about Coco’s upbringing was an eye opener too, her mother was the perfect snob, I must admit I knowing Coco as I have come to this was a big surprise and again only added to the hilarity.
We also see how she met Chris for the first time which again wasn't without drama.
Coco’s world is fast becoming one of my favourite comedy series and reading how it all began is another piece of her drama filled life I loved reading. I can’t wait for more.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes I know it’s not Christmas yet but being a big fan of Coco, I wanted to get a quick fix.

This is a prequel to the full length Coco Pinchard novels. The author takes us back to when Coco is eighteen and hasn’t long since met Daniel the man she goes onto marry.

If you’ve read the books in this series then you will know what a fabulous read your in for. Even though this is a short story, I didn’t stop laughing and grinning from the beginning to the very end. Only problem is it’s left me desperate for more.

Ethel has to be my favourite character in this series as she is just totally bonkers. Even the younger Ethel is just as funny as the older Ethel in the full length novels. When Coco meets Ethel for the first time, it really makes for some laugh out loud reading. I could really envision Daniel and his family and his mothers turkey called John Paul.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading of the Christmas lunch that ends up being a bit of a disaster. It felt like we were getting front row seats seeing it all first hand ourselves. It’s one of those meals that would probably be very uncomfortable for everyone involved but as an outsider it makes for some hilarious reading.

Another laugh out loud read with plenty of sparkle.

[Lorraine Shorter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic Christmas present Robert Bryndza has written for fans of his fabulous and funny Coco Pinchard series, with the festive 'A Very Coco Christmas'.

This novella take us back to Coco's student days and establishes the basis of her relationships with Daniel, Ethel, Chris and Meryl. For a child of the Eighties, such as myself, this was such a brilliant and nostalgic trip down memory lane to a time when Christmas really was about family, not matter how bad they were. And on that note, Coco's mother is something else.

Having devoured the first two novels in the series and fallen completely in love with Coco and her wild antics, it was a bit strange to go back in time to when she and Daniel were so deeply in love and could do no wrong for each other. I almost wanted to shout at the page, 'Don't do it, Coco!'

The novella is no more than an hours read, but what an hour. It was such a joy and went far too quickly. It was so good to spend time with the young idealistic Coco; I seriously didn't want the story to end. I hope Robert Bryndza has many more adventures with Coco to share with us, because I just can't get enough!

[Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on: http://addictivechicklit.blogspot.com...

What a fantastic novella! This 60 pages story is so packed with drama, craziness and laughs! I actually found myself laughing out loud more than once, especially with the fantastic Jean Paul Belmondo, the turkey. This prequella is the perfect introduction for the Coco Pinchard series and I am sure that after reading it, you will be left wanting to know more about this crazy gang.

Robert's style is refreshing and fun and takes you back to the eighties with ease. I highly recommend this short read for this Christmas as it has all the festive ingredients: copious amount of snow and food and a Christmas dinner full of awkward moments.

Rating: 4,5

[Maryline M's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.be

I was delighted when Robert told me about A Very Coco Christmas. I'm a big Coco fan since reading The Consequences of Love and Sex, so I couldn't wait to join in on one of Coco's Christmases. And as to be expected from our beloved Coco, it was an... eventful Christmas. In this 'prequella' we see the start of 'Coco Pinchard' and I loved (re-?)meeting some key-characters, people who will stay in Coco's life long after this Christmas Lunch from Hell.
A runaway turkey, a horrible (and I mean HORRIBLE) mother, social hierarchy and snobs, snow and 80's London. Sit back and enjoy this charming and entertaining Christmas novella.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first 'Coco' book I'd read so for me it was the first in the series rather than a prequel. For a moment I thought I'd been caught up in a time warp. Set in 1985 it immediately took me back to my own University days and I had to double check when it was actually written as it captures the spirit of the time marvellously. Some great characters that rise above being stereotypes. A lovely short Christmas read.