A Taste of Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit #4

by Susan Buchanan

AN ALL-NEW CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BOOK FOR 2025

CAN LARA ADD A DASH OF MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS?

The Sugar and Spice bakery sparkles with holiday spirit as Jacob serves up more mouthwatering festive treats, and Christmas spirit Lara tries to sprinkle her magic over those finding the time of year difficult.

Ollie is at his wits’ end. A debt from years ago comes back to haunt him just as he and his girlfriend are buying their dream home.

Rose is dejected as her college sweetheart has dumped her now they’re in their final year. She’s not looking forward to Christmas alone, nor her twenty-first birthday on Christmas Eve.

Sacha has recently moved to Winstanton following the failure of his business. He’s too embarrassed to confide in his family, but can he find the friendship he so desperately needs and begin to trust again?

Diana tries to find her new normal after the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year. All her plans for retirement have been thrown out the window and she feels lost. She needs a renewed sense of purpose and to find her place in the world.

Can Lara provide the answer to a joy-filled Christmas?

A story of hope, love, friendship, community, and of course, Christmas spirit.

For fans of Sarah Morgan, Philippa Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Cathy Bramley.

Genres: Christmas

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Susan Buchanan lives in Central Scotland with her husband and their two children. She is the author of 13 novels: The Boulangerie on the Corner, A Taste of Christmas Spirit, You Can't Hurry Love, The Leap Year Proposal, A Little Christmas Spirit, Just One Day - Winter, Just One Day - Spring, Just One Day - Summer, Just One Day - Autumn, Return of the Christmas Spirit, The Christmas Spirit, The Dating Game and Sign of the Times.
5.

Susan is also a proofreader and editor and when not working, writing or caring for her two delightful cherubs, loves reading, the theatre, quiz shows and eating out - not necessarily in that order!

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas has come to Winstanton and a few of the residents need a little bit of help to get into the festive spirit. With the help of a little Christmas magic and a young lady called Lara, things start to fall into place in this lovely community.

There are a few different story threads to this Christmassy read. But all the characters gravitate to Sugar And Spice, a gorgeous welcoming cafe. The full cast was very likeable, just the odd supporting character wasn’t as palatable but it gave the book some balance.

OMG I have to mention the cakes in Sugar And Spice. They sound divine 🤤🤤🤤 As I read what was sat in the cabinet, I was drooling and I could feel the literary pounds going on as I imagined devouring each and every one !

I have to say it took me a few chapters to get used to the multitude of voices I met in the first couple of chapters. The narrator changed several times in the ose first couple of chapters (and through the rest of the book) which is something I’ve not seen before.

A Taste Of Christmas Spirit is just that. It all heartwarming and festive. There is reindeer and Christmas trees. Cooking and Jólabókaflód. Susan Buchanan has managed to get so many Christmas traditions in without it feeling overkill!

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to revisit the Sugar & Spice Bakery and catch up with Jacob and his wonderful bakes.
Lara is being her usual bubbly and helpful self as she helps the locals who are in need.
A delightful, delicious read filled with cakes, kindness and finished off with a sprinkle of Christmas magic.
Best enjoyed with a mug of hot chocolate and a festive treat to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Taste of Christmas Spirit is a lovely story in the lead-up to Christmas, focusing on several people in the small Scottish village of Winstanton, with The Sugar and Spice Cafe as the backdrop for many scenes.
We meet Ollie, Sacha, Rose, and Diana; four people very different in their own ways, with concerns that mar their enjoyment of the festive period, as they get to know one another and become involved in the local spirit of things.
Then there is Lara, the little Spirit of Christmas, who is trying to sprinkle her magic across people's lives in her own way.
It was a lovely, cute story, and left me feeling warm and snuggly, ready for the festive period!
Now, I have read none of the other Christmas Spirit books; however, this in no way detracted from the story. In fact, it's made me want to read them so I can learn more about some characters mentioned in this one.

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat i loved the Christmas spirit

[Melanie Gathers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 4 of 4. Sweet Christmas stories with happy endings are the best.

[Wendy Ann Neels · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this. definitely a must read

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can so much hurt be healed with the help of Christmas Spirit?

Lara is even more over the moon now that Christmas is finally looming around the corner. She also especially hopes that she can work her Christmas Spirit – magic again as there are many people around that need her help.
Not only is there Rose, whose college sweetheart has just dumped her in their final year and now feels more lonely than ever. But there is also Ollie, whose past debts may jeopardize the future he is building with his girlfriend, ready to take the next steps in their relationship. And there is Sacha, who recently moved to Winstanton, afraid to admit to his own family that his business failed. And then there is Diana, who is trying to find peace and a new purpose after losing her husband unexpectedly earlier this year. Lara has a lot of work to do at the Sugar and Spice bakery, wishing joy and happiness for all.

Is there ever a time that you should not read a Christmas story? of course not, you and especially I can read Christmas stories all year round! And when an author like Susan has one out, I don’t care when it comes out, I just *have* to read it. Add to that statement the fact that Lara is back… Well do I need more reasons???

Obviously Lara is a real sweetheart  in this book, once again. Even if she is just a child herself, she has such a kind, gentle, sweet heart, wanting only happiness and love for everyone. And while she may work in mysterious ways, ways we cannot explain ourselves, it was so heartwarming to read how she just sees everything, present things or how thing would work out just perfectly in a not so distant future, with effects to the distant future.

There are several cases that Lara needs to work on, each with their own story and background, but with one common thread, love.

There is for example young love, or young heartbreak initially. Because at the start of the story, Rose isn’t in a happy place, as her boyfriend just broke up with her. Even if Rose is a young adult, not having had a lot of life experience yet, we all can recognize her pain, can’t we?

And being heartbroken in the Christmas period, I could understand how Rose isn’t all that looking forward to the most wonderful time of the year.

But while being heartbroken, and Rose doesn’t show it all the time, I could also clearly see her resilience.

And then there is the loss of a love that has truly lasted a lifetime. Diana has loved and still loves her husband dearly. And it truly saddened me to read how much his passing is still hurting her. I could also understand it, as after shared a lifetime together, and now being on her own, cannot be easy at all for Diana, especially with the kind of love she had.

But just like with Rose, I could see so much resilience in Diana. Even if her love is no longer around, Diana is making plans. I admired her desire to learn French, to even go to France. But I also enjoyed her kindness towards not only old characters, but also new characters. Diana shows us that finding love is a wonderful thing, losing it is terrible, but that there can be life after losing love.

There is even life and love after mistakes of the past. That is something we see with Ollie. Because he has made errors in judgements and just mistakes in general in the past, like everyone of us. And just when it seems that he has his life back on track, when he is ready to take a next step with his relationship, those mistakes resurface, threatening everything he has tried to rebuild.

It is so typical that at the worst possible time your past resurfaces. A past that also in Ollie’s case is not something to be ashamed of, but understandable difficult to admit what has happened. And the more Ollie’s story evolves, the more we see how not being open about the past can jeopardize not only the present, but also the future.

Ollie learns that honesty is always the best direction to take. Only with honestly you can move forward and find a new happiness and can let you see a bright future, without the dark shadows of the past.

Shadows of the past that also Sacha is feeling. The way his business ended, left a bad aftertaste. Not only has it ruined a friendship, but also ruined a business he truly loved. I could understand how at loss he was at the start of this book, and how also in his case, it is difficult to admit failure to your loved ones.

Sacha is at loss, and with his move to Winstanton, he hopes to not only find the answers to what to do with his life now, but also to find purpose back in his life.

Sacha’s life has changed in a way he didn’t expect, but he knows his former life will not return. And he has to make the best of the situation he is in. Many people would become very bitter about the turn their life would take, but Sacha never loses his kindness and his heart.

All the characters are going initially through a rough time. But with some help from sweet Lara, there is a connection that brings them all or partially together, and even closer. We see the resilience in each character, we see how no matter what lemons life has thrown at them, it didn’t break their kind, gentle and warm characters.

Susan Buchanan shows us with this story, that there is sunshine after the rain, that goodness, kindness and love, will be rewarded. And is there a better timing than Christmas? Is there a better main setting than the Sugar and Spice bakery? And is there a better Christmas Spirit than Lara?

This story warmed my heart, once again Susan accomplished this with not just perfect characters, but characters with flaws, normal characters that learn and mature the more their stories evolves. All that making them even more loveable and likeable! Well done Susan, well done! 😊

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know who let me start on book four of the Christmas Spirit series, but honestly? No regrets. Call me chaotic, call me a book gremlin, call me the Grinch's emotionally stunted cousin, whatever, because A Taste of Christmas Spirit fully defrosted my cold November heart like a marshmallow in hot chocolate. And yes, I am absolutely backtracking through the series like the nosy town gossip I was born to be.

The setup is classic small-town cozy but with a twist: emotional carnage dressed up in twinkle lights. You’ve got Lara, our mysteriously ethereal Christmas spirit in the form of a literal child (?) who’s apparently the lovechild of a snow globe and a therapy dog. She’s wandering around the charming Sugar and Spice bakery in Winstanton, handing out life advice like it’s free samples and she’s on commission. And does it work? Yes. Does it make sense? Absolutely not. Is that part of the charm? 1000 percent.

The book drops us right into emotional triage: Ollie’s haunted by debt like it’s a Victorian ghost he tried to ignore, Rose is nursing a break-up and a birthday combo so tragic it should be illegal, Sacha’s flopped a business and is basically hiding in a new town like a Regency widow, and Diana... Diana’s mourning her husband and trying to relearn how to function without half her soul. Casual Christmas vibes, right?

But this is where Susan Buchanan hits you with the soft sucker punch. Because somehow, even though you start out thinking, “Oh this will be sweet and festive,” next thing you know, you’re knee-deep in Rose’s breakup pain, trying not to cry into your shortbread as Diana signs up for French lessons to keep breathing. These characters feel real, like people you’d eavesdrop on in the bakery queue. They’re trying their best. They're hurting, healing, making questionable choices (hi, Ollie, love you but please... never do that again), and hoping Christmas can fix it all. Spoiler: it kinda does. Magic girl Lara is on the job.

Now, I’m not gonna lie, there are a lot of storylines here. It's less “one cozy romance” and more like “holiday season episode of Love Actually but Scottish and with cupcakes.” But once your brain locks in, it's SO satisfying. Every thread ties into the bakery, the town, and this lowkey cult of kindness Lara’s building like a tiny festive mastermind.

Also. Can we talk about the bakery scenes? Because Sugar and Spice might be a fictional café, but I was five pages from trying to DoorDash a yule log. Between the cakes, the cocoa, and the absolute festival of feelings, this book might actually be sentient and trying to hug me. And frankly, I’m okay with that.

The tone walks that tightrope between “warm fuzzies” and “emotional knife to the ribs.” There’s grief, shame, regret, loneliness, but also friendship, community, and the kind of little moments that make you ugly-cry in public if you’re not careful. I swear, every one of these people deserves a Hallmark movie and a therapist. Except Jacob, who’s just here making pastries and minding his damn business. King.

I breezed through this like a woman possessed, occasionally yelling “SAY YOUR FEELINGS” at Ollie or “YOU DESERVE NICE THINGS” at Diana. And the ending? You’ll know it’s coming, but it still gets you. This isn’t a romance so much as a multi-character Christmas redemption arc with bonus festive serotonin. And I love that for us.

Four stars, because I was briefly overwhelmed by the sheer headcount of characters and had to make a Google Doc to remember who was spiraling and why. But that’s on me, not the book.

Merry Mayhem Prize: For Weaponizing Emotional Healing via Cupcakes

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Taste of Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

CAN LARA ADD A DASH OF MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS?

The Sugar and Spice bakery sparkles with holiday spirit as Jacob serves up more mouthwatering festive treats, and Christmas spirit Lara tries to sprinkle her magic over those finding the time of year difficult.

Ollie is at his wits’ end. A debt from years ago comes back to haunt him just as he and his girlfriend are buying their dream home.

Rose is dejected as her college sweetheart has dumped her now they’re in their final year. She’s not looking forward to Christmas alone, nor her twenty-first birthday on Christmas Eve.

Sacha has recently moved to Winstanton following the failure of his business. He’s too embarrassed to confide in his family, but can he find the friendship he so desperately needs and begin to trust again?

Diana tries to find her new normal after the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year. All her plans for retirement have been thrown out the window and she feels lost. She needs a renewed sense of purpose and to find her place in the world.

Can Lara provide the answer to a joy-filled Christmas?

My Opinion

A Taste of Christmas Spirit is the fourth book in the Christmas Spirit series but I have read it as a standalone. At just over 200 pages, this was a fun, festive novel. Susan Buchanan has created a delightful bunch of characters. An entertaining read that I would highly recommend.

Rating 4/5

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Taste of Christmas" is a delightful story set in the small Scottish village of Winstanton, focusing on the welcoming Sugar and Spice Cafe. The narrative introduces a cast of characters—some unknowingly searching for the spirit of Christmas, and others bringing warmth and generosity to the friendly shop, a place so inviting you’ll wish you could drop by yourself. This holiday season, the cafe's usual buzz grows as it hosts a celebrity chef, adding even more excitement to its already celebrated reputation.

The characters find enrichment and connection through their association with the cafe, deepening the bonds of friendship and family both within and beyond its cozy walls. The book beautifully captures rich Christmas traditions, instantly drawing readers into the festive spirit: decorated trees, heartfelt wishes, special meals, gatherings of loved ones, and kindness at every turn. Importantly, not everyone faces an ideal holiday season, but through compassion, togetherness, and some of Lara’s extra “Christmas spirit,” each character experiences the true meaning of Christmas. It's a perfect feel-good story that left me happily anticipating the holidays and eager to read more from the series—though it stands well on its own.

#susanbuchanan #atasteofchristmas

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those who have read others in this series will find the setting and some of the characters familiar. There are plenty of characters to follow and their storythreads all seem to meet up in the delightful Sugar and Spice Bakery. This is a real community which welcomes in newcomers and is shimmering with all the sparkle of the festive season. Lara is there, weaving a little magic across the place whilst seeming to stay in the background.

Some are finding the festive season a little hard to take, especially Sasha who has recently relocated following a business catastrophe not of his making. He is feeling a little lost but responds to the warmth of the friends in the bakery who show their caring side. You meet people from across the generations. Rose is a final year student who is despondent after a break-up. In her sixties, is Diana who is widowed and missing the family that she had. All find friendship where they least expect it. This is a gentle read, full of festive touches and brimful of friends and community feelings.

In short: warm uplifting festive story
Thanks to the author

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Taste of Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan is sweet, comforting, and full of holiday cheer. It’s like a warm mug of hot chocolate on a snowy day:
We meet a group of characters who are all trying to find joy and meaning during the festive season. Each one add something special to the story, and their lives gently weave together in a way that feels cozy and heartwarming. There’s laughter, love, a few surprises, and plenty of Christmas sparkle.
Susan Buchanan writes with warmth and kindness. Her descriptions of festive food, decorations, and traditions made me feel like I was right there: wrapped in a blanket, watching snow fall outside. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to bake cookies and call your friends.
It’s a bit slow in the middle but it was a comforting and uplifiting read during my illness (got COVID) and I liked it.
🎁 If you’re looking for a feel-good read to get into the holiday spirit, this book is a delightful treat
Many thanks to Susan Buchanan and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an absolute treat to return to the Sugar and Spice Bakery and catch up with the team there. We meet some new characters, as mentioned in the synopsis above. Each one adds a rather special layer to the story.

Ollie and his girlfriend are in the process of gaining approval for their mortgage as they plan their futures together. I particularly liked Ollie’s character, and his determination to find a way around his problems was commendable, but ill-advised. In fact, it was this determination that almost cost him his future. Despite these poor choices, I found it impossible not to be drawn to his character.

Diana really resonated with me as she navigated her way through widowhood and adjusting to her children living far from home. The way Susan wrote about Diana was heartwarming and left me feeling hopeful. Her challenges were the kind of things that I worry about as I get older, such as loneliness and sadness. As she found friendship with Sacha, it was heartwarming to see that friendship develop and discover a common thread between the two souls. It was particularly powerful to discover their friendship was built on respect and a need for companionship.

Finally, Rose's broken heart came to the fore as we followed her search for a new focus. With an impending birthday on the horizon, she wants to find a way to distract her mind. Discovering that a cooking show is being broadcast from the bakery, she is thrilled that her role in the bakery means she can see what’s happening. Of course, it’s lovely that the rather dishy Gabriel is the celebrity chef making the shows. I had no problem imagining the scenario and loved that the story turned in the direction I predicted.

Once again, the spirit of Christmas was alive in the Sugar and Spice Bakery, and these new characters blended nicely with those we had met in previous books. I must add that although this book is part of a series, I managed to pick it up without any problem. However, I would recommend reading the rest, as they are brilliant.

[mrsljgibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually book number four from a four book series called The Christmas Spirit. Each book can very easily be read as a stand alone without any problems at all but of course are always much better when enjoyed as part of the whole series. Plus there are lots of recurring characters and continuing storylines too.

I absolutely loved the Sugar and Spice Café and i was constantly left feeling hungry because of all the deliciously tasty food!

There were lots of wonderful characters, old and new and all were really real and down-to-earth and i thoroughly enjoyed seeing how all their stories unfolded.

This book is such a wonderful hug of a book full of family, friendships and community spirit, it was feel-good, heartwarming and cosy, a wonderful small-town festive romance and reading it was such a perfect way to unwind and relax…..

[Bernadette Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a Festive Story and I had this book a while before I read it but what a treat it was, it left me wondering why I didn't read it sooner.

I love a book with Festive Spirit and this is just the book to curl up with on a cosy night with a hot chocolate.

Lara is a beautiful person and we all need a Lara in our lives. I loved revisiting the Sugar and Spice Cafe, from previous books. There are lots of new characters as well as some regulars but I like being introduced to new characters in the book. I think I liked Ollie the best. I also loved the fact a Cooking Show was featured in the book. I love a Cooking Show.

This was the first feel good moment of Christmas. Let the Season of Goodwill begin with this book.

[Rhea Morrigan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not get into this book at all. For me, it was very slow going, and jumping from what seemed like several unconnected individual stories, each scene just wasn't doing it for me. I'm guessing that eventually, all these people come together, but none of their stories could keep me turning the pages.

If you enjoy this format, then you will probably love this book. I'm more of the type who likes to dig deep into a character and needs time for the character to "settle." With this book, as soon as I got to the point of thinking, okay, I just might like this character, then BAM! It changes to a different one with no connection to the one I was just reading - and no hints that they might ever connect.

[Lizzie Chantree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan's Christmas books are always an absolute treat! I loved revisiting the Sugar and Spice café and meeting the regulars again. We also meet new characters and fall in love with them as well. Lara is magical and I'm always eager to find out who she wants to help next.

These books are full of Christmas spirit, delicious food and a community that oozes warmth and camaraderie. You can imagine walking into the town and wanting to open the doors to the café to find friendship and cupcakes! This book has television stars, French lessons and a room full of wishes. It really is a great way to start the festive season and you won't be left disappointed.

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with positive Christmas spirit it was wonderful to be whisked away to the Sugar and Spice Cafe again.
Four characters are struggling with their lives and in need of some Christmas magic.
Lara and her special abilities steps up and we get to enjoy watching the wishes coming true.
Rose unexpectedly gets an opportunity of a new romance. Sacha far from home and reeling from a disastrous business failure makes a new home and friends in this gorgeous community. Ollie fights hard to keep his dreams alive and Diana overcomes her loneliness to start a new friendship and to plan for a positive future.
It was truly heartwarming to witness all of these characters working together to achieve a happy ending and a perfect Christmas.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author which in my opinion is so fun to try especially when it's a Christmas book. I felt happy and content while reading the book. It really has a lot of Christmas spirit within its pages.
The characters kept me reading and the welcoming Sugar and Spice Cafe is sure to have you wanting to stop in. A lot of the story takes place in the cafe.
The cafe is such an important part of the story as friendships and romance are formed and strengthened there.
Charming small-town Christmas romance that has me wanting to read the rest in the series now.


I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Wendy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A welcome return to the Sugar & Spice cafe and the people who are welcomed with open arms by both the owners and patrons.
Susan has given us another wonderful story taking us into the lives of a number of different people whose paths have taken a wrong turn and who all need a little Christmas Spirit to guide them back to happiness. As always with Susan's characters you will fall in love with them all, both returning and new people who gravitate to Sugar & Spice where with a little help they find their own way back to themselves.
This is a wonderful book, just the thing to dive into, curled up in your favourite chair and lose yourself for a few hours in the magic that is Christmas.

[Jemima Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awe this book is a the hug of a hot mug of gingerbread hot chocolate by a glowing fire, which made me wish it was the Christmas season when summer isn’t over yet! Full of heart warming characters, community spirit and tasty food this novel jumps out of the pages and scoops you into a happy place I didn’t want to leave. I did find it a bit confusing at the beginning with a lot of names to get my head around but it was worth it to feel the warmth of the community fire and experience the twinkle of Christmas magic. One for your Christmas reading list this year.

[Janiene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book that definitely focuses on all things you would expect during the Christmas Season. There are definitely the themes of grief so many have to deal with during this season but the book in general was lighthearted and not too heavy. Many of the Christmas books are romances and I liked that this was not centered around that theme only but I found the characters a bit one dimensional and the story lacked the depth I typically enjoy, but for those that just want a nice story to read, it would be great.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely festive season story full of joy! I loved every moment in this book because it has friendship, community and Christmas spirit with a sprinkle of chocolate on top. It made me feel like I was receiving a warm hug. There are multiple characters and it took me awhile to wrap my head around them all but it was a little bit easier because they all know one another by the end. This is the perfect Christmas spirit setting and a reminder of what really matters.

[Claire Beall · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Great Christmas Feels ✨

This festive read wrapped me up in all the cozy vibes I was craving. Set in the heart of the bustling Sugar & Spice Bakery, the story delivers warmth, charm, and the true spirit of community. 🎄☕🍰

I adored how each character brought their own real-life struggles and heartwarming journeys to the table—relatable, messy, and ultimately resolved in such a satisfying way. 💕

And let’s talk about the food descriptions… mouthwatering doesn’t even begin to cover it! Between the sweet treats, frothy hot chocolates, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic in the air, I could almost smell the gingerbread baking as I read. ✨

If you’re looking for a feel-good, festive escape full of community spirit, comfort food, and a touch of sparkle—this is the perfect seasonal read! 📚

❄️ Question for you: Do you love Christmas stories set in cozy cafés or small towns?

#BookReview #ChristmasReads #FestiveBooks #Bookstagram

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this little series. I have somehow missed out on the second book, but not for long though...I'm on catch-up, soon.

This was such a special little book...it's everything Christmas, there's a bakery that bakes the most gorgeous of goodies, and there's a huge sprinkle of Christmas magic!

The characters are absolutely charming, their community spirit is everything, and Christmas is a time for friends and family to come together.

A heartwarming story of healing and hope.

[Henriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars for me.

I have been reading this series completely out of order, but that just goes to show they can be read as stand-alone stories.

Right from the start I fell in love with Sugar & Spice again and wished I had a place like that in my life! There is once again a huge cast of characters and it takes a while to get to know them all and it prevented me from being 110% invested in all their stories.

This is a sweet and feel good Christmas story with a touch of magic.

[Hahn’s Solo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hasn’t disappointed and I really can’t wait for the next in the series. I have binge read the first 4 books since the 1st January. If Susan Buchanan reads the reviews I like to know if there is any chance of putting even one of the recipes mention at the back of each book. They all sound so wonderful.

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely to check in with the people of Winstanton, the regulars of sugar and spice bakery and a sprinkling or new comers. Love a good Christmassy read and this does not disappoint. I won’t rehash the story, read the blurb and see if you fancy a little Christmas spirit.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the first Christmas book that I have read this year, and it was a lovely one to kick off my festive reading with. There is also a giveaway on the blog.

If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...

[Jennifer H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this adorable book! I loved all of the different story lines and how everyone came together. The adorable town it takes place in just warms your heart. And the Sugar and Spice bakery sounds like a perfect place to hang out. Grab this sweet Christmas read!