Bella's Christmas Bake Off

by Sue Watson

‘At one point I choked on my coffee I was laughing so much! ... with characters you really care about Sue Watson has written a book that will keep you captivated until the very last page. The Book Review Café

Two best friends. One big lie. The best bake off EVER.
Bella Bradley is the queen of television baking – a national treasure. Her Christmas specials have been topping the ratings for years and her marriage to Peter ‘Silver Fox’ Bradley is the stuff of Hello magazine specials.

But this year things are going to be different.

For Amy Lane, Bella’s best friend from school, life hasn’t held quite the same sparkle. And when Amy’s husband walks out three weeks from Christmas, it seems their lives are further apart than ever.

Amy has watched Bella’s rise to fame fondly, despite the fact Bella was always a terrible cook. But when she realises that Bella’s latest Christmas book is made up entirely of Amy’s mother’s recipes, the gloves are off...

After winning a competition to appear on Bella’s TV show, Amy is going to make sure that for Bella and her viewers, this will definitely be a Christmas to remember...

A hilarious, heart-breaking and feel good read about best friends, baking and the magic of Christmas.

What readers are saying about Bella’s Christmas Bake Off
‘I never thought I'd laugh and cry as much as I did while reading this book. I wish I could give it 10 stars! I loved this story and hope others do too.’ The Final Chapter

‘I genuinely laughed out loud reading Bella's Christmas Bake Off. It was a lovely, relaxing read, and one that really cheered me up. It has the perfect recipe of laughter, happiness and a little romance thrown in... I absolutely loved this book, it is a fab Christmas read and I highly recommend it. I give Bella’s Christmas Bake Off 5 Stars.’ Tea Lady Mumbles

‘Within a matter of pages I was (as usual with these books) laughing my socks off and immediately fell in love with the slightly crazy Amy ... Sue Watson has such a knack for the humorous side of characters ... Her humour, writing style and stories never fail to hit the spot and are guaranteed to cheer me up, make me laugh and generally improve my mood.’ Best Crime Books and More

‘Bella's Christmas Bake Off should have pride of place on your Christmas bookshelf! It is a warm, brilliant, lovely story that made me feel warm and good inside.’ On My Bookshelf

‘She's only gone and done it again. Sue Watson has got the recipe just right, an uplifting read, with all the glitz and glamour of Christmas with tantalising temptations you'll feel you can lift straight off the pages. She's an author who I'll never tire of reading, each and every book delivers exactly what it says on the tin - escapism, laced with pure indulgence - just perfect. If you don't buy any other Christmas book this year make sure you buy this one, you won't be disappointed! Crooks on Books

‘This does exactly what it says on the tin. It's funny and heartwarming, sad and heat-breaking, all...

Genres: Christmas, Chick Lit, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2015

About the author

Sue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.

Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue has sold almost 2 million books and explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.
For up-to-date offers and news of Sue's latest books, click the 'Follow' button next to her photo on Amazon.

Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks
And on Instagram @suewatsonbooks

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Lane and Bella Bradley used to be best friends but after a dramatic fallout have not spoken for over 20 years, that is until now.

Amy is not in the Christmas spirit this year at all. Her husband has left her for another woman and her children have other plans for Christmas day. She really does not feel festive in the slightest.

Bella on the other hand is a celebrated TV chef with her highly successful “Bella’s Christmas Bake Off” being compulsive viewing. She is a gorgeous diva, sultry and suggestive in the kitchen. Think Nigella x 10 and you will have a good idea of what she is like. She is extremely spoiled and pampered, firmly believing in the best of everything at Christmas and thinks nothing of flying in ingredients from all over the world and cannot understand why not everyone does that. To top it all off, she has a wonderful marriage to the sexiest reporter on two legs, a fact which makes her the envy of all red blooded women.

Amy on the other hand is more grounded and is quite happy to prepare the best Christmas food she can on whatever budget is available. Her Christmas is going to be a far cry from Bella’s as it is now going to be spent helping out at a local hostel for the homeless.

Although the women are poles apart in lifestyle and outlook, both are extremely likeable and great fun to read about. Amy for her wit and general overall niceness and Bella is just so larger than life that you just cannot help liking her. Now these two women are to meet for the first time in decades, will it turn out that time has lessened the rift between them or will it be piping bags at dawn once the oven gloves are off?

This is a cracking little festive tale, full of Christmas food which is extremely atmospheric. My mouth has already started watering in anticipation of turkey, gingerbread and mince pies. I must admit that I did suss out what the fall out between Bella and Amy was about before it was revealed in the book, but on the whole I really enjoyed reading it. It really has put me in the mood for Christmas. Many thanks to the publishers via Netgalley for the review copy.

[Angela Marsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Sue Watson book but it certainly won't be my last. This is not my normal genre to read but there was just something that beckoned me to read it. It had me from page one and made me laugh out loud. There is a scene involving a stationary cupboard that I had to read twice because I was laughing so hard. I loved the emotion and sentiment in this book and warmed to all the characters and was rooting for them both from the beginning. Thank you Sue Watson for a heart-warming, festive read that has made me want to both deck my halls and ring up old friends.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on This Chick Reads


* Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review *

Honestly, every time I see Sue Watson releasing a book it already feels like Christmas! Yes, I'm that much in love with her beautiful writing, with the consistency and how truthful she is to her heroines who are REAL women and with her humour that's so effortless and refreshing.

I have read all of Ms Watson's books and not once was I disappointed. There's just so many things to love about her writing, that warmth and coziness, that hope she breathes into her words, the strong factor that leaves a huge smile on your face when you've finished reading.

I was over the moon when I've heard she'll be releasing a Christmas book and I've been dying to get my hands on a copy. Thanks to her amazing publishers I was sent an early copy and dig in just after few short days of receiving it. I know I was expecting a great and uber-enjoyable book, but this book simply exceeded all my expectations.

One of the reasons Ms Watson's is such an amazing author is her ability to connect with her readers through creating characters who are full of flaws yet full of life! Their zest for life is simply contagious, making you believe everything is possible. Ms Watson's heroines are definitely not the cliched ones we do sometimes see in chick lit. Oh, NO! They are not some hot shot career women ready to walk over dead bodies, or characters obsessed with staying 'younger, thinner, blonder' (fans of Sue will know what i did there). On the contrary, they are every day women, bracing their curves, sleep deprived yet madly affectionate women who love their kids, earnest women who are truthful friends and value what is really important in life. They are mature, though for the solemn comedic purpose sometimes end up doing something irrational, but very soon they pick themselves up and continue being these kick ass heroines.

Amy is everything I imagined and expected to be, she's going through tough times, her marriage of 20 years is falling apart and with kids being off to college she's pretty much left alone, and on Christmas. It's the most wonderful and magical time of the year and yet all she has is TV and re-runs of her friend's Christmas baking show. Bella and Amy used to me such good friends, however out of some unknown reason (unknown to the readerd maybe for the good half of the book) they've fallen apart. Bella's always been the rich one, however she loved hanging out with Amy and spending time at Amy's. In their kitchen she's had the most precious moments, baking together with Amy's mum and Amy, trying out amazing recipes and spending one of her best Christmases. However, Bella's famous now and she doesn't reply a single card Amy's sent to her, and she's sent so many through out the years. Is Christmas really the time when magic can happen for Amy? Is it possible to mend after so much hurt and pain on both Amy and Bella's side? Amy might get a chance to finally speak to her friend, but what after she finds out Bella is a fraud stealing her mother's recipes?

It is Christmas, everything is possible! But not without some Amy-Bella duel.

I got so many things to say about this book, I just don't know where to start. How about with the fact I loved the characters? I admit, I was biting nails to find out what exactly happened that made these girls, who obviously once were great friends and have such a long history, to fall apart? What can possibly be that ugly to destroy such a friendship. Oh, this was killing me! However, once I found out the reasons, everything came to its place. Until then couldn't understand completely the depth of their relationship and why once they meet they are so hostile towards each other.

Next thing, the humor! There were some real belly laugh moments, ones I nearly chocked on my tea! I kept imagining Amy, the goofy maths teacher's face when she found out her husband is leaving her for a pole dancer! Hilarious and still makes me laugh!

But what I loved the most is the wonderful message through out the book, that assurance everything must turn out at the end if we just let Christmas (or time) heal our wounds. I adored how both Bella and Amy were growing up as characters in front of my eyes, transforming naturally in accordance to the situation. They both felt real and though Bella might be someone you'll hate at the beginning, she did manage to get under my skin.

'Bella's Christmas Bake Off' is a beautiful, warm, feel good read that will leave you feeling all fuzzy inside. Written by a real woman, this is a book for real women! It sends out so many wonderful messages, not just about family and friendship, but also about embracing your flaws, forgiving others and yourself and just living your life to the fullest. As I'm on sort of a food regime, I tried not to comment on the food, but oh my god! There's just so many delicious meals mentioned, you really feel like you're out there with Amy and Bella preparing this mouth watering feast. Which is not good if you're dieting... but then again, Ms Watson never liked her characters dieting, she likes them curvy, funny and all around amazing. This season's #GBBO might be over, but get ready for Bella's Christmas Bake Off, equally delicious and even more fun. Hope you love it!

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best Christmas book I've ever read, slow and poor attempt at humour to start with. I almost gave up about half way through but carried on and it did improve, with a more serious if predictable side.

[Carlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy's husband has left her, her kids have plans for the holidays, and her old best friend is taunting her from her television show. Bella's baking show is a huge hit and one day when Amy hears Bella using her mom's recipes she knows she has to do something. After years of not speaking, Amy is entering for Bella's Christmas Bake Off and she's not backing down.

I can't giveaway more in my summary, because the synopsis for the book tells you so much and I want this to surprise readers! I really liked Amy, sure she's going through a terrible part of her life and has some more than embarrassing moments, but she's strong, driven, and totally hilarious. I loved watching her call out Bella, standing up for herself for the first time ever. She's the kind of character who makes you both laugh and want to give her a big hug all at the same time. She's more kind than she is vicious, thinking of what is right always. Plus, her cooking sounded delicious, like a true passion. Bella, Amy's polar opposite, is the kind of rich I would never want to be. I wanted to hate her at times, but I knew there was more to her story and as Sue Watson revealed it all my heart just broke. There's a past story here that makes the Christmas spirit come to life as the girls finally talk about it all and lean on each other when they hadn't done so in a long time. Their arguments are hilarious, as seen on the TV show, but also show they really had a lot of feelings they'd been keeping in. The story of friendship is the one that means the most in this book and I love that this wasn't just another Christmas romance book. It's got a bit of it, sure, but it also has character growth, self discovery, and an incredibly meaningful message.

There is a lot of filler material, I skipped through some of it at first, but pushed myself to go back and really finish reading it. Sue Watson is an incredible writer, the kind that brings a scene to life to the point that you can taste the food, but that takes a lot of words. There's also a lot of personal thoughts from Amy that take a lot of pages up, but help you understand who the characters were and have come to be. Some of the scenarios are really cheesy and silly, especially for two adult women, but they bring the characters together and it ends up working out in this book's favor.

I really enjoyed this book and wanted to start decorating my house right away, instead I am going to use the feeling to make my Thanksgiving dinner fantastic. Honestly, if you're looking for a Holiday book with a true friendship and without the romance, look no further than Bella's Christmas Bake Off.

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a feeling that every book by Sue Watson that I have a pleasure to read is better than the last one. I haven't read all of her novels yet but Ms Watson has already got me used to the fact that I am for sure for a real treat when picking one of her books. I absolutely adore that she writes about totally normal, ordinary women, with bad - hair days, not wearing size 0, struggling with life and problems, but the books are still so optimistic, full of fun and hope. And "Bella's Christmas Bake Off" has it all and much, much more - to be honest, I haven't expected it to be SO good. In my opinion, it is Sue Watson's best book that I have read.

So yes, let's start with the characters. They are all so down - to - earth and true to life. They're not perfect, oh no, they are full of flaws and this is what makes them so 3 - dimensional and realistic. They are your normal, every - day people, but with incredible will to live and who know where their priorities are - and they are in their families, friends and all the other small things that make your life full.
I loved Amy from the opening scenes and admired her for everything. No matter what happened, Amy was like this proverbial phoenix and there was nothing stopping her. She was really funny, intelligent woman with my favourite kind of humour and brilliant one - liners, and also teaching methods (have you ever heard about penis - maths? I thought so. I have - all thanks to Amy!).

But Bella was also an exceptional character, I think I haven't come across such character in the books yet. The farther I was reading, the more I was wondering how many surprises are there for us in store, and how many secrets she keeps in her sleeve. She was so brilliantly portrayed, our Bella, with her moods and diva - like behaviour, and I never was sure what comes next when Bella was considered. What was great was the fact that you could hate Bella for most of the time, but there was also some kind of fragility in her that made me like her as well, from the beginning, and this feeling only solidified through the whole story. Yes, she was very over the top but it was a funny over the top and it really worked out in this story.

I absolutely loved how the author wrote the relationship between Amy and Bella. We know something happened in the past, and you know how sensitive I am for all the secrets being dragged on for too long, but here is was brilliantly solved. It was mentioned, we know something has happened, but it was not too overwhelming and - let's be honest - among all this action and hilarious banter that had our whole attention, I needn't to know it right now, right there. Don't get me wrong, I was desperate to know what happened, but I was happy to wait for the whole explanation - I mean, the girls were the best friends once, through thick and thin, with Bella spending all her free time at Amy's, so what happened that their paths diverged? And truly, when I eventually found out what happened, all the pieces of the puzzle just came to their places. The dynamics between those two women were brilliantly captured and they were a real joy to read, and the banter between them felt so genuine and honest, there was nothing forced there.

What I also liked was the fact that the story also strongly concentrates on the homeless problem and that it includes scenes in a shelter - and even though it is sad, Sue Watson has managed to write them in her lovely, light style, with a lot of humour. Also, the "behind - the - scenes" moments in the story were hilarious and gave us a brilliant insight into how does it really look like when making a cook - show!

As usual, the book is full to brims with humour, clever, intelligent humour. There were moments that had me laughing out loud, many of them, too many to mention them here. But also there were many tender, gentle moments that made me stop for a moment and think - about friendship, about forgiveness, about truth.

"Bella's Christmas Bake Off" should have pride of place on your Christmas bookshelf! It is a warm, brilliant, lovely story that made me feel warm and good inside. Yes, it was partly predictable, but it didn't bother me at all this time. I loved how the author has sneaked this wonderful message about what real Christmas is about, what is its true meaning, and showed us what a true friendship is. Sue Watson has just written a perfect, lovely story that mixes normal life with glamour, reality with fantasy, and this all with a lot of Christmas spirit and Christmas food. And yes, only writing this review has made me feel hungry. My stomach is rumbling There are so many delicious meals in this novel, you'd better be careful when you're on a diet.... It had me laughing, but it also had me thinking and I liked how it showed two very different worlds - but is the world that seems to be so glamourous and flawless really like this? Highly recommended!

Copy provided by publisher in exchange for a review.

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankfully, I have my Sue Watson fix under control with her latest release Bella’s Bake Off. SW covers are as always incredibly enticing and since the Great British Bake Off has now finished for 2015, this was a perfect solution now I no longer had any left to watch. The book doesn’t wait to launch into Sue’s comedic patter between characters and launches straight into a very funny scene featuring Amy Lane and her husband. Within a matter of pages I was (as usual with these books) laughing my socks off and immediately fell in love with the slightly crazy Amy. The thing is it soon becomes apparent Amy Lane is far from crazy. She is the sort of character you can empathise with; you just know full well that one of your friends fits the bill for Amy’s life.

Amy spends her lead up to Christmas watching Bella Bradley, who is the queen of Television baking. She appears to have absolutely everything with her high flying career and amazingly gorgeous husband. The thing is Amy and Bella were best friends all the way through their childhood. It becomes clear from the beginning that Sue is giving nothing away that easy about why they stopped speaking but slowly and surely things start to unravel and make sense to the reader. When Amy decides to enter a competition to appear on Bella’s show you just know there are high jinks ahead.

When Amy finally makes it to Bella’s TV show the book goes from being brilliant to being AMAZING. Sue Watson has such a knack for the humorous side of characters and she is an author I have fallen a little bit in love with from very early on. Her humour, writing style and stories never fail to hit the spot and are guaranteed to cheer me up, make me laugh and generally improve my mood. Sue has once again swept me off my feet with the characters, although my first love (her book Love, Lies and Lemon Cakes) will always remain my all-time favourite. Please don’t look for any hidden meanings, secret morals or anything that you take away and seriously debate. However, if you want a book to make you laugh you’re a*se off and cheer you up then Sue Watson needs to be top of your list!

[Natsu · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read! Packed with humor, love, and a festive feel, this was just perfect for the holiday season. There were so many tear-jerking moments that truly warmed my heart. The compelling plot kept me glued and I just had to keep going to find out what would happen next.

All the characters were so adorable, each with just the right amount of exposure to make an impact on the story. Not a single side character was meaninglessly thrown in to fill the pages.

I also loved how skillfully the author portrayed a deceased person and gave that character a significant part in the story. I was so touched by the communion of the living and the dead, the beautiful rendering of the deceased’s legacy, and how that legacy eventually helped to bond the two main characters.

I was pleasantly surprised that this book didn’t turn out as fluffy as I thought it would be, and I’ll come back for more by this author.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book by Sue Watson, I think that it is my favourite of all her books, although it is very hard to choose, as all of them are so very good. But this one... Ah, this one is DEFINITELY her best. What a story! Funny, witty, joyful and heartwarming, just like the season during which it is set. Please read it - a wonderful accompaniment to Christmas.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I can't believe that I have only just read this book! It has been on my Kindle for a while and now I have finally read it I have realised that I have been really missing out!!  I loved the characters and the relationship and interaction between Bella and Amy was brilliant, it had me really giggling at times, they are such great characters! 

I thought that the story was great (even of it did make me want to eat a Christmas dinner in September lol) but best of all the whole thing was believable - I could really see this happening, Dovecote was described brilliantly and its the kind of place I'd go to visit! 

I just loved the ending and it is such a fantastic festive read, it has really put me in the mood for Christmas!  Throughout the words flowed so well that I read it in a few hours - I didn't want to put it down and I didn't want the story to end either - definitely a 5 stars read from me and looking forward to reading the 2017 Christmas release from Sue!!

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy’s best friend when she was growing up has turned into a cooking celebrity but she hasn’t heard or seen her since high school. What should be an exciting time with the upcoming Christmas for Amy has turned upside down when she learns that her husband is leaving her for the pole dancing lawyer. In a rage Amy chases him out of the house carrying her cake with her that she lobs at him. Of course the neighbor boy catches it all and soon she’s all over youtube but this isn’t the first time. At least the twins are grown up so it won’t be too hard on them when she breaks the news.

It’s while sitting at home watching Bella that she learns that Bella has used the recipes of her mom and is using them to sell her new cookbook. As if things can’t get any worse for Amy she decides that she needs to talk to Bella that she can’t use her mom’s recipes. However getting through to Bella may just be a lot harder than she planned. Thankfully something is going to go right and Bella offers to bake for one of her viewers and Amy enters determined to talk to her. With a little pushing on Amy’s part she pushes Bella into choosing her as the winner and giving her prize to the shelter. Will Amy and Bella be able to fix their friendship?

I like Amy she’s got issues but she makes me laugh right from the start when she chased her husband down the driveway with the cake. She’s desperate to fix her friendship with Bella and in doing so she doesn’t something good for the people in the shelter. I like that she wasn’t all about herself but helping others as well, and found it refreshing. I really felt I was able to connect with Amy she’s an interesting math teacher who happens to end up on Youtube more than she would like. I wasn’t sure about Bella she comes off as this baking Diva but as the story progresses and we learn what happened she wins me over.

I picked this one up for my Ho-Ho-Ho-Read a thon this week it’s a winter read. The cover is the reason I bought it I love baking in books and this one starts off right away with cakes flying. The story is a fast paced mix of friendship, romance and humor it’s easy to get lost in Amy and Bella’s story as they fix what was once broken. I like the characters they are easy to connect with you can’t help falling for Amy and Bella’s charm they had me giggling through most of the story. I like that Amy also realized she was better off without her ex and opened herself up to really living. I fun heartwarming Christmas novel, perfect for the cold weather and just right to get in the holiday spirit. This is my first book by the author but I’m a quick fan and can’t wait to see what else she has.

[Christina Freeburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy is blissfully baking away and looking forward to Christmas when her husband arrives home and announces he’s leaving her. The timing comes as a shock to Amy, though not the news itself as she knows their marriage has been on the rocks for a while, but how could he leave her before the holidays. I thought the same thing. Why tell her then when he knew how much the holidays meant to his wife? Then again, why would a man who’d run around on his wife care about her love of a particular season?

Amy turns to her favorite holiday program to try and gain back some of her positive and happy feelings of the holidays, even though it does bring some bittersweet memories as the host was her childhood best friend Bella. The girls had a falling out, which Amy caused, and the friendship never recovered. It is one of the regrets of Amy’s life. When watching the show, Amy learns that the recipes Bella uses were Amy’s mother. A war is now on. With some maneuverings, Amy wins a contest and be spending some time with her former best friend. Amy plans on using the time to right her wrongs, have Bella’s wrongs righted, and maybe with the Christmas spirit in the air some hearts and minds will open.

I’ll admit I was a little worried if the book would fulfill my holiday reading needs. While the book has some heavy moments and painful pasts for the characters, it never took over. When I’m in a holiday reading mood, I want a book that will refresh my spirit, make me a little teary because of love and goodwill not sorrow. I want a story that will showcase the best of the holiday spirit: love, second chances, wonder, happiness, and of course scenes showing Christmas in all its beautiful (and sometimes dysfunctional) wonder. Bella’s Christmas Bake Off fulfilled all my needs.

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING! DO NOT READ THIS BOOK ON AN EMPTY STOMACH!!!!

Bella's Christmas Bake Off is a brilliant and humorous read which had me drooling over my kindle. It has all the perfect ingredients to be a number one hit!

I just love this authors books. For me personally they don't hold any airs and graces and are very down to earth. Her characters are easy to relate to and most importantly, believable.

Amy is just your average working woman. Her children have grown up and left home and her husband has also decided to up and leave. Being on her own for the first time and the prospect of spending her first Christmas alone she decides to help out at the local homeless shelter.

Her life soon becomes very interesting after seeing her old school friend Bella using her mothers old recipes and passing them off as her own on her cookery show. Well all I can say that from this point onwards it becomes a lot more fun.

I loved Amys character but I also thought Bellas was great to. She is the perfect drama queen and the parts where they are filming the cooking show is just brilliant. She did remind me very much of the Ice Queen who Amy manages to slowly melt.

Another wonderfully feel good novel that is full of good cheer and another winner for me.

Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bella’s Christmas Bake Off by Sue Watson is an easy, fluffy read that’s fun and entertaining. The characters were quite amusing and there was some humorous moments that made me laugh throughout, with main character Amy trying to deal with her marriage break up (which actually isn’t a funny topic, but Sue Watson did manage to keep it light hearted overall) and with Bella’s diva-like personality. I did wonder why Amy wanted to remain friends with spoilt Bella to be honest, apart from feeling a little sorry for her, but the story is entertaining so I didn’t focus too much on that.

I did like that this novel included scenes set in and about the homeless shelter, and it's nice to see something like this mentioned in a Christmassy novel, which might encourage people to think about how this time of year sadly isn't happy for everyone. Some aspects of the storyline I saw coming from a mile off but I enjoyed reading about the characters anyway.

I didn’t feel that this novel was amazing but it’s certainly worth a read if you fancy something quick, light-hearted and Christmassy.

*Many thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC in return for an honest review*

[Ellie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Sue Watson and Netgalley for a free copy of 'Bella's Christmas Bake Off' in exchange for an honest review.

I really had high hopes for for this, having seen some great reviews and I really liked the idea of it, involving the shelter and such; but I was disappointed. The writing style in this book irritated me so much, I stopped reading at 36%. This is something I rarely do, I usually plow on and hope it gets better; but I really struggled since the beginning and don't want to waste anymore time. It was almost like the writer felt she had to keep going on and on about things because she thought the reader had forgotten since turning the page or was too dim to get the point she was making. I also felt it really struggled to flow for me, more like a memoir or an article in a magazine.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly delightful tale that reminds us of what Christmas is all about. I empathized with Amy throughout the book and I'll admit that I didn't like Bella for the majority of it. Bella and her crew are an unusual team but it works here. As the story unfolds, we find that there are two sides to everything, and not everything is as it seems. One thing is for certain, this will have you running to bake your own goodies.

[Emmely · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is a truth universally acknowledged that when you find out your old friend from twenty years ago whose life you've apparently ruined has published your dearly missed mother's recipes as her own, the best thing to do would be to win a competition to join her baking programme and confront her about this on live television.

Things I did not like this book:
-the way it depicts anything related to teaching
-the way it drags out the big reveal about the horrid thing Amy did to Bella
-the way Amy talks about Neil's pole dancing lawyer mistress - perhaps her ire should be aimed at her cheating husband?
-the way the cheating husband in question is a walking cliché
-the way Amy talks about the stressed publicist - perpetuating the exact same bodyshaming Bella later complains about, except when she says it, apparently we're meant to be sympathetic?
-the way Amy realises she never actually loved her husband, and moves on to another man within days of her twenty year marriage imploding
-the way the love interest makes no significant appearance until well past the midway point and has no discernible personality traits she might have fallen for - a pair of twinkly blue eyes does not count
-the way neither of the twins seem to have anything to say about their dad suddenly leaving their mum for a younger woman or show any concern about their mum's wellbeing
-the way the book just can't decide if Bella is actually a decent cook and/or employer or not - which seems to depend on what the plot requires at any given time
-the way Bella just becomes a decent person without it ever being clear why - did she get an offscreen visit from Jacob Marley?
-the way Bella's previously awful conduct has no long term repercussions and the whole recipe stealing thing is dealt with
-the way the book implies women with careers can't be good mothers - or even okay ones
-the way the 'twists' are as predictable as the characters' motivations are implausible and their behaviour childish

[Iris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not good: some contrasting/unrealistic developments/thoughts of the main character. For example, the fact that she gets over her husband leaving her within a few days (after like 20+ years of marriage) which is, of course, absolute nonsense. Also she was very childish/spoilt at times and one moment be happy about something and two seconds later be outraged about the same thing. Some switches were also way too quick (not giving a damn about homeless people one day and the next day fighting for a full shelter). Was still semi-entertaining and a little Christmassy. Listened to the audiobook.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.

I always look forward to Sue Watson's books. Always, always, always. And Bella's Christmas Bake Off was no different. I believe that Sue's style of writing cannot be matched, and this author really is in a league all of her own. All of the books that I've read by Sue so far have left me feeling completely and wonderfully on top of the world! They have such a feel-good and LOVE LIFE factor within them, it's hard to find anything that I don't like. So moving on from my little fan-girl moment, let me tell you why I utterly adored Bella's Christmas Bake Off by the fabulous Sue Watson.

If Sue's deliciously foodie descriptions weren't enough to win me over in Bella's Christmas Bake Off, then the premise of this novel, best friends at war, was the thing that did it. I gathered from the blurb that Bella's and Amy's life were in very different places, but I also gathered that, despite this, at one point they'd been the best of friends. Immediately, I wanted to know more about the history of Bella and Amy, because clearly there'd been a special bond between them when they'd been younger. People grow and move on throughout life, it's a given, but the fact that Amy still watched Bella on-screen fondly said to me that she missed her old friend dearly. Sue's ability to drag you into her novels is second-to-none, and it didn't take long for me at all to feel at one with Amy. Her situation with her husband was tragic, and I felt that despite her own life being nowhere near as wonderful as Bella's, she held no hard feelings towards her old best friend. This only made me love Amy's character more. Sure, she was a bit jealous of the sparkly kitchen and perfect set-up, but I could tell, somehow, that Amy was actually really happy for Bella, no matter what it was that had come between them. And there had been something. Sue ensures the reader is aware that something pretty life-changing was the reason behind the women going their separate ways, and I was dying to figure out what this reason was.

Unpicking the past, piece by piece, as the novel progressed, Sue slowly began to bring the secrets behind Bella and Amy to the surface, but that's not before, suddenly overcome with a rage that rivals nothing else due to seeing Bella using her mother's recipes on-screen, Amy enters into a competition to win a Christmas spent with the one and only Bella! And, my heart racing at this point, SHE WINS! I was overjoyed, because I just knew that Sue was about to mix up the plot with as much vigour Bella would use whipping up flour, egg and sugar in a mixing bowl. Also, eagerly telling my partner what was about to take place within the book, he said, 'That would make a good film'. Now, that may not seem like much to anyone else, but my partner isn't a book person. He's a film person. Never, not once, has he said that when I've gone to him with excitement over a book I'm reading. So, Sue, take note! ;)

I couldn't wait, COULD NOT WAIT I TELL YOU, for things to start heating up. The anger behind Amy was completely understandable. As memories of the girls' past began to bubble up, it became clear that they truly had been the best of friends, and had spent many hours in the kitchen with together, with Amy's mother, baking up all sorts of wonderful and tasty treats. Amy had always held those memories close to her heart, and she'd thought that Bella had too. Each year, Amy had sent Christmas cards to Bella, each containing a recipe they'd shared in their earlier years. With no reply, and believing that Bella was choosing to ignore her outstretched hand of friendship, Amy had concluded that the recipes had gone unnoticed. But when Bella announces the recipes within her upcoming cookbook, Amy recognises each and everyone.

Throughout the rest of this novel, I was taken on a thrilling, yet very deceiving ride, through Bella's present life, and she and Amy's shared past. It really is true what they say, looks can be deceiving, and Sue Watson certainly deceived me within Bella's Christmas Bake Off. It was such a fun and enjoyable read, setting me right up for the Christmas merriness, yet held so much heart and soul too. Best friends are truly special, and this novel only went to show how much friendship can take you, if you'll let it. It was wonderfully uplifting, leaving me with a smile right across my face, in the very same as Sue Watson's novels always do. This author is such a joy to read. I will always remain excited in regards to Sue's future releases.

Becca's Books is awarding Bella's Christmas Bake Off by Sue Watson with FOUR gorgeous cupcakes! A sleigh-ride through the snow, but also through the ups and downs of the bond between two life-long friends. Heart-warming, joyful and full of festive cheer and foodie delights, this is the perfect book to pop onto your Kindle this Christmas! I'd also like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful publishers Bookouture, for providing me with a review copy of Bella's Christmas Bake Off by Sue Watson. It is always a delight to return to Sue's novels!

[Anne John-Ligali · Rating 5 out of 5]

As mentioned in one of my previous tweets, ‘Sue Watson’s books just keep getting better’ and they really do. What I enjoyed most about this novel, and it’s something the author has done in her last Christmas novel, is how she brings two world’s together, seeing how the other half lives and somehow these both halves realising they need each other to move things along. I love Sue’s execution of that!

The title of this book had me thinking it was going to be all about a bake off, but it’s so much more than cakes, wine and icing. It’s about Amy and Bella’s friendship, secrets, glamour, high drama and lots of surprise twists. The opening chapter was a fab start, immediately sensing something was about to kick off between Amy and her husband Neil, and with every page the story got more exciting. First time we meet Bella its in the same way Amy does, on her TV show, baking, tasting food and lapping up the attention on camera with her husband, the Silver Fox beside her. It’s all very glitzy and indulgent viewing and while watching all this at home Amy and her friend Sylvia can only wish to afford the tantalising expensive food and decorations that Bella is keen to show off every year from the comfort of her mansion in Dovecoat.

As Amy tunes into watch Bella every year, her heart is saddened by the fact that they were once friends years ago and feels she never got the chance to put things right with Bella. However, all that changes when Amy finds a way of being a part of Bella’s TV show and to finally meet Bella, in hopes of sorting out the past and putting things right. Excited, Amy can’t believe she’ll finally enter the huge mansion doors of Dovecoat and to be a part of the shiny luxurious kitchen where she and millions have watched Bella cooked hundreds of dinners. What Amy doesn’t realise is this is just the beginning of a world, Bella’s world, that’s as real as Disney world on certain levels.

Here's another lovely, very funny, ridiculously engaging, feel good Christmas novel from Sue (with another edible cover) that will certainly get you in the mood for the season. Unlike other romantic comedy novels, this one doesn’t focus too much on the relationship between a man and a woman, it’s really about Amy and Bella battling it out and see if their friendship still has a chance. Sue’s background in TV production came across wonderfully in this book; the TV crew and banter, Bella's feistiness and the camp make-up artist. Other supporting characters were a joy to read also, from Cressy’s no nonsense ways, to Fliss’s love of liquor and some stand out characters at the hostel were we get to see their past lives like Beatrice reminiscing about her childhood.

Another thing I liked that Sue touched on were the comparisons made between the different kinds of people in this book, and realising no matter how much glitz and tinsel Christmas has to offer, underneath, we are all the same. We all just want to have a stonking good Christmas, being with the people we love and most of all a time to remember Christ. Christmas is what you make it. Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing a review copy. I look forward to Sue’s next book. I’m always happy to read work by this author. ;)

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ecopy of this book by Kim at Bookouture in exchange for an honest review which I'm more than happy to give. If you've never read any of Sue Watson's books you are seriously missing out. Her books are delicious, usually including some cake or in the case of Bella's Christmas Bake Off, a lot of cake and other delicious goodies. After reading Sue's last book Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams I got fit and lost weight - well..... I thought about it and now wish I had because this book is filled with so many delicious goodies, I gained pounds just reading it.

This is my perfect kind of book, good food, glitter, spangles and christmas. Two main characters that evoke genuine feelings - on more than one occasion I could have shook Amy and slapped Bella. If I wasn't laughing at their antics I was internally shouting at them. Within the first few pages all the christmas happiness is shattered when Neil, Amy's husband drops a bombshell. It's three weeks until christmas, the tree's up and Amy is just icing the christmas cake when she finds out he's trading her in for a new model, who is not just younger, but also happens to have a pole at the end of her bed - purely for exercise of course, yeah right ;D

Adding to her misery is Bella Bradley, tv cook, life guru and all round superstar. Amy is obsessed with her, comparing her dull life to that of Bella's - the girl who seems to have everything. They were childhood friends growing up together, the bestest of friends, Bella and she like sisters. That is until Amy did something that Bella thought to be unforgivable. This book sees the tables turned. Amy can't believe that Bella has done something so totally unforgivable and so publicly too! She sees her chance through a TV competition to confront Bella.

This was a beautiful story about friendship and discovering what is important in life, with a little bit of love and flirting thrown in for good measure. Two characters on the surface opposites. One larger than life, brash and hard faced. The other sickeningly sweet and malleable. There's tears and laughter by the bucket load, sarcasm and cutting remarks all sweetened by delicious food that will make you drool.

As the book progresses the masks are lowered and the real characters come to life - how many times do we all pretend to be something we're not, hiding behind a persona like a protective shield - presenting a facade we think people want to see. Bella and Amy are no exception, time spent together strips the layers away as secrets are revealed and truths are spoken.

She's only gone and done it again. Sue Watson has got the recipe just right, an uplifting read, with all the glitz and glamour of christmas with tantalising temptations you'll feel you can lift straight off the pages. She's an author who I'll never tire of reading, each and every book delivers exactly what it says on the tin - escapism, laced with pure indulgence - just perfect.

Now where are the 'Rudolf Brownies?' Just one more please...... :)

If you don't buy any other christmas book this year make sure you buy this one, you won't be disappointed!

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

After devouring Sue’s last Christmas book I was eager to read her next one and Bella’s Christmas Bake Off has all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas read for me. It was full of laugh out loud moments, entertaining characters, madcap plotlines all topped off with a sprinkling of glitz and glamour.
Amy Lane has just been left by her husband of twenty years for a younger, more flexible woman just weeks before Christmas. She’s gutted as she loves Christmas with all its trimmings and all the extra baking. In order to sooth her broken heart Amy switches on to watch her former childhood friend Bella Bradley serve up the perfect Christmas on her television show Bella’s Christmas Bake-Off. As she watches Amy notices that Bella is using recipes that Amy is very familiar with…because they were her mum’s.
In her anger Amy decides to enter Bella’s competition to win a Christmas cooked by Bella. When she wins Amy forces Bella to cook for the local homeless shelter St. Swithins or she’ll go public about Bella’s recipe stealing. When these two meet after twenty years the sparks fly but Amy begins to realise to how lucky she has been after the sparkly veneer of Bella’s life is peeled away.
Like her previous novels Sue has created characters that we can easy relate to because they’re not perfect! Amy is a little over-weight, she doesn’t make the best of her appearance and she’s jealous of what she believes Bella has, she does however have a caring side which makes her very likable. Although Bella appears to have the wonderful polished life that we can all lust after, once the cameras have gone away there is a very different and lonely woman left behind whose longing for friendship, this made her a very vulnerable and for me made a more likable.
I loved all the references to celebrity chefs such as Mary Berry and Nigella and the food! Oh my goodness, I don’t think it’s possible to read a Sue Watson book without having something to nibble on as the food descriptions are just delicious!
Bella’s Christmas Bake-Off is a book full of humour and comedy moments but by including the homeless shelter Sue has a given it a more serious element and this perfectly portrays the Christmas message that it’s not how much you have at Christmas that makes it special but who you share it with. The scenes from the homeless shelter felt really Christmassy to me when everyone came together to make the big Christmas dinner and these made the book all the more enjoyable.
This book is full of fun and Christmas spirit and I feel it would be the prefect book to read on Christmas Eve, providing of course you’ve stuffed your turkey and prepped your sprouts!
I’d like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book, I really enjoyed it and would rate it 4 out of 5.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before the book had even started I looked at the the list of contents, which had all the chapter titles, and from them, I could tell this book would be filled with food, fun and Christmas, and I wasn't wrong. Even the dedication had me laughing, which is a great way to relax you before you start reading the book.

Amy and Bella were childhood friends, until one error of judgement tore them apart from 20 years. Now Bella is a top TV baking personality, huge celebrity and queen of the Christmas specials. To the outside world her life is perfect.

Neil, Amy's husband has just told her that he is leaving her for another woman (one with a pole in her bedroom!), and with three weeks to go until Christmas she is broken and left without the Christmas spirit.

When Amy's misery hits rock bottom she is shown St Swithins, the homeless shelter a colleague volunteers at, and that changes Amy profoundly. Amy has watched Bella's Christmas specials throughout her career, and when she then realises that the recipes in this years Christmas recipe book, are ones that Amy's mother used to make, being passed off as Bella's, Amy is rightfully angry.

And when Amy and Bella re-meet, that is when the book really starts to get going. Seeing the sparks fly between the two old friends and their different approaches to Christmas are hilarious. You have Bella who wants to use the finest ingredients, including flying in figs from Portugal, and a liberal use of gold leaf in her food and then Amy who lives and believes in frugality.

Add in a film crew, and you have a spectacular week to remember, full of laughs, tears, secrets being revealed and learning just what goes on under the surface of the TV cameras.

I loved all the food descriptions, and it made me hungry for my own Christmas dinner, and some of the home made decoration ideas were so simple, but effective, that I would love to try them for myself.

The dynamics between Bella and Amy are fabulous to watch, as a friendship is re-discovered. So many good scenes, and funny lines.

There is a lot packed into Bella's Christmas Bake Off, but with Sue Watsons warmth and story telling ability, you are left feeling really good.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookoutre for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.

[MetLineReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sue Watson weaves a tale of Christmassy cheer, intertwined with old secrets, lost friendships and family histories.

Bella and Amy were friends as children and lost touch. Their friendship ended suddenly around the time that Amy's mum died.

Fast forward to today and Amy has just been left by her husband, works as a Maths Teacher and is frugal in her spending. She volunteers at the local homeless shelter too.

Bella is a celebrity chef - think Nigella, Delia and Mary Berry rolled into one!! Bella has a lovely lifestyle, a handsome hunk of a husband, a beautiful home and her own TV show. She is unapologetically drawn to the finer things in life.

Trouble is, most of Bella's life is fake -- and Amy wants to expose this, particularly the theft of her mum's recipes.

By some miraculous luck, Amy is "chosen" to win the Christmas prize on Bella's cookery show - and this is where the fun begins. The behind-the-scenes look at TV is obvious yet funny and on the money. The caricatures are extreme yet realistic. And the friction and banter between Bella and Amy is fun and adds to the story.

Long story short, the story comes together well with bittersweet reveals about their history and heartwarming rekindling of a friendship whilst helping others less fortunate.

An uplifting tale, about friendship and being authentic. Worth a read - will get you into the Christmas spirit.

I received an advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sue Watson is one of my favourite authors. Her cheerful and very adorable reads are like the chicken soup for the soul. You know what I mean :) And this book is just one more in my list of favourite Christmas reads.

Amy and Bella are best friends since forever. While Amy focused on her family and friends, Bella hit the TV screens and became one of the most famous cooks on the television. She is even getting ready for publishing a book. Bella is always trying to bring the most luxurious products on the table of her famous tv show. But when Amy finds out that the recipes Bella is using are same ones that Amy's mother created, she gets really angry. She feels used. Her own mother deserves some respect and apreciation! So, she sets up a plan. Amy enters into Bella's Christmas show and very discretly blackmails her: to serve Christmas meal at the local shelter for the homeless, or she will reveal the true origin of Bella's recipes.

What is Bella going to do? Is she the coldest bitch you've ever met, or somewhere under all that make-up and silicone there is still the little girl that cared for others?

If you are a fan of cooking shows, if you love mince pies and stuffed turkeys, then this is a book for you! Adorable, festive read spiced with lots of humor, love and some icing sugar. Topped with love, charity, friendship, family. Everything what Christmas is all about! One of my favourites this year, perfect for the holidays! Totally recommended!

[Simona · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

The story follows Amy, who is alone now, without husband, just before Christmas, he cheated on her. It's hard for her to cope with the situation and then there is Bella's Christmas Bake Off, with Bella, the big star, taking credit for Amy's mum's recipes.

Bella and Amy are old friends, but they lost touch and now Amy sees a chance to contact Bella through her TV show. The two women end up meeting each other and get to talk a lot. At first the atmosphere is icy and cold. Amy blaming Bella and Bella defending herself. Only after a while their old friendship shines through and both women seem to change.

I have to be honest here, it took me quite a while to get into the story, I only started enjoying at more after half the book. Somehow I found it hard to relate to Bella or Amy and their behavior and actions sometimes just didn't make scene at all.

Spending time together meant for both women to reflect their lives, think about the past and opening up about everything that happened. Quiet a few secrets are revealed and they both learned a lot. I liked the women they developed into and towards the ending there were some very cute and adorable scenes.

So all in all, I think it's a great story that is written beautifully. I love the idea behind it.

3.5/5

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Great British Bake Off, so any reference to cookery programmes or Mary Berry and I'm hooked.

Amy Lane and Bella Bradley were childhood friends, but their lives have taken very different paths. Amy's husband has just walked out after years of marriage, while Bella appears to have it all - a gorgeous husband, a perfect life, and a successful cookery show. Amy becomes increasingly annoyed when she thinks about Bella and how she has snubbed Amy for years - but when Amy realises that Bella's new book is full of recipes belonging to Amy's mother, the gloves are off and Amy enters a competition to have Christmas with Bella.

This took a while to get going - I couldn't understand why Amy was so bothered about what Bella was doing, it seemed as if she had no life of her own - but as it progressed, I began to enjoy it. It's festive, it's witty, it's funny, and it was enjoyable even if parts weren't to my liking (insta-rebound love, obvious plot "shockers" that were as plain as Rudolph's nose).

A nice, Christmassy read that's light enough to enjoy on a cold evening to get you in the mood for Christmas cooking.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy via Netgalley.

[Liina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy and Bella were childhood friends, but something in the past tore them apart and they haven't seen each other for 20 years. Bella is a cooking show queen on a popular TV show whereas Amy is recently dumped by her husband and her life seems to be miserable. Their lives seem to be completely different, but are they?

Amy's colleague is volunteering at a homeless shelter, she decides to do something useful with her time and joins her colleague. When Amy finds out that Bella is using her mother's recipes in her new recipe book she find herself being angry with Bella for taking her memories and claiming them as hers.When they finally meet after all those years, it seems to be quite difficult to establish the old friendship, but in time all the secrets are coming out and with the Christmas magic, everyone's life is about to change.

I've read three books by Sue Watson so far and I have really liked all of them. I liked the food descriptions and the way the characters were brought to life. It was a great festive read that offered sad moments, touching moments and laugh out loud moments.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bella's Christmas Bake Off is a light entertaining Christmas read. Right before Christmas, Amy's husband leaves her. Amy's estranged childhood friend, Bella, has a cooking television show. On the show, Bella presents Amy's mother's Christmas recipes as if they were from her own mother. Amy decides to put a stop to it by calling into the show. She quickly becomes involved in her old friend's life and discovers that Bella's life was not like that portrayed on television. I found this to be an involving read. If a bit of raunchy humor bothers you, this probably won't be your type of book.

Many thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy to review.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a 3.5/5 for me. I found the plot very interesting, and I loved learning more about the characters' past relationship. I found parts of it to be very fun and girly and other parts to be a bit more flat and fluffy. I enjoyed the ending and the whole book oozed Christmas spirit, so I appreciate that!! This book also really hit home the idea that major events from childhood and the teenage years can impact the rest of your life, if you let them. I'd recommend this one to get into the Christmas spirit!!
*I received this book via Netgalley to review*