A Christmas Gift

by Sue Moorcroft

A sumptuous, festive read from the #1 bestseller, Sue Moorcroft.

Georgine loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Georgine’s struggled to make ends meet.

To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school. And when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistant, Georgine’s grateful for the help. But there’s something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye?

Georgine’s past is going to catch up with her in ways she never expected. But can the help of friends new and old make this a Christmas to remember after all?

Curl up with the gorgeous new book from the Sunday Times bestseller, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Trisha Ashley.

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

385 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2018

About the author

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, the Readers Best Romantic Read Award, two HOLT medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She writes contemporary fiction of life and love.

She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.

An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.

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Website: www.suemoorcroft.com
Twitter: @suemoorcroft
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Instagram: suemoorcroftauthor

Reviews

[Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously cannot believe it is just TEN WEEKS until the big day. It's a good thing that I celebrate the entire holiday season or I would be in a panic. Wait! I already am in a panic! No, no, not really. The fact that I'm decorating trees in secret, in my closet, so they will be ready to go the day after Halloween means nothing. Nah....  One thing that does not wait, however, is my passion for holiday reading and Sue Moorcroft has given us another outstanding Christmas book this year: A Christmas Gift! 

Georgine loves Christmas. As the artistic director for a private arts school, she is in charge of the annual Christmas pageant. Regardless of anything else going on in her life, each Christmas she completely immerses herself in the organization of the holiday production. Over the past year, she has encountered financial problems as her former boyfriend left her with a mountain of debt - and the collectors that go with it. Also compounding the problem is her sister who has barged back into her life, bringing her financial woes as well. Having been raised quite wealthy in a family that eventually lost everything, Georgine is terrified of being financially destitute. Georgine also cares for her elderly father who has had a stroke. Thrown into this mixed bag of emotions is "Joe," whom her boss has given to her as an assistant for the play. Joe feels familiar to Georgine but she is unable to place where she has known him from in her past. Who "Joe" is will turn Georgine's world upside down along with much hilarity, angst, sadness and joy. 

A Christmas Gift is exactly the type of holiday book that I love. Of course there is a bit of romance, lots of crossed signals, and ultimately a happy ending. However, Moorcroft's style of writing also lends itself to explore deeper undercurrents that we all face. With Georgine and Joe, we see how extreme poverty can manifest itself throughout a lifetime, how fleeting wealth can be and how tenuous relationships are, whether they with the opposite sex, parent-child, or sibling relationships - they all take a lot of work to maintain. Moorcroft deftly handles each of these topics and allows the reader to look beyond the surface of the "happy holiday" stereotype. 

I loved A Christmas Gift and, if you like holiday stories, I think you will enjoy it as well.

Thanks to #Netgalley, @AvonBooksUK and @SueMoorcroft for my copy of this delightful tale. 

[Finitha Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yaay!!! I am starting on my Christmas books today with Sue Moorcroft's 'A Christmas Gift' which in itself was a heartwarming Christmas gift. The story is set in an Art school facing one of the busiest time of the year when they are planning for a Christmas play. Georgine is the event director of the school and we shadow her the few weeks leading to Christmas sharing her worries, dreams and of course her busy schedule.

       Her fortune's wheel which had dipped low at the beginning of the novel begins to rise with the arrival of her new assistant Joe Blackthorn. Joe's secret identity is revealed at the beginning itself but it is only towards the end we come to know of Georgine's dark secret. Oh, don't fret too much about it, it is not murder or rape. And is there anything that can't be changed with a bit of love and an act of forgiveness? Isn't that what Christmas is all about?

        I was not familiar with Moorcroft before, but the cover was hard to resist. Well, safe to say that some temptations are worth following. Moorcroft is a gifted writer as is evidenced by her beautiful narration and well-balanced plot. Using a dual voice narration which is not redundant with similar thoughts, the book absorbs you into the spirit of Christmas with beautifully aligned characters and an enchanting rags to riches story. Highly recommended! 

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgine France is not having a good time. Her feckless ex boyfriend has left her, she has debt collectors knocking at her door chasing her for payment of his debts and money is so tight, she has to count every penny to see if she afford any dinner. Following a stroke her father is in ill health and she is doing her best to care for and support him as well. Her younger sister Blair is also leaning on her for support. Thank heavens for her job as Events Director at Acting Instrumental, a performing arts college. A place where she can throw herself into the Christmas production and forget about real life for a few hours.

Joe Blackthorn has recently returned to Middledip. He and Georgine knew each other from school but she doesn’t recognise him. A lot has happened to Joe in the intervening years and a large part of the story is about his life and the ongoing problems he has to deal with. A child from a dysfunctional family, his early life wasn’t the happiest but something has happened in the past to cause tension between him and Georgine.

Sue Moorcroft has treated us to another Christmas story. This time we’re back in Middledip, with some familiar names making cameo appearances. Those who read last year’s Christmas book ‘A Little Village Christmas’ may recognise a few familiar faces and locations.

As ever with this author’s books, they are not just light and fluffy. The author weaves some reality and topical issues into the plot, for example poverty and neglect, bankruptcy, and the far reaching effect of alcoholism and drugs. However, there is always light and shade with an uplifting message too and this story is all about second chances and trying to do the right thing.

I really enjoyed following the two main characters, Georgine and Joe. They are both engaging and have been given enough depth to make the reader care about them. With both of them having gone through some really rubbish times in their lives, they both deserved some happiness – however with both of them hiding secrets from each other, will they get it?

This may have Christmas in the title but it really isn’t the focus of the book, so don’t feel you can only read this at Christmas! Even if you have an aversion to tinsel this is still a very enjoyable read. Most of the story takes place in the lead up to Christmas, when the students are preparing for the Christmas concert. Clearly a lot of research has gone into staging a show and there are some detailed insights as to just how much work is involved.

A Christmas Gift is a lovely read that will give you a book hug.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the cover of this book and that's what attracted me along with loving the author. It's such a heartwarming read and about learning who your friends are and your past catching up with you but can you be happy and move forward or not also has romance and full of Christmas.
Georgine loves Christmas and how everything come alive but when her ex leaves her with debts how will she cope and also what happens when her sister turns up on her doorstep as her relationship is over and she has debts to will they cope. Georgine throws herself into organising the Christmas play at the local school and when a handsome man called Joe comes to be her assistant how will she react. Will she recognise him from her past or not. Her past is starting to catch up with her in ways she didn't expect and will she cope and will her friends help her. Her friends want to make this a Christmas to remember and does the Christmas play go to plan or not and what happens between Joe and her. Can they all be happy or is the past just to much to forget.
A perfect Christmas read to curl up to.

[Cora Tea Party Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 Words: Community, family, Christmas, secrets, love.

Blog Tour: Book Review: A Christmas Gift by Sue Moorcroft.

Full review to come.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly unputdownable, compulsive reading, that had me turning the pages as fast as I could read them. I have a feeling Georgine and Joe's stories will live with me for quite a while.

These are real characters, they had gritty backgrounds, where things have been tough in their earlier years. Joe and Georgine knew each other at school briefly but when they meet again, Georgine doesn't recognise him initially.

For one of them there is a rags to riches story waiting in the wings, for the other it was more riches to rags. Between them and their family the book tackles a fair few issues, including debt, in a way that draws you and and makes you want to reach out and help these people as though they weren't fictional characters.


Although there are a variety of serious topics, this also had great moments of light heartedness, and I loved everything to do with Acting Instrumental where Georgine works.

Seeing how they put together a Christmas show, is very interesting and seeing it all from behind the scenes, for a show that has similar themes to those running through the book.

I wouldn't say I got a festive feeling from this, but I did get a fabulous story to read, set in Middledip and Bettsborough, where odd familiar faces from Sue Moorcroft's previous books were popping up, and putting in a cameo or too. Although not overly festive, there was a good sense of the run up to Christmas, from people that are not necessarily having the easiest time of things, and gives a more realistic view of Christmas than the "typical film Christmas".

There are so many good things I would love to say about this book, which held my interest throughout, threw in some surprises, back stories that was fascinating, assorted scenes with action, and many other fabulous aspects - but I don't want to give anything way.

I suggest that you take a chance and read this yourself, whether you are a fan of the author, in which case you may agree with me that this is one of her best, or new to the author, read this book, it is simply superb.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Georgine France’s life used to be a bed of roses, until her family fell from grace when her father has lost his construction firm, her mother left and she had to leave university and find a job. And recently, her ex – boyfriend has left her, leaving debts and bailiffs for her to deal with. She works as an event director at Middledip’s performing arts college Acting Instrumental and she loves her job, so she completely immerses herself into the organization of this event, trying to forget about her financial problems. Joe Blackthorn has just returned to the village to be Georgine’s new assistant. Nobody knows that he was someone else in the past, the child of two alcoholics, living in the wrong part of the village, often hungry and dirty. Also nobody knows that he’s a drummer of one of the most successful British bands, now back home to lick his wounds after a falling out with the band. He never supposed to meet Georgine in Acting Instumental – his old crush that he hurt when they were teenagers. Is he going to make her life even more complicated?

The characters were easy to like and they really felt so close to life and I liked how challenging their lives were and how deep the problems were. Both Georgine and Joe had unhappy pasts and they really knew some struggles, both in mental and financial aspect. I really connected with them and I fell for them, and their problems hit me truly hard. They were both so brilliantly passionate about things they loved.

There came a moment when the story started to be more of Joe than of Georgine, though I didn’t have any problem with this. I liked Joe and I’m sure I’d feel comfortable in his presence, just like Georgine did. Jeez, I must pay so much attention when writing this name, to spell it right, it’s really annoying. The name itself too. It happens sometimes, that I don’t like the main character’s name, and it was the case here but no worries, it didn’t affect my feelings towards her. Maybe I’ll just call her G. I appreciate the fact that the author touched upon some more serious issues but sometimes the way she wrote about them felt too patronizing, there was too much stressing on them and it made them feel not too natural. And it was also somehow not too real that so many of the characters suddenly had the same kind of problem with money. But hats off to Sue Moorcroft for touching upon such things as poverty and bailiffs at all, it isn’t a common theme in women’s fiction.
To be absolutely honest, the descriptions of the show and preparations were not my cup of tea and I’ve voluntarily skipped most of them – in my opinion, even if they were a part of G’s life, they were not so significant nor too important for the plot. I simply wanted more of Joe and G’s stories, they were much more interesting and had so many layers.

“A Christmas Gift”, although not too Christmassy, it succeeded in putting me in the festive mood. It was a warm, uplifting story about second chances, friendship, families, some harsh truths and living in poverty, but also about neglect and abuse. This is a book that has it all: bouncy, full of life characters, some romance, tons of troubles, humour and sadness. Sue Moorcroft’s writing style is so lovely and full of passion and compassion and she handles each of her topics with the same attention. There is depth to this story so please don’t expect only a fluffy Christmas romance, because there is much more to it, and I’m sure you’re going to enjoy this fact as much as I did.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story goes thus, Georgine loves Christmas and is heavily involved in the Christmas Pageant. Enter Joe, her assistant, but who is familiar to her. Her childhood friend. And their romance has its own trials.

Sue Moorcroft writes a well researched book, and this too had social themes along with the festivities of Christmas. The book is a perfect combination of light and dark moments, just like real life.

Characters are well developed, I like the depth given to them, with slow development of their love. The book is slightly a slow read compared to what I am used to, that would be my only niggle.

Overall a good read of romance with a dash of reality.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming and fun Christmas story, with some action, angst, romance, twists and more. Georgine France is publishing the Christmas show at Acting Instruments, a performing arts school in Middledip. She is dealing with debt collectors knocking on her door (her ex is in financial trouble), trying to get caught up on bills he was supposed to pay, assisting her father who is disabled due to a series of strokes and now her sister (also in financial trouble) has moved in after being kicked out by her boyfriend. With all this going on, a new assistant is assigned to her and she is physically attracted to Joe Blackthorne.

As she and Joe begin to become comfortable with one another, Georgine realizes that they knew each other in the past, but he was using a different name. What happened to them both in the past and how their lives have changed is such a contrast. There is so much going on in the story as they discover more and more about one another that I couldn't stop listening to this one. I felt invested in the characters and events and really wanted to know what happened. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will look for more. This book had well developed characters, enough intrigue and secrets to keep me on the edge of my seat and family drama that showed how important it is to be there for one another. With the play coming together as her social life comes apart, her family and friends help her to realize that everyone has a reason for their secrets. A happy ever after story that I really enjoyed. The publisher, Avon, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's definitely the time of year to be getting into festive stories, and this lovely tale by the talented Sue Moorcroft was so good I finished it in one day
Georgine works in an Arts Further Eductaion facility and takes great pride in her job, supporting young people with their creative dreams.
Stuck in a scary situation involving bailiffs looking for her ex constantly, brings back reminders of a past she longs to forget.
Joe has his own bleak past that he cannot escape, but being at the same facility as Georgine has its own healing qualities, though he is not sure how to explain his own situation to her.
There are so many hidden layers to this story, as well as to the main characters, it kept me turning page after page until I reached the end, where after plenty of drama, there was an ending to make my heart sing (kinda like some of the students in the Christmas performance that is featured through the whole story!)
A heartfelt story about no one really knowing what another's life is like, as well as bonds of friendship, and long lasting love.
A true Christmas gift!

[❀ Tina ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5*

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - < 2 days

Pages - 384

Publisher - Avon

Source - Review Copy

Blurb from Goodreads

Georgine loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Georgine’s struggled to make ends meet.

To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school. And when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistant, Georgine’s grateful for the help. But there’s something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye?

Georgine’s past is going to catch up with her in ways she never expected. But can the help of friends new and old make this a Christmas to remember after all?

Curl up with the gorgeous new book from the Sunday Times bestseller, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Trisha Ashley.



My Review

Georgine is struggling, once a girl from a wealthy family who wanted for nothing to working in a school and living from paycheck to paycheck. Her ex boyfriend has left her with a ton of debt, baliffs at the door and he is MIA. Concentrating on work and getting through the bills she gets a new assistant, Joe Blackthorn, he is attractive, a bit standoffish initially but good at what he does. Concentrating on making the school show the best it can be, dealing with family issues, her relationship breakdown, Georgine needs a break in life. When she spends more time with Joe it seems there is much more to him that she initially thought!

Oh you guys, this is my first dance with this author and it won't be my last, also my first festive book of the year. I love a book that has nice people in it and we get to meet Georgine and her family and just how much she does for them. She seems such a nice girl and her recent ex just needed a slap with reality and responsibility. We all know folk like this and in a world were so many are out for themselves it is so nice to meet characters who are good eggs!

Relationships are a huge part of this book, work relationships, friendships, partners, families and some of the struggles that many of us have experienced. Money, horrible exes, siblings, looking after a sick relative, money woes. Even with sadder aspects in the book it is actually a feel good type read with heaps of realism in it. The struggle is absolutely real for Georgine and when life pushes she just keeps going and we watch her struggle along but keep the spirit. She has great faith in her students and I just love reading about folk who actually love and enjoy what they do. I loved the musical aspects of the book, we all can imagine the corruption within the musical world and whilst it isn't a huge aspect of the book, where it features it is done really well. I really enjoyed this wee book, this may have been the first dance with this author but it won't be my last 4/5 for me this time!

[Grass monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Blurb :
Georgine loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Georgine’s struggled to make ends meet.
To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school. And when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistant, Georgine’s grateful for the help. But there’s something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye?
Georgine’s past is going to catch up with her in ways she never expected. But can the help of friends new and old make this a Christmas to remember after all?

My Thoughts :
I just love Sue Moorcroft and was so pleased to be returning to Middledip for another festive treat.
Although it is not overly Christmasy it will still put you in the mood for this time of year.
We meet Georgine France, who works as an event director at Middledip’s performing arts college. She loves Christmas and is throwing herself into conducting this years Christmas show as a distraction from her ex boyfriend who has left her with lots of debts and debt collectors knocking at her door.
Enter Joe Blackthorn, who has returned to the village and is going to be Georgine’s new assistant. She doesnt know Joe but Joe seems to know her, what is he hiding and will it ruin their friendship when Georgine finds out who he really is!.
Both are likeable charactors with a lot of history and past stories to be told.
Sue Moorcroft once again brings this village and charactors to life, with plently going on and a few surprises along the way, this is one book you will not want to miss.

[Il confine dei libri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Voto libro: 3.5
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely festive read from Moorcroft, I enjoyed the musical backdrop. It felt refreshingly different as readers follow musical director, Georgine, as she prepares for her students’ Christmas production. Yet, the arrival of Joe Blackthorn sets her spine a-tingling, not to mention that deep down, she feels like she has known this man for years.

Georgine was a lovable character. She is someone who works incredibly hard to make ends meet and I really sympathised with the constant struggles that life throws at her. Not only does she have issues with her ex boyfriend, but Georgine cares for her father and also juggles very stretched finances. Difficult at any time, but more of a strain at Christmas, I admired her determination to be there for those around her and, quite simply, the “keep calm and carry on” mentality.

In this story, Moorcroft encourages readers to experience an entire range of emotions and I think this added to the novel’s enjoyment. It made it feel more realistic and less of a Hallmark movie because Georgine’s troubles were so very relatable. Furthermore, Joe’s history adds a sobering element to the story and I think this was heightened by Georgine’s own background. Yes, the romance is lovely; yes, the festive season is all sparkly; however, “real life” is never far away from all that twinkles at Christmas.

I liked how the story switched between Georgine and Joe. Their paths in life are uncannily similar and I enjoyed the parallels established. Even when both characters feel that life is really going against them, they still need to maintain a façade for the students and helping to prepare for the Christmas show. Quite literally, the show, and life, must still go on. Furthermore, the performing arts theme was interesting to read about, particularly regarding Joe’s experiences, and I could get a real sense of excitement and passion from the characters when it came to their show.

A great read and perfect for getting you in the mood for all things Christmas. There are highs, there are lows and lots of reality in between, but I think this just makes the story even more enjoyable.

With thanks to Avon, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[booksofallkinds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A CHRISTMAS GIFT by Sue Moorcroft is the gift that keeps on giving. With relatable, likeable characters and real-life worries and drama to contend with, this story just got me in the heart and I couldn't put it down.

Georgine once knew what it was like to have it all but when her life turned upside down, she learned to adjust and cope. Throwing herself into the Christmas show at the school where she works, she hopes to forget about the mess her ex has left her in and her family problems which have arrived at her doorstep but she didn't count on her new assistant Joe. Just who exactly is he? And what is he running from?

Tackling serious issues of debt, loss, and poverty in a sensitive way, A CHRISTMAS GIFT by Sue Moorcroft is more than just a feel-good story. It's depth and emotion really shine through on each page and I didn't want to put it down.
​
A CHRISTMAS GIFT is a story about recognising your past and your pain but not being defined by it, and the value of friendship glows happily throughout. This is a must-read for not just Christmas fans but all readers who enjoy a well-thought-out story with that extra spark of magic woven throughout.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book via Netgalley

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgine France is an events director at the independent college Acting Instrumental. When a friend of the principal arrives, Joe Blackthorn, she takes to him though he appears very shy. When it turns out that she knew him long before, when her family was wealthy and his most definitely wasn’t, they grow ever closer as they mount a Christmas play until another aspect of Joe’s past - more recent and much more famous - comes to light.
Another fantastic novel from Sue Moorcroft, this benefits from a wonderfully realised wintry atmosphere, great use of locations and a keen insight into how amateur theatre productions are put together. The characters are deep and rich, instantly making you empathise and Georgine suffers through quite a bit but manages to keep smiling. Some nice detail, a smartly realised relationship and a wonderfully raunchy scene in a kitchen that reads as a glorious mash-up of “9½ Weeks” and “The Great British Bake-Off”, I thoroughly enjoyed this and if you like your modern romance to be smart, punchy and witty, you can’t go wrong. Very highly recommended.

[Liina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgine is organising the Christmas show at Acting Instrumental and she’s enjoying what she does. Georgine’s life is all wonderful as her ex-boyfriend left her with debts he doesn’t care about, but for Georgine it means little no money before the next pay day. At works Georgine gets a new assistant, who seems very shy at first and she feels that there is something she can’t put her finger on. What kind of turns is the story going to take after the new assistant Joe comes into Georgine’s life?

It’s a wonderful story about family, friendship, love and not letting your past define who you are today. It was a well written Christmassy story that has light-hearted and thought provoking moments in it. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Ela's Welt der Bücher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eine süße Liebesgeschichte mit unerwarteten Wendungen. Gut zu lesen und zum wegräumen.
4 Sterne

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, it’s that time of year I look forward to the most .. what could that possibly be, you ask? It’s Sue Moorcroft back with a festive book! For those of you old enough to remember the old days of ‘Blue Peter’ when they lit each candle on the Advent crown, counting down to Christmas, well that’s what this book means to me, the fizzy excitement building up until finally it’s in my hands and I can begin to read. This year I have been blessed with an exquisitely beautiful hard-back copy of A Christmas Gift.

Returning to the lovable village of Middledip we find a lot going on. It’s always a pleasure to catch up with old members as well as new residents. Georgine is in her element hosting the Christmas play and organising it all keeps her mind off the breakup with the last boyfriend or at least it would if he had taken his problems with him instead of leaving them for Georgine to deal with. Sue always manages to slip a piece of reality into her books to counteract the fun, frivolous side. As I touched on the problems it’s fair to say the debt issues she has been left to deal with could so easily be a *trigger for some readers facing debt collectors/bailiffs.

Joe has returned to the village and he is assigned the job of Georgine’s assistant helping create this magical show at the performing arts college. Joe didn’t have an easy life growing up having to contend with alcoholic parents, again Sue writes with compassion while not being afraid to explore the gritty reality a situation like this could bring, while also covering abuse and neglect. I do like the way the story rolls along amid all the fun of the season and performing while almost on a parallel it brings the reader back to the seriousness also involved.

I like both Georgine, [why do I keep typing Georgina aaargh], and Joe they are both determined characters with a lot to give to the community and who knows if a little sparkle of romance may raise it’s head and will she remember who he reminds her of?

A Christmas Gift deserves to be read when you can sit and concentrate and absorb all the subtlety’s and actions, it’s a book that raises awareness of how important it is to treasure good relationships, keep your friends close and don’t be afraid of giving second chances.

Thanks to the author and publisher for inviting me onto the blog tour and sending me the book. I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Lance Greenfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is fairly obvious, right from the start, that there will be a happy ending to this story.
What kept me gripped was wondering how it could ever be possible to achieve that outcome. The author introduces several conflicts, some of which seem impossible to resolve. That takes very skilful writing. So, well done, Sue Moorcroft!

The characters, and the interactions between them, keep the reader enthralled. The pace is very good and there are plenty of twists and turns and bumps along the road. The main story is about the endeavours of Georgine to produce the stage performance of A very Kerry Christmas, Uncle Jones at the Acting Instrumental college in Middledip village. There is something vaguely familiar about her new assistant, Joe Blackthorn, but it takes a while to work out what it is.

Joe is a much more complex character than even Georgine can imagine. There is more to him than immediately meets the eye. His childhood was troubled, but his fortunes have been completely reversed, in a good way. He is now a somewhat secret philanthropist. By contrast, Georgine’s life has gone in completely the opposite direction. As a child, she was privileged and without financial worries. She is now plagued by debt, mostly brought upon her by her ex-boyfriend, and is harassed by debt-collectors.

The on-off relationship between Joe and Georgine, fuelled by misunderstandings and secrecy, is at the core of the story, but I was more intrigued by the interactions between Georgine and her sister, Blair. Sibling love and conflict abound. It makes for great reading.

I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to all as a holiday read, regardless of season.

Don’t wait for Christmas. Read it now.

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would review this 2.5 stars but I don't want to round it to 3 stars as I feel it doesn't deserve it lol. I'll start with what I liked.... umm I liked the cover. So, what I didn't like - I thought it was a kind of boring book, there was no real plot and no climax either, no big event for the plot to lead up to. It's just some persons life at christmas, even though the book has Christmas in the title the book has no christmassy feel until the last 2 chapters. I though the 2 main protagonists- Georgine France and Joe Blackthorn were a little too perfect, they didn't seem to have any flaws in their personality (not talking about flaws that have happened to them as a person) it was also written in a boring way and I often found myself bored. There was also way too much dialogue at times and what they were saying was boring. There was 2 chapters of just talking at one point * yawn *. It just made me want to skip through it all. Also (yes there's more) I felt that the description of the book makes it seem like a romance but there is like 2 chapters where anything happens at all. So yeah 2 stars because I enjoyed a tiny bit of it. Hopefully the rest of my reading year won't be this bad ;p

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sue Moorcroft books, they’re always cosy and fun with a hint of magic. This was no exception. A real Christmas treat!

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and Avon for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[RuthyMB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I enjoyed this!
Festive check
Soppy check
Predictable check
Easy Escapism check

I enjoyed this mostly due to its music / band / performing arts college story and it really brought back memories of me being a music student. Predictable at the end obviously but hey ho it’s a festive read!

[Liz C · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice Christmas feel with plenty of snow scenes. But I didn't like the multiple versions of 'Joe', the number of secrets that he and Georgine kept from each other and there was no build in the chemistry at all.

[Sheerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a wonderful Christmas story with smashing characters.
The story has a real feel good factor ideal for this time of the year.

[Love is in the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questa sera lettori vi parlo di La vacanza che cambiò la mia vita di Sue Moorcroft edito dalla Newton Compton Editori.  
La protagonista femminile è Georgine France. In qualità di direttrice artistica di una scuola d'arte privata, la Acting Instrumental, è responsabile dell'annuale rievocazione natalizia. Indipendentemente da qualsiasi altra cosa succeda nella sua vita, ogni Natale si immerge completamente nell'organizzazione della produzione natalizia.
Nell'ultimo anno ha riscontrato problemi finanziari poiché il suo ex fidanzato l'ha lasciata con una montagna di debiti e con gli esattori che bussano continuamente alla sua porta inseguendola per il pagamento, e i soldi sono così stretti che deve contare ogni centesimo per vedere se può permettersi la cena. Inoltre, a seguito di un ictus, suo padre è in cattive condizioni di salute e lei sta facendo del suo meglio per prendersi cura di lui e sostenerlo. Infine, anche sua sorella minore Blair si appoggia a lei per ricevere il suo supporto.
Recentemente Joe Blackthorn è tornato a Middledip. Diventerà il nuovo “assistente” di Georgine alla scuola d’arte, la aiuterà nella messa in opera dello spettacolo di metà anno. 
I protagonisti andavano a scuola insieme parecchi anni prima, ma inizialmente la ragazza fa fatica a riconoscerlo. Sono successe molte cose a Joe negli anni successivi e gran parte della storia riguarda la sua vita e i problemi in corso che deve affrontare. Figlio di una famiglia disfunzionale, i suoi primi anni di vita non sono stati dei più felici. 

 

Lei si sentì avvampare. Era bellissimo sentire la morbidezza della sua bocca che la accarezzava lentamente, in modo tanto lieve da rendere sensibile tutto il corpo.

Questo libro a primo impatto sembra leggero e soffice, ma non lo è del tutto. Lo stile di scrittura della Moorcroft si presta anche a esplorare le correnti sotterranee più profonde che tutti noi affrontiamo. Con Georgine e Joe vediamo come la povertà estrema può manifestarsi per tutta la vita, come può essere fugace la ricchezza e quanto sono deboli le relazioni, sia che si tratti di relazioni con il sesso opposto, genitore-figlio o fratello, richiedono tutte molto lavoro per riuscire a mantenerle. L’autrice gestisce abilmente ciascuno di questi argomenti: ci sono sempre luci e ombre con un messaggio edificante e questa storia parla di seconde possibilità e di cercare di fare la cosa giusta. Mi è piaciuto molto seguire i due personaggi principali, Georgine e Joe. Sono entrambi coinvolgenti e hanno ricevuto abbastanza profondità da indurre il lettore a preoccuparsi di loro. Entrambi hanno attraversato momenti davvero difficili e duri nelle loro vite, meritavano finalmente un po’ di felicità.

Ti amo da quando avevamo dodici anni, amarti con tutte e quattro le mie personalità sarà facile.

La Moorcroft è una scrittrice di talento, come è dimostrato dalla sua bellissima narrazione e dalla trama ben bilanciata. Usando una narrazione a doppia voce, che non risulta ridondante, con pensieri simili, il libro ti assorbe nello spirito del Natale con personaggi meravigliosamente allineati e un'incantevole storia. Questo è un libro che ha tutto: vivace, pieno di personaggi della vita, un po' di romanticismo, tonnellate di guai, umorismo e tristezza.
Lo stile di scrittura di Sue Moorcroft è così adorabile e pieno di passione e compassione e tratta ciascuno dei suoi argomenti con la stessa attenzione. C'è profondità in questa storia, quindi per favore non aspettatevi solo una soffice storia d'amore natalizia, perché c'è molto di più in essa, e sono sicura che apprezzerete questa caratteristica tanto quanto me.
Ho adorato La vacanza che cambiò la mia vita e, se vi piacciono le storie delle vacanze di Natale, questo libro vi piacerà sicuramente!

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgine French is an events director at a relatively newly created secondary school focused on the performing arts She loves all things theatrical, and while family financial difficulties put an end to her degree, this position is tailor-made for her. Organized, upbeat and enthusiastic, the 17 through 19 year olds that she manages all find a source of inspiration and confidence in her presence. But not all is rosy – a breakup with her ex left debt collectors at her door, and her struggles to pay off large bills that he had run up in their name leaves her understandably unsettled. With him unwilling to take his responsibilities in hand, and the sudden appearance of her younger sister, guilting her into letting her stay as her own money management issues caused her relationship to break down, things are chaotic at home.

Joe Blackthorn is a new volunteer employee at Acting Instrumental, handed off to Georgine to orient (read babysit) by her very unusual, yet best boss ever, Oggie. Quiet and almost monosyllabic, she’s finding it hard to see just what Joe would bring to the school, but ever in need of a helping hand she ropes him into her organization scheme, watching rehearsals, talking to students, you name it. But Joe has a secret – years earlier he and Georgine were friends in school – while he was navigating a severely dysfunctional home life, poverty and some minor criminal and gang activity, she was the popular posh girl – with everything his council estate friends envied and thus wanted to destroy.

With trust issues the size of Scafell Pike and secrets (and shames) that could sink the Titanic – Joe’s double, no triple, identities, Georgine’s guilt and belief that her youthful indiscretions were the result of her family’s sudden change of circumstance, and the willingness of her sister and her ex to play on those guilts thus pushing her further into inflexible demands, the road these two have to travel is laden with pitfalls. But Joe’s determination to find and nurture talent, preparing these wide-eyed young artistic types for the pitfalls and bumps in the road is his main objective – all while ignoring a rift in the band he’d been in for the past decades, and his separation of identities, jobs and even homes. Surprisingly the story tackles multiple issues from secrets and responsibilities to the past and present informing your future, a bit of romance for Georgine and Joe, and some truly lovely moments with the Christmas show – the story was a read in one sitting sort of book, that brought the true meaning of what is important: family, friends and trust, to the forefront.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Theresa Derwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Gift of Pure Delight

A Christmas Gift
Author: Sue Moorcroft
Publisher: Avon Books
Page count: 384pp
Release date: 4th Oct 18 (ebook) 1st Nov 18. Hardback
Reviewer: Theresa Derwin



Georgine France has just taken on a new role at Acting Instrumental, in Middledip, a town readers of Moorcroft’s work will have come across before. Georgine is busy trying to dodge debt collectors- though it’s not her debt, it’s her ex Aidan’s - though this seems to make no difference to the men currently banging on her door. Amidst all this she’s incredibly busy as it’s just six weeks until the opening night of “A Very Kerry Christmas, Uncle Jones, this year’s Christmas show by the top year students.”
On her arrival at the school she runs into Oggie (Norman Ogden) her good natured boss, who asks her to his office. It appears she has to “babysit” new employee Joe Blackthorn as he is still awaiting his DBS (a certificate needed to allow teachers to work with). He’s not exactly Mr Chatty and seems quiet with her, yet gets involved in conversation with dance tutor Madie, then Fern, who helps him use to apply for his DBS. Despite herself, Georgine is rather put out. Yet somehow she’s also starting to quite like him. Thing is, he’s a bit familiar - and yes, there’s a reason for that.
As with all Moorcroft’s book, her B story tends to examine a relevant social issue - one that is current and important.
In this one, we have Georgine struggling financially and with anxiety, as her ex Aidan who got her in trouble won’t get involved with dealing with the debt collectors. It’s made worse by the fact her sister Blair throws away money like empty chocolate wrappers. At the same time, Joe is trying to get away from his past and two alcoholic parents and a youth spent living in a tough estate.
Despite showing these harsh realities, Moorcroft also portrays the unexpected kindness that people can show, and how good a lot of people really can be. The Angel Comminity Cafe from a previous book is also blooming and it feels so warm, cosy and Christmassy you can almost smell chocolate, gingerbread and other culinary delights.
As for the book itself, this is pure Christmas delight, filled with humour, emotional characters, revelations and yes a HEA for those who regularly read romance.
I’m also pretty sure we might meet a Grandma Patty next year in USA. And other characters in Middledip.