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The Christmas Calendar Girls
This Christmas fall in love with the town of Chesterwood...
Christmas is meant to be a time of giving, so with Chesterwood food bank under risk of closure Fern knows just what to do to save it. She's going to get the town to create a living advent calendar.
Fern, and her best friends, call for help from the local community to bring this calendar to life. When Kit, the new man in town, offers his assistance Fern's heart can't help but skip a beat (or two).
As they grow ever closer, Fern must admit that Kit's breaking down the barriers she built after the death of her husband. But his past is holding him back and Fern doesn't know how to reach him. No matter how hard she tries.
In this town, Kit's not the only one with secrets. Domestic goddess Cara is behaving oddly, burning meals in the oven and clothes whilst ironing, and Davina's perfect children are causing trouble at school leaving her son, Jasper, desperately unhappy.
Can the Christmas Calendar Girls find a way to bring the community together in time to save the food bank, while still supporting their families and each other? Can Fern find love again with Kit?
This is a story about kindness and letting go of the past. It's about looking out for your neighbours and about making every day feel like Christmas.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2019
165 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Tonge
33 books336 followersSamantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.
When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.
She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women's fiction with publisher Canelo and in 2020 her novel Knowing You won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.
http://samanthatonge.co.uk/
When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.
She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women's fiction with publisher Canelo and in 2020 her novel Knowing You won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.
http://samanthatonge.co.uk/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 14, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
Davina stood up and gave me a piercing stare that only a mother of twins could master.
The best sorts of friends were good at turning me into we.
It felt as if a light bulb switched on in my chest whenever I saw him, like that magical sensation as a child when you discover the tooth fairy has visited.
I took out my phone, brushed my hair and took a selfie. The strained smile made me look like a convict. So I took twenty more and finally created one that didn’t suggest I’d turn up to a date hiding an axe. Then I created a profile on Tinder. Not words I ever thought I’d be saying…
My Review:
This was a fun and easy read with relevant real-world issues, heart-squeezes, insightful observations, and clever levity in equal measure. While battling overwhelming odds to raise funds to continue a charitable operation, the overall tone of the story was decidedly upbeat with hard-won lessons and positive outcomes all around. I enjoyed the creativity and everydayness of the characters as well as the entertaining storylines, and relatable conflicts and concerns. Ms. Tonge’s poignant writing is laced together with such perceptive watchfulness; her stories are a learning experience as well as an entertaining one.
Davina stood up and gave me a piercing stare that only a mother of twins could master.
The best sorts of friends were good at turning me into we.
It felt as if a light bulb switched on in my chest whenever I saw him, like that magical sensation as a child when you discover the tooth fairy has visited.
I took out my phone, brushed my hair and took a selfie. The strained smile made me look like a convict. So I took twenty more and finally created one that didn’t suggest I’d turn up to a date hiding an axe. Then I created a profile on Tinder. Not words I ever thought I’d be saying…
My Review:
This was a fun and easy read with relevant real-world issues, heart-squeezes, insightful observations, and clever levity in equal measure. While battling overwhelming odds to raise funds to continue a charitable operation, the overall tone of the story was decidedly upbeat with hard-won lessons and positive outcomes all around. I enjoyed the creativity and everydayness of the characters as well as the entertaining storylines, and relatable conflicts and concerns. Ms. Tonge’s poignant writing is laced together with such perceptive watchfulness; her stories are a learning experience as well as an entertaining one.
October 9, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Widow Fern has recently moved to the small village of Chesterwood with her young daughter Lily and has fitted in perfectly. She has made plenty of friends with the mums from her daughter’s new primary school. However, she is struggling to move on after her husband’s death but with the help of her new best friends Cara and Davina, she is slowly starting to feel less pain and maybe thinking about love again.
When the local food bank is in jeopardy of closing due to funds for the rent of the building they hire, Fern comes up with an idea, for the village to host a real-life advent calendar that will involve all the villagers.
The advent calendar is going to take a lot of planning and effort to make it a success and to earn enough money to keep the food bank open and with it already being the end of October can Fern and the villagers pull it off as well as deal with their own private problems too?
Who doesn’t love a festive read? When I first heard about The Christmas Calendar Girls I was thinking this was going to be one of those books about a group of women getting naked and posing for a charity calendar, how wrong could I be! This book is nothing like that, in fact the advent calendar idea is completely new to me and I think it is a great idea – you will have to read the book to see what it is all about.
Fern is a lovely woman who has had a few hard years after the death of her husband and is now bringing up her daughter Lily alone. She is at that point where she thinks it may be time to move on and possibly find romance again, but at the same time feels guilty.
The villagers are a wonderful community of people and I just wish that more communities came together in real life and helped one another out.
My tiny nag about the book is how many times it was mentioned that Fern’s husband had died, especially within the first few chapters, it felt like it was stated on every few pages – I haven’t counted, but it became a little repetitive after a while.
The book is a lovely festive read that is exceptionally heart-warming, poignant and a lot of fun. Add it to your festive reads list, you will not be sorry.
Widow Fern has recently moved to the small village of Chesterwood with her young daughter Lily and has fitted in perfectly. She has made plenty of friends with the mums from her daughter’s new primary school. However, she is struggling to move on after her husband’s death but with the help of her new best friends Cara and Davina, she is slowly starting to feel less pain and maybe thinking about love again.
When the local food bank is in jeopardy of closing due to funds for the rent of the building they hire, Fern comes up with an idea, for the village to host a real-life advent calendar that will involve all the villagers.
The advent calendar is going to take a lot of planning and effort to make it a success and to earn enough money to keep the food bank open and with it already being the end of October can Fern and the villagers pull it off as well as deal with their own private problems too?
Who doesn’t love a festive read? When I first heard about The Christmas Calendar Girls I was thinking this was going to be one of those books about a group of women getting naked and posing for a charity calendar, how wrong could I be! This book is nothing like that, in fact the advent calendar idea is completely new to me and I think it is a great idea – you will have to read the book to see what it is all about.
Fern is a lovely woman who has had a few hard years after the death of her husband and is now bringing up her daughter Lily alone. She is at that point where she thinks it may be time to move on and possibly find romance again, but at the same time feels guilty.
The villagers are a wonderful community of people and I just wish that more communities came together in real life and helped one another out.
My tiny nag about the book is how many times it was mentioned that Fern’s husband had died, especially within the first few chapters, it felt like it was stated on every few pages – I haven’t counted, but it became a little repetitive after a while.
The book is a lovely festive read that is exceptionally heart-warming, poignant and a lot of fun. Add it to your festive reads list, you will not be sorry.
October 12, 2019
5☆ A Christmas Cracker of a read, Not to Be Missed!
I absolutely ADORE Samantha Tonge's books so as soon as i see she had a Christmas Book out I couldn't wait to read it!
Once again she has written a Christmas Cracker of a book!
The Christmas Calendar Girls is a heart warming, feel good story full of Community Spirit, Friendships, New Beginnings and a festive romance.
Fern is having a tough time after losing her husband. So when she heard that her local food bank is having some troubles, she feels like it's time to give something back
So she decides to rally up her best friends and The whole community and get them involved in creating a Living Advent Calendar to help raise funds.
It's not going to be easy but they way they come together melts my heart!
Oh and also a very handsome Kit comes to the rescue helping Fern not only with the Calander but healing her heart with warmth and a sparkle of romance.
There are many wonderful touching stories weaved together throughout the story.
It adds to the heart of what Christmas is about and the power of helping people.
You never know when you might need the help of a food bank and it's becoming increasingly important that they remain in place.
It's such a current and poignant topic, I applaud Tonge for writing with such passion and research.
In which Helps to Educate with sensitivity and realisim .
The Christmas Calendar Girls is a wonderfully festive read, it was uplifting and left me with a warm feeling inside.
I could see this being made into the PERFECT film.
Once again Tonge has written superb Characters, they all gelled together perfectly. I love how despite their own personal dramas they came together as one to help the community, it was really touching!
The plot was relatable, current, festive and compelling.
I highly recommend The Christmas Calendar Girls such a gem of a book and that book cover is simply a festive delight!
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/1...
I absolutely ADORE Samantha Tonge's books so as soon as i see she had a Christmas Book out I couldn't wait to read it!
Once again she has written a Christmas Cracker of a book!
The Christmas Calendar Girls is a heart warming, feel good story full of Community Spirit, Friendships, New Beginnings and a festive romance.
Fern is having a tough time after losing her husband. So when she heard that her local food bank is having some troubles, she feels like it's time to give something back
So she decides to rally up her best friends and The whole community and get them involved in creating a Living Advent Calendar to help raise funds.
It's not going to be easy but they way they come together melts my heart!
Oh and also a very handsome Kit comes to the rescue helping Fern not only with the Calander but healing her heart with warmth and a sparkle of romance.
There are many wonderful touching stories weaved together throughout the story.
It adds to the heart of what Christmas is about and the power of helping people.
You never know when you might need the help of a food bank and it's becoming increasingly important that they remain in place.
It's such a current and poignant topic, I applaud Tonge for writing with such passion and research.
In which Helps to Educate with sensitivity and realisim .
The Christmas Calendar Girls is a wonderfully festive read, it was uplifting and left me with a warm feeling inside.
I could see this being made into the PERFECT film.
Once again Tonge has written superb Characters, they all gelled together perfectly. I love how despite their own personal dramas they came together as one to help the community, it was really touching!
The plot was relatable, current, festive and compelling.
I highly recommend The Christmas Calendar Girls such a gem of a book and that book cover is simply a festive delight!
Thank you to Aria Fiction for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/1...
September 12, 2019
A Christmas story to delight the heart and the soul!
It was so easy to get drawn into the lives of Fern, Davina and Cara. This is a story to warm your heart and make you pause for thought – and, maybe, count your blessings.
Samantha Tonge is a hugely talented author who isn’t afraid of tackling heavier topics, but in a relatable way. Everyone has problems, it’s just that they’re all very different. Its how people choose to support each other which can make all the difference.
Kit deserves a quick mention – he’s the new man in town and I loved the way he was portrayed, as it felt very true to his character.
Community + Christmas = a magically, festive read which I truly loved. One to curl up with as we count down to Christmas, for sure!
It was so easy to get drawn into the lives of Fern, Davina and Cara. This is a story to warm your heart and make you pause for thought – and, maybe, count your blessings.
Samantha Tonge is a hugely talented author who isn’t afraid of tackling heavier topics, but in a relatable way. Everyone has problems, it’s just that they’re all very different. Its how people choose to support each other which can make all the difference.
Kit deserves a quick mention – he’s the new man in town and I loved the way he was portrayed, as it felt very true to his character.
Community + Christmas = a magically, festive read which I truly loved. One to curl up with as we count down to Christmas, for sure!
September 27, 2019
I loved the cover. The purple tinge to it made it so attractive that I was immediately drawn to it and I had to read the story. Wouldn't you do the same?
The Christmas themed book are weaving their magic on me. In this, in order to save the food bank, 3 best friends Fern, Carla, and Devina came up with a new plan of a live Christmas advent Calendar for 25 days. The entire community of Chesterwood worked together and contributed to the event.
My first book by Samantha Tonge drew me in slowly with the 3 women. Their friendship pulled me in and I loved the way they supported each other.
New to town, Kit added to the mystery when he kissed Fern, and backed away. He was a good, kind man and I was burned with curiosity to know his reasons. Some of his furtive actions made me very suspicious of him.
Characters were aplenty, each had their own problems and crisis. The author's pen made them deal with it in strength, helping each other. Social issues were written sensitively.
I needed a book to divert my mind and this book clicked with me. Enjoyed it completely.
The Christmas themed book are weaving their magic on me. In this, in order to save the food bank, 3 best friends Fern, Carla, and Devina came up with a new plan of a live Christmas advent Calendar for 25 days. The entire community of Chesterwood worked together and contributed to the event.
My first book by Samantha Tonge drew me in slowly with the 3 women. Their friendship pulled me in and I loved the way they supported each other.
New to town, Kit added to the mystery when he kissed Fern, and backed away. He was a good, kind man and I was burned with curiosity to know his reasons. Some of his furtive actions made me very suspicious of him.
Characters were aplenty, each had their own problems and crisis. The author's pen made them deal with it in strength, helping each other. Social issues were written sensitively.
I needed a book to divert my mind and this book clicked with me. Enjoyed it completely.
October 9, 2019
Review To come soon ...
November 23, 2019
Unfortunately i can't say that I have really enjoyed this book. The storyline is pretty good and I enjoyed some parts of the book but overall i found myself a bit bored and wasn't able to connect with the characters. Also I found that there were too many parts of this book talking about children and I found that a bit boring. But I am sure many of you who will read this book will enjoy this book, it just wasn't for me. I hope I will enjoy the next Samantha Tonge book more!
October 5, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.
THE CHRISTMAS CALENDAR GIRLS by Samantha Tonge is more than a cosy Christmas novel. It is a wonderful tale of friendship, community, and fresh beginnings with characters that feel like your closest friends and a setting that makes you feel like you live there.
Fern, Cara, and Davina are best friends that live in the same neighbourhood even though they all have different personalities.
After losing her husband, Fern works hard to provide for herself and her daughter, and understanding how close anyone could be to losing everything, Fern sets out to help the local food bank which is under threat, with a Christmas idea, a living advent calendar, that is sure to bring the community together too. Now if only she could stop thinking about her good friend Kit in an altogether more than friendly way, life would be much simpler. But he calls to her soul in a way that makes it hard to ignore.
Nothing is ever simple which is also the case for Fern's two besties - Cara is struggling to hold everything together and be the perfect wife, mother, and daughter-in-law, and soon appears to be dropping balls all over the place, and Davina's kids aren't having the easiest of times and she needs to get to the bottom of what is causing such unhappiness.
But with the living advent calendar just around the corner and numerous neighbours, ideas, food, and snacks to be organised for everyone on the street can these women band together, solve their own problems, and find a little Christmas magic along the way?
I loved the idea of a living advent calendar and couldn't wait to start reading THE CHRISTMAS CALENDAR GIRLS and this book does not disappoint. The relationship between the three women is truly special and each character captured my heart in different ways making them all equally as special. The drama, the misunderstandings, and the hope for the future, all combine to make this story unputdownable.
THE CHRISTMAS CALENDAR GIRLS by Samantha Tonge is excellent in every way and I loved every page of this wonderful tale.
THE CHRISTMAS CALENDAR GIRLS by Samantha Tonge is more than a cosy Christmas novel. It is a wonderful tale of friendship, community, and fresh beginnings with characters that feel like your closest friends and a setting that makes you feel like you live there.
Fern, Cara, and Davina are best friends that live in the same neighbourhood even though they all have different personalities.
After losing her husband, Fern works hard to provide for herself and her daughter, and understanding how close anyone could be to losing everything, Fern sets out to help the local food bank which is under threat, with a Christmas idea, a living advent calendar, that is sure to bring the community together too. Now if only she could stop thinking about her good friend Kit in an altogether more than friendly way, life would be much simpler. But he calls to her soul in a way that makes it hard to ignore.
Nothing is ever simple which is also the case for Fern's two besties - Cara is struggling to hold everything together and be the perfect wife, mother, and daughter-in-law, and soon appears to be dropping balls all over the place, and Davina's kids aren't having the easiest of times and she needs to get to the bottom of what is causing such unhappiness.
But with the living advent calendar just around the corner and numerous neighbours, ideas, food, and snacks to be organised for everyone on the street can these women band together, solve their own problems, and find a little Christmas magic along the way?
I loved the idea of a living advent calendar and couldn't wait to start reading THE CHRISTMAS CALENDAR GIRLS and this book does not disappoint. The relationship between the three women is truly special and each character captured my heart in different ways making them all equally as special. The drama, the misunderstandings, and the hope for the future, all combine to make this story unputdownable.
THE CHRISTMAS CALENDAR GIRLS by Samantha Tonge is excellent in every way and I loved every page of this wonderful tale.
October 2, 2019
This is a heartwarming story about a community coming together at Christmas to help each other and others. It has a plethora of believable, great characters with three friends and their families at the heart of this story.
Fern moved to Chesterwood after the untimely death of her beloved husband, hoping to help her and their young daughter, to make a fresh start. Fern is a journalist and has met many people in the area through her job and others whilst taking her daughter to school. She did an article about the homeless in the area and the food bank which helps them and others who are in dire straits. She is shocked to discover it is going to close unless additional funding can be found and so comes up with the idea of organising a living advent calendar to help raise money for this worthwhile cause. With the help of two other mothers who are her best friends, these three Calendar girls strive to raise the much needed funding. Whilst she's involved in all this, Fern also has opportunities for romance but not everything goes to plan as she isn't the only one who needs to let go of the past and look forward to the future....
This is a fabulous story about a community working together for a common goal. It involves people getting to know each other, having fun, facing problems together and making a difference. I love the idea of a living advent calendar! There are other threads running through the story concerning fresh starts, how people may become homeless, why people use food banks, the impact of jealousy, how people hide their anxieties and the problems associated with overcoming addiction. These are all skilfully interwoven into a fantastic festive read which even has a lovely romance, too! I really enjoyed reading this and have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending this book. I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and not wanting to put it down until I'd finished it.
Fern moved to Chesterwood after the untimely death of her beloved husband, hoping to help her and their young daughter, to make a fresh start. Fern is a journalist and has met many people in the area through her job and others whilst taking her daughter to school. She did an article about the homeless in the area and the food bank which helps them and others who are in dire straits. She is shocked to discover it is going to close unless additional funding can be found and so comes up with the idea of organising a living advent calendar to help raise money for this worthwhile cause. With the help of two other mothers who are her best friends, these three Calendar girls strive to raise the much needed funding. Whilst she's involved in all this, Fern also has opportunities for romance but not everything goes to plan as she isn't the only one who needs to let go of the past and look forward to the future....
This is a fabulous story about a community working together for a common goal. It involves people getting to know each other, having fun, facing problems together and making a difference. I love the idea of a living advent calendar! There are other threads running through the story concerning fresh starts, how people may become homeless, why people use food banks, the impact of jealousy, how people hide their anxieties and the problems associated with overcoming addiction. These are all skilfully interwoven into a fantastic festive read which even has a lovely romance, too! I really enjoyed reading this and have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending this book. I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and not wanting to put it down until I'd finished it.
January 22, 2020
Fern, Davina, and Cara bond over children who attend the same school in Birchwood Estate. With different personalities and strengths they value each other rather than hold jealousies. In The Christmas Calendar Girls by Samantha Tonge, the ladies work together to save the food bank that is a lifeline for so many in the community, from the addict to the unemployed parent struggling to provide.
It’s the busy Christmas season and late to begin a project to raise money, but Fern has an idea to save the food bank and engender community spirit and good will. Her friends jump on board to help.
All is not smooth sailing, however, with the project and its changing deadlines or in the “calendar girls’ ” personal lives. Fern is a widowed journalist trying to find a new normal for herself and her daughter Lily. Perhaps she is ready to have a relationship again. Kit, a former client of the food bank, stirs her heart, but is he ready for romance? Davina has always been close to her twin boys, but the more sensitive of the two begins pulling away and the pair get into a fight at school. Cara is fantastic with food, very creative, and a doting, stay-at-home mom. Suddenly she seems to have lost it all as she burns foods, uses the wrong ingredients, and forgets school notices and weather appropriate clothing for her kids. She fears the onset of early dementia.
Watching these characters grow as they lean on each other and gradually reveal their secrets and rooting for them as they try to help those less fortunate, makes for a gentle, interesting, and inspiring story. Birchwood Estate will never be the same.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Aria for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
It’s the busy Christmas season and late to begin a project to raise money, but Fern has an idea to save the food bank and engender community spirit and good will. Her friends jump on board to help.
All is not smooth sailing, however, with the project and its changing deadlines or in the “calendar girls’ ” personal lives. Fern is a widowed journalist trying to find a new normal for herself and her daughter Lily. Perhaps she is ready to have a relationship again. Kit, a former client of the food bank, stirs her heart, but is he ready for romance? Davina has always been close to her twin boys, but the more sensitive of the two begins pulling away and the pair get into a fight at school. Cara is fantastic with food, very creative, and a doting, stay-at-home mom. Suddenly she seems to have lost it all as she burns foods, uses the wrong ingredients, and forgets school notices and weather appropriate clothing for her kids. She fears the onset of early dementia.
Watching these characters grow as they lean on each other and gradually reveal their secrets and rooting for them as they try to help those less fortunate, makes for a gentle, interesting, and inspiring story. Birchwood Estate will never be the same.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Aria for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2019
Fern and her three best friends have always been active in the town, and are saddened to hear of the rent increases which would make the community food bank have to close. With so many volunteering to help, and knowing the good work they do, Fern is determined to raise enough money to keep the foodbank open, and enlisting the help of her two best friends Cara and Davina they come up with a plan. In their small estate (and with the help of the Christmas Faire at the school their children attend) they will raise the money – and ask residents to host a window tableau in the vein of an Advent Calendar – where donations will be solicited.
Oh this was fun – from the community spirit and ideas to the friendships displayed, along with Fern’s healing from her husband’s death from cancer and her budding romance with former homeless man, now temporary school caretaker Kit. With Cara having her own ‘issues’ in her formerly well-ordered life, all after the arrival of her mother-in-law who needed support after breaking her ankle, and Davina’s formerly closer than close twins now at odds over strange things – the story is laden with attractions, drama, spirit and imagery that show both the enormity of a community-wide project during the holiday season,
I love Tonge’s writing and her characters, and she manages to make everyone feel very “plausible’ as well as providing ideas that are unique and innovative, with ideas that can easily (with lots of work and attention) be translated into real life. A story that is proof that giving is better than receiving – and need crosses spaces and time, not to mention economic situations and education – the story is one of my holiday favorites for the heart and optimism it displays.
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
Oh this was fun – from the community spirit and ideas to the friendships displayed, along with Fern’s healing from her husband’s death from cancer and her budding romance with former homeless man, now temporary school caretaker Kit. With Cara having her own ‘issues’ in her formerly well-ordered life, all after the arrival of her mother-in-law who needed support after breaking her ankle, and Davina’s formerly closer than close twins now at odds over strange things – the story is laden with attractions, drama, spirit and imagery that show both the enormity of a community-wide project during the holiday season,
I love Tonge’s writing and her characters, and she manages to make everyone feel very “plausible’ as well as providing ideas that are unique and innovative, with ideas that can easily (with lots of work and attention) be translated into real life. A story that is proof that giving is better than receiving – and need crosses spaces and time, not to mention economic situations and education – the story is one of my holiday favorites for the heart and optimism it displays.
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
October 13, 2019
A gorgeous feel-good festive story about friendships, community and finding love
A gorgeous feel-good festive story about friendships, community and finding love.
You may have followed my cover reveal last month for this delicious looking book where I was full of anticipation, let me tell you it did not disappoint!
Samantha Tonge knows how to nail a good book that has a gripping plot, interesting characters and tackles complex issues. I am always excited to pick up one of her stories because I know they’ll be entertaining and heartfelt.
This book looks at the complexity of homelessness, food poverty, loneliness and even toxic
masculinity. Therefore this certainly wasn’t a typical Christmas romance book, and actually focuses more on the sisterhood of friends, and how quite different women can support, love and lift one another up without being in competition with each other. However, there is a very appealing love interest in the form of Kit who seems to be the British answer to Jason Mamoa and was a delight to get to know. The fact that both Kit and Fern have had their lives in the past thrown in to turmoil and are both dealing with their own pain of course means that their encounter is fraught with difficulty and you are routing for them both to get together and not get hurt.
This is a real joy to read that will fill your festive cup!
Thank you to Samantha Tonge and Aria for this advanced copy to review.
A gorgeous feel-good festive story about friendships, community and finding love.
You may have followed my cover reveal last month for this delicious looking book where I was full of anticipation, let me tell you it did not disappoint!
Samantha Tonge knows how to nail a good book that has a gripping plot, interesting characters and tackles complex issues. I am always excited to pick up one of her stories because I know they’ll be entertaining and heartfelt.
This book looks at the complexity of homelessness, food poverty, loneliness and even toxic
masculinity. Therefore this certainly wasn’t a typical Christmas romance book, and actually focuses more on the sisterhood of friends, and how quite different women can support, love and lift one another up without being in competition with each other. However, there is a very appealing love interest in the form of Kit who seems to be the British answer to Jason Mamoa and was a delight to get to know. The fact that both Kit and Fern have had their lives in the past thrown in to turmoil and are both dealing with their own pain of course means that their encounter is fraught with difficulty and you are routing for them both to get together and not get hurt.
This is a real joy to read that will fill your festive cup!
Thank you to Samantha Tonge and Aria for this advanced copy to review.
September 3, 2019
4 star review of The Christmas Calendar by Samantha Tonge
Christmas, it’s the most magical time of the year and my favourite holiday. Samantha Tonge is a new author to me and I loved the blurb for The Christmas Calendar. Chesterwood sounds like a beautiful place to live and I found this story to be full of hope, love, family and friendship.
When the local food bank is in danger of closing, widow Fern decides to take action with the help of her friends Davina and Cara. I admired Fern’s community spirit, her sass and feisty determination not to give up was something I could easily relate to.
Can the magic of the Christmas season bring people together to help one another?
When the new man in town Kit, offers his support and assistance, Ferns feels the beginning of a spark of interest, not felt since her husband passed away. However, Kit also has baggage from his past, will it be enough to keep him from pursing happiness or will Fern be able to break down his walls?
All the characters were well written and I enjoyed reading about the people of Chesterwood and how they come together to help one another out in a show of true community spirit.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.
Christmas, it’s the most magical time of the year and my favourite holiday. Samantha Tonge is a new author to me and I loved the blurb for The Christmas Calendar. Chesterwood sounds like a beautiful place to live and I found this story to be full of hope, love, family and friendship.
When the local food bank is in danger of closing, widow Fern decides to take action with the help of her friends Davina and Cara. I admired Fern’s community spirit, her sass and feisty determination not to give up was something I could easily relate to.
Can the magic of the Christmas season bring people together to help one another?
When the new man in town Kit, offers his support and assistance, Ferns feels the beginning of a spark of interest, not felt since her husband passed away. However, Kit also has baggage from his past, will it be enough to keep him from pursing happiness or will Fern be able to break down his walls?
All the characters were well written and I enjoyed reading about the people of Chesterwood and how they come together to help one another out in a show of true community spirit.
I received a copy of this book through the publisher via Netgalley.
September 2, 2019
- Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review -
A heartwarming story about friendship, solidarity, poverty and grief, and how romance can happen in the most unexpected circumstances.
It took me a while to warm up to “The Christmas Calendar Girls”, by Samantha Tonge (Aria), the first half of the story focusing on too much mundane tasks and details and with diary-like tones that I found a bit dull.
But the themes of grief, addiction and poverty are tackled in a realistic way, and Kit, the male hero who is an odd but compelling combination of light and darkness, really intrigued me and kept me engaged.
Kit is very hard on himself, yet a sunny and very kind and giving person, and the paradox makes him a very flawed and fascinating character.
I also liked the take on the single mom, a widow, and how the author dealt with the grief over the late husband and father.
Serious social issues are tackled in the story, too, and the importance of family and friends and the support they provide in our life.
A heartwarming story about friendship, solidarity, poverty and grief, and how romance can happen in the most unexpected circumstances.
It took me a while to warm up to “The Christmas Calendar Girls”, by Samantha Tonge (Aria), the first half of the story focusing on too much mundane tasks and details and with diary-like tones that I found a bit dull.
But the themes of grief, addiction and poverty are tackled in a realistic way, and Kit, the male hero who is an odd but compelling combination of light and darkness, really intrigued me and kept me engaged.
Kit is very hard on himself, yet a sunny and very kind and giving person, and the paradox makes him a very flawed and fascinating character.
I also liked the take on the single mom, a widow, and how the author dealt with the grief over the late husband and father.
Serious social issues are tackled in the story, too, and the importance of family and friends and the support they provide in our life.
September 13, 2019
This is a thoughtfully written, realistic tale of love and loss, and of friendship and community. I love a second chance romance and Samantha Tonge has given readers a heroine to champion and a love interest to fall in love with. These are two fragile and well-drawn characters and I longed for them each to find their own happily ever after. I also love a Christmas book and this is a fresh take on a festive read.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
December 14, 2019
Moving and captivating book. I read this in less than a day and I’m not ashamed to say a few were shed. Fantastic throughout and completely enthralled me. There are several strands through this tale involving the main characters and those they come into contact with and it’s fascinating to see the story weave together. Highly recommended.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
November 27, 2019
Cosy Christmas novel full of friendship and community spirit with lots of layers to make you think.
October 20, 2019
Awwww what an absolute delight this book was. It was my first festive read of the year and the premise had me hooked from the moment Victoria at Aria Fiction first told me about it. 'A living Calendar" OMG I so want to organise one!!
What's not to love about the Christmas Calendar Girls. It has it all, it truly is a magical, read that had me totally hooked. It pulled at my heart strings and certainly gave me food for thought. It made me question what is important in life, when is it better to give rather than receive, to find acceptance within ourselves, to accept it's sometimes ok to follow your heart rather than your head. To look beyond the obvious, things aren't always what they seem at face value. It was desperately sad in places but counter-balanced with hope, fun and happiness in others. It's about love, friendship, solidarity and support - it's about friends, family and a community coming together to support and help each other. It's about picking your battles, knowing when to fight for what's right or when to acquiesce. It's what would appear at first glance to be a light, easy read and turns out to be anything but - it has depth, the characters and setting providing solid foundations for the story to unfold. It revolves around three friends, their friendship, their families and their community. They come together to support a fund raising event to save a vital public service, the local food bank.
The story sees 'The Living Calendar' brought to life and I was giddy with excitement muttering to myself what an amazing idea it was and wondering when and how I could replicate it. It really was brilliant, I loved every aspect of it and dare you not to be touched by this incredible read.
I highly recommend this Christmas Read, it's definitely one readers will be sorry to have missed. Huge thanks for allowing me to be part of the blog tour all at Aria Fiction.
What's not to love about the Christmas Calendar Girls. It has it all, it truly is a magical, read that had me totally hooked. It pulled at my heart strings and certainly gave me food for thought. It made me question what is important in life, when is it better to give rather than receive, to find acceptance within ourselves, to accept it's sometimes ok to follow your heart rather than your head. To look beyond the obvious, things aren't always what they seem at face value. It was desperately sad in places but counter-balanced with hope, fun and happiness in others. It's about love, friendship, solidarity and support - it's about friends, family and a community coming together to support and help each other. It's about picking your battles, knowing when to fight for what's right or when to acquiesce. It's what would appear at first glance to be a light, easy read and turns out to be anything but - it has depth, the characters and setting providing solid foundations for the story to unfold. It revolves around three friends, their friendship, their families and their community. They come together to support a fund raising event to save a vital public service, the local food bank.
The story sees 'The Living Calendar' brought to life and I was giddy with excitement muttering to myself what an amazing idea it was and wondering when and how I could replicate it. It really was brilliant, I loved every aspect of it and dare you not to be touched by this incredible read.
I highly recommend this Christmas Read, it's definitely one readers will be sorry to have missed. Huge thanks for allowing me to be part of the blog tour all at Aria Fiction.
October 17, 2019
When I was told about the book I did think for a minute that it would be a Christmas themed book about girls making a nude calendar, like the movie ‘The Calendar Girls’ but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It turned out to be an incredible fund-raising idea of people hosting a living Advent calendar, taking turns to have a display in their front windows throughout December. I really loved the concept, and if I lived in a more sociable location it sounded like something I would have loved to have done myself.
I loved the relationship between the three women, Fern, Cara and Davina, it was so completely supportive and non-competitive. Fern, in particular, was a strong female character, finding her own strength after the death of her husband. I loved Cara’s storyline, and the way in which it was resolved.
As leading men go, Kit was just about perfect book boyfriend material, with a sexy viking vibe, and a mysterious troubled past. His kindness shone from the page every time he was present.
Samantha Tonge deals with some serious subjects within this novel, each handled with sensitivity and empathy. I appreciated the subject of food banks being raised, and the storyline left me feeling that I really need to plan some donations to make to my local food bank particularly for the Christmas season. I hope other readers feel the same way that I do.
I thought this was a charmingly festive story, and is absolutely perfect reading for a cosy winter evening, curled up on the sofa with a steaming hot drink and a fluffy throw.
I loved the relationship between the three women, Fern, Cara and Davina, it was so completely supportive and non-competitive. Fern, in particular, was a strong female character, finding her own strength after the death of her husband. I loved Cara’s storyline, and the way in which it was resolved.
As leading men go, Kit was just about perfect book boyfriend material, with a sexy viking vibe, and a mysterious troubled past. His kindness shone from the page every time he was present.
Samantha Tonge deals with some serious subjects within this novel, each handled with sensitivity and empathy. I appreciated the subject of food banks being raised, and the storyline left me feeling that I really need to plan some donations to make to my local food bank particularly for the Christmas season. I hope other readers feel the same way that I do.
I thought this was a charmingly festive story, and is absolutely perfect reading for a cosy winter evening, curled up on the sofa with a steaming hot drink and a fluffy throw.
October 20, 2019
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OMG I just love the cover for this book - it is just perfect!!
I love a good Christmas story and this is up there with the best I have read so far in 2019.
I was already a massive fan of this author’s works and was genuinely excited to see that she had a new release out and I was eagerly waiting for the copy of the book to land on my Kindle and I have to say that I had read the book from cover to cover within a few hours of starting it, it really is a fabulous story!
I thought that the characters were superb, so well developed and they worked brilliantly with each other too.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, it is well written, I loved the setting and location, the writing style was perfect as I have come to expect from this author and it is the perfect festive read – very highly recommended and cannot wait to read what she releases next!!
OMG I just love the cover for this book - it is just perfect!!
I love a good Christmas story and this is up there with the best I have read so far in 2019.
I was already a massive fan of this author’s works and was genuinely excited to see that she had a new release out and I was eagerly waiting for the copy of the book to land on my Kindle and I have to say that I had read the book from cover to cover within a few hours of starting it, it really is a fabulous story!
I thought that the characters were superb, so well developed and they worked brilliantly with each other too.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, it is well written, I loved the setting and location, the writing style was perfect as I have come to expect from this author and it is the perfect festive read – very highly recommended and cannot wait to read what she releases next!!
September 9, 2019
The Christmas Calendar Girls by Samantha Tonge four-star wrapped up read. This could have been a five-star read, but in places it just went on a little, the story made me smile in so many places, it also made me sob in places as well, dealing with the loss of a partner and parent is always hard to do well, but Samantha Tonge did it very well. There is so much heart in this story, with loss and the risk to the food bank closing, as well as several other issues that we all face in life, they were all well done and couldn’t be faulted, it was the glue that held all of those bits together that just didn’t stick enough for me. Kit was the one that surprised me more than I could imagine, he was something I didn’t expect even though I had my ideas about his story from the start, there was still something to surprise and make the story whole.
October 4, 2019
How beautiful
Fern Fletcher a widow and a journalist with her daughter Lily and two friends Davina and Cara live on the Birchwood estate, caretaker at the local school Kit Carlton was also a mate him and Fern were just good friends weren't they? I loved this book all about friendship, such a feel good heart warming read. A community coming together making Christmas a magical time for the needed. It Will give you such a warm feeling inside as you read on. The author has written from the heart.
Fern Fletcher a widow and a journalist with her daughter Lily and two friends Davina and Cara live on the Birchwood estate, caretaker at the local school Kit Carlton was also a mate him and Fern were just good friends weren't they? I loved this book all about friendship, such a feel good heart warming read. A community coming together making Christmas a magical time for the needed. It Will give you such a warm feeling inside as you read on. The author has written from the heart.
August 27, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book has the most gorgeous cover. As soon as I saw it, I became excited to read. This is a book, I didn’t want to put down- I loved it. Samantha engaged me from the very beginning and I felt quite invested in the characters. This is my first read by Samantha and I have loved it. It definitely won’t be the last. This is a fantastic read.
I cannot wait to read more by Samantha Tonge
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I cannot wait to read more by Samantha Tonge
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 20, 2019
A light, lovely, fun, festive, holiday read...with a deeper social message!
No one can combine themes like Samantha Tonge.
On it's surface this is a wonderful cup of Chick Lit cocoa...but dig deeper and you just might learn something about life, friendship, and the world around you.
5 stars, wonderful!
No one can combine themes like Samantha Tonge.
On it's surface this is a wonderful cup of Chick Lit cocoa...but dig deeper and you just might learn something about life, friendship, and the world around you.
5 stars, wonderful!
March 14, 2021
Christmas is meant to be a time of giving, so with Chesterwood food bank under risk of closure Fern knows just what to do to save it. She's going to get the town to create a living advent calendar.
Fern, and her best friends, call for help from the local community to bring this calendar to life. When Kit, the new man in town, offers his assistance Fern's heart can't help but skip a beat (or two).
As they grow ever closer, Fern must admit that Kit's breaking down the barriers she built after the death of her husband. But his past is holding him back and Fern doesn't know how to reach him. No matter how hard she tries.
In this town, Kit's not the only one with secrets. Domestic goddess Cara is behaving oddly, burning meals in the oven and clothes whilst ironing, and Davina's perfect children are causing trouble at school leaving her son, Jasper, desperately unhappy.
Can the Christmas Calendar Girls find a way to bring the community together in time to save the food bank, while still supporting their families and each other? Can Fern find love again with Kit?
There is so much to love about this book. Fern, a single mum having nursed her husband until his passing is embarking on admission to save the local food bank in the form of a living advent calendar. I've never heard of it so this element really intrigued me and I loved the idea of it. Throw in a love interest, a mother in law that feels redundant and a perceptive child and you have the perfect story to curl up with.
Fern, and her best friends, call for help from the local community to bring this calendar to life. When Kit, the new man in town, offers his assistance Fern's heart can't help but skip a beat (or two).
As they grow ever closer, Fern must admit that Kit's breaking down the barriers she built after the death of her husband. But his past is holding him back and Fern doesn't know how to reach him. No matter how hard she tries.
In this town, Kit's not the only one with secrets. Domestic goddess Cara is behaving oddly, burning meals in the oven and clothes whilst ironing, and Davina's perfect children are causing trouble at school leaving her son, Jasper, desperately unhappy.
Can the Christmas Calendar Girls find a way to bring the community together in time to save the food bank, while still supporting their families and each other? Can Fern find love again with Kit?
There is so much to love about this book. Fern, a single mum having nursed her husband until his passing is embarking on admission to save the local food bank in the form of a living advent calendar. I've never heard of it so this element really intrigued me and I loved the idea of it. Throw in a love interest, a mother in law that feels redundant and a perceptive child and you have the perfect story to curl up with.
December 18, 2020
Christmas Calendar Girls follows widowed Fern and her 2 best friends Cara and Davina as they try and save their local food bank at Christmas. As a journalist who had done a story on homelessness the food bank holds a special place in Fern's heart. For Davina as well who volunteers there once a week.
The girls set out on organizing an ambitious plan of a living advent calendar, with a different house in the neighbourhood doing a display each night in December leading up to Christmas. Ever changing deadlines and changes to the funds required continue to cause stress and complications. Not to mention personal issues that keep cropping up. Like steadfast and dependable Cara's recurring forgetfulness as she fears a medical illness. And Fern's growing feelings for the school care taker Kit, who she first met through her article on homeless and who quickly became one of her closest friends after moving to Chesterwood.
This was a heartwarming story about the power of community spirit, giving back and finding forgiveness. Both for others and yourself. I did find it to be a bit slow at times, but enjoyed watching the characters interact and grow. The diversity of the characters was well done and Tonge did a great job delicately and compassionately showcasing the plight of homelessness. Overall a 3 star read for me.
The girls set out on organizing an ambitious plan of a living advent calendar, with a different house in the neighbourhood doing a display each night in December leading up to Christmas. Ever changing deadlines and changes to the funds required continue to cause stress and complications. Not to mention personal issues that keep cropping up. Like steadfast and dependable Cara's recurring forgetfulness as she fears a medical illness. And Fern's growing feelings for the school care taker Kit, who she first met through her article on homeless and who quickly became one of her closest friends after moving to Chesterwood.
This was a heartwarming story about the power of community spirit, giving back and finding forgiveness. Both for others and yourself. I did find it to be a bit slow at times, but enjoyed watching the characters interact and grow. The diversity of the characters was well done and Tonge did a great job delicately and compassionately showcasing the plight of homelessness. Overall a 3 star read for me.
December 14, 2020
Let me start by saying that I enjoyed this book, but why there were so many characters not contributing too much to the timeline, I have no clue. I'm terrible with names, so to have so many adults and children got me confused. But that wasn't what made me give it 3 stars, but rather that not a lot happens.
I could probably say everything that happened in the book in 2 minutes and I wouldn't miss a lot of the details. It honestly felt like a short story, expanded into a long story by talking more about things that don't impact the plot too much.
Fern keeps reminiscing about her late husband Adam (maybe a bit too much at times), Cara seems to me like the character that makes the most sense and Davina is useless, she's just there to make up the numbers, but contributes nothing to the plot. Same with the kids, you kinda follow one of their stories, but not that much. Kit seems decent enough.
All in all, not the best Christmas read, but certainly not the worst either.
I could probably say everything that happened in the book in 2 minutes and I wouldn't miss a lot of the details. It honestly felt like a short story, expanded into a long story by talking more about things that don't impact the plot too much.
Fern keeps reminiscing about her late husband Adam (maybe a bit too much at times), Cara seems to me like the character that makes the most sense and Davina is useless, she's just there to make up the numbers, but contributes nothing to the plot. Same with the kids, you kinda follow one of their stories, but not that much. Kit seems decent enough.
All in all, not the best Christmas read, but certainly not the worst either.
July 20, 2022
Fern and her daughter Lily has sought refuge in a small village after the death of her husband Adam. Friendships have helped to heal the deep wounds just a little. So has friendship with Kit. When the local food bank is threatened closure because of increased rentals, Fern leads the community to raise the funds. Kit has a personal association with the food bank, and is a living proof of its power to change things. But Kit is scarred by the past so much that he is in no position to offer a future to anyone. Will a small community be able to save the Food bank? A book of promise and abiding friendships.
December 27, 2019
Easy to read Christmas fiction
I liked the theme of helping others less fortunate and was drawn to this book for that reason. It did educate me on food banks and the variety of people they help but I was hoping this story would be less predictable and contain more complex characters (with the exception of Kit who was the best character in my opinion).There are some grammatical errors and a fair amount of description where I didn't feel it was necessary. Overall a good story and easy to read but I enjoyed Game of Scones more.
I liked the theme of helping others less fortunate and was drawn to this book for that reason. It did educate me on food banks and the variety of people they help but I was hoping this story would be less predictable and contain more complex characters (with the exception of Kit who was the best character in my opinion).There are some grammatical errors and a fair amount of description where I didn't feel it was necessary. Overall a good story and easy to read but I enjoyed Game of Scones more.
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