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Christmas Magic At The Writers' Retreat
After her mother's death, young Louise is left caring for her melancholy father and a wayward younger brother.
She works tirelessly in a baker’s shop, but dreams of becoming a successful children’s author, and her love life is in turmoil because of a lifelong attraction to the local bad boy. With the help of some interfering friends, she wins a Christmas competition to spend a week at a writers' retreat at the Mystic Springs hotel.
It seems that Lou’s luck is changing, but can she keep her focus amidst eerie occurrences and the presence of a very attractive writing mentor?
Add a little dash of magic and lose yourself in this cozy Christmas romance.
She works tirelessly in a baker’s shop, but dreams of becoming a successful children’s author, and her love life is in turmoil because of a lifelong attraction to the local bad boy. With the help of some interfering friends, she wins a Christmas competition to spend a week at a writers' retreat at the Mystic Springs hotel.
It seems that Lou’s luck is changing, but can she keep her focus amidst eerie occurrences and the presence of a very attractive writing mentor?
Add a little dash of magic and lose yourself in this cozy Christmas romance.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2020
9 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Julia Sutton
26 books52 followersHello all, I was born and still live in Wolverhampton, England. I've had a variety of jobs since the age of 15 working as a strawberry picker, a secretary, a shop assistant and more recently as a teaching assistant and dinner lady.
I retired in 2019 to focus on my writing and to pursue my dream of becoming a successful author. I'm a multi-genre author and love writing for both adults and children.
I enjoy reading, walking and anything arty. You can find me procrastinating on my Facebook Author Page at Julia Sutton Author,
I'm also on Twitter as SparklyAuthor.
I love hearing from readers. If you'd like to contact me direct, my email address is:
juliasutton@sky.com
Thank you for reading my work and for taking the time to leave a review :-)
I retired in 2019 to focus on my writing and to pursue my dream of becoming a successful author. I'm a multi-genre author and love writing for both adults and children.
I enjoy reading, walking and anything arty. You can find me procrastinating on my Facebook Author Page at Julia Sutton Author,
I'm also on Twitter as SparklyAuthor.
I love hearing from readers. If you'd like to contact me direct, my email address is:
juliasutton@sky.com
Thank you for reading my work and for taking the time to leave a review :-)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 3, 2021
2'5 ⭐
Le doy el 5 porque está bien escrito, pero realmente la historia no me ha gustado, me ha parecido aburrida e interminable.
Es la primera novela "navideña" que leo esta temporada y ha sido un chasco. No destaca ni lo romántico, ni lo navideño.
La parte del retiro de escritores me llamaba muchísimo la atención. Pues tampoco ha triunfado, no tiene casi protagonismo en la historia (cualquiera lo diría leyendo el título) y además tiene un giro ahí de hotel fantasmagórico sin ningún sentido para mi.
Le doy el 5 porque está bien escrito, pero realmente la historia no me ha gustado, me ha parecido aburrida e interminable.
Es la primera novela "navideña" que leo esta temporada y ha sido un chasco. No destaca ni lo romántico, ni lo navideño.
La parte del retiro de escritores me llamaba muchísimo la atención. Pues tampoco ha triunfado, no tiene casi protagonismo en la historia (cualquiera lo diría leyendo el título) y además tiene un giro ahí de hotel fantasmagórico sin ningún sentido para mi.
December 18, 2021
❄️🎄
¡2.75 ESTRELLAS!
🎄❄️
Una historia navideña muy linda para pasar el rato.
Lou tiene un sueño, ser escritora y vender sus libros, el único inconveniente es que no cuenta con mucho tiempo para esto. Un día, sus amigos del club de lectura, le revelan que ganó un concurso en donde la hicieron participar a escondidas, así que por fin tendrá tiempo para dedicarse a seguir creando sus novelas.
Descubrí hace poco este libro, y al ser de época navideña decidí leerlo. Debo decir que me gustó mucho como está escrito, la pluma de la autora es muy ligera y es increíble lo rápido que se lee. Me entretuvo desde que lo empecé, a pesar de tener más o menos relleno. Sin embargo, aunque fue una lectura bastante linda y con buenos mensajes, me aburrió un poco.
Lou es una joven de 25 años que trabaja en una pastelería, no es parte de sus sueños, pero es lo que lleva el dinero a casa. Su madre murió hace muchos años ya, por lo que ahora es la encargada de su padre y su hermano menor. Su aspiración de toda la vida es ser una autora reconocida de cuentos infantiles, los cuales se la pasa escribiendo. No obstante, su realidad está muy lejana a su ambición. Y, además de esto, su vida amorosa tampoco es muy increíble que digamos, pues siempre ha sentido fascinación por el chico malo, sin embargo, todo esto cambia cuando conoce a alguien por casualidad.
Me gustó cómo se desarrolló el personaje de Lou, es una chica muy amigable, generosa, buena y altruista. De verdad que, a pesar de no conectar al 100% con ella, me agradó leerla. Quizá en algún momento me fastidiaba que siempre buscaba una excusa que la hiciera alejarse de aquellas oportunidades que se le presentaban para ser feliz, pero lentamente se va abriendo más y se logra entender sus temores a no dar grandes pasos.
Los puntos principales de esta historia se enfocan en la unión y relación familiar, y debo decir que me parecieron muy bien llevados sin necesidad de llegar a un drama inútil que arruinara la lectura. Otro asunto que me gustó bastante fue el trato de la amistad, pues a mi parecer estuvo muy bonito y real, nada exagerado ni lleno de tragedias. Y, para no dejar de mencionarlo, la parte romántica estuvo bien, fue sana y bonita, empero, un poco instalove y con falta de chispa.
En fin, creo que es una lectura muy linda para esta época, sobre todo si buscas leer algo nuevo, diferente y suave. En una parte de la historia suceden algunos momentos “mágicos”, aunque con un toque siniestro. Y, si me agradó, mas lo sentí un poco de raro. Aun así, me encantó leer algo distinto a lo que siempre busco, y definitivamente es una novela perfecta para sumergirse en esta época del año.
Una historia navideña muy linda para pasar el rato.
Lou tiene un sueño, ser escritora y vender sus libros, el único inconveniente es que no cuenta con mucho tiempo para esto. Un día, sus amigos del club de lectura, le revelan que ganó un concurso en donde la hicieron participar a escondidas, así que por fin tendrá tiempo para dedicarse a seguir creando sus novelas.
Descubrí hace poco este libro, y al ser de época navideña decidí leerlo. Debo decir que me gustó mucho como está escrito, la pluma de la autora es muy ligera y es increíble lo rápido que se lee. Me entretuvo desde que lo empecé, a pesar de tener más o menos relleno. Sin embargo, aunque fue una lectura bastante linda y con buenos mensajes, me aburrió un poco.
Lou es una joven de 25 años que trabaja en una pastelería, no es parte de sus sueños, pero es lo que lleva el dinero a casa. Su madre murió hace muchos años ya, por lo que ahora es la encargada de su padre y su hermano menor. Su aspiración de toda la vida es ser una autora reconocida de cuentos infantiles, los cuales se la pasa escribiendo. No obstante, su realidad está muy lejana a su ambición. Y, además de esto, su vida amorosa tampoco es muy increíble que digamos, pues siempre ha sentido fascinación por el chico malo, sin embargo, todo esto cambia cuando conoce a alguien por casualidad.
“Para mí, escribir es un escape de la depresión de la realidad y una oportunidad de hurgar en mi extraña y maravillosa imaginación. Es mi única pasión verdadera, y la adoro.”
Me gustó cómo se desarrolló el personaje de Lou, es una chica muy amigable, generosa, buena y altruista. De verdad que, a pesar de no conectar al 100% con ella, me agradó leerla. Quizá en algún momento me fastidiaba que siempre buscaba una excusa que la hiciera alejarse de aquellas oportunidades que se le presentaban para ser feliz, pero lentamente se va abriendo más y se logra entender sus temores a no dar grandes pasos.
Los puntos principales de esta historia se enfocan en la unión y relación familiar, y debo decir que me parecieron muy bien llevados sin necesidad de llegar a un drama inútil que arruinara la lectura. Otro asunto que me gustó bastante fue el trato de la amistad, pues a mi parecer estuvo muy bonito y real, nada exagerado ni lleno de tragedias. Y, para no dejar de mencionarlo, la parte romántica estuvo bien, fue sana y bonita, empero, un poco instalove y con falta de chispa.
En fin, creo que es una lectura muy linda para esta época, sobre todo si buscas leer algo nuevo, diferente y suave. En una parte de la historia suceden algunos momentos “mágicos”, aunque con un toque siniestro. Y, si me agradó, mas lo sentí un poco de raro. Aun así, me encantó leer algo distinto a lo que siempre busco, y definitivamente es una novela perfecta para sumergirse en esta época del año.
August 6, 2021
Much More Than I Expected
I don't often read this genre, but I'm glad I did. There's romance to be sure, but this is a rich story about family and loss and resilience with a fascinating (for me) setting. I don't know much about day to day life in a Midlands town, but I feel like I have a warm, privileged glimpse. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy book to read by the fire on a snowy day. Just be sure to be polite to the ghost.
I don't often read this genre, but I'm glad I did. There's romance to be sure, but this is a rich story about family and loss and resilience with a fascinating (for me) setting. I don't know much about day to day life in a Midlands town, but I feel like I have a warm, privileged glimpse. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy book to read by the fire on a snowy day. Just be sure to be polite to the ghost.
January 11, 2021
Having read other books by this author, I was really looking forward to this one.
The story is centred around Louise, a young woman with a happy life, albeit unfulfilled. She works full-time, along with trying to keep her unruly brother in-check and making sure her grieving father is moving forward with life.
Unbeknown to Louise, her friends have organised a writers' retreat, the chance to get away for a few days to pursue her dreams of becoming a full-time writer. But how will it all pan out?
A really charming read, with wonderful characters, some good, some not so good. I was really drawn to Louise, the heroine who thinks of everyone else before herself.
If you want fun, laughter and a few tears, this is for you.
Highly recommended.
The story is centred around Louise, a young woman with a happy life, albeit unfulfilled. She works full-time, along with trying to keep her unruly brother in-check and making sure her grieving father is moving forward with life.
Unbeknown to Louise, her friends have organised a writers' retreat, the chance to get away for a few days to pursue her dreams of becoming a full-time writer. But how will it all pan out?
A really charming read, with wonderful characters, some good, some not so good. I was really drawn to Louise, the heroine who thinks of everyone else before herself.
If you want fun, laughter and a few tears, this is for you.
Highly recommended.
June 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this warm and cosy winter-set romance. It explored the themes of grief and family dynamics perfectly. Lou is an overworked character who definitely failed to put herself first. It was lovely to see her character develop through the story. The scenes at the bakery with her work colleagues were a delight to read.
It was also set in Wolverhampton and Cannock which was brill. I do like to read books that are set in areas I know and this one didn’t disappoint when it came to capturing the local atmosphere.
The romance elements were fun as were Lou’s writing ambitions. The creepy hotel was exactly that - creepy. I’d love to go there if it was real - haha. It sounds idyllic and provided the perfect backdrop for a few fantastic encounters.
Loved this fabulously fun Christmas novel!
It was also set in Wolverhampton and Cannock which was brill. I do like to read books that are set in areas I know and this one didn’t disappoint when it came to capturing the local atmosphere.
The romance elements were fun as were Lou’s writing ambitions. The creepy hotel was exactly that - creepy. I’d love to go there if it was real - haha. It sounds idyllic and provided the perfect backdrop for a few fantastic encounters.
Loved this fabulously fun Christmas novel!
February 7, 2021
Christmas Magic at the Writers’ Retreat: Julia Sutton
Don’t wait until Christmas to read this book!
This is a charming read with a host of wonderfully developed characters that are so well portrayed there isn’t a single one that you don’t feel drawn to in some way or another.
The main character is Louise, a young woman who, after her mother’s death, has taken over the role of looking after the house, her grieving father and her recalcitrant younger brother. As well as all that, she works in a bakery, walks dogs and takes part in a writing group. Her days are full, but her heart is empty.
Two diversely different guys are in her radar. One she would be better to avoid and a second that you know would just be perfect for her. I wanted to jump into the pages, grab Louise by the shoulders and tell her what to do.
By the time she gets to the writers' retreat; an old, creepy house, with austere staff and ghostly sightings, it almost feels like you are reading a different genre and shows the scope of this talented writer. During her time there, Louise’s writing develops as does her budding romance.
The end of the story made me sit back and smile, reminding me of bygone days, more innocent times and the magic of Christmas’ past. I´m sure it will have the same effect on you.
Highly Recommended.
Don’t wait until Christmas to read this book!
This is a charming read with a host of wonderfully developed characters that are so well portrayed there isn’t a single one that you don’t feel drawn to in some way or another.
The main character is Louise, a young woman who, after her mother’s death, has taken over the role of looking after the house, her grieving father and her recalcitrant younger brother. As well as all that, she works in a bakery, walks dogs and takes part in a writing group. Her days are full, but her heart is empty.
Two diversely different guys are in her radar. One she would be better to avoid and a second that you know would just be perfect for her. I wanted to jump into the pages, grab Louise by the shoulders and tell her what to do.
By the time she gets to the writers' retreat; an old, creepy house, with austere staff and ghostly sightings, it almost feels like you are reading a different genre and shows the scope of this talented writer. During her time there, Louise’s writing develops as does her budding romance.
The end of the story made me sit back and smile, reminding me of bygone days, more innocent times and the magic of Christmas’ past. I´m sure it will have the same effect on you.
Highly Recommended.
November 30, 2020
I’m spilled in my opinion on the book. On one hand I’m liked it, it was easy to read and I love that it is written with the use of typical British English terms and spelling.(tea, cuppa, bloke or colour)
But on the other hand some parts of the book was very descriptive and long explanations, and while it is called writers retreat less than a third of the book actually takes place at the writers retreat. We don’t come there till late in the book.
This can stop me wonder where the name comes from and I have a feeling that there are so much unexplored territory and endless possibilities that are not explored at the‘writers retreat’
But on the other hand some parts of the book was very descriptive and long explanations, and while it is called writers retreat less than a third of the book actually takes place at the writers retreat. We don’t come there till late in the book.
This can stop me wonder where the name comes from and I have a feeling that there are so much unexplored territory and endless possibilities that are not explored at the‘writers retreat’
December 12, 2020
A heartwarming, enjoyable romance. I loved the story about becoming an inspiring author, but despite the title the writers retreat element doesn't happen until the last part of the story.
For me personally, I wouldn't say Christmas is the main focus of this story. I loved the family togetherness, romance, and working towards something your truly passionate about. But there is still something magical at Christmas where anything is possible.
For me personally, I wouldn't say Christmas is the main focus of this story. I loved the family togetherness, romance, and working towards something your truly passionate about. But there is still something magical at Christmas where anything is possible.
December 10, 2022
This is a nice light-hearted enjoyable read and told by Louise, the main character. She is an aspiring writer who eventually goes to the writer’s retreat in the title.
I enjoyed Lou’s relationship with her family, her widowed father, aunt, and teenage brother. She was also the main earner and ran the home, making sure everyone was fed and the house kept clean and tidy. She also yearned for love and found it with the aptly named Mr Love.
The ghosts didn’t really relate to the story as they appeared at the end when Louise got to the writer’s retreat. They made it fun and I could see the hotel, it’s owners, and the apparitions making a great story on its own.
There were a number of little errors that didn’t take me away from the tale, but there nevertheless. Overall, the story was good and kept me entertained.
I enjoyed Lou’s relationship with her family, her widowed father, aunt, and teenage brother. She was also the main earner and ran the home, making sure everyone was fed and the house kept clean and tidy. She also yearned for love and found it with the aptly named Mr Love.
The ghosts didn’t really relate to the story as they appeared at the end when Louise got to the writer’s retreat. They made it fun and I could see the hotel, it’s owners, and the apparitions making a great story on its own.
There were a number of little errors that didn’t take me away from the tale, but there nevertheless. Overall, the story was good and kept me entertained.
December 11, 2020
Brilliant Christmas book! I loved reading this book, it put me in the christmas spirit and is a lovely heartwarming story. The characters are great and we read the story through the main character Louise's point of view. I loved the romance part of the book but there were many other interesting characters that also made the book really enjoyable! I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a feel good christmas book that is bound to put a smile on your face!
December 13, 2022
Sutton is great at moulding her characters & the players this heartwarming tale is no exception. We’re treated to domestic insights, ambition & true love, as main character Lou follows her love of writing & finds a real Christmas treat at the end of the path. I love the way that the author always champions the underdog in her books & delivers a fuzzy feeling of goodwill in the last chapter of this one. Five stars.
November 25, 2020
Whenever I read one of Julia Sutton's books I am literally transported into the pages to instantly be at one with the characters. Each one is so divinely written that I long to be in their lives from the first moment that I meet them.
Christmas Magic at the Writers' Retreat is as lovely as the title suggests. Those warm and festive feeling can't fail to make the reader want to read more and more of this wonderful festive treat.
It is one of those books that I will want to come back to each winter to enjoy time and time again.
Thank you Julia for writing another great book for us all to enjoy!
Christmas Magic at the Writers' Retreat is as lovely as the title suggests. Those warm and festive feeling can't fail to make the reader want to read more and more of this wonderful festive treat.
It is one of those books that I will want to come back to each winter to enjoy time and time again.
Thank you Julia for writing another great book for us all to enjoy!
December 28, 2020
finished in just one day. a lovely festive read! thank you for the dedication Julia! X
January 18, 2021
Everytime I have read one of my auntie Julia’s books I have been astonished at how amazing they all are and how proud I really am for the amazing writer my auntie has become! Every book is amazing including this one, with enough detail making me finish a chapter in awe to find out what is going to happen next and not being able to put the book down! I enjoy reading all of Julia’s books and can’t wait to read more upcoming books into the future! Xx Would advise readers who love romance genres and Christmas festive to have a read of this amazing book produced!
January 16, 2021
Another brilliant feel good book by Julia.
A lovely Christmas story with romance, love, mystery, intrigue. It's even got a ghostly feeling added.😮
You can relate to the characters, even feel part of them.
Definitely a book you cant put down.
Thank you Julia.
Looking forward to the next one. 🥇
A lovely Christmas story with romance, love, mystery, intrigue. It's even got a ghostly feeling added.😮
You can relate to the characters, even feel part of them.
Definitely a book you cant put down.
Thank you Julia.
Looking forward to the next one. 🥇
January 15, 2022
Creo que es el libro que menos me ha hecho sentir de todos los que he leído, ha sido un "meh" en toda regla. Al principio parecía que podía tener algo de chicha porque se lee rápido y Lou me parecía tierna, pero según iban pasando las páginas solo tenía ganas de acabarlo cuanto antes para poder leer otra cosa 🤦🏽♀️
Me ha parecido que había muchas cosas de relleno y al final la historia en la que se basa el título ha sido la más corta y ahí sí que podía haberse desarrollado algo más.
Estoy un poco decepcionada con esta lectura porque me esperaba otra cosa, la verdad.
Me ha parecido que había muchas cosas de relleno y al final la historia en la que se basa el título ha sido la más corta y ahí sí que podía haberse desarrollado algo más.
Estoy un poco decepcionada con esta lectura porque me esperaba otra cosa, la verdad.
November 10, 2023
El libro lo tengo hace tiempo en mi kindle en la lista de pendientes, por que me gusto la portada, es muy navideña, y tenia buena pinta. Por lo que este mes me habia decidido a leerlo para un reto de face. Craso error, no es un libro que enganche, por lo menos a mi. Se me esta haciendo pesado y lento, al final he tenido que dejarlo por que no avanza. Una pena por que pintaba muy bien
December 16, 2021
Louise has been looking after her Dad and younger brother since their Mum died 10 years ago. She holds down 2 jobs as a dog walker and shop assistant in a bakery.
Louise loves writing and runs a creative writing course and without knowing, her friends there entered her into a writers competition which she won. The prize is a week away at a writers retreat.
This is a lovely, festive read. I liked the atmosphere in the book and enjoyed the beginnings of the romance. The characters were believable and I loved Louises character, her personality shone throughout the story.
Louise loves writing and runs a creative writing course and without knowing, her friends there entered her into a writers competition which she won. The prize is a week away at a writers retreat.
This is a lovely, festive read. I liked the atmosphere in the book and enjoyed the beginnings of the romance. The characters were believable and I loved Louises character, her personality shone throughout the story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews