The Christmas Spirit

Christmas Spirit #1

by Susan Buchanan

Natalie Hope takes over the reins of the Sugar and Spice bakery and café with the intention of injecting some Christmas spirit. Something her regulars badly need.
Newly dumped Rebecca is stuck in a job with no prospects, has lost her home and is struggling to see a way forward.
Pensioner Stanley is dreading his first Christmas alone without his beloved wife, who passed away earlier this year. How will he ever feel whole again?
Graduate Jacob is still out of work despite making hundreds of applications. Will he be forced to go against his instincts and ask his unsympathetic parents for help?
Spiky workaholic Meredith hates the jollity of family gatherings and would rather stay home with a box set and a posh ready meal. Will she finally realise what’s important in life?
Natalie sprinkles a little magic to try to spread some festive cheer and restore Christmas spirit, but will she succeed?

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Holiday, Chick Lit

205 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 2013

About the author

Susan Buchanan lives in Central Scotland with her husband and their two children. She is the author of 12 novels: A Taste of Christmas Spirit, You Can't Hurry Love, The Leap Year Proposal, A Little Christmas Spirit, Just One Day - Winter, Just One Day - Spring, Just One Day - Summer, Just One Day - Autumn, Return of the Christmas Spirit, The Christmas Spirit, The Dating Game and Sign of the Times.
5.

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

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was filled with Sugar and Spice and everything nice!❄️

I have definitely read my fair share of Christmas books this season, and it is impressive how many ways you can write a story about this time of year.... I also get to celebrate Christmas all over the world yesterday I was celebrating Christmas in New York and today I am celebrating in Scotland.... what is so nice about that is I live in Southern California where it does not snow so I get to have a white Christmas and still wear leggings a tank top and no shoes on my feet....

This delightful story was about Natalie Hope, and what an appropriate name because she definitely brought hope to many.... Natalie heads to Scotland for Christmas to help run the Sugar and Spice Café in its owners absence... while there she meets four very lovely but lonely characters.... all of these characters are down on their luck, and Natalie definitely brings HOPE into their lives.... and cake lots and lots of yummy cake, I am so craving cake now!

This little Christmas story had so much packed into it... all the characters were so well developed and they all had tremendous growth within the story.... A feel-good festive story with a splash of romance!

Absolutely recommend as the perfect book to bring some Christmas spirit into your life!❤️💚❤️💚

*** many thanks to the author and Rachelle for my copy of this book ***

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially was uncertain if the main character of Natalie was human, and if not, what type of supernatural being she might be. I’m still not entirely sure, but she certainly had magic, as does this creative and talented wordsmith. Susan Buchanan has gifted us with a sweet, lushly detailed, and insightfully emotive tale of common complications and foibles with a large cast of mostly likable and endearing characters or all ages. Each character was struggling with various significantly vexing life events during a bone-chilling holiday season in Scotland. A full grab-bag of issues was confounding the previously unrelated group with each one facing life-altering events of turmoil and stress, whether financial, personal, familial, and/or career-wise. Little did they know that help had been covertly deployed with a secret plan already in operation. I enjoyed this tender, warm, and entertaining tale and was pleased with the interesting new addition to my British Word list with po-faced, which Mr. Google indicated was priggish, humorless, or critical. A look that I am well familiar with and, which apparently, was my destiny to incite from most of my relatives and teachers. ;)

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whimsical, cozy, and delightfully entertaining!

The Christmas Spirit is a heartwarming, wintery tale that takes us into the life of Natalie Hope as she travels to the small town of Winstanton to create a little happiness, merriment, and joy for four citizens in need of a little Christmas cheer!

The prose is light and atmospheric. The characters are unique, lonely, and endearing. And the story is a compelling tale full of tender moments, self-discovery, friendship, family, community, relationship woes, festive preparations, and of course a touch of romance!

Overall, The Christmas Spirit is a sweet, uplifting, holiday read that will certainly have you believing in the magic of Christmas and dreaming of twinkling lights, crackling fires, hot chocolate, and scrumptious treats!

Thank you to Susan Buchanan and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

[Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic book to read especially if you want to get yourself into the Christmas spirit. I loved this! This book has such a warm inviting feeling, you feel transformed into the very town itself.

Our story takes place around a group of people that all have a reason not to be looking forward to the holidays. Each person has a specific reason that they are feeling rather down and not in the Christmas spirit. One thing they all have in common is they frequently visit the Sugar and Spice bakery. Natalie who is new in town steps in to run the bakery while the owner is out with medical issues. Natalie makes it clear that Sugar and Spice is a place where you can leave your problems at the door and bask in the Christmas Spirit. Slowly the town starts to be drawn into the bakery and we watch how their lives evolve.

This is such a fun December read! I highly recommend it. I literally felt myself step into the little Sugar and Spice bakery. I was able to envision the environment perfectly, good smells and all! The characters were so well developed that I felt like I knew them and I found myself cheering them along. A fantastic feel good read that you will not want to end. With a magical Christmas twist at the end that will have you saying, yes I do believe in the miracle of the Christmas Spirit!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this was such a fabulous read.

The story centres around the Sugar and Spice bakery and café where Natalie takes over while the owner has an operation and recuperates. I think it should be compulsive that all festive reads features cakes and lots of them. Probably not great for your diet but the fabulous sound of the cakes in this story will have you craving them in a big way!

Along with Natalie, we get to meet four other characters who all seem a bit down on their luck for various reasons. I loved getting to know them all better and couldn’t wait to see what the author had in store for them as well as the reader.

The characterisation was superb and you will really get emotionally attached to the characters in the story. So much so that I was very sad to get to the end as this is one of those stories you wish would go on forever.

The Christmas Spirit really is just that. It is way more than just a festive read though. It has everything you would expect from a story set around that special time of year but you also get the true meaning of Christmas as well. It really is a fabulously up lifting read. Loved it!

My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*
Stanley’s wife of sixty-five years had eventually succumbed to the cancer she’d battled on and off for five years and since her death is unable to summon up the enthusiasm to do much of anything. He is finding it hard to cope and can’t even face the thought of Christmas, a season his wife loved.

Meredith’s life consists of work, work and more work with little or no thought for those who work for her, expecting them to be as dedicated and hard working as she is herself. Sophie, Meredith’s PA, bears the brunt of her boss’ high expectations. Having once been married and let down badly, Meredith keeps her emotions under tight control.

Jacob is the product of absentee parents who, although extremely wealthy, believe their children should make their own way without and financial help. Jacob is finding it impossible to get a decent job since leaving university. He’d been on countless interviews without success and is now reduced to signing on.

Rebecca has a horrible shock when she’s dumped by her boyfriend, which means she’s facing a seven hour train journey to spend Christmas with her parents, a prospect she’s not looking forward to. Added to that she has no idea if she’ll be able to afford to keep her flat.

Natalie takes over the Sugar and Spice bakery while the proprietor, Mrs Williams, recovers from surgery and soon charms the patrons with her friendliness and baking skills.

I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to get round to this book! Susan Buchanan has created a cast of well developed, realistic and mostly engaging characters, I had a soft spot for Stanley and loved the way he’s coaxed into enjoying life again. Each of them had life changing issues of one sort or another to deal with during the run up to Christmas. The Sugar and Spice bakery is the one thing they all have in common, with Natalie becoming friend and supporter, her gentle touch working wonders. Her willingness to listen and interact with the customers showing how a little thought and kindness makes a huge difference in people’s lives. A really lovely story of friendship and the opportunity to take second chances, with a touch of magic. I’m happy to see there’s another story featuring Natalie.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was invited to be part of the blog tour by JB Johnston at Brook Cottage Books and was given an ecopy in exchange for an honest review which I'm more than happy to do. I've been book blogging for exactly a year and Susan was one of the first people I followed and chatted with so I was particularly pleased to be part of the tour for her latest novel The Christmas Spirit.

We're introduced to Natalie, the main character as she is heading north to a small town just outside Glasgow where she will doing her 'annual job', which always lasts from the 1st to the 24th of December each year. Her job of cheering up and giving special christmas happiness to just four people of her choice. The previous ten months of the year having been spent in preparation and deciding which people are the most worthy and deserving of her special help.

Natalie finds herself work as temporary manager in the Sugar and Spice bakery whilst the owner is in hospital and it is from here that she works her magic. The bakery really is the hub of the community and it's walls are privvy to all the local upsets, gossip, news and scandal. Stanley, Jacob, Meredith and Rebecca are the chosen four that Natalie has decided to help this year and a more different bunch of people you couldn't wish to meet. But, one thing Susan has done exceptionally well is developed characters that illicit an instant reaction, be that good or bad.

We have Stanley a widower that pulled at my heart strings, I so desperately wanted to cuddle him and make him smile, his sadness oozed from the pages and I could vividly see him shuffling around with no sense of purpose, wishing his life over, whilst dining out on memories that only seem to drag him further into despair.

Then Meredith, a go, getting, hard nosed CEO of her own telecommunications business. Quite frankly I could have cheerfully slapped her! Her superiority and lack of thought for others was cringe worthy, she made me embarrassed to be a woman. She really was the wicked witch of the north!

Jacob, a twenty two year old, out of work (though not for want of trying) university graduate. He had my un-decided vote. I really felt for him, finishing uni, applying for jobs left, right and centre with no luck yet at the same time he was a bit snippy because his wealthy parents were delivering 'tougth love' making him stand on his own two feet and weren't' bailing him out financially.

Finally, Rebecca who was a weepy mess! A very trusting, yet gullible young lady who had been dumped and couldn't seem to pull herself together. My sympathy didn't last long though - get a grip woman was on the tip of my tongue almost instantly.

The odds for enjoying this book weren't looking good! Two characters I definitely didn't like, one I was on the fence with and only one I instantly adored and the main character Natalie was confusing. She seemed too wholesome to be true. Was she real or imagined? A spirit or just in touch with the spirits? Fast forward a mere few pages of Natalie starting her job as temporary manager of the Sugar and Spice bakery and my opinions and first impressions of all of them were challenged and changed. Natalie seriously got under my skin, I loved her calm, mellow manner, with a demeanour that had everyone literally eating out of her hand. I now desperately wanted a happy ending for everyone

Once the book got going it was clear to see that Natalie was adorable, a character with enough sparkle and wit for everyone. She smooched all the customers of the bakery seemingly without effort, they chatted, lingered and spent more money than they intended to. Shared confidences without being asked. Friends were made and strengthened both old and new. Opinions changed quickly for me as the characters, slowly emerged from their moulds. Natalie was the facilitator, the listening ear, the port in a storm with each of them altering their outlook, demeanour and character as a result of communication, friendship, support and awareness. It's sometimes easier to relate to a stranger than someone very close to you - this theory was borne out by the residents of Winstanton.

This book is a lovely christmas read, that is positive and upbeat, that demonstrates how a friendly ear, welcoming home, good food, friendship and time can mellow and change peoples outlooks to life. As Natalie mixes the ingredients for the christmas cakes, little do the residents of Winstanton know that she's melting a little bit of her magic in with them, bringing happiness and christmas cheer not just to the chosen 'four' but all the 15000 residents of the town.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story - at half the length of a regular novel it left me smiling and hopeful, wishing for just a bit more. A contemplative, perfect read for a Sunday afternoon that will raise your 'spirits' and leave you with a warm contented glow. Now pass the cake please.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 5 out of 5]

In need of help feeling Christmaaey? Then this is the book for you. Loved all the characters, very emotional book.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Approaching this one I was hoping for a "feel good" Christmas themed read, hoping it wasn't too sickly sweet or predictable. I was looking forward to reading it, even though my mum was reading it and finding it slow moving for her tastes.

MY REVIEW
I received a free e-copy of this one in exchange for reading and reviewing and posting as part of the blog tour.
The cover is bright and cheery looking with the Christmas Tree, the four silhouettes around the tree. I like the font style and colour effect on the title.
So would I pick this book up from a shelf in a book store? Yes, I think I would
The main character in this book is a female called Natalie Hope. Natalie has arrived in Scotland to supply temporary cover whilst the older lady that owns the bakery called Sugar & Spice has an operation. Natalie is there to do a special job starting 1st December and ending the 24th December. Natalie is renting a cottage from the owner of the Sugar & Spice. Natalie gets to "help" just four people, to bring them some Christmas cheer. Though by the time I finished reading this book, I think she actually brought hope and Christmas cheer to a lot more than just four people.
The other main characters in the book are Stanley, Meredith, Jacob and Rebecca. Stanley is an elderly gentleman who lost the love of his life, and is definitely not looking forward to Christmas. He is naturally missing her beloved wife Edith, whom he had been married to for 65 years. I have to admit to immediately loving this character and his wife Edith, they so reminded me of my own grandparents, I certainly had tears in my eyes at a few points within the book that were about Stanley. The next character is Meredith, who is basically a workaholic, she has a PA who she runs ragged and expects a lot from. Things change when she is forced to slow down due to her health. She rediscovers her family love as her sister takes her in and she spend Christmas with her family and see that there is more to life than work. I also believe that through "helping Meredith, that Natalie actually helps Sophie too.
The third main character is Jacob, who has been unemployed and is very disheartened as he is sending out numerous job applications and receiving no replies or even acknowledgments back. Jacobs family are stinking rich, yet offer no help financially or in gaining employment. Jacob ends up being in the right place at the right time, so gains a job, and becomes a popular member of the community. Along with Jacob being "helped" he is then in a position to help his sister Tabitha, when she needs a supportive shoulder.
The final and fourth person is Rebecca, she is depressed at having split from the man she thought she would marry. She is going through the whole tug of war over possessions and the home they have shared. Things do get a little worse before they improve for her.
So I've introduced you to the main characters, hopefully without giving away too much about them.
This book gives you a serious case of the "warm and fuzzies". It's heart warming, uplifting book which I really enjoyed a lot. I highly recommend reading this one. it'll put you into the Christmassy mood!
So did I enjoy the book? I really did love it!
Would I recommend the book? Yes, a perfect read for by the warm fireside when its cold and wintery outside!
Would I like to read more about the characters in this book? Yes, I think I would, perhaps another holiday, like Easter or something just a novella maybe to catch up with the characters. Then again this book does end really well anyway.
Would I like to read other books by this author? Ooo yes please!

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also posted on This Chick Reads

*Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*

Do you believe in magic?
Do you believe in Christmas spirits?

One simple question for you guys. When is the best time to believe in miracles? Of course, at Christmas. It's the day we celebrate all good on this planet, we feel cheerful and hope next year will be better for us all. It's probably the contagious joy everyone around us is spreading that makes us appreciate this day even more. I wish it was Christmas every day, don't you?

If by any chance, you still aren't feeling festive, though Christmas is just around the corner, I wholeheartedly recommend you this fantastic book. It's warm, festive and simply magical. It will instantly get you all festive, from the very first page.

It's a mesmerizing tale with lovable characters. You'll cheer for them, live through them, and what's most important,they will make you believe in Christmas wonders. Most of the time while reading, I even head teary eyes because some of the stories were so heart breaking. To be completely frank, I had no idea I will like this book so much. I thought I'm too old for tales like this. But honestly people, I'm so thankful I read it. It's such a feel good read, one that will definitely cheer you up and warm your hearts.

I adore Susan's writing style and how each of the character's stories intertwined creating one beautiful, layered tale about love, friendship and family. At first sight, these characters have nothing in common, except the fact they are living in a same town in Scotland, each having no reason to believe they will have a merry Christmas this year. When I was first introduced to Jacob, Sophie, Rebecca, Stanley and Meredith, honestly I had no idea what are they all doing in this story. What is that one thing that will connect (and change) their lives? Each of them is having a hard year, going through a break up, or they are jobless and feel all alone in this world. But you know what they say my friends? Hope dies last! (no pun intended)

I was simply astonished with how well the characters were developed, how much of their personality I could actually feel through not that many pages (it's rather a short read). Needless to say, I could connect to each of them and sympathize with them. The more I think of all of them, I come to the realization I will miss them so terribly now that I finished reading. I literally devoured every single page wondering what will happen next. What miracles and transformations await for them all, can Christmas be saved and will they have their HEAs?

Honestly, I want to see these characters again, maybe in a full length novel and hope Susan will reconsider this. Trust me, once you start reading this book, you will not want it to end. It's a wonderful Christmas read perfect for curling up with a cup of hot choc. I strongly recommend it to everyone, even those that don't believe in Christmas ghost, spirits and angels. Merry Christmas to all of you and wish you a fabulous New Year!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely lovely Christmas book. I can only describe it as Chocolat meets Touched by an Angel.

I loved it from the very first page when Natalie Hope arrives at a beautiful little Scottish village to run the bakery whilst the owner is recovering from illness.

We are introduced to members of the little village, Meredith aka Cruella, and her put upon PA, Sophie. There's Jacob (the Brad Pitt lookalike), Stanley, the elderly gentleman who has recently lost his beloved wife, Edie, to cancer and Rebecca who is in the middle of a split with the dreadful Ethan.

I could smell the wonderful cakes that Natalie bakes and could visualise the beautiful Christmas tree that she puts up with her extraordinary collection of baubles.

I have the most warm and cosy feeling now that I have finished it and I am missing the wonderful Natalie completely; what a lovely lady she is.

I won't give anymore away as I don't won't to spoil this magical story.

I just loved it. I cannot wait for Susan's next book.

Highly recommended, especially for the festive season.

[Mona J. (MyameeGirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ - This was just the book I needed. Very Christmas-y but not in a commercial way. It was cozy and charming, atmospheric, and gave me all the feels! We follow a few people who are all overcoming something in their lives and see how the Spirit of Christmas affects them and changes them. Very well done. Stanley, by far, was my favorite. I just wanted to squish him! I'll def be picking up the 2nd book!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Natalie’s purpose was to create happiness and restore Christmas Spirit. It reminded me so much of Mary Poppins, if she was employed by a bakery instead of The Bank’s family.
It was just a feel good, left you with a warm hug kind of feeling.
What a great way to end 2024 and start 2025 :)

[Tracie Banister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Susan Buchanan’s new novella while experiencing a bad case of the winter doldrums, and it was just the sort of hopeful, heartwarming tale I needed to boost my spirits. I closed my Kindle with a smile on my face after finishing The Christmas Spirit and felt like my time had been well spent with the diverse and fascinating group of characters populating it. This ensemble is led by the cheerful and magnanimous Natalie Hope who steps in to run a bakery in small-town Scotland when its owner needs to take a medical leave. In her own special (one might even say “magical”) way, Natalie touches the lives of many who frequent the Sugar and Spice.

Finding a reason to go on after a devastating loss, finding your place in the world, finding the right person, learning how to embrace change, rediscovering what’s really important – these are all themes in The Christmas Spirit, and I have to give major kudos to the author for doing such an impressive job of weaving her character’s stories together. If I had to pick one, I’d say that elderly widower Stanley’s story affected me the most. He was such a sweet man and I wanted so badly for him to be happy, so it was really lovely to see him find a new lease on life. It was, also, nice to see the turnaround of the grinchy Meredith character. She was in dire need of an attitude adjustment at the beginning of the novella and I wasn’t sure how that would come about, but it did in a very organic and believable way.

Don’t feel like you have to wait until the holidays to read this delightful, beautifully crafted novella. I think it’s one that will have meaning and bring joy year-round!

I received a copy of The Christmas Spirit in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Natalie Hope arrives to temporarily take charge at the Sugar and Spice bakery for the month of December whilst the owner Mrs Williams is recovering from an operation, she brings her own blend of charismatic charm and superb baking talents to tempt customers and to spread some happiness. Although they don't know it, four people who are feeling sad or lonely are in her sights.

All the characters in this novella are superbly written and I couldn’t help getting involved with their lives and hoping for the best for them. They were all very different, from newly widowed Stanley to Sophie, a PA having to deal with her horrible boss, Meredith.

This was a lovely heartwarming and charming story but without being sickly sweet. Natalie took charge of the bakery spreading her own special magic and I instantly fell under her spell. The daily cake selection sounded wonderful and I spent a lot of time with my mouth watering and wishing I could pop in for a cake and a latte.

If you’re looking for a warm and magical read for Christmas that also has a touch of romance then I can highly recommend this one. It’s the perfect read to accompany a large slice of Christmas cake and a hot chocolate!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you feel Christmassy.

Natalie quietly arrives at Rose Cottage to take up a position of temporary manager at the local bakery/café called Sugar and Spice. She makes an immediate impact on the bakery business and the people on her list to work with in an almost magical way.

I liked the way the characters were introduced to the reader with just enough depth. I loved the knowledge of the cakes. In fact I did a quick google search for some of them and have made a mental note to give some a try. I also the idea of the history behind each bauble.

If there is a Christmas book to read, then this has to be on the list of "must haves". It gets a massive thumbs up from me.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a lovely warm read to put you in a Christmassy mood, then this is the one for you. It’s light-hearted and full of that magical sparkle that means it will quickly become a Christmas favourite. It’s not sugary sweet yet somehow it’s heartwarming and I loved the way that Susan Buchanan takes a group of characters, none of whom are particularly looking forward to Christmas for various reasons, and shows us how a little kindness from a stranger can change their lives. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

[Carole Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Christmas story!

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...

What a gorgeous, feel-good read The Christmas Spirit was. This is just the perfect book to pick up if you’re in need of some Christmas cheer, a little hopefulness and positivity to make you feel that your own Christmas, whether you want it to come around or not, might actually turn out better than you imagined. Set mostly in Sugar and Spice bakery, and let me tell you that the author’s description of the cakes will make you desperately hungry, we meet a selection of characters who are down and out and dreading Christmas. But then there’s the charming Natalie Hope, who might just find a way to inject some Christmas spirit into them all. The Christmas Spirit is full of love, friendship and cakes – what more could you possibly ask for?

We’re straight away introduced to Natalie and learn about her magical job – she spends ten months a year picking out four deserving candidates from the town she’s working at, four characters in need of some Christmas spirit. Then from the beginning of December right up until the day itself, Natalie works at helping these four people towards a special Christmas, and maybe a more promising future too. I liked Natalie straight away – her sole purpose seemed to be to make people happy so how could I not? I think we need more real-life Natalie’s. Natalie’s time in Winstanton is spent working in Sugar and Spice bakery, taking over temporarily from Mrs Williams who is going into hospital. I loved how through the bakery, we’re introduced to all the characters who popped in for various reasons – whether they were in need of some comfort in the form of a chat, or some cake, or whether they just wanted to escape their working life for a little while, or in fact try and find themselves a job. It had that real community feel with kind employees and it felt warm and cosy and a place where you could just relax for a little while.

Natalie had a caring and considerate approach to everyone who walked into Sugar and Spice, which was endearing and uplifting to read. There’s Stanley, who really tugged at the heartstrings. Preparing himself to spend his first Christmas without his wife Edie, who has passed away, he’s struggling to keep on going. We also meet Meredith, who’s the opposite of the sweet-natured Stanley. She’s no interest in Christmas and spends all her time bossing her poor employee Sophie about. There’s also Rebecca and Jacob, who are individually down due to relationship or unemployment issues. I loved how the author wrote about normal things which could get in the way of a happy Christmas time. She seemed to show understanding that it doesn’t have to be something groundbreakingly new, but rather, everyday problems don’t just go away at Christmas and that time of year doesn’t automatically make everything better again. As the reader, you’re just hoping that Natalie can help because each character warrants their own happy ending, surely. At the beginning I felt like there would be too many characters to keep up with but through the format of the bakery, that wasn’t an issue. I managed to connect with them all and that’s what made the story so rewarding and heart-warming to read.

The Christmas Spirt was beautiful from start to finish. I especially loved the ending but then it did make me think that maybe this book wasn’t entirely what I expected because I thought Natalie’s involvement could have been played up just that little bit more. Regardless of that, though, I think this is one of the most naturally cheering Christmas books I’ve read. From the delectable setting to the wide mix of interesting, loveable characters and that little bit of an enchanting feel, there’s something for everybody to love in this book whether you’re feeling festive of otherwise. It’s light-hearted and yet quite thought-provoking in its own way and will leave you feeling more optimistic and encouraged, hopefully ready to indulge in the spirit of Christmas. And if you don’t have your own Natalie Hope to make everything seem that touch better, maybe you could just treat yourself to some cake instead and see how that works its magic.


*Book received for honest review.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Spirit is a gorgeous festive novella. We meet Natalie who has come to run the local cake shop for the weeks leading up to Christmas, and there is definitely something magical and sparkly about her. In the town there are a handful of people who need Natalie’s help and she’s determined to sort their lives out.

Stanley was my favourite character in the book. He’s a lonely widower who’s lost without his wife. I was so hoping that he would find a purpose and some happiness. There is also Rebecca who is a meek character that can’t seem to stand up for herself. She works for Meredith who seems like an awful, uncaring woman. Then there’s Jacob, a recent graduate who can’t find a job even though he’s trying so hard.

Natalie is a fabulous character. She hits the ground running at the cake shop and is a whirlwind at baking. All the new cakes sounded amazing and my mouth was watering every time one was described! She quickly brings real warmth and heart to the cafe and makes time for all the customers. I feel like she worked her magic on everyone in the town, not just the four people she was there to help.

The Christmas Spirit is set from the 1st December right up until Christmas so it’s full of festivity and sparkle. I loved this novella, it warmed my heart! I definitely recommend picking this up in the run up to Christmas!

This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original review is posted here:

http://chicklibrarycat.blogspot.com/2...

Natalie's new job started at December 1-st. This time her job takes her to the small town of Winstanton, where bakery's owner broke a leg, so Natalie is there to help her to run the bakery. Local bakery is a place where everyone from the town comes. There is Rebecca, who was dumped by her boyfriend just before Christmas. Stanley, who lost his wife couple of months ago and feels so lonely without her. Sophie, who works for a very tough boss, and Meredith, her boss, who under the mask, feels really lonely. And there is Jacob, a nice guy who desperately needs money, or a job.


Natalie's bakery brings all these people together. This magical place becomes a home for the ones who need it, a shelter from the storms in their lives. Everyone has a story, and tries to make best of life.

I absolutely adore Susan Buchanan's books. This is my third book out of her three, and I was never disappointed. This time, Sooz, you really took the best out of you. I loved all the characters, I loved the story behind everyone of them, I loved the way they were connected. Natalie's story literally made my jaw dropped. And all those cakes in the bakery, they made me so hungry.

The Christmas Spirit is so hart-warming story for friendship and love, perfect for these festive days. It has Christmas in it, it has cakes, it has faith in love and goodness in people. I absolutely loved it.

[Meredith Schorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Jacob cannot seem to find a job despite having graduated with honors; Rebecca was just dumped by her long-term boyfriend right before Christmas; Stanley is mourning his wife of forty-something years; Sophie is working herself ragged for her nightmare boss, Meredith; and Meredith is the epitome of The Grinch. What they all have in common is the Sugar and Spice bakery and its temporary manager Natalie. Natalie has arrived just in time to bring these folks and the spirit of Christmas to their lives.

Although I am Jewish, I can appreciate a good Christmas story. In fact, I have been riveted to my television screen watching holiday movies on the Lifetime and Hallmark channels for the past several weeks. Just like these movies, The Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan left me all warm and fuzzy! I enjoyed all of the sub-plots in the book and choked up on several occasions, especially over the "Stanley" story. The entire book was incredibly heartwarming and the conclusion immensely satisfying. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to bask in the Christmas season or perhaps needs some help getting into the spirit. I guarantee The Christmas Spirit will put the Christmas spirit into your hearts and minds.

The author provided me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[E.J. Greenway · Rating 5 out of 5]

As yummy as mince pies and as warming as mulled wine!

When Natalie comes to temporarily run the Sugar and Spice bakery, things begin to change for everyone. Susan Buchanan has written a delightfully Christmassy story which revolves around the lives of various characters including Meredith the workaholic, Jacob who longs for a loving family, Rebecca who is going through a bad break-up and my favourite, Stanley, who is recently widowed and can't face life on his own. Natalie's arrival triggers good fortune for those around her, and I love how Susan has written her characters with such affection and care. The Christmas Spirit is an uplifting tale about the goodness of human nature, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves to curl up with a good festive read during the dark winter nights. Just don't forget a good slice of cake, as you WILL be hungry! I adore Susan's descriptions of food! I could vividly see Sugar and Spice in my mind, with its Christmas tree, gluhwein and every cake you can think of, and I would eat there every week if it was round the corner from me!

The Christmas Spirit is a festive treat, and I would love to read a sequel to see what had happened to all the characters by Christmas 2014.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Spirit is my first festive read this year and this lovely feel good story has definitely put me in a Christmassy mood and ready for the coming Yuletide season.

When Natalie arrives in a little village near Loch Lomond in Scotland she knew who needed her help the most and, as she baked her delicious Christmas cakes in the Sugar and Spice Bakery her plans for them started to take shape.

None of them were looking forward to Christmas this year..............

I thought the author really developed each character well for such a short story and I enjoyed it very much. Warm-hearted, cheerful and up-beat, this is the perfect holiday read to put you in the Christmas Spirit.

Taken from my book blog Carole's Book Corner

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect read for this time of year. Lots of Christmas references, and seasonal food described in delicious detail.
A magical tale full of true-to-life characters.
Who is the mysterious Natalie Hope and what difference will her presence in the Sugar and Spice bakery and café make to the residents in town? Can she restore the Christmas spirit?
Susan Buchanan is expert at introducing us to lots of interesting characters and weaving the tales of their lives into a great plot.
A bit of romance, a touch of fantasy, festive feasts, and down to earth humour.
A quick read that will put you in the mood for Christmas.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely Xmas story! Just perfect for this time of year. I have to say, all the descriptions of cakes also made me quite hungry, and I blame it entirely for the lunch time lattes and fruit mince pies consumed while reading it!
This book is full of nice characters and goes into enough detail on all stories that you get to know and care about them.
Coming up to a busy time working in retail, I found this just the thing to relax with at lunch times.
Very highly recommended!

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the run up to Christmas not that far away, this book is an absolute delight. This story is centred around the Sugar and Spice Bakery and a lady called Natalie that makes the most amazing cakes from around the world. It is in the bakery that all the characters congregate and interact with one another, which results in positive ways for all involved. This was a big hit for me as it involved Christmas, Cake and a bakery. I found the story left me feeling all warm inside.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for heartwarming Christmas stories and this one fit the bill perfectly. In my attempt to fuel my ever-present Christmas Spirit, I've been reading several Christmas books on my Kindle. I'm a christmas movie junkie but I'm trying to hold off until December when I can dedicate any free time to watching them. Books such as this one fills in the gap!

[Nicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas chick lit at its best. Really liked the idea of a different type of cake each day (obviously!) and of each bauble on the tree having a story ~ Susan Buchanan is one of my best discoveries ~ highly recommend her books

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming festive read. I really enjoyed the characters and the ending was so fitting, it really has got me in the Christmas spirit! Another great read from Susan Buchanan.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to get you into the Christmas Spirit!