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A Christmas Carol (Puffin Classics)
by Charles DickensPuffin Classics: the definitive collection of timeless stories, for every child. I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean, miserable, bitter old man with no friends. One cold Christmas Eve, three ghosts take him on a scary journey to show him the error of his nasty ways. By visiting his past, present and future, Scrooge learns to love Christmas and the people all around him.A Christmas Carol has become a a true holiday classic, and is a powerful and uplifting story of redemption for all ages. 'The resonance of A Christmas Carol seems to get stronger every year' - The Guardian
A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings
by Charles Dickens'Every idiot who goes about with "Merry Christmas" on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding'Dickens's story of solitary miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taught the true meaning of Christmas by a series of ghostly visitors, has had an enduring influence on the way we think about the season. Dickens's other Christmas writings collected here include 'The Story of the Goblins who Stole a Sexton'; 'The Haunted Man'; and shorter pieces, some drawn from the 'Christmas Stories' that Dickens wrote annually for his weekly journals. In all of them Dickens celebrates Christmas as a time of geniality, charity and remembrance.Edited with an introduction by MICHAEL SLATER
A Christmas Carol BBC TV Tie-In
by Charles DickensQUIET AND DARK, BESIDE HIM STOOD THE PHANTOM, WITH ITS OUTSTRETCHED HANDA Christmas Carol, first published in 1843, is Charles Dickens’s timeless festive tale of transformation and redemption. On Christmas Eve Ebenezer Scrooge, the uncharitable miser, is visited by the ghost of his dead business partner, Jacob Marley, who comes with a warning. Later that evening, Scrooge falls into a deep sleep and is called upon in the night by three more spectres, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. These apparitions bring strange visions and offer Scrooge the chance to absolve for his lifetime of avarice and greed.Accompanying a the three-part special from Steven Knight (Taboo, Peaky Blinders) starring Guy Pearce, Andy Serkis, Stephen Graham, Charlotte Riley, Joe Alwyn, Vinette Robinson, Jason Flemyng, Kayvan Novak and Lenny Rush. Written and executive produced by Steven Knight, executive produced by Tom Hardy, Ridley Scott, Dean Baker, David W. Zucker, Kate Crowe and Mona Qureshi for the BBC.
A Christmas Cornucopia: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Yuletide Traditions
by Mark ForsythBY THE SUNDAY TIMES NO.1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF A SHORT HISTORY OF DRUNKENNESSDiscover the unpredictable origins and etymologies of our Christmas customs this festive season. For something that happens every year of our lives, we really don't know much about Christmas. We don't know that the date we celebrate was chosen by a madman, or that Christmas, etymologically speaking, means "Go away, Christ". We're oblivious to the fact that the advent calendar was actually invented by a Munich housewife to stop her children pestering her for a Christmas countdown. And we would never have guessed that the invention of crackers was merely a way of popularising sweet wrappers. Luckily, like a gift from Santa himself, Mark Forsyth is here to unwrap this fundamentally funny gallimaufry of traditions and oddities, making it all finally make sense - in his wonderfully entertaining wordy way.'Witty and revelatory. Blooming brilliant' Raymond Briggs 'Everything we ever thought about Christmas is wrong! Great stuff' Matthew Parris
Christmas Day
by Paul Durcan Peter RobbFor most of us Christmas is the season of huge helpings of good food, good drink, and with luck, good cheer, as the rituals of cracker-pulling, present-giving and happy or sulphurous family reunions fizzle and bang through the long afternoon. For anyone who has ever had too much of it, or felt out of it, or wanted to be out of it, or even succeeded in being out of it then been unexpectedly rescued by a good friend, this book-length poem contains a lifeline of humour and sanity in a world run seasonally mad. It is a funny, subversive, melancholy, self-mocking conversation between two men - Paul and Frank - in the top storey flat of a Dublin apartment block; a Stations of Christmas under the influence of "woman-hunger". Once read, Christmas Day itself will never be the same again.The volume also contains a second new work, "A Goose in the Frost", a tribute to Seamus Heaney on winning the Nobel Prize for Literature.
A Christmas Gift
by Katie FlynnTHE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREAT: COSY UP WITH A CUPPA AND THIS GORGEOUS NOVEL FROM SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER, KATIE FLYNN_______________________________Liverpool, 1939: Sixteen-year-old Lizzy Atherton is forced to flee her violent step-father in the middle of the night, and finds herself stranded on a station platform completely alone.Desperate to know what has become of her beloved mother, who she had no choice but to leave behind, Lizzy returns the next day only to find her home deserted. Devastated, Lizzy joins forces with her old school friend Dolly and Clara, an escaped evacuee, and vows to find her mother whatever it takes.But the war rages on and demands on the home front take Lizzy's life in a host of unexpected directions, and hopes of finding her mother gradually start to fade.If Lizzy can muster the strength to keep searching, she might just get her Christmas wish after all._______________________________**Katie Flynn's brand new Christmas saga for 2020 UNDER THE MISTLETOE is available now**
The Christmas Invitation: A feel-good, festive read to keep you cosy this Winter
by Trisha Ashley'Like a nice mug of mulled wine in book form!' Good HousekeepingThe #1 Christmas novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Trisha AshleyMeg is definitely not in the Christmas mood. She’s never gone in for tinsel, baubles and mistletoe, and right now she’s still getting over an illness. Yet when she’s invited to spend the run-up to Christmas in the snowy countryside, rather than dreary London, she can’t refuse. Arriving at a warm and cosy family home in a small hilltop village, Meg soon begins to wonder what a proper Christmas might be like. But just as she’s beginning to settle in, she spots a familiar face. Lex. Despite the festive cheer, Meg suddenly wants nothing more than to get as far away from him, and their past secrets, as she can. But if she stays, could this be the year she finally discovers the magic of Christmas...?Fabulously funny, intelligent and heart-warming, Trisha Ashley’s brand-new novel is the feel-good Christmas book of the year. It even contains recipes!‘This cosy heart-warming Christmas read will get you in the festive spirit’ Woman‘A witty, original read’ Daily Express‘Romance, friendship, love, humour and a generous dose of Christmas spirit – this book has it all’ Woman’s Weekly ‘A heart-warming, feel-good read.’ Choice
The Christmas Killer
by Jim GallowsAs Christmas approaches a terrifying killer must be stopped . . .As the snow starts to fall, the mutilated body of a young woman is discovered on a construction site. Then the demolition of the old Chase Asylum reveals further human remains. It starts to become clear that there's a link between the two deaths . . . And perhaps also to the asylum's old warden, who disappeared decades earlier. Detective Jake Austin is on the hunt for a clever, twisted killer, and it's going to be anything but a peaceful Christmas time . . .What readers are saying...'WOW' 'Shocking and brilliant' 'So absorbing, thrilling, no punches pulled' 'Full of suspense and suspects' 'A roller coaster read' 'Couldn't put it down'
A Christmas Miracle for the Railway Girls: The festive, feel-good and romantic historical fiction book (The Railway Girls Series, 6) (The railway girls series #6)
by Maisie Thomas'Heartwarming historical fiction ... The perfect stocking filler for fans of Nancy Revell, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson' Eastern Daily Press__________________The sixth heartwarming, feel-good instalment in the much-loved Railway Girls series!Manchester, 1942. There are surprises in store for the railway girls this festive season...When Cordelia's daughter Emily falls for a young chap who doesn't meet the approval of her father, Cordelia is reminded of her own first love - a love that she has never forgotten.Mabel is determined to get to the bottom of a spate of local burglaries. Her heart is in the right place as she sets out on a quest to clear her friend's name, but there will be unforeseen consequences.It's nothing short of a miracle when Colette returns to Manchester. But it's not going to be easy for her to keep living the life she once knew, and an impossible situation lies ahead.There will be more than one storm for the railway girls to weather but with the friendship and support of one another, there's hope that all will be well by Christmas...Readers LOVE the Railway Girls:'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down''I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!''Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester''Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart''It's just like catching up with old friends'
Christmas on a Plate: Festive Food And Edible Gifts For The Ones You Love
by Emma MarsdenFill your home with Christmas sparkle with these quick and easy festive-themed recipesMake your own edible gifts - from Red Robin Lollypops to Snowball TrufflesCreate simple party canapés and snacks Bake Snowflake Cupcakes for a Christmas teaWhip up home-made hot chocolate with a touch of spice Everything you need for a delicious and decorative festive season!
Christmas Past
by Glenice CrosslandWhen seventeen-year-old Mary O'Connor collapses one Sunday in church she is taken to live with Dr Roberts and his wife in a beautiful Yorkshire village for her health. Though initially employed as a maid, Mary soon becomes the daughter the couple were never able to have. With Britain at war, unable to remain idle, Mary finds employment in the local steel works but when her fiancé Tom Downing is killed in action Mary is convinced it is retribution for their night of sin during Tom's Christmas leave. However, Mary grows to love Jack Holmes, a local miner. They marry and move into a humble terrace house with little but their love to keep them going. As the years pass Mary is determined to achieve success for herself and her family. She sets up her own dressmaking business and it seems as if she has finally found peace of mind. But the business starts to dominate her life until tragedy once more threatens to destroy all she most cherishes...
Christmas Scarf Murder
by Carlene O'Connor Maddie Day Peggy EhrhartStocking stuffers like handknit scarves make the coziest of Christmas gifts—unless they&’re used as accessories for murder!CHRISTMAS SCARF MURDER by CARLENE O&’CONNOR When grinchy thefts steal the good cheer at a local nursing home, Siobhan O&’Sullivan manages to identify one missing item before Kilbane, Ireland&’s Christmas tractor parade—a hideous shamrock scarf wrapped around a very dead body. Now, with her holiday farmhouse bash approaching, Siobhan must dash to stop a deadly Secret Santa from gifting another unwanted surprise.SCARFED DOWN by MADDIE DAY It&’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas at Pans &‘N Pancakes, as twelve days of menu specials dazzle hungry locals. But the festivities go cold the instant a diner dies while knitting a brilliant green scarf. With Aunt Adele tied into a murder investigation, it&’s all on Robbie Jordan to find out who&’s really been naughty or nice in South Lick, Indiana. DEATH BY CHRISTMAS SCARF by PEGGY EHRHART Suspects pile up faster than New Jersey snow when frosty-tempered Carys Walnutt is found strangled by a handmade scarf auctioned at Arborville&’s tree-lighting ceremony. Between a winning bidder hiding behind the alias &“S. Claws&” and a victim who deserved coal in her stocking, can Pamela Paterson and the crafty Knit and Nibble ladies freeze a killer&’s merry murder plot?
The Christmas Stories: with an introduction by Peter Ackroyd
by Charles DickensAfter the success of A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens' name became so synonymous with Christmas that on hearing of his death in 1870 a young girl in London asked, "Mr. Dickens dead? Then will Father Christmas die too?" But A Christmas Carol is just the most famous of his Christmas stories, and those contained here in this unforgettable collection - The Cricket on the Hearth, The Battle of Life and The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain - show Dickens at his heartwarming best.
A Christmas to Remember
by Katie FlynnA few days before Christmas Tess Williams rushes into Albert Payne’s tobacconist shop, with two boys in hot pursuit, saying she’s a thief. Albert chases the boys away, and though Tess does not realise it, this incident changes her life.Tess lives with her grandmother, Edie, in a small flat on Heyworth Street in Norwich.She has recently returned from Bell Farm, where she was evacuated during the war, and is being bullied by her schoolmates, but when the handsome Snowy White comes to her rescue she thinks her troubles are over, and returns for a working holiday to Bell Farm and her old friend Jonty.This leaves Edie to her own devices, however, and Tess is jealous of the friendship which blossoms between her grandmother and the tobacconist.Yet though Tess resents Albert, it is to him she turns when things start to go wrong…
A Christmas Wish for the Land Girls: A joyful and romantic WWII Christmas saga (The Land Girls Book 3) (The Land Girls #3)
by Jenny Holmes**Don't miss Jenny Holmes's latest wartime series, The Air Raid Girls. Part 3 - The Air Raid Girls: Wartime Brides - is available now!**---------------------------------------------A heart-warming, romantic story of friendship, camaraderie and triumph over adversity that fans of Donna Douglas, Daisy Styles and Call the Midwife will adore.Winter, 1942. Brenda and Joyce are just two of the girls who have joined the Women's Land Army and are doing their bit for the war effort. But after months working on farms in the Yorkshire Dales, they're looking for a fresh challenge. Despite the bitter cold of their new billets high in the remote fells, their fear for those away fighting, and concern for family and friends, there is warmth to be found in faces old and new, and plans for a jolly Christmas are afoot.But when a child evacuee goes missing in the snow and tragedy strikes close to home, can their dearest wish - that all their loved ones stay safe this Christmas - possibly come true?---------------------------------------------Readers love Jenny Holmes:'There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book' 5 star review'I couldn't put this book down' 5 star review'Loved the whole story' 5 star review'This is a totally absorbing book' 5 star review'An excellent read put together in fine style' 5 star review
A Christmas Wish for the Shipyard Girls (The Shipyard Girls Series #9)
by Nancy Revell**THE NINTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIES**'Emotional and gripping' Take a Break______________________________Sunderland, 1943: As Christmas approaches in the shipyards, everyone is hoping for a little magic... Helen would love to find the courage to tell the dashing Dr Parker of her true feelings for him. But how can she when he clearly has eyes for someone else?More than a year has passed since Bel's wedding to sweetheart Joe. She knows she has much to feel thankful for and yet there is still one burning desire which she cannot ignore.And as Polly grows with child, she hopes against hope for a safe delivery - and that her husband Tommy can soon return from the front line to meet their new arrival.There will be storms to weather, but guided by their strength and friendship there is still hope for each of the shipyard girls that their Christmas wishes will come true.______________________________Praise for Nancy Revell'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo'Stirring and heartfelt storytelling' Peterborough Evening Telegraph'The author is one to watch' Sun'Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages' Woman
Christmas Wishes
by Katie FlynnIt is the autumn of 1945 and identical twins Joy and Gillian Lawrence are on their way home to Liverpool, having been evacuated to Devonshire five years earlier.Their mother has been killed in the blitz but the girls hope that with their beloved father's help they will be able to manage without assistance.All goes well until there is a terrible accident and Joy loses her sight.At first she is bitter and resentful whilst Gillian is racked with guilt.However, as time passes Joy gains confidence, hopeful that her sight will return since life is not easy when you can't see the face of the boy you think you love.Then there is a chance meeting on a train and once more the girls lives are in turmoil...
Christmas Wishes for the Railway Girls: The new feel-good and festive WW2 historical fiction (The Railway Girls Series, 8)
by Maisie ThomasThe eighth, heartwarming instalment in the much-loved Railway Girls series!This will be a Christmas to remember for the railway girls. . .Little Max is growing day by day and Joan is adjusting to her new life. But in her heart of hearts, she is desperate to return to work on the railways.Margaret's job in the engine shed is demanding. But when a friend finds herself in crisis, she knows she must do everything she can to help her.Alison is overjoyed at the prospect of organising a Christmas wedding until a long-held secret is revealed. Knowing the truth, can she find the strength to forgive those she holds most dear?As war rages on, the railway girls must also battle with matters of the heart. Can they overcome their troubles in time for Christmas?Readers LOVE the Railway Girls:'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down''I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!''Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester''Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart''It's just like catching up with old friends'
Christmas With Billy and Me: A short story
by Giovanna FletcherThe heart-warming sequel to Billy and Me from the Number One bestseller and I'm A Celebrity 2020 contestant!Christmas has come to Rosefont Hill and it's destined to be a particularly special festive season for Sophie May.When a smitten stranger emails Sophie to ask her if he can propose to the woman he loves in her little teashop, the romantic in her finds it impossible to refuse. Even though Christmas is her busiest time of year she has her own sweetheart, Hollywood actor Billy Buskin, to lend a helping hand.How could she say no to making someone's dream come true?As Sophie and Billy work together to plan the perfect fairytale proposal for this couple, excitement in Rosefont Hill is mounting.Who is this mysterious man?And who is the lucky lady he's about to get down on one knee for? . . .Giovanna Fletcher's special Christmas novella is perfect for anyone looking for some seasonal magic.
Christmas with the Chrystals & Other Stories (A Puffin Book)
by Noel StreatfeildChristmas with the Chrystals is a gorgeous short story about how an influx of cheery young cousins at Christmas warms the heart of a haughty grandmother and lights up her chilly home. This very special Yuletide story is accompanied by several Streatfeild Christmas extracts from her many children's novels, including an (almost) never-before-seen sequel chapter to her bestseller Ballet Shoes. There are also recollections of the author's own childhood Christmases (taken from the Noel Streatfeild Christmas Holiday Book).
Christmas with the Engine Girls: An uplifting wartime Christmas romance
by Daisy StylesAn aspirational story of friendship, fortitude and the joy of Christmas . . . As the Autumn of 1941 dawns, and female conscription looms, three women arrive at the Bell Works Factory in Hucknall to work on the Spitfire production line. Lily, Edna and Jeannie. . . Lily soon realises her real dream is to pilot the planes; Edna longs to be reunited with her evacuee daughter while facing a much bigger problem; and Jeannie fears the worst after weeks of no news from her fiancé. Despite all the heartache, with a bit of Christmas cheer and 'can do' attitude, The Engine Girls will pull together and do all they can to ensure Britain's safe for the New Year!
Christmas with the Railway Girls: The heartwarming historical fiction book to curl up with at Christmas (The railway girls series #4)
by Maisie Thomas'Heartwarming historical fiction ... The perfect stocking filler for fans of Nancy Revell, Daisy Styles and Margaret Dickinson' Eastern Daily Press___________________Manchester, 1941Christmas is the season for family and friends, and this year the railway girls will need each other more than ever.Cordelia appears to have the perfect life. When her daughter Emily arrives home unexpectedly, she can't wait to introduce her to her friends. But when things don't go to plan, Cordelia must decide where her loyalty lies.Things aren't going too smoothly for Alison either. Her beloved boyfriend has yet to propose, but there's a charity fundraiser dance and she's dressed up specially. Surely, tonight must be the night.Colette's friends are envious of her devoted husband; he meets her after every shift on the railway, and accompanies her around town. But Colette has a secret, one that will change her life - if only she knew who to confide in.With the festive season fast approaching, the railway girls are hoping for some Christmas magic... ___________________ Readers LOVE the Railway Girls:'Make yourself a cuppa and find a comfy spot on the sofa because you are not going to be able to put this down''I simply cannot wait for the next one - I am hooked!''Gives a vivid picture of women's lives in wartime Manchester''Dramatic, intriguing and sprinkled with plenty of wit and heart''It's just like catching up with old friends'
Christmas with the Shipyard Girls: Shipyard Girls 7 (The Shipyard Girls Series #7)
by Nancy Revell___________________________THE SEVENTH NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING SHIPYARD GIRLS SERIESSunderland, 1942: Christmas is fast approaching, and with it comes a flurry of snow and surprises...Against all odds, Polly's fiancé has finally returned home from the front line. If they can keep things on an even keel, she might get the winter wedding she's always dreamed of.Meanwhile shipyard manager Helen is determined to move on after a turbulent year. Her sights are set on breaking the yard's production record and no one, not even the handsome Dr Parker, is going to get in her way.And head welder Rosie's little sister Charlotte has turned up unannounced. Why is she back and so set on staying?Join the shipyard girls as they navigate through life, love and war this Christmas.___________________________Praise for the Shipyard Girls series:'Rhe author is one to watch' Sun'A brilliant read' Take a Break'Well-drawn, believable characters combined with a storyline to keep you turning the pages' Woman'Nancy Revell knows how to stir the passions and soothe the heart!' Northern Echo
Christmas with the Spitfire Girls: (The Spitfire Girls Book 3) (The Spitfire Girls #3)
by Jenny Holmes**Don't miss Jenny Holmes's latest wartime series, The Air Raid Girls. Part 3 - The Air Raid Girls: Wartime Brides - is available now!**---------------------------------------------Yorkshire 1944: All they want this year is a truly happy Christmas... The end of the war feels tantalisingly close, but Air Transport Auxiliary girls Bobbie, Viv and Mary have plenty more flights in their beloved Spitfires yet - battling everything from snow to enemy fire on their journeys. Risking their lives doing their bit for their country, this Christmas they're determined to have some festive fun. But as they set about bringing good tidings for all, a stern and mysterious new flyer in the form of Peggy arrives. What secret is Peggy hiding? Mary has a wedding to plan before her fiancé is sent away, then makes a devastating discovery so shameful she can't tell the other girls. Bobbie's beau issues an ultimatum, and Viv is wondering whether she wants a man at all... With the big day around the corner and hope of peace on the horizon, can the girls find joy and love this Christmas after so many years of war?A heart-warming story of friendship, camaraderie and triumph over adversity that fans of Elaine Everest and Nancy Revell will adore.Readers love Jenny Holmes'A delight to read''I highly recommend this book, great job Jenny!''Really enjoyed this book cant wait to read the next one''Lovely historical drama''I love reading these books on life in WW2''A book you can't put down'
Christmas With The Wartime Midwives: The perfect Christmas wartime story to curl up with this winter
by Daisy StylesThe heartwarming and uplifting new Wartime Midwives novel perfect for fans of Katie Flynn and Nancy Revell'A rousing tale of integrity and heroism, and an endearing story of a group of women working together' WOMAN__________Cumbria, 1944: as Christmas comes to Mary Vale, mothers and midwives alike seek a miracle . . .Newly trained midwife Libby is forced to work in the neighbouring villages as well as at the Mother and Baby Home, trying her best to help the many desperate new mums.Meanwhile, Margaret arrives at Mary Vale heartbroken after losing her man and facing having a child alone.Yet it isn't long before Libby and Margaret discover someone with bigger problems. Beth, along with her young children and desperately ill husband, face eviction from their home just before Christmas.As time starts to run out, so does her hope.But can Libby and Margaret save Beth and her family with a quick-witted plan and some festive magic?After all, it's Christmas . . . and a time for miracles.__________Praise for Daisy Styles'An absolute joy to read' Kate Thompson'Will tug at the heart strings of readers everywhere!' Fiona Ford 'Truly endearing characters' Annie Murray