A great read from this author. Although it takes you to a scene many will never experience it also described Christmas from the viewpoint many have which is they hate it and boy the main character Jane really does. However what offsets this is the story line and a WW2 scenario which kept me riveted in the book. An easy to read book even with a few flashbacks and definitely worth 5 stars. Thank you Jenny Gladwell and NetGallery.

Reading this Christmas tale on a sunny beach on Jersey was always going to be an effort, however Jenny used such magical language to transport you to Norway itself that I hardly noticed the sun shining, instead I was either in London or Norway with the main character Jane and her quest to get over her ex!
This book was a real feel good Christmas story, a little obvious in places but an excellent story that I'll be recommending to my friends for a Christmas pick me up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I know, I’m reading a Christmas book in August, but I just honestly could not resist requesting this book. I love a good Christmas romance novel and this book did not disappoint. This book is a mixture of history and romance, with neither being too overwhelming or shoved down your throat.

I really found myself like Jane and was honestly rooting for her throughout the whole book. I wanted her to find love, I wanted her to write an amazing piece and most of all I wanted her to let loose and have fun for once.

The only problem with this book is that I now really want to go to Norway before Christmas time because honestly it just sounds so perfect and magical! I love Christmas so this book has now really gotten me into the spirit, granted a few months too early!

This is an enchanting, heart-warming, feel-good festive debut novel which really gets you in the Christmas mood. It was beautifully written, and I cannot wait to read more of Jenny Gladwell’s books in the future!

After a heartbreak, journalist Jane Brook is sent to Norway to cover the cutting ceremony for the Queen of the Forest, the Christmas tree gifted to London each winter. After blowing apart a government scandal, writing a piece on a tree seems to Jane rather a step down. With her boss implying she has little choice, Jane must embrace the luxury hotels and festive celebrations that await her.

But when a mystery lands in her lap she can’t resist, hidden wartime letters between a young Norwegian soldier and a mysterious girl. Creative juices flowing Jane thinks she might just be able to turn this tree piece around.

Unfortunately, not everyone on the trip is what they seem, and Jane will need to keep her wits about her to write her own happy ending.

After some research it seems to me that this is a debut novel, certainly using this pseudonym, which I have to say impressed and disappointed me in equal measures. Impressed because I enjoyed this book immensely, and disappointed as I would have liked to pick up another title by this author.

Never have I wanted to visit a country so desperately after only reading a few pages. By the time Jane had checked into her first Norwegian hotel I was perusing the internet for holidays!

There was a fairly large cast of characters in this story, all of whom had their own unique personalities, and I believe each one made me feel exactly how they were supposed to. Jane was a lovely protagonist, even though she was slightly naïve I still felt a lot of empathy for her. But it was Thomas and Ben who stole my heart, with their quietly kind personas. I devoured every part of the book that they featured in.

The only, very small, downside for me was the wartime aspect. I would have liked a few more chapters set in this era and following Marit’s journey.

If you haven’t managed to get a copy of this novel pre-publication you should indulge yourself when it hits the shelves. A wonderfully festive, winter treat!

A Gift In December is good mix of history and Christmas romance. The main character is journalist Jane Brook who is sent on an assignment to Norway. It’s a luxury trip with lots of high quality food, accommodation and activities thrown in but the focus is on the tree cutting ceremony where the Christmas tree that Norway gives to the UK each year is chosen and cut down. I found the history side of why this happens and the ceremony proceeding the cutting very interesting.

Jane has just come of our of a relationship that failed due to Jane’s over commitment to work so her boss is sending her this assignment to try and help her unwind and move on. Jane’s best friend, Margot, is urging her to make the most of the trip and have a one night stand with a fellow traveller. There are many of these – journalists Sandra and Nick, three female bloggers and TV celebrity Philip Donnelly who is known for his womanising. Also on the trip is an elderly gentleman, Thomas, who was a soldier who helped the King of Norway to escape the Nazis in 1940.

Thomas befriends Jane and reveals a brief meeting he had with a girl in 1940 the night before he left with the King. Marit wrote to him for years afterwards and Thomas is anxious to trace her. Jane agrees to help and the story picks up momentum. However, the Thomas story was quite low key as the plot focussed on Jane's romances.

It’s good as a Christmas story, given the beautiful setting of Norway, but I found the romance angle too light-weight as I really wanted to know more about Thomas and Marit’s story. I did enjoy learning more about Norway's part in the Second World War though and how the UK helped them, hence the annual gift to this day of the Christmas tree which is displayed in Trafalgar Square, London.

With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was a bit apprehensive about reading this book, mainly because it is August and I am still enjoying my summer reads. However, although the novel is based in the winter months and there is snow and the mention of Christmas it was a perfect summer read. It was lighthearted, humorous in places, romantic and picturesque.

I immediately feel in love with Jane and was routing for her to let her hair down and find love. Although the novel was predominately a love story it wasn't cheesy or contained lots of steamy love scenes which I was glad about. It was beautifully written, captivated me and was heartwarming. I loved the side story of Thomas and Marit which was an unexpected bonus especially when the truth behind their love affair and the letters came to light.

This will definitely be a book I recommend and although I enjoyed reading it now I can imagine how cosy and atmospheric it would be to read it sitting by the fire in the winter.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a copy of this charming book.

This was a lovely read, the main characters were identifiable and I really hoped they would get a happy ever after. The ending was a little sad in part, but felt uplifting and I was left feeling cosy inside! Would have loved to read this at Christmas.

An enjoyable light holiday read which leaves you feeling warm and excited for Christmas.

The description of Norway is wonderful, from scenery to fragrances of rooms. A big perk for some one like me who loves Christmas.

Sadly the story line is predictable and focuses more on the love story than the war hero story. The main character can be described at best as a weak woman who needs a man, or her friend to tell her how to live.

That aside, it still is a perfect Christmas story read and I'd happily recommend it to anyone who is looking to chill with hot chocolate and binge on a Christmas love story.

A Gift in December has us following Jane, a journalist at the the top of her professional game. Unfortunately she is at the bottom of her personal game as her boyfriend has dumped her via email because of her hard earned achievements. Jane would like nothing more than to stay in her flat and eat ice cream until she feels better,but her boss has other plans for her. She decides to send Jane to Norway with a spot on a press tour for the cutting ceremony of the Trafalgar Christmas tree. Jane is joined by quite an eclectic mix of people and one in particular catches her journalistic eye.

Thomas was just a boy of 19 when he was tasked with saving the king of Norway. On a top secret mission he meets a woman that he never seems to be able to forget. Thomas enlists Jane’s help to track down missing letters from this woman as well as the person in question if at all possible. But nothing goes as planned for Jane. Whilst trying to do her Christmas story she gets sidetracked by the group’s resident lothario, gets a professional stabbing in the back, suffers personal humiliation and almost misses out on true love.

This story was a very cute read that will fill you with warm fuzzies throughout. It will be an amazing Christmas read as it transports you to a truly magical place. The descriptions were amazing and I really felt like I could see Norway. The characters were a mixed bag and they all had their sweet and redeeming qualities. After reading this book I now want to go to the country and gobble up even more of their history and culture! A very pleasant surprise.

With thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

IA Gift In December was a heart warming festive romance with an historical twist. After a failed romance acclaimed journalist Jane brook was sent to Norway to cover the ceremony to choose the Queen of the forest. Along with her photographer Ben, Jane was to write about the ceremony and it's journey to London to stand in Trafalgar Square. Norways gift to the British people for their help in the war.

On the press trip were fellow journalists Sandra and Nick, three bloggers and ex journalist now TV survival expert star Philip Donnelly. In charge of PR on the trip was Natasha who was bossy and wanted everything to run on time

Although Philip was a notorious womaniser, Jane felt herself flirting with him.. Before going away Jane`s pregnant best friend Margot urged her to left her hair down and have a one stand with someone on the trip.

Accompanying the press pack was Thomas, an elderly gentleman who helped the king escape Norway to London. Thomas explained as a young soldier he met a woman called Marit who had also helped in the escape. The night before the king left Norway Thomas and Marit spend the night together. Marit continued to write Thomas, after the war he returned to Norway to find Marit but she had disappeared.

Thomas hid Marit`s letter in the chimney of the disused house were they spend their illicit night together. Thomas went on to marry his childhood sweetheart and they had two children and grandchldren. Thomas asked Jane to go to the disused house to find Marit letters and bring them back.

Jane and Philip go on a hunt for Thomas and Merit`s love letters.

I have been reading this book in the August 🌞 but my imagination has been in Norway. I have always loved the run-up to Christmas and after reading A Christmas gift in December, I am counting how many sleeps to the big day.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the hotel in the forest and wished I was there. The Queen of the Forest ceremony sounded wonderfully magical and showed the true meaning of christmas.

Although I enjoyed Jane `s flirtation with Philip, the lovely story between Thomas and Marit was the best part. Marit was an amazing woman and the - twist at the end was perfect for her. I also liked Natasha the PR girl who was actually quite fun under her frosty exterior.

I highly recommend this light hearted romcom.

.


.

A Gift in December by Jenny Gladwell. This was a nice romance with a touch of history in it. A very easy, enjoyable read which made me want to stay in those amazing Norwegian hotels and go to see the Christmas tree in Trafalgar square. I always think that a book which has that impact is a worthwhile read indeed. A little predictable but that’s not always a bad thing! The characters were well defined with distinctive personalities coming through the stereotypes. That was well done

A really good read When Jane a journalist goes to Norway to do a story about a Christmas tree and also to have a break she really doesn't think it is important but while she is there she meets Thomas and she uncovers a story which happened during the war The story starts out as a possible romance but it turns out to be so much more than that and its very much at the heart of the book Lovely story telling beautiful setting and a bit of Christmas magic make for a really nostalgic read loved it

A delightful tale - in the present, a career driven reporter gets over a messy break up with an assignment to experience Norway at its most festive. Through misadventure and romantic misdemeanor, we see her come to understand what she values most. We also meet Thomas - a hero seeking the woman he fell in love with during the war. Through their story we also see the importance of duty, sacrifice, and love in all its forms. A perfect winter warmer.

A Gift in December is one of those books you start reading and end up with a warm cosy feeling as you become immersed in the story.

Heartbroken journalist Jane is sent to Norway to cover the Queen of the Forest, the tree that is donated to the people of London each year. A week of luxury hotels, festive celebrations and snowy forests could be just what she needs to get over her broken heart. Plus she gets to write a great story for her paper and spend some time in the company of the gorgeous Phillip Donnelly.

However during the trip, Jane discovers hidden war-time letters between a young soldier and a mysterious girl and a final plea that was never answered. Can Jane find the perfect ending for the soldier and maybe a happy ending of her own?

Beautifully written, this book will entertain to the very last page. Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder and Stoughton and the author for the chance to review.

What a lovely story this was and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. A trip to Norway, with a diverse bunch of media people, exclusive hotels and experiences, plus a mystery from the past, all made for a really good read.

Jane is sent on the trip to Norway by her editor to witness the choosing of the Queen of the Forest; Norway's gift to London as a thank you for the help given in World War II. This isn't Jane's idea of a top journalistic assignment though. I did like Jane, I felt she needed a bit of a hug, she made some stupid mistakes, don't we all, but had a really good heart.

All the characters are well written and definitely have their own personalities, which made it an interesting read. All different and all blend well to give an authentic feel, for a mixed group of people, thrown together.

The storyline flows well and I did like the twist at the end, It was a little predictable at times but it didn't detract from the story. If you want a nice story to curl up with then this one is a good choice.

I love Christmas books! There is something so warmly evocative about them. This book takes us to Norway, the land of snow, reindeer, fjords, starlit skies and romance. It’s like a mug of cocoa on a snowy night.

Jane, a journalist, is sent to Norway to cover the cutting down of the Christmas tree to stand in Trafalgar Square. Having just broken up with her partner, she hopes it will help her broken heart.

This is a gentle, fairly predictable romance. The sub-plot of the love letters between Thomas and Marit during WW2 is more interesting, but would have made the better main story.

All in all, it's a gentle read, ideal for holidays or dull winter evenings.

I loved this book and even though I read it in August it still evoked the spirit of Christmas. It really is a lovely story , and whilst there were no great surprises, I was drawn right in there with the characters, When Christmas comes around if you’re looking for a charming feel good winter read look no further.

A Gift in December is a lightweight easy to read romantic tale set mainly in Norway. Jane, a prize winning journalist is broken hearted following an ill fated love affair and isn’t really in the festive spirit when her boss asks her to write an article about the Queen of the forest. This is the name given to the Christmas tree donated by Norway every year in recognition of the help London gave to the country during the war. She isn’t really in the mood for an all expenses paid trip to witness the selection and cutting down of said tree but isn’t given any choice in the matter. Alongside fellow photographer Ben, the party also includes various bloggers, a PR guru and the z list celebrity Philip. All the ingredients are there to make this a typical romantic read. Ben is the strong silent type whilst Philip is devilishly handsome and a womaniser to boot. Maybe Jane will find love amidst the backdrop of a snowy, festive Norway or perhaps a quick fling will mend her broken heart??? The mystery element to this tale is added by way of Thomas, an elderly Norwegian known for his heroics in helping the king escape the country during the war. I think the author writes well in terms of depicting the beautiful Norwegian landscape, making the reader wish they too could experience the sumptuous hotels, the delicious food etc but for me the characters are sketchily drawn and a bit cliched. I found Jane quite irritating! The mystery surrounding Thomas love interest, which Jane finds intriguing, is all too easily resolved for my liking and the happy ending is all too obvious. This is pure escapism, so as a reader you know what to expect and if you have a few hours to while away there are worse things you could read. Unfortunately this was just a bit too cheesy but I may have had more positive things to say had I read it nearer Christmas!! A huge thanks to the author and publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read ahead of publication.

Light reads like this always fill me with an odd sort of warmth and not just because of the fact they are perfect cosy reading. The rawness and truth of how strange reality can be to pull us into moments we never saw coming but those that can truly transform our lives. Of how things come into our lives at the moments we least expect and give us a whole new outlook on life.

As soon as I read the opening letter, I was already hooked and since knowing the plot, a little emotional just from that alone. Anything wartime always does that to me given we all know how much these letters were worth to those lives back then. It really moved my heart from the first page from that short letter alone and it got better page by page as we weaved through these stories and letters merging as one tale.

Janes life starts with a bit of a sad knocking after her ex sends her a single email, calling off the relationship and she soon is welcoming this trip to Norway to get a break from some of the heartache. Each page flowed along so perfectly and never felt like too much of an info dump. The characters were all perfectly rounded too, bringing many great different perspectives on this unique tale as we went along further into the story.

All the relationships and moments that entailed really filled up your heart with a lovely warmth and I totally understand why this is the perfect Winter read. It has the perfect balance of sadness and good tidings. Nothing so heavy it could be hard to read or too light. The real perfect blend.

A beautiful, light heart-warming read. Ready to tug at every emotion with raw honesty and an all-round perfect Winter tale.