My Review

of

Away For Christmas by Jan Ruth.

I really enjoyed Away for Christmas by Jan Ruth. Jonathan is a really interesting character and his writing journey over many Christmases is interesting to follow. I like the contrast between what he imagined being a published author with a small publisher would be like, vs what it was truly like for him. I also liked how being self-published was painted in a good light. I think one of the clear things in Jonathan journey was expectation and discovery.

The story itself follows Jonathan as he quits his job and dedicates his life to his book. However, being published isn’t all he thought it would be and though his writing frustrations he loses his long-standing partner and also realised he’s not the father he should be. Will he be able to get his books? Rebuild his relationship with those he loves? Or will his life go down as fast as a sinking boat? Read this novella to find out.

One of my favourite characters was Jonathan’s daughter Lizzie, She’s bright and caring and values helping others.  I also loved Gwilym; I could just imagine him in his worldly bookshop stuck in the past among old timeless classics.

This is a great Christmas read, full of twists and turns and festive hope amidst harder times in Jonathan and his loved one’s lives.  If you love a good festive read with a real life feel and great characters to follow and seek to delve into a writer’s mind, you’ll love this novella.

Link. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076583YC6/ref=sr_1_1?tag=geolinker-21&s=digital-text Blurb

Jonathan Jones has written a novel. Losing his job a few days before Christmas means the pressure is on for his book to become a bestseller, but when his partner drops her own bombshell, the festive holiday looks set to be a disaster. 

When he’s bequeathed a failing bookshop in their seaside town, it seems that some of his prayers have been answered, but his publishing company turn out to be not what they seem, and when his ex-wife suddenly declares her romantic intent, another Christmas looks set to be complicated. 

Is everything lost, or can the true meaning of words, a dog called Frodo, and the sheer magic of Christmas be enough to save Jonathan’s book, and his skin?

Bookmuse Magazine: “If you’re a writer you will laugh, despair and sympathise with Jonathan Jones, and the trials and tribulations he faces as he battles to become a published author. And if you’re a reader, you’ll be captivated by the excellent story-telling that weaves Jonathan’s complicated life into a page turning drama. A real feel good novella, perfect to curl up with on a stormy winter’s afternoon…”

You’ll enjoy this if you like: Jojo Moyes, Jill Mansell, Erica James.

Ideal accompaniments: Hot chocolate with marshmallows and a plate of shortbread.