"T'was the Night Before Christmas" or as it was known in the beginning "A Visit from St. Nicholas" is a magical poem about Christmas and cheer, St. Nicholas and his reindeers, presents and joy, winter and snow, merriment and happiness, and Christmas as a feeling which comes from the heart.
B. J. Harrison started his Classic Tales Podcast back in 2007, wanting to breathe new life into classic stories. He masterfully plays with a wide array of voices and accents and has since then produced over 500 audiobooks. Now in collaboration with SAGA Egmont, his engaging narration of these famous classics is available to readers everywhere.
Clement Clarke Moore was an American author who lived in the period 1779-1863. He is best known as a poet, but he wrote in different genres as well. There was a wide variety of subjects that he depicted in his works - from religion to language studies. His most popular poem "T'was the Night Before Christmas" was published anonymously in 1823 but it was first in 1844 that it was acknowledged as having been written by Moore.
When Marnie Appleton inherited a sweet shop from her grandfather she was determined to do his legacy proud. The shop has been a much-loved feature of the little seaside town of Shipley for years, but now Marnie needs to bring it up to date, and she's recruited gorgeous new assistant Josh to help.
Marnie gets busy redecorating the shop and choosing delicious new sweets to stock, but things are never that simple: new neighbour Isobel, a fame-hungry blogger, is on a crusade against sugar, and she'll go to any lengths to secure bad publicity for Marnie's shop.
Marnie fights back with homemade sugar-free treats, but with her best friend Beth heavily pregnant, her grandmother Celia recovering from an operation, and her very recently ex-boyfriend Alex returning to Shipley with a new love, Marnie has a lot on her plate.
And then there's Josh, with whom Marnie is struggling to keep her relationship strictly professional... Will both the sweet shop and love flourish?
A deliciously heartwarming read about family, friends and handmade coconut ice. Perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Emily Henry, and Tilly Tennant.
What people are saying about The Beachside Sweet Shop:
`I do love a book that can make me giggle after just a few pages. As well as being funny, the storyline had a homely feel to it, reading it made me feel comfortable, relaxed and welcome...It's amazing how much drama one little sweet shop can create! I was captivated, and sometimes surprised, by the goings on in the little village shop...a bright read that left a smile on my face and my taste buds in need of some sweet treats.' 5* V Family Fun
`I smiled all of the way through this gorgeous heart-warming read. A lot of the sweets reminded me of my childhood. The fictional Seaside town of Shipley sounds gorgeous, I almost packed my bags and started looking on TripAdvisor for a place to stay. The characters and storyline are just everything I adore in a book. I can honestly say that I felt quite sad to be saying farewell to everyone at the end.' 5* The Reading Shed
`Brilliant! Such a beautiful, heart warming story! Loved every word! So well written. A magical, feel good tale. Loved, loved, loved. Highly recommend it to everyone.' Renita D'Silva
`Had me chortling away...really funny...A fabulous candy cane of a read. I absolutely loved it.' 5* Short Book and Scribe
`Light-hearted and witty...Kept me glued to the pages.' 4* On My Bookshelf
`I feared I would short circuit my Kindle with tears from laughing.' 5* Books from Dusk til Dawn
`Fantastically funny...an entertaining read.' Jo's Book Journey
`A sweet and charming read.' 4* Pretty Little Book Reviews
`This book was a great read, so easy to dive into and get lost...Highly recommend it...dive in and forget the world around you.' 4* Trish B's Blog
`Such a sweet book (sorry, couldn't resist)... A really cute, sweet (sorry, I did it again) read. Thoroughly enjoyed it.' 5* Lilac Mills
`A delightful British love story.' For the Love of Books
`I do love a book that can make me giggle after just a few pages. As well as being funny, the storyline had a homely feel to it, reading it made me feel comfortable, relaxed and welcome...It's amazing how much drama one little sweet shop can create! I was captivated, and sometimes surprised, by the goings on in the little village shop...a bright read that left a smile on my face and my taste buds in need of some sweet treats.' 5* V Family Fun
`I smiled all of the way through this gorgeous heart-warming read. A lot of the sweets reminded me of my childhood. The fictional Seaside town of Shipley sounds gorgeous, I almost packed my bags and started looking on TripAdvisor for a place to stay. The characters and storyline are just everything I adore in a book. I can honestly say that I felt quite sad to be saying farewell to everyone at the end.' 5* The Reading Shed
`Light-hearted and witty...Kept me glued to the pages.' 4* On My Bookshelf
`Funny, heart-warming and entertaining.' 4* Where the Reader Grows
`Light, quick moving and engaging.' 4* I am Indeed
`Very enjoyable... a lovely read infused with warmth, humour and romance.' Shaz's Book Blog
`This book was a great read, so easy to dive into and get lost...Highly recommend it...dive in and forget the world around you.' 4* Trish B's Blog
The Beachside Series
Karen Clarke is a multi-published author, currently writing psychological thrillers that explore the darker side of life and relationships.
Karen has previously written twelve romantic comedies and also co-writes thrillers with fellow author Amanda Brittany. Her short stories have been published in women's magazines in the UK and abroad.
Originally from Yorkshire, Karen has lived in Buckinghamshire in the UK for many years with her husband and three grown-up children. When she's not writing, she reads a lot, loves photography, walking, baking and eating cake.
First published anonymously in 1823, ''Twas The Night Before Christmas' has played a vital role in the tradition of Christmas. The jolly, red-cheeked, gift-bearing Santa Claus that we know (and love) today originates from Clement Clarke Moore's poem. He originally wrote it to share only with his own children on Christmas Eve. This jovial poem is wonderful for all fans of Santa Claus and the presents he delivers, young or old!
Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863) was an American writer, teacher, and poet. A highly religious man, he attended Columbia University and went on to write about a variety of subjects, including poetry, historical biographies, and translations from French. His most notable work was certainly 'A Visit From St Nicholas' which was originally written as a Christmas Eve gift to his children, and quickly gained fame, being known today as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
`I really fell for this storyline hook, line and sinker... a beautiful, touching storyline which will have you feeling fuzzy from your head to your toes, and possibly your shoulders and knees in between.' The Writing Garnet
Carrie Dashwood fled Dorset ten years ago when her best friend Megan stole her love, local heart-throb Tom. Now she's back to help run her aunt Ruby's flower stall in idyllic Shipley.
Trying to persuade herself that her feelings for Tom are in the past, Carrie plans to avoid him and Megan completely. But it's not to be, because Ruby's Blooms are arranging the flowers for Megan and Tom's wedding.
Soon Carrie's crawling under the stall to hide and accidentally inventing an imaginary boyfriend. But with the stall's finances in jeopardy and Ruby needing her niece more than ever, Carrie has to keep her emotions in check.
With bouquets to arrange, family secrets to uncover, and Tom unavoidably a part of her life again, can Carrie keep her cool, save the stall, and find her very own happy ever after?
A heartening and uplifting read about lost love and true friendship. Perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Cathy Bramley, and Polly Babbington.
`The author has a way of just bringing her novels and the characters to life. They are such fabulous feel good books... This is a series that will have fans falling over themselves to get their hands on a copy. It really is that good.' By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars
`What a lovely, evocative story!... Wow! A beautiful story of lost love and coming of age and new beginnings. Written with heart. Loved it! Cannot wait for more by this author.' Renita D'Silva, 5 stars
`What a complete and utter joy... I found myself chortling away... Charming and feel-good and I loved every minute of it.' Short Book and Scribes, 5 stars.
The Beachside collection has sold over 75,000 copies
After giving up her job as a library assistant, Karen now writes full-time. She's had over 300 stories published in women's magazines in the UK and abroad, and has written three paranormal romantic comedies, published by Little, Brown/Corsair. When she's not writing she reads avidly, walks dogs at her local rescue centre, and is eagerly awaiting the next season of The Walking Dead. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and three grown-up children.
On the beautiful French coast lies the Café Belle Vie, a peaceful haven offering a warm welcome and delicious pains au chocolat - and where Natalie's quiet life is about to be turned upside down...
When thirty-one-year-old Natalie Bright's boyfriend dumps her and immediately gets engaged to his ex-girlfriend, she escapes her heartbreak and moves to the charming village of Chamillon on the Île de Ré.
She's determined to build a new life there: writing about farmer's markets for a local magazine, exploring the local vineyards on her bike, and taking advantage of the sunshine. And in the Café Belle Vie she finds a bustling community - including new best friend Charlie - and a near-constant supply of cakes.
All in all, things are looking pretty good.
So when a blast from the past - her teenage crush Jay Merino - suddenly turns up in Chamillon, Natalie's thrown. She's sworn off men ever since she moved to France, but she and Jay have a connection that stretches back years.
But could taking a chance on an old flame complete her new life - or ruin everything she's worked so hard for?
A gorgeous rom-com full of sunshine, croissants and sparkling romance! Perfect for fans of Imogen Payne, Polly Babbington and T. A. Williams.
What readers are saying about Escape to the Little French Café:
`Oh I did laugh!! I absolutely bloomin' LOVED reading this... Such an uplifting, cosy novel which will make your heart leap with joy.' The Writing Garnet
`So many laugh-out-loud moments that I lost count of them and the story reeled me in from the very first page! I became so absorbed within the storyline that I forgot where I was... Grab yourself a little bit of romantic escapism to France... You won't regret it!' Stardust Book Reviews
`Perfect and laugh-out-loud funny. Brilliantly written. I enjoyed every minute of it. If you need a pick me up this is the book you need, guaranteed giggles throughout... I actually devoured this book in a day... Highly recommended. Full of fun, giggles and romance.' Between the Pages Book Club
Previous series has sold over 130,000 copies to date. Amazon UK top 100 author
After giving up her job as a library assistant, Karen now writes full-time. She's had over 300 stories published in women's magazines in the UK and abroad, and has written three paranormal romantic comedies, published by Little, Brown/Corsair. When she's not writing she reads avidly, walks dogs at her local rescue centre, and is eagerly awaiting the next season of The Walking Dead. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and three grown-up children.
In the beautiful village of Chamillon lies the Café Belle Vie, where you'll always find croissants and friends when you need them the most - and where Elle is hoping to uncover the truth about her past...
Thirty-year-old Elle Matheson has decided it's finally time to find the mother who gave her up as a baby. With a faded postcard from the Café Belle Vie in hand - one of the very few things she has from her mother - she heads straight to the Île de Ré to begin her search.
With only the postcard and the ivory shawl she was wrapped in as clues, finding her mum is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, even with the help of friendly - and gorgeous - café-owner Charlie. And since Elle hasn't exactly told her younger sister what she's up to, the little white lies about where she is are starting to add up...
But Elle is really starting to feel at home on the beautiful island. The locals are welcoming, the café is homely, and Charlie is always there with a helping hand, a listening ear, and a pain au chocolat.
Is Elle about to discover not just where she came from - but where she belongs?
A hilarious rom-com perfect for reading in the sunshine! Fans of Debbie Johnson, Zara Stoneley and Debbie Macomber will love Karen Clarke!
Readers are loving Summer at the Little French Café!
`I was hooked in really quickly into the wonderful, summery book, and read it in a few short hours... I loved every moment of this delightful book and there was even a mystery that had me stumped but equally eager to find out the outcome. This was a pure pleasure to read.' Rachel's Random Reads, 5 stars
`A fabulous sunny, summery read that sparkles and delights. I was engrossed in this lovely story from page one. Lovely imagery and a really pretty cover, a must read for the beach!' NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars
`You can't help but kept swept away... The added aspect of it all being set in France was just the icing on the top of an already scrumptious story... a wonderful and entertaining read.' By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars.
Previous series has sold over 130,000 copies to date. Amazon UK top 100 author
After giving up her job as a library assistant, Karen now writes full-time. She's had over 300 stories published in women's magazines in the UK and abroad, and has written three paranormal romantic comedies, published by Little, Brown/Corsair. When she's not writing she reads avidly, walks dogs at her local rescue centre, and is eagerly awaiting the next season of The Walking Dead. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and three grown-up children.
Nina Bailey loves Christmas. Except this year she doesn't. Because it turns out that her husband-to-be has been cheating on her - and her beautiful wedding ceremony in the snow is cancelled.
She's not really in the mood to be jolly, sing carols, or go anywhere near gingerbread men - in fact, what Nina wants is to avoid the whole thing. So she's come to stay at her Aunt Dolly's cosy café in the south of France to nurse her broken heart.
Nina is determined to get through Christmas with no tinsel, no fuss - and definitely no flirting. So when she arrives and meets infuriatingly handsome Ryan Sadler, with his gorgeous forest-green eyes, she is not best pleased.
And when Nina overhears him making fun of her, she is furious. (There might have been an incident with a koala onesie and a spilled bottle of milk, but that really wasn't her fault!) So despite the spark between them, and the fact that he can whip up a fabulous dinner faster than she can say Michelin star, romance and Christmas are off the menu this year.
This heart-warming romantic comedy will have you reaching for eggnog, roasted chestnuts and gingerbread cookies! The perfect festive book to read curled up in front of the fire, for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Holly Martin and Debbie Johnson.
Readers are falling in love with "I'll Be Home for Christmas!"
`From the heartbreak to the emotional moments, to the touching and hilarious ones. This book had everything for me and I would quite happily read it again in an instant.' The Writing Garnet
`Melted my heart!... Had me cracking up laughing hysterically!... A brilliant storyline!!' Heidi Lynn's Book Reviews
`The pages flew... Charming characters, beautiful landscape, snow and hot chocolate, pastry and love, humour and romance. What more could I ever want in a Christmas book?!!' Goodreads Reviewer
Previous series has sold over 150,000 copies to date. Amazon UK top 100 author. Escape to the Little French Cafe and Summer at the Little French Cafe are also available
For fans of Debbie Johnson, Zara Stoneley and Debbie Macomber
After giving up her job as a library assistant, Karen now writes full-time. She's had over 300 stories published in women's magazines in the UK and abroad, and has written three paranormal romantic comedies, published by Little, Brown/Corsair. When she's not writing she reads avidly, walks dogs at her local rescue centre, and is eagerly awaiting the next season of The Walking Dead. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband and three grown-up children.
Snow is falling and there's romance in the air. Curl up for a cosy Christmas by the fire at Seaview Cottage...
When thirty-year-old Lily Ambrose's latest relationship ends in disaster, she remembers happy childhood holidays in the seaside town of Shipley and decides it's the perfect place for a fresh start.
But when Lily arrives, the town's spirits are as low as her own: the local celebrity due to turn on the Christmas lights has gone on a cruise instead. Keen to prove herself, she calls in a favour and secures gorgeous reality star Ollie.
Lily's neighbours are initially thrilled, but Ollie is as uncontrollable as he is good-looking. He can't remember the town's name, calls the Christmas decorations tacky, and manages to offend everyone. And whilst handsome but stubborn cameraman Craig tries to help, even he can't stop Ollie's madcap plans to stage a romance with Lily...
Will Lily be able to keep Ollie under control and bring the Christmas cheer back to Shipley - and find herself a real kiss under the mistletoe?
Perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley, Cathy Bramley and Debbie Johnson.
`Had me properly laughing... A light hearted, fun, easy to read story that will have you giggling, while also wishing your own house has far more Christmas lights!' Rachel's Random Reads, 5 stars
`Karen Clarke has such a knack for writing hilariously funny one-liners. I have lost track whilst reading this how many times I've laughed out loud... This is a fabulous book!!' Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars
`Perfect to get you in the Christmas spirit!' Read.Sleep.Knit
After giving up her job as a library assistant, Karen now writes full-time. She's had over 300 stories published in women's magazines in the UK and abroad, and has written three paranormal romantic comedies, published by Little, Brown/Corsair.
Life in the spotlight was never going to be easy...
Jess's life was turned upside down when her blog went viral.
Now, with hundreds of thousands of followers, Jess is now navigating the trials and tribulations of a world online.
Being a mummy blogger was originally an escape, but now it seems to be turning into a career. And after one wrong post on her social media channels, Jess discovers that life in the spotlight isn't always peachy.
With a new baby on the way, the possibility of starring in a reality TV show and a husband who's struggling with his wife's new-found fame, Jess has a lot going on.
Jess needs to decide whether this is everything she wanted it to be or whether this is all a bit too much for her? Can Jess persevere against the haters, rise up above the pettiness and find the perfect balance of life in the real world and life online?
Perfect for fans of Suzy K Quinn, Fiona Gibson and Gill Simms.
Louise was educated at the University of Southampton, before moving to London to begin a career in publishing at magazines and newspapers including Daily Express, and Woman's Weekly.
In 2010, Louise moved to Dubai and worked as a freelance journalist. She started her blog in 2014. It quickly attracted a loyal following of over 100,000 mothers across the globe and won numerous awards.
Now living in the UK countryside, Louise is moving into novel writing with the publication of 'From Mum With Love' in February 2019.
