The Christmas Surprise
The Christmas Surprise is about Rosie Hopkins, an ex- nurse who runs a sweetshop in rural Derbyshire. So Christmas is always a busy time of year! And there's usually a lot of snow.
What is Christmas like in your house?
Like a lot of people, I quite like to do Christmas like my parents did it. My husband is from New Zealand, and at Christmas there everyone just goes to the beach, so he lets me do it my way! Presents in the morning, breakfast, church, lunch, film- same as everyone else really! But so fun whilst the children are small. Writing their lists is a very big deal at the moment.
Why do people need a Christmassy book to read over the closing of the year?
It's so lovely to get in the mood I think. Christmas is a mood, a feeling, and it's nice to reflect that in your reading, curled up somewhere nice and cosy. Plus you have lots of dark evenings, so more reading time.
What are your favourite Christmas reads?
The Dark is Rising is my favourite Christmas read, I read it most years. I like the Maeve Binchey one too.
Why is this story so nostalgia-inducing?
I think it's deliberate to a certain extent: a great influence on me is James Heriot, and I love his cosy rural communities, and am trying to replicate that lovely feeling of the world being full of mostly decent people doing their best.
To what extent do you get feedback from your readers on the recipes as well as your writing?
Loads! They sent me fabulous pictures of things they make, normally much better than mine! And of course they tell me if I get something wrong. Once 15oz of raisins was printed as 150 raisins. I got some letters, you can imagine.
What are the advantages of combining recipes in your books?
Well, I like doing it, and readers like doing it, and it's fun for me, especially to feel that Christmas is coming, time to test out a few mince pies!
What is next for you?
Next for me is another Beach Street Bakery book for the springtime, with a children's tie in edition about Neil the Puffin- very exciting! And, hopefully, a lovely Christmas- happy Christmas to all your readers!