Bella's Christmas Bake Off

by Sue Watson

[Leah]

When I first started Bella's Christmas Bake-Off, I ended up irritated at Amy. Yes, I understood that her husband had left her for a pole-dancer (not really) but to have it shoved in my face again and again actually drove me to distraction, but once Amy got Bella in her sights instead, and shut up about her not-worth-it husband, the book grew on me. Amy was very likeable, and her sparring with Bella was amazing. I love seeing two people go at it, with a bit of humour and wit and candour and it was amazing. THE HOMELESS ASPECT REALLY WORKED FOR ME

Not a lot of books feature homeless people, most likely because who wants to read about homeless people because generally it just makes you sad, doesn't it? But meeting the wonderful people at St Swithin's was great. It really made me remember that not everybody has the perfect Christmas, with a tree and festivities, some barely even have a roof over their head or a hot dinner. It was important to remember that, and I liked how Amy was so desperate to get the people at St Swithin's a Christmas they could remember. THIS WAS A REALLY ENJOYABLE CHRISTMAS READ

The book had a bit of everything really, baking (who doesn't love baking, especially as Bake Off has now finished for this year boo!!), catty fights, good banter between two former friends, the message that Christmas is not always happiness and roses, and two completely opposite female characters. A particular highlight to me was Crimson, Bella's researcher. She was amazing. I really enjoyed the book. Sue's a great storyteller and I really enjoyed this festive tale!