The Christmas Promise

The Christmas Promise Author: Sue MoorcroftPublisher: Avon (Harper Collins Publishers Ltd)Page count: 368ppRelease Date: 1st Dec 2016Reviewer: Theresa DerwinWith sales a bit thin on the ground at her Camden West Yard casual stall, Ava is battling through the sleet with friend Izz to Blaggard's Bar, most definitely not in the 'Christmas Spirit'.Ava is Izz's 'plus one' at her new company 'do'. She'd already heard loads about Izz and bestie Todd's new big important boss, Sam, so was curious to meet him. As she starts to chat to the successful entrepreneur, albeit briefly, she is reminded of her difficult finances and struggling business as a hat milliner. Things get off to a decidedly rocky start, despite Sam buying her a drink, when she overhears two of his colleagues insisting he had the right to hit on her because he bought her a drink. She's not impressed, and even more so when she realises Izz has a crush on Sam and then men are acting embarrassed, causing Ava's feelings of indignation on her friend's behalf. Sam soon makes an apology for his friend's behaviour and conversation begins to flow, until Izz mentions the elephant in the room; Ava doesn't like Christmas. Gasp, horror! But there are reasons for her lack of Christmas cheer.And of course, she comes into contact with Mr Obligatory Jerk, at this difficult time of year, which provokes Sam into attempting to protect her.When it comes to the millinery aspects of the book; the creation of hats, materials used etc, Moorcroft has obviously done her research and it reads as expertise. And knowing her from a couple of conventions, it is evident where she uses her genre knowledge in respect of Burlesque and Steampunk.And as the novel progresses, she shows her knowledge of comics, and carries it off believably, throwing in the 'New 52s' though that's been recently overtaken by DC Rebirth (I doubt publishing schedules would allow for this addition).At the heart of the book, Moorcroft also deals with a couple of emotional issues; cancer and the impact of chemo through a secondary character, and 'revenge porn' or blackmail and humiliation, attempted again by a secondary character. Moorcroft deals with these issues sensitively and adeptly, offering her advice through Ava's thoughts. Nicely handled. As an aside, for those being threatened with 'revenge porn', please research #NoToRevengePorn on social media. As Ava and Wendy put it, 'No blame, no shame.'As the book progresses, we have the usual ups and downs in relationships; potential romances, existing romances and current friendships. Plenty to keep the tension going. I was particularly impressed with the depiction of a panic attack at one stage. When the physical scenes happen, as they do in romance novels, they are also very real; intimate, sometimes funny, passionate and above all, written in a respectful, satisfying way, if you get my drift. Ahem. As for the last quarter? Wow, what an emotional roller coaster. I could literally feel my heart in the pit if my stomach et times, a curdling knot of fear, turmoil, guilt, love, laughter, everything. Moorcroft has spun a wonderful tale bursting with emotional warmth and tears as well as fun. A brilliant, brilliant book. Having just moved home, and facing my own roller coasters, ones that always come at this time if the year, The Christmas Prkmise gave me moments of sheer joy and satisfaction. In fact, a perfect Christmas. 5/5

4.5Ava Bliss is struggling to scrape a living from her bespoke hat making business and, although she shares a house with her best friend Izzy, finding the rent is becoming a real worry. Her dreams of running a successful high-end millinery business are fading fast and to top it all it’s Christmas, Ava’s least favourite time of the year. Money troubles are not the only problems for Ava. Her ex boyfriend is harassing her and threatening to make public some photos Ava deeply regrets agreeing to.There’s one upside though – Sam Jermyn commissions her to make a hat for his mother, Wendy, who is fighting cancer. He wants to make Christmas as special as he can for her. Sam runs the PR company where Izz and Ava’s other best friend, Tod, work. Sam and Ava meet at the Christmas drinks party Izz all but drags Ava to. There’s a spark of attraction between Sam and Ava but her loyalties lie with her friend, who has a huge and unreciprocated crush on Sam. Ava doesn’t need any more relationship problems and has sworn off men after Harvey. She can’t believe her bad luck when she spots him in the bar, already inebriated, which is Harvey at his worst.The lovely cover gives the impression of a cosy Christmas romance but this is a story dealing with serious issues, which are all approached with sensitivity. A life threatening illness and revenge porn are two of the most significant topics, the others include complicated family relationships and the far reaching effects. Ava had almost been conditioned to dislike Christmas by her workaholic parents, who didn’t feel it was something to celebrate and preferred to work.I liked Ava from the start, she’s someone you’d want as a friend, and was sympathetic to the horrible position she found herself in. It shows the cyber dangers and how a seemingly innocent bit of fun can be used as a tool for revenge. Sue Moorcroft also shows how the positive side of the internet and social media balances the darker aspect.Sam is charming, and obviously distressed about his mother. Wendy’s efforts to be upbeat and her determination to enjoy Christmas before starting treatment is very touching. Booby Ruby brings a sprinkling of humour and lightness. Despite the grittier aspects of the story it’s not all doom and gloom. Far from it. Realistic, convincing and mostly relatable characters people this well thought through and researched, emotive storyline. I do like a Christmas story with depth, drama and an emotional tug.

A Stunning Read - that's a promise!This beautifully presented book looks just like a glamorous Christmas gift and it is, but don't be mislead into thinking this is light, fluffy festive fiction. It's a wonderfully warm, multi-layered tale of a young woman determined to make her own way in the world and a young man, who while appearing to have it all, is emotionally teetering on the brink of despair. Ava and Sam are wonderful in the lead roles, as are the supporting cast of very different yet very real characters - I ended up caring about them all, even the not very nice ones - and who wouldn't love a Ruby in their lives?Touching on some big, modern life issues, this twisting, turning tale made me laugh and cry and ultimately finish the final page happy at the outcome yet sad to say goodbye. I love Sue's books and this is one of her best yet. More please.

Surprised at the theme for a Christmas book being revenge porn and social media platforms. There were positive sentiments, a secondary theme of someone potentially experiencing their last Christmas and the impact on those around them.A good book but I prefer a Christmas story with more magic and less reality, I suppose this is modern themes for modern times

This is the second book of Sue’s that I have read and I’ve already started the third. I loved this book from start to end and couldn’t wait to find out what happened. A really well told story with a very current topic ‘revenge porn’. I loved the characters and how the story unravelled, leaving you waiting until the very end! A really well deserved 5 stars 😊