Christmas For Beginners By Carole Matthews

‘Christmas For Beginners’ is Carole Matthews Christmas themed book for 2020.

Christmas is fast approaching at the new Hope Farm. Owner Molly Baker has been convinced to organise an open day to raise some much-needed funds ahead of the New Year, but the nativity tableau is proving challenging. With anti-social sheep, awkward alpacas and a seriously sequined Santa Claus to assemble, Molly is feeling overwhelmed, and in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. Despite the chaos of the farm getting in the way of her event planning, Molly is looking forward to spending the holidays with boyfriend Shelby and his son, Lucas, hopeful that a happy family Christmas is exactly what they need to draw them all together. But while she is busy making plans on the farm, Shelby, it seems, has ideas of his own. As the nativity draws near, the team are working hard to pull off a spectacular festive fete – and make sure the animals and humans remain on their best behaviour. Will this Christmas be merry and bright… or is there more than one surprise in store for Molly and Hope Farm?

If you’re looking for a book that is pure Christmas, then look no further as Carole Matthew’s is back with a warm story of love, friendship and new beginnings.

In this story, we see the return of Molly Baker, who we met in Carole’s previous book called ‘Happiness For Beginners’.

The story is seen through the perspective of Molly as she enjoys life on her farm along with the moody teenage son of her boyfriend Shelby, who she looks up like a son. Shelby is the popular character on a soap series and is always noticed when out and about. When his role is cut from the show, Shelby takes on the role of a villain in the Christmas pantomime and all his time is taken up with rehearsals. Whilst Shelby loves his life in the spotlight, Molly shies away from it and feels at her most happiest at the farm surrounded by friends, the animals whilst getting the farm ready for Christmas along with the help from the new handsome mayor.

I really enjoyed this story, it was warm-hearted and entertaining and was able to get back into easily after returning to read it. Molly is a sweet character and the polar opposite to Shelby who loves the attention whereas she’s at her happiest when she’s up to her wellies in muck. She has a kind heart and spends her time helping others, particularly Luke, who has a troubled relationship with Shelby, but finds solace in Molly’s kind nature.

There are many stories weaved throughout the book, there’s the relationship between Molly and Shelby, Luke finding love for first time as well as Molly getting Hope Farm ready for children who come from troubled backgrounds and suffer from disabilities. The story also touches on difficult subject of domestic violence and the impact it has not only on the adult but also on the children too.

Brimming with warmth and festive fun, Carole’s latest book is another enchanting story from the author. ‘Christmas For Beginners’ is a sweetly and wittily written story of hope, contrary animals and new beginnings.

You can buy ‘Christmas For Beginners’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.