A Village Christmas

From the author of Cider With Rosie, Village Christmas is a moving, lyrical portrait of England through the changing years and seasons. Laurie Lee left his childhood home in the Cotswolds when he was nineteen, but it remained with him throughout his life until, many years later, he returned for good. This collection brings to life the sights, sounds, landscapes and traditions of his home - from centuries-old May Day rituals to his own patch of garden, from carol singing in crunching snow to pub conversations and songs. Here too he writes about the mysteries of love, living in wartime Chelsea, Winston Churchill's wintry funeral and his battle, in old age, to save his beloved Slad Valley from developers. Told with a warm sense of humour and a powerful sense of history, Village Christmas brings us a picture of a vanished world.

The painter shares his memories of Christmas, celebrating friends, families, and traditions.

Can the magic of Christmas and the community of Thorndale bring two lost souls together in love? Olivia doesn’t have time for Christmas or for romance – she’s got a demanding career and has been burned before when it comes to love. This year, she’s spending the festive season in her dad’s old house, packing it up now that he’s moved out. Her dad failed to mention she wouldn’t be spending her time there alone... The last thing Olivia expects is for her surprise guest to be the very man who literally ran from her after an evening of mutual flirtation. But Tom has nowhere else to go and Olivia is determined to forget the disappointment she felt at his abandonment and instead help him find his way again. As heavy snow keeps them inside the cottage, will their enforced confinement spark romance once again – or will it push them further apart? The perfect festive romance to curl up with, for fans of Victoria Walters and Trisha Ashley. Praise for A Country Village Christmas'Warm and comforting and realistic and heartwarming and funny. It’s got everything a real family Christmas should have.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'The writing evokes a real sense of community, with friendship and family at the heart, and the main characters are well drawn. I could easily imagine this book being made into a "feel good" movie. Perfect if you're looking for an uplifting light read - a cosy novel with a seasonal and romantic theme.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'This was my first visit to Thorndale and after enjoying this peep into the village I can't wait to explore more books by this author. It's a book you will want to devour in one sitting, snuggled up with a hot chocolate.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review 'I absolutely loved this beautiful, cosy, heartwarming read that was so much more than just a Christmas book. This was the perfect escapism read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains returns to Somerset Lake, North Carolina, with a heartwarming Christmas story about a midwife and her ex-fiance who face high stakes when they must team up to compete in the neighborhood house decorating contest, in this trade paperback that will help get readers in the holiday spirit. Once upon a Christmas, she gave him her heart. This year, he'll have to win it back again . . . When Lucy Hannigan returned to her childhood home in Somerset Lake, one of the first things she did was join the local book club. And thank goodness, because now that Lucy’s first Christmas without her mother is bearing down upon her, she can use all the help and support she can get. Especially when she has to take in a tenant and the only person interested is Miles Bruno, her ex-fiance. Lucy’s friends keep teasing her about the way Miles is trying to make up for his mistakes but forgiving and forgetting isn’t coming easily to Lucy. With bills piling up and her mother’s finances in disarray, however, Lucy isn’t in any position to say no. As the small town prepares for the holidays and competition heats up in the Merriest Lawn decorating contest, Lucy can’t help feeling like a Scrooge. Her mom loved the holidays and won the contest each year, but as much as Lucy would like to carry on the tradition, she isn’t sure she has it in her to deck the halls this holiday. Yet when Miles shows up with tons of tinsel, dozens of decorations, and lots and lots of lights, Lucy begins to wonder if maybe the spirit of the season will finally mend her broken heart.

London family, newly moved to a quiet country village, are accepted by the unfriendly townfolk only after a newborn baby boy arrives at Christmas.

My Big Wimmelbooks let kids ages 2 to 5 be the storytellers with hours of seek-and-find hands-on learning—and fun! In these one-of-a-kind picture books, every page is bursting with life—and tons to discover! Children as young as age 2 have a blast pointing out recognizable things—a blue tricycle, a hungry dog, a piggyback ride—while older kids can follow the star characters from page to page, telling their stories along the way. How? Wimmelbooks are virtually instruction-free, inviting kids to make their own way through the busy Wimmelworld they encounter, and to craft their own stories. First, you’re introduced to a unique cast of characters who are hidden in plain sight on the pages that follow. As you seek them out, each character’s storyline unfolds, but it’s up to kids to interpret the scenes and create stories they think fit. It’s hours upon hours of fun—and an effortless introduction to literacy to boot. In this special holiday-themed Wimmelbook, it’s Christmas time! Christmas Eve, to be exact. From the outdoor ice rink to the bustling holiday market, a busy cast of characters is having a great time as they celebrate by skating, sledding, shopping, and singing away. But will the little boy get the tractor he wants for Christmas? And where is Santa? Kids follow along and find out in My Big Wimmelbook—Christmas Village. About Wimmelbooks Wimmelbooks originated in Germany decades ago and have become a worldwide sensation with children (and adults!) everywhere. My Big Wimmelbooks is the first-ever Wimmelbook series to feature Wimmelbooks as Wimmelbooks in English. They’ve been praised as “lively . . . and abounding with humor and detail” (WSJ), likely to “make any parent’s heart sing.” (NYT)

Kids can start getting ready for the holiday on December 1, when they'll begin filling in the landscape of a Victorian-era village with quaint shops, cottages, and other buildings. Each day they'll add another numbered sticker illustration until the final touch on December 25 — a Christmas tree in the town square.

Delight friends and family with an enchanting old-world village, festively decked out for the holidays. It's simple! Just punch the pieces, fold, glue, and add glitter to make a steepled church; English Tudor Revival home with a Shaker roof; New England-style Colonial; a bow-wow-wow doghouse; snow-covered trees, and more! The all-inclusive kit features an instruction book, cardstock project sheets, vellum, glitter, pipe cleaners, glue, and one premade evergreen tree.