Escape to Ivy Hatch this Christmas

My guest today is fellow author, Elizabeth Holland, who, as well as being a romance writer, is also a mental health blogger, and - Elizabeth's own words here: a fussy gluen-intolerant, vegetarian!

Here, Elizabeth tells us about her Christmas novella, "Christmas at the Vintage Bookshop of Memories."

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by  Elizabeth Holland

For many, reading is a wonderful escape from everyday life. From a very young age, I’ve loved the escapism that both reading and writing can bring. I fell in love with writing in my teens. Back then, I was unaware that writing was my escapism.

People like to escape for several reasons. For me, I like to take a break from my mental health struggles.

My struggles with my mental health begun during my early teens. During this difficult time, writing and reading was my solace - I have shelves filled with vampire romances that can attest to this. Over the years, I’ve realised how much writing has helped me through difficult times. It’s so lovely to create a world inside my head and to disappear into it. With this in mind, I started writing stories for others.
 
Christmas at the Vintage Bookshop of Memories is a real feel-good escape. With all the joy of the festive season, a budding romance, an admirable friendship and a Christmas Day wedding, there’s something to put a smile on everyone’s face. It is designed to be read as either a stand-alone or a sequel to The Vintage Bookshop of Memories. The story is set in an idyllic English village where life feels much simpler. It’s set during modern day and yet there’s an old-fashioned feeling to it. The old-fashioned theme is emphasised by the use of fashion throughout the story.
 
For me, Christmas is a time of happiness, indulgence and giving. This was something that I wanted to be reflected within the story. As we follow Katie Wooster over the festive season we watch as she pieces her life back together and grows in confidence. This is all achieved with the support of her best friend, Prue Clemonte. Friendship, love, and strength are all themes that run throughout this Christmas novella.

MAGICAL ATMOSPHERE

The scene setting in Christmas at the Vintage Bookshop of Memories was particularly important as I wanted the world to jump off of the pages and pull the reader in. The first description of the bookshop is a particular favourite of mine;

 
‘The atmosphere within the bookshop was magical; every inch exuded Christmas spirit.

Sat on the central round table was a small, real Christmas tree, and the pine scent wafting from it was permeating the air. Red and golden ornaments adorned the tree, which glimmered in the light from the chandelier above. Underneath the tree sat an assortment of Christmas themed goodies from gingerbread men to miniature chocolate yule logs. In front of the treats sat a sign informing customers that they were free to enjoy. With a smile on her face, the red-head picked up a gingerbread man and began nibbling at it as her eyes were drawn to the new bunting hanging from the balcony.

Hand-stitched Christmas scenes adorned each little triangle. It was beautiful. Even the ladder to the upper floor had ivy wound around it. Towards the back of the shop the children’s section housed an array of vintage teddy bears, each wearing a hand-knitted Christmas jumper. The atmosphere within the shop was contagious.’

The bookshop is a cosy place that has an almost-magical atmosphere to it. Within the bookshop walls, anything is possible. I hope readers will enjoy falling into the world of the Vintage Bookshop of Memories and that they’ll finish the book with a smile on their face.
 
Merry Christmas!