Author: Sue Watson
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: October, 2014
Genre: Chick-Lit
Description: For Tamsin Angel, Christmas is always the biggest and best… chic parties and a little showbiz sparkle are a must. This year though, things aren’t going quite as planned… With bailiffs suddenly at the door and her husband nowhere to be found, it looks like Christmas just got downsized. Moving into her sister’s one-bedroom flat, she wonders whether things will ever be the same again. After losing her husband on Christmas Eve, Sam Angel has rebuilt her life around her son Jacob and her new business – The White Angel Bakery. She’s also found herself a very handsome, loving boyfriend, but is struggling to let go of the past. Thrown together with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, Sam and Tamsin might just learn a little more about each other – and themselves. But when disaster strikes at the bakery, will they be able to save the day in time for Christmas?
My Thoughts: New to me author Sue Watson brings a perfect blend of Christmas cheer and chick-lit humor together with Snow Angels, Secrets And Christmas Cake. This story centers around the two Angel sisters, Sam and Tamsin. Sam is a single parent who owns and operates The White Angel Bakery. Tamsin is Sam’s older sister who is living the materialistic dream of the wealthy until the rug is ripped out from under her when she finds out her husband has bankrupted them and has taken off rather than face her and their children. Tamsin moves in with Sam and her son and begins helping Sam out at the bakery, giving these two women a chance to reconnect as sisters.
I was really prepared to dislike Tamsin before getting to know her but seeing the vulnerability and pain of the past she keeps deeply buried inside gives the reader a better understanding of why she behaves the way she does in the beginning of the book. Initially, she comes across as a very conceited and self-centered snob who spares no expense trying to outdo everyone else on the Christmas decorations and party celebrations. After she moves in with Sam, we begin to see the real Tamsin and after learning about her childhood, I felt empathy for her and began to connect with her.
I liked Sam and though we don’t find out what happened to her husband until much later in the book, I admired her strength. I wished we knew sooner what happened because it gave a lot of insight to why Sam kept pushing people away and keeping them at arm’s length. Once I learned what happened, I admired her ability to get out of bed every day, much less raise her son and start a business.
I loved the world Ms. Watson creates with The White Angel Bakery. I found myself wishing I could go there and hang out and watch the snow, drink a hot beverage and eat a yummy treat. As I learned more about each sister, I saw their relationship change and improve, amidst many tears and much laughter.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Watson’s writing style and will be looking for more from this very talented author.
My Final Verdict: If you are looking for a heartwarming story that will put you in the Christmas spirit while reminding us that starting over is not a bad thing, I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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