An entertaining Christmas read with engaging characters. I enjoyed the details about the world of millinery, which were new to me and something I hadn't thought about much before. The author managed to include more serious elements and themes (a controlling boyfriend and revenge pornography) without them seeming out of place in a feel-good romance. A good mixture of humour, suspense and romance.

Firstly, Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this book in exchange for my review. It’s one I’ve had my Netgalley shelf for a while and this Christmas seemed the perfect time to read it.

I love the cover for this book. It immediately makes me think of this different mish mash of houses in London. I guess that’s the aim though as it is set in Camden… Hmm… Pretty though, and a big sense of wintery feelings.

While a good storyline, I didn’t really like the characters the way I thought I would, except for Sam anyway. He seemed to be the only one with any real depth or sense of reality. Ava came across as a little naive but also independent, strong willed and determined at the same time. I can’t pinpoint what it was I didn’t like, but she slightly irritated me. Maybe it was the fact that she just wouldn’t accept help without an argument? Izz was a bit of a hard one to figure out as well. On one page she was awkward, the next she was this overly confident sassy woman. Tod wasn’t involved enough for me to even form an opinion of and I sensed he had his own story to be told. I loved Sam’s Mum and his Aunt, they oozed fun and with, sarcasm and a real family feeling which this book slightly lacked.

The writing style was quick and easy to read. Nice, short chapters and a sense of where things were going. While touching on a theme that is very relevant in today’s world, it handles it brilliantly. It even gives advice in its own little way. It makes if clear that it could happen to anyone and that it isn’t their fault. You feel the sympathy for Ava over it all and you really feel that she thinks its her fault and that she will be judged in an awful way. Lucky for her, her friends understand and support her through everything.

What I did really like about this book is that it gives you an update on Sam’s mum and where Ava and Sam ended up in their love story. It really was a happy ever after ending. I wish more books had this little update page, especially when you don’t know what has happened to some of the characters.

I gave this book 4/5. It honestly would have been a big fat 5 if I connected with all the characters like I did immediately with Sam.

I'm not too sure about this book, I felt I skim read some of it and got a little bored. I didn't really warm to Ava's character and didn't enjoy reading the parts with Harvey. Was a typical Christmas chick lit and I did enjoy reading about the making of the hats. The story ended quite abruptly with a 'by the way' note from the author at the end as to what happened. Thank you for letting me read and review this book,

I really enjoyed the book, it has everything I love in a novel from start to finish. I can’t wait to read what the author has planned next!

Don't think of this as a Christmas book- think of it as a thoughtful (more than I expected) novel where Moorcroft actually takes on some serious issues. Ava is not immediately likeable; she's actually a little annoying, especially in her initial interactions with Sam. The horrors the internet can wreck on one's life are touched on here (this is still meant to be a lightish read) as is serious illness. It's a good read but ignore the cover, which might make you think it's fluffier than it is. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

A nice quick read, makes me feel really Christmassy!

i loved how this book dealt with cyber bullying /photos. A lovely romance but also covered some serious issues. Chick lit but with a bit less froth! highly recommed

Nice read and easy to follow story line. Look forward to reading more from this author

http://terror-tree.co.uk/2017/01/the-christmas-promise/

The Christmas Promise 
Author: Sue Moorcroft
Publisher: Avon (Harper Collins Publishers Ltd)
Page count: 368pp
Release Date: 1st Dec 2016
Reviewer: Theresa Derwin

With 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