The books I’ll be giving (and the ones I’m hoping to get) this year…

We asked a couple more of our authors what books they’ll be dishing out this year, and what ones they’ve popped on their own Christmas lists. Kathryn Hughes plans to put KFC out of business in the New Year by encouraging her son to get Lean in 15 with Joe Wicks, and Rosanna Ley would like some diamonds under the tree please. Sounds reasonable to us…

Rosanna Ley, author of Last Dance in Havana and The Saffron Trail 

The books I’ll be giving are…

• I Found You by Lisa Jewell. One of my top reads of 2016 (see my website blog) and one of my favourite authors. I’ll be giving this to a close friend who needs to sit down with a nice cup of Rooibos tea, put her feet up and have a good read.
• The Definitive Guide to Yoga Practice by Iyengar, B. K. S. My daughter’s yoga teacher swears by this volume and in an increasingly stressful world it seems to me that this is a good way in which to care for our minds and bodies.
• The Tiger Who came to Tea by Judith Kerr. This along with Lion in the Meadow and Where’s Spot are among my favourite books for young children. One of the great things about having a grandson is being able to buy little Tristan books like these. Let’s hope he inherits my love of reading…
• Interference Effects by Claire Dyer. I don’t know who I’m giving this fabulous poetry collection to – possibly myself.

Under the tree this year I am hoping for…

• The Mexican type multi-coloured poncho I tried on in Exeter recently which my daughter says makes me look like a drunken cowboy.
• Another cashmere scarf from Malabar in Bridport which is similar to the one I already own, but actually completely different…
• Claire Dyer’s Interference Effects.
• More notebooks.
• More gel pens.
• A builder (last year it was a plumber – spot the theme)
• Diamonds (a girl can only hope!)

Kathryn Hughes, author of The Secret and The Letter 

The books I’ll be giving are…

Arthur by Mikael Lindnord

Who doesn’t love a good dog story?  Someone who has just lost their beloved pet perhaps?

This time last year, just two days before Christmas we had to say goodbye to our gorgeous dog, Teddy.  Plenty of tears were shed that day and on many days since then, but I think my husband, Rob would now be able to appreciate this wonderful uplifting true story of a stray dog in Ecuador who latches onto a team of athletes and refuses to let go.

Hello, is this Planet Earth? By Tim Peake 

Dads are notoriously hard to buy for.  Thank goodness then for this offering from Tim Peake.  My Dad has always been interested in all things astronomical. His default setting when he leaves the house is to look up and point out where the International Space Station is, whether you’re interested or not! 

Joe Wicks – Lean in 15 

My son, Cameron, left home to start his first job a couple of months ago.  He works long hours so I’ll be buying him this book so that he can whip up a delicious, nutritious meal when he gets home.  Expect shares in KFC to plummet as a result.

If you liked this post then why not catch up on…

Jo Thomas and Debra Daley share their favourite Christmas memories 

Tracy Rees, Louise Lee and Louise O’Neill reveal what books they’ll be giving this year

Emma Hannigan’s gingerbread cake recipe