My Christmas – by Emily Gunnis, author of The Girl in The Letter

As I write this, I’m at a farm in Sussex with my girls, unable to feel my fingers, while they play and I frantically try and finish my second novel!  Looking back, it’s been an crazy, incredible year and one for which I am very very grateful.  Never in my wildest dreams did I believe The Girl in the Letter would be so warmly received by so many.  

I am so grateful for all the support I’ve had.  From the team at Headline,the wonderful bloggers who have posted about my book, the generous novelists who have given me quotes and for the wonderful reviews on Amazon.  From family and friends. Thank you all!

Looking forward I cannot wait to see what 2019 brings but Christmas and New Year is, obviously, a time for looking back.

A year ago, I was rushing around, trying to make Christmas perfect – totally oblivious to the fact that it was my mum’s last.  I would do anything to go back, stop rushing and just sit and be with her.  To talk and share memories and say all the things I never did.  Forget the presents and the food and the decorations and the efforts to keep up with it all.

For me this year Christmas is about people.  The house is still full of unpacked boxes from our move, I haven’t bought enough presents, or put up enough decorations, lunch will be from Marks and Spencers followed by a freezing muddy walk and wonky mince pies made by Ellie and Grace.  But I will be with my gorgeous family who hopefully won’t mind!  

And we will be toasting to this incredible year of change and raising a glass to Granny.  

As the wonderful J.K. Rowling put it:

‘Remember Christmas Day is, in the end, just a day.  It isn’t a test or a scorecard of you or your life,so be kind to yourself.’  

Merry Christmas everyone and hold your loved ones tight!  

Lots of love, Emily (author of The Girl inThe Letter) xx