Hi
December seems to have absolutely flown by. I’m writing this a week earlier than normal so that it’s not forgotten in the Christmas chaos and I know it’s only just past the middle of the month, but as soon as the last posting dates for Christmas loom, it makes me feel like there’s a deadline that needs to be met. To be fair, I do have a couple of gifts I’m making that are not quite finished so there is very much a deadline, but I have high hopes that one will be finished later today and the other can be given as it is and finished afterwards. In reality, that’ll probably never happen once it’s in the hands of the recipient but it’s kind of the icing on the cake of this particular gift so I am trying to let that go. My plans of spending December watching Christmas films and knitting beside the fire have not transpired which shouldn’t surprise me but I am still hoping today might be the day for that – the last chance before everyone’s home for Christmas and broken up from work.
The photo above was taken on the walk back home from town. There was an aurora alert and I thought the wispy clouds might have been aurora but sadly not. It’s a lovely picture anyway with the lights and stars twinkling. Being out in the cold (when it’s dry) and dark is one of my favourite wintery things because of getting home and cosy afterwards. And my insides were warm from a mulled wine I sipped while we wandered around the late-night shopping.
I’ve been taking pics of the Christmas trees I’ve seen on my travels, from the left – at one of my favourite brunch spots in Great Malvern, Faun, then the garage while I was waiting for the car to be MOTd and this morning at the village cafe with my friend’s lovely dog. All very different!
Thank you!
Thank you for being part of my book world this year, whether it’s the Iceland or Croftwood books that have brought you here. I love having this connection to you and couldn’t keep writing my books without you.
My website shop
You might have seen on my socials that I now have a shop on my website. Signed versions of all of my books are available, as well as other bookish merchandise. Keep a look out after Christmas because I’ll be listing the remaining stock of Croftwood books that have the original covers and they’ll be at a bargain price.
Christmas in Iceland
Thanks to everyone who’s bought Christmas in Iceland. I’ve loved reading the reviews! I could’ve written a whole big book about Isak and Emý, so we’ll have to catch up with what they’re up to in the next Iceland book. Perhaps by then they will at least be living in the same country…
Christmas in Iceland on Amazon
Something new for 2026
I’m starting a new series in 2026, based in Norway. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean the end of the Iceland books, and in fact, there will be a novella out around February/March time which is going to be Anders’ story. You might remember him from Stranded in Iceland and Ignited in Iceland – he owns a hotel in Reykjavik and is friends with Siggi and Brun, although we’ve not seen much of him yet. Anders’ story takes him to Norway and I hope you’ll come along for the ride! Everything you love about the Iceland books, cosy, winter vibes, strong friendships and characters you can root for will still be there along with spectacular scenery and new places to discover…
Reading and watching
I’ve just finished reading Good Spirits by BK Borison. It’s a Christmas story that starts off as a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol but becomes the most wonderful love story. I was apprehensive because technically, genre-wise, it’s either magical realism or paranormal romance neither of which I would normally read but I loved First Time Caller by the same author, and it was on 99p deal so it was meant to be. Nolan, the main character is the dreamiest, most gorgeous man you could ever wish to meet and obviously he’s my new book boyfriend. I won’t say any more for fear of spoilers but I recommend it, even though it’s the only book I’ve managed to read since the last newsletter I wrote. How can that be possible? The blame lies squarely with my daughter who keeps me up late every night watching old episodes of Bridgerton in preparation for the new series coming out in January. It cuts into my reading time but it’s fabulous to watch them again!
The only Christmas movie I’ve managed to watch, apart from having Channel 5 Christmas movies on in the background while I’m doing things, is A Champagne Problem on Netflix. It starts off in Paris at Christmas and is everything you would hope it to be. The meet-cute is also very good and takes place in a beautiful bookshop. What more could you want? I think from here on in I’m going to be watching the oldies but the goodies like The Holiday and Love Actually. Any other recommendations?
Well, I hope you have a lovely rest of December and a very Happy Christmas if you celebrate. I look forward to dropping into your inbox again in 2026!
All my best wishes for a great 2026,
Victoria
x
