Page 40 of Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan

‘Well, it’s A Christmas Carol for me,’ pronounced Glynis, after helping herself to a slice of stollen. ‘Dickens was such a clever writer. Still so relevant today, too. And who’d have thought … a ghost story for Christmas, and a warning with it. His characters like Scrooge are just brilliant, aren’t they?’

‘Yep. And you get so wrapped up in that Victorian dark winter world,’ commented Paul.

‘It wasn’t all doom and gloom though, remember the Cratchit family and the warmth of that home over the festive season. It’s a reminder to be caring, to think of others,’ continued Glynis.

‘Yeah,’ Lucy agreed. She’d enjoyed that Dickens story, though she had to confess it was the Muppet Christmas Carol version that stuck in her mind.

‘Cosy, heart-warming Christmas books are what I adore.’ It was Sarah’s turn next. ‘I have a few faves such as Milly Johnson – loved her book The Mother of all Christmases. It was happy, a little sad in parts, and it gave me all the festive feels. And then Sarah Morgan, she always creates a gorgeous Christmas story. Heidi Swain, Trisha Ashley … I could go on and on with different authors …’ Sarah raved, evidently an avid fan of a Christmas tale.

‘Oh, plenty for my Christmas list there. I’ll have to jot those authors down. I like a bit of a festive escape at this time of year,’ said Abby. ‘Curling up with a book when it’s all cold and miserable outside, bliss.’

‘Yeah, I enjoyed Trisha Ashley’s The Twelve Dates of Christmas,’ it was Lucy’s turn to add to the bookish Christmas list, ‘and I’m halfway through Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky. That’s lovely so far, it’s by Holly Martin. Her books always lift me up.’

‘Well, sorry to put a spanner in the works, but I’d much rather something gripping,’ Helen spoke up. ‘I’m all for “A Very Murderous Christmas”. And that’s exactly how I’ll be feeling when the kids are squabbling, when me ex turns up with his new arm-candy, and I’m betting the bloody turkey dinner turns out all dry.’

‘Bah humbug, Helen!’ Paul exclaimed with a wry smile. ‘Hey, are you alright though, pet?’ he followed up caringly. ‘Christmas can be a tough time when things aren’t so good at home, can’t it.’

‘I’m okay, guys … well, I’m getting there.’ Helen was putting her brave face back on. It had been a difficult year, with her divorce recently come through, and a young family to try and stick back together.

‘Well, if you need somewhere to escape to over the Christmas season, you know where me and Martin are?’ added Paul. ‘The Baileys is always on ice, there’ll be prosecco in the fridge and we’ve plenty of festive fodder.’

‘Yeah, and I’m always here for you too, Helen,’ Louise offered kindly. ‘The door here at Driftwood and at home is always open.’

There were nods of support from around the table.

‘Where are you for Christmas, pet?’ Lou continued.

‘Over at my mam’s. We’ll be fine, thank you, and well looked after. Dean is having the kids Boxing Day. That’ll be me, all set up with a movie on and a family tin of Quality Street all to myself.’

‘My door’s always open too, Helen. And you’re welcome to bring the kids along,’ Lucy offered, remembering that lonely feeling all too well.

‘Aw, thanks everyone.’ Helen took a swift dab at her eyes with her hanky.

Plates loaded with brownies and mince pies then did the rounds.

‘Top-ups anyone?’ Abby had the jug of mulled wine to hand.

‘Gosh, these are delicious. Did you make them, Lou?’ Cathy asked.

‘Yeah, you’ve got to love a brownie.’

‘But what’s in them again? They taste amazing!’

‘A dash of Baileys, or you could use brandy or rum, whatever you fancy really …’

‘Boozy Brownies. Bloody brilliant.’ Paul was sat licking his lips. ‘That’s another one for my baking to-dos. Martin would be in heaven with these.’

‘Well, talking of food, my favourite book at this time of year has to be Nigel Slater’s The Christmas Chronicles,’ Lou smiled. ‘Full of festive anecdotes, stories about Christmas traditions and recipes too. My Christmas go-to, that one is. It’s just fabulous. And you can dip in and out. I like that when it’s such a busy time of year.’

The conversation then turned to Christmas in the village. Embleton had already started putting its lights up.

‘Oh, and don’t forget to come along to the Christmas Tree and Carols night, Lucy.’

‘Ooh, yes, when is that again? Sounds lovely.’

‘Next week … Friday, 3rd of December.’

‘Oh yes, it’s a gorgeous event,’ Cathy added. ‘All the village gets together for the lighting up of the Christmas tree. And then there’s mince pies and tea and coffee over in the village hall.’