Natalie Hope takes over the reins of the Sugar and Spice bakery and café with the intention of injecting some Christmas spirit. Something her regulars badly need. Newly dumped Rebecca is stuck in a job with no prospects, has lost her home and is struggling to see a way forward. Pensioner Stanley is dreading his first Christmas alone without his beloved wife, who passed away earlier this year. How will he ever feel whole again? Graduate Jacob is still out of work despite making hundreds of applications. Will he be forced to go against his instincts and ask his unsympathetic parents for help? Spiky workaholic Meredith hates the jollity of family gatherings and would rather stay home with a box set and a posh ready meal. Will she finally realise what’s important in life? Natalie sprinkles a little magic to try to spread some festive cheer and restore Christmas spirit, but will she succeed?

Christmas is just around the corner when the enigmatic Star begins working at Butterburn library, but not everyone is embracing the spirit of the season. Arianna is anxious about her mock exams. With her father living abroad and her mother working three jobs to keep them afloat, she doesn’t have much support at home. The bank is threatening to repossess Evan’s house, and he has no idea how he will get through Christmas with two children who are used to getting everything they want. After 23 years of marriage, Patricia’s husband announces he’s moving out of the family home, and moving in with his secretary. Patricia puts a brave face on things, but inside she’s devastated and lost. Stressed-out Daniel is doing the work of three people in his sales job, plus looking after his kids and his sick wife. Pulled in too many different directions, he hasn’t even had a chance to think about Christmas. Can Star, the library’s Good Samaritan, help set them on the path to happiness this Christmas?

AN ALL-NEW CHRISTMAS SPIRIT BOOK FOR 2025 CAN LARA ADD A DASH OF MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS? The Sugar and Spice bakery sparkles with holiday spirit as Jacob serves up more mouthwatering festive treats, and Christmas spirit Lara tries to sprinkle her magic over those finding the time of year difficult. Ollie is at his wits’ end. A debt from years ago comes back to haunt him just as he and his girlfriend are buying their dream home. Rose is dejected as her high-school sweetheart has dumped her now they’re at university. She’s not looking forward to Christmas alone, nor her eighteenth birthday on Christmas Eve. Sacha has recently moved to Winstanton following the failure of his business. He’s too embarrassed to confide in his family, but can he find the friendship he so desperately needs and begin to trust again? Diana tries to find her new normal after the unexpected death of her husband earlier this year. All her plans for retirement have been thrown out the window and she feels lost. She needs a renewed sense of purpose and to find her place in the world. Can Lara provide the answer to a joy-filled Christmas? A story of hope, love, friendship, community, and of course, Christmas spirit. For fans of Sarah Morgan, Philippa Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Cathy Bramley. Praise for the Christmas Spirit ‘Christmas all wrapped up!' _'Right from page one you are drawn into all the joys of Christmas!' 'A lovely story about love, friendship and hope all wrapped up in a lovely Christmas jumper!'_ 'You can taste the hot chocolate, see all the Christmas lights and feel the warmth of a Christmas hug.'