I did not really plan my festive reads this year. I just went for mood reading and books that may have had a little bit of a festive feel. As I was searching for something to read the other day, I stumbled across ‘New Beginnings at Christmas’ by Sally Page on my Kindle and thought it was definitely the right time to read it.
I have never read a Sally Page book before; I am not sure why, I guess there are just so many books in the world. However, I am instantly questioning why I have not picked up a book by Sally Page before. I was hooked from the moment I started reading. This book was a huge hug in book, and it was just the tale I needed to take me to the festive break.
Malcolm is determined to give his friend Rev. Ruth a perfect relaxed Christmas, as, after all, it is her busiest time of year. As he plans his festivities, the celebration seems to get bigger and bigger – is it too much for Malcolm, or is it exactly what he needs? And, will he have the nerve to invite his friend and colleague Padam to celebrate with them?
Honestly, Malcolm is one of my favourite characters to have met this year. Even as I finished the read, I am still thinking about Malcolm and all his friends at Christmas time. This is just one of those books that fully sucks you in and makes you feel like you are part of the community you are reading about. It is also rather lovely that a bookshop plays such a big part in the story, because we all know a bookworm’s happy place is in a rather lovely bookshop.
If this little festive novella is anything to go by, Sally Page is an author that needs to be on my 2026 tbr pile (like I need excuses to add to it – haha) because I think this is one of the most wonderful books I have read. A hug in a book that reminded me of the reasons why I love the books of some of her fellow authors, such as her daughter Libby Page (who we already know I am a big fan of) and Mike Gayle. And I loved this book so much that, before I had even finished it, I had recommended it to a whole host of people because I knew it would be loved by them just as much as it has been loved by me – and that is surely the sign of a very good read.