Lizzies christmas escape, p.33
Lizzie's Christmas Escape,
p.33
‘I love you too, Henry Stevens.’
Freya burst through the kitchen door, wearing a paper hat. ‘Come on, you pair. After we’ve eaten our Christmas pudding it’s time for charades.’
‘Shhh!’ Henry and I whispered at the same time. ‘You’ll wake Jack.’
‘Go on,’ I said to Henry, ‘I’ll be there in a moment.’ He kissed the tip of my nose and followed Freya into the living room.
I walked over to the pantry and opened the door.
‘Merry Christmas, Gary.’
He smiled back at me.
‘I kind of get the feeling Ann will be needing you a lot this year. Please don’t let her down,’ I said, before wandering over to the kitchen window.
Gazing up at the snowy sky, thoughts of my parents flooded my mind. ‘Merry Christmas, Mum and Dad. Oh and Dad, I know you always took great pleasure in being right, but thank you – this time you were. The grass is never greener – maybe shorter, maybe taller but never greener. I love you both,’ I whispered under my breath.
Letter from Christie
Dear all,
Firstly, if you are reading this letter, thank you so much for choosing to read Lizzie’s Christmas Escape. I have, without a doubt, enjoyed writing every second of this book.
I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed Lizzie’s Christmas Escape. If you did, I would be forever grateful if you’d write a review. Your recommendations can always help other readers to discover my books.
I can’t believe it was only twelve months ago that I signed my publication deal with Bookouture. Never in a million years did I think I’d be releasing my fourth book by now.
The characters of Lizzie Stevens and Ann Sandeman have been a huge part of my life for the last four months. The tale of their genuine friendship is one I can absolutely relate to, and I hope you can too. Lizzie’s Christmas Escape would never have been written if it wasn’t for Gary Barlow. He was the one who provided that little spark of inspiration for the story.
I’d just like to make it clear: I don’t have Gary locked away in my pantry, but when I’m up at the crack of dawn, feeding my many animals and collecting the fresh eggs from my chicken coop, I have been known to have an early-morning chat with my Gary Barlow calendar. That is where the similarity between Lizzie and me ends, except for enjoying the odd glass of Prosecco every now and then.
I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been involved in this project – my family, friends, book bloggers and readers. I truly value each and every one of you, and I hope you’ve enjoyed the various journeys my writing has taken you on. Being a writer can be a lonely job, but your texts, tweets and emails along the way make me smile on a daily basis. Hearing that you love my books makes my job an absolute joy and all those hours tapping away on my keyboard worthwhile.
To keep right up to date with the latest news on my releases, just sign up to the link below:
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www.bookouture.com/christie-barlow
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I would love it if you could all keep in touch.
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Warm wishes,
Christie x
@ChristieJBarlow
ChristieJBarlow
Kitty’s Countryside Dream
Out now!
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‘An utterly gorgeous story, with an utterly gorgeous plot that kept me turning the pages ... left me feeling full of happiness and hope.’ Becca’s Books
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New home. New life. New beginning. Love affairs can blossom in the most unlikely places . . .
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When Kitty inherits Bluebell Lodge from her grandmother, a farm in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, it’s time for fresh air and a fresh start. Up to her elbows in chickens and ponies, Kitty soon realises there’s an awful lot to learn about farming. Still, at least the locals seem friendly, not least her handsome neighbour Tom…
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But just as Kitty is beginning to find her feet, and the possibility of love, the discovery of a long-hidden diary, by a mysterious character called Violet changes everything. Who is Violet and what is her message for Kitty? As Kitty fills in the lost pieces of her family jigsaw and discovers some shocking revelations, will her countryside dream and blossoming relationship fall to pieces? When it comes to life in the country, nothing is ever quite as it seems …
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A heartwarming, moving and funny tale, perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Cathy Bramley.
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Praise for Kitty’s Countryside Dream:
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‘This is an excellent book which swept me along so well that I read it in less than a day. I loved the characters and the story and will definitely be reading more by this author. This is definitely a book to read curled up with a mug of tea or hot chocolate.’ Bookloverwormblog
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‘A heartwarming and cosy countryside read with characters you will love.’ Rachael Lucas
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‘I found this book really enjoyable, the author has an engaging writing style that managed to draw me into the storyline and the lives of our character. The storyline flowed at a great pace and I raced through the book in no time soaking up the wonderful detailed descriptions. I can see that fans of Cathy Bramley and Cathy Woodman would love this book.’ Rea's Book Reviews
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‘Kitty’s Countryside Dream will have you laughing and smiling one minute and then you'll feel it pulling at your heart strings. This really turned out to be a beautiful book …turning the pages and unravelling the story was very thought provoking. I highly recommend this book …you won't be disappointed, except that is when the book ends! I can't wait for the next offering by the truly gorgeous Christie Barlow.’ Crooks on Books
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‘ I didn’t want to put the book down.’ Best Crime Books and More
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‘Kitty’s Countryside Dream is a soul-boosting necessity. I have a suspicion it's been sprinkled with a little bit of magic, as on the darkest days it'll warm your cockles and make everything seem right with the world.So, get those wellies on and head for a new roost in the country in this delicious feel-good tale with a gorgeous soft centre.’ Little Bookness Lane
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‘A fantastic story, one that will keep you reading long into the night, just to find out what happens. I loved every moment of it and some of the scenes, with chickens, will have you chuckling.’ Rachel's Random Reads
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‘I was unable to put this book down. I read it within a day because I was so drawn in to the characters themselves it was like I knew them. I would completely recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Definitely a huge 5 stars!’ Katie's Reading Korner Review
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‘This had me gripped from the first chapter. It will have you laughing, crying and will just give you a warm feeling inside.’ Laura H Book Blog
Also by Christie Barlow
Kitty’s Countryside Dream
A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother
The Misadventures of a Playground Mother
The Thank Yous
As I’ve come to the end of writing my fourth book I have to pinch myself, but I’ve not done this alone. There are five people without whom this book wouldn’t have been written – my family: Chris, Emily, Jack, Roo and Mop. Family bants are the best, and no matter what sort of day we’ve all had, I love sitting around our dining table every evening while we share our highs and lows with each other. The time we share together is precious and truly treasured. But I’m just wondering – has anyone seen the dog?
Woody, you are my faithful shadow and the maddest cocker spaniel I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. You are so my best friend.
A huge thank you to my mum and dad for putting up with me! I love you both.
My heartfelt thanks goes to my agent, Madeleine Milburn, for her faith in me, and I’m beyond blessed to be working with such a fantastic team at Bookouture. Many thanks to Olly Rhodes and Claire Bord for turning my words into books; I’m still pinching myself that I get to write stories for a living. Special thanks to my editor, Lydia Vassar-Smith, for your energy, vision, patience and helping me to craft this story into something I’m really proud of. My writing wouldn’t be the same without you.
A double gin and tonic for Kim Nash, my publicity manager who is an organisational genius, a supportive shoulder with a wicked sense of humour and just amazeballs. I love you Nash!
Angela Marsons, I blooming love you and every time I think of your words – ‘Barlow, I love you, and I so want to follow you around for a day to see how you manage to stay alive’ – always brings a smile to my face.
A special mention of gratitude to Tom Bale, Mandy Baggot, Robert Bryndza, Renita D’Silva, Louise Jensen, Iain King, Holly Martin, Nigel May, Caroline Mitchell, Mel Sherratt, Carol Wyer and all the other Bookouture authors in our growing team for your daily giggles. Being a writer can be a lonely job, but this is one gang I truly love being a part of. Your support for my books has been phenomenal. Thank you all.
Many thanks to my wonderful friends, Anita Redfern, Lucy Davey, Caroline Shotton, Nicola Rickus, Marie Fellows, Alison Smithies, Sarah Lees, Bev Smith, Sally Sawbridge, Bhasker Patel, Shannon Parker, Peter Parker and Dawn Denman. You all keep me on the straight and narrow. Your enthusiasm for my writing and constant sharing of posts has never gone unnoticed.
A huge slushy moment alert to three families who play a huge part in my life. The Snooks: Catherine, Andrew, Emily and Alexandra. The Speights: John, Louise, Gemma, Jamie and Ben. The Toners: Suzanne, Andrew, Lucy and Matthew. The holidays, the New Years’, the concerts and weekends we share together have provided us all with hours of fun, laughter and fantastic research material for future books! I wouldn’t change a thing. True friendship is hard to find and thank you all.
The next thank you is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to write. This year I was approached by a group of mums whose best friend, Ann Sandeman, was in her ninth year of battling cancer. Not only did they join together to win the CLIC Sargent’s Get in Character 2016 auction to name a character in this book after Ann, they asked me how I felt about walking twenty-six miles alongside them in the London Moonwalk Marathon to raise money for cancer awareness. The dress code was a bra! The answer, of course, was yes.
This was by far the most physical and mental challenge that I have ever undertaken. While we trained in the dead of the night, walking up to twenty miles at a time, taking part in the Moonwalk alongside 15,000 other men and women, starting at midnight, was a completely different ball game. Annie’s Amigos raised over £9,000 and I would like to raise a glass of Prosecco to each and every one of the team. Ann ‘it’s-all-about-me’ Sandeman, Sharon ‘it’s-going-to-snow’ Pillinger, Sarah ‘Lady’ Luff, Sarah ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Quincey, Sarah ‘Prosecco’ Lawler, Emma ‘raving-and-misbehaving’ Cox, Donna ‘smiling-in-agony’ Birkinshaw, Karen ‘buggy-ride’ Bowes, Amanda ‘she-believed-she-could-so-she-did’ Charlesworth, Rachel ‘Giggler’ Lowe, Pippa ‘tutu-girl’ Hill-Howkins and Kerry ‘little-Kerry’ Druce. All I can say is: it was an experience! Thank you for the opportunity! Love from ‘Author Bird’.
Thank you to the wonderful book bloggers, readers and followers who not only read my books and write lovely reviews but promote my books too. A special mention to Dawn Crooks, JB Johnston, Shell Baker, Sarah Hardy, Rachel Gilbey, Joanne Robertson, Susan Miller, Annette Hannah, Lorraine Rugman and Petra Quelch – your input has been invaluable and I hope you continue to enjoy my writing.
Last but not least, a mention to a quaint little primary school in the heart of Staffordshire. All Saints Rangemore Primary School not only has dedicated teaching staff, parents and wonderful children but they have also supported my writing. My children simply adore Phil Preston, Julie Wells and Ben Meir. Thank you for being such fantastic teachers.
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Warm wishes,
Christie x
Published by Bookouture - an imprint of StoryFire Ltd.
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23 Sussex Road, Ickenham, UB10 8PN, United Kingdom
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www.bookouture.com
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Copyright © Christie Barlow 2016
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Christie Barlow has asserted her right to be identified as the author of this work.
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers.
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organisations, places and events other than those clearly in the public domain, are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
ISBN: 978-1-78681-088-5
Christie Barlow, Lizzie's Christmas Escape
