Christmas is such an evocative time of year. Some people find it difficult and do their best to avoid it, while other people embrace it. And even among the people who aren’t the biggest fans of Christmas, there are people who like reading Christmas-set stories because it helps them get into the seasonal mood. Often, romances set at Christmas involve a character who’s not a huge fan of Christmas either, and the novel tells the story of how they came to enjoy the time of year in their own way.

Crime fiction embraces the season, as well as romance. Agatha Christie’s novel Hercule Poirot’s Christmas was released on 19^th December 1938 and the TV adaptation starring David Suchet as the titular detective is always shown again at this time of year. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes mystery The Blue Carbuncle is set at Christmas, too, yet wasn’t published until January – I doubt a publisher would do that now.

If I’m visiting family at Christmas and get the train, I always read a Christmas story on my travels. It’s my way of signalling to myself that this is Christmas time, and helps to maintain my Christmas spirit in the face of over-crowded carriages and delays.

The Captain’s Snowbound Christmas is our second Christmas story – the very first was The Captain’s Cornish Christmas. In fact, maybe it’s the third Christmas story, as our romantic thriller The Man in Room 423 is set in the run-up to Christmas.

The time of year helps to shape a story and spark ideas. You might use the winter weather to help oil the wheels of romance – with Christmas arriving during the northern hemisphere’s winter, snow can help bring the characters together. And as the big day approaches, there’s pressure on the characters – to get home, or to get the ideal present. And of course, there’s always mistletoe that might help your couple overcome their worries and finally kiss.

And the surprising thing about Christmas stories is that they’re not only read in December, but all year round. I was surprised to discover this – just as I was surprised when my mum went to Florida and found a Christmas shop which was open even in the middle of summer. Some readers just love the cosy setting and the traditions of Christmas, as well as the unusual ways some characters might celebrate it. And the will-they-won’t-they, how-will-they, which all romances feature, have an extra edge with Christmas and all it brings.

And perhaps reading a Christmas romance in the middle of summer is the most escapist read of all!

Release day: 22^nd December 2020

Blurb:

Will Reuben be unwrapping a captain this Christmas?

Reuben’s a makeup artist who’s much in demand in the business, from making the beautiful even more gorgeous to creating an alluring love-scene glow. All of his Christmas wishes come true at once when he’s hired to work on the set of his favourite TV show. And not only that but on the swoony Christopher Manners.

Bunny is lusted after by millions as the brooding hero of television’s Captain Firth adventures. His manly swash and handsome buckle have earned him a legion of fans, and when he strides onto the screen and commands, “Draw your sword, sir,” it’s time to get down to business.

When Reuben and Bunny’s first date turns into a disaster, it looks as though the show’s over before it’s begun, but a blizzard, a mysterious bearded man in a red coat and a hot winter night combine to give them a second chance.

Amazon buy link

About the authors:

Catherine Curzon and Eleanor Harkstead began writing together in the spring of 2017 and swiftly discovered a shared love of sauce, well-dressed gents and a uniquely British sort of romance. They drink gallons of tea, spend hours discussing the importance of good tailoring and are never at a loss for a double entendre.

They are the authors of numerous short stories and two novel series, the de Chastelaine Chronicles, and the Captivating Captains, published by Totally Bound and Pride. Their novel The Ghost Garden was shortlisted for the 2020 Romantic Novel Awards.

Find out more at www.curzonharkstead.co.uk

Follow Catherine at: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub

Follow Eleanor at: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub.

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