Reviewed by Kerry McKay
This lovely, feel-good, festive novel begins in a not so feel-good manner with Tabby being imprisoned for fraud. She has been framed by her no-good boss and stabbed in the back by someone she thought was her friend. To add insult to injury, Tabby’s boyfriend – also her landlord – has dumped her and given her beloved cat Pye to an animal shelter. Things look pretty dire. Until a new friend comes calling, that is …
With her light-up trainers and crackling energy, Mercy Marwood is a Quaker who is determined to give Tabby a fresh start when she’s released from prison. Together they return to Mercy’s home, Mote Farm, where they try to breathe new life into the family business – Marwood’s Magical Christmas Crackers. Alas, Mercy’s overly cautious nephew Randall still believes Tabby is a fraudster and has other ideas.
Trisha Ashley’s books always have a warm and cosy feel to them and A Christmas Cracker is no exception. The setting – a Christmas cracker factory no less – is unique, festive and kind of genius. I’d never really thought about what might go into making crackers, but found the whole process intriguing. The wonderful and deliciously quirky cast of characters, too, make this book all the more charming. Who knew Quakers could be so much fun? Throw in a genuinely likeable heroine, a grumpy but loveable cat, and a sprinkling of romance, and you’ve got yourself the perfect Yuletide read.
10/10