Life with Nat - EP188: Book Club #5 - All Together for Christmas by Sarah Morgan & A Heart for Christmas: Advent Romance by Sophie Jomain

Starting point is 00:00:00 From the creative team behind the Brutalist and starring Academy Award nominee Amanda Seifred in a career best performance, Searchlight Pictures presents The Testament of Anne Lee. With rave reviews from the Venice Film Festival, this bold and magnetic musical epic tells the story inspired by a true legend. Anne Lee, founder of the radical religious movement, The Shakers, The Testament of Anne Lee. Exclusive Toronto engagement January 16th in theaters everywhere January 23rd. Hello everybody, happy Sunday morning. I hope everybody is enjoying a really needed weekend, I would say, that sort of first weekend after getting back into the swing of real life. I did an exam on Friday and not sure how it went, really nerve-wracking, revised all of last week. I feel really, really tired.

Starting point is 00:01:08 But, you know, we carry on and I feel proud that I've achieved something. Do you know what? even if I don't pass that exam, I've worked hard and I don't know how students do it. I really, really mean that. It's given me a whole, I put it on Instagram actually a little post last week, but it really has given me a lot more empathy for students who have to sit down and do, you know, eight, nine, ten, eleven subjects and have all of that in their head. I'm certainly going to give Eliza a little break and make sure she rests and not keep on at her to revise. I could have revised a little bit more for sure, especially before Christmas

Starting point is 00:01:49 and November, October. But I was busy, but you do need to find a bit more time. So I sort of have crammed all my revision in and she has been sort of giving me a little smirk. Oh, cramming it all in, mum, are you? I'll just look at her. I'm like, I know. I'm a bit like you. So there we go. However, I do work well under pressure. I've heard that creative people, like to procrastinate and then sort of go for it. I don't know whether that's a load of bollocks or not, but maybe I am a bit like that. When I've got a deadline, I achieve.

Starting point is 00:02:23 And if that deadline is quite a long way away, I seem to sort of get on with other things, not really think about it, even though it's in the back of my mind. But anyway, we are all different, so what can we do? So this pod is just a little book club pod. I am sorry, it's a little bit late. Things have just been busy, as you know.

Starting point is 00:02:43 But let's get into the books. I've had lots of lovely reviews, so I thought we would start with a few of those. I actually had a message here. It was the 11th of November and it said, Morning Nat, hope you really well. Thanks so much for the book club recommendation this month. I decided to order it on Amazon and it arrived on the 1st of November. I enjoyed it so much I've already finished, which is so unlike me. Normally it takes me a while to get through a book. fitting reading time into everyday life with work, family, house, etc. Can be a challenge, but I couldn't put this one down. Turns out I was given a book by the same author last Christmas. So my amazing husband has already been up into the loft to retrieve it

Starting point is 00:03:23 so that I can keep up with the Christmas reading theme until the big day next month. This book club that you have created is fantastic and I can't wait for more. Thanks as always, H. So thank you for that. Oh, you were keen, getting it all done. So we're talking about Sarah Morgan's book. all together for Christmas. And I do believe that this author does Christmas books each year, which I'm really looking forward to. For me, I did find it a really easy, warm read.

Starting point is 00:03:52 And I'm not really one for the fluffy novel, if you like, but I think because of the time a year it was, and we're all warm and we're all excited, it was just very easy. Although, you know, it was about family, it was about different relationships. relationships, different generations. It tackled a loss of a job going into retirement, you know, in this sort of later adult stage, which was really lovely to see. And then, you know, those people worrying about their children, thinking about becoming grandparents, still being the sort of heart of the family, but their children obviously growing up probably in their 20s, that sort of age group. So quite a lot resonating. when you were looking at the mum, for instance, who was worried about everybody but knew she couldn't get really involved and her having conversations with her husband

Starting point is 00:04:48 who was quite withdrawn. I really enjoyed it. And then obviously it was the romantic side as well, different relationships between different people. You had a set of twins. But I won't go into the book. You know, you can read the book next year. But I did thoroughly, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Starting point is 00:05:06 I thought it was fast-paced, gentle, really gave a picture of Christmas, that sort of perfect Christmas sort of card that we all look for. And I felt like I was delving into the house and how it looked. So yeah, I really, really enjoyed it. I didn't really like the ending, a little bit cheesy. But then it's a cheesy book. It's fine. Here's what a few other people had to say. Book Club, I've finished the audiobook for All Together for Christmas.

Starting point is 00:05:36 What a lovely heartwarming story. many don't get family and Christmas is like that so it was a giggle to read makes me want to get lots of lights this year and pop them everywhere to be festive I'm not doing you know what under the tree though those pine needles are sharp much love Tina

Starting point is 00:05:51 Tina you made it sound like 50 shades of grey let's be honest it's a little bit gentle a little bit saucy in places but didn't go too far so thought it was quite good I even think that Eliza would like that book to have a read of next Christmas Eliza went to say

Starting point is 00:06:07 the housemaid in the cinema and she absolutely loved it. What I really loved is you know that first film, do you remember your first film that was a real impact, you know, in those kind of formative teenage years? Mine, mine was sleepers with Brad Pitt and it's always stuck with me and it's always really made me think about things and I've never really been into films as you all know. But that for me, Sleepers, was my kind of first gasp. This is amazing. What am I looking at? It was deep. It, you know, it made me think about things I'd never thought of before, really open my mind. And obviously, you know, the subject is child abuse, so it was pretty deep. But I think it's important now for Eliza's age group, sort of that 15, you know, 15 plus films

Starting point is 00:07:02 are, you know, they are what they are. So there's a part of. of me going, oh no, you can't read that, you can't watch that. Actually, you're 15 and, you know, that's the rating. But yeah, I wish she'd read the book first. I've not read the housemaid. Obviously, we did The Tenant by Freedom McFadden, but she came straight home. Where can I get the book? I want to read the book. Downloaded it on her iPad or whatever it was. You know, got an app, and she's reading it now, which I love because she's falling out of love with reading quite a few years ago. So if that film can get her back into reading, and if she likes that psychological thriller genre,

Starting point is 00:07:42 I can start buying her books. So yeah, really, really good, and I'm pleased she went to see the film. So, yeah, that's a positive start to her year. At Medcan, we know that life's greatest moments are built on a foundation of good health, from the big milestones to the quiet wins. That's why our annual health assessment

Starting point is 00:08:03 offers a physician-led, full-body checkup that provides a clear picture of your health today. and may uncover early signs of conditions like heart disease and cancer. The healthier you means more moments to cherish. Take control of your well-being and book an assessment today. Medcan. Live well for life. Visit medcan.com slash moments to get started. Isn't it to you podcast, the solo one,

Starting point is 00:08:30 and I would try to say I am absolutely loving the Christmas book that we're reading at the moment. And it's maybe, I know you're not organized at the minute, but it made me so organised for Christmas. I'm normally organised anyway because I have to be financially because I can't pay for it all out on bits. I always get presents throughout the year. But yeah, I'm loving it. Oh, thank you so much.

Starting point is 00:08:53 I'm so pleased that you loved it. Here's another one. Hina just wanted to say, thank you so much for that Christmas book recommendation. I've actually forgotten what it's called. Sound like me. Anyway, I haven't read in about, well, October. last year. I lost my Kindle and haven't read since. I read that book in about three days.

Starting point is 00:09:16 Absolutely amazing. Love Christmas. Love romance. Gave me all the feels for all of it. Anyway, big love to you all, Emma. Bye. Thanks Emma. And I'm so pleased that this book club is getting people back into reading. I am so proud of myself because I actually read both Christmas books that I put out. I know a lot of people didn't get a chance and it doesn't matter, but I wanted to give myself that task and have a little target, and I made it. The Advent romance, a heart for Christmas, I have to say, I did find it quite tedious ripping the pages open for each chapter. It all feels like a good idea at the time, but when you're reading and you think, oh God, I've got to rip this open now. It was a bit of a pain. I'm not sure I'd do it again. But I enjoyed a heart for Christmas.

Starting point is 00:10:13 It's much more, I would say, for Eliza's age. It's about an 18 year old girl who's had a heart operation. And her mother and father have split up and she goes to stay with her father at Christmas time. There's a romance involved. She's got a best friend. There's a lot of pages with kind of texts. You know, you get the bubbles and all that. I'm not into all that. But again, it was an easy read. And I got through it. And what it's doing is making me sit down and read for 15, 20 minutes a day, which is what I want to do and what I want to achieve. So I hope it's doing it for you too. Hi, Matt. So just warning that I'm going to talk about the book for this month. Oh, it's fine, love. It's the middle of January. I have really enjoyed listening to it.

Starting point is 00:10:58 I've been using the Spotify. And yeah, I thought the book was interested. It was obviously just taken a little turn that I could see coming that obviously Becky and Will were going to get together properly, that it wasn't just a pretending thing, but I didn't see the engagement coming. But then I just massively got the ick when she was like, oh, but just be aware, Granny will probably ask about if we're pregnant. And then he went, maybe you are after last night. And I was like, so sorry, that gave me the ick a little bit, that part. It's been a nice thing and it's nice to have together, seeing the different dynamics.

Starting point is 00:11:39 I've kind of really wanted the exploration of their brother's wife a bit more. Obviously, I know that's just like her little backstory about like we've already seen that she was in care, but I just kind of wanted like a little bit more. So I think I've got less than 40 minutes to go. So maybe something else will come up about her rather than just wanting the perfect Christmas and stuff. But yeah, it's been a nice Christmassy thing to get us all in the mood. I've enjoyed it. What a fantastic review.

Starting point is 00:12:08 Cracking that. All together for Christmas. I did enjoy it. It's a really good, feel good, family Christmas. You know, the real Christmas card, picturesque imagery. It's exactly what I said, Claire. Funny that. Your perfect hallmark film for a Christmas film.

Starting point is 00:12:26 So I'm with Elia on that one. Definitely love a cheesy film at Christmas. And this has got all the markings of a hallmark film. I did find it a little bit busy in places. There was a lot going on, a lot of storylines, a lot of characters to get to grips with, and it took me a bit of time to kind of get into it and get a feel for it.

Starting point is 00:12:46 And also, like, she was trying to cram so much in. You had to get to know the characters really quickly, and I don't know how realistic it was as to how they all knew each other so well that, you know, it would just from a look that they could pick up something. I mean, I think there was a one point in the newcomer, Haley, picked something up between Rosie and the mum. And I think, would you really do that?

Starting point is 00:13:09 I don't know how realistic that was, but that is all part of a hallmark film, isn't it? It's just the feel good stuff. But yeah, overall, I thought it was a very good read, nice for Christmas. I will likely read another one of her Christmas books, perhaps next year. It might become a little tradition. I've not read any of her books before. But yeah, yeah, overall, a good choice. looking forward to the next one. I'm now waiting for 1st of December now so I can open chapter 1. But thank you for that book. It was a good one for Christmas. I think we all feel a bit the same. It's not the best book in the world. But it's a nice one for Christmas. It was. It was a nice one for Christmas.

Starting point is 00:13:52 We are very polite, all of us, aren't we? Kim said, Hi, Nat, just finished all together at Christmas. and I absolutely loved it. Such a simple, lovely read I could almost smell and taste Christmas as I turn each page. So cozy and comforting, it felt like being wrapped up in a festive hug.

Starting point is 00:14:10 Really enjoyed it, I'll definitely be reading your next December choice, The Advent Book, can't wait to get stuck in. Haven't had any reviews for the Advent book. But look, it's gone, it doesn't matter, and we're all busy. So it's absolutely fine.

Starting point is 00:14:24 But as I say with the Advent book, I felt it was quite, targeted at teenagers. It, again, was a very easy read and I enjoyed it because of the time of year. So that's really all I've got to say regarding Sophie Jermain's A Heart for Christmas. I really enjoyed all together for Christmas,

Starting point is 00:14:44 gives very warm and cosy vibes and got me thinking about and looking forward to the festive season. Loved getting to know all the characters and like that they had their own chapters. Everything turned out as I hoped and there was even a bit of rauchiness thrown in for good measure. My usual book of choice is a crime thriller,

Starting point is 00:15:00 but I've now decided I'm only reading Feel Good Christmas books between now and the end of December. Much love, Liz. I think that was the thing that I enjoyed, and I like that you picked up on that, that everything turned out as you'd want it to. It's that picture postcard life, isn't it? Which none of us have really got,

Starting point is 00:15:22 and it just makes you feel in a little kind of safe bubble for the time you're reading it. And Charlotte agreed with Claire, don't you think altogether for Christmas needs to be a cheesy hallmark film? 110%. Laura absolutely loved it. I've just finished all together for Christmas

Starting point is 00:15:40 and I loved it. I've cried multiple times over the last few chapters. Such a warm, feel-good read. I'm now late getting out of bed as I was only going to read for 30 minutes but couldn't put the book down. An hour and a half later, book is finished and I need to sort my tear-stained face out.

Starting point is 00:15:56 Happy Christmas. Oh, that's lovely that you enjoyed it that much. And how nice to just forget about what needs to be done and just sit and read. That is really good. And actually, things can wait. A lot of times I want to do that. Something in my head says,

Starting point is 00:16:15 you can't sit down, you're lazy, you're lazy if you sit down. And that reading, that concentration, that stillness is so important to us as human beings that I am going. going to change that this year. I do need to not feel guilty for sitting down. It's very important. Paula said, Hi all, I'm sending my message in early to book club as I feel I've missed a review of All Together for Christmas. Well, you haven't, Paula. It's just late. I did enjoy the book, but I've chosen not to read Decembers as I'm currently on holiday, brought some holiday reads with me, which I'm flying through. Again, I can't thank you enough for launching the book club.

Starting point is 00:16:55 It has really helped me rekindle my love of reading and I'm really enjoying the variety of books. For January, I would like to suggest any Sophie can sell a book. I was greatly sadden to hear of her passing and her shopaholic books are a must. I will be revisiting them. Keep up the good work. Your podcast, cheer me up no end

Starting point is 00:17:14 and I feel I'm getting some Christmas spirit here with me in the Caribbean on my pre-Christmas break. Lots of love from the Dominican Republic. Well, I hope you had a fantastic holiday. Paula, and I think you're absolutely right. We need to get a lovely Sophie can sell a book on. It was sad to hear of her passing, so I will get on to that. But what I have chosen for January, guys, and I know we're a bit behind, but anyone who wants to join me, I had a lovely message. Can I find it? You know who you are. I had a lovely message a couple of weeks ago, and it was a recommendation

Starting point is 00:17:52 for the book Wintering by Catherine May. The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. It's meant to be a truly beautiful book. It was a Sunday Times bestseller. And it's a gentle exploration of the dark season of life and the light of spring that eventually follows. And I just saw, actually, we all need a bit of a comforting meditation. And at this time of year, wintering seems perfect.

Starting point is 00:18:22 So if anyone wants to join me, please do. Please send in your reviews for it. I'm going to start it now. I haven't started either. But I'm sure we can get it done in a few weeks' time. And thank you for joining me on the book club. I'll be back on Monday with my usual shenanigans with whoever likes to join me. And in the meantime, enjoy your Sunday, bed down, light a candle and loads of love.

Starting point is 00:18:48 See ya.

Life with Nat - EP188: Book Club #5 - All Together for Christmas by Sarah Morgan & A Heart for Christmas: Advent Romance by Sophie Jomain

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.