Tuesday Intros, a Christmas theme.

I'm joining Barbara, the hostess of Tuesday Intros, with a book set at Christmas time. Rosaleen's four children return to the west coast of Ireland for a final family Christmas in the home she is going to sell. The back cover blurb describes her as, 'a woman who doesn't quite know how to love her children.'

I've yet to start the book and I'm not too sure how cheerful it's going to be for this festive season. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas, with your stocking bulging with at least one good book!

Tuesday Intros.

I'm joining Barbara, who hosts the Tuesday book event, with a novel by Mark Haddon about family members who take a week's holiday in a rented house in Wales.

It took me a while to get into the rhythm of the story. The opening page isn't too promising, but on the strength of his first book, which I had enjoyed, I kept reading. Each chapter is another day in the week's holiday.

Each character in the book gets their fair share of attention - some are more deserving than others!

We are lucky to have two really good independent bookshops in my nearest city and I've been there today to buy Christmas presents. I can't tell you what I've bought because family members look at the blog. Both shops feel like Aladdin's cave. I'll take my camera along next time and photograph them for you.