Daisy James - Christmas at the Dancing Duck

The most wonderful time of the year!

Ever since tragedy struck a few years ago, television presenter Kirstie Harrison has hated Christmas – but she didn’t intend to tell the whole country live on air! She needs to lie low for a few weeks, so she’s finally coming home for the holidays, determined that this Christmas will be different…

Staying at the family pub, The Dancing Duck, means it’s impossible not to get caught up in the little village of Cranbury’s festive traditions. And it’s equally impossible to avoid her ex, Josh Turner! Kirstie is torn between making this the best Christmas yet and knowing that she can’t stay forever.

Maybe it’s time to make a holiday wish of her own…?

A wonderfully festive romantic read to curl up with this Christmas. Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Debbie Johnson and Cathy Bramley.

Also from Daisy James Contents Cover Blurb Also from Daisy James Title Page Author Bio Acknowledgements Dedication Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Epilogue Excerpt Endpages Copyright

The Runaway Bridesmaid

If the Dress Fits

When Only Cupcakes Will Do

There’s Something about Cornwall

Sunshine after the Rain

Christmas at the Dancing Duck

Daisy James

ONE PLACE. MANY STORIES

Contents

Cover

Blurb The most wonderful time of the year! Ever since tragedy struck a few years ago, television presenter Kirstie Harrison has hated Christmas – but she didn’t intend to tell the whole country live on air! She needs to lie low for a few weeks, so she’s finally coming home for the holidays, determined that this Christmas will be different… Staying at the family pub, The Dancing Duck, means it’s impossible not to get caught up in the little village of Cranbury’s festive traditions. And it’s equally impossible to avoid her ex, Josh Turner! Kirstie is torn between making this the best Christmas yet and knowing that she can’t stay forever. Maybe it’s time to make a holiday wish of her own…? A wonderfully festive romantic read to curl up with this Christmas. Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Debbie Johnson and Cathy Bramley.

Also from Daisy James Also from Daisy James Contents Cover Blurb Also from Daisy James Title Page Author Bio Acknowledgements Dedication Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Epilogue Excerpt Endpages Copyright The Runaway Bridesmaid If the Dress Fits When Only Cupcakes Will Do There’s Something about Cornwall Sunshine after the Rain

Title Page Christmas at the Dancing Duck Daisy James ONE PLACE. MANY STORIES

Author Bio DAISY JAMES is a Yorkshire girl transplanted to the north-east of England. She loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. She has written six novels: The Runaway Bridesmaid , If the Dress Fits , When Only Cupcakes Will Do , There’s Something about Cornwall , Sunshine after the Rain , and Christmas at the Dancing Duck – all contemporary romances with a dash of humour. When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something pink and fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea – china plates and teacups are a must! Daisy would love to hear from readers via her Facebook page or you can follow her on Twitter @daisyjamesbooks .

Acknowledgements A huge thank you to Rachel Matthews of the award-winning The Dancing Duck Brewery ( www.dancingduckbrewery.com ) for her kind permission to use her name.

Dedication To all my family and friends who ensure that Christmas is filled with love and laughter every year.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Epilogue

Excerpt

Endpages

Copyright

DAISY JAMESis a Yorkshire girl transplanted to the north-east of England. She loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. She has written six novels: The Runaway Bridesmaid , If the Dress Fits , When Only Cupcakes Will Do , There’s Something about Cornwall , Sunshine after the Rain , and Christmas at the Dancing Duck – all contemporary romances with a dash of humour. When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something pink and fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea – china plates and teacups are a must!

Daisy would love to hear from readers via her Facebookpage or you can follow her on Twitter @daisyjamesbooks.

A huge thank you to Rachel Matthews of the

award-winning The Dancing Duck Brewery

( www.dancingduckbrewery.com) for her kind permission to use her name.

To all my family and friends who ensure that Christmas is filled with love and laughter every year.

Chapter 1

‘Going live in sixty seconds!’

Kirstie Harrison scuttled across the set and took up her usual position behind the instantly recognizable kitchen counter from which she presented her daily episode of Kirstie’s Kitchen for the FMTV network.

‘Keep still – unless you actually want to look like a Christmas clown,’ said Bridget as she leaned towards Kirstie to touch up her lipstick before reaching for her magic mascara. ‘Boy, I wish I could swap places with you today. Those mince pies look amazing! Hurry up and finish the show so we can move on to the taste-testing part!’

‘You say that every day.’ Kirstie laughed at the FMTV make-up girl, whose hazel eyes had widened as she took in the samples. ‘But you know what? For once, I’d actually love to switch places with you .’

‘You can’t be serious?’

‘Between you and me and the sound guy, I’m not the biggest fan of Christmas bakes.’

‘Pphh, you must be the only one. Everybody loves Christmas treats.’

‘Not me. I loathe gingerbread, the smell of cinnamon and cloves makes me come out in hives, but most of all I absolutely detest mince pies.’ She eyed the huge china plate, decorated around the rim with reindeers, piled high with the disgusting things.

Bridget giggled. ‘Shame they’re the focus of the whole show this morning then!’

‘Ten seconds, five … four … three … two … one … and we’re live!’