Meg's Journey by Julia Patten, £6.99

Christmas is a time to rejoice but, for Zoe and Tom, it's a time to panic. Very soon, Zoe's mother, Meg - uncompromising and critical - arrives in the Lake District to stay for the holiday and everything has to be just so. Even grandchildren Phoebe and Adam are getting nervous. Nobody, least of all Meg, could have imagined what a turning point her journey to the Lake District would prove to be.

Both Julia Patten's novels, Essence of Evil and Meg's Journey, are available to purchase directly from her publishers at www.feedaread.com.

CAROLINE REECE

WATERSTONES KENDAL