Get ready to step into the charming, heartwarming worlds of one of Britain’s most beloved authors. Jenny Colgan has a gift for creating stories filled with laughter, love, and the little moments that make life magical. Her latest novel, The Secret Christmas Library, is a cosy, festive tale that will sweep you up in the joy, wonder, and surprises of the season. We caught up with Jenny to talk about her inspiration, writing process, and her festive traditions.
1. The Secret Christmas Library is set in a snowy Scottish castle. How did you go about creating such a magical and atmospheric setting? Did you draw inspiration from any real-life locations?
Well, we live in a little castle on the Fife coast. It's magical, and not a great big one like in the Secret Christmas Library. But we've learned a lot about the upkeep of old buildings!
2. Mirren discovers a priceless antique book in her great aunt’s attic. Do you have a favourite book or heirloom that holds special meaning for you?
Well, yes, old books from childhood carry such strong magic, don't they? I was obsessed with Ezra Keats' The Snowy Day, and terrified of In the Night Kitchen. Our eldest was born when we were living in the Netherlands, and I have kept some of his old Dutch books about Nintje the rabbit. I also travel a lot for my job, and I always bring home a Christmas decoration from wherever I am, then we hang them year after year.
3. Christmas plays a big role in the story. What are your favourite family Christmas traditions, and how do you like to decorate your home for the festive season?
I am an unashamed Christmas maximalist. I have eight small trees in the windows, and I'm not sorry. I love the twinkle and the glitter, and the decorations from our travels and things the children made at school. My dad is going away this Christmas, and two of our children have left home, and we thought, maybe we should go away too, but the children were adamant that we do Christmas the same way we always do it! I am happy to go along with that. Morning presents, pancakes, bacon and maple syrup and people are allowed to stay in their pyjamas all day if they would like.
4. Sophie Allport is known for its beautiful homewares. If you were designing a festive table setting inspired by The Secret Christmas Library, what colours, textures, or themes would you include?
I absolutely love the mistletoe linen. It's just gorgeous, really subtle and adorable. So I would have that. Oh, and I think they all need a red Robin blanket, because they're all freezing all the time in the book, and those blankets are just so cosy.
5. The book explores themes of family, love, and finding joy in unexpected places. How do you personally like to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at home during the holidays?
Well, I firmly believe that whilst it's lovely to decorate the house and make it beautiful, the most important thing is to enjoy having people together and try and keep it low stress. Whoever is there, that's the occasion, and whatever we do, it's fine. That's why I never pester anyone to get out of their pyjamas!
The Author’s Spotlight
Real tree or artificial tree? Real tree in the sitting room, and little fake ones dotted about the place.
Fairy lights or candles? Both. Candles for smell and fairy lights strung up everywhere they will fit.
Christmas pudding or mince pies? Mince pies. I can't make enough, my family just eat them, so I buy them too. We are those people who buy them when they're really discounted after Christmas and just carry them in till January. I think the least I've ever paid for six is 4 pence.
Cosy night in or festive party? Both are necessary. I like to go to London and hit a bunch of fun glam parties, then come back and hunker down in Scotland.
Favourite Christmas movie? Sound of Music. My late mother loved it so much, I watch it in tribute when I'm wrapping presents. I always cry when they do the dance.
One thing you always include in your Christmas stocking? Everyone gets a new toothbrush, socks, a tangerine, some chocolate coins and a small electronic game from when they were tiny, and I had to keep them in bed until some sane hour.
If you could spend Christmas anywhere in the world, where would it be? I don't care, as long as my family is there.
Read an exclusive extract from The Secret Christmas Library here or you can purchase the book here. Enter our competition with Hodder & Stoughton and holidaycottage.co.uk for the chance to win your very own Christmas getaway here.