Pre-release day bonus chapter! Christmas at The Vintage Bookshop of Memories

Christmas at The Vintage Bookshop of Memories!!

 Whisk yourself away to the village of Ivy Hatch and enjoy the Christmas Day celebrations…

Katie Wooster’s life has been turned upside down; she’s single, homeless and unemployed. With Christmas around the corner, Katie finds herself in The Vintage Bookshop of Memories. As the village’s magical charm begins to weave its way into Katie’s heart, can her best friend, Prue Clemonte, persuade her to leave the past behind her and open her heart to romance again? Local farmer, Austin Harrington, is ready to sweep her off of her feet, but Katie isn’t sure she’s ready for a new relationship.

As Katie watches her best friend marry her soulmate, she wonders whether she can have her own happily ever after.

Return to Ivy Hatch this Christmas, where the residents are waiting to celebrate with you…

Tomorrow is release day! You can still pre-order your e-book from the links below. The book is also available as a paperback. 

UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08K93GQ2F 

US: www.amazon.com/dp/B08K93GQ2F

CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08K93GQ2F 

AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08K93GQ2F 

If your link isn’t above, then just search ‘Christmas at The Vintage Bookshop of Memories by Elizabeth Holland’ on Amazon.

To celebrate the release, I wanted to share a bonus chapter with you…

The Vintage Bookshop of Memories – What happened next…

Prue looked longingly over at the unfinished book on her nightstand. She really wanted to finish those last few pages, but she had to get ready. Today marked a year since the opening of The Vintage Bookshop of Memories, and Elliot was taking her out to celebrate. Prue had no time to read. She had an evening to get ready for. The book would still be there tomorrow.  

An hour later, Prue was standing opposite the mirror in a powder blue silk wrap dress, a cream shawl and matching cream heels. Elliot was refusing to tell her where they were going and so Prue had opted for an understated outfit – which was quite unlike her. It had been a busy week at the auction house and Prue was hoping tonight would be a quiet affair. The day had been full of emotional memories, and all she wanted was to feel Elliot’s arms around her as she reflected on the bookshop’s memories. 

“You look beautiful,” Elliot commented, as he stood in the doorway, smiling at her. Prue’s breath caught in her throat as she took in his appearance. After a year together, she still couldn’t quite believe he was hers. Tonight, he was dressed in a navy suit with a tie to match her dress. His eyes were glimmering with excitement for the evening as he took a step towards her. 

“Where are we going?” Prue asked as his arms wrapped around her. She felt herself immediately relax into his embrace, and the stresses of the day evaporated.

“I thought we could go to the bookshop first, since you haven’t been there today, then the rest is a surprise.” 

Prue rolled her eyes to hide the smile that was threatening to take over her entire face. She loved that Elliot had thought of everything and had made time for them to pop into the bookshop. 

Elliot drove them down to the bookshop, parking outside the church. The village was deserted. It was Monday evening and already dark outside. In the glow of the moonlight, they walked hand in hand up to the door of the bookshop. 

“Are you ready?” Elliot asked, waiting for Prue to open the door. 

“I’m not sure. So much has happened in the last year. When I first opened this door, my life was a real mess and now look where I am. I’m running multiple businesses, I have the most perfect man by my side and I cannot wipe this ridiculous grin off of my face.” 

“You worked hard for it all, and this shop illustrates that. It represents your fight and your mothers. Come on, let’s go in and celebrate.” 

With a nudge from Elliot, Prue took a deep breath and pushed open the door to the bookshop. She gasped as her eyes fell on the sight in front of her. The bookshop was almost unrecognisable. Rose petals covered every surface in sight, a bottle of champagne and two crystal glasses stood on the round table and battery powered tea lights were scattered throughout. 

“I couldn’t risk real candles.” Elliot chuckled. He stepped inside the shop and took a hold of her hand.

“It’s beautiful!” Prue finally found her voice, still trying to take in the scene in front of her. “You arranged all of this?” 

“I did. I wanted to show you how much I love you.” Elliot’s voice was shaky as he let go of Prue’s hand. Prue turned to ask him what was wrong, but nothing came out of her mouth as she saw him on one knee beside her. A book held in his outstretched, shaking hands. She was confused. At first, she thought he was going to propose. That was until she saw the book in his hands. 

“What is it?” She asked, her own voice was trembling. 

“Have a look.” 

Prue took the book from Elliot’s hands, but he didn’t move to get up. It was a vintage edition of Cinderella and was beautiful. 

“Open it,” Elliot instructed. Prue did as she was told and opened the first page. Tears immediately filled her eyes as she noticed two things. 

The first was an inscription which read ‘this book belongs to Dorothy Clemonte.’ 

It was her mother’s. 

The second thing that Prue noticed was a ring. A beautiful ring that glistened in the light from the tea lights.

“Prue Clemonte, I love you so much. Will you marry me?” Elliot was still down on one knee, looking up at Prue, patiently waiting for her answer. 

“Yes!” Prue squealed. She took the ring from the book and gave it to Elliot so he could slide it onto her finger. It was a beautiful oval sapphire in a vintage setting surrounded with diamonds. 

“Do you like it?” Elliot asked, pulling her into his arms and placing a kiss on her head. 

“I love it and I love you.” She beamed back at him. This little bookshop of memories had just gained a new memory and one that Prue would treasure for the rest of her life. 

“Shall we have a glass of Champagne?” Elliot asked, walking over to the bottle and popping the cork. 

“It’s not gin, but I won’t complain,” Prue joked as she took a glass from Elliot. 

“To us and the bookshop.”

They spent a few sweet moments together, talking about the future and thinking about how many memories the bookshop held. It was the perfect end to a tumultuous year. 

“Everyone’s waiting for us in the pub to celebrate.” 

They finished their drinks and made their way towards the pub, ready to celebrate with all of their loved ones. Prue could barely contain the excitement that was bubbling away inside. She would find a quiet moment to text Katie and tell her the news. Hopefully, her best friend could make it to Ivy Hatch for the wedding. 

“What do you think about a Christmas wedding?” Prue asked as she stepped into the pub.