When I read reviews by reviewers who say they ‘identified with the heroine’, I’m sometimes a bit bemused: I’m never quite sure how one can identify with a witch, or pointy-eared princess, or red-eyed demoness. I probably lead a very dull life.

However, I really, really did identify with this one. Seventy-one-year-old Sandy has had enough: enough of cooking turkeys (which, as a vegetarian, she doesn’t eat), enough pies and enough shortbread cookies. She’s had enough bickering, feuds over the Xmas dinner goodies, and fisticuffs with the mince pies. Solution? Run away. Well, not so much run away, as down tools and leave them all to it. I’m not in my seventies, and I do have a very lovely family, but I have had enough of cooking turkeys, fat-splattered ovens, and endless washing up. Don’t tell anyone, but I really would like to take a leaf out of Sandy’s book and do a flit!

Sandy picks what she hopes will be the perfect spot to enjoy her fuss-free Xmas and finds an expected but very welcome little bit of icing on her own Xmas cake in the form of a gentleman.

A sweet and entertaining little seasonal tale sprinkled with charm, appeal, and feel-good: qualities I am beginning to become accustomed to from this author who knows how to strike the right chords. ( )

My personal opinion

The book got a 4/5 because although I loved it, I wouldn't consider it something a favorite or great, although it was really cute and really good and worth reading. I got the second book "Grandma catches a wave" I believe it's called. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick easy read about standing up for yourself no matter your age and taking your life back! ( )

This is a cute story. ( )

This was cute fluff. ( )

I loved, loved, loved this quick and easy story. I really related to Sandy (except I am much younger) and found myself wishing that she was real so I could actually get to spend time with her. I understand the exhaustion of trying to please everyone to the extent that I am as miserable as anything and glad when it is over; mind you not so bad this year with just one close family group in town. The worse year was when an out of town daughter was in town, and a best friend and a next door neighbour all had firm opinions on what should be on the Christmas table. I can tell you I wished I had had the nerve of Sandy that year! THE CHRISTMAS GRANDMA RAN AWAY FROM HOME is a well written and believable plot with author Nancy Warren managing to convey a lot of background information in a short space of time without overwhelming the reader, and of course there is the happy ever after. And always hope no matter how old you are – recommend this for anyone who loves Christmas but hates the hype and expectations



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