The Christmas Competition

Mel Taylor-Bessent Press Reviews

A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline Wilson

"As warm and cosy as drinking hot chocolate in your favourite Christmas jumper. A festive feast of fun." Maz Evans, bestselling author of Who Let the Gods Out

‘Funny and loveable story’– Woman & Home

‘This will put a smile on your face and a lump in your throat’ – Daily Mail

‘Saturated with festive fun’– Irish Times

‘Hilariously silly, this super-seasonal debut will have readers chuckling’ – Metro

"As warm and cosy as drinking hot chocolate in your favourite Christmas jumper. A festive feast of fun." Maz Evans, bestselling author of Who Let the Gods Out

'Fizzing with energy and festive cheer, The Christmas Carrolls is a heart-warming must-read for the Christmas period. Mel’s writing sparkles like the star on top of a Christmas Tree.' Jennifer Bell, author of The Uncommoners trilogy

“The Christmas Carrolls is just fabulous! I laughed solidly throughout the whole thing. It’s gloriously festive, brilliantly funny and utterly endearing, too. Holly’s inventions made me chuckle, as did Mr Bleurgh, while Holly and Archie’s friendship was a joy to read. Also, Mel wrote one of the most beautiful descriptions of Christmas Eve I’ve ever read. The story is warm and wonderful and I loved it.” Abi Elphinstone, author of The Unmapped Chronicles series

“Well known in the children’s book world as the creator of Authorfy, Taylor-Bessent makes her debut with the story of the world’s most Christmassy family. Full of festive giggles and a message about what really matters.” – Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

‘It’s a very impressive debut effort from Taylor-Bessent’ – Financial Times