The Literally Literary Christmas Gift Guide 2017

Books make the perfect present for so many reasons! You can show someone you've really considered their interests and personalities, current life situation and aspirations, by giving them a book chosen just for them. A book won't cost the earth, but it will be one of the most memorable presents you can give a friend or family member...much more so if you write a personal note on the inside. We are lucky enough to work with authors from around the world across a range of genres, so here are our suggestions for you and yours this Christmas. If you'd like to receive any of the recommendations for consideration as a review, inclusion in your own gift guide, or to offer as a competition prize, please emailhelenlewis@literallypr.comto arrange.

For the Family...

Hashtag Press is celebrating an amazing year, and the introduction of five incredible new books, by launching a Christmas Collection! This is the perfect present for one very special person, or you can buy the collection and you've got five individual gifts for five friends. Each book comes beautifully wrapped in ribbon and includes a personalised BookAid International Christmas card (just let us know what you'd like us to write!). The Collection can be delivered straight to the lucky bookworm, or to you and then you can decide who to gift the individual books to.

The Collection includes:

• Was This In The Plan? by Stephanie Nimmo (Inspirational Memoir)

• Emily Knight I am... by A. Bello (9-12 years Fantasy)

• Emily Knight I am...Awakened by A. Bello (10-15 years Fantasy)

• After Leaving the Village by Helen Matthews (Suspense, Thriller Fiction)

• The Waiting Gate by J Merrill Forrest (Fiction, Spiritual/Paranormal)

The best news about this beautiful booky present is that you get the five books at a discount! Usually sold at an RRP of £44.95, we are offering the Hashtag Christmas Collection at just £34! Orders must be placed by December 15th 2017 for delivery before Christmas. Delivery costs are £3.70 per Collection within the United Kingdom. To place your order please visithttp://www.hashtagpress.co.uk/shop.

For Mum/Gran...

A New Map of Love (Pan Macmillan, Fiction, £12.99)

How can you pack for the journey of a lifetime? George Baxter has settled for a comfortable life, content as the years unfold predictably - until Win, his wife of twenty-six years, dies. With his loyal dog Monty by his side, George throws himself into his work as an antiques dealer. His business is at the heart of the village and all sorts pass through the doors, each person in search of their own little piece of history. When George meets local widow Sylvia Newsome, he imagines a different kind of future. But life has more revelations to offer him. Over the course of an English summer George uncovers some unexpected mysteries from his past, which could shape his tomorrows... A New Map of Love by Abi Oliver, a bestselling author under a different name, is a life-affirming second novel about second chances at love.

Perfect for: Fans of delightful fiction that transports you back to a time of nostalgia and innocence.

Surprising suitable for: Those who enjoy fiction where a pet enjoys a starring role (in this case, a Bassett Hound!).

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Michael-Forester.php

For the Teenager...

Is Your School Lying To You? Get the career you want. Get the life you want by Edd Williams (Ortus Press, Non-Fiction, Education, Careers, £11.99)

Is Your School Lying to You? is the complete, comprehensive 'how to' academic and careers guide aimed at every school pupil and college student considering their options. Offering real world insights about how to identify what you really want from your life, how to plot your academic journey and its impact on your career prospects. Featuring easy to follow, step by step instructions on how to write your personal statement or CV, advice from successful people from a variety of industries, best practice for interviews, work experience, internships and a host of other critical skills to help achieve your goals - even if you don't know what those goals might yet be. This guide is for anyone between 15-19 who is struggling with their decisions, those who want some clear advice about what they should be doing and when, or those who know exactly what they want but aren't sure how to go about it. In fact, it's aimed at every student and parent who cares about their future or the future of their child.

Perfect for: Teens choosing their GCSE, A Level or Uni/College/Higher Education options!

Surprising suitable for: Parents of tweenagers and teens up to the age of 15 who want to be forearmed with realistic information about the decisions facing their little angels.

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Edd-Williams.php

For your BookWorm BFF...

Wisdom & Wordplay by Robert Eddison (Filament Publishing, Non-Fiction, Quotations, Reference, £8.99)

Robert Eddison's pithy one-liners are made for our soundbite culture and have proved very popular on Twitter, where Robert has been posting five original aphorisms a day since creating the account in 2014. They gained immediate traction and have brought him over 32,000 followers, with scores joining the fun every week. Wisdom & Wordplay is just a taster from Robert Eddison's voluminous "thought diaries" and the first of his upcoming Sideways Look series.

Perfect for: Everyone who loves words, word play, language and Aphorisms.

Surprising suitable for: Keeping in the downstairs loo - guests will find themselves incredibly well entertained!

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Robert-Eddison.php

For the Photographer...

The Master Photographer by Bob Ryan (Bourchier Books, Non-Fiction, £24.99)

‘The Master Photographer' is written for photographers ready to invest the time and energy to journey from good to great. Bob Ryan's book will appeal to anyone intrigued by the integration of psychology, learning theory and photography, and those who want to make a real difference in the development of their art. For amateur photographers and hobbyists to professionals, Bob reveals an approach to developing photography skills that is systematic, thorough and, in photographic terms, revolutionary.

Perfect for: Amateur photographers who want to journey from good to great.

Surprising suitable for: People who feel they have hit their creative and expressive ceiling and don't know how to push the boundaries of their art.

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Bob-Ryan.php

For the Recently Single...

Solo Success by Christine Ingall (Panoma Press, Non-Fiction, Self-Help, £10.99)

Millions of people, who live alone and are without a partner, avoid everyday leisure pursuits for fear of being seen to be on their own. Many people in a relationship never do anything on their own. This totally unique, much-needed, step-by-step guide helps such people to conquer their fear, and build the confidence to pursue the things that they enjoy doing, regardless of their relationship status.

Perfect for: People have found themselves single in 2017.

Surprising suitable for: Anyone who wants to gain more independence and confidence to live life more actively and fully - solo!

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Christine-Ingall---Solo-Success.php

For the Little Grumpface...

The Grumpface by BCR Fegan (TaleBlade, Children's, Fairytale, £6.99)

‘The Grumpface' is a tale in the spirit of any grand adventure. It is about a clumsy young inventor's quest for love, and the challenges he must face to find it. But it is also a tale of bravery, absurdity and happiness, and the power of these qualities over negativity and sheer grumpiness. Every parent will be acquainted with their own little ‘grumpface' now and then. This story stands as a small piece of hope - that no matter how ingrained the grump, there will always remain in every one of us a smile or a laugh just waiting to come out.

Perfect for: Bedtime reading after a toddler-tantrum-kinda-day

Surprising suitable for: Anyone who adores fairy tales but wants to try something new!

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/BCR-Fegan.php

For the Entrepreneur...

You Too Can Become A Property Millionaire (Filament Publishing, Non-Fiction, Business, £15)

Glenn Armstrong, the Millionaire Maker, is probably the only man in the UK who has helped 71 people (and counting) become property millionaires. His desire to share his success is unusual and impressive, and in true Glenn style, he shares his learnings in unique ways. Glenn's new book - Become A Property Millionaire - is packed full of incredible pearls of wisdom for any budding entrepreneur - not just for those interest in property. Glenn shares inspiring stories about his entrepreneurial spirit, from setting up a video rental empire to becoming a cabbie and working an extra 30 hours per week to buy a car to then hire it out to fellow cabbies on an ingenious rent to buy scheme. He offers time management tips, motivation, and ideas for success that are applicable for all entrepreneurs. Never settling for the status quo, Glenn always seeks ways to be more creative and innovative, to earn more and succeed. Glenn Armstrong is a brilliant example of how anyone with drive, motivation and who is fearless of proper hard graft, can succeed in today's competitive business world!

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, managers and leaders, small business owners.

Surprisingly suitable for: Business students learning the tricks of the trade.

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Glenn-Armstrong.php

For your Pre-Schooler and Primary Schooler (up to age 8)...

School Scooter Fun (I AM Self Publishing, Children's picture book, Fiction, £6)

You can race to school at super-fast speed, weave in and out of the slow-coaches and leave your parents running behind! But, what would happen if your parents decided they wanted to have some super-fast Scooter Fun too? Can you imagine your mum or dad zooming along the street with the other parents? Prolific children's book writer, Lotte Moore, welcomes you into a vivid, colourful and comical world in which, just for one day, it's the parents, not the children, who get to have all the fun on the scooters and in the school!

Perfect for:Fans of scooters and fun illustrated children's books!

Surprisingly suitable for:Teachers who want a new book to read to the class to open discussion about health and fitness, the role of parents and the idea of role reversal!

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Lotte-Moore---School-Scooter-Fun.php

For the Foodie...

Microwave Mug Soups by Theo Michaels (Lorenz Books, Cookery, Non-Fiction, £10)

Everyone loves soup, it is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you yearn for a traditional creamy tomato, a spicy fish chowder or a deliciously umami-rich ramen, a mug of soup is the perfect supper on the sofa, quick lunch and between-meal savoury snack. But a great- tasting soup must involve long cooking with big pans and bulk ingredients, right? Wrong! Every soup in this book has been specially created to suit the microwave and to be cooked in a single mug, ready to eat. Instead of opening a can, you can have an even yummier home- cooked mushroom soup, or chicken, even minestrone - made fresh in just the same amount of time.

Perfect for:Fans of original recipes from around the world that will change their weekly repertoire beyond recognition!

Surprisingly suitable for:Students, particularly those living away from home, who rely on the microwave.

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Theo-Michaels.php

For the Ambitious One...

Mind Flip by Zena Everett (Filament Publishing, Careers, Recruitment, Non-Fiction, £14.99)

Mind Flip is a new must-read career manual for anyone looking to change jobs, achieve promotion or find more fulfilling work. Written for all career stages from Graduate to Granddad, including Mum Returners, over 50s, women in business and the new self-employed, it is the culmination of Zena's many years of working in recruitment and career coaching. Mind Flipping is to flip your focus away from yourself and instead look outwards - on to the value you add and the problems you, uniquely, can solve for other people. Graham Norton believes that this philosophy will help you transform the way you look at your career - for ever! The book provides you with everything you need to fire up your career.

Perfect for:Anyone stuck in a career rut who wants more in 2018.

Surprisingly suitable for:High-flying, successful business women who think they're "OK" but could be doing so much better!

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Zena-Everett---Mind-Flip.php

For your Dad...

Aspie & Me by Laurence Mitchell (Filament Publishing, Fiction, Thriller, £14.99)

After a life of abuse, bullying and social exclusion, Herbert discovers, at the age of forty-nine that he was in fact Autistic - to be precise, diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD and other motor issues. Receiving this diagnosis proves in many ways a considerable relief to Herbert, for at last he now understands why he was different from most other people; and why any form of communication with his fellow humans has always been such an effort for him. Aspie and Me is in part Hartley's own story and a fictionalised novel. From discovering that he was built like some kind of giant, yet bullied unmercifully by schoolmates and teachers; through to his traumatic and ultimately tragic marriage to a woman with an acute bi-polar disorder. Throughout his life, Hartley has to fight an almost ceaseless battle with what he calls his ‘demon' hat, which is the part of him he now recognises as his Aspie side. Asperger's Syndrome shows itself in many forms and other people may often consider these people strange, rude or unintelligent. Yet, those with Asperger's can often be possessors of brilliant minds who can serve the world in exceptional ways; except that very few of their fellow humans recognise these gifts.

Perfect for:Fans of thriller fiction with a difference.

Surprisingly suitable for:Anyone who has followed the Asperger's & Me documentary by Chris Packham or knows someone with Asperger's or Autism.

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Laurence-Mitchell.php

For the Millennial...

How To Prevent Burnout by Susan Scott (Filament Publishing, Health, Stress, Nutrition, Self-Help, Business, £14.99)

Is life and work taking its toll and driving you towards burnout? Dealing with ongoing demands, pressure and worries can leave you struggling to cope and fearing that one day you simply won't be able to go on. It can happen to the best of us. "How to prevent burnout" gives you the know-how to stop stress in its tracks and prevent you from burning out. It will provide you with the knowledge and tools to:

*Create a more balanced life

*Understand what your personal stress triggers are

*Enhance the health of your adrenal glands using diet and lifestyle

*Manage your attitudes to achieve a quieter mind and calmer you

*Build your resilience and enhance your capacity to cope

*Feel yourself again and have the energy to achieve your dreams

‘How to Prevent Burnout' will give you the know-how and power to change your life and reignite your life and career.

Perfect for:Everyone aged 21-32 with a job and a life!

Surprisingly suitable for:Anyone who feels burnt out and in desperate need of a change in 2018.

http://www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Susan-Scott---How-To-Prevent-Burnout.php

For more authors, books, writing and plenty more ideas for you please visitwww.literallypr.com.

To request review copies, or books for competition prizes, or indeed to fill your Christmas Gift Guide with literature - we can help - just email info@literallypr.com. We have LOTS of books, LOTS of talented authors, LOTS to offer!