'The Enchanted Sonata' by Heather Dixon Wallwork

Just. So. Magical!!

If you are after an atmospheric, wintery and just purely festive retelling of the Nutcracker, then look no further.

As a Nutcracker fan - ballet and music - I was so excited to pick this up AGAIN! I read this last Christmas, so this year was a reread for me and it was just as good as I remembered.

We follow Clara, a budding pianist, as she is transported to the magical world of Imperia during the Christmas season. Taken to this empire by an unusual nutcracker toy, Clara finds herself engulfed in a world full of giant rats, fairies, palaces and royalty - a big change from her own world of music lessons and the handsome Johann.

This book feels like such a Christmas staple, and with the perfect mix of fantasy and romance, I would recommend it for all readers who want to get lost in the nutcracker magic during December.

(5 stars)