For festive cheer and sparkle, local author Heidi’s Christmas novels are my go-to for a seasonal read and this year’s has the added bonus of taking us to Wynter’s Trees, a Christmas tree farm near the fictional town of Wynmouth on the North Norfolk coast. Liza Wynter hasn’t returned to Wynter’s Trees since her father died or been able to face having anything to do with it. But return she must, for a short time anyway; but will its magic encourage her to stay? 

Lily is hiding a terrible secret. Abandoned as a baby in Victorian London, she is rescued by policeman Sam Trench, who takes her to the London Foundling Hospital. After being fostered by a kind family, she is returned to the Hospital where she remains until released to work at Belle Prettywood’s Wig Emporium. Lily meets Sam again but will this spell happiness or the discovery of her crime? A haunting tale, which will stay with you long after it’s done.

As an avid follower of Paula’s joyful Instagram account @hillhousevintage, I was keen to read her first book, Hill House Living, inspired by her love of all things vintage. Packed with decorating, style and vintage hunting tips, Paula also shares her own journey from London to rural Norfolk where she became Hill House Vintage and living with the seasons, complete with recipes and craft projects. Like her Instagram, it’s a lesson in joyful living.

If you love gardens and Norfolk, then this is one for you. Follow the assembled experts through a history of some of our county’s finest gardens both lost and current; from Blickling Hall and Sennowe Park, to Brundall Gardens (which was promoted by its owner as ‘The Switzerland of Norfolk’), Holkham Hall and Gunton Park. Beautifully illustrated with over 500 pictures, the book includes chapters on Norfolk’s gardens in art and more, and definitely lives up to its title! Available from selected bookshops and to order from rogerlloydngt@gmail.com

Journey through King’s Lynn over the past 150 years in this photographic history tracing the changes the town has undergone, including in the local fishing community, trade, its buildings and rivers. From life in the yards of the lost North End to the redevelopment of the town’s centre, it’s a fascinating read.