Nicola Knight / My Books

The Night Before Christmas

Felicity Brooks hates Christmas. But when she meets a man dressed as a giant penguin on Christmas Eve, could it spell a change of heart, in this laugh-out-loud festive romance?

The ridiculous music. The excessive presents. The stupid Christmas jumpers. Felicity wants nothing more than to escape it all, and pounces on the chance to work shifts over the festive period, at an animal rescue centre. After all, it’s the only place that brings her true happiness. But her evening is disturbed by a stranger, James, dressed as a penguin and cradling a weak kitten. As Felicity and James work together to nurse the sick feline back to health, it gives them the perfect excuse to bond over their mutual dislike of all things festive. And soon, sparks fly.

But their attraction is interrupted when Felicity’s ex-boyfriend Adam returns to declare his undying love. And when she is let down by both men, Felicity decides to return to her childhood home for some peace. While there, she uncovers an array of family secrets, and even more about herself, which may just help her to make a choice between Adam and James. Can the ex outwit the penguin this Christmas?

Romantic, funny, and touching, Felicity’s story of falling in love with Christmas is wonderful. I loved every word. Better than a warm mince pie on a snowy day.
— Stephanie Butland, bestselling author of Lost for Words and Found in a Bookshop
A woman who hates Christmas, a rescued kitten, and a handsome man in a wet penguin suit - what’s not to love? Knight has a humorous narrative voice and is definitely one to watch. I look forward to her next offering.
— - Jenni Keer, international bestselling author of 23 Burlington Square
Could reconnecting with Christmas, lead to falling in love?’
— Heidi Swain, Sunday Times bestselling romance author
Lovers of romance novels will enjoy The Night Before Christmas, preferably curled up with a mince pie and a mug of something warm. A love of Christmas is optional, but be warned, you may find yourself a convert!
— Laura Shepperson, bestselling author of The Heroines

Will You Read This Please?

How do we give a voice to those who so often remain unheard? Will You Read This, Please? is a frank and impactful collection of twelve stories written in conjunction with our best British writers, including Tracy Chevalier and Clare Mackintosh, based on the lived experience of people who have faced mental illness in the UK.

Edited by Sunday Times bestselling author Joanna Cannon, the stories told here are powerful, resonant and heart-breaking. This is a ground-breaking and unforgettable collection, shining a light on the stigma and isolation of living with mental illness, while also showing the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Nicola co-authored a chapter called ‘Birth Song’ with renowned author and Professor of Creative Writing Jenn Ashworth all about her postpartum experience and in May 2024 she appeared at the South Bank Centre as part of a panel to launch the paperback version of this important book.

Moving and vital
— i NEWS
A beautiful book
— EVENING STANDARD
Deserves to be read by as wide an audience as possible
— DAILY MIRROR