When a well-known author of fiction writes a book that gives insight into her life it’s fascinating to see the elements that make up that person.

Just published by Hodder Headline is ‘Winter Blessings’ by Patricia Scanlon, the writer of numerous bestsellers. This book offers a myriad of well-known and loved poems, often learnt by rote in our schooldays, blessings, thoughts and experiences that have gone to shape her life and made her the person she is today.

It was during her work as series editor for ‘The Open Door Book of Poetry’ with Niall MacMonagle, which is an anthology for people with literacy difficulties, that Patricia came across familiar old poems once memorised as a schoolgirl, whose imagery and inspiration have given her comfort and food for thought along her journey in life.

In her selection of poems every aspect of Christmas and winter is explored through colourful, evocative scenes that appeal to both young and old.

Patricia brings us back to a time of childhood Christmases when the magic of Christmas Eve and expectation of Santa Claus gave way to the excitement of waking children on Christmas morning squealing with delight at Santa’s presents.

Christmas mass and that special dinner of turkey and ham, pudding and brandy butter with crackers and much laughter are all lovingly evoked.

On St Stephen’s Day the family would go on a long walk on Dollymount Strand, children muffled up in hats, scarves, and gloves walking along the beach in the cold, bracing wind with the sea on one side and playing games in the sand dunes on the other. It is evident that she was blessed with a loving family she holds dear and the happy memories of those times resonate in her book.

Suffering from chronic back pain and trying to make sense of her life, Patricia embarked on a path of self-discovery and spiritual healing. Having read many books on various religions, Patricia has gleaned an understanding about life.

She shares with us happy, sad and enlightening moments, often reflecting on the change they brought about. Through all of this she realised that Winter represents the most meaningful season to her.

But, like the seasons, nothing stays the same forever and Christmas will pass to make way for the New Year, leading to renewal and hope.

With this thought in mind enjoy your Christmas snuggled up by the fireside with this wonderful book of ‘Winter Blessings’.