Joanna Toye joined the production team of The Archers after reading English at Cambridge University, and became a scriptwriter for the programme for over twenty years. She has also written a number of spin-off books about the long-running radio drama. On television she has written for Crossroads, Family Affairs, Doctors and EastEnders.

Praise for Christmas for the Shop Girls:'A warm and wonderfully page-turning read, showing the power of good friends and family when times are tough' Annie Groves‘The scene’s set for family drama, community spirit and love in this warm, compassionate read’ The People’s FriendPraise for Joanna Toye:‘Captivating…a triumphant debut novel’ Women’s Weekly'Jo writes with a sure hand and a light touch…a real page-turner with a spirited heroine who will worm her way into readers' hearts. A sparkling new voice in fiction.' Veronica Henry‘Cheerful and uplifting…I thoroughly enjoyed it’ Katie Fforde‘Highly recommended – an engrossing story with a charmingly forthright heroine’ Anna Jacobs