I just had to showcase two lovely festive romances today from two titans in their genre!
Underneath the Christmas Tree by Heidi Swain
Wynter’s Trees is the home of Christmas. For the people of Wynmouth it’s
where they get their family Christmas tree, and where Christmas truly
comes to life.
But for Liza Wynter, it’s a millstone around her
neck. It was her father’s pride and joy but now he’s gone, she can’t
have anything to do with it. Until her father’s business partner decides
to retire and she must go back to handle the transition to his son Ned.
When Liza arrives, she discovers a much-loved business that’s
flourishing under Ned’s stewardship. And she’s happy to stay and help
for the Christmas season, but then she has other plans. But will the
place where she grew up make her change her mind? And can it weave its
Christmas cheer around her heart…?
A high point
of festive reading has to be a new Heidi Swain novel and this one does not
disappoint. Crammed full of Christmassy images, it is perfect for this time of
year. Liza has to face up to her memories of the past and find out what she
wants to be doing with her future. The setting is gorgeous. What better than a
Christmas Tree nursery to set up the Christmas excitement.
Alongside all the tinsel and hot chocolate,
there is a slow burn romance and beyond that, the more serious issue of teenagers
in danger of going off the rails. Liza’s kindness shines through and you find
yourself rooting for her.
Book link: Amazon UK
and... A Special Cornish Christmas by Phillipa Ashley
For Bo Grayson, Christmas has always been the most wonderful
time of the year. Well, until she had her heart broken last December…
When Bo Grayson and her friends meet a mysterious fortune teller, she gives each woman the same prediction: You will meet the love of your life by Christmas Day.
But
Bo quickly dismisses this as nonsense. And with the festive season in
full swing, she has plenty to keep her busy: creating the seasonal menu
for her Boatyard Café, getting her rock and roll dance group ready for
their Christmas show – and avoiding thinking about last December, when
her fortune took a turn for the worse…
Besides, she definitely isn’t ready to open her heart again. But will fate – and perhaps a sprinkle of Christmas magic – change her mind?
If you are
looking for a gentle Christmassy read with lots of heart and romance, this is
the one for you. I thoroughly enjoyed returning to the Boatyard but this time
to meet Bo and to see what life was going to dish up for her. Bo is a gorgeous
character with a kind heart which she is desperately trying to shield from any
further hurt. The romance feels credible. You make your own mind up about the
men she meets. Some are nicer than others!
Friendship is at the heart of the story and
it is great to glimpse a few characters we have met before. Angel’s story shows
how she herself develops as a person and what a good friend Bo is. Madame
Odette is there to add a touch of humour- and mystery. In brief, the writing
flowed smoothly and gave me such a lovely reading experience. Highly
recommended.
Book link: Amazon UK
Thanks to Netgalley for copies of both books.
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