Heidi Swain

A Christmas Celebration is my first Heidi Swain book and I'm asking myself why as her books seem right up my street. Certainly, this book was an absolute joy to read and it got me right into the festive spirit.

Paige has been working as an aid worker in Jordan but due to one or two unexpected developments she finds herself back in the UK and a suggestion from her parents leads to her turning up at Wynthorpe Hall, the home of her godparents. Being pulled into the heart of the Connelly family show more is just what she needs as she embarks on a new stage of her life. She steps into the breach to help local residents with their shopping, library books, and to provide simply a bit of company, and in doing so meets Albert, a man who has become very isolated. Add to the mix Paige's growing feelings for Brodie, who is also new in town, and I found myself reading a totally uplifting and heartwarming story.

This book provides the perfect blend of a gorgeous, cosy Christmassy read without being twee. The characters were lovely to get to know and there's a strong community spirit with everybody mucking in to help others. I now wish I could visit the town of Wynbridge and have a hot drink in the Cherry Tree Café and a wander through the Winter Wonderland at the hall. Although it's my first book by this author, I recognised some names from the blurbs of other books and can't wait now to read about those characters too. I love the way there's a thread running through all the Wynbridge novels but each can be read as a standalone.

I absolutely loved A Christmas Celebration. If you're looking for a last-minute festive read then I heartily recommend it. It's like a warm hug on a winter's day - a snuggly delight! show less

The Book-Lovers' Retreat is Heidi Swain's first standalone novel and it's an absolute treat of a read. Three friends, Emily, Rachel and Tori, love a book called Hope Falls, as well as the film based on the book. When I say they love it, perhaps it would be more accurate to say they are obsessed with it. As somebody who does rather throw themselves gung ho into favourite things I could identify with their fixation. Getting a chance to stay at the exact same cottage as featured in the film for show more six weeks is the chance of a lifetime for them, but when Tori has to drop out, Emily and Rachel manage to find Alex to fill her space. It really won't be a problem that they've never met Alex….will it?

What I love about romance novels is that whilst I have a good idea of how things are going to end up, it's what happens along the way and seeing how the conclusion is reached that is so important. After a stormy start to the holiday, the friends settle into a routine and they have some wonderful days recreating scenes from the film. It sounded absolutely idyllic in Lakeside and I now want to go and stay in a pretty cottage with a lake, and visit the waterfall and the local pub and shop. I also loved Em's patchwork creations - what a wonderful idea!

Heidi Swain has created a beautiful setting for this book and a gorgeous story of friendship and love, with the holiday producing epiphanies for all the characters. It's such a heart-warming and delightful story and the scene was set so well that it made me want to step right into the book. There's a full package here that felt like the characters were living a dream and I was living it through them. It just needs a film of this book now (which would be brilliant, by the way!) then it would completely echo the joyous feel of the story. I really loved reading The Book Lovers' Retreat. show less

This was a really lovely read. After Lizzie's break-up with Giles she moves back home and I was immediately drawn into life in Wynbridge. It really did feel like a perfect little village where everybody knows everybody's business but, apart from the odd exception, not in a malicious kind of way.

I really enjoyed reading about Lizzie's ideas for her crafting cafe and her interactions with Ben, her old high school crush! It was really quite cute that they were almost still acting like teenagers show more around each other, each one frightened to speak about their feelings. There's a really clever twist involving Ben's own heartbreak and his reasons for keep running away, that I won't spoil here - you'll just have to read it for yourself.

When Jay, a reporter, covers the story of the crafting cafe I could feel him trying to worm his way into Lizzie's affections. I admit, I succumbed to stereotype and felt he was a bit of a snake but he was an interesting character nonetheless.

There's a nice bit of humour in the book, in the form of Lizzie's Mum. I immediately thought she was a bit of a Mrs. Bucket, and it was hilarious when she got carried away thinking that she had something to brag about at the coffee mornings. Lizzie's god-daughter, Jemma's daughter Ella, is also a really funny character. She tells it like it is! She's a little minx at overhearing things and repeating them later, which is very true to life!

This was a lovely summer read with the tears and laughter of real life and I'll certainly be looking out for more books by this author.

I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. show less

Well, I wish I had discovered this author sooner. I have just read her seventh book and really enjoyed it. I hope to read the previous six books at some point. I love the setting she has created, the characters were all believable and charming, with the exception of a young man who has a lot of growing up to do. The book overall had all the festive feels and I hope there will be a number eight to follow.