After calling off her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Little does she know, Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course . . .
Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the eccentric Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. But Hayley isn’t the only new resident at the hall. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, and he quickly makes an impression on Wynbridge’s reformed good-girl.
As preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart.
Under the starry winter skies, will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself?
Time to catch up with reviews of some of the books I read during my Christmas blogging break and first up is Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland. This is also a title that goes towards my #OperationNetGalley goal for 2025 where I will be reducing my unread NetGalley books to an acceptable level (hopefully!)
I’m so embarrassed that this has been on my TBR for so long because I love Heidi Swain’s books and I thoroughly enjoyed the previous books set in Wynbridge. Still, better late than never and it was nice to go back and revisit Wynthorpe Hall and its eclectic collection of residents.
I love the character of Hayley and her ballsy approach to life and its pitfalls. Many girls would be cowed by the awful situation she finds herself in at her engagement party but Hayley decides she will not be beaten down but will take back control of her life and make a new start. Of course, she has sworn off relationships forever, but everything else is going to be great. What could possibly go wrong with this plan?
Mysterious Gabe is also a new resident of Wynthorpe Hall and has also sworn off love. I think you can see where this is going as Christmas magic is all around and the two have to work together making Wynthorpe Hall’s first Winter Wonderland a success, but you will still throughly enjoy the thrill of the ride getting to the inevitable conclusion, and there will be a few surprises along the way.
Heidi is a mistress at capturing the essence of a perfect Christmas in her festive novels and this is no exception. Imagine everything you could wish for in an ideal Yule season and you’ll find it in the pages of this book. All of the characters are fantastic, there are plenty of twists and turns along the way and a good dollop of humour, but also moments that will tug at the heartstrings. All in all, the ideal romance for a cosy Christmas read. Add it to your TBR for Christmas 2025, or read it now if you are in need of that warm, Ready-Brek glow to lift you through these dark, winter, post-holiday days.
Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland is out now in all formats and you can buy a copy here.
About the Author
Heidi Swain is a Sunday Times Top Ten best-selling author who writes feel good fiction for Simon and Schuster. She releases two books a year (early summer and winter) and the stories all have a strong sense of community, family and friendship. She is currently writing books set in three locations – the Fenland town of Wynbridge, Nightingale Square in Norwich and Wynmouth on the Norfolk coast, as well as summer standalone titles.
Heidi lives in beautiful west Norfolk. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside, collecting vintage paraphernalia and reading. Her tbr pile is always out of control!
Heidi loves to chat with her readers and you can get in touch via her website or on social media.
Connect with Heidi:
Website: https://www.heidiswain.co.uk
Facebook: Heidi Swain Author
Twitter: @Heidi_Swain
Instagram: @heidi_swain
